Take Good Care Of Yourself...

If you live in a state where you're currently digging out from under inches or - Heaven forbid - feet of snow, I don't expect you to have an ounce of sympathy for me. But, honestly girlfriends, it's going to be freezing down here the next couple of nights!

Handsome and I spent time yesterday afternoon protecting a few of the ornamental trees in our yard. Now, it looks like all the pygmy date palms are wearing shower caps! Let's not even talk about the fact that all my good sheets are now out in the yard. sheesh!

I'm not going to show you what the plants in the Holidome or the back yard look like, either. My huge star jasmine bushes (planted when we first moved here) are safe, but look like they're in a witness protection program hiding under sheets - and the covered plants in the Holidome make it look like we're getting the ceiling painted! Stylish, don't you think?
We've really perfected our technique of whipping those sheets around as we wrestle control from the wind. We've got quite the collection of heavy duty clips and clamps to secure the sheets to the trees so they stay in place. We're quite a sight to behold.

These protective covers will only have to stay on the trees two nights at the most, but it's the second time we've had to do this already this winter. Perhaps the next snowbird to cross the border will close the door behind them. It's really cold for those of us used to southern Florida weather! I've become a real whimp since we moved here...and I love it!

I remember being in first grade in Wisconsin. My teacher's name was Mrs. Kerr, and I loved her dearly. I recall the end of one specific school day that winter. She was helping each one of us bundle up so that we could walk home. Our parents didn't drop us off and pick us up each day. We walked - in my case three blocks - home. I had warm clothes to wear and a particularly jaunty black and white scarf. As she bundled me up, she sang "Buckle up your overcoat, when the winds blow free. Take good care of yourself. You belong to me." I still smile when I think of this sweet teacher.

I hope that wherever you are, you're warm and safe from your weather. If you have to travel, please be careful, and "take good care of yourself. You belong to me."

Leftovers and Football - And A Project...

I didn't sew as many pieces this year as I did last year, but my Christmas gifts were a bit more involved in 2010. I thought I'd create a mosaic to show you everything that was sewn and sent off to very special people this year.

I've already got feedback. Let's see...Granddaughter #1 said, "She always send the neatest pajamas!". Grandson said, "The pajamas fit perfectly, Grandma, and I love my new quilt." Daughter-in-love #2 said, "The little chenille coat is just wonderful. We love it!"

I made a deal with Shell from The Raspberry Rabbits this year. In 2011, we're going to start nagging each other in June or July to start working on our Christmas projects. I'm going to hold her to it. I'm already working on the ideas for next year!
Sunday was a day of playing with my iPad, munching on leftovers and watching football games. I did manage to sew a project, too. I made a case for my iPad, of course! I thought up my own design as I went.

I cut fabric, allowing for an extra 1.5" all around, and then backed it with two layers of batting. I then quilted the front piece and the back piece. I also quilted a flap in the same manner.
I added my label to the bottom of the front piece. After I'd sewn the front and back together I cut a lining from a soft flannel fabric. I joined them and top-stitched the seam at the top of the case and then I add the flap. The case closes with velcro, which was the last element I added to the case. My iPad fits perfectly and will be nice and safe when tucked inside.
I needed an accessory case for the usb power connector and camera adapters, so I set about to sewing one together in the same fabrics - also, without a pattern. I decided on a folded style.
There is a flap on top to keep the accessories from falling out of the case. I also added ties to secure the folded case.
When the flap is lifted, it reveals a row of pockets (one with a gusset for extra room). Everything fit so I'm happy with the results. Back to playing with my new toy!

Happy Boxing Day...

Boxing Day is the day after Christmas in the UK. Although we're here in Florida, I do have friends and family in Great Britain, so the reference is for them. Happy Boxing Day!

This is our Christmas tree this year. When our kids and grandchildren are here for the holidays, we get a large tree, but when it's Handsome, me, a friend or two and the doglets we bring out our small optical tree. I can sit and look at it for hours.

I hope you got your heart's desire this year. For the last couple of months, I thought that Fezzik was my early Birthday and Christmas gift. (That's what we agreed when I got him.) When Handsome and I exchanged gifts yesterday morning, I found out that my husband had decided on a little something extra for me.
He gave me an iPad for Christmas! Can you even imagine how surprised I was? I squealed with excitement. I'll be spending the next few days learning how to use it, and I'll also spend a little time in the studio making a special case for it. I'm still walking around the house on my tip-toes.

Our dear friend, Ellen, spent Christmas Day with us. We shared memories, music and a meal. It was a beautiful day.

Thank you to everyone who's left a comment for me the past few days. I hope you know how much I appreciate when you stop by to visit. I promise to be better at responding personally to each of you in the new year. Until then, I wish you love and continued merriment as you bask in your Christmas afterglow.