Lost Alligator

Behind the Fresh Market, on my way to church, I spotted this alligator, rather deflated.  It would be fun to learn the story about how it got there.  There are a few feet of space between the building and the sidewalk, and there it was.

Also on Sunday was Maggie with a Bengals outfit with an orange tee and hand-colored sign.  She doesn't look a bit happy.  Can't blame her, it wasn't a good day to be a Bengals fan.

I can't believe that on this morning, instead of hemming pants and working on a gift quilt and wrapping gifts, I've been online fabric shopping.  It all started when I was looking up a chocolate cake recipe for Nora's family party tonight and somehow went from there.  I got some fabrics that will make great baby quilts and goodness knows that I'm way behind of those.  It's so easy to twist my arm with sale Riley Blake fabrics.

Last night was my work Christmas party and it was so nice to just sit at a great restaurant and eat lovely food and chat.  My boss is a wonderful hostess and I have great co-workers.

OK, I've really got to get going.

Gift Card Holders

These quilted mugs are gift card holders.  They are in holiday colors but can be made throughout the year in any colors.  They are Viking's December project, and you can find instructions and free embroidery design here.  I was making them away from home and spent too much time trying to turn the little cup handles inside out.  Back home again, it took only a minute with the Dritz Quick Turn. That's a tool I use a lot.

It seems like I have lots of projects these days.  Tomorrow I'm teaching a paper piecing class with the Tall Trim the Tree pattern.  I'm looking forward to doing a few sections of the tree today so folks will have something to look at to help them along.  I got the fabric yesterday and am looking forward to starting.  

Rainy again this morning.  I'm reminding myself that it's raining, not snowing.  I can remember seeing blue sky one day this week.  I guess that's December.

I've moved my studio tv downstairs to my bedroom to see whether I enjoy having a tv in my bedroom.  I've hooked up my new Fire Stick and it's working well.  So far I've watched a few things on Netflex, which seems to get the most use when the grands come.  They also enjoy playing Minecraft on the Fire TV.  I'm glad I have something they can enjoy when they come.  I don't want them to think that there is nothing to do here.

Let It Snow!

Oh, not really about the snow, but this Anita Goodesign banner is cute anyway.  It isn't a fast project, but it's a fun one.  And the snow guy is definitely cheery.  Until the putting-it-together part, it's all done in the hoop.  The bottom edge measures 28".

It would look all the better with a few sparkles, too.

Last Asheville Pictures

This is the last batch of Asheville pictures, then we're on to other things.  Sarah has always been able to spot a good bike at a hundred yards, and she spotted this Cannondale Hooligan in front of a second hand sporting good store.  It's going to be a Christmas gift from Winnie and me.

This is the first year for Winter Lights at the Arboretum and the reason for choosing that particular weekend for my visit.  Pretty spectacular - this is just the parking lot.

We saw lots of Christmas trees here and there.  The one above was at the Arboretum.

And this one was at the Grove Park Inn.  Winnie's dad, Winnie, Sarah, and me.

Holiday Trains at Behringer Crawford

We always love the Behringer Crawford Museum in Covington, and all the more so at holiday time.  Their holiday train display is up close and personal and not crowded.  Of course there is also their year-round train display to enjoy too.

A scavenger hunt for the kids has well-placed little items and they always enjoy spotting them and checking them off the list.

The river boat is always fun for kids.  There are dress-up clothes available and the second level of the boat has a speaking tube and various whistles.

Here's Nora beside the river boat.

There is a refreshment and craft room for members, and membership is very reasonable.

Later there will be Polar Express readings, Grinch plays, and Santa visits.  Bell choir in December and daytime New Year's Eve party.  This place is truly a little gem.

Eating and Drinking

We had the most wonderful things to eat and drink on the Asheville trip.  Above is Sarah's yogurt at Biscuit Head, although you can't really see the yogurt.  They have the most wonderful choices of butters and jams for their biscuits.

Can you believe that this is from a food truck?  The Smash Box truck was at the art fair we visited.  This dish has thin slices of fried Mexican cheese, plus all these veggies.  Amazing.

I didn't get a picture of the pizza here, I was too fixated on the Cold Mountain beer, which has a very limited production.  The coaster is Sierra Nevada, but the beer is from Highland Brewing.

We also went to the Highland Brewery.  I had a chocolate stout, very nice.

At the Wicked Weed Brewery.  Sarah and I shared fish and chips and brussel sprouts.  I had an Old Fashioned bourbon style beer.

At Buffalo Nickel in West Asheville there was the most delicious macaroni and cheese.  Cauliflower was also on the menu, an interesting bar choice.

Just so you know, we had four days to do all this eating and drinking.  

Newest Sewing Machine

I had been wanting a lamp table to put beside my front door but couldn't find just what I wanted.  Turns out that what I wanted was a sewing machine cabinet with the sewing machine inside.  Sarah and I found this little gem at in indoor flea market in Asheville.

This little 99K is about 3/4 size and was manufactured between 1911 and 1962.  The earliest ones weren't electric but had a hand crank on the flywheel.  Since mine was manufactured toward the end of the run, it is electric AND it has a top drop bobbin.

One of the fun things about the older Singers is finding out where and when they were made.  The serial number tells me that it was made in Scotland, Great Britain, in 1957.  I think that this is what my 1950's house has been waiting for.  Maybe it's not even the first time the house has had one. It is in wonderful condition, not at all worn, and very clean.  It has the manual and all the attachments.

Will I use it?  Probably not much, although it sews a wonderful straight stitch (and that's its only stitch.)  Did I get a great bargain?  No, not really, I probably paid about what it's worth, which isn't much because Singer sold a boatload of these machines.    

But do I love it?  YES!!!