new

It was high time I replaced my work camera, the one that got stolen. And having taken advantage of the New Year sales, I've borrowed it for a smidge to finally show off some of the stuff happening around here lately.

For example: our Christmas tree. Note the paper chain that
Henry cut and helped tape together on the bottom.

here's one of my favorite ornaments.
(and part of the 25 feet of button garland I made this year,
Raggedy Ann's eyes, and the feet of my Spode dog)

Today when I took down the tree (it was D.E.A.D. dead) I finally replaced the "ornament storage system" of various and random cardboard boxes with a large plastic tub. It's much neater, easier to move, and safer... but I was still sad to get rid of this:

I guess more than 30 years is a good life for a box.
(I think it once held china given to my parents
for their wedding in 1969, but I can't be sure.)

"Mommy, I want some chocolate milk."
"No, Henry."

I am fairly sure Thomas the Tank Engine has been usurped as the
favorite Christmas gift, at least for the present time.

(check out that hand-crotched strap!)