by pennifold 07 Dec 2015

HI MY CUTE FRIENDS, well today went off without a hitch. Other than me being still in pain and not being able to drink my favourite bubbles!!!!! Piper Heidseick Champagne and to make matters worse my dear friend Chris Munroe bought me a bottle. I'll have it when I'm off these pain killers.


The food was wonderful, the company was great and everyone had a wonderful day. I received some lovely gifts of which some I had to open as the givers wanted me to see them. The others I've put under my tree.

Amy came with the girls early to help me and Meg also came too as I had some last minute preparation to do and without their help we wouldn't have been on time.

Everyone loved their bags, matching purses, tea towels, lipstick holders, coasters and FSL Santa for their Christmas trees. Bless Amy she bought a magnificent Pavlova and Meg bought an icecream with pudding mix in it and made custard. Trevor had bought each lady a Newcastle Pudding Lady plum pudding and we had Brandy Custard too. Then we had gorgeous plunger Hazelnut Praline Coffee and a magnificent Santa Claus Punch with strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. We basically stuffed ourselves, but it was worth it.

We all agreed that this year had just flown by too fast and that we must meet more often next year.

Well, I am exhausted and am just about to go and have a bath with some Epsom salts in it as I'm still in pain. I'm going to try and get into see a Physiotherapist to give me a gentle buttock massage! Excuse the vernacular!

As I said earlier the theme this year was Santa and everyone had to wear either red, green or gold.

1. Long view of table from my corner.
2. Closeup of Candelabra.
3. Mum on the left and her friend Val on the right.
4. Some of the Christmas quilts I've made over the years
5. Food table with my 3foot high porcelain Santa light.
6. View from table at the back end looking towards cupboards.
7. All the ladies, Me, Chris Munroe, Kaye, Mum, Stasia, Meg and Val (who is 86! not bad is she?)
8. My table setting - I originally had made 4 red and 4 navy blue Christmas Santa tea towels and Amy said - "Mum, you've got nothing blue, you are going to have to make 4 more red ones." So on Saturday I had both machines going and made the last 4, so everyone received a red Santa tea towel.

Well, I'll have to put my thinking cap on now for next year's luncheon as I start sewing in February and what with the wedding in April well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm not sure when I'll get started. Hope everyone had a great weekend. I'm going to try and get in to a massage this week and I'm now going to go and have a bath with some Epsom salts.


Love Chris

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by cathiejones 20 Dec 2015

It looks superb. I envy you to be able to meet with your embroidery fellow.
Thank you to share with us.

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pennifold by pennifold 20 Dec 2015

Hi Cathie, I hope you can find someone in your area that belongs on Cute. You just never know! You live in England don't you? Love Chris

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by justsew 20 Dec 2015

it all looks stunning . you are lucky to be able to do it with all your trouble.
hugs pam

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pennifold by pennifold 20 Dec 2015

Thanks Pam, my husband was a great help this year. We have today to dismantle it all as we had all the family over last night for our Christmas dinner as they are all going away. Love Chris

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by meganne 19 Dec 2015

It would be remiss of me not to find this post and add my sincere thanks to my BFF Chris for another wonderful Christmas luncheon shared with "the Girls".
I am the newbie to Chris' group of friends but found myself most welcomed from the very first and now feel, well and truly, to be part of the group, as one would only expect of Chris' friends, being a reflection of the lovely lady that she is. So each year I find myself really looking forward to this get together only to find it so enjoyable that the day ends all too soon.
The food was fabulous, the gifts are awesome and the company beyond compare.
It was obvious to anyone with eyes, that our Chris was in considerable pain and I was amazed she lasted the day, but she is one determined lady and I raise my glass to her as I know she paid for it the following day.
I absolutely love my Aboriginal print tote bag with matching make-up purse and the Santa coaster, FSL ornament, tea towel and lipstick case are all delightful treasures I will cherish forever.
Thank you dear friend for including me in your family of friends, I had a wonderful day and look forward, with anticipation, to next years luncheon and catching up with 'the girls'. hugs n love, me xxxxxxxxx

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pennifold by pennifold 20 Dec 2015

Thank you so much my dear Meg. I'm just about to ring the Physio - it's 9.00am Monday morning and yesterday we had all the family over for Christmas as they are all going away. To say I'm buggered is an understatement!. Thanks once again dear Meg, already got the fabric and idea for next year's luncheon. I now have to put my mind to making things for the wedding! AAAAGGHHH! only 102 days to go!!!!!! Love ya, love Chris

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by kathymourie 16 Dec 2015

Sew great.. Beautiful ladies....

Kathy

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pennifold by pennifold 16 Dec 2015

Thanks Kathy, they aren't a bad lot. The oldest lady is the one next to my Mum - Val is 88!

