The end of the year is coming closer. We do celebrate Christmas, not because of its religious background but rather of its ancient function - turn of time. Days keep getting darker and darker towards Christmas, and by the 21st Dec day is at shortest. It is by no means turning point of winter, because winter usually starts properly just around the New Year.
Of course there is a feast - or feasts, and gifts. I love giving gifts! Not just gifts, but really thoughtful and meaningful gifts. I have been asking my closest people what would they like to have for Christmas, and by now most of them do understand I DO want to know. I want to give gifts that are wanted and needed. They don't have to be practical or useful - if someone indeed wants to have a snowglobe with singing elves, I'm delighted if I can find one!
I have been known to knit socks only few minutes before we're suppose to open gifts (and finished them on time!) because someone has told they actually would like to have knitted socks only the previous day... Because I KNOW I can make it in time - it gives me satisfaction. I know I'm different.
Our youngests are bit difficult. They usually dont need or want anything specific. Two years ago they asked for... long johns! (they were 10y and 7y at time), last year it was socks and colourful sheets! This year 4S has asked for legos (Which we have tons already) and 5S doesn't want anything.
OS doesn't need anything, but maybe (maybe) he wants to have a video game.
DD wants/needs new drawing pad/ pen tablet, she had one two years ago and it's all worn out. She has spent hours after hours drawing with both paper and pencils and with pen tablet, and is extreme skillful. I think it is not wasted money to buy her a new and maybe a bigger one.
My brother told he needs a decent bread knife, my sister's spouse would like to have a pasta machine or mincer...
So. I'm going to spent money on gifts, and I feel good about it. I don't except to get a lot of gifts, I'm fine if I don't get any. A few years ago I asked for a marble mortar - and I got one. It was lovingly wrapped in two different packages, the mortar and the pestle separately. I feel joy every time I take it in my hand, and I know for sure it didn't cost more than 15€. I could have bought it myself, I know.
It's been snowing and raining on and off, right now there is a 10cm blanket of white stuff, but it's raining water atm so bye bye white stuff. Two weeks ago my polytunnel got off, there was a big storm (power cuts all around) and one specially nastu gust of wind took my poly. It didn't fly far, so during the weekend we just picked it up and put it back. Some strings were cut off, but no holes. Now it's anchored once more and I really hope that was the big storm.
Today was the day. I cleared top of my wood stove and lit the fire for the first time this autunm. The flue was a bit cold because i ended up having most of the smoke inside... Door open and few minutes later all was good. Maybe there is a faint smell of smoked salmon. Pork chops, some mushrooms and spices are shimmering on the stove tops and kitchen is nicely warm. It's nice to have warm fingers too, because today I work at home and I've been typing since six o'clock this morning.
We have three other fireplaces which I have been using, but lighting the wood stove for the first time is always a special occasion.
