Charming Girls January Finishes
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I had lots of goals for the month of January for the Charming Girls Club but I only accomplished a handful.

I finished (quilted & bound) two Valentine Table Toppers (the first has been delivered)
I finished (quilted & bound) January Year of the Schnibbles project - Madeline.
I finished (quilted & bound) Year of the Schnibbles - Winter White (still need to make Cindy Lou Who, Picnic & Tuffets)

I got carried away this month with Schnibbles - finished (quilted & bound) Two Bits and Sunday Best. They weren't part of my January goals so I'll share those pictures later.
Three Piece of Cake quilt tops - still flimsies - didn't quilt & bind as planned. There's a good reason but it doesn't matter to all of you. :-)

I had plans to make a gift for a bloggy friend with a Laurel (by Moda) Jelly Roll and I selected the Sticks & Stones pattern. I came to a complete stop because I was second guessing my pattern decision. I think I like it and plan to finish it this week. Let's hope the planned recipient likes it, as well.

edit - this pattern is called Strip Stacks and it's by G.E. Designs - that's what I get for trusting my memory. Sorry for the confusion.

I'll be back later this week with my February goals & plans.

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I hope you've spent time with your needle and thread. :-)

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Thanks for stopping by - come again soon.

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In Friendship!

Between Friends Sighting

:-)

Do you remember a few months ago when I published my first quilt pattern - "Between Friends"? You can go back to my November 8, 2009 post to read more about this pattern.

You can find my free pattern here.

Bear in mind that I'm not a pattern designer - I tried my best! I hope you download and enjoy it.

I have a huge smile on my face because Lizzie at Quilting in Northern California has told me numerous times that she loves my pattern. Well, Lizzie has made a third version - guess she really does love it. Thank you, Lizzie!!!

This is from Lizzie's blog! Thank you, Lizzie, for letting me share your beautiful quilt. :-)

In Friendship!

Sewing, sewing, sewing

Oh No.....................empty bobbins!!!!

AH! Full bobbins. Bliss!!! ;-)

10 empty bobbins is a signal for me to clean & oil my sewing machine. Change the needle, too.


And, now......................
sewing, sewing, sewing!

Having a good week? Thanks for stopping by.

In Friendship!

Scrappy vs The Safe Zone

Well, hello there! :-) Have you missed me? I haven't been ignoring you, I've been spending lots of quality time with my BFF. She's ready for a little respite and I need to get caught up with YOU. :-)


Scrappy

Back when my quilting mojo went missing a fabulous designer asked if I'd be interested in doing a quilt or two for her. screeeeeech................of course! Well, I made one almost immediately because I used a coordinated Jelly Roll (the safe zone). The second quilt needed to be super scrappy. screeeeeech...............what????? I can't do scrappy..............I can do planned scrappy! But true scrappy; oh I don't know!!!!! Sigh! Well, I've been agonizing but didn't want to let her down so I finally came up with a plan and jumped in with both feet (well, three feet - mine and my machine's foot - teehee). On Friday I made a handful of blocks and sent a picture to her for her approval - she liked them. Onward! WooHoo!!! The quilt required 30 blocks, an inner border and an outer border. Guess what???? I did it - it's super scrappy - I mean SCRAPPY! The designer seems to be happy with the results but last night I dreamed that she really doesn't like it and doesn't know how to tell me. LOL - she's assured me that she really does like it. I think I'll know more after she actually gets the quilt in her hands. Sorry, I can't show you the blocks or the quilt - it's a secret. teehee!!!!

The Safe Zone

After I finished the scrappy quilt and breathed a HUGE sigh of relief I headed to my closet to find a new project and work in the comfort of the SAFE ZONE. You know a coordinated Jelly Roll, Layer Cake, Charm Squares, etc. I found 3/4 yard of a background and 2 Peace on Earth charm packs - what to do, what to do???? A Schnibble, of course, LOL. Miss Rosie's Sunday Best required exactly what I had - perfect!!! I played in my Safe Zone last night and today; Sunday Best is officially a flimsy.

