The end and the beginning

It's been a busy and challenging year for lots of us and 2011 will no doubt be much the same but different.
But it's a whole 365 days of opportunities too.
I'll try to make the most of the ones that come my way!

May you have good health and happiness.

And not need too many of these...

Festive Cheer

More snow fell
Only a titchy drop here but for other Woolgatherers there was more to contend with if they were to get out today.
A hardy few made it- a small but select gathering in the comfort of my living room, where we shared the stove with Ash and Midge.
We had enough sweet sustenance for a major party so Hugh helped out...
It was a thoroughly enjoyable day for me, spending quality time with friends.

Just like to wish one and all a very festive holiday-time and hope you keep warm and happy.

Preparations

In between work and dogs and wood and all the usual stuff, we have been to Peebles to check out the Eastgate where Hugh will be exhibiting at the end of April through May, and I will have smaller items in one of the display cases from February for a couple of months.

And I have whizzed up some brandy butter to keep a particular friend happy and gathered a few essentials for the next batch of ginger wine.

But the best bit has been wrapping up handmade presents for friends, ready to deliver.

Next on the agenda is a meal out with my two friends from student days, then a festive Woolgathering on Sunday which will be a lovely start to the Christmas week.

We shall overcome, we shall overcome...

OK, not really a Pete Seeger moment, is it? But the snow and ice will not defeat us - despite two weeks of frozen conditions we are undaunted etc etc

What I really mean to tell you is that the little village of Chesters is damn well holding its Christmas Fair this Saturday 11th, come what may!

There will be tasteful artwork, stitchery, jewellery, cards, wooden goods, delicious edible treats from fancy boozy preserves to real Scots tablet, fresh bread courtesy of the Tart (if I get up early ...) as well as enough mulled wine to melt the snow and toasty warm mince pies too.

I don't remember Santa smoking a pipe...

Doors open at 2.00pm - tablecloths and best china on the tea tables, happy smiling stall holders and a fine opportunity to blether with your neighbours and friends after a fortnight's curfew. Come along for a little escape from winter chores and buy tasteful goodies for Christmas!