A New Beginning

Every year on January 1st, I take down the Christmas tree. It's my way of bringing on a new beginning, and to start the year fresh. It's always a bittersweet experience to pack away each object that holds a special memory. I always do this job alone. The only difference this year, is that I did it on January 2nd.

Ready for the boxes

See you next Christmas, new tree. You served us well.

We had Moxie the Grand-dog for 10 days while my daughter and boyfriend were in Germany.  She came home last night, and took Moxie back to her house. I'll miss the little pup, and the strange way she liked to get a drink of water. Not to mention the way she managed to get into anything that she could reach, and still melt my heart by curling up on my lap. We'll see her soon, but this stay was a good time for all.

My brother, sister-in-law and nephew came for three days. They brought me a veritable Christmas tree of rosemary! Isn't it beautiful? And it smells heavenly. I'll be using this in cooking, and it will be planted outside in the spring.

We had a whirlwind tour of Ellicott City, and had plenty of family time. It was a short visit, but very sweet. You can catch his account of the visit on his blog HERE.

I managed to finish a scarf for my nephew while they were here. For some dumb reason, I forgot to take a picture! CLICK HERE for the pattern that I used. You can imagine the awesome results of Noro Silk Garden and this pattern. 

 

My daughter brought gifts from Germany, and hit it out of the park with her purchases. If you have never tried REAL gumi bears, you are missing something. They are nothing like the chewy tasteless kind from America.

German chocolates. These will be consumed by the husband, as Weight Watchers has once again called my name.

And last but not least, SOCK YARN! She managed to find a yarn shop (Ok, she stumbled upon one by chance) and enter with boyfriend and boyfriend's brother in tow, and buy me marvelous yarn. What a girl.

Here's to new beginnings, and a Happy New Year to you all!