Saturday, December 31, 2016

A PUPPY FOR CHRISTMAS

 According to Mom she received this little dog
for Christmas.
In fact, she's had it for many years.



During the course of my Christmas decorating
I moved him front and center
onto the table next to
her rocker.
His home has been on a shelf in the corner,
and we had all but forgot about him.



Every morning when she gets up and
makes ready for her coffee and breakfast
she stops to say a good morning
to her little dog.



She likes to hold him, pet him and play with him.
Who knew...what a delightful pet.



No feeding or walking
required!



Thursday, December 29, 2016

HAVING SOME PLAY TIME

Many of you who know me well,
know that my creative outlet is crafting
knitted wreaths from rescued sweaters.
I've been at it for several years now and I can't think
of anything I enjoy more.

Today I had the itch to do something creative,
so I went through the few crafting supplies that I brought
with me and found this colorful sweater.
Right before I left Johnson City
one of my friends left this sweater on my porch.
She said I could use it for something,
and today I did.
Thanks Betty Ann.

It's a very big sweater and can easily make
two or three wreaths.

Today I only used the sleeves.

I started by covering my wire frame.

Then cut some strips and made some roll-up flowers.
Voila`

I have an etsy shop called Nanniepannie, but
alas, my creations do not sell as fast as I want to make them.
I've been forced to slow my creating down
due to limited space in the basement.
Such is life.

I think this one will just hang in our little kitchen.
The Christmas decorations come down soon
and we'll need a little color and whimsy.
This one makes me think of the circus
for some reason.

Thanks for stopping by.

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

CHRISTMAS MUSINGS



 Christmas Day started out well, I got up early, turned on the twinkle lights, put out the flag, and lighted the scented pine candle.
I was walking towards that awaited first cup of coffee
when I smelled something that wasn't quite right.
Needing the coffee really bad,
I disregarded the smell.

When I opened Mom door for the first time that morning,
it hit me like a ton of bricks...
I wanted to run for the hills
screaming.
The day didn't get a whole lot better.

Oh, it had its good moments
we opened our gifts,
that took about 20 minutes.

We got a call from my brother in Europe
and had a good chat.
I called my sis, Susan and my niece Kate and
 laughed with them for a while.

Mom was pretty much out of it all day
and Dad decided he wanted to be contrary
at every turn. Negativity was the word of the day.


Don't get me wrong, I believe Christmas
is a season, not just one day
and the season was good.
I did a few simple decorations,

put up a tree,

sent and received a few Christmas cards.

I even did some baking
(in my toaster oven).
And had some lovely neighbors drop by
bringing all kinds of goodies and good cheer.

On Christmas eve, my brother Bill and wife Pat
and of course their sweet dog Roxy
came for a visit and dinner.

Mom looking cool in her new shirt from Sue.

I think my problem with Christmas Day,
and it was "my problem", was mostly in my head.
You know how you fantasize about the perfect holiday,
and how everything is so magical
and then you live it
and it's not.
Well we ended up not communicating much of the day.

Mom and Dad slept a lot.
In my bad mood and depression,
I sent a frustrated text to my sister
and screwed her mood up as well.
I felt even worse about that, sorry Sue.

So I went to bed and put the covers over my head.




Salvation!
Later that night I turned on the TV and found 
"The Homecoming"

The original Christmas special that introduced
the world to the Waltons.
I was redeemed and smiling
when I shut off the lights.

Goodnight John Boy.







Monday, December 5, 2016

JUST FOR FUN!

Life is always better with a little whimsy!
While playing with my smart phone I discovered
the cartoon camera app.
Our little brick ranch looks so much sweeter
in colored pencil.