Merry Christmas!

 Well, I got all of the blocks sewn.  Then I started stringing them together.  I got one row done.  I don't know why but going is slow.  It wasn't like we did a ton of things over Christmas.  We didn't go anywhere, had a nice meal, and went for a winter walk or two.  

We drove around and looked at Christmas lights on Christmas Eve.  It isn't the same as it used to be.  Long ago, whole blocks would have a decoration competition.  Now we drive to the same 5 houses in Lead and Deadwood that go all out.  Kind of sad really.  Still the houses that go all out are spectacular.  My photos don't do them justice as things are blurry if your husband doesn't stop the vehicle. 

I have really enjoyed watching the blue jays eat peanuts right outside the window.  Better than that camera birdfeeder they were selling at Christmas.  As soon as they see me go outside they start checking for peanuts.  

We got in several walks, made Christmas cookies, and had some friends over Friday night.  It was relaxing and I kind of needed relaxing this year.  I am ready for the new year.   

Did you have a good Christmas?  I sure hope so.  Was it low key or constant on the go?  Are you ready for 2025?

Well, drat...

We haven't seen the lions since November, but this weekend our neighbor's caught this on their camera at 5:00pm.  Drat. Looks like we are a breeding ground for mountain lions.  We checked our game cameras and looked for tracks. Luckily, we didn't see anything. Hope they stay on the other side of the road. 

It was super warm this weekend and I was lucky enough to enjoy coffee on the porch.  My husband and I also were able to take some nice walks.  Before his hip replacement 17 years ago, walking was out of the question.  I am so thankful that we are able to stroll together. 

I am making pretty good progress on the quilt.  I laid everything out Saturday and started some serious sewing. My goal is to have all the blocks done by next weekend. They aren't a fast sew as I have to add two a red corners to each block.  It isn't a fast sew by any means. I do value the challenge.   

Are you looking forward to Christmas?  Is there something that once you couldn't do that now you can enjoy?  

Moving along...

Had a busy week.  There is quite a bit going on.  Went to Sioux Falls to help my brother move. I am never going to buy him another book. Because I'm pretty sure he will move again and those suckers are heavy. Definitely got my steps in.  He and his girlfriend made me a wonderful meal to show their appreciation.  It was a good day. 

I got a little time to cut pieces for the quilt, so Iam still moving forward slowly. Somehow things aren't adding up so I will make adjustments. 

I really liked this pattern and looked everywhere for it, to no avail. Luckily, my amazing quilting friend managed to track it down for me. She is a great friend. 

When was the last time you moved or you helped someone move? 
 

Just a peek...

I'm finally quilting.  Don't know what took so long to get started this year, but I am way behind.  Luckily, the quilt I'm working on needed 2 1/2-inch strips and I found 2 jelly rolls with the perfect colors.  

I'm going to be dramatic and not show you what it will look like until it is done.  I got all of the strips sewn into rows of 3.  Next weekend I will cut them into blocks.  

The sunrises have been incredible.  Today it rained, snowed, and then the sun came out for an hour, and we got a quick walk in. Then came the clouds and wind.  I guess it is supposed to snow again.   I must say it is a bit dry here. 

Do you have any winter projects you are working on?  Are ahead or behind? 

Lefsa...

 What is the second-best part of Thanksgiving?  Making lefsa afterward.  It has become a tradition at our cabin.  I make a big batch of mashed potatoes and then that weekend use the leftovers for lefsa.  You mix 3 c. mashed potatoes, 1/2 c. cream, 1 t. salt, 2 t. sugar, 1/2 c. butter melted, 2 c. flour.  Mix well, roll into little balls (ping pong ball sized), and refrigerate for 1 hour.  Heat your griddle.  Roll out the balls as thin as you can.  You may want to swish between your hands to get the excess flour off.  Heat on the grill for 3 minutes on each side.  

I try to see how thin I can get them.

Swishing

It starts to bubble use a very thin spatula or lefsa stick to flip it for another 2 1/2 or 3 minutes.

Lay warm lefse on a flour sack towel and cover.  Continue to stack them in this manner.  After they have cooled you can freeze them.

I was able to go snowshoeing this weekend.  My husband laughed because truly he could have walked alongside as the snow was only a couple of inches.  The views from the top of the hill were amazing.

Luckily my nieces were on their way back to college.  I was able to meet them for lunch.  I loaded them up on fresh lefsa, summer sausage, jerky, jelly, and some sweetgrass braids.  It was wonderful to visit with them.  If only for a short time.  I sure don't miss college.

Do you have an after-Thanksgiving tradition?  Have you ever had or made lefse?