Happy New Year!

Today marks my 472nd post! There is nothing particularly momentous about this, but it does have me looking at doing things a bit differently in the new year. 

I have mentioned before that my laptop is falling further and further behind, and I am now not only unable to create a post on it (I have been posting from Bruce's), but I also cannot send pictures to Bruce's computer that I have downloaded into iPhoto in order to put them in the posts. Any pictures used at this point have come from my phone (which does a remarkable job). It has become a bit of a song and dance to try to create a post. 

This, coupled with the fact that I am finding it a bit of a stretch to come up with new things to write about, has me making the decision to go from twice weekly to once weekly posts - at least for the time-being. So, from this point forward, I plan to share new things with you on Wednesday's only. The laptop situation will be rectified at some point in the future! 

I leave you with nothing but the best of wishes for the new year, and the hope for all of us that 2016 will bring us much needed peace.

"The stockings were hung by the chimney with care............" ~ Clement Clarke Moore

I felt quite confident that I would finish Alex's stocking in time for Christmas - and I did! It looks a bit distorted with all of the goodies that Santa brought, but he loves it! Now I'm working on one for Bruce, done in Green Bay Packer colors!

I hope that you all had a joyous Christmas, and are eagerly looking forward to the New Year!

"There are dark shadows on the earth, but its lights are stronger in the contrast." ~ Charles Dickens

From my earliest memories, the Cortland Waterworks has been synonymous with Christmas. Today, abundant lights adorn homes in every neighborhood. 50+ years ago, I remember seeing decorated trees through windows, but homes just weren't decked out the way they are now.

When I was growing up, the Waterworks flipped their switch the day after Thanksgiving. It was magical! It still is, even though the competition has gotten fierce. Even without snow, it still means that the holiday season is here, and that Christmas is near.

Merry Christmas!

"Hundreds of years of experience go into (the) making of each batch of whiskey. From the Cooper to the Malt Man to the Coppersmith - it's craft the whole way through." ~ Raw Craft with Anthony Bourdain, Episode Six

www.youtube.com

And now - for Episode Six of Raw Craft with Anthony Bourdain! Just in time for the winter months - crafting fine Scotch! Please remember to go directly to my blog if the video does not come through via e-mail.

"Knitters use knitting to value-add to the world." ~ Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

I have never been a sock knitter. When I hear my sock knitting friends using the term "turn the heal", I get nervous. I'm not sure why; I've tried complicated things before with success, but socks have had me intimidated. I picked up a tiny Christmas stocking kit last year and never did anything with it, but decided to give it a go a couple of weeks ago, and managed ok! So - onto a full-sized stocking!

My sister Robin knit Alex a stocking when he was first born - just wonderful and with his name on it. Unfortunately, last Christmas, and now this one, we have not been able to find it! I'm sure that it's tucked safely somewhere and will ultimately turn up, but in the meantime, my first venture into sock-knitting (or in this case stocking-knitting) has me knitting him another one. 

I am following the pattern "A New Baby's Christmas Stocking" by Dorene Delaney Giodano. I probably should rename it "A New Stocking for a Young Man". In any case - so far so good! I hope to have it completed by Christmas, and barring something unexpected, I think that I will! I will post a picture of it done - hopefully with Alex!

"And I had but one penny in the world. Thou should’st have it to buy gingerbread." ~ William Shakespeare, Love’s Labours Lost

While up in Syracuse for the Festival of Trees last week, we decided to make a side trip to The Erie Canal Museum. We had seen their Ginger Bread House display advertised every year, but had never been.  

Pictures were not very easy to take as each display was behind a window, and at child's height. I understand the desire make the houses easy for little eyes, but safe from little hands!

"Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind." ~ Mary Ellen Chase

The other day, Bruce and I headed up to the Everson Museum for the Festival of Trees. I shared this with you a few years ago, but since the trees change from year to year, I thought that I'd do it again!

"The Everson Museum of Art Members' Council presents the 30th annual Festival of Trees, which will bring the sights and sounds of the holidays to the galleries and gathering spaces of the Museum. Each decorated tree, wreath and unique display is generously donated, all items are sold to benefit the Everson. Take in the beautiful sights, purchase items to decorate your home or office, and pick up tips for your own creations. The presentation of art and décor alongside activities and musical entertainment will make the Festival truly special.

Festival of Trees
December 4-13 (closed Monday and Tuesday)
General Admission/ $5 per person, at the door
Children under 10/ Free   https://www.everson.org/events/fot.php

It is always so festive, and there are musical events going on at the same time - a wonderful way to spend a December afternoon.