Almost New Years

Wishing all of you a Happy New Year. I probably won't be on here tomorrow, so you all have a fun, safe time celebrating.
I've heard lots of people say this week, that they're happy to see 2010 go. If that's you, I pray 2011 is much better for you.
I have a happy story to share with you, about a young mom for whom 2010 has been good.
We live in South Florida, and 5 years ago, we were pounded by Wilma. About 10 days before, she lost their baby girl, their second child, fetal demise. When Wilma hit, their condo was damaged so badly, they had to move in with their parents, our neighbors. While living there, which lasted 3+ years--took that long to get the condo fixed, they got pregnant again, and miscarried. Eventually, they moved out in March 2009, and that August, her dad died suddenly. Are you wondering when this gets good?? Well, this week, they gave birth to a precious little girl. Mom and baby are healthy. They are blessed. It has brought tears to my eyes to see her with her little girl. She's been through so much. It's a great way to end 2010.
My DH is much better, thank God. and it looks like we're going to get to see our grandaughter this weekend. Can't wait to watch her open our gifts for her. We sorely missed having this family time for Christmas, really looking forward to the visit.
Today, I finished making her pjs, and continued knitting socks for our oldest's birthday. I'm trying a pattern from the toe up. Have you ever tried that?
What are you doing New Years Eve?
blessings,
Linda

Are you Listed?

As you can see, I'm now part of a group Quilters Get Listed. Check it out, give it a try. I love finding new ways to connect.
We actually have our heat on. Not unusual you say? Well, in my mind, it's like Alaska needing AC. It will probably be off tomorrow though.
My sweetie is even better today, thank God. It's really hard to watch him have trouble breathing. Neither one of us sleeps, either.
I've mentioned I have two broken sewing machines. One happened abou 6 month ago. It was sitting on my folding table with an acrylic extension table around the bed of it. Well, I moved the table, slowly and carefully, and the darn leg still went under, so it slipped off the table. I know, I should have known better. It isn't damaged from the fall, but from the acrylic table slamming against the needle bar, and bending it back. Geesh! God only know what this will cost to fix. I put it off because my DH's transmission needed work to the tune of $700.
The second machine quit the other day. I had been having trouble with where the cord plugs into the machine. It would shut off if the cord was moved/wriggled. Anyway, now it won't turn on at all. This one is a Bernina, and they can be a fortune to fix.
I'm grateful I have another to work on. Maybe I'll sell one of these after they are fixed. I'm feeling like I have too much anwyay.
Let me know if you get listed,
Linda

Are you all safe?

My goodness,
How are you all doing today? We are cold enough to put the heat on, but many of you are having a bad time of it, I see.
Our oldest, living in Mystic, visiting in Ocean City, NJ is stranded down there. This is her fist "real" winter ever. Can't help but wonder how enamored she'll be with the North after this. Nothing like a blizzard. Guess it's a northerers hurricane. Those, we know about.
My DH is better today, thank God, though there's still some ground to cover. My sister told me about onion tea for congestion, and it seems to have helped alot. This is what you do...
Boil one whole onion in at least 2 cups of water, along with grated fresh ginger, till the onion is super mushy. I also added lemon zest, then threw in the lemon half, which I had juiced. He add the lemon juice and honey to taste when he drank it. It really loosens up the nasty thingies in the chest.
I now have 2 broken sewing machines. Bummer! Told John, this is why I have more than one!! I was trying to finish up a pair of pjs for the wee peanut, and the Bernina 200 quit. Nice attitude she has, I see. What is she thinking???
How are you all faring today?
Blessings,
Linda

A Day Late

Hi Blogging Friends.
I hope you have had the most amazing Christmas and Hannukah.
Our celebration was a bit different this year. We were supposed to go to our daughter's during the day, have a wonderful, cooked by my hubby, prime rib dinner, spend the night, play with the baby!! That last part being the best.
Instead, we were home. My DH has been getting over Bronchitis, and since he was an asthmatic as a child, it takes forever. It's more than a little scary for me, he deals with it better than I do. We use alternative methods, which do work, it just takes time. Even with phamaceuticals, it takes time. We've certainly asked God for his help, and he never fails. Today, he's better, but not done. I for one, cannot wait for it to be over.
Along with that, our daughter called yesterday, and she was running a fever. So, even if John had been well, we'd have been home. We are grateful our second daughter and her boyfriend were here. She lives at home, and helped keep the mood light. They helped cook dinner, he's a trained chef, actually. It was all yummy, and we know we are blessed.
At the end of the day, John looked at me and said this has been a boring Christmas. Certainly not our usual celebration. For sure, not as rowdy!! I'm just grateful we are all here and well.
We wish you the blessings of Christmas,
Linda

Wonderful Day

I don't know how this many years can go by, and it still seems like yesterday, but today, we are married 40 years. Where have the days gone? I don't even feel old enough to recall 40 years ago! We know how blessed we are and are grateful to God for this gift.
Our girls gave us the gift of 2 nights at the Wilderness Lodge in Walt Disney World. It's rustic, and beautiful, we've always wanted to stay there. Most years we camp at their campground this time of year, and we had reservations for this week. Boy, are we glad this has been changed, since it's uncharacteristically cold for this time of year in Fla. We are expecting low 30's to upper 20's with 30+ mph winds, Not exactly tent-camping weather.
So, on Tuesday we had to Orlando for some R & R, romantic time. For you younger gals, you can still be romantic and in love, even at this stage of the game. It's all really much better after all this time,
I know some of you are getting horrid weather, how are you faring? You all will be in my prayers,
Linda

A Wonderful Suprise

Hi Bloggers,
Since I wrote you last, we've received a wonderful gift. Next Sunday, the 12th is our 40th anniversary. Now, I have to say I have no idea how this many years have gone by, how I've made it this far--not because he's not wonderful, I'm a bit flaky!! and seriously, I am not old enough!!! Be real!!
And for this monumental event, our girl have given us 2 wonderful nights at the Wilderness Lodge in WDW. We are very excited, we love that venue. Even if we don't go into the parks, that place is magical. Their resorts are pretty pricey, so we usually stay in the campground or a moderate resort. This will be a real treat. Cannot wait.
I've started the baking marathon I've engaged in for these 40 years. Though, since all the kids don't live here, I no longer have teacher to give them to, etc. I don't bake as many varieties as I used to, I still overdo it. So far, I've made Schnecken, Kiffles, Linzer tarts, Biscotti. I always forget how many the Kiffle recipe makes, thought that project would never end. Someone remind me next year, please??
What are you baking for the holidays?
Blessings,
Linda

Good Evening

We are back from visiting the princess. She is 21 months now, and just delightful. She didn't now we were there, and I came around the corner, she looked at me for a second, then her eyes lit up, and said "Nonna" and came running with her arms out. I am putty in that child's hands.
On the way home today, we stopped at my favorite local quilt store, My Quilt Shoppe in Royal Palm Beach Florida. They have a website, if you'd like to visit it. I bought a little cheater piece--a printed panel, which I can use for a table topper. Love the design, and i will get a picture up when I can. But I wanted to share about the tea cozies I found there. Have you seen the one by Bent Tree? Google Bent Tree tea cozies, and you will see the most unique, really fun, tea cozies I've ever seen. After you check it out, I'd love to know what you think of them?
I am tired after a morning playing in the park, then the drive home. So.....
you all have a great evening, and I'll get back to you ASAP. I have to get some holiday stuff started and plant some flowers and veggies.
Linda