Have you ever thought about Scrappy vs The Safe Zone???? What's your comfort level? Please share your thoughts with me and others.
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I hope you've been spending tons of time with your BFF (the sewing machine).
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Thanks so much for visiting - come again soon.
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In Friendship!

Quirks

Definition - a peculiarity, peculiar trait or mannerism)

Do you have a quirk or two (more)? I have several but I'm here to discuss only one. :-)

You know I usually refer to myself as a processor - for me, it's all about doing and staying busy. I don't like to 'just sit'; when I do I start yawning, release deep sighs and decide it's time to go to bed. However, if I have something keeping me busy then I'm good to go for many hours. I can spend hours in my sewing room but there are some evenings I do enjoy watching TV (NCIS, Criminal Minds & CSI, NY) so I like to have some handwork handy. It might be binding a quilt, hand applique or embroidery.

So, where's the QUIRK in that? Well, I enjoy doing embroidery but whether it ever becomes a finished item really doesn't matter to me. Silly, I know, but I seriously don't care. I could suddenly get a wild hair and decide to 'finish' one but quite frankly it's doubtful. LOL Recently I had a friend say, "Why do you do so much? Why do you bother? What are you going to do with those? I don't understand?" I tried hard to explain but she just didn't get it but does she have to - I do these because they keep me busy, they make me happy and because I can. :-)

Here's a sampling of some of the embroidery projects I've done that are just sitting in a cute box. Be still my heart. LOL

Tisket-A-Tasket by Bunny Hill Designs (2009 free BOM)


2009 Free BOM by Gail Pain Designs

Ring In The New by Kathy Schmitz

Gingerbread Men Monthlies by Cedarberry Stitches (you can purchase it as an e-pattern) I worked on these between Christmas and New Year's last month.

A few more - left to right
Sewing Bird by Kathy Schmitz, Winter Wishes by Cedarberry Stitches, Santa by Bird Brain Designs & a Fall Friday Freebie by Kaaren at The Painted Quilt.

Let me share a little story - a few months ago I offered to do some embroidery for a fellow blogger (she doesn't enjoy handwork). She said she'd think about it and get back to me but she never did. Sigh! Earlier this week I offered the same to another fellow blogger and she flatly turned me down. Oh well - I'll just keep stitching and enjoying myself. :-)
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So, do you have any quirks? I'd love to hear from you. :-)
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I appreciate your visits - come again. BTW, I have no idea what the Wabbit Daze Gang is up to in that last post - I heard them laughing, snickering and giggling. Stay tuned. LOL
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In Friendship!

Be vewy, vewy quiet! shhhhhhhhh!!!! teehee

The Wabbit Daze Gang

Two Bits, Four Bits, Six Bits a Dollar

(dating myself? LOL)

I simple couldn't help myself - I had to do it. Another completed Schnibbles flimsy - this one is called Two Bits and once again the big old copy cat that I am I used Old Primrose Inn just as Carrie did. This would be adorable in a larger version with very scrappy 4 patches.

I hope you're having a wonderful week and enjoying your needle and thread!

Thanks for stopping by - come again soon.

In Friendship!

Schnibbles & Stuff

Schnibbles, those cute small quilts, by Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie's Quilt Co, are popping up all over the Land of Blog thanks especially to A Year of Schnibbles. Carrie has been designing and publishing Schnibbles patterns for a few years now and while I own a pile of patterns I've only made two. Last year I used a Jelly Roll and made a larger version of "X-Rated" and I also made "State Fair". I joined A Year of Schnibbles and now I'm excitedly committed to making everyone that's selected & featured. When I posted my list of January goals Swooze left a comment asking what I do with my Schnibbles quilts - well use small Schnibbles type quilts as table toppers, on the back of a chair, on a small quilt rack, rolled up with others in a basket, etc.

Would you please leave a comment and share what YOU do with your Schnibbles quilts??? I, as well as others, would love to learn about your ideas.

