~:: Backing up ::~

Gin took these shots, coming up here in October.  They were higher in the mountains than we usually go, way up in the aspen ridge.  Their timing was superb.  Reminds me of your luck, Marilyn.

Gorgeous, yes?  Wish I’d shot it.  Wish I had that camera.  Wish I’d just been there to see.

Two grandurchens.  Found them at the end of my driveway.

Scoots at the grandpersons’ house.

Crazy little dogs.  Star-shadowed pumpkins.  Remember green?  Ah, but some of you are living in it right now.  Not us, though.  Not us.

Small quilt on the hearth.  Turkey time.  Wish I still had some gravy.

This lovely bird, which I love, was my prize in a sort of impromptu and private exchange.  I think I got first prize, actually.

I found this bit of leaf on the carpet just outside our bathroom door.  Brought in by the reckless dogs, I imagine.  I couldn’t stop staring at it – it had such a perfect bird shape no matter how you looked at it.  So I sat down and argued with some sketch lines, trying to catch the charm of the thing before it dried out and blew away.

Another exchange.  This one organized by Linda – a Christmas ornament exchange.  A thing that I could not pass up.  I was paired with Emma, qui habite les Alps en France.  (Ma French – terrible.)  I made her this star.  Here is the front.

And here is the back.

And this sheep, who looks a little like a pig in sheep’s clothing, he is so fat.  Here is the side.

Here is the front.  Please do not tell me that sheep do not have blue eyes.  I already know it.  I just think it’s wrong, that’s all.  The sheep is a pattern of Linda’s, by the way.  Except for the eyes, which I made up.  And the saddle, which is a little overwhelming.  If anyone is interested, I will post pictures of all the stars I did for the season.  They’re kind of cute.

And Emma, for my two little things, sent me FOUR things – all cunningly knitted.  Four lovely things that came to me FROM THE ALPS.  And what makes it even more wonderful, she is Welsh – and ask Chaz, she will tell you all about our Welsh bloodlines and the months she spent in Wales, sleeping in a tent with a fox, and how we both feel such deep ancestral ties.  But even if she weren’t Welsh, Emma is lovely and kind, and I am pleased as anything to have met her, and that something of me is there, alive and breathing (as much as felt can do) in the French Alps.  And that the sheep has found a small friend there.  Which makes me very happy.

Another wonderful gift I got – right out of the blue – a parcel full of West Virginia bear suckers – from my dear buddy, Donna’s, buckwheat festival.  You can see those in the picture of G, trying to pretend like the dining room table isn’t covered in girlish delights (last blog).  I think there are few things sweeter than unlooked for presents from dear friends.  Mail – and love – for ME!!

And this is a picture I took of the backyard – was it yesterday?  Day before?  Can you find the Christmas deer?

And there you go.  Caught up to the end of November.  At least, here I’m caught up.  One more year, almost a wrap.