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Wednesday, December 21, 2016

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND THANK YOU!

This post is my way of sending all of you a Christmas card.  I want to thank all of you dear folks for  reading my blog, for without you, what would be the purpose of writing one?  It astounds me that you would take the time out of your busy days to read Hope and Thrift.  And it simply boggles my mind how many from all corners of the world read this blog.  I know that my long rambling posts must be a challenge to interpret, so my heart is filled with gratitude  for you!   And I'm grateful to all that leave me comments;    they spur me on, they encourage me, they're thought provoking.  I want you to know that I appreciate them immensely!  It's also encouraging to see the sort of little community that we have here.  How nice it is to see familiar names commenting on each others blogs.    I readily admit I don't have all the answers, but usually, there's someone out there that does.  I love that about blogging; we look out for each other, we pray for each other, we encourage each other.  So I want to leave you with a heartfelt thank you!  I hope that you have the merriest of Christmases!   

PS:  You will be happy to note that this will be the last of my posts for this year. I know that you will be busy attending to your celebrations, so I'm giving you a break. Ha!.   But to those alone and lonely, I'm here for you, if you need, just leave a comment and I'll get back to you on how to contact me privately.  I'll be back January 1st.  I'm so excited for the new year and starting over with a clean slate! Here's a hug to keep you!
Jane

  

62 comments:

  1. Jane, your words are all so true, We share, we care, support, encourage, pray for, send messages to and fro, and leave comments. Those comments are so uplifting, and as I go from one blog I visit regularly, to another on that one's side bar, so my blog friends make my list longer.And you are so right, so many of us visit the same blogs, and all round the world we become one large family of wonderful friends. Greetings to you and Ran, Jamie and George, and anyone else who has stopped off along the way. Your fire will be lit, warmth and happiness inside, and I look forward to more talking in 2017. Hugs from a very warm place down in New Zealand.XXX p.s.I have so enjoyed meeting you this year and travelling alongside your home.

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    1. Merry Christmas Jean! I hope this coming year will find you in better health. It's been fun getting to know you too!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  2. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones Jane.

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  3. Merry Christmas to you! May you savor the greatest GIFT.....Jesus. Have a wonderful time with your family and keep warm. I will look forward to January 1st.
    In Christ,

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    1. Merry Christmas and thank you for the blessing, Kim! I'm looking forward to the New Year too.

      Hugs
      Jane

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  4. What a sweet post dear Jane! I too am appreciative of the blogging community who reads and comments on my blog. We are like family and that makes me feel thankful.

    You have been a source of love and encouragement for me through the years, but especially these past 4. Thank you.

    Have a nice Christmas break, and a lovely Christmas day with your family. May 2017 be a great year.

    Love & hugs ~ FlowerLady

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    1. I hope you know that you are very dear to me, Rainey. Do you know we have known each other for over a decade? I hope Christmas Day will be a joyful one for you!

      Love and hugs back at you!
      Jane

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  5. thank you so much for your blog. I look forward to your postings. Never to old to learn how to stretch our money. God bless you and your family.

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    1. Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  6. Thank you dear Jane for sharing your heart and your lovely home with us. You never cease to inspire and motivate me. And it does help us all to feel we are all in this together. Wishing a most blessed of Christmases. Hugs, Angela

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    1. Thank you, Angela! Yes, we are all in this together. I love that about blogging! Have a very Merry Christmas!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  7. Hi Jane,
    Thank you for writing your blog. It is like visiting with a friend. It is fun to see what you are uo to and reading about life in a different part of the country from where I live. Here's wishing you a wonderful Christmas. See you in 2017!

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    1. Thanks Sheila! BTW, I was reading your "about me" and I must say I was impressed! I don't think I'll be showing any of my quilts after reading your credentials! HA! Have a joyous Christmas!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  8. Reading your post is always an enjoyable part of my day. It's been lovely "getting to know you", and I also very much appreciate your reading & commenting on my blog. Enjoy your holiday celebrations!

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    1. It's been fun getting to know you, too, Laurie! And I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one that love children's books! Happy holidays!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  9. Merry Christmas, dear Jane! Enjoy your break with walks in the snow, feeding kitties, knitting a little, and warming by the fire (watch that skirt!). Sending love and light!

    as ever.. m

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    1. I'll take that, Matty! Only wearing wool skirts these days, so I'm all set. How very Jo March of me! Hope you have a nice restful holiday break!

      Hugs
      Jane

      PS: I'm afraid I didn't appreciate meeting Lois Lenski when I did. I don't remember the book except for the fact the boy wore lugged shoes. I was more excited about getting out of gym class!

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  10. Jane, you have a gift for sharing "Hope and Thrift" in your own unique way that makes it a pleasure to visit you here. Thank you for sharing and caring.
    Wishing you and yours a wonderfully Peaceful and Merry Christmas!
    Toni

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    1. Thank you, Toni! Gosh! What a nice thing to say! I hope you will have a wonderful Christmas, too.

