Festivities Were Had by All!

The month-long comings & goings of friends and family ended Monday--boy did we have some fun! The amazing appearance of storm-central went on for an extended time; the island (and us with it) hunkered down for one of the most pleasant holidays the four of us could remember. Nick & Devin were here for two weeks--it was a total fluke that Nick made it from Costa Rica as planned. How wonderful! We had some lovely days of snacking, catching up, reading, sleeping, and playing games.

We bid a loving farewell to the boys as they headed on to Seattle for Nick's last few days. Jim & I took a deep breath & then it was time for the 25th Thanksmus gathering at our house the following weekend.

Although usually between Thanksgiving & Christmas, this year's Thanksmus was postponed until early January for Julie's arrival--one of the founding 'mothers' for the gathering. Julie hasn't traveled to the NW for way too long and we had a great visit! Bonnie & Andy came for an impromptu afternoon visit from Pt. Angeles--how great to catch up! And then ten of us gathered for dinner & festivities--and fond thoughts went out to this year's missing players: Kerry, Naomi, Nick, and Mary. I don't think I've laughed so hard in a long time for the game of Dictionary--Francois definitely has a future in comedy! What a gift of a lovely, laughing tradition!--thank you to Michael, Julie & Richard for launching such a good idea...

Then yesterday we attended a wonderful gathering celebrating Aunt Polly's 90th. What a gift she has been to all of us over the years, and we lift our glass to many wonderful years ahead! She has been such a source of love, humor & inspiration to all of us.

Whew! What a whirlwind month--it was so much fun. Through all of the festivities and the back-to-work drudge I've had zero time in the quilting loft. Gotta make up for some lost time soon! The Hambones (my small but mighty quilting circle gathered at my house on Thursday to launch a new year of plans & fun. I was fortunate to have my name first on the list for this year's project: signature blocks for each other (good idea by the other Judy!). By next month I'll have a stack of signed autumn blocks to make into a new quilt to enjoy! Hope the new year has started off as well for all of you--loving thoughts & thanks to all of you!