In between

We are in the strange time between Christmas and New Year.

Our Christmas was very quiet, my fault, I could not muster up the full festive cheer. We had Josh and Sam on Christmas eve, we had a great Christmas day, and after a long drive had most of Boxing day with Logan and Finn.

Our Fireman Sam

 Josh had a huge Lego set

 Logan with his Batcave 

 Finn, a gift for Nanna and Grancha

We are back home, I am fighting the desire to take down all the decorations, they can stay for a few more days. Not interested in the sales or shopping, but I hope to spend an hour in the garden later.
It's a sunny day here after a hard frost, no snow this low in the country, might try and get for a walk later, we have soup made from all the leftover veg from our Christmas lunch, I make it every year, with fresh baked bread.
We have an invite for New Years eve to our daughters house, so in between we can rest, December was a trying month in so many ways, resting somewhere warm with the sun shine through the window sounds bliss.
Paula thanks for your card, it's near the cat's baskets, lovely card.
From reading blogs, we have had a mixed Christmas, so I hope you are all happy, warm and with someone you love.

Resting on a Sunday

Once again these are out

 Our tree is dressed

 The boys are there of course.

 Dave the bear is dressed up and has friends

 New Christmas slippers

I am enjoying a family weekend, yesterday hubby and I went into Fareham, just for the morning, hubby was hoping for hints from me, and managed to get me another gift. We stopped and watched a signalong, deaf people signing to Christmas songs, it was simple and beautiful, we sat for ages and enjoyed their entertainment, very festive.
Last night we had a family meal, both daughters and David, a perfect evening, just what we needed. I even watched X Factor, and is hoping Ben will win tonight.
Today we had friends in for morning coffee, and later another friend for afternoon tea, hubby just made us bacon rolls for lunch. This is a beautiful restful weekend.
Grandma is down, so we have not seen Josh or Sam, will catch up with them in the week.
Tomorrow Su and I have the day together shopping, I only have one present to purchase, so it will be more fun than rushing about.
Next weekend will be hectic, we are back to Somerset, not a trip we had planned, but we will say goodbye to my brother, meet with the whole family on Friday, and then back home on Saturday, we are hoping the roads won't be too bad.

Quickie

Our garden this morning, another frost, the starling at the tree feeder is having his breakfast.

 I have done no craft, not a stitch, no inspiration, 

but here is some work done by Fliss

 All stitched free hand on my machine, 

lovely to have my daughter teaching me things.

 Just needs to be made up, cushion cover?

Every thing is on hold here, my back has caused me more problems and with two trips to a chiropractor, it is now beginning to feel stronger. How easy is it to put your back out!
I have not finished making my cards and they need to be in the post, I'm home today I will see if I can get them done, everything is here, just me.
I also need to get my sewing machine out, the weather is so cold I need to wear my warm winter coat, but the woolen fabric near the lowest button has pulled apart and I need to make a quick repair, the coat is perfect for this time of year and other than this small area is in perfect condition, I am not getting rid of such a warm coat for one little thing.
As for Christmas most of it is done, I have a couple of presents to get, Su and I have a day together next Monday, so I should finish then, but every thing has stalled.
We spent a lovely weekend in Somerset, time with Logan and baby Finn, excited house for a little boy. I saw Martin and Leanna, we had time to sit and chat. Martin and I spent a lovely afternoon on Saturday with Mel, my older brother was looking very ill but still had his sense of humour. We even managed to avoid a huge accident on the A303 and have a good drive home.
But sadly Mel passed away on Sunday evening, so everything has now stalled.

Ho Ho ouch!

I won't keep you waiting, feeling festive and then last Wednesday I did my back in, boy am I in pain, just a strain, stupid thing to do, oh well feeling a bit better today.

 Time to send out my Christmas cards

below how I make them, nice and easy with layers, it's my photo from the summer, I stitched the baubles and put together the stamp for inside, only thing I did not make was to Merry Christmas topper. I hope you all like your card

 Our Magnolia tree is in full drop, poor hubby has an extra task, these leaves are huge, and once cleared up, loads more drop, Oh well give it a week and they will be all gone.

At least we can see the birds feeding in the tree.

 In the greenhouse, still picking tomatoes, 

I thought this plant was over but loads of new growth.

One lonely pepper on this plant 

 In the garden flowers which should not have buds, another crazy winter 

  My best tree, I love the view from underneath

 I did start these guy's whilst waiting for my stash to arrive, but I am unable to get comfortable to stitch, so not much done. Only have a bit of white for their beards and two pairs of shoes, oh and all the back stitching. Still waiting for my stash to arrive did not notice one item out of stock.

I am hoping my back will sort it's self out, work are great, they ensure I am supporting it when sat down and not too much on my feet, but by the time I get home, all I can do is rest. Each day is a bit better, and I am really hoping this is just a one off.
I have not done much in the past week, Fliss helped me with the Christmas Tree, Sam was very excited to see it up. We did manage to get some present shopping done, nothing expensive this year, just nice useful things. Hubby finally found me a couple of gift's, both of which I helped with, one for my craft and a nice new red leather purse.
We hope to go and visit family in Somerset this weekend, I was not able to sit in the car for almost three hours last weekend, I don't want to have to make the trip too close to Christmas.
Paula you have a parcel on it's way to you......