Monday, December 24, 2012

Christmas Eve at Kell Avenue

When she selected the yarn last November, Beverly had no idea it was part of a secret Santa conspiracy. Mom chose "Majesty" from the dozens of samples presented, and we had a little chuckle because we sometimes call her "the Queen of Kell Avenue" because of all the royal attention she gets at her new Bloomington castle.
Historically, Rolfsruds open gifts on Christmas Eve, so it was with a good deal of anticipation that we joined Mom and Jill at Kell for some festive gift opening.
Mom just happened to be wearing a matching blouse today, so when we tried on the custom-knit cape, she looked stunning. Jill remarked that the armless design would make it easy to slip on and off to ward off the chilly air. Sosie put it all together from California, using the skills of her neighbor and friend, and shipping the finished cape to Shakopee for her co-conspirators to wrap. Enclosed was this note from Sosie:
Bird feeder and PJs
Mom,
Now that the box is open and the cape/poncho is out, a picture or two will be much enjoyed!
The knitter is my yoga instructor, good friend, and neighbor. She created the pattern based on my vague description and the yarn you chose. We hope it is warm and comfortable for you.
Merry Christmas!
Sosie

Earlier, Mom had opened thoughtful gifts from her caregivers: a swell bird feeder to hang outside her window, and a pair of snuggly PJs, just her size. There were more gifts under the tree, delivered by Mom's great granddaughter Milla, from the extended Letnes branch, a trifecta of lovely outfits, one of which has already been selected for her big Christmas Day Dinner appearance at Virg's tomorrow.
Mom's spirits were very high in her new home and we felt very Christmasy on the snowy ride back to ours.
Merry Christmas everyone, from Kathleen and Stan!