![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Christmas Greetings.
24 Dec 2022 11:14 pm
It is Christmas Eve - and all is calm, all is bright.
May you all enjoy your celebrations!
It is Christmas Eve - and all is calm, all is bright.
May you all enjoy your celebrations!
Christmas deliveries.
19 Dec 2022 04:46 pmTo make you smile - or not, depending on the state of your deliveries!
Another month gone...
4 Dec 2022 01:45 pmSorry for those who are only here - I keep forgetting to copy things over from LJ now and again.
So - quick potted version of the last month;
A few trips to the hospital for S2C and I to both go to blood clinic, and for him to see the urologist.
Coffee with friends a few times.
A Remembrance Day service in which we considered the repercussions of war on the whole world.
Held a small social event to raise funds for Christian Aid, during which I showed people how to make needle-felted Christmas cards.
Helped NYK2 make a hat for Edith -
Went to a chocolate workshop with a WI group, where we made our own chocolate bars, and then had decadent hot chocktails. (Mine involved pain chocolate, maple syrup spices, biscoff crumbs and a shot of amaretto...)
Spent an evening with my daughter at a wreath making workshop. (We do this every year now - it is a sign of the beginning of the Christmas season.)
Mine is on the right, hers on the left -
Did the Advent ring for Church;
Attended a whole-village craft fair in a very wet Laxey (there were indoor and outdoor venues all around the village with over 100 different stalls). Both of us did some Christmas shopping.
Bought 25 small gifts to fill the family Advent Calendar
Which is now over 30 years old!
And yesterday we had Messy Christmas at church where our main theme was stars-
We told the story of the Star of Bethlehem, and added making night light holders and window decorationd.
And my contribution to the food was Christmas tree brownies -
Oh, and NYK2 had her 13th birthday, I have knitted small Christmas gifts to leave as anonymous surprise gifts here and there, and I have been involved with the all-island 'Warm Spaces' initiative; through the winter various places are committed to providing somewhere where people can come along, have a bit of company, hot drinks, and not need their heating on at home. Our church has opted in and we open our coffee room on Tuesday afternoons. So far some members of the congregation are coming along, and also some people who are not, both of which are good.
This afternoon the plan is to flop out for a while!
So - quick potted version of the last month;
A few trips to the hospital for S2C and I to both go to blood clinic, and for him to see the urologist.
Coffee with friends a few times.
A Remembrance Day service in which we considered the repercussions of war on the whole world.
Held a small social event to raise funds for Christian Aid, during which I showed people how to make needle-felted Christmas cards.
Helped NYK2 make a hat for Edith -
Went to a chocolate workshop with a WI group, where we made our own chocolate bars, and then had decadent hot chocktails. (Mine involved pain chocolate, maple syrup spices, biscoff crumbs and a shot of amaretto...)
Spent an evening with my daughter at a wreath making workshop. (We do this every year now - it is a sign of the beginning of the Christmas season.)
Mine is on the right, hers on the left -
Did the Advent ring for Church;
Attended a whole-village craft fair in a very wet Laxey (there were indoor and outdoor venues all around the village with over 100 different stalls). Both of us did some Christmas shopping.
Bought 25 small gifts to fill the family Advent Calendar
Which is now over 30 years old!
And yesterday we had Messy Christmas at church where our main theme was stars-
We told the story of the Star of Bethlehem, and added making night light holders and window decorationd.
And my contribution to the food was Christmas tree brownies -
Oh, and NYK2 had her 13th birthday, I have knitted small Christmas gifts to leave as anonymous surprise gifts here and there, and I have been involved with the all-island 'Warm Spaces' initiative; through the winter various places are committed to providing somewhere where people can come along, have a bit of company, hot drinks, and not need their heating on at home. Our church has opted in and we open our coffee room on Tuesday afternoons. So far some members of the congregation are coming along, and also some people who are not, both of which are good.
This afternoon the plan is to flop out for a while!
So That Was Christmas...
26 Dec 2013 07:57 pmI hope everyone who celebrates has had a lovely couple of Festive Days, if you are lucky enough to be in a country that regards one day off as much too stingy, and a good day if you are one of the unfortunate ones!
