Crafty ...

I can't believe it is the 1st of Dec - this year has gone by really quickly. 

We seem to have acquired (i.e. bought) quite a few advent calendars between  - a wine one (which we will open every day but not necessarily drink), a chocolate one for T (which I hope he will share on occassion), a traditional paper one and (best of all) a crafting one for me.  

I treated myself to the later earlier in the year when there was a special offer and have kept it out of sight since it arrived. It was worth the wait - there 24 envelopes to open, half of which are things to make. Wool is also supplied. Today's envelope included a mini-felting mat and needles as well as additional pieces to make a Holly Brooch.  I'm looking forward to trying new things - I think the hardest part will be not looking ahead in the instruction booklet so as to not completely spooling forthcoming surprises! 

However, I exercised restraint this morning and went out to volunteer with the Paths Groups as promised. There were 14 of us working a path beside a burn which has been overflowing. This included clearing vegetation and laying down more sandbags. As always, a sense of collective accomplishment. 

More restraint was shown after lunch when I made a bean chilli for tonight (tasty), did my ironing (at long last) and then my Gaelic before finally sorting out the wool supplies which came with the kit.  I will get started on the actual crafting tomorrow.