Handmade

We've always been fond of handmade gifts -- for giving or receiving. This year, alas, I had no time to make anything but John stepped in and turned (pun intended) out these beautiful wine stoppers from an array of exotic woods . . .

along with some elegant bowls and tiny little kaleidoscopes (not pictured.)

Claui surprised us with a lovely set of hand-embroidered napkins. She worked on them, she told me, during the power outage, by means of a head lamp. I love it!

And Justin presented us with an elaborate drawing of our extended family . . . (He was quite kind to some of us in his depiction of body shape.)

John and I are standing in the front door with Maggie between us and a tangle of dogs in front of us -- Molly and the Border boys, Jack and Dan.

Then going counter-clockwise, Ali Ali is in a rocking chair, next, our friend Josie, Claui, with William trying to climb into her lap, and Justin (looking pretty pleased with himself.)

Next is Otis the pit bull, sulking under the little table. Our friend Kasie is pouring wine, while Cory is taking a picture of Miss Susie Hutchins. Ethan and Aileen and their dogs are next. (Ethan is dashing in a frock coat, such as he wore at his wedding) and Big Eddie is stretching on the railing.

Handmade and heartwarming!