Passing the Deadlines

Good Morning Everyone! I feel much lighter this morning now that I've finally got my brother's package off in the mail yesterday. He has two young boys, and I never know what to get them for Christmas. This year I left the shopping far too late and missed the mailing deadline for guaranteed Christmas delivery. Not too worried about that, however, as it's only two days past the deadline. 

At the very last minute I decided to make my nephews some pillowcases in addition to their other presents. They have recently acquired a second daschund (wire-haired), and are quite in love with all dogs (including Cody of course). Off I went to the fabric store to find a dog print, and was happy to find one in two colourways ... blue and brown. As soon as I got home, the fabric was tossed into the laundry for pre-shrinking, and then it was a sewing frenzy that afternoon and late into the evening.

It's the details that slow me down. Seams were finished off nicely. A little contrast fabric on the ends, topped with jumbo rick-rack. And a pocket was added to each pillowcase for a furry friend. 

Even though my nephews are getting past the plush toy age, I know they still secretly like them. And I found a little plush dog to go into each pocket after searching in every store I went into yesterday, I finally found two while buying the mailing box in the office supplies store of all places! Don't you love those pleading eyes on the tiny golden retreiver ... "Please take me home". His new owner will be my quiet, shy nephew, and the fox terrier will go to his rambunctious brother.

The parcels were all wrapped, boxed, addressed and popped in the mail by late Saturday afternoon. I was exhausted by the end of the day!

I had already had a long tedious drive to visit my dad on Saturday morning. A tractor trailer had rolled over and spilled paper products all over the highway, and only one lane of three was getting through. so. maddening. And then Dad, who was alert, in a good frame of mind, who knew who I was and I thought everything was going to be good ... fell asleep half an hour after I got in. Well, at least we decorated his room with a bit of Christmas cheer. I took over his own pinecone wreath and a small tree and he helped me put the decorations on the tree, then ZZZzzzzzz. I stayed on and knit him a little snowman and hung that in his window before I left.

Today is "Put up the Christmas Tree Day" ... also later than normal. I think I'll be pressed into baking some cookies this afternoon too. The living room is still slightly disheveled, but not too severe with all kitchen things back in the kitchen. I took over the kitchen table with my sewing on Friday, and I have to get that packed away too. It's going to be a busy day of setting this house back in order and getting it decorated properly. 

It's pretty gloomy out there today, so probably no photos of my decorations and kitchen until it brightens up. 

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you're all enjoying your weekend!

Wendy