Baby, It's Cold Outside...

This Year's Christmas Trees

It's going to be darned cold today, but I'll be cozy inside, baking cookies for the exchange party tomorrow. The wind picked up late last night, and it was even snowing a bit. Neither dogs nor cats wanted anything to do with going out. 

I ran to the store yesterday and got eighty pounds of bird seed, so I know I'll be able to keep our flying friends nourished so they can stay warm. I'd love to think they're all sheltered in the rafters of the Compass Barn, but I suspect most have sought shelter in the woods above the farmhouse when they're not eating.

Once the cookies are done, I'll be stitching. Anything to stay busy - and indoors. As I write this, it's 11º, but with the 17 mph wind, it feels like -7º. Warm socks and sweaters are definitely in order around here.

Stay safe, my friends. 

Too Soon For This!...

In Otter News - Steve's Not Ready For Christmas

I've been seeing too many photographs on Facebook of friends who already have their Christmas trees up! Not here. We wait until after Thanksgiving. Heck there were Christmas ads before Halloween. That's just nuts! I want to celebrate each holiday separately, and not smush them all together. Maybe it's just me. 

I didn't go to the mailbox after I got home from work. It was rainy, then slushy, then snowy, then rainy all day, so when Handsome picked me up after my shift, all I wanted to do was get in the house, change clothes and take a quick nap. That's just what I did, but upon looking at my mail notifications, I see that the jelly roll to complete my bluebirds is in the mailbox. I'll get it in a few minutes.

My plan for today is to finish stitching feathers and start the process to turn my piece into a quilted wall hanging. I'll show you how far I get tomorrow.

Our monthly classmate dinner is today, so I may not likely won't get to the actual quilting until tomorrow. Just a few more days won't hurt anything, except that I'm as anxious to complete it as you are to see it!

I'd better get busy or I surely won't make much progress. Happy Hump Day! See you tomorrow.

Merry Christmas...

From All Of Us At Liljegren’s Hickory Hill Farm

         

Tuesdays With Tag - "Twas My Post Before Christmas...

A Feline Photobomber

 

...and all through the house, Claudette brings Mom lots of presents. Yep. Another mouse!

Hi, Everybody!

I've been super busy helpin' Mom and Dad get ready for Christmas this year. Just yesterday, I guarded the yard while they put up new lights that look like a Christmas tree at night! Aren't they pretty?

We all went for a ride together so Mom and Dad could grab a tasty dinner at Culver's...and so we could all see the lights from the road at night. It was awesome! They twinkle, flash, and change color. 

Mom wanted to take my picture so she could show you what the light tree looks like, and I was bein' a good boy. I sat nicely near the walkway lights so you'd be able to see me, when look who sauntered up and booped me right before Mom took the picture! Miss Chonk Cuddly Cat herself! Mom giggled and said, "I think that's the picture I'll use, Tag." Great. More proof that one of our resident felines is smitten with me. (By the way, Crystal was watchin' from the barn door, but, bein' a normal barn cat, she doesn't want to have anythin' to do with us dogs.)

We didn't stay outside much longer. Claudette and I don't mind too, much, but poor Mom doesn't have the extra fur to hang around in the cold. I went in the house, and Mom went to the barn to tuck in the cats before comin' back to our heated farmhouse. She told Dad it's gonna be a long winter, with her worryin' about the cats bein' warm enough 'til it gets nice outside again.

I've been in the barn, and I'm here to tell you, it's like the Hilton out there. Heat-reflective beds, layers of strategically placed hay, enclosed and insulated sleepin' areas, plug-in dishes to keep their food and water from freezin', and don't even get me started about the cushy perch by a window so they can bask in the sun durin' the day! They've really got the world by the keester! It's like Christmas for them every day. 

We're gonna have family around for the next couple of weeks, so that means Mom will be makin' cookies, breads and all kinds of tasty treats for people and pets. Honestly, it doesn't get better than that for a Corgi! Nom, nom, nom. I think she'll start that pretty soon, and I won't miss it for nothin'.

So, that's my stream of consciousness for this week. Kinda bounced all over, didn't I? I admit, the girls and I are preoccupied, wonderin' what we're gettin' this year. We can't wait until Christmas Eve.  How about you? Have you been good this year? Gotta run so I can do a couple last minute good deeds...just in case.

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

Merry Christmas from Bella, Carly, 

Claudette, Crystal and me!

                                                    

Merry Christmas, 2020...

Brynwood Needleworks via menwhobelieve.com - Isaiah 9:6

Thank you for sharing a little of your time with me each day. Although 2020 has been challenging, we've found joy in simple and small things.
Wishing you love and peace as we Christians celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 
 Merry Christmas from our home to yours,

Yesterday's Efforts...

