COLD COLD COLD

We don't mind snow ( hate ice though) but we have had several days of really cold weather with some moments of below zero Fahrenheit usually at night. Luckily we have loads of leftovers and a wonderful gas fired insert in the family room fireplace which adds to the natural gas furnace.

I went out today to go on a round robin trip... first to an estate sale , then Aldi's for fresh groceries and then Hobby Lobby to see if there was any tissue paper left.  Success at the estate sale and success at Aldi's ... not at Hobby Lobby... oh well.

I found some really cute very small Steiff animals ... monkey, duck, turtle, elephant and a squirrel. I may have to go back on Sunday, when the prices drop, to see what's left!!

Now is the time to thaw my very cold feet...walking on the cold cold ground sure didn't help!!
ps... will add photos later

Here they are !!  I think the tiny elephant is my favorite!  The little turtle is named "Slo"! Someone at Steiff had a sense of humor!!

Merry Christmas .... or Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays  !!!  However you celebrate, may the day be joyful and full of good cheer!!

Christmas Past

I was just thinking about the first Christmas I remember . We were still living in London so it had to be before 1950. We had a little green tree which stood on the dining room table covered with glass prisms from some chandelier and white candles.  I remember the fireplace with its warm coal embers... and having gone to some department store where I saw Santa and received a tiddly winks game... I remember walking outside the store and seeing elaborate Christmas store windows...

Not too long afterwards we were off to the US.... this is a scrapbook page I made with a picture of our first American tree.

AnnaLee Felt dolls

I started collecting AnnaLee Felt Dolls when we lived in St. Joseph, Mich. back in the late 1970's. I would add one or two a year. Some were given to me as gifts. I think I have enough now ...LOL! These  are on the mantle... Santa and Mrs. Claus and an elf with loads of reindeer!! Even one with a red nose...Rudolph.
There are others displayed around the house... lots of mice, little and a really big one I found at an antique mall. I also have angels... naked, pink and with white wings. Everyone has one, even the grandchildren!
Every year I have to figure out who should go where!!

When Christmas shopping yesterday I found another fawn to add ... very small, all spotted with a wreath around its neck!

Four women

I finally have a picture ( whether it is a good one is debatable ) of me, my two daughters and my granddaughter!  We are all stuffed with Thanksgiving turkey and ham .... no room, till much later, for pie!
Thanksgiving was good... a few hiccups... but nothing that couldn't be over come.

Next time I'll try and corner my DH, son, two sons-in-law and grandson for a five men picture.