Sunset - June 2, 2020

Sunset - June 2, 2020

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Some snow-filled thoughts....

December 17, 2016
Outside, it is a winter wonderland...lots of fresh new snow and increasingly cold temperatures have guaranteed a white Christmas here at Taylorsoutback. Inside, our tree is up and presents are being wrapped. The first round of baking has all ready disappeared...next week the kitchen will be filled with more cookie ingredients. Apparently, some elves have been devouring those first efforts...
Just a little sewing going on around here as last minute touches are added to a special gift...no peeking!
The first week in December started out with our annual Christmas gathering for the Liberty Ladies, my quilt history study group. We always do a cookie exchange and optional gift offering. This year I made a sewing box from the French General pattern Le Marais.

French General fabrics and a beaded tufted interior


In return I received this wonderful quilted piece - love the colors and the scale of the blocks. The border fabric really sets everything off too!


A special lunch with long time friends and opening Christmas cards from loved ones far away help to keep our thoughts upbeat. My Mom has not rallied and the nursing home staff has arranged for her to be under the care of Ministry Hospice. We had so hoped she would be well enough to join us for Christmas, but it is not to be. When we emptied their house last year, all Mom & Dad's Christmas ornaments were carefully packed up and kept. Our tree this year has all of those hanging on the branches & I had wanted her to see them. So many years and memories of special ones we had given them...


We are so thankful to have our Dave and Jena with us - no more long, anxious flights from Anchorage in the midst of winter storms. Their presence and thoughtfulness are beyond dear...recently while Mr. Outback and I were gone for the day on errands, they both arranged solar powered lights on an evergreen that stands next to our pond...from dusk to early morning, the lights shine out softly and lift our spirits.

May your days ahead be filled with all good things and blessings.

Pat

(PS - with the closing down of Blogsy for those of us who blog via iPad, a new Blogging app has recently appeared - it is called Blogo and I am giving it a try - so far so good - learning my way around)

8 comments:

  1. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas. I'm sorry that your mom is unable to come and see your tree, but glad your Alaska kids don't have to do that journey anymore. Have a wonderful holiday.

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  2. Sorry about your Mom. I can understand your feelings. We just put my MIL in a nursing facility last week and she doesn't yet realize she will probably not be coming home. Hard times.
    What a gorgeous sewing box you made! I am so impressed!
    And that is a sweet little quilt you received in return!
    What a thoughtful gesture to light up that tree for you. The sight of it surely warms your heart. : )

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  3. Oh Pat....it sounds like a bittersweet Christmas for you this year. There's a reason your family is here I am sure. Here, too. What with Dad leaving us last year on Christmas Eve and Mom on New Year's Eve, I am sure there is going to be some reminiscing at the dinner table this Christmas. Thank goodness for the grandkids. They will keep our focus on the present. Enjoy your family, your beautiful ornaments and the tree by the pond sounds absolutely wonderful. I'll be thinking of you during the holidays.

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  4. We've had baked goods vanishing here too! Round two of baking this week.
    Your sewing box is exquisite, as is the precious little quilt. Love your solar tree, how beautiful!
    Sorry about your mom, wishing her peace.
    Enjoy your holidays with kids close by!

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  5. Sorry to hear about your mom, dear Pat! Sending prayers and positive thoughts your way! Glad you have your son and daughter-in-law with you! Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2017! xo Nancy & Jose

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  6. Such beautiful gifts in your holiday exchange! Love the sewing box and the little quilt. The light near your pond is absolutely perfect this time of year! Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

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  7. So very sorry to hear the news about your Mom. I hope you and your family wil have a Blessed Christmas, even if she can't be with you.
    You are are marvel! The sewing box you made is beautiful! Putting the lights on the tree was such a lovely thing for your children to do.

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  8. I love your pretty boxes and that border fabric makes me drool!

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