Brynwood Needleworks - French Baguettes

 

I went to Neenah (WI) first thing yesterday to pick up something special my niece's husband created for me, and of course, had to duck into Primitive Gatherings just down the road before heading back home. I had an order waiting there for me, so I saved the postage by picking it up. I also stopped at Hobby Lobby for a few things I needed, and turned for the farmhouse.

 

When I got back home, I mixed up the dough for French bread. I'm serving lasagna tomorrow, so I thought a baguette would be nice on the side. We'll be seeing our elder son, his wife, and our grandson on Christmas Day. Our son is making beef stew, so I offered to bring bread to the meal. After the dough was mixed and going through the first rise (30 minutes), I decorated the Christmas bell cookies with a lovely buttercream frosting I tinted red and green. Then, I set them aside so the icing could set up.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Santa Cookies

One of the things I bought at HobLob was a small vial of pink luster dust. I decided Santa needed rosy cheeks and pink lips. Don't you think it's an improvement?

Sending wishes to you and yours this Christmas Eve. Thank you for sharing a little of your time with me each day. Wishing you love and peace as we Christians celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Tuesdays With Tag - Christmas Greetings...

Brynwood Needleworks via minted.com

Merry Christmas from our home to yours,Tag, Bella and Carly 

Sunday Scripture...

Brynwood Needleworks - Matthew 2:10 via Pinterest

Finally...

Brynwood Needleworks - Snow On The Compass Barn

 

Our first December snowfall of the year here at Hickory Hill Farm.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Snowy Side Porch Rails

Snow started falling just before dark yesterday,

Brynwood Needleworks - Snowy Front Porch View

 and continued through the night.
 

Brynwood Needleworks - Snowy Side Porch View

 Something about December snows that's magical. Perhaps it's the Christmas lights. Perhaps it's the season of good cheer.Whatever it is, I'm happy to see it this year. I'm feeling a bit more of the holiday spirit already.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas...

Brynwood Needleworks - Santa Ceramic

Handsome and I got busy decorating for Christmas! We brought all the boxes upstairs from their safe spot in the basement, and began opening them to deck the farmhouse in holiday finery. This is a piece I purchased a couple years ago from an antique shop in Plymouth, WI. I don't know who the maker is, but it reminds me of the beautiful Fitz & Floyd ceramic pieces, and I got it for a song!

Brynwood Needleworks - Our 2019 Christmas Tree

 

Of course, we got our tree set up, and then had fun unwrapping nearly fifty years of ornaments - some from before we even knew each other. I always think of Mom Grace when I take out this tree skirt. She taught me how to quilt, too, and this was the official first quilted project I ever made. I miss her.

 

We have more to do, but we sat in our living room last night, enjoying the glow from our tree. I'll share more photographs as we finish placing our treasures. I'll be setting up our Nativity today, along with a few other pieces. I'll also be sewing in the studio. I'm soooo glad I have elves to help!

 

Sunday Scripture...

Web Image - Bible Verse

 

Christmas Decorating At The Farm...

Tree Ornaments

 

Saturday morning began with me unpacking Christmas decor that we've had stored since our move to Florida seventeen years ago. When we lived there, we chose a different direction for our decorating, choosing tropical blue hues, starfish and silver ribbons over our traditional northern colors.

 

I was so excited to start unpacking 36 years of Handsome's and my life together. We have a whole ornament trunk, filled to the brim with ornaments we've chosen and hung together. So many old favorites (including the glass ornament of Handsome, Kes, Fezzik and me in the center of this picture) that brought a smile to my face as I lovingly placed each one on this year's tree. I can't wait for him to walk in the door to see what will welcome him back to the farm for the holidays.

 

Dining Room Decorations

I set our beautiful Nativity set up on the table in front of our large dining room window. Remembering the Bible story of the Star in the East, our nativity is set up on the east wall of our home. 

Our tree is standing next to the front porch door, which we don't use in the winter. As it comes straight into the house from the porch, and the porch stairs lead to our front yard (with no driveway access), we just keep it closed until spring. It's a perfect place to place the Christmas tree, between the living and dining rooms.

Christmas Table Decorations

I placed a vintage crocheted tablecloth on our teak table, and then topped that with a table runner I made last year. My recently created Advent wreath, candles and our Christmas cactus sit on that.

 

Built-In China Cabinet

Our built-in china cabinet is on the wall across from the front window. It holds all our English transferware, flow blue and wedding china; my Toby jug collection; crystal and glassware that belonged to Handsome's parents so many years ago; and my collection of Royal Copenhagen collector plates (including yellow and black Labrador retrievers and Pembroke Welsh Corgi!). Once our kitchen is remodeled, the collector plates will go into the kitchen.

I chose to put all our family Christmas stockings here. (I realized I need to purchase two more for our girls!), and Handsome and my stockings (which we've both had since childhood) hang in the living room.

Our Tree

I so love how the tree turned out that I had to share a couple more pictures of it! The tree skirt was my first real quilted project. I took a class from a long-closed quilt shop in Fond du Lac in 1984. 

