Snowlady Welcomes Winter

Pigeon's first lady of winter, the Woolly Snowlady, donned her wool hat and got out her pine tree to welcome winter to Michigan's Thumb. In spite of her crafty artificiality and her three ball construction (a woman? with balls?) she can be counted on to predict the first snow of the season fairly accurately.

Here is her prediction:

1. The first snow has already been here. (Duh.)
2. The second snow will be here before January 1st. (Double duh.)

Ah, how wonderful to have her in the company of the winter warriors. We love her sheepish grin and enjoy all of the yarns that she tells. With her beady eyes and her button front, she's one of those Midwesterners who stays north in cold weather and keeps the faith during the long, bright winter to come.

As Woolly Snowlady says to all she meets, "Only 22 more days until winter!"

Copyright 2011
Wanda Hayes Eichler

Two Handsome Guys



Max with Uncle Will -- November 2011

Max and Will posed for my camera while they were looking through the Robert Sabuda pop-up book about dinosours that Max got for his birthday. Max has on his new hand knit hat that I made for him. I used Jared Flood's pattern, Turn A Square hat, that is a free download on Ravelry.com to knit the hat for Max.

Robert Sabuda's pop-up books are a form of artwork that is outstanding. Each page has a large central popup (you can see one in front of Max in the photo) and then there are side pocket/pages with more pop ups. Mr. Sabuda and his collaborator, Matthew Reinhart, have created children's books that delight and entertain adults as well as children. HERE is a link to Robert Sabuda's website where you can see more of his work.

Copyright 2011
Wanda Hayes Eichler



Max's Karate Birthday

Karate birthday at Ohana Karate near Howell, Michigan

Max enjoyed a karate birthday party with lots of his friends this weekend. Max and Finn both take karate classes at Ohana Karate. When Karate Sam told Liesl, their mom, that he was offering karate birthday parties, Liesl jumped at the chance.

Karate brothers -- Finn and Max

The children learned to stay on their spot (notice the white dots on the floor), to sit with crossed legs and straight backs, and some of the basic kicking motions. Mr. Sam gave a lesson about bullying for both the parents and the children. There was lots of movement mixed in with the discipline of sitting and listening carefully.

Jumping through hoops, balancing, running -- active skill time at Ohana Karate

The ice cream birthday cake was yummy and some very tired children headed home after a great karate themed birthday party.

Copyright 2011

Wanda Hayes Eichler

Advent One

Light the Advent Candle One,

Now the waiting has begun.

We have started on our way,

Time to think of Christmas Day.

Candle, candle, burning bright,

Shining in the cold winter night.

Candle, candle, burning bright,

Fill our hearts with Christmas light.

The simple, yet sage, words of the children's Advent song ring in my head today. It's the first of four Sundays that come before Christmas, so in Christian liturgical tradition, it is Advent One.

Today I think of my Dad who is counting the days until his 91st Christmas in Wisconsin. His memories of Decembers past and the Christmases within all of those Decembers must be a wonderful gift for him this year. 

I'm also thinking of my Houston friends, the Winter family, as they count the days toward Hanukkah. Two traditions, linked by the light of truth.

Life is good.

Copyright 2011

Wanda Hayes Eichler



A Walk In The Park

Three adults, one kid and three dogs enjoyed a walk to the park this morning. People, left to right: Peter, Wendy, Will with Hannah. Dogs, left to right: Mosby, Mickey (back to camera) and Gilbert (also back to camera).

Cellphone photo
Copyright 2011
Wanda Hayes Eichler



Max -- Beaming Brightly

Born on Thanksgiving Day, Max beams brightly across his birthday cake. The look on his happy face could light a thousand candles, but we settled for seven last night, since Max turns seven today.

We celebrated a day early by singing "Happy Birthday," sharing a cake and opening presents. Now, what you can't see in this photo is that the candle were the kind that re-ignite, so the blowing out lasted several minutes.

Max's mother made a red velvet cake with Cool Whip topping for frosting and filling. It was very yummy. Peter, Ed and I finished the birthday cake late last night after the boys were in bed. This morning Max said, "Grandma, somebody ate the rest of my cake last night!" "Yes, Max, we did," was the honest (and confessional) reply.

Notice the Christmas cactus in the lower right corner. We counted 62 buds on it one day this week. None of the blossoms are open yet, but we know it will be a spectactular sight soon.

Copyright 2011

Wanda Hayes Eichler



Happy Great Grandmother

After pizza supper on Thanksgiving Eve, Max and Finn pose for a moment with their Great Grandma Pauline.

The great grandchildren always bring a sparkle to Pauline's eyes.

Cellphone photo