For the past few months I have been collecting glass jars with a clip top. I find them at the thrift shop and usually pay 75 cents apiece. I used to keep my staples in large mayonaise jars but they were getting old and looked terrible. So imagine my delight when Mike came home with an armful of new jars from a navy friend who is moving! I had SO much fun transferring everything.

I was able to find replacement rubber rings at the True Value store in town. I found out that these types of jars have what is called lightening closures. All I know is that I love the way they look as well as how they keep out humidity. Thanks Dr. J!

This week when Tracey came over, Sarah helped her sew an apron. Tracey had bought a beautiful curtain from the thrift shop and it made an adorable apron. The fabric was Waverly...very nice!

There was enough leftover fabric for Tracey to make a smaller version for her daughter, Brianna. First she needs to find a working sewing machine. Hopefully she will find one on freecycle or at the thrift shop.

Doesn't it look nice? The curtain already had the ruffle on it...very convenient! After sewing we went to the amish bent and dent store. The past few days have been bitterly cold but the gas heat in the amish store felt cozy.

Today Allen's friend Jeff is over for a visit. Allen, Jeff and Lizzie went for a long hike in the woods.

Since it is bitterly cold still, I made sure they took their survival packs, cellphone, and pepper spray. Lizzie remembered the extra kleenex and socks.

They hiked down to our latest favorite place to be, a pond deep in the woods.

The beavers have been at work in the area.

There is also a hunting stand up in the trees...probably one of the amish boys'.

So I get nervous when I see pics like this. That's why I don't let them hike on windy days.

Jeff fell in...a not-unusual event.

My funny story comes from Allen today. After the three hikers had been gone for a little over an hour, I called Allen to see how they were doing.

"Okay," he said. "Jeff fell in but I have a little fire going to help us thaw out."

"Well, I have oven fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans all ready to eat," I said.

"I just kicked out the fire and we're on our way!"

Didn't take much convincing!

Hope you are enjoying your Christmas week. We definitely enjoy having Mike home. Lots of painting is getting done. Many blessings ~ Kathie