Christmas Past

Hello all, I hope you've had a wonderful few days, as things are gradually getting back to normal here.
I've probably had the best Christmas in some years, if I'm being honest. Mr O went to pick up Son 2 and indeed, the mulled wine was on the stove to greet them, the festive aroma floating around the kitchen, mingling with the sound of wassailing, as they walked in the door. A cup each, and I knew Christmas had begun.
I had fabulous presents, including my long awaited Sizzix Bigshot, a Horseware Ireland rugby shirt. It's in red, black and gold. When this design first came out I didn't like it at all, but it's really grown on me, so I can't wait to wear it. I may show you a picture when I've got a bit more organised.
I decided to join in the Secret Santa on the Your Horse forum this year, and guessed from the packaging that I'd received a book from mine, which I assumed would be a horse book, but when I opened it, it turned out to be a craft book. I am so surprised and thrilled. I know who it's from and I didn't even know she knew about my cardmaking. Thankyou Jo, I'm going to be dipping into it a lot.
Missis got me a DVD called 'Dressage For Jumping' which I am saving for when I've got a few peaceful moments. She's got me a dressage book, too. Daughter 1 got me The Time Traveler's Wife, which I'm really pleased with, as you can imagine.
We had a quiet Boxing Day, but today we've been up to Worksop to drop Son 2 off and see all the children and grandchildren. This is really the highlight of my Christmas. I love seeing everyone all together and just sitting back and observing my grandchildren playing and interacting with one another. I don't think the mums realise how amusing and witty their children are. And the baby, who just poodles up and down, in a world of his own (usually with a biscuit in each hand.) I don't think I've got many good photos, as no one sat still for long enough. They all liked their presents, anyway.
So we're spending some time re-arranging the sitting room a little so I can keep my craft things out all the time. How lovely for me that Mr O is willing to do this. I have had a little play with my Sizzix every day. It feels very strange not to have to make Christmas cards anymore, and realising I can use what I like, no matter what the colour or pattern. I suppose the first thing is 'Thankyou' cards, isn't it?
Now for some time to reflect on the past year and the year to come. I haven't quite decided about New Year's resolutions yet - I'm actually still working on one from last year! It snowed all morning, and apparently more is due tomorrow, yet the temperature is going up, so maybe it will come and melt straight away. Hope springs eternal...

Full Circle

I'm not sure where the past few days have gone. They've whizzed by in a whirl of mucking out and present wrapping. Where do you do yours? I can't do it at a table, so I tend to sit on the floor and spread the wrapping paper out in front of me. After a while, my back is in agony, so I've been wrapping one at a time, then going to my desk to make a tag for it, then back to the floor to wrap the next one, which has been a lot better for me, but probably more time consuming. I've loved making my own tags, though, it's been a really good way to use up odds and ends. I'll definitely do that again next year.
I also finished Mr O's card and gave it to him. He really liked it, which is a relief. I feel as if I've come full circle as it was my desire to make a card for him last year that got me into this card making adventure. I also wanted to make one for my youngest grandson last year as it was his first Christmas and I wanted to make something special that his mum would want to keep. Looking back on it, I didn't have a clue what I was doing really, I just had this incredible desire to make something and knew it must be possible somehow. Though I say it myself, I've learned an awful lot since then.
Today was the last time I will muck Zak out in 2010 as Mr O is off now until January 4th. Such bliss, only having one horse to muck out. We have had a little more snow in the last day or two, but nothing too heavy. We are all willing it to disappear. Zak's water bucket has been frozen solid in the mornings. I've been boiling the kettle and pouring that on to melt it a bit, as I'm worried about him dehydrating.
And now my dear youngest son is with us until the 27th. When he walked through the door, the candles were lit, the carols were on, and the mulled wine was on the stove. Now Christmas can begin in earnest. It is so lovely to have Son 2 here. He has brought his guitar, so that should be fun, shouldn't it?! There seem to be a surprisingly large amount of presents in the pile, too. Tessa has two. I wonder what Santa has brought her?
Things may be a bit hectic for the next day or two, so I'd just like to take this opportunity to say thankyou for reading my blog and sending me all your wonderful comments throughout this year. They are all much appreciated. My wish is that you have a wonderful Christmas, surrounded by the people you love, and that you get lots and lots of pressies!
Happy Christmas everyone!
Mrs O.

My Perfect Christmas, Part Two

1. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Definitely Christmas morning, straight after breakfast. I would feel so strange waking up on Christmas Day having already done it the night before. Also got to open Barnaby's present with him before he goes out.

2. Favourite childrens' Christmas song?
Away In a Manger, preferably sung by children. We had our church nativity on Sunday.
I am not related to any of the children in any way, and don't even know all of their names, but for some reason I sobbed all the way through it. I've never understood that...

3. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
The pressure to spend money... and the way shops stock things that nobody really wants or needs (like a pasta bowl with servers, something you wouldn't be seen dead with at any other time of year) and the way you feel obliged to buy it, just because it's there.

4. Favourite ornament theme or colour?
Classic red, green and gold, you can't beat it. Maybe a dash of tartan.

5. Turkey or ham on Christmas Day?
Good grief, turkey of course! Do people have ham? What on earth for?

6. What do you want for Christmas this year?
As I gather Johnny Depp is spoken for, I'll settle for a Sizzix Bigshot.

7. Does anyone in your family dress up as Santa?
No. Unfortunately we never have. I wonder if we've missed something there?

8. Age you discovered Santa wasn't real?
No idea. It obviously didn't impact me that much. Ditto tooth fairy.

9. Eggnog, hot chocolate or apple cider?
Actually, I am partial to mulled wine, as hot as you like. And roasted chestnuts.

10. Do you have any Christmas decorations on your roof?
No, I'm prepared to lay down and let a bus run over me before I give in to that.

11. How does Santa get into your house, chimney or magic key?
Chimney, every time. The children never doubted it.

12. Do you prefer gifts or tokens?
Gifts really, but there's always room in my life for another book token. Always.

Not long now...
Mrs O.

My Perfect Christmas, Part One

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Wrapping paper, despite all the hard work. I like those tall gift bags for wine, though.

2. Real tree or artificial?
Always real. It conjures up memories of my childhood, as my grandparents always had one. I still think a sparse real tree is better than a full artificial one. Holly and mistletoe also essential.

3. When do you put up the tree?
Around the fifteenth of December, but as you know, no room in the inn!

4. When do you take the tree down?
When we go back to work in the New Year. Then I have a big spring cleaning session!

5. Do you like eggnog?
I don't think I've ever had it, so I'm going to investigate!

6. Favourite gift received as a child?
My dolls house. It was a work of art. My mum still had it when I left home.

7. Hardest person to buy for?
Mr O. Yes, siree!

8. Easiest person to buy for?
Both daughters. I try hard, but also know they will appreciate whatever I get them, and I like to think, because I know them so well, that I usually get it right.

9. Do you have a nativity scene?
Not now, but the children made one when they were young, and it had to come out every year. I loved it.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Definitely by post, and having something to hang up round the house. Wishing everyone a merry Christmas on facebook just isn't the same, but I guess it's better than nothing.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
If I'm going to answer this honestly, I can't tell you!

12. Favourite Christmas movie?
Actually I have a real thing about not being able to stand Christmas films. I detest The Wizard of Oz! But what I truly, truly love, is The Snowman. I could cry every time.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Early December. Every year I say I will do it through the year, but I'm just not that organised.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
No, but it is the sort of thing I would do! (Blushes!)

15. Favourite thing to eat at Christmas?
Nuts. In recent years I have developed a nut allergy, and this has eroded a very enjoyable part of Christmas for me. I also love Christmas pudding and mince pies. I have only had one so far this year.

16. Lights on the tree, coloured or clear?
I don't mind either.

17. Favourite Christmas song?
Song is not carol, is it? So I get to choose two, right? 'December Will Be Magic Again' by Kate Bush and 'Silent Night'. But Annie Lennox has released a stunning album called Christmas Cornucopia, and she sings In The Bleak Midwinter, which sends shivers down my spine.

18. Travel at Christmas, or stay home?
Stay home, with my husband, my doggy and my horse. (We call it 'being snowed in...again.')

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
Sadly yes. That's why I'm good at Trivial Pursuit and pub quizzes.

20. Angel, star or ribbon on top of the tree?
Angel. Although why she wants that shoved up her skirt is beyond me, frankly.

Part Two tomorrow, and I'd love to read your version, if you want to link it to mine.
Mulled wine anyone?
Mrs O.

Christmas Is Coming...

... and so I feel obliged to make Christmas cards. I thought I'd show you a few today. It's taken me a while to feel motivated, but I'm getting there. I bought a couple of magazines yesterday which have quite inspired me. (Ever bought 'Quick Cards' magazine?)

I really enjoyed making this, it was so easy and looks very effective. The little chipboards were freebies, and I have a couple more, so I'll probably make another one of these.
I am finding the most wonderful (and useful) free backing papers on the Cardmaking and Papercraft website. I'll probably use them all.
One of several fairy cards I've made. I love the look of the embossed silver card, it wasn't specifically for Christmas, but works really well. This idea has inspired me for Daughter 2's birthday in October. Glitter abounds. If you can't use glitter at Christmas, when can you?

