New Year's Eve

Design - "Celebrate"

Chart - "Tiny Tidings XVII" #155

Designer - Lizzie Kate

Fabric - 28 count French Cafe Mocha linen

Fibers - Crescent Colors, GAST, WDW - 2 strands over 2 threads

Started - 26 December 2012

Completed - 29 December 2012

The reindeer is in need of a small red button for his nose.  I need to buy the embellishment pack for this chart.

It's New Year's Eve! 

Do you have your party clothes picked out for this evening? 

This Steller's Jay is all decked out in his finest. 

On a cold, foggy morning he is sporting a bright blue down jacket.

"I'm waiting!", he says impatiently. 

Such a handsome bird!

Oh Deer

At times the cats are pretty brave...

...when it comes to observing the deer. 

Here Parvati refuses to cede ground.

The other day we had four deer stroll by.

Two does with their fawns.

The does are pretty territorial and don't much care for each other.

In this case though, they were more interested in me than each other.

Humming

Early each morning this male Anna's Hummingbird patrols his territory, a young Douglas Fir forest in front of our house.    

He clicks and whirrs and chatters to let other hummers (and humans) know that they are not welcome.

 

The irridensent ruby colored feathers on his face and neck are another way he lets us know that He is the Man!  

He is sporting Christmas colors.

See!

Our True Loves Gave to Us...

Design - "Happy Gobble Gobble Day"

Designer - The Trilogy

Fabric - 32 count Lambswool line

Fibers - WDW & GAST - 2 strands over 2 threads

Started - 29 November 2012

Completed - 27 December 2012

Seasonal employment and getting ready for Christmas really cut into my stitching time the last two or three weeks.  I finally was able to finish my November turkey yesterday.

The turkey is not the only New Bird we have around here.

My Mom's Bird tree is no longer missing a finial.

A large red cardinal now proudly perches atop the tree.

My sister gifted my Mom with three hand-carved birds she bought on her trip to Maine.  I especially like the intelligent expression of the Evening Grosbeak on the right.

Speaking of birds, I was given this ceramic tile of a Mountain Quail by Terra Madre Tile.

The menagerie grew abounds too. 

My sister found this metal goat awaiting her pleasure on the Front Porch!

My love of nature was noted with acorn designed polymer clay and earrings and a matching pin.

And my Nature tree now sprouts seven mushroom ornaments large and small.  I am most pleased!

Finally a Finish and Outdoor Trees

Design - "Reindeer"

Chart - "Christmas Past" #51

Designer - The Prairie Schooler

Fabric - 32 count Black Zweigart linen

Fibers - DMC - 2 strands over 2 threads

Started - 21 December 2012

Completed - 26 December 2012

The black linen was challenging, but I like the effect.  The reindeer appears to be floating across a dark moonlit night sky.

I continue with Christmas spirit until New Year's Eve.  That's my excuse for this post anyway.

I found a street that had not one, not two, but three outdoor trees decorated with ginormous Christmas ornaments. 

The first tree was a modest effort.

As was the second tree - I do like the big red light bulb ornament.

The third tree though...oh the third tree!

I would imagine these folks have been collecting out sized Christmas decorations for several years. 

Every color and shape and design - hung in profusion!

Very pretty even on a gray day.

I quite liked the result.

Such a statement.

Holiday Survival Tips - From the Cats

The cats 'helped' with much of the Christmas decorating and cleaning.

Parvati helped wrap gifts too.

But even in the busiest of times, they understand the importance of a Cat-Nap.

Nap long and often - that's their advice.

Because come Christmas morning it's Catnip Mouse time!

Even the paper bag the mouse came in is good fun.

We do love our mice... 

and our paper bag.

Padma's dilated eyes are proof of the Cat Nip Effect!  

After a nap to recover from a Cat Nip Hangover, Padma was ready to entertain guests.  

The cats take their holiday hosting responsibilities seriously.

Christmas Day

Merry Christmas!

Christmas often culminates with a gathering of friends and family...

 for a Christmas Dinner Repast.

The food served is rich with meaning and tradition.

For some people - it is cheese! 

Other's have festive desserts... 

including cakes...

they can be whimsical...

or traditional like a Buche Noel.

This is an abomination in my opinion!

I'm more of a traditionalist...

and would be happy with a good, strong cheese!

I hope you are gathering 'round a festive table today.

There is a place for each at our table.

And plenty of desserts to enjoy after the main course.