TYING UP THE END OF 2011

A while back, I found a darling cookie mold at the thrift store. I conferred with Rachel ( Somewhere in the Middle ) about her making salt dough ornies, using the mold. She said she would give it a try. Just look at the darling ornies she made. She also made me some with the little wagon on wheels beneath. I am loving these. Thank you so very much, Rachel. You did a great job. I am very proud of my little flock. 

I love prairie dolls. Jean of Prim Crafts sent me this little sweetie. Thank you so much, Jean. She beautiful. She is the perfect gift for me

When Angie had her Open House, her dear friend, Brenda, set up a booth of her handmades. Angie called me as they were tearing down and said Brenda wanted to speak to me. She asked if I wanted to trade some of my pillow tucks for her handmade mice. I had been admiring Angie's picture of said mice and quickly said YES! I had no idea she was going to send me such delightful vignettes. This darling is sitting in a cast iron kettle on a real stone with an oak burr.

 This one is real furry and sits on a mousetrap with tiny acorns and kernels of corn. He has a long, curly tail.

This one is my favorite. She is sitting in a silver tray with bittersweet and evergreen and a burr. She has big blue eyes. Brenda, these are perfect little mice. I will be using these in my decor for a long, long time! Thank you so much for liking my tucks well enough to make these precious critters for me. And, as for the real thing, I don't like them so much--or at all!

I wasn't very creative with my new crock. I just added a quilt, but a quilt I love the colors of.

Carol, Firecracker Kid, included a rolling pin sleeve in my Christmas card. Thank you so much Carol! I haven't yet tried printing the labels, but I stitched some so that my rolling pin rack would be full. I was inspired. I have about 50 more rolling pins so I will try that labeling thing!

I found these 2 prints at Goodwill Tuesday. Do you think this looks alright? I'm undecided.
I also found 2 Vera Bradley handbags ( for $2.99 each!). I love them. Sara turned me on to Vera Bradley a couple years ago and I haven't carried anything else since. I even have an eyeglass case and a coin purse. Yes, I am a handbag snob now, thanks to my daughter.
To tie up 2011 completely, I have to do a final financial report, help with utility bills, do the 4th quarter sales tax and swear in the new administration, but it is light work compared to other months. I am looking forward to truly being retired and only having to balance my own checkbook!
The snow is sure to fly soon, making indoors a favorable place to be. The eagles will be gathering at the river, making for some pleasant birdwatching.
Happy New Year, my friends. It has been another wonderful year despite the sadness and sickness, the trials and tribulations, the weather and the worries.....    I have enjoyed my time with you all.
Gratitude:**I am thankful for every day that God has given me.**