If you are interested in how my Christmas went just click the link to
( Read more... )
If you are interested in how my Christmas went just click the link to
( Read more... )
Tree Ornaments
20 Dec 2013 06:10 pmAfter talking yesterday about tree ornaments some people asked for some pictures. So here they are ( under the cut... )
Oh - and a final picture - everyone should have a flashing santa pen to write their cards...
Not to mention a Christmas jumper with black, dalek-like, snowmen on it!
Oh - and a final picture - everyone should have a flashing santa pen to write their cards...
Not to mention a Christmas jumper with black, dalek-like, snowmen on it!
First - husband health report - he is very tired still, but one of the District Nurses visited today, checked his wound and declared herself happy with it. She will return to take his clips out in a week's time.
Talking of the District Nurses - all those of us who were, until last month, based together in a small clinic building, have an annual Christmas lunch - we all put £5 in the kitty and someone gets the food with this, then we all buy one present and put it into a box - after lunch we all get a present out of the box.
This year we have moved into a large Community Clinic, into offices on different floors - but we are still getting together for our lunch tomorrow.
The only problem is that the majority f our original group, all based upstairs, were talking a couple of weeks ago and decided that, rather than the usual 'bran-tub' system we should do a secret santa - where everyone gets a name out of the bag in advance and buys for that particular person. Problem? Well, it wouldn't have been if they had thought to tell the three of us based downstairs...
It suddenly occurred to someone that there were three names left in the bag - and that perhaps they hadn't told us. Apologetic e-mail from upstairs arrives mid afternoon Friday but I was out visiting patients. The other 2 go up and draw names - leaving one name. This will obviously be the person I buy something for. I find this out this morning when I go into work. I have already got a nice set from the Body Shop all wrapped ready for the 'bran tub', so it will just need the right name adding. I go up, take the piece of paper - and find it is the only male team member...
A very quick bit of shopping at lunchtime, rather than having lunch, means he will get something more suitable!
The change to Secret Santa was actually made because of the one male - the past couple of years someone has had to go and buy something specifically for him anyway, and keep it to one side, so this really is a better system. ut what are the chances of the last name of 15 being the one male, when I already had a female present ready? Well yes, 1:15, I know - but it still feels less likely!
Talking of the District Nurses - all those of us who were, until last month, based together in a small clinic building, have an annual Christmas lunch - we all put £5 in the kitty and someone gets the food with this, then we all buy one present and put it into a box - after lunch we all get a present out of the box.
This year we have moved into a large Community Clinic, into offices on different floors - but we are still getting together for our lunch tomorrow.
The only problem is that the majority f our original group, all based upstairs, were talking a couple of weeks ago and decided that, rather than the usual 'bran-tub' system we should do a secret santa - where everyone gets a name out of the bag in advance and buys for that particular person. Problem? Well, it wouldn't have been if they had thought to tell the three of us based downstairs...
It suddenly occurred to someone that there were three names left in the bag - and that perhaps they hadn't told us. Apologetic e-mail from upstairs arrives mid afternoon Friday but I was out visiting patients. The other 2 go up and draw names - leaving one name. This will obviously be the person I buy something for. I find this out this morning when I go into work. I have already got a nice set from the Body Shop all wrapped ready for the 'bran tub', so it will just need the right name adding. I go up, take the piece of paper - and find it is the only male team member...
A very quick bit of shopping at lunchtime, rather than having lunch, means he will get something more suitable!
The change to Secret Santa was actually made because of the one male - the past couple of years someone has had to go and buy something specifically for him anyway, and keep it to one side, so this really is a better system. ut what are the chances of the last name of 15 being the one male, when I already had a female present ready? Well yes, 1:15, I know - but it still feels less likely!
First - I hope all my American friends have a lot of things to give thanks for today - and every day.
Secondly - sneak preview of something for D-d for Christmas - folding shoes that come in a tiny purse, complete with a shoe bag to put your killer heels into to carry home at the end of the night...
Secondly - sneak preview of something for D-d for Christmas - folding shoes that come in a tiny purse, complete with a shoe bag to put your killer heels into to carry home at the end of the night...
Not quite the Decememe....
