thinking aloud

  Have you started thinking about Christmas yet?
For a while I've been buying bits and pieces. Advent calendar, crackers, started on the hamper then had to replace some cheesy biscuits because I scoffed them. Not much, but it's a start. Over the weekend I bought some stocking fillers for Bill, he says he wants aftershave for his big gift so I've asked him to browse and choose and let me know exactly what he wants. Yesterday I ordered a stocking filler for Violet, the set of Origins face masks that she loves. I checked with her first to make sure she wanted them again and she did. That's the third year running, but she uses them all up in the course of a year and as long as they get used then it's money well spent,and it she likes the same thing each year then that's fine with me too.

This morning as the chaps worked on the roof of the porch it made me think about the front door, Christmas lights, front garden etc.
We are already being warned of possible power cuts this winter, which is a scary thought. It also means there is no point in going overboard with lights, and I'd already decided to put up less lights anyway, so my mind is made up with where and how many. The front door is going to be different, no more pink door. So I've been thinking about the wreath that I'll make this time and how to change things up a little. With that in mind I've placed an order for some very specific ribbon. When Violet found out what I was searching for she wanted to help, but when I gave her the list of my exact requirements she gave up while laughing at me. Can't help it, I know what I like and I know what I want.
Talking of which, I remembered the Gingerbread House I made last December, so tracked down a photo. Made me laugh, the front of the house is looking very much like this at the moment. Minus the snow.

The door won't be pink for much longer, but it gives me a bit of a kick to see just how similar it is looking right now. It also shows me how deeply embedded the idea of how the porch should look has been.
If only porches really could be built from gingerbread, I'd have been able to make my own and save a lot of time and money. Though it wouldn't last long in the rain.
Talking of the porch, I'll do a little update in the next post. A lot has changed, but still much left to do. But oh, it is getting there and looking absolutely gorgeous. I just wish it wasn't anywhere near as stressful as it is, there has been a pretty major issue today and it's left me convinced I'm getting a stomach ulcer. Will be so glad when it's done, for multiple reasons. I'm so over being here to supervise renovations and deal with every tiny detail and problem.