Is December Really Almost Over?

I think I say this just about every year!  Where does the time go?  Weird Humor Alert!  When I was in the 3rd grade, we saw a film strip (remember those?) about the Grand Canyon told through the "eyes" of Father Time. After he introduced himself he said, " When people ask where time goes, I tell them 'I go to the Grand Canyon!'".  This year he must have spent a lot of time there because I don't remember  having much time to myself!

The end of November saw the last of the customer quilts out the door in anticipation of a get away with my husband. Just before our daughter's wedding Joe proposed getting away the beginning of December. I had visions of relaxing on a tropical beach until he said."Let's go back to Ireland!"  Well, these crazy Americans headed over to The Emerald Isle on December 4th. We made hotel reservations for the first and last nights and had a loose itinerary for our trip-hugging the southern coast.

There were many rainbows!

The sun would come out and the scenery was breathtaking!

We found interesting places down quaint 2 way (?) lanes. 

Stunning views. 

Beautiful crystal being crafted at the Waterford Factory. I think "factory" is so deceiving. It's more a studio because every piece is made individually by hand. 

We even found "our" town!  It consisted of a church, a cemetery and a pub!

We had such a great and relaxing time. We are already planning another trip back-next time to the north. 

Came home to the Christmas rush, wrapping frenzy, and general getting the house ready for the big day. Only 2 of the girls were going to be home in addition to my 93 year old father and husband but the girls surprised me and Katie, my daughter who is currently living in Salt Lake City, flew in to surprise us!

Ally and Josh, the newlyweds, will come for a few days after the New Year.  

This week is going to be all about MY projects!  

I just finished the second top of my Dancing Lady series. I put them up to photograph last night and need to make a few tweeks now that I stand back.  I need to put together a gift quilt then I'll be back at it!  I'd like to have both done when I go back for another few classes with Ursula Kern in March for her to critique them and help me capture the movement I'm trying to capture.  I'm hoping the quilting will help. 

Got to get my workout in then back to sewing. It's a sunny morning so I'm going to sew upstairs today to enjoy the rare winter sunshine here in Michigan. 

Happy Stitching!