2 Jan 2013 09:16 pmI never did keep exactly to the list - and these may or may not relate properly to it - but there are a few more festive pictures under the cut.
( Click for the pics )
Today I have been tidying up the fridge, sorting out stuff, and doing an annual job; rendering down the goose-fat and putting it into small jars. One I will give to D-d, one I will give to my sister as they never have goose, and the larger one will do me for roasting fat until next New Year. And I have been reading some of the fics over at Yuletide, as well as Coffins, Cats, and Fair Trade Sex Toys, which was part of my Christmas gift from D-d. We both know, and like, the author's shop in York - and it is interesting reading.
I think I will make Mum some home-made rum truffles for her birthday at the weekend - it is so hard to know what to give her as she seems to have plenty of everything she needs or wants...
( Click for the pics )
Today I have been tidying up the fridge, sorting out stuff, and doing an annual job; rendering down the goose-fat and putting it into small jars. One I will give to D-d, one I will give to my sister as they never have goose, and the larger one will do me for roasting fat until next New Year. And I have been reading some of the fics over at Yuletide, as well as Coffins, Cats, and Fair Trade Sex Toys, which was part of my Christmas gift from D-d. We both know, and like, the author's shop in York - and it is interesting reading.
I think I will make Mum some home-made rum truffles for her birthday at the weekend - it is so hard to know what to give her as she seems to have plenty of everything she needs or wants...
Happy New Year!
1 Jan 2013 08:38 pm
Here's wishing all my friends a peaceful & healthy 2013.
It's a bit late because I was at my sister's last night to see in the New Year then I've spent today cooking a goose and all the associated accompaniments, and eating the same with Mum and D-d (poor S2C was in bed - night shift - he'll have his tomorrow morning), watching television and drinking cava. (D-d drove Mum home so I was able to drink the cava!)
The picture shows the greeting in Manx for you all.
Merry Christmas to All!
24 Dec 2012 11:44 pmD-d and I have been to church to sing carols ( a bit of a marathon - there were really about 2 carols too many - she suggested that rather than having mince-pies and tea afterwards they should have been served in an intermission!). We have decorated The Cake (there will be pictures), and I have stuffed the turkey with pork products, wrapped him in bacon, and given him some goose-fat for good measure.
Now all I have to do is put the gifts in her Christmas Stocking and, honestly, sneak into her bedroom as if she was still a five year old - tradition demands it.
Tomorrow we will go to church whilst the bird roasts, open presents, eat, and then let S2C retire to bed as he is at work at the moment.
So - it is too late now to post anything else...
All you can do now is look out for someone coming down the chimney;
And then enjoy your day, or two, or three....
Now all I have to do is put the gifts in her Christmas Stocking and, honestly, sneak into her bedroom as if she was still a five year old - tradition demands it.
Tomorrow we will go to church whilst the bird roasts, open presents, eat, and then let S2C retire to bed as he is at work at the moment.
So - it is too late now to post anything else...
All you can do now is look out for someone coming down the chimney;
And then enjoy your day, or two, or three....
Not Quite the Decememe...
19 Dec 2012 10:37 pmI haven't quite kept up - I think by now I should have done gifts, stockings and candy canes.
However - I have made quite a lot of fudge for gifts, and I have a thought for stocking - just not got there - and as we don't usually do candy canes I thought I would, instead, go back to a conversation on![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
lilachigh's journal about decorating the bathroom for Christmas.
We have a special decoration for our bathroom - I can't forget it - as soon as D-d comes into the house once the decorating starts she searches for the special wee Father Christmas - although he may well not be weeing...
( Click for the pics... )
However - I have made quite a lot of fudge for gifts, and I have a thought for stocking - just not got there - and as we don't usually do candy canes I thought I would, instead, go back to a conversation on
lilachigh's journal about decorating the bathroom for Christmas.We have a special decoration for our bathroom - I can't forget it - as soon as D-d comes into the house once the decorating starts she searches for the special wee Father Christmas - although he may well not be weeing...
( Click for the pics... )
Decememe; Outdoor Lights
17 Dec 2012 10:17 pmHmm - playing catch-up.
These are the lights outside our local Garden Centre -
Today's subject is presents - currently there are a lot of unwrapped ones upstairs in boxes... and ONE under the tree!
