Holiday Greetings

We were so sad Ruth Hamilton was not able to make it to the Mergefest, but very happy when she brought this delightful sculpture by the shop last week. I laughed so hard my cheek "balls" were hurting. Her attention to detail is marvelous - from my woven copper belt, to the little earring she painted on Glenn and the ruffles on his shirt. And the way we are looking in each others eyes so lovingly! By the way Ruth, thanks for taking off about 100 pounds between the two of us. You are such a wonderful woman and gifted artist.

Many of you remember Ruth's show at the Brick Box and she recently had a show at the Brandon Music Gallery -

http://www.brandon-music.net/gallery/hamilton.htm

Thank you Ruth for providing us with immediate inspiration for this year's ecard!

I guess winter is finally here

It seems official now. With the snow/rain/ice, grey skies and coming home to a pitch dark house at 4:30, I have to face the fact that winter is here. It's in the 30's right now, but they are saying tomorrow night it will be 10. Fa, la, la, la, la. I'm trying to remember how much fun I had snow shoeing last year, and the camping trip at the cabin in Merck Forest and how special that was. I'm having a hard time conjuring up all that joy at the moment, actually. I think the solstice will help - the knowledge that we will have more daylight hours on the way. I guess I wouldn't have made a very good vampire at all, now would I?

But enough whining.

Check out the red dirt above and how it is absorbing the heat of the sun. It's a thought for me to hold on to this winter.

And I just started to knit this month! Am I now a true Vermonter or what?!

The holidays are fast upon us and I'm so ready to be absorbing some of that family love.

And for anyone needing a new recipe for a company party or family gathering, I give to you the salad Susan and Jeff McGee shared at the 'fest.

Jack's Salad

Dressing -

3 tbls. cider vinegar

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup mayonnaise

mix well; set aside for 30 minutes

Cut up 2 heads of broccoli. Add 1 medium red onion, coarsely cut. Crumble 1/2 - 1 lb. cooked bacon. Add 2 cups Mozz. cheese (shredded)

Mix well; toss with dressing.

Farewell dear friend

Life is eternal, and love is immortal,

and death is only a horizon;
and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.
~Rossiter Worthington Raymond

We will miss you Joan.