After Christmas is when I settle in for a few months of sewing, quilting, crocheting or scrapbooking. I don't go out to celebrate the New Year. It seems as though folks around here feel obligated to over indulge in adult beverages on that occasion. I don't drink any more. So I find that I'm happier just being home. The cat will celebrate with some tuna - the dog with a taste of whatever I fix myself for supper that night - and we are all happy.
Some of my kids know that I want to make two or three new quilts this winter. So a couple of gift cards for Joann Fabrics appeared in my Christmas stocking. Or taped to my box of chocolate covered cherries! I dislike shopping. I have never understood women who consider shopping as entertainment. I'm more of a get in, find what is on my list and get out kind of shopper. Except when it comes to fabric stores. Then you might as well go find a place to sit and be comfortable, because it will take me some time. Along with the cards was the promise of transportation to and from Joann's. This is gonna be fun!
And my kids know that I am working on restocking my supply of home canned meat, so a gift card for my local grocery was also taped to the candy box. That will go a long way toward filling my shelves. I know there are some who think that gift cards are impersonal. Not me. When a couple of my kids asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I replied that I wanted their time. I explained that I have a small apartment. I don't have room for extra "stuff." What I really would like was if they could take the time to ferry me to the fabric store or to the grocery to buy the things I wanted to get at those two stores. At present a bus ride to shop is out of the question as my legs are giving me problems. But I can manage a short car ride. So I wanted their time. The gift cards were a bonus, bless their hearts.
Youngest daughter asked me the same question, and for her, the answer was different. I wanted framed graduation photos of both of her children. And they delivered!
Chris' graduation was a couple of years ago and Nicki graduates this spring. I love grandkid pictures. And I find it hard to believe that they are both grown up. Both were just babies when I moved back to Minnesota and now both are taller than I am. I am so proud of the people they have become.
So I'm off to go through my quilt books and the patterns I have stored on my computer and to make a list of fabrics I need for the patterns I choose. And decide on any other crafty supplies I need for other projects.
Because once my little shopping trips are done, I don't plan to stick my nose out the door until spring!
You always, without fail, put a smile on my face. I gave my Sweet Wife a new sewing machine for Christmas. Guess I should find a gift card to a fabric store. Have a great day, Sweet Vicki.
ReplyDeleteStephen...What a wonderful gift for your Sweet Wife! I tend to collect sewing machines, including the one my father gave my mother for Christmas 60 years ago. For we who sew, a fabric gift card is as welcome as gold. And if Sweet Wife is a quilter, remember that the quilter firmly believes that you can never have too much fabric!
ReplyDeleteWonderful!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have a excellent fabric shopping spree ahead of you, and then 2 - 3 months doing what you love. So happy for you :)
Yep, Its that time of the year to stay in. Sounds like you have a plan all worked out.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dani... Retirement. I highly recommend it. :)
ReplyDeleteRob...My plan involves whatever will keep me warm and out of the frigid Minnesota winter weather. I am a coward when it comes to the cold! :)
ReplyDeleteI think you've got your priorities right.
ReplyDeleteGorges...I try. Don't always succeed, but I try!
ReplyDeleteI love gift cards. I got one for Menards this year so you know I will be filling another needed tool slot with it :)
ReplyDeletePioneer Preppy...I love them, too. I try very hard to cut down on useless clutter and to keep things here simple. Gift cards help me to do just that and to get whatever it is that I actually need and will use. :)
ReplyDeleteI think gift cards and cash are a good way to go. That prevents money being wasted on things the recipient either doesn't want or can't use.
ReplyDeleteHarry...I agree. I nearly always go with cash for the grandkids. I haven't a clue what each of them wants or needs, and sometimes it is difficult for me to get out to shop. The only time I go with wrapped gifts is if I have made something for them, like the year each of them got a quilt for Christmas.
ReplyDelete