Although this evening I have made a dozen cookies out of the last of the frozen dough I made last week, and 3 dozen each of peppermint creams and rum truffles.
What I should have been doing is writing cards. :(
These are the lights outside our local Garden Centre -
Today's subject is presents - currently there are a lot of unwrapped ones upstairs in boxes... and ONE under the tree!
Although this evening I have made a dozen cookies out of the last of the frozen dough I made last week, and 3 dozen each of peppermint creams and rum truffles.
What I should have been doing is writing cards. :(
Nativity 2012
16 Dec 2012 09:28 pmI don't have a picture... yet. I was so much in the middle of things that I didn't take one - but I know a couple of people who did :)
However - for your delectation - the write-up of this year's Nativity service.
After the lighting of the advent ring by a new little girl, an opening prayer, and the notices and so on, we swung into the Nativity proper.
One of the teenagers was the narrator and I was the go-fer! You'll see why we needed a go-fer when I explain that we began by getting the congregation to play pass-the-parcel. (I'm assuming this is a universally known party game...) Our church seating is in three blocks so we had a parcel for each block - and when the music stopped and the first people opened the parcels they found notes requesting them to take the parts of Mary, Joseph, and Gabriel... I invited them up to the Sanctuary and saw to their costumes etc. whilst the congregation sang a carol.
( Cut for length.. )
D-d was at church and came around later to help me put the tree up at home - which was lovely, and it is now sitting beside me looking very festive.
PS - short explanation of Pass-the-Parcel as it seems it is not universally played! For a children's party there is usually a 'prize' in the middle and then there would be lots and lots of layers to unwrap - you get to unwrap one if you have the parcel when the music stops. Sometimes there are small gifts and/or forfeits between some of the layers as well - hence the desperate urge to try to have the parcel when the music stops - if you think there might be a gift under this layer, or to get rid of it quickly before the music stops if you think there may be a forfeit.
This was a short version, with only three layers - a good 'parcel' can have 20 layers and provide entertainment for ages!
However - for your delectation - the write-up of this year's Nativity service.
After the lighting of the advent ring by a new little girl, an opening prayer, and the notices and so on, we swung into the Nativity proper.
One of the teenagers was the narrator and I was the go-fer! You'll see why we needed a go-fer when I explain that we began by getting the congregation to play pass-the-parcel. (I'm assuming this is a universally known party game...) Our church seating is in three blocks so we had a parcel for each block - and when the music stopped and the first people opened the parcels they found notes requesting them to take the parts of Mary, Joseph, and Gabriel... I invited them up to the Sanctuary and saw to their costumes etc. whilst the congregation sang a carol.
( Cut for length.. )
D-d was at church and came around later to help me put the tree up at home - which was lovely, and it is now sitting beside me looking very festive.
PS - short explanation of Pass-the-Parcel as it seems it is not universally played! For a children's party there is usually a 'prize' in the middle and then there would be lots and lots of layers to unwrap - you get to unwrap one if you have the parcel when the music stops. Sometimes there are small gifts and/or forfeits between some of the layers as well - hence the desperate urge to try to have the parcel when the music stops - if you think there might be a gift under this layer, or to get rid of it quickly before the music stops if you think there may be a forfeit.
This was a short version, with only three layers - a good 'parcel' can have 20 layers and provide entertainment for ages!
The news from America is very sad, and there is little point in saying more than is patently obvious to most people - fewer automatic and semi-automatic weapons so easily at hand would make it harder for this sort of thing to happen.
But how sad I feel for all the families involved, who will never be able to celebrate Christmas (or similar December festival) in pure joy again.
However; today I ran a cake stall at the Church Coffee Morning, with some of the Sunday Schoolers, for Christian Aid - we think we will be able to give 4 goats and 4 hens from the baking takings!
I have been baking and making for both that and to give as gifts. I really should take some pictures - there have been mini fruit loaves, rum truffles, those white chocolate and cranberry cookies I made the dough for the other week - as well as a tray of cupcakes. I do enjoy doing it.
