Flutterby Patch Christmas is taking shape

Thank you for dropping by. I'm happy to tell you that Christmas is slowly arriving at Flutterby Patch.

I've decked the hall with boughs of holly and a tree 

Flicked cobwebs off the lantern in the porch

Lit the lamps

and photographed my favourite glass bauble to show you.

I still have two more trees to decorate and have found a willing little helper but I think she might prove to be more curious than helpful.

There are freshly baked mince pies and a something 'warming' to drink.
 
Perhaps you'd let me tell you a poignant tale about the Christmas tray you can see at the back of the picture. It was about 80 years old, made of paper mache and very battered when I bought it from a 'junk' shop many years ago. Covering it with pictures cut from old Christmas cards and 3 coats of varnish gave it a new lease of life. I remember the day I did it very well. It is a day I will never forget as you will see.

It was 20 years ago, a Wednesday and 4 days before Christmas. The children’s last day at school and my last chance to indulge myself with a bit or creativity. By early evening I had almost completely covered the tray (back and front) in Christmas scenes. I was working at the dining room table surrounded by colourful cards and glue. The children were happily playing upstairs, their squeals of laughter punctuated by my young daughter’s occasional squeaky rendering of carols played on her recorder. I could hear the TV in the sitting room but was paying very little attention to what was being shown until I heard the chilling words, “we interrupt this programme to bring you a newsflash”. It seemed a plane had crashed in our region. I guessed it might be a light aircraft but I was wrong.

It was a Boeing 747.

Twenty years ago, on 21st December 1988, Pan Am 103 left London’s Heathrow airport just after 6pm bound for New York’s JFK.

38 minutes into it’s a flight and at a height of 31,000 ft a powerful explosion shattered the aircraft which came down on the small town of Lockerbie in the Scottish Borders. So enormous was the explosion that debris was scattered over 81 miles of Scottish countryside.

270 people lost their lives that night. 243 were passengers, 16 were flight crew and 11 were residents of Lockerbie.

The mere numbers are easy say but if you follow this link you will see just what those numbers look like as actual names. I was very touched when I saw the list.

Lockerbie is just north of here and this weekend will be particularly poignant as a great many families from around the world will be visiting the town for a 20th anniversary memorial service.

We use the tray every Christmas and it never fails to bring back memories of that fateful night. Our thoughts this Christmas are with the many families who lost a precious friend or loved one in the Lockerbie Air Disaster.

Comments

[Selia Renzetti]

Dear Eli,

I love all of your decorating! The mince meat pies look delicious. Your tray is beautiful and the story behind it gives me chills. So very sad...I do remember that tragic day also.
My computer has been down and I am catching up!
Blessings,
Selia

[Suzanne]

Hello Eli,
I remember that day as a girl I went to HS with was on that plane. They have a memorial fund set up for her and I think her parents travel every year to the site. Very sad as she was so very young.

On a happier note I love looking at all your photos! And your package arrived , I sent you an email but I am still on cloud 9. I keep looking at the little church mouse and I may have a name for her soon:-)

[susan]

Hello,
I found your lovely blog through Sabine. What a good idea to use old Christmas cards on the tray.

I remember driving past Lockerbie on New Year's Day 1989 after spending the night in Edinburgh. It is sad and awful, and 20 years ago already.

I will be back to visit you again.
Susan.

[Karen]

how very sad. i had just turned 9 when this happened. amazing how fast time does go.

... have a lovely christmas.

[Paula]

Dear Eli,

Your Flutterby Patch is looking so beautiful and festive! Your tree is gorgeous and I love the lantern in the porch. Your helper is so adorable and I can see she is quite curious, which seems to be the case with most bears! The minced pies look so delicious! I love all your beautiful photos and the tray you made is so pretty! I was so very sorry to read about the tragedy that took place while you were making it! How very sad and heart breaking!!!

Love, Paula

[Cathy Santarsiero]

Hi Eli, A friend's neighbor lost her daughter on that flight. I think about it now and then when I pass her house. So sad. I hope you and your family had a lovely Christmas. Best wishes for a wonderful new year. Warmly, Cathy