Saturday, December 3, 2022

T Stands for Tuesday-Getting to Look Allot Like Christmas

   Good morning Friends, ( I am posting a bit early this week)  

        T for Tuesday has come around again-time is passing by just too quickly this year for me, more so than some years. The older we age, at least for me, time seems to go faster which is odd to me since we are pretty much stay at home people now.

  Last year I didn't dig out my little tree because it and the ornaments are on the very very top of the stair case in the closet (that leads to the attic) in my craft room. That space is very full of storage containers of fabrics etc, and lots of bags of fibers for spinning. This year I decided to tackle this-and will rearrange for easier access when I put things back. It is time to go through my fiber stash and decide what I want to still spin, or perhaps felt down, or possibly try to sell on etsy.

 The large box that holds my tree is behind the row of tubs up by the ceiling, and the box of ornaments is up there to the left These tubs are all very heavy so was quite the project, and the steps are quite deep-however that does make them perfect for a storage space.



The crystal angel on top was my Moms, the elf is very old from the 50's that we picked up in Chicago during the  Christmas season-each of us kids got one-the theme that year in Chicago was elves.  When we lived at the woods house the little store usually had unique Christmas ornaments for sale-Larry picked up several fishing santas. The plastic santas were my Grandma's So this is a tree full of memory ornaments for me. Larry is Jewish so this is a better spot for me to enjoy.

   This year I placed it on my coffee table, so a perfect place to view while watching tv or reading



I put out the luminaries too with the little battery tea lights on the ledge of the wall of windows




  Going down another memory lane if you missed it I made a page for Art Journal Journey's theme by Jo of snowy winter here The page didn't start out that way but as I went through saved items it took on a life of it's own-smiles  It features CJ a bit and remembering our wolf family member Nikita

  This is the time of year that we are privileged to view the eagle pair that resides in this area  This first photo was taken Saturday morning-I stepped out the front door and really zoomed in-they sit across the road in the trees up there


and this photo I took the day before on Friday in the early afternoon. I had to look for the eagle-I heard the singing-as he/she was in a totally different spot. This might be the hen as she is larger than the male


 A week or so ago I received a surprise Christmas package from Mia. I was going to wait til Christmas so I would have something to open then-but why wait?? smiles  Mia always sends fun craft items-including papers which are much appreciated, teas, and in this package a lovely kitchen towel-some of her family is from Crete




Thank you Mia-hugs

For my drink share I have been enjoying an advent calendar of little boxes of teas. I remember a year or two ago I think it was CJ who had shared this and I thought that would be so nice for me to do. This one comes from England all the teas are organic, mostly herbal, green teas, rooibos and just a two or three with caffeine black tea, so it worked out for me. The tea bags can also give a second cup of tea, so the ones with caffeine I just do a small cup. I did think it was different that the numbers are not in order-probably part of the fun


Really nice tea bags


and my French Press coffee-in this keep hot bottle. When I went shopping last week at Wal mart I really stocked up on things so hopefully I won't need to go anymore til the end of the month-perhaps just some fresh items. I had a commuter mug for Larry on my list-didn't see them and then forgot about it before I checked out-most of the ones online have issues when you read the comments-the handles break off, or the the lids break etc-so that is still on my list.


I did finish making all of the Christmas cards last week, and placed them in our mailbox on Thursday. The international cards all went out on Monday of last week

  I am really in love still with my glass pen-which was made in Japan. I love beautiful tools so I have been browsing looking for one more. They are all a bit different in how fine they write. There are nice looking ones on Amazon's site but I don't want China made.      Looking on Etsy I found a shop with gorgeous pens-handmade in Germany here  Glassworks by Frank Liebmann Munich Germany


  This photo is the simplest of his pens he has others even more lovely All excellent reviews

  Well I fell in love with this one, like the shape better




  Enjoy your December and Happy T


61 comments:

  1. Yay for you! So glad to see your tree is up for both of you to enjoy. It’s a beautiful tree. I love that you decorate it with ornaments that hold special memories for you. The little boxes of tea make a perfect advent calendar, which I am sure you enjoy. What fun Christmas is!

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    1. Thank you Mary, I am enjoying my little tree and the teas hugs

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  3. That's very sweet of Mia sending you that beautiful kitchen towel. I don't set up a X'mas tree year...just too lazy :-// You did an excellent job decorating the tree, Kathy. Happy 2nd Advent Sunday!

