Cleaning House

Granddaughter 4 is a bit under the weather.  Although she put her dolls away several years ago I thought she might enjoy a soft rag doll for a companion as she recuperates.  Meet Nanny Ogg.   Nanny is a character in Terry Pratchett’s Diskworld series.   I thought that Nanny would dress flamboyantly but research proved me wrong.  She wears mostly black which is traditional garb for witches in Diskworld.  The red boots are my nod to her personality and life style. My Nanny doesn’t have a mouth yet, I may ask her new family to take care of that.  By the way, I found a great free pattern for a rag doll here.  One sewing note:  the arms on the pattern are as big as legs and look ridiculous.  I trimmed the length in half but left the width.  It’s very quick and easy.  The hair, which I just love, is made with a pattern from Dancing Raindrops.  It’s the best doll hair pattern I’ve ever used.

Rose

While there is still a tiny window of opportunity for last minute homemade gifts I’ve got two great sources to recommend.
Over Thanksgiving weekend as we ladies were thinking of Christmas crafts, Daughter 3 introduced us to this very charming site which led in turn to my finding Dancing Rain Dolls. DRD is located in Port Orchard, Washington. The tiny little dolls that I fell in love with may be found by clicking on Patterns/Kits and then selecting Seasonal Dolls from the menu on the left.  These photos will provide the flavor of some of the elfish characters  but you’ll need to click on the link to see the full glory of this site.  It’s fabulous.

The little folk are so adorable and just the perfect size (scale is a challenge) for our not very tall Christmas tree. (We have purchased live trees the past four years that go from our house to sentinel duty along our driveway when Christmas is over. They are brave little soldiers but only about 4 ½ feet tall.)
I ordered some kits from Dancing Rain Dolls last week and they arrived today. The staff is so kind and helpful I urge readers to shop there for that reason alone. One of the kits that I ordered was out of stock until after Christmas and they phoned me last week asking if I would like a refund. Absolutely Not!! I asked Ann to just choose a substitute since I really liked all their products. They arrived wrapped in individual packages like little gifts, which indeed they were. Not only will they be sweet on the Christmas Tree, I intend to make several more during the coming year.  There will be lots of tiny new friends in the children’s guest room, on the seasonally decorated table in the quiet living room, and of course for Christmas Tree 2009.
Daughter 2 ordered a doll kit which she will dress in an Irish Dance Dress matching the solo Irish Dance dress worn by Granddaughter 5. Daughter 2 received the same super courteous, helpful response from Dancing Raindrop that I have. It is a pleasure to recommend them to others. The products are affordable for those among us who need to be mindful of expenses; they are charming and unique gifts; and the staff is just icing on a very delicious cake!
The other Christmas craft recommendation that I suggest is a copy of Just Cross Christmas Ornaments, $6.99, available in the magazine display at Winco - and I assume other local grocery stores. There are 76 cross stitch Christmas ornaments – and the majority of them are really, really attractive. No old gramma crap with nasty looking bouquets, playful kittens, or terrifying clown designs amongst them. They are uncomplicated, with great design graphics, not terribly time consuming, and a genuine pleasure to stitch.

Happy Crafting

Rose

I am in PBR (Professional Bull Riders) withdrawal this month. The 2008 finals were held in early November and the tour takes a break in December. I have been listening to cuts from Justin McBride’s c.d. and find that his song “Tough” has particular resonance for me today. Life really is defined by integrity, gumption and perseverance. This song is about the strong people and thank God, that includes me.

Rose

During the spring and summer months we make regular trips to Crossroads Nursery. Gardening is Don’s hobby and the knowledgeable and friendly staff makes shopping a pleasure. Supporting local businesses is a priority in our home so we are glad Crossroads is there for the plantoholic in our family.

However, I’ve never visited the garden center after Labor Day until this weekend. Thanks to an invitation from my third daughter, we made the short drive west on the Pullman highway to attend the opening of holiday season shopping at Crossroads Nursery. Oh my!!!! How I have missed this annual event in previous years, I don’t know, but believe me it will never happen again.

This place is magical!!! Soft, seasonal music competes with the splash of water from strategically placed fountains to create a sense of peace; beautiful plants, trees, and yes, even orchids almost persuaded me that it wasn’t really cold and rainy outside; and stunning little vignettes at every turn make Crossroads Nursery a winter wonderland.  The skill of mixing shabby chic, elegant Victorian, and down-home, whimsical  country is not given to many of us, but these folks have captured everything that is spectacular and fun about holiday decorating.

Crossroads owners Leigh Ann and Jon Decker are Moscow residents who are clearly in touch with community sensibilities. Two huge rooms contain treasures for every pocketbook. Inspiration overload is more than a possibility for craft-loving visitors. My photos don’t do it justice, so please for a pre-holiday treat to yourself, stop in and experience the Crossroads holiday extravaganza  in person. Directions: Drive west (toward Pullman) take the right turn at the Moscow Pullman Airport road and you’re there. 59952 Airport Road, Phone: 872-6200. I took over 70 photos and had to winnow it down to these few. Click on the thumbnail to enlarge.

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Rose

Grandson #3 is a brilliant young chess player, an enthusiastic soccer, basketball and football athlete, a very gifted scholar, and a courteous, respectful young man. Is it any surprise that he chose to be Robin Hood on Halloween?

Robin Hood, Robin Hood, riding through the glen
Robin Hood, Robin Hood, with his band of men
Feared by the bad, loved by the good
Robin Hood, Robin Hood, Robin Hood

He called the greatest archers to a tavern on the green
They vowed to help the people of the king
They handled all the troubles on the English country scene
And still found plenty of time to sin.

Robin Hood, Robin Hood, riding through the glen
Robin Hood, Robin Hood, with his band of men
Feared by the bad, loved by the good
Robin Hood, Robin Hood, Robin Hood

He came to Sherwood Forest with a feather in his cap
A fighter never looking for a fight
His bow was always ready, and he kept his arrows sharp.
He used them to fight for what was right

Robin Hood, Robin Hood, riding through the glen
Robin Hood, Robin Hood, with his band of men
Feared by the bad, loved by the good
Robin Hood, Robin Hood, Robin Hood

With Friar Tuck and Little John they had a roguish look,
They did the deed the others wouldn’t dare.
He captured all the money that the evil sheriff took,
And rescued many a lady fair

Robin Hood, Robin Hood, riding through the glen
Robin Hood, Robin Hood, with his band of men
Feared by the bad, loved by the good
Robin Hood, Robin Hood, Robin Hood

To cheating and corruption, he would never, never yield
And danger was his breakfast ev’ry day
The cobler in the hamlet and the farmer in the field
Were always helping him get away

Robin Hood, Robin Hood, riding through the glen
Robin Hood, Robin Hood, with his band of men
Feared by the bad, loved by the good
Robin Hood, Robin Hood, Robin Hood

He rode up to the palace and was cheered by ev’ryone
His Lady Marian threw him a rose
The King of England knighted him the Earl Of Huntingdon
And that’s the way that the legend goes

Robin Hood, Robin Hood, riding through the glen
Robin Hood, Robin Hood, with his band of men
Feared by the bad, loved by the good
Robin Hood, Robin Hood, Robin Hood

Rose