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by lhart 16 Dec 2015

You did a fabulous job on your table, so festive! I absolutely love the santa silverware holders!

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pennifold by pennifold 16 Dec 2015

Thanks so much - now the family want me to make our Christmas table on Sunday with red and white etc. So I bought some new Crackers and t should look great. Love Chris

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by Patricia109 10 Dec 2015

Absolutely gorgeous. Well done on still doing the day with your pain. AND surviving! :-)

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pennifold by pennifold 11 Dec 2015

Thanks Trish, and I can tell you I've suffered for it ever since. I'm putting up a post soon about what has happened. Love Chris

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by decojo 08 Dec 2015

Chris, everyone looks lovely and everything looks so festive and elegant! Great job! Hoping you can get some rest and praying the pain will go away. Hugs, Joyce

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pennifold by pennifold 09 Dec 2015

Thanks Joyce, me too!

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by katydid 08 Dec 2015

Each photo is wonderful! Love you sweetie. Kay

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pennifold by pennifold 09 Dec 2015

Thanks Kay I appreciate your comments, love Chris

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by hightechgrammy 08 Dec 2015

Oh Chris, this is all so beautiful and so festive! I look forward to seeing the pictures of your big event every year! My favorites are the silverware holders! I can't imagine how much work this has been over the year. You are one amazing lady! I hope and pray you get over your pain soon! I had similar pain and "dry needling" took it all away! POOF! After every other method, that is the only thing that worked! Merry Christmas!!

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pennifold by pennifold 09 Dec 2015

Anything would be better than what I'm going through - the Acupuncturist did nothing at all, so maybe that would help me out. Love Chris

Patricia109 by Patricia109 10 Dec 2015

For some reason (most likely cause there are small differences in our make-up) - acupuncture doesn't work for everyone.

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by lbrow 08 Dec 2015

You are marvelous as usual Chris, wonder Woman you are. Everything is beautiful and perfect. But that is you, beautiful and perfect. Congratulations on perfection while going thru trials and tribulation(intense pain) Love you and what you have done/Lillian

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pennifold by pennifold 09 Dec 2015

Thanks Miss Lillian, not is the time for me to relax and rest you are right. I just hope this Physio can give me some more relief. I'm off to bed as i can't keep awake. Love Chris

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by jrob Moderator 08 Dec 2015

God rest ye merry gentlewoman, you've pulled it off again.
Remember rest your poor derriere it wants to be your friend....
Someone else take the chorus.

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lbrow by lbrow 08 Dec 2015

Let all your friends stand tall with you till everythings all right then clap your hands and shout Cooee, Cooee let's celebrate to night

pennifold by pennifold 09 Dec 2015

Thanks Miss Lillian, I had to stand as i couldn't sit for long. I like your Cooee, it's a great Aussie call. Love Chris

pennifold by pennifold 09 Dec 2015

Thanks Jerrilyn love that hymn. Love Chris

jrob by jrob 09 Dec 2015

Love your addition, Miss Lillian.

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by designgirl 08 Dec 2015

Gorgeous table setting, And all the gifts. I know why everyone had such a wonderful time. I do hope you are feeling better and are getting some relief from the pain you have been having. Hugs Lynn.

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pennifold by pennifold 09 Dec 2015

Thanks Lynn, well for the time being I'm living on pain killers so am floating along until it wears off then I take more. I'lll be needing a new script soon for the Trramadol. It keep the pain at bay. Love Chris

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by dailylaundry 08 Dec 2015

Oh, wow, I don't know how you did it being in so much pain! Your table looks for festive and the food - makes my mouth water!! Lovely ladies - "I see you Meg!!!!". Your gifts must have pleased everyone!! Get that message and feel better!!! Hugs, Laura*

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pennifold by pennifold 09 Dec 2015

I hope I can get better soon Laura, I'm in tears most of the time and no-one understands unless they've been through something similar - it's like a constant tooth-ache. Love Chris

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by lilylady 08 Dec 2015

What beautiful settings, I know they love all the work you go to for a special day. It's just lovely and thank you for inviting us. Sorry you had to be in pain through your party, Sad!

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pennifold by pennifold 09 Dec 2015

Thanks yes, it's my favourite setting, comes all the way from Germany and it is so fine you can almost see through the porcelain. Love Chris

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by marianb 08 Dec 2015

Another memorable Christmas lunch, everything look delightful. Just love your Santa. Enjoy your soak hope the pain eases. Marian

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pennifold by pennifold 09 Dec 2015

I wish I could say it helped but it didn't. One of Mum's friends from Adelaide suggested a brace or a Cortisone needle in the spine or bum! I'm ready to try anything at the moment. Love Chris

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by gerryb 08 Dec 2015

As usual, just wonderful!!! You are a dear friend to some very lucky ladies!!

