Merry Christmas and Peace Be With You....

To all my blogging friends. P.J.

Peace on Earth....Goodwill to Men

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I want to share something with you that really warmed my heart. I had read an article in the local paper of a theft that occurred at a veteran's home up north in the state. My workplace had organized a Christmas card signing by all the employees for thousands of cards to be sent to deployed soldiers, employees' family members stationed away from home and to the veteran's homes around the state. I sent the article to one of the senior managers on the committee who coordinated this event, wishing we could help with a donation. Well the team effort that went into action to make this happen was a gift in itself...



The group of employees who delivered the cards and a holiday flower arrangement now also had a decent size donation as an additional surprise. I wish I could have been there to experience the joy first hand, but the weather was a bit dicey for the 3 hour drive, but the folks who went shared pictures and stories with me. The veterans were so thrilled and tickled to receive this visit and the cards. The employees were moved by the pride these veterans showed in having served their country and enjoyed hearing the stories they shared. Hearing the stories moved me to tears, something so simple could bring such joy. The donation was for the residents fund to be used for personal necessities or fun for the veterans; from simple things like a hair cut to having a holiday party. I learned that a group of those veterans were going on a trip to the mall this past Friday so they could pick up a few gifts. This experience was a gift for all of us; those who helped make this happen, those who delivered and received the cards and holiday cheer. Goes to show how much value is in a smile and a handshake. May we all find a bit of joy this holiday, simple joy.

Wishing you all a very joyful holiday with your friends and family.

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Here is a finish of a freebie I picked up over at Plum Street Samplers. I filled this with balsm to send to the Navy Girl. She said she has it tucked under her pillow. Although Maine is not her favorite place she does love the smell of the Balsms when we are in the woods. Made with love.

A progress report on a PS Snowman with Birds from Book No 157 - Holly Days

A little bit of stitching is better than nothing.

Plan to finish this one into a balsm pillow as well. Mmmmmm.

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Peace, Love, Joy

Keep on stitching, P.J.

While the merry bells keep ringing...

I am a sentimental gal. I love the classic Christmas songs sung by; Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Ertha Kitt, Judy Garland, Andy Williams...to name a few. You can keep the corny stuff, with only a FEW exceptions.

So, Happy Holidaaaays....HAPPYYY HOLIdays....While the merry bells keep ringing...May your every wish come TRUUUUE!

Not much going on with the stitching business, extremely busy at work, weekends loaded with holiday happenings, etc, etc, etc. We did find time to get our first real tree in over 20 years. I wanted to add a little something special to our Christmas this year, being it is our first without our daughter at home. She will be heading up to my Aunt's in Maryland for a weekend before Christmas to enjoy some family festivities. Doing one of our favorite things; driving all over kingdom come looking at Christmas lights. She will have soooo much fun. My Aunt already has the BIG ONE checked out.

Here are some pictures of our tree-venture and a decorations around our humble abode.

 

On the hunt

for a tree

 

O' Tannenbaum

 

Entry Table

 

 

 

 

Holiday glow

 

Psst... Santa's coming to town!

 



Happy Thanksgiving

Home again, home again jiggity jig...

Well we made it to Baltimore with great time and fun. We headed down on Thursday night after Sandy had made land. We took a more inland route but still saw major wind damage up close around Princeton and was prepared for limited access to gas. From NY to PA the pumps were closed. We saw hundreds of power company trucks heading north once we hit PA and MD. We spent a couple of days with my aunt and uncle, cousins and their kids. We made a visit to Grandma too. The Navy Girl made it back to VA Beach on her first big solo trip, all fine and well. Once I got back to Maine I turned around after a day home, to travel to FL for a conference for four days. Whew...I am glad to be home. No time for stitching, BUT I am headed to my GF's for a S-n-B weekend. Hope to get a few gifts stitched up. I will try to get some stitchy updates soon. Just plain frazzled from my travels and getting caught up with work. I have kept up with most of your updates. Hoping those still dealing with the fall out from Sandy are getting the help they need. Keep on stitching.... Take care, P.J. P.S. Yesterday was the 14th anniversary of the day hubby and I met. We met on Friday the 13th. We celebrate every month on the 13th. I know corny; we like to see who can wish a happy anniversary first on the 13th. He usually beats me... I remember all day on the 12th then I forget in the morning. I have been known to wake him up after midnight to get the first wish. :D