O Christmas Tree...

Here's the beautiful Christmas tree at my brother's place where I spent five days with his family.  The tree is always a beautiful sight.

We took a walk through the Botanic Gardens in Denver one evening.  It was a magical wonderland of color, snow, and lights.  What a treat!

From High Plains Footprints...

Thanks so much to each one of you who have taken time to read my blog and share your kind thoughts.  Here's wishing you all a wonderful week - and of course - A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Heavy frost...ing

All the browns, the bare ground and bare trees, have been covered by the last snow storm and heavy frost.  It looks like a winter wonderland... just in time for Christmas.  The wreath hanging on my fence seemed photo-worthy today.

The fog has been thick.  Not so great for travel on the road, but the trees look fantastic, like they've been painted by a Disney crew.

A week's absence

Yes, it's been a whole week since I last posted.  I really do have a good excuse: the computer was in the shop.  But now it's all fixed up, and the malware is off.  The computer should be running like a champ.

Knitting news: I finished the Nurmilintu Scarf. It's knit with lace weight yarn and size 2 needles. (I worked on it for 2 1/2 months, but it seemed like a lot longer.) Not a flattering picture.  Could I have found a more colorful towel on which to block this scarf???  I obviously did not choose it for its qualities as a background. Not even sure you can distinguish the variegated colors and lacy bits in the scarf.  The bind off on the lacy edge was new to me: bind off 5, cast on 2 by using the knitted cast-on method, then repeat.  It made an interestingly scalloped edge.  So, when the blocking is finished and the loose threads are woven in, I'll attempt a more artistic shot.  But, most importantly, it's OFF THE NEEDLES!

I'm excited to work on something new...but haven't quite had the time to make a decision; so many projects in the que.  And too many other holiday tasks have been keeping me on the run.

Thursday's thoughts...

We are experiencing multiple days of temps near 50 degrees in DECEMBER!  The number of consecutive days is nearing an all-time record. 

So, I'm thinking...
   I'm so glad I haven't been hauling wood in cold winds and blowing snow.
   I can't believe I've hung up the heavy-duty winter coat.
   I must water the trees today.
   I will sweep out the garage; it should have been done months ago.
   Start making cookies...tomorrow? 
    I received my first Christmas card in the mail. Yea!  I will start addressing mine tomorrow.
   I love playing Christmas music on the piano, listening to it on CD's, and going to the local
           Christmas concerts (the first one was last night).
 'Tis the season... though it seems odd without the cold snow...
  
   

My Santas

It took the task of teaching a class for me to make a couple new needle-felted Santas. 

Felted Santa Class

We agreed his little guy looked more like a wizard.

Here are a few pictures from the needle-felted Santa class I taught last Thursday.  It took us a good 3 hours to complete the figure, but the gals really did a nice job.  They had several choices of colors to choose from, and of course, the faces on each one turns out a bit different. It's a fun process.

W.I.P.

This shawl is still a W.I.P.; let me assure you, I'm getting very anxious to finish it. I decided to add two more sections in addition to what the pattern called for.  After this section of garter stitch, I only have one more section of lace and I'M BINDING OFF!

A little Holiday shopping...

I like supporting Small Business Saturday, so I was out and about to shop locally.  I found a few treasures just perfect for going under the Christmas tree.  I got a kick out of some of the naughty and nice gifts that make me chuckle. Couldn't resist this kitchen towel.

Winter Sunset

Finishing a project...

This is a line from Robert Frost's "Stopping By Woods On a Snowy Evening."

The needle-felted, winter poetry wall hanging is nearing the finish mark.  I think I can put the needle down  As I was felting the bottom lines of lettering, Nancy S. asked if I was going to embellish the snowflakes with beads.  I said, "No," without really thinking.  Once she planted that thought, though, I couldn't shake it.  I immediately started "re-thinking" that decision.  "Well, it probably would add a nice touch of glitter if I did."  Hmmm....

So, at that point I wasn't as close to the finish mark as I had hoped.  Last night I decided it was time to finish felting three words...and then tackle sewing on the beads.  They are silver, and just add a touch of sparkle, thanks to Nancy.  I'm pleased.

My neighbor has an idea for a way to frame it...and he's the one who will make it.  That will be fun.  It may be a while before the project is completely finished... but it's getting closer.