Let the holidays begin!

I'm slightly lost this year.  In the past I've worked up til' Christmas Eve trying to finish my presents for everyone.  This year the family chose to do a Pollyanna.  I have one family member (outside the normal kids, spouse, MIL) that I need to get a present for.  I should be relieved.  I'm just not used to this.  Of course, I'm sure Manda is reading this and saying - oh good, now she can finally finish my wedding quilt!  So much for deadlines......

Thanksgiving traditions

Everyone it seems has a certain family tradition.  Mine starts usually on Wednesday before Thanksgiving, but this year it was today.  I help my big brother Terry unload box after box of the most beautiful pottery for his once a year pottery sale at Wheaton Arts & Culteral Center.  I really don't know how long I've been doing this, it started at his house, then moved to Appel Farms, and finally to its current location.  I find it's like Christmas - each box having something more beautiful than the last.  Every year I come home with a new piece or two (okay 3-4) - thank you Terry - hope you have a wonderful show!

Holiday gift giving

I've decided to cut way down on my holiday gift list this year.  One reason is definitely the economy.  The other stems from my experience from last year.  I over extended my self in the homemade gift giving area last year and found myself up way too late most nights and way too tired during the day.  Not a well thought out plan.

Also, I'm sure some have had this experience, I'm not sure all of the handmade gifts were appreciated.  I know that's the risk you take when you work hours and hours on something then have it leave you, but a little thank you note, e-mail, picture of your quilt resting on the bed, hat/scarf being worn by the giftee, etc. would have gone a long way to appease my tired, aching fingers. 

Maybe it's my mother's voice in my head reminding me the day after Christmas to sit down and write Aunt Mary a thank you note for the handmade gift still ringing in my ear - but I think she had something there - Aunt Mary wherever you are - I hope you got all the thank you notes, I always loved the gifts!

Why I never knit for my dachshund!

Those that know me know that I love to knit.  I knit during my lunchbreak, sitting in traffic jams, in the evening, you name it.  I love to knit for anyone who asks for me something.  However, I will never attempt to knit a sweater for Rina.  This is why.  If pictures could talk, this would be censored.

First Post

I have wanted to start a blog for a very long time - but like many, I'm sure - just didn't know where or how to start.  I have several passions.  Mainly knitting, spinning and quilting.  My number one passion though is my long-haired dachshund Rina.  If you've ever owned (or been owned by) a dachshund you understand that statement completely. 

Through this blog I hope to keep a journal of my spinning, knitting and quilting adventures.  And hopefully, gain some new friends and acquire some encouragment from others along the way. 

And Rina will get to have her picture take from time to time.  She does love the camera!