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Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

Happy holidays, everyone! This is Mr Happy Christmas Tree. He’s an original art toy I made by hand from my own design and pattern. I used a blanket stitch and some embroidery floss to hand sew on all his ornaments and his gold star.

His ornaments go all the way around. He’s made from fleece. I attached a knot of green yarn “hair” to the top of his head. He’s been given as a gift, and is overseeing Christmas from his new home, where I hope he will be loved and bring some cheer.

We opened presents this morning. After our first day of holiday shopping, where my mom and I came home with only wrapping paper, we were pretty sure we were the most inept shoppers ever. However, we mustered some courage, and headed out again. We were proud of ourselves to just come home with something! We usually don’t participate in the shopping part of Christmas, but my dad was feeling nostalgic for some presents.

Then, I went Christmas shopping with G.B. too, where I did my best to give gift suggestions at Dick’s Sporting Goods. This may not seem funny to you, but really, it is to me. Not only do I have difficultly even saying “Dick’s Sporting Goods” without getting completely tongue-tied, but I have absolutely no knowledge of anything sports-related. Still, I think I did okay.

G.B. took me to a bike shop and got me this pretty red bike helmet for Christmas. The owner helped adjust it to my head, because, of course, I was fumbling trying to figure out how to do anything with it. He helped to snap it under my chin when I got confused about that also, which he found amusing. But, hey, now I know! 🙂

I went for a ride this morning. This guy was very excited about the opportunity to bolt out the back door while I was taking my bike out. This is an new game here. You catch one kitty, and the other runs out. That’s the warm-up part of my exercising. Then I picked up my little dog friend along my way again. Fortunately, he took himself home this time when a bigger dog barked at him. As sweet as he is, I worry about his running here and there while I’m riding.

Well, I need to go make some apple crisp for dessert tonight. Have a great holiday!

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Carolina Chickadee and Eastern Red Cedar by A E Ruffing

Carolina Chickadee and Eastern Red Cedar by A E RuffingFor me, nothing typifies winter more than the sight of a Black-capped Chickadee perched on a snowy branch. I’ve given this alert and sprightly bird a background of soft wintry colors with just a suggestion of trees against the sky.

This little bird has been a part of my “Songbirds of the South” collector plate series from Oxmoor House/Southern Living Gallery, and he’s been on a holiday card from the National Wildlife Federation.

Carolina Chickadee and Eastern Red Cedar by A E Ruffing“Carolina Chickadee and Eastern Red Cedar” is an original watercolor painting. I am making a limited number of reproductions of this image as a signed giclée print as well, which may be ordered by emailing us at [email protected] or by using the PayPal button below, for the 8 1/2 by 11 print. Larger prints are special order.

This is what the 8 1/2 by 11 print might look like framed without a mat. (A mat and frame are not included.)

Carolina Chickadee and Eastern Red Cedar by A E Ruffing

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Happy birthday to me!

Today is very nice so far! Look at my beautiful birthday bike! My dad somehow managed to stow it away in the trunk of his car, and my parents sneaked it into the living room without my even hearing them. I was on my way down the hall and caught sight of some handlebars with ribbons all over them, and was so surprised! They were so pleased to have surprised me. They have been trying for years.

I took a ride which was really fun. I picked up a cute little dog who was beside himself with joy at the sight of me on a bike. He just kept running in circles and jumping up and down. I walked him back to his house later, which pleased him to no end as well.

I was treated to pizza last night, and tonight there will be Chinese food and cake. I was sung “Happy Birthday” at one minute past midnight, over the phone, last night, and I’ve received lots of nice birthday messages over the Internet too. Thanks to everyone for the good cheer 🙂