Speaking of Schnibbles, yesterday I spent all day in my sewing room - literally all day - I walked in at approximately 10:00am and shut everything off at midnight! Truly a BLISSFUL day. :-)

I started and finished January's Schnibbles pattern - Madeline. I used Rouenneries and I'm glad it's done - I did not enjoy making this quilt - nothing against the pattern - it was the charm packs - I didn't have enough reds. Ugh!!!! I cut a strip off my backing fabric and managed to make it work. It's finished - enough said. WooHoo!!! I hoping to quilt it today or tomorrow and call it REALLY DONE!!! LOL

Saturday I received the package of fabrics I needed for borders on three "Piece of Cake" (Thimble Blossoms) quilt tops so I also spent yesterday adding borders - 2 with Simple Abundance & 1 with Cotton Blossoms. I plan to quilt these later this week and they, too, will be REALLY DONE! :-)

Have I told you lately how much I enjoy your visit? Well, I do so come again and come often.
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In Friendship!

Snowbound Blocks

(red or blue)

Snowbound January blocks will hit the post office tomorrow (Monday) Blue for Terry & Red for Kelly. Aren't they yummy?

Thanks for stopping by - please come again soon.

In Friendship!

Snowbound Winners

Wow, that was fun - your comments really made me smile and laugh out loud! I wish I could stitch a block for all of you but....whoa baby...that would be a ton of stitching! LOL

If you're not a winner this time don't despair because I have lots of fun things coming up through out 2010. When you least expect you, too, could be a winner. :-)

Surprise we have two winners - yes TWO! So.....without further ado.....

Winners................. These two ladies will receive an embroidered Snowbound block every month through 2010

#3 Terry @ Terry's Treasures

#41 Kelly @ Charming Chatter

Congratulations, Ladies, it's time to make your decisions and let me know so I can start stitching :-)

1. white or natural muslin
2. color of floss (red or blue variegated or any solid color that speaks to you)
Please don't forget to send your mailing address, as well.

Thank you so much for playing my silly game.

I appreciate your visits and nice words. Come again soon!

In Friendship!

SNOWBOUND

(for you & me) I really enjoyed working on Anne Sutton's 2009 free BOM - "Tisket a Tasket". It was fun to anticipate the arrival of a new block every month!

So, now in 2010 I'm excited about Anne's new free Block of the Month - Snowbound. Have you seen it? Just visit the free pattern section at Anne's website Bunny Hill Designs to download and print the first block.

I don't plan to applique this particular project - just embroider. If you're a regular reader of my blog then you know that I really enjoy handwork (need to keep my hands busy when I sit to watch TV or just sit) :-)

I have an offer for YOU (definition of YOU - a regular reader & commenter on my blog)

the gift that keeps on giving in 2010. I will embroider these designs two times every month - one for you and one for me!

So, leave me a comment and tell me why you'd enjoy receiving an envelope every month with a "Snowbound" block. (12 envelopes ready & waiting for your name & address)

Be prepared to make a few decisions if you're selected as the winner - stitched on white or natural muslin and red or blue variegated floss (unless you'd prefer a non variegated floss color)

Disclaimer: This is for the embroidered blocks only - you'll have to make the quilt top.
I promise to send a block every month unless something drastic happens in my life that would prevent that from happening!


Let the games begin - I'll be back on Friday morning to announce the winner! Good luck!


I appreciate your visits - remember 2010, for me, is all about "Gratitude & Generosity".

In Friendship!

Did YOU Win?

(sorry I'm late)

Who stole Monday - wow - it was a busy day! I spent a few hours taking down and putting Christmas away (yes, finally); I went grocery shopping (the pantry & freezer were bare); I boned two rotisserie chickens so I can make Tortilla Soup (YUM) later this week; met with a client (need to earn some money); quilted the giveaway table topper (struggled with the bobbin tension - huge sigh); trimmed it and sewed the binding to the front (take a close look you can see my binding clips - will finish that this morning); took a nap (I'd been up since 4:00 am); had a sandwiches for dinner (quick & easy) and finally dropped into my chair to watch reruns on TV and sew binding down-------WHEW!

