Where's the cookies, Santa?

Ummmm....Mrs. Mayor, did the people you put in charge of the Christmas tree lighting ceremony look at an extended weather forecast? If they had, they might have scheduled a rain date perhaps? Usually, this event is held on the first Friday in December, so why the change to hold it before Thanksgiving even?!!? I love this ceremony because of the pride I have in my city, and because in the past it brought the community together. In the past, it has been so packed with residents, you were elbow to elbow at many of the events. Oh, speaking of events....where were they? There were maybe five vendors and one band set up in the parking garage. Brilliant I thought, since it was raining....but, again, in the past, the whole street was closed off and lined with vendors and crafts. The one and only vendor that was selling hot coffee wanted $3. for a cup the next size up from a Dixie cup. Are you kidding me!?!? Ok, if it were going to a charitable cause, I might have supported that, but I saw no indication of such. When I saw Scooter about to give the guy his money for it, I said, "uh no, I don't think so...we will go to Starbucks..thanks anyway". I did think the soup tasting event was a nice touch this year in the lobby of the theater. Do you think you could have made Santa a little more visible though? You hid him in a corner of the old theater and from what I saw, he wasn't very friendly. Doesn't Santa usually hand out those little candy canes to the children, and in the past, he had a beautiful setup in the civic center rotunda with the velvet ropes and decorations...a more picturesque setting. He also had helpers that kept the children entertained while waiting. I thought it was pathetic that the mayor had to beg a woman to have her picture taken with her...most likely for the local paper to show what a great time was had by all. This tax paying citizen was a tad disappointed. The one thing my grandchildren love to do is the sugar cookie decorating. The cookies were gone by 6pm and I don't think it was due to a large crowd of children. I think it's more like there were probably only two dozen cookies. Next year, I hope we can go back to the old ways of the tree lighting ceremonies, that in the past, brought out an entire community, not just a handful that were in town for Thanksgiving. Nonetheless, the tree was beautiful and I love going downtown to our main street, where there are some wonderful shops, art galleries, two well preserved 1940's theaters, and restaurants.


With Christmas just four weeks away, I have decided that I can sew faster than I can knit, so I am going to the fabric store(s) this week to look at some patterns. I have a few ideas in mind and am looking forward to bringing my machine out again. I used to sew for bridal parties, made my ex-husband shirts, all of my children's clothes, as well as my niece, sisters and mom. Although it has been a while, I did sew a few things this year, and I'm looking forward to it again for Christmas. The knitting will still be part of my game...no way I can put that aside! The first sock of the pair I'm knitting for Scooter's birthday has been completed, and now I have just about two weeks to get the other one done. I took a little break from it last night though to knit up some quick little headbands my daughter has requested from me. I love the first one I'm working on..the pattern is beautiful!!! It's called Orseis and is a freebie on Ravelry. I'm using Rowan Felted Tweed in a natural color, as my daughter wants neutral colored ones. I'm enjoying this one so much, I may have to make me some!

I hope everyone has a wonderful week, and if you celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope it's a safe, happy, and blessed time for you and your family!!