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pennifold by pennifold 09 Dec 2015

Thanks Gerry, they are a grand bunch of ladies and did all the cleaning up and put all the dishes in the dishwasher and cleaned up the back room for me. Love them dearly, love Chris

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by tlp22 08 Dec 2015

What a wonderful job you did on this. How you ever did this in all the pain your in. Your a very strong woman and so generous to do this.
Now try to rest up.

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pennifold by pennifold 09 Dec 2015

Thanks Theresa, although fell in a heap yesterday and today. Am seeing a Physiotherapist who has taped me up but I've come out in a red rash from the elastoplast as I'm obviously allergic to it. Love Chris

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by airyfairy 07 Dec 2015

Another fabulous ladies lunch. Well done Chris. The pictures say it all. Hugs Sarah

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pennifold by pennifold 07 Dec 2015

Thanks Sarah, all I have to do now is work out how to alleviate the pain in my bum! he he he! It's a highly inflamed Gluteus Minimus!!!! Love Chris

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by crafter2243 Moderator 07 Dec 2015

You outdid yourself in spite of it all. I am glad you received help. Now we hope that you get some news today what to do about your back..

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pennifold by pennifold 07 Dec 2015

Thanks Angie I'm so thankful for all my friends too and yes I can't wait to get some relief. Love Chris

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by toogie 07 Dec 2015

Chris you are a Star! What a trooper too!
You worked too hard, planned all year, for this luncheon to be cancelled. I'm sure everyone would have been disappointed, including you, but they all would have understood and you do need to take care of YOU. So many depend on you!
You have made another beautiful memory for you and your friends. I love all the projects you have made throughout the year, but I think my favorite is the Santa silverware holders! I know you put a lot of work in the purses/bags and the zip cases, but he is my favorite, this year.
Now, do let others take over for a while, so you will be able to enjoy your Christmas with your family. I know your family depends on you a lot, but take my word for it, they can survive!-lol
Hope you get relief soon and get back to feeling good again. Love-Toogie

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pennifold by pennifold 07 Dec 2015

You know me too well Toogie and hit the nail on the head so to speak. I'm buggered and can't wait for this pain to alleviate. I just want to get back to feeling ' normal' again. Love Chris

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by dragonflyer 07 Dec 2015

Everything looks wonderful! I am sure a great time was had by all...hope you are getting some relief from the pain...

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pennifold by pennifold 07 Dec 2015

Thanks Kim, I'm trying and am still on strong pain killers, but they aren't working. So I'm trying anything at the moment to give me some relief. Love Chris

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by karenalice 07 Dec 2015

Everything looks so festive!

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pennifold by pennifold 07 Dec 2015

Thanks so much, it was a festive occasion. I can still smell the coffee! Love Chris

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getEdited - SELECT
by pldc edited 07 Dec 2015

I agree Chris, it looks wonderful & I am happy that everyone came out to give you a helping hand! I too love to "see" Meg looking so beautiful! ( hello Meg!)It is a beautiful table setting & food buffet too. Maybe next years theme might be Christmas trees lol whatever it is I'm sure it will be just as wonderful. Soak away some of that pain & hope you can get in for buttocks message to alleviate some of the pain if not all ~hugs &****~

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pennifold by pennifold 07 Dec 2015

Thanks Loralye, I had to giggle when I booked in for the massage, I told her I wanted my bum massaged! And asked for a girl!!!!!! I'll have to think about next year's theme. Love Chris

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by noah 07 Dec 2015

Oh Chris i wish i could of been there but****everything looks so perfect ,hope a great time was had by all and a big MERRY CHRISTMAS to all***hugs Carolyn

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pennifold by pennifold 07 Dec 2015

Well, Carolyn all of you were there with me in Spirit. Merry Christmas to you too. Love Chris

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by sdrise 07 Dec 2015

beautiful table and beautiful ladies.......Hope you feel better soon and the Doc can help you!

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pennifold by pennifold 07 Dec 2015

Me too Suzanne, I'm beside myself with discomfort. Love Chris

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by baydreamer 07 Dec 2015

You have outdone yourself again, each year is as good as the last. Ho Ho fun for all !

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pennifold by pennifold 07 Dec 2015

Thanks so much, it was a beautiful day and great friends and food. Love Chris

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by laffma1 07 Dec 2015

I'm so glad your luncheon went well. It is a lot of work just to prepare for guests, but when you aren't feeling your best it is even more so. Your table looks wonderful and all of you look so happy to be together again. A massage & a soak sounds just the thing to help you recouperate. Hope the inflamation resolves quickly.

