Up at a little after 6am this morning to do what I always do when I wake up early. Duty done I fell back in bed to be awakened by an unknown racket at 7am. No going back to bed now so I started the morning routine of cat, laundry, dish washer, and coffee drinking.

I discovered water on the laundry room floor (origin unknown) and got that under control. After running a tub with the sopping rug from in front of the washer, a mat that I used to soak the spill on the floor, and a little bit of clothes to be washed I found no trace of more water gracing the linoleum. Thank goodness for no leak at least.

Last night I had started a Mr. Santa wall hanging of pony beads but after a couple of false starts I left it and went to bed. This morning I neatly packed it away in zip lock bags to be attempted another time. I do have to learn how to do this because I have nine kits to put together from last year when they were on sale.

I decided to give my eldest his birthday present early. He was born on December 31st and this is the results.

He looks pretty pleased with it.

Well it is snowing and blowing outside and I can’t see any reason for getting out in it. So I think I will hunt up my Santa lap robe ( that I also started last year) and work on that a bit. Do you get the distinct feeling that I have trouble finishing my crafts. I do and only manage it when I’m giving it away.

Stay warm if it is cold and comfy if not and I’ll visit again soon.

As I promised a picture of one of the Christmas Cacti. Only before I got it posted more blossoms appeared so I used the newer picture.

A  few  days at the dining room table and this is the results of  my efforts.

Yep two projects that were here for over a year. Now I got to go dig to see what else I have hiding!

My camera fell out of my pocket when I got out of the truck so it is being temperamental. But we will try to baby it along. If not I will have to use words to describe the happens over the next couple of weeks.

I’m swaying to Neil Diamond while writing. I started at the top of the CD rack and vowed to play every single disc. I must confess Beethoven CD made me squint a bit but I know there are more coming that I will grit my teeth over.

Got a big snow storm coming our way but the generator is set to go if needed and the tractor came back this afternoon with the snow blower on it. No doctors appointments this week so I’m A-OK here. Take care everyone and remember laughter is always on the agenda!

( These pictures are from the archives)

Arriving at the big purple house yesterday the snow was gone, there was no wind, but it was cold. Except for the cars parked along the street there was no clue of the activity I was about to walk into.

Inside the hub-bub  was in full swing. Crinolines flashing, wigs being chosen, and the costumes that would magically turn friends and family into clowns were being  put on.

As in past years my eldest son, Wesley, worked diligently on creating the faces that would delight the people standing in the cold.  With eight faces to do grand daughter, Jasmine, put the base coat on some of them.

I arrived just in time to grab up the battery powered mini lights and safety pins to finish the the illusion of lighted costumes.

As the troupe left for the line up I felt a tiny bit of sadness that I wasn’t going to dance along the streets with them. I was now one of the many smiling faces waving as they past by.   But a  tradition that I started almost 20 years ago is still alive and growing.    So was my pride as I watch from the sidewalk.

Introducing the 2009 Tranquillity III clowns with a guest Elf.

In the back row on the left is grand daughter Jasmine. Next to her is family friend Patty. Then Jamie ( not Kathy)  ( thank you Debra) Jasmine’s friend. Next to her is grand son Dakota. Then last is daughter-in-law Debra.

In the front row from the left is the Elf then Jasmine’s friend Miriam. Last is Dakota’s friend Rachel.

The night was clear and the lighted parade was long but I stood through the whole thing and loved every minute of it.

Back home and thawed out so I’ll close for now!

Yes indeed it was just in time that David, Cindy, and I got the outside lights up yesterday.

It was just in time that Buck, Doe, and the sled got staked down in the front yard.

It was just in time that we sent the tractor in to remove the mower deck and attach the snow blower.

It was just in time that the three of us got the tree up inside and the majority of the ornaments on it.

There is more to be done inside but yesterday was a good start on decorating.  Tomorrow I’ll show you the first blossom on my Christmas Cactus.

Thank you Cindy and David for your help!

It came just in time!

Slowly progressing on the decorations for the holiday.

The spot has been cleared In front of the bay window for the tree. Cindy and David are coming up to help decorate inside and outside respectively. I tested the outside lights yesterday and brought up some of the wreaths to be hung. Buck and Doe, however, are still hanging on the wall in the basement.

I have been busy working on the stocking ornaments.

I finally resorted to the needle nose pliers to push the pins in. So it is pick up a pin, set it in the pliers, put a sequin on the pin, and push it into the form. Ain’t nothing like fun but it does make an attractive creation. As you can see I have a ways to go to get them done.

Every once in a while I sit down and play Free Cell. I am on game 38,140 with only six games not mastered. Of course this has been going on for over 10 years now.

I finished the Deaver novel and picked up Steven King’s ‘After Sunset’. It is a collection of short stories so I can put it up and read without spending too much time on it.

Cindy and David should be coming in soon and my stockings await me so let me know how you are doing with your plans.