Christmas leftovers

I didn't blog much during the month of December, but I did get to go out and work on Sundays at the Landing.

It was a snowy, cold December and the folks out there always made sure I had help hauling water or wood at the 1800s village. Doubtless most expecting pioneer women had the same thoughtfulness extended to them, but I appreciated the help nonetheless.

This year, I played a German with varying religious convictions. Sometimes I was Catholic. Sometimes I was protestant, as a Moravian. Once I was a school teacher.

As a Moravian, one of the key Christmas displays is the very large Nativity display. I had to keep an eye on this one to make sure it stayed acurate. Whether bored kids or meddling adult hands, the characters telling the Christmas story took on a life of their own sometimes. Once I found Mary praying out in a field and a wiseman watching over the manger with Joseph. The shepherds were on the roof, and their flock was scattered throughout the entire table. Another time, I found Joseph leading not one, but two Marys somewhere... and it was away from the manger.

I also had grand plans to knit a pair of mittens during Folkways. I bought wooden knitting needles and wool. I had plans that Queen Pauline assured me were 'easy.' They probably are, but I've discovered I ride the short bus for knitters. Since my previous experience extends only to purling, it seems I have a long way to go..... perhaps the mittens will be ready for next year.


This year, we had a new leader overseeing Folkways and it went rather well with the best attendance we've seen in a few years. I call this group my Minnesota family, and it's always good to hang out with them awhile... even if we do smell like woodsmoke when we go home!

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