Merry Christmas 2022

 

Hello, and Merry Christmas. 

It's been bit of a wild and crazy last week and a half, or so. You'll notice I fell off the Holiday Homestead share hashtag sharing I had been doing for 14 days in a row. 

Well, Dec. 15 our power went out, due to the storm moving through the area.  My alarm went off at 5 a.m. and not even 30 seconds later the power went out. Thankfully we have back up and a wood stove, so we were in better shape than a lot of people.  The power came back about 13 hours later.  By then I was too wore out to do any writing.  Then it's been a mix of snow plowing, shoveling, family stuff, work stuff and snow storms and cold. 

Behold ... or something to that effect. My brain is slightly mush right now. Here are photos from that storm.  The snow was so heavy that it was breaking tree branches all day. 

Front yard

My vehicle looks so tiny.

Snow caps on the holtzhausen wood stacks.

Snow blowing around my vehicle.

My son's vehicle.  Can you see the branch that broke and landed *right next* to it? And let's not forget the branch that was so heavy with snow it was touching the snow on top of his car. 

Another photo of the front yard.  I am always in awe of how the trees look when they are covered in snow.  The snow blower kind of bombed the photo by throwing some snow. 

My guy doing what he does - taking care of his family - and plowing because the snow was too heavy to push with the plow. 

Poor birch tree by the fire pit. 

In the back yard. At least one, possibly two, branches that broke from the big pine. 

A tree, or top of a tree (?), that broke by the chicken coop.  It hit the coop. Part of it is still on the roof. 

All the downed branches won't be going anywhere until spring. This storm made a heck of a mess. 

You now have the basic idea of the "fun" we've been having the last week, or so. 

We had our Christmas meal yesterday and opened presents. We all made out like bandits and received wonderful things. 

I usually take a photo of whatever the main dish of the meal is.  This year I managed to snag only a photo of the snack trays I made yesterday morning. 

We had a rib roast and when it was done cooking we were so ready to eat that my hubby immediately started carving it.  The roast was done to perfection. 

Furby was part of the festivities. I didn't get any photos of her.  She got a bit of mashed potatoes and some rib roast tidbits.  The meat she immediately pounced on.  We think she knows choice meat when she smells it.  I had music playing during dinner and I swear she was trying to sing along with one of the "Hallelujah" songs that played.  It was a choir singing the song.  Probably the Vienna Boys Choir. 

Today there's been more snowplowing and snow clearing. For the most part, it's been a restful sort of day.  My hubby took the leftover rib roast and made a pot of soup. We've been snacking on that and a fresh veggie tray I made today.  

Today I've started making lists and thinking about stuff for the new year.  Which, I realize, is something I've done about this time every year for the last several years.  I suppose that is what happens when you have as many hobbies and projects going on as I do.  

Once January starts I get to start thinking about gardening and seed starting! Woohoo! Seed catalogs have been showing up in my mailbox already. 

Homestead holiday share day 14

Day 14 - homemade

I made these socks last year and when I completed them I thought it would look festive to take a photo of my feet stuffed into the tree branches. 

In weather news, we had a blizzard today.  Round 1, from what I'm reading.  I think the second wave is starting around midnight. 

My man snow blowing some areas of the yard, before I went out and used the plow.  The snow is the super heavy stuff that is next to impossible to move. 

I now have a winter wonderland in my yard. 

School has already been cancelled for tomorrow. 

As of this writing I didn't go any crafty stuff. I am a tired girl this evening. 

Homestead holiday share day 13

Day 13 - Wrapping

I don't have anything wrapped yet.  Of any thing. Which means no story or memory. 

So, instead, I will blather about the day and the upcoming weather. My area is supposed to get a blizzard this week. Depending on the area, up to 17 inches. Should make for an interesting next few days. 

Furby decided to keep vigil and look for the snow.  For a while.  Then she got bored.  

The highlight of my day, however, was when Pat Sloan put out her daily video and mentioned my sweet Furby June and I.  I send Pat a Christmas card, and it didn't occur to me until it was in the mail that it might be mentioned on the video.  

So that totally made my day! 

On the cross stitch front, I spent some time with Edna this evening. 

Tomorrow, if I have time, I'll start the flowers at the top of the project. 

