Motley Crew

Not much has been happening here the last few days, we've just been relaxing and generally being rather lazy. DS1 has gone into London today with a friend and phoned a while ago to tell us rather excitedly that he had found a Katmandu shop!

I've been pouring through my new Teddy Bear book to see if I can identify any of my Motley Crew to no avail...guess I don't have anything particular 'valuable' monetary wise. Not that that is why I collect them - I just feel sorry for them! I think it has something to do with having to leave many of my bears behind when we first emigrated to NZ in 1973. I've been making up for it ever since!

Anyway I'd like you to meet a couple of members of my Motley Crew. Both of these bears came with me from New Zealand so I am guessing they were made there. I've never been able to find anything about these two bears. Both are stuffed with wood wool, and the black bear has a growler. Until today I hadn't seen another picture of either but just found one here. My bear is in much better condition!

I have rather a fondness for Pandas and have quite a few. This fellow has rather a sweet face and is wearing one of DS1's baby sweatshirts. He too is fully jointed and stuffed with wood wool.

A lucky girl

We all received some really lovely gifts for Christmas.

'Ladies who Munch'

My husband bought me what I've always wanted - a yellow VW Campervan!

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Okay, well not quite how I would have liked it, but delightful all the same :-)

I also received a lovely selection of books which will keep me busy over the coming year!

Of course with all this sewing I will need...

A handy sewing case - given to me by my MIL

She also gave me this lovely book:

Aren't I a lucky girl?!

Merry Christmas

Baby Jesus has arrived!

Presents have been opened.

Have a lovely day full of blessings, family and fun!

A lovely gift & Christmas Eve

A delightful parcel arrived for me yesterday morning - quite a surprise! I'd forgotten that I'd won Sarah's giveaway.

It was wrapped in lovely lace.

A lovely little embroidered mirror and case, just perfect for my handbag.

A lovely card with Pohutukawa flowering and a very sweet lace which I am going to hang on my tree. I thougth I'd takena picture of the lovely Christmas tissues that were also included - you can just see the corner of the packet in the above photo. They look too nice to use!

A scrummy looking Christmas pudding cushion!

Elves! Just what I need to tidy up my house...funny though when I got up this morning it was still a tip!

I think Sarah must have remembered a comment I made on her blog once as sjhe also included this wonderful Pohutukawa (New Zealand Christmas Tree) flower.

Thank you so much Sarah I am thrilled with it all.

Shopping completed and wrapping done, last minute present made so now can relax!

A Winter Wonderland

Feeling Festive

The doorbell rang and there was a person standing there with this... I turned to look at hubby thinking he had arranged a surprise delivery, albeit one day late, and he looked just as surprised as me.

Thanking the delivery man, I brought the flowers and little parcel inside and discovered it was from friends of ours for Christmas. The chocolates are Belgium, and very delicious. What a nice surprise present.

Last night it snowed again quite heavily and I managed to catch an action shot!

Very wintery out there indeed.

Today I have been busy tidying and this afternoon I've had fun decorating our table.

DS1 made this nativity when he was about six years old. I usually have in displayed in the window, but today decided to make a display in baskets for the table.



Arthur is reading Little Bear's trousers

A Pause in Advent Four

Advent/Anniversary flowers

Last night I went to a lovely Carols by Candlelight service with a couple of friends. I found it a very moving and uplifting service with lots of worship. The vicar gave a wonderful sermon on love, suffering and what it means in relation to Jesus and our lives. I can't even begin to explain it, but it was definitely something I could relate to and gave me plenty of food for thought.

What better time to celebrate your wedding anniversary, but during Advent!

What better place to get married but in a castle in Scotland!

I made a beautiful velvet dark green cloak for our wedding.

It truly was a magical experience, the memories of which we will treasure forever. I think we were very lucky to marry there when we did as it was in their early days before the mass advertising on the internet. We were extra privileged as well because we got the whole castle to ourselves over the Christmas period for our honeymoon.

We are going to have a lovely roast dinner tonight - yes the oven is repaired! To celebrate the last week in Advent and of course our Anniversary.

An extra special gift from my lovely hubby to me... one of Nicky's wonderful creations - Rupert! I can't believe how lucky I am.