Happy holidays

At gillybean's garden the lead up to Christmas has been alternating between quite manic and then subdued. Today I spent half the day tidying my room and the rest of the day lying in it. I tried to upload more photos but haven't had any success today. So you will have to imagine the little pot pourri (from my garden) pillows inside these packets for the "fabulous Aunts" My Dad's older sisters; op shoppers and thriftier extraordinaries, creative cooks, inspiring crafters, self esteem builders and generally good examples of givers. The afore mentioned red Christmas stockings weren't up to scratch so were unraveled. I 'm pleased with these though, the wrapping is from old patterns from a German sewing magazine.


On the manic front the garlic is getting to that stage where it needs to be dug, I did some on the solstice and deduced it wasn't quite ready but must keep an eye on it now so it doesn't get mildew. The ones I dug need peeling, drying and plaiting. The red currants have been picked and stored in the freezer, but I noticed the blackbirds are feasting on the black ones. Poppy seeds are being collected in paper bags and plums picked to either be made into sauce or fruit leather. We're still harvesting heaps of cucumbers but only one tomato a day yet. Basil is rampant! Have fingers crossed for melons, can't believe we've had the longest day already. Weather's been HOT so the kids are swimming at the school pool heaps, the 6 week summer school holiday bliss has already worn off and I havn't even had a decent sleep in yet.


Quiet moments are being spent knitting and checking to see if the chickens have hatched. Also I'm desperately trying to figure out if I am meant to give up crafting and mothering full time and get a real job or WHAT!! Does Christmas and New Year do that to anyone else?


Our kids have had an early Christmas because their Dad has to work tomorrow. Santa will visit them tonight though. We will all go to Church tomorrow and then spend the rest of the day with family. I hope everyone who reads here has a lovely day whatever they are doing. Thanks so much for all the connection you've provided this past year while I've parented on my own, it's almost like having someone to talk to in the evenings.Thanks Christy for the Christmas card it made my day and if that picture is of one of your quilts I am in awe! Happy New Year to you all if I don't find the time to post before then.