Between Parties

Nora and Aaron stopped here between downtown Christmas parties to get ready for party # 2.  Lucky for me, because I got to see them in their finery.  And do one last quick change on Aaron's pants.  

One thing I really enjoy is family mending/alterations.  Nora dropped off two pairs of jeans with holes in the knees, which are now fixed.  For you Viking sewers, check out stitch A:32, perfect for jeans repair.

Their second party was at Great American Ball Park, with the ever popular but mischievious Gapper in attendance.  I heard that he stole a bite of Nora's cheeseburger.

Baby quilt group is this morning and I'm furiously machine quilting to get ready.  I just might be a little behind on baby quilts.

Nora Is Ten

Sweet, pretty Nora is now ten.  Her family party was Friday, and she so enjoyed it.  Usually she's a little on the quiet side, but during this party she sparkled from one end to the other.  During big gatherings she will often find a quiet spot for recharging, in typical introvert fashion, but not this time.  She loved her cake, her gifts, the whole evening.  And for the first time, she wore earrings with a little dangle. 

She had a little party with friends the weekend before.  Four friends, plus Aaron and parents, went tubing at Beach Mountain, across from Kings Island.  It's the first year for that location.  Even though it was a rainy morning there was plenty of "snow" in the afternoon.  Aside from the tubing, there was a spot to just play in the snow, and I heard that the girls enjoyed that.

This school year has been a good one for Nora.  I love the arrangement in her school - there are three fourth grade classrooms and each teacher teaches a different subject for all the fourth graders.  The kids are in a home room where they start and end the day.  And this year there are art and music teachers who work throughout the district, so once a month there is a week that includes those in all the grade levels.

***I went back to read this blog and noticed our pictures beside each other.  Maybe, just maybe, that little girl looks kinda like me.  

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.