I Can No Longer Deny it - I'm Getting Old

Age has never bothered me. I have friends and family who cringe and fuss over each consecutive birthday. Not me - I think birthdays are a cause for celebration and I even handled the dreaded '40' without a second thought and 2 pieces of cake! It always takes me by surprise when someone asks my age and I have to think. 44? Really? When did that happen?

Well yesterday I was rudely kicked into the real world and I realized that my age was starting to catch up with me. Recently, I have come to realize that my eyesight isn't what it once was. My new found passion for quilting has made me keenly aware of my faltering vision. It has come to the point where I cannot thread a needle and I have become a source of much amusement for my family. The other evening we were all gathered in the living room watching the NFR and I was working on DD's quilt binding (yes, I am STILL working on her quilt!). As I was attempting to thread the needle, I could hear small snickers and feel the darting glances of my loving family who apparently enjoy picking on their poor, Mama. Finally DH says (with a chuckle) to DD, "Go thread that needle for your Mama". Sigh. She does so with an amused expression on her face, a chortle, and eyes filled with laughter. Gee thanks, dear!

Alas, I was convinced to make an appointment with the Optometrist. After much air blowing, eye prodding, light flashing and chart reading he sat back and announced his diagnosis: "My dear, you have been diagnosed with a common ailment known simply as age." Hmmm...at least he didn't say 'old'.The good news is that I have 20/20 vision! I don't see how that can be since I can't read without adding extensions to my arm, but he chuckled; I submitted to the professional and he recommended a pair of simple reading glasses. I've never worn glasses. Well, you will never catch me without my sunglasses on my head, but REAL glasses? Sigh.

Dr Greg also recommended that I pick up multiple pairs of glasses. He assured me that I would now be in constant 'search' mode and forever more be asking everyone, "Have you seen my glasses?" Either he knows me better than he should or he's was making a not so subtle point about the fact that my mind was taking flight right along with my eyesight.

I began to feel myself break out into a cold sweat as I stood in front of the glass display and contemplated my choices. While waiting at Dr. Greg's office, Cotton Picker phoned and I moaned to her. She laughed. While pondering my selection of eye wear, I phoned Ranch Wife and whined to her. She laughed. Humph. Some friends. Can I get a little support here?

So after apprehensively shelling out $20 bucks for these new optical devices along with a reminder from my dear friends that I could be dropping 100s of dollars for prescription glasses, I headed home. I learned very quickly to only use these for close work and reading. Looking up at anything more than 2 feet away is guaranteed to make my stomach lurch and my head spin.

I suppose I have now officially entered middle age. Ack!

No problem - I'll always be a kid at heart and if you feel the need to call me 'four eyes' you'll be safe if you run, I can't see you if you're more than 2 feet away from me.

Reaching for That Panic Button...

Be still and know that I am God. Be still and know that I am God. Be still...

My sewing machine has finally died it's last death. At this point I wish it were a cat because it would still have 3 lives left. I spent the other evening weeping over its lifeless body. The large pile of unmade Christmas gifts wept alongside me. They were now destined to spend another year folded on a cold, dark cabinet shelf. The baby will no longer be a baby when the baby quilt is finally completed. Countless blouses, tops, and pants will be ruined because of their apronless fronts. How many hands will be scorched because the potholders are unfinished? My darling daughter will sit looking forlornly at her quilt with the unmitered corners. It's a sad day at the end of the dirt road.

And as if that's not bad enough, our big upright freezer decided to join the sewing machine. I guess it doesn't matter that it is home to about 100 pounds of beef. Honestly, you would think that freezer would be a bit more thoughtful - after all, it is the holidays!

I guess it figured I needed something to do since... I WOULDN"T BE SEWING! So now I am cooking up huge amounts of beef. Yes, I know it will be a time saver in the future, but that's really not what I want to hear. Sigh.

I'm also in need of poetic inspiration. Each year I write a silly Christmas Poem and each year I receive at least 30 cards that say how very much they look forward to it. I even get phonecalls and my parents get cards about it! So now I feel obligated to include it in my Christmas mail. Each year I stress over it. This year is no different - I can't find a rhyming stanza to save my life. Think all those people will accept this:

It's been lots of fun
I've enjoyed the run,
But sorry folks, the well has gone dry
Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodbye.