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    1. Mia is very sweet-she sends out these fun gift boxes to many of her friends. Last year I really wasn't up to it-this year I talked myself into it- Happy December Angie

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  4. I am so with you - time runs!!!
    I can´t believe how the weeks speed by. It´s sad.
    Like you I will clean up! One more work ween and hopefully a week off.
    The elves-memory made me smile VERY BIG, thank you. And the others as well. You can guess I have a Henry, right? ;-)

    The hen is larger zhan the male?! Poor hen. I love to look up to "my male".

    Yay for happy mail!

    Oh, our tea-calendars are typically German. Reduced to the cause. Small. LOL. Interesting how different we all are (made).

    Don´t you do that! Now I am tempted to buy such a pen... but I know I would break it in an instant...
    Oh, it is beautiful indeed!

    Have a happy T-Day (soon), hugs!

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    1. there were many years when I was working with the phone company with forced overtime-sometimes many many days in a row before a day off-the office was 24 hours a day and every day-so if we got our one day off in the beginning of the week and then the next week the day off at the end of that week-a long stretch of days-it was rough at times so I can understand your situation.
      I am going to see if I can kind find those reindeer today-smiles
      This pen is hand blown glass by the artist and he packs them in a tube and then in a box for mailing-coming from Germany Best to store the pens the same way-and yep don't drop them-yikes. that would be heart breaking for sure
      wishing you a non stressful new week-hugs

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    2. Oh, I will never complain again! Your job sure was way more stressy!
      Ha, no. I will not give that pen a chance. It would be doomed the moment I open the package! I am clumsy! Hectical.... Snow here... so .. .white hugs and lucky days (I slipped but did not fall!)

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    3. ah first snow of the season? we are warming up this week-loving that we have been very cold 20's f rain this week too. for just being a telephone operator all the rules etc made the job very stressful and for many years allot of overtime do live near munich? the artisan that make these pens demonstrates at a museum around there

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  5. The things that we keep for a long time we will surely not remember them or they will not serve us. I once read that everything that is not used or used in 2 years must be thrown away

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    1. My craft supplies began in the late '60s and have continued to grow-I mix up my crafts-as I like to bounce around learning new things and going back to old things I could never throw things away after only 2 years-such a waste

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  6. I agree about time flying. November literally went by with the blink of an eye, for me. Lovely tree. And you're so lucky to have the Bald Eagle pair nesting for you to see, each year.

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    1. good morning Anne, time is just flying by too fast here. we are very lucky and privelaged to be able to enjoy this bald eagle pair close to the house-out our front window-really amazing early next spring they will bring this year's offspring and teach him/her to fish-that is very cool to watch

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  7. I think i'll end up buying myself one of those glass pens yet Kathy! :) I love beautiful tools also. You are so lucky to have that Eagle pair so close. I miss all the wildlife we had in AR. You've made a wonderful Christmas for yourself. Your decorations are beautiful! We've been hit by Scrooge this year so not sure what all i will do. I might just have to enjoy yours. :) Warming up this week.. some beautiful golf weather ahead . Happy Early T day! Hugs! deb

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    1. I was looking for another glass pen made in Japan but didn't find one in my price range. looking on etsy many of them are made in china-sigh-I messaged one of the shops that was selling lot and she told me china. Then I found this shop in Germany-he is a glass blower and makes the pens that he sells I had a difficult time choosing. the first photo is the simplest but decided I didn't want the thinness of the pen-I fell in love with a light green one but that one was too pricey-around 40.00 and he insures and tracks his packages so the shipping is around 10.00 or so The second one is really pretty too so decided on that one. I need to message him about inks as he made it sound like most inks would work-but the one I bought suggested lighter inks the black walnut and iron gall as they rinse clean easily
      I am enjoy the little Christmas I made for myself-hugs soon I will be baking and making candies to gift to a few friends

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  8. Such a thoughtful gift and I LOVE the small tree. We have a small one in the office. I love these sizes. Mom got me to get one after she got one. She's gone now but the memories are there and that's good!

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    1. thank you , yes this is the perfect size tree for me-it's a really nice one too. memories are our treasures-hugs

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  9. What wonderful gifts. I love your advent boxes. I am 90 percent done shopping for Christmas. I just need to decorate a bit more and bake for the few trays of goodies we gift to the local road crew and police. I also bake cinnamon rolls for work
    Cathy

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    1. I start baking and candy making probably next weekend and the following week.I have things going here this week. yum my husband loves cinnamon rolls

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  10. I'm so glad you pulled out your tree this year -- And the angel is a treasure. I'm with you on the speed of the holidays this year -- I am so very far behind. Your happy mail is delightful and seeing the eagles? Wow -- unless I catch my up-north eagle in flight, I don't see him because of the leaves, and then we are gone till next spring. Beautiful.