Project Name: Edna goes to brunch

Started: early July 2022

Finished: 

Designer/Source: Lindy Stitches

Fabric: 32 count Mint Splash Lugana by Zweigart

Floss: I'm using the called-for colors in DMC

Stitch count: 133 x 96s

Size: 8.3" x 6"

Needle Size: size 28

I received a new issue of Just Cross Stitch magazine today.  I spotted this project and though it was adorable. 

I am realizing I have a thing for cross stitch birds. This one is simply too sweet. 

Homestead holiday share days 11 and 12

I really did mean to write yesterday.  The plan was to write a blog entry before bedtime.  Then, about 9:30, my son came out of his room, all pathetic and needing his mom because he wasn't feeling well. 

Priorities. 

Okay, so let's see ... 

Day 11 - decor 

I am not much for decorating for the holidays. 

However, I do have a few things out. 

I have my tree bunting that I put out every year.  This year I added my cross stitch ornaments.   Those aren't permanent on there. 

A little tchotchke given to me by my coworker. 

Cardinal ornaments from my sisters-in-law. 

An adorable porky ornament made by one of my sisters-in-law. 

Day 12 - peppermint

I admit, I was stumped by this one for a moment.  I've been drinking Aldi peppermint creamer in my coffee.  

In other news ... 

The other day I pulled out a cross stitch project that I put in hibernation.  

You may recognize Edna. 

Project Name: Edna goes to brunch

Started: early July 2022

Finished: 

Designer/Source: Lindy Stitches

Fabric: 32 count Mint Splash Lugana by Zweigart

Floss: I'm using the called-for colors in DMC

Stitch count: 133 x 96s

Size: 8.3" x 6"

Needle Size: size 28

Evenweave kicks my butt! I'm counting the the fabric holes constantly. She will be beautiful when she's done. 

I picked up a small fold away table to put my Hope stand on when I'm stitching.  I'm still trying to figure out the best set up, including a good light and a spot where I can place the chart. 

Holiday homestead share, day 10

Day 10 - Christmas tree

No Christmas tree up yet, so I can't share a photo of this year's tree.  

On of the gals I'm friends with on Face*book posted this today and I thought it was amusing. 

Holiday homestead share, day 9

 

Day 9 - Thrifty Christmas tip

I don't look at the prompts before I sit down to write. 

Christmas tips ... I'm sure I have some.  I just can't think of anything at this moment. 

Oh, I know! Stay away from the computer! 

Ha! I slay myself. 

I try to live a somewhat thrifty life as it is.  Don't let my my she shed and craft room tell you otherwise. *wink*

As I have gotten older I find I'm leaning more towards handmade and consumable gifts. 

The last couple of years I have learned to utilize the free shipping from Amazon and a few other online stores, like Sam's club. I have some family members scattered across the country now.  Postage is prohibitive. 

Yup, that's all i have for this one.  Probably not very original. 

Holiday homestead share, day 8

Day 8 - Deck the halls

A few years ago, when I got back into cross stitching, this chart was one of the first pieces I stitched.  It's from Priscilla of Stitching with the Housewives. I thought it was perfect for me since I'm a chicken mama.  Who would have thought that less than a year later I'd have a house chicken, too. 

Holiday homestead share, day 7

Day 7 - Snow

This photo was taken last month when we spotted a deer in the back yard. 

At the moment I can't think of any charming snow stories.  Sorry. 

Well, wait.  I take that back.  This may count as a snow story. 

Back when I was still hunting this season I was sitting out in the blind. I was staring out the window, watching the blue jays and the squirrels who were raiding the feed pile.  Then, out of nowhere, an owl swooped down and tried to grab one of the squirrels. The whole thing was over in an instant. It seemed surreal to see the owl come down out of no where.  I think my jaw might have dropped.  

I frequently hear owls.  It was very neat to finally see one of them. 

A video I took 8 years ago. 

Poor Furby, I started playing this video and she got anxious. She doesn't want any owls to get her. 

Holiday homestead share, day 6

Day 6 - Holiday scent

I'm sure you are thinking, "Oh, this is an easy one!"  

Not so fast, there! Since I like to over think things and had to choose two things. 

