I got my Christmas Tree quilt top finished just in time to show it off at the December meeting of
Birmingham Quilters Guild last Monday.
This morning I woke up at 4:30 with a stuffy head and sore throat. I wanted just to go back to sleep, but that wasn't happening. So I got up at 5:00 and made coffee. I was supposed to attend my bee's Christmas brunch today, but after two cups of coffee failed to get me feeling any better, I decided I'd best send my regrets. It could be allergies, I'm not sure. But I didn't want to risk passing a bug onto my friends. So I stayed home.
I almost decided to play Grinch of Scrooge or whatever this Christmas and call the whole thing off. My back problems have continued to get worse until I can barely stay on my feet for even a few minutes. Thank goodness, I was able to get an appointment with a new orthopedist. My old one, whom I have been seeing for more than 20 years, decided he was no longer going to treat Medicare patients. It took more than a month to finally find a new doc that takes Medicare and my insurance, who treats the part of the body that needs treatment, and takes new patients. Then I had to get a referral from my primary care doctor, and that took another week or so. But I now have an appointment for tomorrow. I'm hoping and praying this guy can give me some answers.
I haven't done nearly as much decorating this year as I normally do. Haven't put up a tree. But I have managed to set up a few holly jolly spots here and there. Here are a few pics.
I saw this idea on Pinterest or Craftsy or some internet site and decided it would be a great way to display my Santa mugs. I ordered the tiered stand from Hobby Lobby. There were others online, including Wayfair and Ebay. But I found this one and ordered it from Hobby Lobby for only $19.99, much cheaper than the others. The Wayfair version was $89.00 and didn't look any better than this one. It is sitting on my kitchen table that is covered with a fun thrift-store table cloth.
A thrift store Christmas tree plate adds some holiday cheer to the mantel.
More Christmas tree plates (also from the thrift store)
Vann's nutcracker doggie always gets a candy cane this time of year.
I made this fabric postcard several years ago and loved it so much that I kept it for myself.
My best friend since childhood passed away in 2015. He daughter recently gifted me with her mom's Bible. Here it is, turned to the Christmas story, with Mama's crystal beaded rosary on top. I made the little Santa quilt underneath in the early 90s.
My Santa sampler is titled "Sew Many Santa." I made in the early 90s too.
"Family Portrait" hangs in my foyer where it won't greet many guests this year. We're going to have a quiet Christmas Eve dinner--just me, Andy, and Jesse. Hosting large gatherings is out until I can stand on my feet for more than two minutes without pain.
I bought my ceramic Santa and Mrs. Claus more than 30 years ago from a friend of my mama's. They always come out this time of year to help us celebrate.
So far, this is the only Christmas tree standing at my house. It's likely to remain the only one.
The colors in my patriotic corner cabinet lend themselves nicely to hosting some of my Santa collection.
Another red-white-and-blue Santa
I found this at Cracker Barrel last holiday season. I left it hanging with the reds, whites, and blues all year. I think it fits perfectly there.
Sister Joanne gave me the sweet creche set many years ago.
Another thrift store find
This wicker rocking horse belongs to sister Ramey. I don't recall how it came to live at my house, but it looks nice and jolly dressed in a bright Christmas bow.
My second Christmas without sweet Sophie. I miss her so much. This is her as an 10-week-old puppy on her way to live with Susan and Vann. The collar that she wore her entire adult life hangs on the photo frame.
A Christmas themed jigsaw puzzle has long been a tradition at my house. I'll reveal this one when it's finished
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On 12/18/2017, Patty McDonald said ...
Love all your decorating. The Family Portrait looks terrific....great place to hang it in the foyer. The Santa Sampler is very cute too. I always saw your pics of Sophie as an adult dog...what a cute puppy! Also, I'm going to use your idea of a Christmas puzzle. We will have a large group for Christmas and it's a terrific idea for everyone to mingle and feel comfortable. I hope your new Dr. gives you relief and you have a very Merry Christmas. P.S. Haven't seen or heard about Skipper lately. Is he spending the holiday in China?!
On 12/18/2017, Debbie Price said ...
You did do Christmas things after all! I love all the quilts, especially the Santa and Mrs. Claus. We put up our cat Keeko's stocking every year. It just seems right. I do hope you get answers and help tomorrow, hope this new doctor is the one you've been searching for.
Hugs
On 12/18/2017, Kate said ...
I would love to see your house when you really decorate! LOL. You decorate far more than I do and I loved it all especially the tiered stand.
This is the first time I have read your blog and I love that you give book reviews as I love to read and am always looking for a good read.
On 12/18/2017, Barbara Anne said ...
Love your wonderful and festive Christmas decorations, mugs, and quilts.
So sorry you've been so miserable and now to perhaps have a cold in addition to your back pain seems just tooooo much. Hope tom ztomorrow's appointment at least gives you lots of relief of your back pain, if not the cold symptoms.
Wish I could see what I'm tying but this white on white persists. Bother! Sorry for all misspelled words.
Big hugs!
On 12/19/2017, the cat concerto tom and jerry said ...
nice work want more article like tom andjerry
On 12/19/2017, Pat said ...
Your decorations are lovely. You find the best things at the thrift shops! You really do so much, and I’m sorry about your pain. Recently had knees & feet burning & pain; doctor said fibro & arthritis. I had whirlwind cleaned house before Thanksgiving & evidently twisted both knees. Whichever it was was so painful, but is better. I took all the Celebrex my stomach could stand. Thus s very quiet Christmas. A lighted tree on my porch appears to be indoors anyway. Praying you have a Merry Christmas & Happy Nee Year, and that your new doctor can help you with pain relief!
On 12/21/2017, Missy said ...
I have been reading your blog for several years and I'm not sure if I have ever commented. I know that several readers don't care for politics and so I will only say :) I have thought of you often in the past month and that I am very proud of Alabama. Your decorations are so pretty and festive. I hope your doctor's appointment is fruitful and you feel better. Eat some goodies, watch lots of movies (my favorite is White Christmas) and enjoy your family. Merry Christmas!
On 12/24/2017, Dondi Murdock said ...
Your home looks beautiful! Lots of my friends (my age and older, 70+) no longer put up big trees. I hope your appointment with your new doctor offered hope. I want to wish you a Merry Christmas!
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