I know, I know you don't want to hear about my day! LOL You want to know whether or not you won my "Gratitude & Generosity Challenge-#1".

Did YOU win??? Thank you so much for sharing how blogging has impacted your life - so many new bloggers stopped by - I hope you'll stop by again!

Drumroll please......................................... without further ado........................the envelope please..................LOL!

Deb from Mountain Musings you're the winner

(please send me an e-mail with your mailing address)

I found some cute fabric in my stash to use for the backing (I have enough for both quilts - woohoo). I hope the winner likes it. :-)



Stay tuned there will be another "Gratitude & Generosity Challenge" soon. :-)

Enjoy your Tuesday - I'm off to finish sewing down the binding! Thank you so much for stopping by - come again!

In Friendship!

I'm Back In The Saddle Again :-)

(you're singing with me, aren't you? LOL)

I'm a proud member of the Charming Girls' Quilt Club but sadly in recent months I have not been an active participant. And, I joined A Year of Schnibbles and have not completed one Schnibble project. No, I'm not hanging my head in shame - what good would that do - instead I'm getting 'back in the saddle again' and enjoying the ride.

It's time to post January projects for The Charming Girls' Club.
















1. I spent yesterday afternoon and evening working on two Valentine themed tabletoppers. One for me and one for the winner of my "Angel Lane" Gratitude & Generosity Challenge. Tomorrow I will quilt and bind them so one will be ready to go in the mail on Tuesday (winner will be announced Monday morning)

2. I saw "A Piece of Cake" pattern by Thimble Blossoms (Camille Roskelley) a couple of months ago at one of our local quilt stores but I was in a hurry and didn't stop to purchase it. Well, Sherri showed one on her blog recently and I HAD to make one, too. (BTW, you must visit Sherri's blog - she's showing two collages of projects she finished in 2009 - WOWZER). I placed an order with Camille and as soon as the pattern arrived I got busy. I've used a Cotton Blossoms Layer Cake (the darker version). As soon as my border fabrics arrive I'll finish it (quilted & bound).
(it's a terrible picture, sorry)

3. Using Simple Abundance by Moda I made more blocks and cut fabric for two more "Piece of Cake" quilts. Once border fabrics arrive I'll finish both. (quilted & bound). One is for a special friend and one is for my daughter.

4. I need to make two more quilts for two other very special friends. I'm not exactly sure which pattern or fabric I'll use so I've pulled three that caught my eye. I do plan to use the "Jelly Filled" pattern by Thimble Blossoms for one of them. Need to decide on a pattern for the other.

5. A Year of Schnibbles - Sherri & Sinta do such a wondeful job every month. I need to get caught up. I'm so far behind - I'm late - I feel like the Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland. If I make every project my name will get tossed in a hat for a drawing at the end. And, have you seen the fabulous prizes being given away every month -OMG - I need to get busy. :-) Now, I have no luck when it comes to winning but I need to try - I could be surprised. So, I need to make "Winter White "(pattern on order), "Cindy Lou Who" (need to decide on fabric), "Picnic" (need to decide on fabric), a few "Tuffets" (yes, you see a Tuffet in the picture but that's one that Carrie made for me - yes THE Carrie) and "Madeline"(pattern & fabric on order).
five Schnibble projects to make (quilted & bound)

Twelve (12) projects to finish this month. Whew! Yes, those are big and grand plans but "I'm Back In The Saddle Again" so I feel certain I can do it. Wish me luck! LOL

Thank you so much for popping in to visit with me! Come again soon!

In Friendship!

Gratitude & Generosity Challenge

(it's all about YOU)

Are you familiar with author Sheila Roberts? She's written some delightful books - "On Strike for Christmas", "Love in Bloom", "Bikini Season" & her latest book is "Angel Lane". Author Susan Wiggs says it best, "Her (Sheila Roberts) stories celebrate every woman's hopes & dreams". Here, here!!!!

