It’s 10pm on New Year’s Eve and everyone is asleep. Which is really nice and peaceful, but when I say everyone, I really mean everyone - my husband is sleeping. Which is quite sweet. He needs the rest and I don’t make a huge fuss out of New Year’s, so it’s not a big deal. The house is really quiet and I can have some time to myself. Both Bug & Fuss have been under the weather, so I’ve not really had a minute to myself. So, now I do. Here’s how I plan to spend it!
I’m working on a blanket. The pattern can be found in The Expectant Knitter by Marie Connolly. The photo in the book has the blanket in a tangerine and blue (?) colour, but that really didn’t work for me. I chose a gray and earthy green. We’ll see how it turns out. When finished, I’ll post a photo using my new camera which hopefully will have better colour. We’ll see.
And I’m trying to finish the book The Eyre Affairby Jasper Fford. It was recommended by a friend of mine when I was feeling a bit down. I find that most of the best sellers today, or even recommended books, are just so depressing. So, she loaned me her copy. It’s an entertaining read. Certainly not a downer! I’m going to try to finish it tonight as I have an Advance Reader Copy of a book due for publication this fall that I need to read by Monday! Eek! I might be jumping in on that discussion a day or so late……
And, that almost finished mug? It’s Nigella’s spiked hot chocolate. So decadent. I don’t follow the recipe amounts, I just throw in what feels right at the time. It’s a bit punchy tonight!
I hope everyone is have as lovely an evening as I am - and that 2009 brings forward all you hope for it.
Enjoying the journey, Amanda
December 31st, 2008
Merry Christmas Everyone. I hope the day was great all around.
It’s been so busy around here, I didn’t even do my usual (copious) holiday baking. I was disappointed both because I love to give it out and eat it myself (!), and because I love to bake! However, my son picked up the slack and the above is his creation. The were really tasty and really festive.
I did manage to make peppermint bark. I had to make it for Colin’s office, and some of his collegues ended up asking for it for Christmas gifts they liked it so much.
The big day (yesterday) was wonderful and my kids had a blast. They were both aware of what was going this year, and the build-up was sensational. That and the solstice meant no sleep around here for several days. Fuss went to sleep really early on Christmas Eve because he feared he would miss Santa, however Bug came downstairs at about 9:30 to tell us she was just so excited. It was at least another hour before we could get her down.
They woke up to wonderful gifts from Santa. Mostly craft materials, and some play silks, and that’s total treasure for them. Bug’s big gift (from Santa, mum and dad just give books, which they absolutely love to get) was a very cute, handmade stable with a few animals.
Of course, that’s Fuss playing with it, but sharing is a big thing around here! His big gift other than the books, were a collection of knights, horses, and a dragon to use in his castle, which he got last year. The gifts are from Nova Naturals, and they were from Nana & PopPop. He was way too excited about them. Battles amongst the knights broke out immediately, but then they all went to the castle for a Christmas lunch. Go figure.
After the mad opening in the morning, we had all my family here. I think my children enjoy that just as much as receiving gifts. Speaking of gifts, I got a new camera for Christmas since the one I’ve been using takes about one photo every 15 seconds (pull your hair out maddening). I’m so excited, and now I have no excuse not to update my blog more regularly (ahem).
Best of the season to everyone!
Enjoying the journey, Amanda
December 26th, 2008
