I hope you had an enjoyable holiday season. Our three daughters all visited on Christmas day and two stayed over for Boxing Day. It’s truly a pleasure to have everyone together. It seems to happen so rarely, these days, with everyone busy with their own full lives. When the girls were youngsters, there was much excitement about gifts and stockings. Now, just being together is the most wonderful thing. That’s not to say there weren’t lots of presents though, as everyone does their best to find just the right thing for each of the persons on their list.
It’s nice to be able to make your own gifts. This year, I finished an afghan for Ponygirl. It’s a double-weight geometric pattern crocheted with aran-fleck yarn, warm and cozy for cool winter evenings. I also finished knitting a scarf, an abandoned project that I finally got completed. The scarf has now been united with its matching hat!
The best handmade gifts were made by Birdgirl, who surprised us all with custom clocks that she constructed with papier-mache and a lot of imagination. My clock features a gleeful Mousie. The artwork captures perfectly the delight Mousie displays as she gallops gaily about her paddock. A wonderful present.
Willow House Chronicles 
Oh, barefootheart! The Mousie clock is just perfect. Now, when you look at it you will think of both Ponygirl and Mousie. Your daughter was truly inspired!
What a delightful clock!
barefootheart — many gifts; family – afghans — scarfs — togetherness — topped off by a whimsical Mousie. What a fine Christmas you had! — barbara
Thank you, everyone. The clock really IS perfect. We were blessed with an excellent Christmas visit.
Nice afghan pattern, like box seats in the balcony.
What a gorgeous clock! Birdgirl is the most artistic scientist I know.
Well, apart from Da Vinci, maybe…