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pennifold by pennifold 07 Dec 2015

Thanks so much the soak in the bath didn't help and I'm off to the Physio at 3.00pm. It's 1.30 as I write this to you. I can't wait, love Chris

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by 02kar Moderator 07 Dec 2015

Beautiful ladies, Lovely table Perfect time. Now please rest. I understand about the massage. for any who don't know, the Sciatic nerve runs accoss the butt and down the leg. I do hope you get relief from the pain. I hope you hear the results of the MRI soon.

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pennifold by pennifold 07 Dec 2015

Yes, I have the results it's not the Sciatic nerve, but I have a highly inflamed Gluteus Minimus - the second largest muscle in your buttock! It's excruciating and I'm having a Physio appt. in 2 hours to start to help alleviate the pain! Love Chris

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by michemb 07 Dec 2015

Hi Chris,
Nicely done once again. Happy that you were able to enjoy yourself despite the pain. I see your mum wearing a cast on her arm, did she fall?
I am sure that all your friends enjoy themselves and appecciate all the hard work you do every year to make all of this so special.

hugs
Michelle

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pennifold by pennifold 07 Dec 2015

Yes, Mum broke her ulna and radius about 5 weeks ago. She slipped over on her back patio after heavy rain and there was some slime on the cement. As she has 2 false knees she didn't want to fall on them so put her hand out to stop the fall - of course that was all it took to break it. The doctor ordered her a Bone Scan and she had that this morning and has the cast taken off next week. By that time he will have the results of the Bone scan. Can't come quick enough she says. Love Chris

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by sandralane 07 Dec 2015

Chris ! absolutely wonderful again this year, you are a marvel. Thank you for the photographs, love to see them each year. So sorry you are still in pain, i think it is time for Mrs Santa to have a well earned rest. You and your family put in such a huge effort each year to make everyone happy. Glad that you all had a great time at the gathering sharing some wonderfully home made gifts. I hope that you have a safe and happy family christmas. Look forward to 2016 and seeing all your new projects of which there will probably be many to inspire all us CUTIES. Sandra.

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pennifold by pennifold 07 Dec 2015

Thanks Sandra, it was a lovely day and I can't wait to get over this pain either. I'm off to a Physiotherapist at 3.00 to have a massage on my you know where!!!!!!!
Love Chris

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by cfidl 07 Dec 2015

It all looks so festive. That will get you into the spirit! So glad you still can do what you do! Best wishes for the continuing holiday season!

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pennifold by pennifold 07 Dec 2015

Thanks Chris. I'm having difficulty typing I'm just barely putting up with it. I hope we have a wonderful Christmas with the family, as long as my back holds up. Love Chris

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by tfk 07 Dec 2015

Wow awesome Chris all this is amazing! :)
So much work in preparing for this day and I am sure it must have paid off! I am glad you had help and got everything done on time :) everything looks beautiful!
Your list of deserts has just made me very hungry and I think I will go grab some cookies. ..haha!
Thank you so much for sharing these lovely pics. ....enjoyed looking around your pretty home and ofcourse the beautiful ladies too :)
Now after a day well spent you should really relax and rest at least afew days! Update us after your doctor's visit tommorow! Take care and sleep well ......good night! :)

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pennifold by pennifold 07 Dec 2015

Thanks Fatima, I've got to take Mum for a Bonescan at 9.00 in the morning, so once that's done I'll book myself in for a Massage. I've got some cookies up in my biscuit barrel too, was just thinking the same thing! Thanks for your lovely comments. Love Chris

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by kezza2sew 07 Dec 2015

Well Chris that year surely did go fast...always a pleasure to look in on your special day with your special family and special friends...I like to see our wonderful Meg in your photos to...(love 2 U Meg)
everything looks gorgeous and can see an extremely lot of work to make such an event turn out perfect.
Do hope you get some ease of pain with your massage. And I know the Epson salts bath will do wonders...A big year ahead of you I see, now I wonder just what will you come up with in 12mts time...hmmmm
Take care, love and hugs Kerry

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pennifold by pennifold 07 Dec 2015

Hi darling, well I've just got out of the bath, but don't feel any different, so I'm hoping a good night's sleep might alleviate some of the pain. I'm just about to take a couple of pills and hopefully they will send me off to the land of nod. Meg was an Angel, she helped clean up as did all the ladies, I didn't have to lift a finger - I just unpacked the dishwasher when they had all gone and put everything away. Meg is such a wonderful caring woman and would give me the shirt off her back if I needed it. Amy was great too, she is such a darling and the girls Ophelie and Delphi behaved themselves beautifully, even if Delphi eat nearly all the Hummus!!!!! Love C

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