Sunday

Welcome to the last day of November.  Tomorrow will see the start of my Advent blogs but more about that further down.

Thank you for the lovely, kind comments yesterday.  It set me thinking about the wide range of decorations that have to go on that tree.

There are . . .

decorations that I have made, ones that Beth has made, Mum and friends

decorations that I inherited from Mum and Dad's collection, including some beautiful ones they bought in Germany (I think) that are smocked

decorations that were lovely gifts from children in my classes and their parents - the more fragile, paper ones didn't last, sadly, but they had pride of place on my tree that year

decorations from places I have visited - e.g. cities, shows and Center Parcs

three very posh Liberty owls that I splashed out and bought after Beth saw an ad in the Sunday Times colour supplement - yes, they were ouchily expensive but I love them and put them carefully away each year in their original boxes (you can see one of them in the photo below)

decorations that I bought because I like to get one new one each year if, and only if, I see one that I absolutely love

fillers - just shiny red and gold baubles - they go on last

So much happiness and memory . . .

Yesterday was a pretty quiet day.  I finished Beth's loaf and took it and Alex home, went to Morrisons for a few things I had forgotten and then spent the rest of the day doing a bit of tidying up and then crafting and watching stuff on the telly.
I loved the Strictly Instant Dance challenge - it was so funny and so spontaneous.  I hope they keep that for next year.
I know who should go out and I am sad because they are my favourites.  However, it would be unfair if anyone else went - although we know Strictly is not just a dance competition, don't we?
I will know tonight - I always manage to avoid those idiots who think it funny to spoil the surprise and post the results earlier.

Today has a bit more going for it.  I need to just do a bit of tidying up and then Beth, Alex and two friends are over for a light buffet lunch and a good chat.

And then it is tidying up and more crafting. And the strictly results and Game of Wool.

And tomorrow it is the start of the Advent month - in the way of calendars, etc, rather than the Church Advent time.
As always, I will be doing my Christmas Music calendar in here.  Yes, most of them will be repeats because that's the music I love but it is only once a year so, really, that's not so bad, is it?
I will also be starting the Jacquie Lawson Advent Calendar with it always such a joy and delight and so much more than worth what it costs.  I've enjoyed them since the very first one and it's a major part of my December.

And there's the candle, the jigsaw and my own calendar comprising a little cross stitch that Beth gave me as well as my blanket challenge and a few little nick-nacks each day.  I have no idea how the blanket is going to pan out but it will be fun.

Oh - and the Advent of Change calendar.

Ooops - I may, just possibly, have gone overboard a bit this year.

Have a lovely day, everyone, and see you in December.  xx