He let me take a picture!

How's that for looking miserable? Lucky thing that Pirates 3 came from Netflix today.

Poor Michael...

...had all 4 wisdom teeth removed this afternoon. He's miserable. Your prayers are requested.

Snow on the Mountain

I know it's kind of pretty, and there's only an inch or two, and it sounds whiny, but I sure don't like snow.

These are actually broccoli plants, planned to set in the ground as soon as we have deer protection in place, supposed to bear in January and February. They seem impervious to the snow. Unlike their grower. Whine.

Merry Christmas!

We love you, family and friends, and miss you this Christmas.

Brunch Time

Sweetly singing o'er the plains...

Wonderful Christmas brunch with the combined Bible studies.

Great friends, good food.

Another website for cold-weather gardeners

http://seedstrust.com

They look promising for you if you can start your own seeds. Lots of tomatoes from Siberia, etc.

For Eric...

That website for edible ornamentals is http://onegreenworld.com . I haven't had more than a minute to find it so I haven't browsed lately, but I know they have lots of very cold hardy food plants. Enjoy! Oh, and for every one else - they have many unusual food plants that will thrive outside Alaska as well!

O Christmas Tree (#2)

Okay, this tree is more like my usual tree, 6 feet tall, full and covered with treasures accumulated over the past 30 plus years. It's as much a treat to pull them out and see them again as to have them on the tree.

I learned something this year.

I will never again choose a blue spruce for my Christmas tree. It is very beautiful, symetrical and perfect for displaying ornaments. However, it is a wicked thing! The smell is unpleasant, an undesireable trait for a Christmas tree. And it seems to have sharp claws! Every time I hung an ornament on it, I said "ouch"! Poor Priscilla had to wear gloves just to place the strings of lights. And still got a cut on her knuckle! But it is pretty to look at from a distance.

Some dear friends of mine from college days of old (no, really old!) bought this beautiful satin Christmas swan for me when I was a penniless single mom visiting them in Chicago 20 years ago. I think of their love every year when I bring it out and I still enjoy its beauty.

Todd just called me on his cell phone from the greenhouse, where I haven't had time to visit for a while, and told me there's new growth everywhere and lots of things are blooming.

I have to take two 15 hour on-line classes this month, which is why the rest of my life is on hold.

The brunch was wonderful - pictures from Priscilla's camera posted here soon!

O Christmas Tree (#1)

For many years I have wanted to have two Christmas trees in my home. This year it happened. This is the smaller of the two, and I chose to include only (mostly) snowmen and mittens, mostly red and white, topped with the baby Jesus.

I love these little hand-stitched mittens for their delicate tracery and handiwork.
One of my favorite happy little snowman.
Red flannel jammies, 6 inches small.

Better start baking!

I have lots of cookies to make for gift baskets to our customers (I hope), but I just realized I had better get to baking! The brunch is this Saturday!

Caution - craft blog ahead

Fun with paper and double-sided tape...

...and ribbons and buttons.

Just had to show Laura my craft project very like hers - lots of satisfaction derived.