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    1. I am glad too I dug out my little tree, the pair of eagles is very special for sure we will see them most every day now til they start breeding again

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  11. I love your tree. Well worth the added effort. I thought the reindeer was adorable and I loved the Santa in a rowboat. Clever and adorable. Now it is definitely YOUR Christmas.

    That pen is gorgeous. I can see why youfell in love with it.

    Great to see the eagles are around. You hadn't mentioned them in awhile.

    I also got a package from Mia. It may be the only gift I get under the tree this year, since I already got a gift from Scott (a new camera and 150 (YES, 150) batteries that are NOT rechargeable.

    I love your tea advent calendar. I saw Elle's last week and even commented it was strange seeing the days were all in order, since they are normally all jumbled. It will be fun opening them every day. I hope you will eventually share them all with us for T.

    Thanks for this great post, Kathy. I LOVE the tree. I am also delighted you shared your wall of luminaries, your eagles, your pen, and your new tea advent calendar with us for T this week.

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    1. Thank you Elizabeth, I am happy too that I dug out my little tree-I love those fishing santas too there are 4 or 5 different ones
      awsome gift from Scott!! Mia's was the only gift for me too under the tree but decided to open early.
      I am really enjoying this tea advent calendar Next year I will put my own teas in the little drawers. Happy T

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    2. loved to see the eagles and your pen of glass is beautiful

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    3. Did you see Kate's advent tea calendar? The numbers were jumbled, too. I think Elle put hers in order because she is organized (grin). I believe she has had hers for several years.

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    4. I just checked my mail and guess what was in my mailbox? YES! Your Christmas card (or I THINK it's a Christmas card). I love the wax seal with the deer and snowflakes. It is awesome and came through perfectly. Thanks in advance. I will open it in time for T this next Tuesday (on Monday).

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    5. yes thank you I am finding out the advent boxes are usually mixed up now. I hadn't seen them like that before-the older ones with candy in them seemed to be in order. so glad your Christmas card has arrived-and happy you loved the seal too-that was a new one for this year. this new flexible wax I found is made for mailing-hugs

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  12. Loving your pretty pens, Christmas tree and tea advent calender. Your package from Mia has so many lovely things.
    Happy Tea Day,
    Kate

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    1. Thanks Kate I had read in comments that many use these pens in their watercolors

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  13. Hi Kathy, this is a very nice post. Some good memories too. The eagles are always fun to watch and you got some good photos. I really love those pens. Have a great evening.

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  14. Your tree looks great Kathy. My husband and some of his coworkers were discussing their Christmas trees the other day. So many people have themes. My husband said we had one-nostalgia. I even have a few I made in my childhood, including one made out of beads that I always called beady man. He really is pretty ugly, but he still goes on the front of the tree. Those pens are pretty amazing, and wow, you are lucky to see those eagles so regularly. Great photos. Have a great T day and week ahead Kathy. hugs-Erika

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    1. I love nostalgia as a theme-good memories for us we do feel very fortunate to have this pair of eagles so close we really enjoy them, I know their song now so know when they are here too

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  15. Hi Kathy, happy T Day! You have been very busy again, and your tree looks wonderful. Enjoy your nice presents from Mia! Glad you are still having fun with your beautiful, glass pen! How wonderful to have the eagles so near to you, love the photos! Have a great week, stay safe, hugs, Valerie

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  16. Dear Kathy, I love your Christmas tree with the beautiful old ornaments. The pair of eagle is amazing. I did not know that there is a glass pen and I love the idea, I think I will buy one. As for my little surprise for you, I am very happy that you like it. Of course we will talk again until then, but I wish you MERRY CHRISTMAS, my friend.

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    1. hi Mia, I did not know about these glass pens either. I bought one from a calligraphy artist that works out of her home-she has a young family, so I like to support her. I loved it so much I wanted to find one more as they all write a bit different in thickness of lines. I found this artist on etsy and fell in love with his-he is a glass blower, anxious to get it in the mail.
      we so love seeing the eagle pair and sometimes one of their juveniles too.
      Yes I love your gifts-much appreciated hugs and Merry Christmas

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  17. There's a lot to be said for a small tree, and I'm enjoying mine more than the big one we used to have. It's less intimidating somehow when I think about the inevitable undecorating. It's delightful to have decorations that date back in the family. Fond memories :)

    The eagles would be an exciting sight!