I received an e-mail from Sheila not long ago telling me that she'd discovered my blog and would I be interested in reading her latest book "Angel Lane". I'd read Sheila's other books but didn't realize she had a new one. So naturally I said, "YES" and promised that I would read her book and that I would blog about it. A few days later a copy of her book arrived in my mailbox and I immediately read it - enjoying every word. :-)

On the back cover of the book it says, "author Sheila Roberts serves up a generous, openhearted story about friendships we make, the chances we take, and the lives we touch every day". Well, I find that blogging is also about friendships we make, the chances we take and the lives we touch every day and the lives that touch ours. Would you agree?

If you agree please leave me a comment and tell me how blogging has impacted your life. To thank you I will pass along the book and a little something made especially for you using the Sweet Hearts charm pack shown in the picture. I'll be back Monday morning to announce the winner.

My hope is that you'll read the book and pass it along to someone, as well.

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Thanks for stopping by for participating in my simple, little challenge.

Sheila, I hope that you're still reading my blog - thank you so much! I appreciate that you sent the book for me to read and enjoy.

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I appreciate you and your friendship - thank you for visiting.

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In Friendship!

Happy New Year!

Thank you for the Christmas wishes - we had a wonderful day! I spent a few days before and after Christmas nursing a head cold but it's finally clearing out.

I'm here to wish you and yours the very best in the new year. I hope that 2010 will be full of everything wonderful and delightful.

Personally and outside our home 2009 has been challenging for many. My family and I are very happy to see 2009 coming to an end and have high hopes for new beginnings in 2010. I could go on and on about the distress and challenges we faced in 2009 but that wouldn't change anything and only fill me with negative feelings. Sigh!

I try to choose a word every year that I carry in my heart and mind. In 2010 I want to focus on two words..... "Gratitude & Generosity".

I'll be back tomorrow, January 1, 2010 to issue a small challenge. I hope you'll check back with me.

I'm very grateful for your visits and comments! Thank you!

In Friendship and Happy New Year!!!

Merry Christmas!

In Friendship!

Happy Birthday, Mary!!!!!!

Please visit Mary at Quilt Hollow to wish her a happy birthday!!!

Christmas Surprise!

This Christmas Surprise arrived last week from Mary at Quilt Hollow! This little quilt will look adorable in my home; Mary remembered that my favorite colors are red & blue - PERFECT!

Mary, thank you so much for your incredible generosity - you've made my heart smile.

Christmas is coming whether or not we're ready! LOL! Don't stress, enjoy the season.

Thank you for stopping by to visit - come again!

In Friendship!

Dear Santa,

It has come to my attention that you have Elves assigned to The Fat Quarter Shop and they will pay attention to my wishes for Christmas.

My biggest wish is that all my bloggy friends receive everything their hearts desire.

I have very simple wants and wishes and would be very happy with a few Moda precuts (I love Jelly Rolls, Layer Cakes, Honey Buns, etc).

One of my desires is Civil War Homefront by Barbara Brackman for Moda - it's YUMMY!!!

I've tried to be a very good girl all year but please bear in mind that I Can Explain! :-)

Thank you for visiting my blog Santa and I remain.....

In Friendship!

A Heartbreaking Day

:-(

These Gingher embroidery scissors were a Christmas gift from my Dad in 1987. My parents were divorced when I was a baby and I didn't have a relationship with my Dad until my daughter was born. I'm sure there were gifts from him as I was growing up but these scissors mean the world to me because he really encouraged my love of sewing and such. I love scissors and have a delightful collection but these have been near and dear to me.

Oh the memories! They have been with me through many handwork projects - the silver is worn off in the fingers holes and that makes me smile. :-)

I didn't cry but I wanted to - why? Yesterday I was moving my stitchery project and the scissors slid off my hoop and hit my tile floor - they are ruined - one tip is bent! Huge sigh!!!!

I plan to put them away in a special box with a note in hopes that one day my daughter will find them and realize that my Dad and I are smiling down on her. :-


I will look through my collection of scissors and start making memories with a new pair. :-)

Thank you for letting me share about my heartbreak.

