Best/Worse/??? learn today?Chat with friends..all welcome

Omg Susan, lol you just might be... you'll be top dog! Is it something that engineers can do at mother company or do you think they will have to continue running the Calgary branch? No wonder you are fretting!

Ann and aunt Muriel came for tv bingo, no, we did not win..boo hoo

Today I focused and finished one of the quilts, thrilled with that..2 more to go

Ann brought over the 2 cross stitch Xmas stockings she just finished..gorgeous, took a photo..sad to see the name Mike on one, she had started it several years ago and felt she should finish it.

Debbie, hints, who is your dude. Lol

Ann's xmas stockings

finished one of the quilts

mom's quilt I picked up at the quilting group

inset

Oh Betty, if Mom doesn't like it....send it over! That is so beautiful. She will be thrilled.

My "Dude". I don't have a dude....I have a dudette. LOL If you are referring to my Santa Buddy.

You want hints? Ummm.....someone who hasn't received their box yet.

Betty, those stockings are wonderful that Ann did!

Your quilts are so pretty! Lots of hand stitching I bet?

And that quilt your Mom did is beautiful! Love the work she did, and the quilters did a great job! Is it your quilt now, what bed will you put it on? Does it take her long to do all that cross stitching?

I haven't received my box yet............

Lol Debbie, you are a brat...I typed buddy, it changed to dude..mind of it's own

The quilt was cross stitched by mom and quilted up here..she'll give it to someone..has all kinds so not something she will keep!

LindaKay, I received one last year, same pattern but in pink, same ladies quilted it..in the closet

Ann's stockings have so much work in them!

I love the stocking with the fairies....... so sweet!!

You don't want me to ruin the surprise do you? WELL....they live in a COLD state! Hows that? hehehe

Your Mom did all that work? Wow! Love the yellow roses, my favorites. And yes...those stockings are just beautiful.

And I can't even handle a simple craft project. (Throws self on floor...kicking...holding breath).

Ok, over it.

Beautiful work your Mom does Betty...I do cross stitch but boy that would be WAY too much for me to handle.
Amazing handquilting those Ladies do...did you pay much for it?

Love Ann's stockings...so bittersweet it must be for her to see her DH's name on the stocking.

Mary!!! I am hyper and full of energy and it is YOUR fault...lol...OMG I have to stop eating the chocolate before bedtime...lol

HAHA Deb... MEE too.... Laura ... You got some WONDERFUL PRessies from Betty ! Just perfect for you ! Debbie - i have a hot Tub here.. hint hint...I'm only a short 16 hour drive away ya know... LOL...

Barb... If you liked Whirligig I think you would like Seedfolks. I also sent Susan "Seek" and Dianne "Minds Eye" but not sure if they like those.... Best one was Whirligig... though... IMHO... (in my humble opinion)
Susan... SO glad your bronchitis is GONE ! Tell it to take my whooping cough with it... LOL... actually I'm much much better...

What a Whirlwind day... GOT up VERY early which was great because traffic behind me was horrendous and I made it to work on time.... worked all day... and our office party was tonight. I had already sent "regrets" but my work friend told me I really need to go because my BI#*)& I mean, my Boss would be upset if I did not go.

So I went... and stayed for an hour or so.... then went home. About the time I got into the neighborhood I noticed everything was DARK...entire subdivision out of electriicty ! (Hydro to my northern friends). So was very eerie....with Police helicopters flying overhead....
Then by the time Hubs got home the power was back....
and...
I...

HAHA Thea! It's because it's GERMAN Chocolate ! LOL

any way...

And....

I....

Noticed...

I had a


BOX......

YES A BOX ! The kids put it on the sofa.....

Ohhhhhhhhhhh open it!!!!!

Can`t wait to hear what you got and from whom!!!!

