It is hard to believe that the last time I posted here was before Thanksgiving. I have been on line, too. But somehow I have been sucked into Facebook and have found myself putting up little blips here and there rather than making a blog post. I wonder how many other bloggers have been seduced by social media?
Since I posted, it has snowed and thawed several times. I did get some pretty nifty snow shots during all those events.
We had a real cold snap before Thanksgiving, and the little pond froze with beautiful hoarfrost crystals.
We also had a small ice storm, no big damage although we did have a couple of elm trees that dropped a lot of branches. The day after the ice covered stuff it was a lovely day and things were already starting to melt. I took Ruby for a walk and the ice was positively magical. Everywhere I looked the woods sparkled in rainbow colors. This phenomenon proved to be shockingly difficult to photograph, but I did get one image that almost conveys how amazing it was out there.
During all this harsh weather, my neighborhood has been living up to its name. All kinds of little birds, and big birds too, have been enjoying the shelter, food and water The Havens provides. Actually, there are plenty of mammals also enjoying The Havens along with the avian population.
We had a sumptuous Thanksgiving repast.
At Christmas, Jesse and Lynette were able to get away from their Army duties and bring James to visit us. They were here for far too short a time, and we loved every minute of it.
I saved The Quilt for a Christmas presentation, even though the kids knew I had made it and had enjoyed hots of it during all stages of creation. They did not know about the pillow cases or the matching throw pillow, though. Honestly, I think it makes a pretty impressive bed.
James approved, I believe.
One of my dear friends gave me an amaryllis bulb as a Christmas gift. This week it started to open.
Today it looks like this:
So now you are somewhat up to date.
the havens 
I’ve missed your blog posts, Ellie! Your quilt and shams are so beautifully done. Wonderful gift to Jesse and his family…James is adorable and looks like a very happy little fellow.
Time does fly but I am wishing for Spring on this cold & windy day.
Phyllis
I’m planning on getting back to the blog. I really had a lot of distractions lately. Since I have tried to make The Havens a positive place, with all the junk that has been happening I just haven’t felt much like posting.
Beautiful quilt, beautiful family. The ribbons on the lamp post are delightful in the midst of that winter scene. One thing about snow and grey skies: the warmth and colour make the inside of the house look even more inviting.
The ribbons on the lamp post have been a tradition here for many years. I love the way they look, and with the snow they were very beautiful.
I love that little family. Wish they lived closer.
love the photos of the winter scenes – the red ribbons against the wintry background is stunning! and The Quilt? breathtaking!
like you, i’ve been a slacker in the blog department – some of that is due to a situation where “life is good” — when i am less burdened, i have fewer things to work out via blog. so i post to maintain connections to my friends out in the ether.
and like you, the book of faces has filled some of the need to connect… so there’s that…
Nice to see you back! The quilt is lovely, as is your grandson!
Good to be back. I was out of everything, I guess.
Some fantastic images in here, Ellie.
And that quilt! So beautiful!
Thanks SE
Amazing quilt – and family
They really are amazing, the family I mean. Good to see you here!
My pleasure – the back end of last year was a bit difficult – wasn’t looking at blogs at all.
Hi Ellie,
I’m so glad that I became one of your blog followers! Your quilt it truly a work of art, and the purple makes me think of springtime, which would be nice to see about now. I have the lovely notecard you made on my bulletin board. It reminds me daily of my visit to your labyrinth, walking it and hearing your story.
It is so good to have you here. I have been enjoying your posts as well.