Countdown to Christmas

Most of our first semester classes have ended for the term.  This allows us a bit more time at home and a bit less time in the van.  It couldn't come at a better time since it coincides with the Christmas Handcraft rush.  Needle felting orders are pouring in, the shop had to close down early to keep up with the demand.  Most spare time is spent jabbing wool into some lovely shape that has already been bought and paid for and expected under a tree somewhere in a week.  I feel so lucky to be a part of such a successful shop and so pleased that people are choosing my works as gifts for others.

 

The weather has been SUPER cold so we have hunkered down but not run out of things to do.  There is a list of to do's including; fibre to wash, pictures to draw, letters to write, books to read, soups to make, hand knitting, playing and snuggling.

White alpaca fibre washed and hanging to dry in front of the dehumidifier.  Only 10 garbage bags to go.

 

The cousins have huge Christmas plans this year at Disney so we celebrated and early Christmas with them before they leave for warmer days.

 We will miss you guys in our usual family traditions but know you will be thoroughly enjoying your trip!

 My Christmas came early this year.  I purchased a new to me lens with a touch of help from Ken to cover the cost.  All of my needle felting money went to this and for Christmas, Ken covered the rest.  What a wonderful gift.  It is a 17-55 f2.8.  I was really counting on the 24-70mm until I took it to Italy and realized it is still not wide enough for my DX camera.  The 17-55 is perfect for getting in the entire shot from up close.

I can even get the entire club in so belt tests and tournaments will be even easier to shoot!

 

 Oh and this shot of Anna shows how super sharp the lens is :)  Love, love, love.

While -35 is a touch cold for wildcrafting, we did manage to get some white pine needles to create this awesome pine needle syrup:

Pine Needle Syrup
Fill a jar with a finely cut up organic lemon with peel and pine needles.  Pour a thin honey up to the top.  Cover and steep for 3 weeks.  Strain and decant.  This is a delicious syrup which can be used as a beverage, poured over ice cream or used as a cough syrup high in Vitamin C.'

Plus we now have a stash of pine needles that are higher in vitamin C than lemons and will help keep our immune systems strong when taken as a tea.  It tastes like it smells, very piney and a bit astringent but a touch of honey makes it sweet and a good warming drink.

So off to finish the soup on the stove and to check on all our projects we must complete this week.  See you soon!