Pepper

There are only a few handmade gifts this year--one per girl to be exact.

This little Waldorf inspired doll is for The Littlest.  She's made entirely of items I already had around the house--some mismatched socks, an outgrown (and too stained to save) toddler dress, and some yarn and stuffing from the stash.

Pookie and Fig have already named her Pepper, but we'll see what The Littlest thinks of that!

Dormant

We had our first hard frost about a week ago.  The hydrangeas immediately became a mass of limp green leaves, but the roses bush wasn't as easily conquered and continued budding and blooming awhile longer.

Just the other day, the rose bush produced two more flowers and then gave in to winter and went dormant.  Though this bush normally produces bright pink roses, these last two came out decidedly pale, looking a bit tired and worn out.

I'm feeling just a bit like these roses right now--pale, tired, worn out.  Two weeks ago, I came down with a horrible head and chest cold and the recovery process has been frustratingly slow.

But, at long last, I think I am finally getting better.  And just in time, Christmas is right around the corner!