That's A Big Gingerbread House

Last weekend we stopped by DisneyWorld to check out the Christmas decorations at the hotels along the monorail route.  The gingerbread house at The Grand Floridian is pretty impressive.

I would like to have this Cinderella's-pumpkin-carriage-carpet in my bedroom at home, thank you very much.

Riding down the birdcage elevator.

Afternoon refreshment at the Polynesian pool bar.

One of these evenings soon we'll visit the Magic Kingdom to view the fireworks.  I hear the castle is draped in white lights to look like ice.  Our little community here in retiree-ville is in full outdoor decoration mode.  Hideousness abounds.  I will get pictures.  --cds

Christmas Decorating

Welcome!

Christmas decorating commences.  I think every electrical outlet in this house is now dedicated to some sort of decoration.  Whatever -- makes me happy.  The downtown village is set up in the front window this year. 

This is either Stowe or Park City.

And an aerial view of the corner gas station selling Christmas trees.

Vintage-y snowman stuff.

Vintage aqua Shiny Brites.

White sparkle tree and Yankee Candle (Home for the Holidays) and, um... a glass of wine to decorate by.

Today I have to rest up from all that decorating.  My next door neighbor is baking cookies which will help with my recuperation, I'm sure.  --cds

December Already.

I love the days when I get to talk to all three grandgirls in the same evening.   Well, actually Miss Ruthie isn't talking to me all that much just yet, but I understand she gives the phone big kisses.

She prefers, as does most of the younger generation, to text instead.

Most evenings Isabella does her homework via Skype - she's pretty good about staying on task and plowing through her math worksheets.  The day will soon arrive, though, when her work surpasses my puny math skills.  I struggle not to show fear of the math.

Evie and I Skype as well - she usually colors and tells me about her day.  She's been practicing a verse to recite for her pre-school Christmas program.

Both girls are back in dance classes for the Fall.  So cute.

Christmas decorating will be completed today here at our Florida home because 'tis the season.  It's even chilly outside - I haven't been swimming for two days.  --cds

Ready to Bind and Happy Thanksgiving

This quilt, I am embarrassed to admit, has been in the Unfinished Projects bin for way too long and I'm not really sure why. I think at one point I was unhappy with the machine quilting and considered a redo, but I took it out again, fixed a couple of spots, added the binding and soon it will be on its way to its intended recipient in Vermont - I hope sweet little Jaycee hasn't outgrown pink, flowery quilts.

We're having a quiet little Thanksgiving dinner here at home today. My kids are all at their various in-laws for dinner and thankfully didn't have to travel very far. We'll get to chit-chat later when time zones and dinner hours permit.

I am off for the morning swim in few minutes, tho the temp is not much above 62. The pool is heated, but still -- brrrr! Health and happiness to all. --cds

Who Knew Swimming Was Such Good Exercise?

Well, I did know that in theory, of course, but have never put it to the test.  Apparently it is very good exercise because I have somehow dropped about 7 pounds since August without really trying - except for being in the water mostly every day. I haven't given up chips or cheese or the occasional Sam Adams either. 

See you at the pool.  --cds

I Do Love Knitting Patterns

Normally I do not go around quoting lines from Harry Potter books (out loud anyway because that would be geeky even for me - in my head tho I always have lines from books and movies floating about).   However, I (along with Albus Dumbledore) do love knitting patterns, but have been frustrated recently over online patterns for knitting toddler-sized socks.  The ones I've looked at, started, hated, and ripped out seem so unnecessarily complicated.  So I made up my own. 

Sorry, but this yarn looks good next to a pile of Smarties.  The yarn is a self-striping acrylic light-weight baby yarn knit with #1 US double points.

I've reached the point where I think I understand sock-making - heel turning, gussets, toe weaving, etc. - so I really just took my favorite parts from various patterns and made a sock.  These are intended for our littlest Vermonter Ruthanne who has new LL Bean snowboots and needs to fill them up with winter sockies. 

My plan is to take this pattern and practice increasing (and decreasing) in various spots in order to make lots and lots of socks for kids and grownups.  And, if I can figure out how to do it, I may post the instructions on this blog as a pdf file, or something.  I have NOT reached the point where I understand computer stuff.  --cds

List Making Monday

1.  Stop procrastinating and follow up on all those return notes and emails I owe to everybody in the world.

2.  Stop procrastinating and make the phone calls to schedule those annual appointments, everything from teeth to boobs to banks.

3.  Stop procrastinating and finish the projects you've promised to do for your friends and relatives.

4.  Write an essay on procrastination - I remember the very first time I heard this word - funny story.

5.  Stop procrastinating.  (Have a good day!) --cds