It is grey and windy out today, but warmer - about 40. We could see rain...or some snow flurries...later today. the temps are supposed to drop and be much colder tomorrow. Tis the season!
Last night was exciting - grocery shopping! Yikes. I will say, however, it was a great time to shop - the store was pretty deserted and we got through fairly quickly.
The other day I mentioned that one of my favorite things to bring out in the winter is a birch log. Fletch cut holes in the top for candles and we have it on our buffet every year.
The candles burned down quite a bit Sunday night...I need to put some new ones in (and I've had a heck of a time finding any tapers this year - everything seems to be candles in jars). Growing up, we had a log like this in the center of our dining table all season long. I love having dinner (or breakfast) by candlelight.
This year I have another new favorite "ornament."
This is the little sock that Kathy B knit and sent to me during the "anything but yarn swap" she set up. I was afraid to use it on my key chain -- thinking my keys or something would ruin it, so it has been hanging out in my kitchen for the past several months (where I see it every day), and now it is on the tree (high enough that Tyg can't grab it). Thank you Kathy! I love it. Kind of a lousy picture...taken early this a.m. when only the tree lights were on.
I'm hoping to run out mid-morning today to do some shopping (wine/champagne for my bosses and some stocking-stuffer things). But now I need to go make a cup of tea - my office is freezing!
Hoping everyone is enjoying the season and not feeling too stressed out. I haven't started baking yet and normally that would bother me...this year I'm thinking "whatever!" I will get to it....eventually...
That birch log is beautiful, especially with red candles. And the sock ornament is just perfect! I say this every year, but I wonder if I could actually knit a bunch of little socks and other ornaments as gifts for next year? (Don't count on it!)
ReplyDeleteWe're just now getting waves of lake effect snow here, with high winds and bitter cold. Thank you, Canada. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteSometimes you can find tapers at a cheapo store--dollar stores. I had the same trouble a few years ago, and that's where I ended up.
I have an Advent wreath in the table every year, and I, too, have difficulty finding tapers. The wreath needs here purple and one pink or three blue and one pink. I've been somewhat successful finding the candles in thrift stores, but I fear soon the supply will be exhausted. I have a pine log with five candle holes, but I love your birch log better.
ReplyDeleteThe birch log is wonderful! What a festive decoration! (I usually find my tapers at Target or World Market, if that helps at all.) I love the mini-sock on your tree. Like Bonny, I always PLAN to knit up little socks or tiny sweaters . . . but, so far, it never happens. XO
ReplyDeleteLove the birch "candle" holder.
ReplyDeleteI had birch logs in our fireplace all year round. We didn't burn those. They were "decor" such as it was. (Not much of a decorator . . . but THEY looked nice in there. LOL
I have a few mini socks and mittens on my tree but they weren't hand made like yours! We have snow, not too much, but the wind can straighten your hair.
ReplyDeleteOh Vera! im so glad you are using the sock. When Christmas is over USE it. I promise I'll make you another if it snags. Mine lasted for years! !
ReplyDeleteYour tree is lovely and WE love all things birch here
My grandmother had a birch log just like that on her table at Christmas. I haven't thought about that in years. I love that little sock. I've always wanted to make some but never thing about them until it's time to put up the tree.
ReplyDeleteHow cute -- love the tiny sock! Love your birch log too. Very clever usage!
ReplyDeleteYour birch log reminds me of a "yule" log I made in Brownies one year. Brown Owls' husband split a bunch of logs in half, then bored out a divot for a candle - each of us Brownies got to pick a log an decorate it with Christmas flotsam and hot glue. Yours of course, it much classier than the one made by seven-year-old me!
ReplyDeleteI love that birch log - I'd be tempted to keep it up until spring!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Mary...t'would make a nice Hygge during these winter months. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteLove your birch log and that sweet sock :) I love this time of year and all the decorations and twinkle lights!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty log and sock! It is nice to decorate with lights when it gets dark so early!
ReplyDeleteI love the wee little sock Kathy B sent, it is a perfect ornament. Enjoy!
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