Preparing for the festive season and cooler temps

The temperature dipped low enough for a fire a few weeks ago. The 9th, to be exact. Low 20's F overnight. It always feels good to light a fire for the first time of a season. The enveloping warmth and coziness brings a smile to my face. In the spring it feels like winter will never let go and I wonder how much more stoking the fire I can take. But in the autumn, it's just the opposite; full of romantic notions and the joy of fulfilling basic needs.

Several preparations are underway for the festive season, soon to be upon us. I made a Christmas cake the other day. Full of fruit (36 oz. worth!), full of spirits (brandy, marsala, port), full of spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves). Oh the house smelled so good during and after it's five hour baking. It's all wrapped up now and sitting in a tin until Christmas. I can't wait to taste it!

I used a recipe from Marion's World. The written recipe is in the description box of her video, but do watch it, she's such a delightful person and her channel is fantastic.

I purchased a new Amaryllis bulb this year and contrary to last year, I have planted it on time! I also have the bulb from last year which grew outside all summer. It looks like it's doing something as well. Also this year are three Paper White bulbs. It's going to be glorious when they're all in full bloom.

(l to r) Geraniums brought in from the cold, the new Amaryllis bulb, Paper Whites, the old Amarylis bulb.

I've been steadily sewing, mostly holiday projects. The Santa ornament is finished:

The angel is well underway and will be finished this week:

I have started to applique the pillow cover.  This will take a few weeks:

And the only thing remaining on the snowman table runner is a bit more embroidery on the scarves:

 

A few years ago I bought a book at one of the local thrift shops, just a few bucks. It's a book of Christmas cross stitch patterns. I've never done cross stitch but I want to. When I got it home I found a project that someone had started, folded up and stuck between the pages. It will be a postman delivering Christmas packages when done. I sent away for embroidery floss in the colors needed to finish it and away it all went, up stairs in the room which houses all my craft things (which looks more like an attic at the moment). I brought it down stairs the other day and am meaning to tackle it. Since it's already started and a fair amount of stitching has already been done, I think it will be a good project to start with.

As I write this post I'm enjoying the aroma of Balsam Fir incense. The holiday season is indeed around the corner!