    Most of the Advent calendars I've had didn't have the windows in any particular order. I think you're right that finding them is part of the fun :) The different teas would be a wonderful addition to the season.

    The glass dip pen is beautiful!

    Happy T Tuesday!

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    1. I bought this little tree when we first moved here-I have really enjoyed it, the perfect size and came with lights too. brings out good family memories too.
      the eagles are always a welcome sight for sure.
      I didn't realize these advent calendars were mostly mixed up with the numbers-kinda fun for sure.. I have been enjoying the teas each morning.
      Happy T

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  18. Those pens are gorgeous! I am pretty good with not hanging on to stuff. We go out for Christmas Day so I no longer bother with doing Christmas decorations.

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    1. That's nice you go out for Christmas. we are pretty much stay at home people now adays. I put up the little tree for me-gives me a bit of Christmas Happy T

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  19. The pens look lovely and I can understand that you fell in love with that special one. I like your luminaries at your window, they remind me a bit of the paper bag lights in Santa Fe. Your tea advent calendar looks great - my daughter got one, too, this year. I only know advent calendars with the numbers out of order - that is so much fun to look for the "door" of the day. I absolutely love the pair of eagles, how wonderful to have them so close.

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    1. In comments I had also read that many watercolor artists use these pens in their work. Years ago when we lived in Illinois-I would do the outdoor luminaries-some years very cold to do that. I used sand on the bottoms and real candles inside-never had a fire, which I was concerned about back then-they looked so pretty in the snow.
      Yes I am finding out that this is normal for the advent calendars not to be in order-it does add to the fun. we are very blessed to have this pair of eagles living nearby-don't know where their nest is. Happy T

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  20. What a nice box of happy mail, looks good. I like your tea advent, quite often they mix up the numbers so you have to look for them - more fun as you say. Happy T Day! Elle/EOTC xx

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  21. The tea thing is so cute! I love the look of those pens-I had never heard of a glass one. I LOVE your Christmas card-thank you so much! I always get happy when I see a card from you in the mailbox! Hugs!

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    1. This has been fun every day too-a cup of a different tea each morning. these pens are very cool to use too-perfect with my black walnut ink. so glad you liked the card-hugs

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  22. Your Christmas tree and decorations are so pretty especially the luminaria. Yes, I had an tea Advent calendar that I bought as my gift to me a few years ago. It was wonderful sampling different teas each day to countdown to Christmas. The numbered boxes turned around to make a puzzle. It was an advert for the tea company! 😺The glass pens are so pretty. Happy T Day

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  23. Thermal mugs at TJMaxx were quite a nice variety. This time of year I check out the mugs there because ceramic wise, they can have interesting ones.
    Your lovely card arrived! It is center stage. Mine will go out soon.
    Your tree is beautiful with the luminaries in the window.

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  24. Your tree looks so pretty Kathy, and lovely memories too. I have a beautiful angel that belonged to my grandma, too big for our tree though. I like to have a star on top of ours anyway.
    We had a tea advent calendar last year, with lots of lovely festive blends. Our advent calendars here in the UK are usually not in order. It's fun to search for them every day :D
    How wonderful to spot those beautiful eagles. I get excited when I see a red kite flying over our little bungalow.
    Hope you have a great weekend.
    Alison

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    1. thank you, yes I usually place a star on top of the tree too, but this angel fits perfectly. This tea advent calendar does come from England-I am liking that the numbers are mixed up too.
      the eagles are awesome to view for sure but red kite would be very fun to see too-hugs happy weekend

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  25. Kathy I think your pens are lovely. Your tree is so very pretty. I enjoy the thought that when you are watching tv or reading you can enjoy it. Hope you have a delightful weekend friend. Hugs!

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  26. I do like your tree and your pens are very nice.

    I agree with you about time (days) flying by.
    No sooner it's Sunday when Saturday night is upon us!

    It's getting colder here in the UK, much more like December weather.

    Take care.

    All the best Jan

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    1. we were really cold here for awhile-no snow or ice though, this week much warmer hugs

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  27. The eagle pair photo is amazing and beautiful glass pens! Enjoy!

    -Soma

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  28. good evening, thank you so much-I am loving the glass pen-fun to write with

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