Dear Santa Warren;
I Must have been a REALLY GOOD GIRL THIS YEAR ! My Christmas Swap Gift Came today !
I Can't believe how My BUDDY DIANNE could have picked out the MOST PERFECT items for me... and the box seemed bottomless... presents kept coming....
Between Oohing and Ahhing over present after present...I read the letter Dianne sent and that is when the tears of joy and happiness came to my eyes ... Because somehow Dianne found the PERFECT gifts for me.
(quick note... laughing about Dianne's "stationary" since that's the same "stationary" I used when writing Thea ! LOL)
Of course I LOVE everything so much...however the piece de resistance for me... is this... a donation in My Mom's name to the Princess Margret Hospital in Toronto, where a dove with her name on it hangs on the wall of the foyer with hundreds of others.... (tears welling up)... Mom is smiling at us all and My heart is full.
As if that weren't enough.... Dianne also made a donation in memory of Mom to the Princess Margaret Lodge run by the Cancer Society. The Cute little Beaver also was purchased to benefit a local Teen Help Group....
My cup runneth over... and ALL This even before.... (Taking a deep breath).... GORGEOUS Hand made and original design Stained Glass piece... it will go in my kitchen window Dianne....as well as Christmas ornaments and Hearts beautiful work....Canadian Maple Syrup... and Locally made Candy... Leather Handmade coasters with Ontario's Flower (they are beautiful !). Oh...and LOVE this... a Local Cookbook with proceeds to go to "Find a Doc Fund".... I LOVE These cookbooks... I have some from my Floridian Grandmothers but I've never had one from anyone else much less so far away... I think I will read it like a book... so I don't miss anything... Saw a Bunch of Rhubarb recipes! LK , I'll have to plant that rhubarb! Also saw a Maple Syrup Pie Recipe .... Lots of YUMMY Soup recipes... Cauliflower, etc. Can't wait to try ! Precious Soft Socks... Perfect for Christmas Night / Morning... Burts Bee's lotion and foot lotion... I've ALWAYS wanted Burts Bees lotion but never bought any for myself ! Icewine Brandy for Hubs and I and a "Night without Teens" LOL.....Yes - Dianne..! And See's Dark Chocolate... I've read recently that Dark Chocolate is good for coughs... will tear into that asap....
(((HUGE HUGS)))) Dianne...... (((HUGE HUGS)))) Warren ! Ya'll know me better than I know myself. Lance read the letter and said "WOW."..... wow.....

Mary, your not fast enough!

Mary, love those pressies, and she could not have chosen anyhing more personal for you! Great job Dianne and Santa Warren!

Awe YES ! LK and Thea ! Perfect... Perfect ! ((HUGS)) I'm overwhelmed !

Ohhhh what beautiful gifts you received!!
We all share the joy with you and what thoughtful donations in memory of your DM...made me all leaky eyed too!!! Loveeeeeee the stainglass Dianne!! Wish you would still be selling them!!!

Mary, now you know how I felt opening your gift box!!!

Ohhhhh and forgot to tell Laura that I enjoyed seeing all the great goodies she received from Betty!!! Wanted to ask ...are those little penguins from Betty too?? Anddddd did Betty painted them??

So Happy ! And Very Happy that LK and Thea Are "here" opening the box with me ((HUGS))
Still Overwhelmed !

Sitting here with tears.....knowing what special gifts that donation and dove are!

What wonderful treasures! Oh such beautiful stained glass!

NOW, can we get an update from Dianne on how her day went.

Yep...we need an update from Dianne...while we all wait I let you all taste my home made berry liqueurs...

Why can`t we all live closer together...would be soooooooo much fun just sitting and talking.

Bringing up the rear here in the night shift! Mary I am so glad the box got there safely. As you all know cancer has played such a big part in my life these last months and I am so indebted to the Cancer Society for all of their volunteers and the time they put in. Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto and its Lodge is near and dear to my heart having spent so much time there and knowing sometime in the future I will have to go back for another lengthy visit. The Cancer Society volunteers in that hospital and Lodge ROCK!!! The See's chocolate is well travelled Mary - it came to you via Verona but beore it came to Verona it was sent from Honolulu. Long story!!

Yes Thea I sure do wish we could all share those homemade liqueurs.Pretty achy day for people like us today wasn't it? Did you get any freezing rain? There was just a titch on my way in this morning to Kingston but then it was just fat rain for most of the day.

Santa Warren's C Scan went well - they took him in before schedule - that is unheard of at KGH!! The Palliative Care Dooc wanted to see him right after the scan even though she is seeing him Dec 23. Turns out she goofed on the date today and wasn't even in the CC at all. DH is having a very difficult time breathing tonight - I just spent over an hour calming his panic because he is having trouble catching his breath. If he didn't panic his breathing would be laboured but he could breath - the shortness of breath wakes him up and that scares him. Doctors Stormy and Quill were right there to lend a hand too. The good news is Quill is doing really well, has a little skip in her step when she goes outside, is very aware of everything going on and even has gone for some very small walks with me. The vet is shaking her head!

Going to try and get some sleep - going to try and talk to the parts of my body tonight and get them to rest. Maybe I can bore myself into some sleep. Had a fire tonight Judy! Our thoughts are with you as you lose another member of your family - huge armwraps too!
Dianne

Edited to add that Santa Warren and I are hoping we can carry on with the Christmas Swap tradition in 2012.This has been so much fun and we have really enjoyed reading and seeing what everyone got!

This message was edited Dec 14, 2011 3:30 AM

Morning everyone! Guess I will continue the night shift, or begin the morning shift! Coffee is ready!
Dianne, sorry to hear that Santa Warren is having breathing problems like that! Hope you got him rested enough to get some sleep!

Morning all,
Starting my morning crying...you've got it, read both Dianne and Mary's post..that did it..

Cancer took Roger in 3 weeks so there was no Princess Margaret, but Ann recently had use of their care for Mike..what wondrous things they do..Mary what a special gift..your mom is indeed smiling on both you and Dianne!