In Friendship!

The Sweetest Things

Recovering from the Ornament Exchange Party, a little shopping, enjoying our colder temps and a little stitching will account for happenings the past week.

I finished my Holly Jolly Cameos quilt top the week before the ornament party but I haven't quilted it yet. Why? Well, I love it but I want to 'age' it. I think it would look wonderful with a coffee and/or tea aging. I'm not sure how to do it - should I age it before or after it's quilted, would you just spray it with a mix or would you dunk the whole thing in a mix? Help!!!!




Sweet package arrived from Carrie at A Passion for Applique. I was instantly in love with the tissue wrapping paper, the tag, and tiny ric-rac. :-)


And, when I opened it I discovered an adorable embroidered, felted wool mitten filled with more tiny ric-rac and a candy cane. There was a fat quarter of red fabric (she remembered that I love red) and chocolate. Carrie, thank you so much for your thoughtful gift.



Another sweet! Years ago we discovered that all of our Christmas decorations and such had been stolen. I won't bore you with that story again this year! I did lose some collections - Santas, ornaments, cookie jars, feather trees, etc. Every year since then we've purchased a few new things and began making new memories. It was difficult the first couple of years but I finally moved on and we have treasures we enjoy. I discovered Thelma's blog (Cupcakes'nDaisies)recently and she showed her wonderful collection of Christmas themed cookie jars. Inspiration! Here's the first of a new collection - he makes me SMILE. :-) BTW, Thelma and I agree that we don't have to fill the jars with cookies. LOL


I've been doing a little stitching in the evenings. I'll share soon!
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These are busy days - take a few minutes to enjoy your needle and thread.
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I appreciate your visit - thank you and come again.
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In Friendship!

The Party's Over

Yes, the Christmas Ornament Exchange Party is now history but won't be forgotten. :-) We had a fabulous time and wish YOU could have been here.

Father Christmas waited and anticipated everyone's arrival.

And, Santa watched over everyone from the kitchen!

The Gingerbread Men were ready to stand guard over all the sweets.

Santa and his helpers have been busy baking cookies and such!

Father Christmas had name tags for all 29 guests!


The Snowman Tray was ready with 11 ornaments so a "Holiday Eye Spy" game could be enjoyed! They laughed, snickered & giggled while the game was played. LOL
There were three winners so the ornaments were split between them. :-)

After the "Holiday Eye Spy" game we played the planned ornament exchange game. OMG, we laughed so hard. Our guests had been instructed to bring their ornament wrapped and in a brown paper bag. The bags were passed out, their name tags and bags had been numbered so they were to verify that the numbers did not match. I wrote my version of T'was The Night Before Christmas" and basically had Santa driving through our community making lefts and rights to visit each guest. Everytime the words "LEFT"or "RIGHT" were mentioned they were to pass the bag to the left or the right. There were several times when someone either didn't have a bag or someone had two or three because lefts and rights were being confused. LOL When my story was over the passing of the bags stopped and they were to double check their numbers and make sure they didn't match! The variety of ornaments was incredible - cute, beautiful, sweet, adorable, were adjectives we kept hearing. :-)

Good food, good friends, laughs, giggles, hugs, kisses, etc were shared and enjoyed.
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I had party favors to send home with everyone - we spent Thanksgiving afternoon assembling the Chocolate Molten Cake mugs.
They had arrived with a brown paper bag and were leaving with the surprise mug in a brown paper bag. Married guests took two bags and single guests took one bag.


We spent lots of time preparing for the party and are happy to say that it was a success. They are all reserving the Monday after Thanksgiving next year so we can do it again. :-)
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In closing I'd like to add - this party would not have been such a success without the incredible support and assistance from my sweet husband, Ron. And, I need to acknowledge the help from my daughter, Kristie.
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And, now life gets back to normal and I'll continue to prepare for our family's Christmas.
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Thank you so much for visiting with me - I hope you'll come again soon!
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In Friendship!