So although I am quite tempted to reach for that panic button, I hear a soft voice that is gently prodding me...Be still and know that I am God.

So all is well and God just reminded me where I stashed the chocolate!

The Newest Additions to Santa's Team

I've been up to my elbows in reindeer these past few days. I've been busy adding to what has recently become a herd and the numbers are increasing daily. Actually, I think I'm about to wind this up. Aren't they cute though? I made several of these years ago, but I decided that they needed to make a second appearance. They are just as cute the second time around.

The tag reads:

Christmas is coming and so are the deer

Listen closely and bells you will hear

And along with them comes a special treat

Reindeer droppings for you to eat!

(Lift Tail)

Last night I set them on the buffet in the dining room once my eyes began to grow bleary. This morning I found our resident feline curled up amongst them. Soon her rascally companion joined her and I have found one or the other, or both of them, curled up in the midst of the red nosed critters all day.

Hope they haven't grown too attached to the one I'm sticking in the mail! You know how cats have issues with separation anxiety!

You just want to make sure you cut the hole in the back large enough when you stick the pom pom on. A few years back I gave one to the superintendent of the school and come to find out it was constipated! LOL!

These were so much fun to make. I can't help but smile when I look at them, but thank goodness I don't have to clean up after them!

Tis' the Season

Whew! coming up for air! Seems as if things have exponentially sped up around here lately! I'm blaming it on too many trips to town - one every day this week - Monday through Friday! Ick! So far, I'm handling it well although I may need an intervention by the end of the week!

Between guitar jamborees (2) , mandatory shooting sports safety meetings (4), piano recitals (1), music lessons (2),and a horse sale (1), we are spending way too much time in town! I've got so much to do here at home and it's not getting done!

I joined in on a Secret Santa on an online scrapping group I belong to. What fun! I received a gal who is so much fun to shop for! I've just about got everything together and ready to get in the mail. Just have to figure out a way to get that reindeer to fit into the box and get those Rolo- Pretzel-Pecan thingies made.

I'm still wrapped up in the quilt although I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm working on the binding and if the corners will cooperate and I can find some time to stay at home, I might have it finished this weekend. The National Finals start on Thursday so I'll make time to sit and watch that and quilt. While working on this quilt, I have come to the realization that I am in dire need of an eye exam. I seem to have become the object of much amusement when I am trying to thread my needle so I finally gave in and made an appointment.

DD is spending every morning out with her Dad. They are working with the colts until noon. Then, as soon as we finish with dinner, we're generally out the door and headed for town. I've been leaving supper for Grandpa and DH and trying to keep them in cookies and dessert. Let me tell you - I would get so much more accomplished if I didn't have to spend so much time baking and cooking!

I've started pulling out the Christmas boxes - one or two a day because that's all I've had time for and it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Can't wait until we can make our annual trek to the mountains to cut the tree! I've toyed with not even writing a Christmas Poem this year, but I can already hear the complaints. I didn't send one the year we moved between Christmas and New Years and believe me, I heard about it! So I'll have to start mulling that over.

Whew! Are things absolutely crazy for y'all too? There are so many things I want to do and there just doesn't seem to be enough time. It may have something to do with that character trait I am afflicted with.. you know, that thing called procrastination? I should have worked on the nativity sets I wanted to make in June. Alas, they will remain unmade this year. On the bright side, I know what everyone's getting next year!

Despite the long list of things to do, I am not stressing out. I refuse to succumb to the overpowering forces to do so. I'll just dig in my heels and keep my eyes on the Lord. He'll let me know what needs my attention and every time I think about putting my priorities in order, I realize that He should always be at the top of that list. So, I'll just remember to stay focused, breathe deeply, and pray my way through. I LOVE this time of year! How very blessed we are that we have such a beautiful reason to celebrate. Christ's birth is truly a cause for celebration -and not just during the holidays!