It Shouldn't be this Difficult ~

 

This rug was started at a hook in late in October.  The pattern is about 18" x 30" and should not have taken so long to hook!  You would think this is the first rug I ever hooked the way I struggled.  The background was challenging for me, but it was the rooster combs and heads that gave me fits.  They were each hooked a few times.  I also changed the color of the beaks.  Last night I decided to call it done, but upon throwing the rug on the floor I decided left rooster's head was too flat.

Now can I call it finished?  I hope when it is bound I can capture the colors better.   

Thanks, Saundra for gifting me the pattern.  Now to figure out what to hook next.  I can always drag out a UFO 😁

Our weather has been incredible.  Christmas Day it was nearly 60* and sunny a good part of the day.  No complaints from me.  My son and his girlfriend had to get the bikes out and go for a ride!  Here they are at Lakeview Park in Lorain.

Today I noticed plants peaking from the ground.  This is way too early.

Spotted dead nettle trying to bloom.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs 😊

Lauren

Merry Christmas ~

 

~ MERRY CHRISTMAS ~

Merry Christmas Eve ~

The big day is almost here.  We will not be having a white Christmas in northern Ohio.  I do like a white Christmas . . . the only time I like the white stuff . . . but the upside is the snowplow drivers get to stay home with their families 💓

Today I thought I would share with you some special ornaments.

A small teardrop ornament from my maternal grandmother.

 

Another friend who totally understands me.  We were at the Christmas open house at Seville Antiques and I was admiring these blue kugels.  Yes, the real deal.  I was trying to decide if I really wanted to spend the $$ to buy them.  Upon my return to the booth they were gone.  Little did I know dear friend Laura had bought them for me.  Such a generous and special friend.

A patriotic snowman . . . 

. . . and an Uncle Sam nutcracker dated '88.

Old glass horn.

Fun little snowman in an old baby shoe purchased this past summer from one of the vendors during Rug Week at Sauder Village.

When I am on vacation, I always try to come home with an ornament.  This manatee was from when went to sailing school in the Keys.

I just have always love this court jester.

Figural light bulb ornaments.

A cloisonné pug ~ a gift from my sister.  Please keep her in your prayers.  She ended up in the hospital a couple days ago and has been diagnosed with the same heart issue that my brother just had surgery for.

Ornaments made by my boys in preschool back in the 80's.

Younger son at age 6 in 1987.

A ceramic angel my mom made.

The Little Drummer Boy painted by my mom.  He is only 2" tall.

I think I post St. Nicholas every year.  One of the most beautiful ceramic pieces my mom ever made.  The sampler behind him is the first antique one I bought 30+ years ago.

Many of you know friend Linda as Primdollie on Facebook and on Primitive Handmade Mercantile.  She gifted me this sweet little snowman when she was over the other day.  Thank you, Linda 😉

Thanks so much for stopping by.
Pug hugs 😊

Lauren

Merry Christmas Eve Eve ~

This has been my most stress free Christmas season that I can ever remember.  It has been nice to kick back and relax, have a few friends over and even find a little time to hook 😉

I will bore you with more pictures of the house 😁

Figural light bulb tree.

Dining room cupboard.

Some of my vintage items.

Vintage celluloid Santas.

A little more vintage.

And still more vintage Santas.  The only repro is the skiing Santa on the middle shelf.

My old feather tree.  Mostly new but some vintage ornaments.

This cupboard used to reside in the kitchen but now on a wall in the living room.  I am so happy I purchased the charcoal drawing of the pug this summer.

Sweet little vintage ornaments.

My "Chris" tree.  Everything but the tree is from my friend . . . you guessed it . . . Chris.  The Santas below, too.  Some friends really understand me.

Part of my patriotic display.

Blow mold Santa from hooker friend Sue.  She "gets" me . . . 

. . . and so does friend Belinda.  This guy looks like he has his hands raised for the O in Ohio.

Thanks so much for stopping by.
Pug hugs 😊
Lauren

Little White Lights ~

With Christmas quickly approaching, I thought I would share what my house looks like at night.  I absolutely love little white lights!  Do I go a bit overboard?  Absolutely 😁

I think the vintage blow molds are just fun.

Thanks so much for stopping by.
Pug hugs 😊
Lauren