Inside, at this time of year, I like cinnamon scents.  Warm spices.  The smells remind me of the holidays. 

Currently I have Scentsy Cinnamon Bear (I think it's called) warming in my rooster warmer.  

A good friend gave me this warmer several years ago and I've loved it so much that I am very careful with it. 

At this time of year there is something about the smell of fresh snow. The best way to describe it is pure. 

This afternoon I took a walk through the back 20. It started snowing a few minutes before I decided to take the video.  It was so pretty.  And quiet. It was the kind of walk through the snow that is good for the soul. 

Holiday homestead share, day 5

Day 5 - Wreaths

Currently I do not have a wreath.  A few years ago I purchased one for my front door.  It was stored in the garage and I'm not sure where it is now. 

So I present to you a round cross stitch ornament. It has a cute bow!

However, I do have a wreath story. ... 

And it involves this girl.  Photo taken of my "sweet" CeeVee girl back in 2010.  

About 20 years ago my husband's boss' wife gave the family a beautiful wreath. Ribbons, baubles and lights. My mother-in-law hung it up on her living room wall. 

This naughty kitty wouldn't leave it alone.  The wreath was new, shiny and full of interesting smells. 

We chased CeeVee away from that wreath so many times.  True to being a tortie (and possible part Siamese) she wouldn’t leave it alone. She skulked around and kept going back to the wreath. 

One evening, the lot of us was sitting around my mother-in-law's kitchen table chatting away.  Suddenly, there was the crackle of electricity, the lights flickered and I heard a meow-screech and saw a flash of fur as CeeVee went running for the bedroom. 

That little brat chewed the Christmas lights cord and shocked herself.  She chewed through one of the wires, not both, thankfully. 

I went after her, to make sure she was okay. I looked under the bed and coaxed CeeVee out and gave her a once over.  No major damage. One blister on her lip. 

There was spittle on the wall where she chewed the cord.  My husband was able to repair the cord and the lights worked once more. 

Needless to say, CeeVee never bothered the wreath again. She ignored it and acted as if it wasn't there. 

Holiday homestead share, day 4

Day 4 - Festive furry friends

I don't have furry friends.  I have squirrels that tear up my yard and chew on things they ought not to be chewing on. 

My son has a little mini rex rabbit named Feffer. 

Feffer is a good, sweet bun.  He likes to chew a lot.  And he likes to pretend he's an independent bun.  However, he loves running up and seeing if you have any goodies for him. 

He knows he's cute and adorable.

However, I have chickens.  One little hen in particular has me wrapped around on of her fingers. ... toes?  

My sweet little Miss Furby June. 

Furby is a house hen.  She was attacked by a predator bird in fall 2020. She convalesced in my kitchen and she was not able to reintegrate back into the flock.  She has limited eye sight and she was easily intimidated by the other birds and how fast they moved. At least that is what I think is what happened. 

She lives in the house now. She's got a pretty cushy life. She's got her tote and she has no interest in wandering around the house. I've tried.  She doesn't like walking on the hardwood floor, and she HATES wearing a diaper. 

Furby roosts on her tote and she keeps her back end from hanging outside of the tote. She has her food and her water in the same place, always, so she knows where it is. She's a tidy bird. I haven't figured out if she's trained me, or if I've trained her. 

 I've learned when she wants something, or if she wants her favorite youtube channel on. Yes, she has a favorite youtuber.  She throws a fit when she wants to hear it, too.  I have witnesses! 

Furby's about two-and-a-half years old. She's made a pretty big impact on me in the short amount of time she's been with us. 

She's also a master of the stink-eye. 

Holiday homestead share, day 3

Day 3 - Cup of cheer

Well ... people who know me know that I love a good cup of coffee. 

Now that it's wintertime and snow on the ground and all that, I love a good cup of cocoa.  A dash of cinnamon, a splash of cream, and some whipped cream on top. Yum! 

******************

Today was our coldest day of the season. When I woke it was zero degrees out and reached a high of 12 degrees. 

I spent some time today making wee little baby hats for Make Bundles for Babies. 

The yarn I'm working with is Lion Brand Ice Cream in the blueberry colorway.  I think I'll get two hats and blankets out of this skein.