Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

'Til next time,  Love ya,  Jean

'Tis the Season...

I got my sewing machine out again and finished up these baby quilts...

Bright, cheerful colors...

I brought these to the sewing store yesterday... The count so far for this year is at 1,208 + my 5= 1,213 for the year!  Last year we did 508,  so the program has grown tremendously!  It does help to take the pressure off when so many have stepped forward and so generously gave of their time to help in this wonderful cause.  Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston is so grateful for our generous contributions!  And Wayside Sewing is to be commended for providing the materials to make this all possible.  A big thank you to all involved in this worthwhile project!

I have been working on some other things, too,  which I will be showing soon. 

The weather has been nice here and I was able to work outside yesterday.  I cut back all the bushes on my side yard.  I didn't think I would get a chance to do that this year.  Now they are ready for Spring. (Always looking forward to Spring...)  And now, passersby can see my Christmas lights better, too!  haha

Did some Christmas shopping the other day,  and have a lot more to do!

I started addressing my Christmas cards last night.

I have my miniature club meeting tonight and we are having a holiday party tonight.  We will have food,  drinks and presents.  Can't wait!  I baked some brownies for it and I'm bringing the drinks, all non-alcoholic, --  'cause we're all driving.  hehe

That's all for now.  So much to do,  so little time!

'Til next time,  Love ya,  Jean

Turkey Time...

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

'Til next time,  Love ya,  Jean

Book Project...

This is a large book box with a stand...



This is the inside of the book...
The front cover opens...



The inside of the window sill...

Closer view of book and candy on window sill...

I started making this at a workshop in the Spring
and just finished it up...
Well,  almost,  because I am going to make a grandfather clock for the left side of the room.  I'll show that when it's finished.

I belong to a dollhouse and miniature club,  "Small Impressions", we are working on a door wall that we can decorate for all the different holidays.  Mine is finished and I will be showing that on my next post.  It came out so cute,  can't wait for our next meeting to show it off.  And can't wait to show you!

I guess you could say I'm "hooked on minis".
Should I start a new blog with that name?  haha
Hey,  maybe I will...

'Til next time,  Love ya,  Jean

Some more minis.......

My mini alcove...
I went to a NAME (National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts) workshop and this was the project that
everyone worked on...
I love how it came out...
This will go into a Shabby Chic kitchen that I am planning...

This was another workshop that I attended...
a pantry...

I am getting enthusiastic about Christmas...

I put my Christmas lights out the other day
when it was 70 degrees, better than
waiting until it's freezing cold out there.  Right?

The garden has been put to bed and
we've been cleaning up leaves... 
More to go, they are really hanging on this year...

I have also been working on some more baby quilts, 
they are about half done,
 and I will show them when they are finished.

That's about it for now...

Oh,  I also made a book room box, (another workshop that I attended), but I didn't get the pictures edited, so I'll be showing that next time,  too!  See,  I have been keeping busy....   haha

'Til next time,  love ya,  Jean

Sandy.....

Sending prayers to all those affected by the storm.

'Til next time,  Love ya,  Jean

Garden surprise...

A Praying Mantis on my Dwarf Alberta Spruce...



You can see how large it is...
about 5 or  6 inches long...




Ligularia with ferns...



Stream running into the pond...
Look closely at the frog spitter... so cute!

Close up of the goldfish...

Hosta in a pot...raised up to highlight it...

Old pot... to add interest...

My old ornamental cherry tree...
about 55 years old and in decline...
I will have to remove it within a few years...
I will keep it as long as possible,
I do not want to take it out!

Clockwise starting at bottom left...
Hellebores...
Sedum...
Lambs Ears...
Hostas...
Ferns...
Japanese Forest Grass...

I love my garden and it is a forty-something years work in progress.
A garden is never done, 
so one must love to garden for it to be successful.
I worked outside almost every day this summer, 
in mostly 90 degree temperatures, 
and I loved every minute of it.
Now,  I am thankful for more mellow temperatures,
and a change in the air.

I will be able to get back to posting more, now
that Fall and Winter are upon us, and I am inside more.

'Til next time,  Love ya,  Jean