vecturist

I had a pretty good Christmas - my siblings both came out (long with sister's husband) and everyone got along pretty well. Lots of good food and a few day-trips - one to the Desert Botanical Gardens to see the chihuly glass exhibit (http://www.dbg.org/index.php/chihuly) which is quite impressive and to the Queen Creek olive mill (both brother and BIL cook, so they got olive oil).

I got an interesting assortment of presents - a new cardigan and new towel bars and rings for my bathroom from my parents (so I can replace the very dated ones I have), a new backpack from my brother, a new purse which my sister made, and a few other goodies which I took photos of. My mom had sort of stressed recycled or hand-made gifts this year, given the economy.



Backpack from my brother, so I no longer have to carry around my larger travel backpack (evryone kept asking if I was going hiking). Just the right size for my laptop and a couple notebooks, plus it's 75% recycled materials.



Messenger-bag style purse my sister made from an old pair of pants and some kimono fabric.




Catnip toys for Max made by my sister. They're sushi rolls! Apparently my sister saw some in a fancy pet store and couldn't believe the price, so she made some for my cat and a friend's cat.




I found this cute little guy in my stocking - my sister and bil brought him back from a Japanese temple during their visit last Jan. He's supposed to bring good luck and prosperity.