Mom (Grace) was working there at the time. I signed up for the class and I was the only student in that time slot. I had the full benefit of Mom's teaching skill, as she showed me how to cut, arrange and assemble the pieces to get me started. I think it was supposed to be a two-session class, but I finished it the same day and it went under our tree that first year Handsome and I were married.

It's been under every tree (no matter the decor) of our married life all these years. December marks the celebration of thirty three blessed years as husband and wife. 

 

More Ornaments

The barn ornament (right above my watermark) and the red snare drum (on the upper right side of the picture) are new additions this year. There's also a new Green Bay Packer glass helmet ornament that was a gift from our long-time Wisconsin realtor and good friend, Jim. That one can't be seen in this image, though. I think we'll also choose three new, special ornaments for each of our grandchildren to add to the tree this year.

We'll fill the farmhouse again with love and laughter as our friends and family gather together for our very first full Christmas here at the farm. It may be cold and snowy outside, but it will be warm and wonderful inside.

Sunday Scripture - Christmas Day...

  Merry Christmas From Our Home to Yours,

 Donna, Handsome, Tag and Bella

Christmas Eve At The Farm...

Brynwood Needleworks - Corgi Christmas

Hi, Everybody!

I know you probably missed my Tuesdays With Tag post this past week, but I can explain. We've been here at the farm for almost three weeks, and Mom told us Monday afternoon that Dad would be comin' to Wisconsin to join us at the farm for Christmas this year. We were pretty excited and started watchin' for him right away.

Brynwood Needleworks - Waitin' For Dad

Heck! After we told Bella, she just ran around the house whinin' and lookin' out the window for a glimpse of Dad's truck. What she forgot was that we have been usin' it, so we'd be goin' to pick him up at the airport, rather than havin' him drive down the driveway.

We all went to Milwaukee and got him, and then, after we both gave him smooches and cuddles, we all came back home together!

Brynwood Needleworks - Snow Falling At The Farm

It started to snow again yesterday afternoon, so we'll definitely have a white Christmas. Bella and I think that's absolutely, perfectly fine! We love runnin' around in the white stuff!

Brynwood Needleworks - Dad's Home

Once Dad was back here, Boo and I really showered him with affection. You know, snuggles, whiney noises and lots of leanin' on him. Speakin' for myself, his leg is a great pillow when I need to take a little nap.

Brynwood Needleworks - Contented Corgi

Ahhhhh, yes. Just perfect!

Brynwood Needleworks - Corgi Christmas Greetings

So, Boo and I want to wish all of you a wonderful holiday season, filled with all the treats and family  your heart can hold. We'll be celebratin' with the grandkids and the rest of our people, and we'll look forward to a new year with even more of the same.

I'll be back next Tuesday, reportin' again from the road as we head back to Florida, but for now, we're gonna enjoy this winter wonderland.

I'll see you again in seven four! 'til then...  

"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".

and

Merry Christmas!!

 

All Hearts Come Home For Christmas...

Brynwood Needleworks via Internet - Christmas Kiss

 

We celebrated Christmas with our younger son and his family yesterday. It was a wonderful day, spent with our beautiful granddaughters and their parents. We laughed, opened gifts, played games and shared stories. (The girls loved their Grammie's Jammies, by the way.)

I took lots of photographs, but haven't had time to edit them yet. Perhaps I'll share them later. For now, the images and memories in Grandpa's and my mind will warm our hearts. 

 

To see their faces was worth every mile, every snowflake, every driving north wind. We'll have more time with friends and family between now and Boxing Day, and we will savor every second. It's true. All hearts come home for Christmas.

Christmas Joy...

Brynwood Needleworks-Joy Stocking

I found the perfect decoration for our side porch entrance to the farm. (This is not to be confused with the "Friends and Family" entrance closer to the driveway.)

Brynwood Needleworks-Joy Stocking

It's a sweet, felt and wool Santa stocking with my favorite word and sentiment. One of the reasons I love the word "Joy" is because of the silent "J" in our last name. For over thirty years that this has been my last name, I chose to associate that silent letter with this word. Now you know. (wink)

Handsome and I start our Christmas celebration festivities today with family. Tomorrow with new friends, and then we'll slide into the weekend. Now that Handsome is here, it will be a joyful Christmas, indeed.

For those of you who missed seeing a post from Tag yesterday...He's been having fun running in the snow, chasing Bella Butt and sharing our visits. He's going to post this week on Christmas Eve. He asked me to send smooches to all his fans, and he'll see you Saturday.

It's Boxing Day...

Brynwood Needleworks - Happy Boxing Day

Many will be out and about, exchanging gifts or taking advantage of the after-Christmas sales. I'll be at home...counting my blessings, knitting on the current sock project and otherwise relaxing. I've never been much for "town time", much preferring hearth and home. So, home is where you'll find me today.

There's still time to enter my Celebration Giveaway before it closes! CLICK HERE to enter. Good Luck!