Christmas Came and Went!

I just finished reading my last post from November 19, and that brought back memories of a really fun week-end!  Wish I had something as exciting to write about now.    

I had a difficult time throughout December because I just wasn't able to have my usual parties.  I had a hard time even wanting to decorate the place, but I did finally get it done, even  if the house never really got cleaned.  So far, I don't think anyone died because of that!

I did really enjoy the class party at my classmate's home.  He and his wife learned that another classmate, who has lived in Mississippi for many years, would be in our area visiting relatives at Thanksgiving.  They asked if I would mind if they moved our Christmas party up to Nov. 29 so he could join us; he never gets to come to Texas in December.  Of course, I wanted to see him, so I said move it up.  We all had a wonderful time together without all the Christmas glitz they always have to endure at my home.

That very evening I went out to feed the birds, and fell off my patio!  Almost broke my left shin bone.  It was the only point of contact with the step, about 2" below my knee.  A huge knot popped up immediately, and it took me about 5 minutes to get up.  I decided it wasn't broken so I carried the feeder on down for the birds.  Again, that was Nov. 29; today is Dec. 29, and the knot is looking  better and the blood blister is getting smaller.  It didn't break the skin at all.  The main remaining problem is that my foot and ankle remain badly swollen and painful, but I can walk if I grit my teeth! I never went to the doctor, which upset my son and my friends.  I figure all the doc would do was say put an ice pack on it, keep it elevated, and take a pain pill, all of which I did for a day or two.  Tell me, how does one keep an ice pack on an elevated leg when house decorating has to be done? Not possible!  It still is swollen and hurts, but I'll live.

Seven church quilters came here Dec. 15 for our Christmas party, and we all had a great time and lots of good food --- that they brought!  If they noticed all the dust on everything, they were nice and didn't mention it.

 I made and delivered 18 little pillows to the Sunday School Class for handicapped people in our church, the same ones I made Christmas pillow cases for last year.  Some can't walk, some can't talk, and some can do neither.  I didn't want them overlooked, so I worked on that instead of my usual parties, which helped my feelings.  They were so thrilled, and those that could came to me at church and gave me a hug.  That made it all worthwhile!

My DIL worked night and day to finish a table topper for her mother for Christmas, and she did a great job for her first one.  Then she started on one for me, but got only the top finished by Christmas Eve.  She is quilting on it now.  She did a really job with ALL her points and intersections.  I'll post a picture when she gets it finished.  We opened all our presents at my son's house Christmas Eve night.

My son and DIL, her parents and her sister, and my two grandsons were here for Christmas Day dinner.  It was the first time I've made dressing since my son and his wife married about 8 yrs ago.  She cooks the best turkey I've ever eaten, but I baked a chicken hen and a ham;  my dressing was pretty good if I say so myself!

I usually leave decorations up until after New Year's, but I looked at it all today and decided to start packing it up.  I got the things off the big tree, but my son will have to take the tree down next week. Tomorrow I'll try to clear the two smaller trees out, and start packing up all the big figurines etc.  The porch lights will come down Saturday when it's supposed to be warmer, and before a cold front comes in next week.  Can you believe it was 80 degrees here on Christmas Day?  Well, it was!  I even closed up the house and turned on the A.C.!  Never do I remember a Christmas like that!

It may take me a while to get everything Christmas packed away.  I'm not moving very fast, and I'm also having to hang on to my cane, which is just so much fun!    I probably won't be doing much quilting for at least a couple of weeks or more.  My quilting buddy and I are taking our Janomes to be serviced tomorrow; we won't get them back for maybe 10 days or more.  Maybe by then all of my Christmas will be packed away.

Again, I know this has been long and really boring; in fact, much like my Christmas this year!

I did remember the Reason for the Season though, and enjoyed all the beautiful music at church and on TV.

I've enjoyed reading all the blogs, but for some reason, I haven't been too good at leaving comments.  Hopefully I'll get back on track soon!

Next year, 2017, is going to be much better for me than 2016 has been for sure!

---"Love"