Parsonsfield, Tubas, Tomatoes, etc.

I finished Parsonfield (the top only) a few weeks ago but have had trouble getting a good photo.  Lori's quilt is white leaning to greys.  I knew I'd be happier with whites, creams, and tans.

Who knew low-volume/pastel quilts were so hard to photograph?!  In real life, the colors are somewhere between these two photos.  The above photo was taken with a flash, the photo below with natural light.  My top measures 23" which, I think, is slightly larger than Lori's. 

Parsonsfield was a sewalong offered by Lori of Humble Quilts.  I'm linking this post to Lori's linky party along with others who finished the quilt.  Thank you for recreating this little quilt and giving us the opportunity to recreate it, too, Lori.

Attending Merry Tuba Christmas has become one of our Christmas traditions.  This past Monday we enjoyed hearing the tubas play Christmas carols.  I like to sit in the balcony where the sound flows up from the tubas and descends from the ceiling to envelope me.  I think it must be like sitting in the middle of the stage surrounded by tubas.

It's hard not to appreciate the glitz and glitter (even though it's not my usual style) of the tubas.  In this photo, above, the players were giving a tuba cheer which is causing the blurry appearance.  Since their hands aren't free to clap, they lift and lower their instruments again and again.   It's a fun sight to see in person and almost as fun on video.



You can watch the tuba cheer at 17:20 minutes.  And you can hear one of my favorite tuba Christmas songs, "Santa Wants a Tuba for Christmas," with its history, beginning at 23:54 minutes.

We've had more than a few days with beautiful blue skies.  Of course, the weather has been cold and we've had wind most of those days, but it's been great to see the sun.  We did have two really grey days and one snowy day with snow that stuck to the ground.  I've always loved snow but I'm finding more and more that I love it most when I'm watching it through a window in a warm house.  Snow or not, freezing temperatures or not, I won't get to stay inside this winter with Nona here.  I may have to invest in some warmer winter wear.

The tomatoes are ready for Christmas!  I, on the other hand, am having a hard time, not just getting ready, but even wanting to get ready.  My theme song for this Christmas could be, "Where Are You, Christmas?"  The usual joy of the season has bypassed me.  Not that I haven't done some preparation.  The gifts are bought, but not wrapped.  We put up a small tree and added lights, but no decorations.  There are candles in the windows but only because they're in the windows  year-round.  Our front door has no wreath and I haven't pulled out any other decorations.  I haven't baked cookies or made candy.  I'd rather sleep or read, or maybe stitch or watch a movie, than do anything else.  I push myself to do, but my heart's not in it.  Dear Christmas, where are you this year?!  I realize that some years are just like this and accept it.  Next year's Christmas will probably be a wonderful one!

I hope you're making great memories this holiday season!

--Nancy.