The Weekend After

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We had a small group for dinner but it was very enjoyable. We even got to sit by the fire for a while. We've used some of the Thanksgiving leftovers recipes that we have traditionally used. In addition, when making the Thanksgiving stuffing, I found that turkey sausage is moister so you need much less water.

Of course, as a retailer, I can help but read the stories about Black Friday and the hordes going to the mall. At Ridgewood Needlepoint, we had a lovely day with our customers who came in for stitch and chat. Kappy came in to pick up a delightful pillow. I promised to post that picture with some other finished items later in the week.

This week, we expect the Christmas finishing to really start coming in. I know that we will be receiving two tree toppers and three Old World Santas this week. I can't wait to see them.

Thanksgiving Joke

I've never posted a joke before but I just love this one. So rather than emailing it to everyone I know, I thought it would be appropriate for the blog.

I do wish you all a lovely Thanksgiving!

Eileen Aird

A young man named John received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity. John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary. Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. John, in desperation, threw up his hand, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer. For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute. Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly open the door to the freezer, the parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arms and said, "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior." John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued, "May I ask what the turkey did?" HAPPY THANKSGIVING! J

The Armchair Chef Rides Again

Tonight, I went through my Thanksgiving list of items to do. I know I need to go food shopping and thought the stores might be less crowded tonight. Consequently, I am trying to decide what we really will have for dinner. Alison is making pumpkin pie. I am going to have her check out the recipes at www.TheArmchairchef.com. The had a whole lot of pumpkin pie recipes to celebrate pumpkin pie day which was November 21st.

Tink will also have celebrity chefs for Thanksgiving leftover ideas. I know I will be checking it for ideas. I often make turkey soup and turkey salad but it's nice to have new ideas.

Sandra Gilmore & More Trunk Show

Last week, we kept waiting for the Sandra Gilmore trunk show to arrive. It turns out that it was sent out late so we didn't receive it until Tuesday.

It's now hanging up and it is lovely. We have her lovely room scenes, her beautiful flower scenes plus some of her large figures. There is a sweet child dressed for Halloween and a wonderful Santa.

We also have a number of judaic designs from Sandra and another artist in the Fleur de Paris line.

We requested the Trubey NewYork City BellPull. Come see the trunk show. Also, remember that we will be closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

Holiday card for Soldiers

At the holiday season, we often think of those less fortunate than ourselves or those who are far away from home. Last year, the Saturday stitch and chat ladies were motivated by Judy who collected items for a particular unit. They sent cd's, gloves, puzzles and other items.

I've read at least one blog where there were suggestions about sending holiday cards to soldiers. From the back and forth exchanges, it seems that there is a protocol that you must follow. Below I have inserted the link to the Red Cross which is jointly working with Pitney Bowes to provide cards to service men.

http://www.redcross.org/holidaymail

There is even a way to utilize their cards! Given how much time we spend on computers, this seems like a worthwhile use of our time.

Finished Stitching

We've been treated to lots of finished stitching recently. Of course, we have had the benefit of the beautifully stitched Deborah Wilson designs these past two weeks. The stitching is absolutely exquisite.

In addition, we have received Nancy's Halloween Bunny. It's actually one of my favorite canvases. I can't wait to see what she does with the rest of the canvases in the series.

Then, Karen brought in her wonderful Fifi's grooming salon. It is delightful and since I love poodles, I am particulary enamored of the standard poodle in the front. (Ignore the reflection of the glass)


Finally, Cathryn has completed a flower canvas she got in the spring. It is already framed and on her wall in Bermuda. (Again you need to ignore the reflection of the glass.

Whew! Halloween is over and the Holidays are almost here.

I can't believe it's almost Thanksgiving and then Christmas follows! At the store, we are beginning to get finished Christmas items back.

It seems too early to think about Thanksgiving and what to do about the leftovers. But at The Armchair chef (www.thearmchairchef.com) there will be recipes for what to do with your Thanksgiving leftovers! At home, we will be having a small Thanksgiving dinner so we will need to find things to do with all that turkey. I will be checking it to see what they suggest. Last year, I submitted my recipe for stuffing but somehow it got lost. I'm hoping that Tink will post it this year.