Ohhh that stained glass piece is exquisite..ahhh now look at all the Canadian goodies, do you think Dianna and Santa Warren are trying to lure you here?? It's the same 16-18 hours to our neck of the woods!

Best get my gear together and start my day!!

Good morning everyone...could have slept a few hours more but my DH forgot to shut his alarm off yesterday and he was gone for the night for a sleep study!!

Dianne...we had no freezing rain yesterday...just drizzle and grey all day. This morning is soooooooooo foggy can barely see my neighbors house.
So sorry to hear about Warrens breathing problems...it would make everyone panik not being able to breath proper. Have you tried or ever heard of "Rescue Remedy" (Bachflower)...it comes in spray, drops, gum or little pastilles. I use it whenever I have anxiety and it is homeopathic...maybe that would be something to calm Warren down. Big hugs...praying that his breathing improves.

Ohhhhh I would really like to continue the Christmas Swap as well in 2012. This Swap brought/brings so much joy to everyone...and all those thoughtful and awesome gifts we all receive. It is not just that we only enjoy our own gifts but we enjoy what everyone else is receiving as well!!
Hope you are able to sleep for a few hours to rest your body and mind.

Have safe travels to work Betty!!

You ladies just overwhelm me with your kindness and generosity. Santa Warren and I want to thank you soooo much for the lovely gift. Betty should be called Santa's Helper ( or maybe even Mrs Claus!) - her choice of your gift to us was perfect. I have it in the kitchen in an area where I have 2 other Christmas items that light up. Not only do they make that area of the kitchen brighter we can also see it when we sit by the woodstove. That is where Santa Warren spends a lot of his time right now so is delighteed to look at the glass blocks with the lights and a perfect coloured ribbon.

You all did no have to do this, it was our pleasure to do what little organizing that was involved completed.

Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Christmas is special for the 2 of us anyway as my BD is Dec 28 and that also is our anniversary. This Christmas means even more to the two of us and you all have helped make it even more wonderful than we dreamed.

Huge hugs

Dianne

Santa Warren got his new laptop this morning. He totally did not expect it! I shouldn't have fretted so much as he is loving it and hasn't even found any games yet. At least now when he is having trouble breathing in the night he can sit up and occupy his time. He is having the terrible twitches again so is having an awful time holding a book steady - won't have to worry about that with this.His brain MRI is Dec 29 at 7:45 pm. Sure hope the weather co-operates. I am thinking about lining someone up to drive him as my night vision is not great at the best of times.

Make sure you all do something nice for yourself today!
Dianne

Glad to hear he loves his laptop! Santa Warren if your reading, we all send a big HELLO to you as well as big ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))!!!

Ohhhh Santa Warren and laptop, now he can get into mischief.. waving Santa!!!

It's quite mild out there, nice for everyone shopping..keep it up Mother Nature until Christmas Eve, then let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!! Want everyone to be safe in their Christmas travels..

Big sigh, took today off, had blood , xray and some other testing to be done, so fasted as required..left early for hospital, always busy/busy so brough a quilt to work on (snowmen needed eyes) lol got there and the entire hospital parking lot was filled, thought it will be a full day of waiting for sure..registered..first in line, went down to blood dept..1st ticket drawn so within 5 minutes I giving blood, 28 viles worth..then off to the xray dept. (1 lady other than myself) did the hand elbow and feet then off to the other department for major test..drats, specialist didn't sign the requisition so I sat while they tried to contact specialist and my Dr. My doctor on holidays,
couldn't reach specialist so that was that..came into work, why waste a day..

Good morning! And thank you for the coffee LK. Boy, you were up early today! I'm so happy to hear everyone is getting their presents. Dianne, the donations were a wonderful and thoughtful gift.

Betty how do you figure that them taking 28 vials of blood to the lab to find out is a waste of a day???????? Sucks your doc forgot to sign the forms though. There's a very good chance you still have venom from that spider bite running in your body and you have to find out, that could make you go septic, happened to my friend's husband 2 1/2 years ago at 33 years old, she was 29 and they have a 4 year old son, he's now 6 years old.

((((((((((((DIANNE AND WARREN))))))))))))))))

Took the day off yesterday, got ALL of my Christmas shopping done, me and the same friend mentioned above got out and got r done!

Before I get back to work all day, I have to show you this. We went to my favorite antique mall and look at this what once was someone's kitchen!

This is one side of the booth

Hope you had fun Crissy!

Bet you feel better Crissy having that behind you...now you'll be able to enjoy the holidays not fighting the crowds.

Blood wasn't a waste of time but taking time to go in, pay for parkings, not eating and then not being able to get all done to me is a waste..but glad I got some done

Here's the other side of the booth

Crissy I remember my aunt Mary had a terry cloth couch that was that color of yellow. Softest thing ever...we could pull the cushions off and make "forts". We also had a table that the top was a formica....and a bright color similar to that.

How retro..love the bright colors!! I can recall a few of those items
Wish we had someone similar to go walk/look and get ideas..those were the days lol