I have a few decorations up now, and spent time this afternoon wrapping three 'pass the parcel' parcels for our service in church tomorrow - each layer will reveal a request for the recipient to come and take a particular role in the Nativity tableau. The service (traditionally led by the Sunday School) is written, all the Bible readers have their parts, my narrator has hers, and I have pep-talked the lads who are saying the prayers... I actually like leading this service - but am always so pleased when it is over!
So - cards to write this evening but all the prep for tomorrow done.
The themes for the Decememe for yesterday and today were Christmas Tree and favourite Christmas song (Actually it said 'Holiday song' - but "Whoa! We're going to Barbados", or similar seems a bit out of season!).
The tree is ( under here )
And now for my favourite Christmas song; actually it is more an Advent song, but I only feel Christmas has started once we have sung this at church, and Aled Jones sings exactly the version we sing;
But how sad I feel for all the families involved, who will never be able to celebrate Christmas (or similar December festival) in pure joy again.
However; today I ran a cake stall at the Church Coffee Morning, with some of the Sunday Schoolers, for Christian Aid - we think we will be able to give 4 goats and 4 hens from the baking takings!
I have been baking and making for both that and to give as gifts. I really should take some pictures - there have been mini fruit loaves, rum truffles, those white chocolate and cranberry cookies I made the dough for the other week - as well as a tray of cupcakes. I do enjoy doing it.
I have a few decorations up now, and spent time this afternoon wrapping three 'pass the parcel' parcels for our service in church tomorrow - each layer will reveal a request for the recipient to come and take a particular role in the Nativity tableau. The service (traditionally led by the Sunday School) is written, all the Bible readers have their parts, my narrator has hers, and I have pep-talked the lads who are saying the prayers... I actually like leading this service - but am always so pleased when it is over!
So - cards to write this evening but all the prep for tomorrow done.
The themes for the Decememe for yesterday and today were Christmas Tree and favourite Christmas song (Actually it said 'Holiday song' - but "Whoa! We're going to Barbados", or similar seems a bit out of season!).
The tree is ( under here )
And now for my favourite Christmas song; actually it is more an Advent song, but I only feel Christmas has started once we have sung this at church, and Aled Jones sings exactly the version we sing;
I'm a bit behind. I should have posted 'something I was reading' on Sunday. Mainly I was reading Live Journal, Faerie, the local news, and re-reading 'Blameless' by Gail Carriger on my Kindle. But the kindle is currently in the car, and I was also reading this book;
( For the other two, open here... )
Also today I have made a large amount of dough for white chocolate and cranberry cookies and put it in the freezer until I need it, and have written The Christmas Letter. Now to write the cards to go with it... the card writing has slipped a bit over the past few days!
( For the other two, open here... )
Also today I have made a large amount of dough for white chocolate and cranberry cookies and put it in the freezer until I need it, and have written The Christmas Letter. Now to write the cards to go with it... the card writing has slipped a bit over the past few days!
Decememe; ornament
8 Dec 2012 11:11 pmIt's been a busy day. But I had a lie-in, and S2C brought me coffee in bed at 9.30 - so I was well rested to start it.
( Read more... )
I had intended to use a picture of one of the brilliant ornaments made by children at Messy Church but I accidentally took my camera without the memory card. This means that the pictures are on its internal memory - and I have no idea how to get them off it as I'm pretty sure I don't have a lead for this camera. Someone suggested that it is possible to transfer them from the memory to the card within the camera, but I have no idea how. Those pictures may end up just being lost for ever...
So here is a picture of some ornaments taken last Christmas, instead;
( Read more... )
I had intended to use a picture of one of the brilliant ornaments made by children at Messy Church but I accidentally took my camera without the memory card. This means that the pictures are on its internal memory - and I have no idea how to get them off it as I'm pretty sure I don't have a lead for this camera. Someone suggested that it is possible to transfer them from the memory to the card within the camera, but I have no idea how. Those pictures may end up just being lost for ever...
So here is a picture of some ornaments taken last Christmas, instead;
Decememe; Bright.
7 Dec 2012 09:00 pmI did say a few days ago that you might see a little more of the Festival of Trees at the airport.
Well I think this works for Bright...
Today at work I put the Christmas tree up in our office - it is only tiny, though.
