Handmade Angels from the Erzgebirge in Germany

We don't decorate for Christmas anymore but this year I decided to put all the angels out.
The are handmade in the Ore Mountains. The oldest belonged to my father so they are at least70 years old.

Layla and her Christmas Monkey

Kim, our GREAT dog sitter, gave Layla a Christmas gift, a monkey. The monkey lost his leg after less than one minute of play.

We will have to train her to play instead of rip!

Baking Cookies

Baking cookies for friends and neighbors is an annual tradition. This year I baked and made: Pecan Pralines, Almond Cookie Squares, Chocolate Revel Bars, Chocolate Raspberry Linzer Cookies, Lemon Pinenut Stars and Seasoned Pretzels.

This hotplate keeps the chocolate perfectly melted to fill all the cookies.

Fingerless Mitten - Simple Ribbed Handwarmers

These hand warmers are for a friends daughter for a Christmas gift. They are fun to knit because of the yarn Melody superwash by Jojoland. The pattern is by Debby Haymark and is available free from ravelry.com

Fun Dishcloth - Potholder Pattern

This pattern is from Sara H. Baldwin and is called Magic Stripe Hot Pad. The pattern is easy but I made mistakes, 3 so far. Can you see them?

The yarn is from Michael's, Loops & Threads, 60% cotton, 40% acrylic, machine washable and dryable. It has a very soft feel.
The pattern make vertical rows on one side and horizontal on the other side.

November 28 2009 Escondido California WOOHOO! It rained..

After 160 of rain-free days it finally rained over 1 1/2" (3.81cm) and later afternoon a rainbow appeared. By the time got the camera and ran outside it was fading fast.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Armin deep fried the turkey in peanut oil. Before the turkey went into the oil, he deep fried shallots for Martha Stewart's Green Bean Casserole and Schwan's Green Bean Fries.

Kathleen made a beautiful Streusel Pumpkin Pie

Guess who is taking a nap?

Layla needed a nap

At Andreas' and Tammy's house in Medford, Oregon

Armin and Tammy in the kitchen

Andreas is checking Fantasy Football scores.
The backyard is beautiful!

A view over Medford, Oregon November 14, 2009

Andreas' and Tammy's friends, Rich and Dale bought a house on a hill and have spectacular views from every room of the house.

November 15, 2009 A Visit to the Apple Gate Valley

Andreas and Tammy drove us to the Schmidt Family Vineyard. Even though most of the plants were passed their blooming season, the grounds were still wonderful. Loved the wine!