      Hugs
      Jane

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  11. Merry Christmas,Jane,to you and yours also! I am so glad that I discovered your blog a few months ago. I love reading about your lovely, frugal lifestyle (I am of like mind!) and life in your charming little cottage. I look forward to new posts in 2017!

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    1. Merry Christmas, Isabella! Bet it's pretty in Minneapolis. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better in 2017.

      Hugs
      Jane

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  12. merry christmas, dear jane! enjoy your break.
    hugs,regina

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    1. Hello my dear friend! I hope this Christmas will find you well and that 2017 will be good to you! Gesegnete Weihnachten und ein glückliches neues Jahr!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  13. Thank you so much for these wonderful posts. It's been a blast, bringing up memories and reading everyone's contributions. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

    HoHoHo!
    Sue

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    1. HoHoHo, Sue! You seem to be in a jolly mood. Have a merry Christmas. See you in the New Year!
      Hugs
      Jane

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  14. Sure have enjoyed your daily posts but haven't been commenting as I have been very busy. Our KY daughter and her family have been visiting us for Christmas. It was rather a spur of the moment plan so I had very little time to prepare but so happy I have so much food on hand I did not have to panic, had the cookies and fudge made so we had a few nights of celebrating Christmas early with our whole family, out here. We just have 2 kids so the family is not that big but we are not all together often so we spent as much time together as we could. The KY kid had to return home today so it is awfully quiet this after noon. I need to restock a few items tomorrow as we will still have Christmas soup supper out here with our son and his family on Christmas night. The grandkids would not hear of skipping that and we have presents to open :) A very Merry Christmas to you and your family as well. Nannie

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    1. I'm so happy for you, Nannie! Being busy with family at Christmas time is a good kind of busy. Enjoy that Christmas soup supper! Merry Christmas!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  15. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Jane! I loved reconnecting with you this year and reading your posts are always informative! Have a great day

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    1. I was so happy when I discovered your comment on Prudent Homemaker, Vickie. I knew it was you. Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  16. I have enjoyed everything, you are such an inspiration to us. Have a wonderful Christmas and happy new year. -Sharon

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    1. Thank you Sharon! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and hope to hear from you in the New Year.

      Hugs
      Jane

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  17. Dear Jane,
    Being new girl on the blog, I haven't really come to know these fellow comment-ers but having recently finished reading through the past four years of archives here I can see that many are faithful followers and have so very much in common. You are wonderful about making everyone feel so welcome in your "home" whether you've known them a decade or, like me, someone you've only just met.

    I look forward to all the insight and encouragement you will offer us in 2017! I want to hear about your home-cooked suppers using all the glorious garden you put up last summer! I want to see all the wonderful knitting projects your hands find to do beside the fire this winter! I want to hear more of your frugal tips and why I need to consider down-sizing! I want to hear more about good books you read and recommend.

    I especially like the posts that talk of spiritual things. I mean, I know that it is possible that not all of your readers would necessarily appreciate that but I enjoy when you speak of the ways that Christianity is linked up to your goals, world views, and home affairs. You are bold in your faith and I like that.

    I look forward to being your friend,
    Happy New Year!!
    Lori

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    1. Hello Lori! I am not ashamed to say that I am a Christian, if people don''t like it they can always stop reading (and several have, one fairly recently) I don't write this blog for popularity or for monetary gain. I started blogging because I was lonely and felt like the odd-man out everywhere I went. It's such a blessing to discover there are so many like-minded people out there. I will do my best to write about the thins you have written. And I hope soon you'll feel at home here too! Merry Christmas!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  18. Beautiful winter pictures, Jane! And Merry Christmas to you! I'd rather read your blog than any magazine! Gee, if it weren't for your blog, I wouldn't know how to preserve, how to cook delicious things like my favorite ginger creams from you, how to garden...etc.! Hugs, Andrea

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    1. I think you'd figure it out, Andrea, Ha! Thank you for the lovely thoughts! I hope you are having a wonderful Christmas in your new home. A very merry and blessed Christmas!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  19. A blessed Christmas to you, Jane! Thanks for all the words of wisdom, the candy recipe, and inspiring quotes.
    Blessings,
    Leslie

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    1. Thank you Leslie! I suppose you have quite a houseful this time of year. Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  20. Howdy Jane, glad you enjoyed the post about the tree lighting here, we always like to attend. Enjoy your break and come back to us soon ok? So hard to beleive Christmas is really nearly here!

