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Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Merry (?) Christmas, everyone!

Where have I been, having sadly neglected my poor little blog? Well... (scuffing toe in dirt)... it's complicated. Let's just say I've been living that ancient Chinese curse of "May you have an interesting life". Business issues, family issues, issues with friends... I've lived it all over the past couple of months, and if you don't mind, I don't want to rehash it here. I'm trying to look forward to the future. All in all, I won't mind seeing 2009 in the rear view mirror for a number of reasons, but there's some indications that 2010 will present a number of challenges as well. I ask your prayers and thank all of you who have stood by me with your friendship and support.

It's December... and as a lot of you know, I don't handle December well at all. It's hard for me to get into a holiday spirit when each holiday is a reminder that my father will be celebrating with us from heaven... and this year Oscar's howling to the Christmas carols there with him. I read an article somewhere that said being sad during the good news of the Christmas season is just one way the Devil wins. Could be. All I can tell you is that it's tough for me. At Richard's insistance, we did put up a small tree this year -- a tabletop model that isn't too tempting to Penny -- and the wreath is on the door. Baby steps...

And how is Penny? Rotten. Simply rotten. :) Little snot is now 9 months old. We've taken to calling her "Princess Chunky-Butt", since she's tipping the scales at 12.5 pounds and should weigh between 9 and 10. The girl loves her food! Unfortunately, we've discovered that she's prone to some of the same tummy troubles Oscar had. She had a bout of HGE in November that we got a handle on early -- having seen Oscar with it so many times, we recognized the symptoms and were able to get her to the vet pronto. It's a little concerning because it showed up in her so young; Oscar was 6 or 7 before he had his first episode, but Penny was 8 months old. I guess God knew we could handle dachshunds with tummy troubles, so he sent the Pennster to us. :)

Stitching and knitting, you ask? Well, I did go to ASG at the end of October with the girls and had a wonderful time as usual. It was great to see Ron and Rae and all the folks we normally only see once a year. The classes were delightful -- even though I now know that scrimshaw etching is "not my thing", I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to try it. Jackie duPlessis was an absolute joy to take a class from -- I loved her sense of humor -- and Rae continues to amaze me with the creative projects she comes up with year after year. If you click on the "Teachers" button on the ASG page, you can download a PDF describing the classes we took. Of course, none of the projects are finished yet. I've only finished one measly ornament and I don't even have a picture to share. I know, bad me.

Knitting-wise, I knitted up some pressies for my sisters-in-law. Pictures to follow after Christmas, because I don't want to spoil the surprise. I'm working on some socks for my mom now that I'm hoping to have finished -- simple pattern with two strands of worsted held together that goes fast, so I have some hope! I'm pondering a moratorium on stash purchases for the first 6 months of next year, but I fear that might endanger several small businesses. We'll see. ;)

I know some of you who come to my blog expect humor and something uplifting... I hope to be able to offer that to you next time. I promise not to neglect my sad little blog for as long as I did this time...

Until next time... I wish you health; I wish you happiness; and I wish you the peace and love of the Child of Bethlehem. To all my friends reading this, know that you are cherished.

Merry Christmas from me, Richard and Penny!

8 comments:

geeky Heather said...

Merry Christmas!! I'm so glad to have you as a friend.

I hope some of the 2010 cr@p goes away!

vickib said...

Merry Christmas, Jean,to you and yours! (and the New Year WILL be better! )

Shelley said...

Merry Christmas, Jean! I'm praying next year will bring you great happiness and much peace.

~Shelley

Deborah said...

Merry Christmas Jean! Glad to have you as a distant friend!
Deb

Jackie's Stitches said...

Merry Christmas! Congratulations on your baby steps!

I hope you 2010 is better than you are anticipating. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you'll be pleasantly surprised.

I've enjoyed getting to know you via Ravelry and blog land. You're a smart and funny woman. I've always enjoyed your sense of humor! I hope one day to meet you in real life!

Anonymous said...

Glad you are well enough to post. Send best wishes to your mother as you spend the holidays with family.

See you next year with all the promise of a better year.

Linda

woolwoman said...

Jean - I agree with you - 2009 has been a very tough year for many and my problems with the old house are still ever present in my life. I'll be glad to give 2009 a swift kick good bye. Our faith keeps us every hopeful for better times in the future. I hope to maybe get to see you next year and I hope you have a relaxed, peaceful Christmas and many happy stitches in the New Year! Mel

Unknown said...

There are no expectations in blogging, only joy upon seeing a new post.

May your 2010 be awesome and full of good surprises!

I am starting 2010 off right with double gum surgery. After that it can only get better!