Also I have taken 18 of the plain cupcakes I made the other night out of the freezer and topped them for the children at tomorrow's Messy Church; wrote and printed the prayer notices for church on Sunday; got S2C to go down to Church with me so that I could get the Sunday School Christmas tree, and decorations, off the loft, put the tree up and the lights onto it so that the Messy group can help decorate it... and all that between finishing work and having dinner!
Oh - and I've written - um - four Christmas cards today...
Well I think this works for Bright...
Today at work I put the Christmas tree up in our office - it is only tiny, though.
Also I have taken 18 of the plain cupcakes I made the other night out of the freezer and topped them for the children at tomorrow's Messy Church; wrote and printed the prayer notices for church on Sunday; got S2C to go down to Church with me so that I could get the Sunday School Christmas tree, and decorations, off the loft, put the tree up and the lights onto it so that the Messy group can help decorate it... and all that between finishing work and having dinner!
Oh - and I've written - um - four Christmas cards today...
Advent & Decememe; Shopping.
6 Dec 2012 10:45 pmToday, after work, I did go shopping at M&S - mostly for yoghurt and fruit juice. But it was mainly to fill in time before going to The Catholic Women's League Advent Service. Yes, I know, I am a traditional protestant. But about 10 years ago the CWL decided to have an advent service for women - and invited the women from other churches. We are big on joining with other Christians and so a small group of women from my church went along. And we have continued to go every year.
Nowadays there are a few men there, too - but the service is almost all led by women; a big thing in a Catholic Church, too.
D-d always comes with me when able - and was really happy to come this year. The weather was atrocious; cold, wet and windy, but there were still maybe 50 people there - and after the service we get a cup of tea and a mincepie. It is another marker on the countdown to Christmas for us.
But, at lunchtime, I briefly called in at the garden centre - and did a tiny bit of shopping there - and our garden centre at Christmas is much more photogenic than M&S....
So - shopping!
Nowadays there are a few men there, too - but the service is almost all led by women; a big thing in a Catholic Church, too.
D-d always comes with me when able - and was really happy to come this year. The weather was atrocious; cold, wet and windy, but there were still maybe 50 people there - and after the service we get a cup of tea and a mincepie. It is another marker on the countdown to Christmas for us.
But, at lunchtime, I briefly called in at the garden centre - and did a tiny bit of shopping there - and our garden centre at Christmas is much more photogenic than M&S....
So - shopping!
Decememe - Red.
3 Dec 2012 08:54 pmI really am trying to get into the festive mood... and it is quite red.
That is one of the trees in the annual Festival of Christmas Trees in our airport.
You may see more of them.
And, in surprising good news, we swapped to the updated version of our electronic records at work today... and so far it all works!
That is one of the trees in the annual Festival of Christmas Trees in our airport.
You may see more of them.
And, in surprising good news, we swapped to the updated version of our electronic records at work today... and so far it all works!
Husband Update.
29 Nov 2012 10:59 pmS2C has seen the eye specialist, had some tests done, and now has eye drops and ointment to use regularly - it seems as if the surface damage to his eyes is, at least in part, caused by them having become too dry. So far they seem to be helping - with his new glasses, once his drops are in, his sight is better than it was a month or two ago. So, so far, so good.
In other news, winter is icumen in... last night it was below freezing for the first time this winter - this morning I needed to scrape the ice off the car - and tonight looks as if it will be much the same.
It really should make me feel festive and all ready to prepare for Christmas - and I am trying. I am ready to go into church on Saturday morning and decorate the Advent ring; I have bought D-d an Advent Calendar, and one for the Sunday Schoolers; I have some craft stuff ready for Messy Christmas at church...
But as for making cards and so on - I fear I haven't done any. You might get bought ones this year...
In other news, winter is icumen in... last night it was below freezing for the first time this winter - this morning I needed to scrape the ice off the car - and tonight looks as if it will be much the same.
It really should make me feel festive and all ready to prepare for Christmas - and I am trying. I am ready to go into church on Saturday morning and decorate the Advent ring; I have bought D-d an Advent Calendar, and one for the Sunday Schoolers; I have some craft stuff ready for Messy Christmas at church...
But as for making cards and so on - I fear I haven't done any. You might get bought ones this year...