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  21. OH my goodness--I have missed some of your posts! How is the cold little kitty?? What a sweet little thing....I'm so glad he brought it home and you are taking care of it. Hope you can find a nice home for it and I sure would be getting attached to it, like you mentioned, ha ha LOL How could you not--it's a cute little thing. I also just read and loved the post about Christmas dresses...you and I think so much alike. I miss some formality in our world now that its' missing! I love dressing up for occasions and special events and holidays! I love having a "Christmas dress" or outfit! I buy our granddaughter a sweet little festive Christmas dress every year and also an Easter dress. I miss LADIES wearing nice outfits when out shopping or visiting---we used to dress up for those occasions, what in the world has happened to us? Casual is nice, and it's ok....but to NEVER dress up and show respect for yourself and the event is just lacking today, and it's sad. Remember when ladies wore nice white gloves? Haven't seen that since 1972, and it was for Homecoming queen court. ha ha LOL Flying in a airplane used to be a special event, ladies wore nice dresses or suits, a lovely hat, high heel pumps, and the gloves. Men wore suits and ties and yes, they polished their shoes. Like you said, people dressed up for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner too, in old pictures you see people dressed nicely, not all slovenly and messy. I am constantly amazed and appalled while out in public seeing young women running around in pajama bottoms and old t shirts or worse. Do they not look in a mirror or do they just not care? LOL I miss the old traditions so I sure did love this post. And by the way, did you get a Christmas dress this year my friend?

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    1. I'm happy to report that we've found a home for the Christmas cat, Debbi. MY son and DIL will be taking him. No one can resist her cute little face.

      I wish that we still could wear gloves without looking like a germaphobe. My hands always look so rough with gardening and all, it would be nice to cover them up.

      I didn't buy a Christmas dress, but I have a beautiful vintage velvet skirt that I'll be wearing. Maybe some pearl earrings too.

      Hope you a fun Christmas with your granddaughter!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  22. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy new year.

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    1. Thank you Debbie! Hope yours is wonderful too and that you feel well throughout the season.

      Hugs
      Jane

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  23. Merry Christmas and Thank You!
    Your blog has blessed me in many ways, and I thank you for your kindness this past year.

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    1. Well, thank you, Kathy, for commenting on all my posts and adding to our little community! God bless and Merry Christmas!

      HUgs
      Jane

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  24. Yes, a clean slate sounds great!
    Have a great holiday, Jane..See you next year!
    God bless~ Lisa

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    1. I like the idea of a clean slate, Lisa. And since my birthday is the 31st, the 1st is a really great time to begin anew. Merry Christmas!
      Hugs
      Jane

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    2. Oh goodness! Thank you so much, Lisa! I'm trying to be as happy as one can, while edging closer to 60! Ha! Happy New Year!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  25. Thank you for your blog and the snippets of your life that you share with your readers. It is such a treat when you have a new post. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and an abundance of God's blessings!

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    1. It's been fun getting to know you too, Shirley! Hope you are having a fun Christmas!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  26. Thank you for your blog. I enjoyed reading your advent posts and sharing them with my family here in Europe. Have a blessed rest of the year.

    Until Next Taste,
    Foodie Finds Home

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  27. Dear Jane,
    Wishing you a beautiful holiday season and best wishes for the New Year. Your blog is my favorite, the one I always read first. You are a gift.
    Cheers,
    Dana

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    1. Thank you so much, Dana! I always appreciate your comments and sense of humor. It's been fun getting to know you. Hope that Christmas was wonderful for you and that you will have a lovely New Year!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  28. Hi, Jane. I wanted to check in to see if you came back early. I hope the Christmas holiday was good for you and you're enjoying the season. Happy birthday on the 31st! I know you'll have a wonderful day! (I love birthdays; mine's in late Jan.)

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    1. Thank you, Debbie, and a happy early birthday to you, just in case I forget in January. Of all the things I've lost over the years, I miss my mind the most. Ha! I thought you all could use a break from my daily posts, but will be back on the first.

      Hugs
      Jane

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  29. Greetings! I found your blog via Home Living Helper. I love it. I read every post from the start to the finish. I usually don't agree with so much that a blogger has to say--but with you I did. Don't leave. I intend to come back often. I enjoy the recipes, health tips, the covert political slant, the Christian view, the (what some would say) conspiracy theories and just everything. You are very talented with your hand-work and thrifting. Have a great day! Sherri

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    1. Thank you Sherri! I guess I wasn't as covert as I thought if you picked up on it. Ha! I'll be back here on the 1st, so please stay tuned. Happy New Years!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  30. Thank you Jane, for writing your blog. I look forward to every post and miss you when you are away. I hope you and your family have a wonderful 2017. Will you have any resolutions for the new year? Any crafts projects in the plans? I need to use up some needlepoint yarn, perhaps make a few pillows. Every year I put bread making on my list, maybe this really will be the year. Hugs to you.

    J Lynn

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    1. Thanks, Jlynn! I always have resolutions! I make them every week. Ha! I plan on making another wool quilt this year. My friend Mary gives me Ralph Lauren woolen fabric swatches from an upholstery business. Should make a pretty grand quilt don't you think? HUgs Back!

      Jane

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  31. Dear Jane,

    A happy late Christmas to you, and happy New Year! I do hope you have enjoyed a restful, fun week with family.

    Love,

    Marqueta

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