xmas eve day - good morning
I took this picture yesterday morning. When I went out to open the chicken's door the sun coming across the yard and falling on the goatshed looked very nice. That looks like either a very big tree in the foreground or a very little house in the background. Both things are true. I have not been in the goatshed for a while. I wonder if the squirrels have been in there yet this winter. Usually in the spring I find a pile of nut shells and pine cones that they took in there to eat.
A week ago, 2 weeks ago, I was moaning over all the work I was going to have to do to prepare for the holidays and felt very inadequate as a gift giver. But as it's getting closer to the final deed I'm starting to have more peace with it. It is what it is. Today is a day to CLEAN HOUSE, wrap the few presents I got or made for people, bake a frozen Marie Callender pie and decorate the tree. I'm going to have the grandboys come and help me do that - it is going to be very simple. The tree is spindly and weak and can only handle paper decorations. I cut out star shapes from the front of xmas cards and I want them to tie them on the tree. Last night Dave and I ventured forth and went to Walmart to get last minute things and foods. It reminded us of "the good old days" when we were shopping for our little kids - back when it was easy to think of presents that kids would love - TOYS! Those happy days are over. Not that it isn't happy now - just different. I didn't realize then how quickly their childhoods would be over.
Yesterday Chloe and Mike came over and Chloe glazed the incense holders that she made. I fired them during the night for her. This is a photo of them still in the kiln early this morning - a bit too hot to take them out yet. That one on the top left is one she made for me to hold my thicker Tibetan incenses. While Chloe and I were in the basement doing ceramics Mike was outside helping Dave at a crucial stage in building his sawmill when he needed to lift a heavy part up and attach it. He feels like he is about halfway done putting it together now.
And a photo of the little gifts I decided to make for people - key rings. Mainly I'm giving money but I thought this would be at least a token they could open instead of just an envelope.
Onward.