I think this snowman is so cute, I'll be using him in all sorts of ways this year. The beauty of Promarkers is that you can colour your stamped images to match the backing papers, which works really well.

I must add, though, that penguins, polar bears and snowmen are really NOT my idea of Christmas. Christmas is a time to celebrate the fact that the Son of God came to earth, not whether some silly polar bear can ski. Grrr! I've even seen a 'Christmas Giraffe' stamp! The mind boggles. But until I can find the kind of images I really want to use, polar bears and penguins will have to suffice. I've entered a competition to see if I can win some Christian stamps but I'm sure thousands of others will have done as well. Never mind. I'm sure I'll find something soon. Of course, if you know of any specifically Christian suppliers, I'd love to hear from you.

Thankyou, too, for your good wishes. I am much better than yesterday, though far from well enough to ride. I hope I am by tomorrow, though, as I need to practise the dressage one more time before Friday.

Blessings everyone

Mrs O.

Silent Night, Holy Night

Mr O has finished work, so now the holidays can begin. And they began with... more snow! The horses are bored with it now, and have got into the routine of only going out in the mornings while we muck out. It was white with fog again today. The horses retreat to the very back of the field by 11am and refuse to come down when we call them, so we have to walk all the way up there through the snow, and drag them down. But they don't eat or drink up there, so I have laid the law down with Barnaby and explained that he and his men would be coming in, so I can be a good provider to them.
After the 'warming Max's rug' scenario the other night, I have increased the horses' feed since the snow started. I want to know they are going out and going to bed with something filling in their tummies. Honestly, it's worse than having kids. But I have noticed here, more than at Lorna's, that the horses expect Barnaby to provide for them, and he in turn, expects me to provide for him, and I intend to live up to his expectations and be a good leader. I have noticed him looking at me affectionately this last few days, so maybe it's working. I rugged him up last night and he looked back at himself as if to say, 'Oh, is that what I'm wearing?' and seemed quite pleased.
They have been coming in with ice tightly compacted into their hooves, and I have had to wrench it out with a hoofpick every day, otherwise they are sliding on the floor, and it can't be very comfortable for them, can it? Yesterday I picked up Zak's off-fore and noticed a deep cut in his hoof. I've realised it's a bad overreach. I bandaged it up yesterday, having put wound powder on it, so we'll have to keep an eye on it, as it's quite deep. I don't want it to get infected.
I have emptied Zak's uneaten feed onto the lid of the dustbin, which makes a very good bird table. There is something about his feed (it's for weight gain) that must be very appetizing, as Tessa will tip his bucket over and eat what's left in it, and I tip it on the ground for the chickens to finish up, so I thought I'd make use of it and give it to the robins. I was filling the water buckets from my kitchen window and opened the curtains while I stood there, to reveal Tigger on the dustbin, chewing thoroughly on the bird food. I love my cats, but I want these birds to stand a chance, so I shoo'ed him away.
Not long afterwards, the first robin appeared, then the second, then the third! What is going on? And then, to my surprise, a big, fat mamma blackbird appeared and scattered them. She looks 'heavy with child' to me, and is clearly eating for three. You don't mess with her. The poor robins don't get a look-in. So today I have scraped the snow off the garden table and put extra feed on there, as the blackbird can't guard both places at the same time, so the robins will still get something to eat. Today Mr O realised what I was up to, but it was too late. He'd commented on how fat the robins looked, and said he wasn't surprised if they were scoffing Allen and Page Weight Gain. It's a wonder they can take off, they're so podgy.
After we'd got the horses back in, we ventured out in the snow, across the first field to the dry stone wall, where I made Mr O climb over the electric fence and cut me down some holly. We got enough for us and for Missis. We waded back, having risked life and limb, and I arranged the holly in my galvanised bucket, which is now in the sitting room, looking exactly like a Christmas tree. I might jazz it up a bit if I get time, but it looks very good. Missis managed to get me some mistletoe, which is hanging in the sitting room window, so everything is exactly how I wanted it now.
We went out for some last minute food shopping at the supermarket, and then went up to Highfields Farm Shop. I love it in there. They sell venison and wild boar sausages and haggis. We bought a huge pork pie, and some sausages and bacon, so we can have a big breakfast after we've mucked out tomorrow. The snow on the way back was horrendous. The fog was getting worse, and had come down to meet the snow, so it was just a wall of white everywhere. I'm glad we stuck to the main roads. We won't be riding tomorrow, that's for sure.
I have a feeling I have enjoyed the preparations for Christmas this year more than I am going to enjoy the day itself, as we won't be seeing the grandchildren until Sunday. Mr O rang Abby and Ebony answered the phone. Ebony asked, "Is that Father Christmas?" Mr O said, "No, it's Grandad." Ebony said, "Oh, what do you want then?"