shortest day, longest night

December 21st, let winter begin.  I'm already dreaming of Spring!  Yes, it is a bit early for that so this is my pre-planning stage.

Amid the hustle and bustle, bad drivers, poor manners and frantic moments there has been time to be still and quiet.   It's taking that deep breathe and exhaling .....and realizing that what does get done for Christmas is just fine and what doesn't (ie should there be more baking, more decorating) won't be missed.  Spending the time together is really what is important.

Thursday afternoon we had the pleasure to attend Noah's Christmas concert.   All kids are the same, lined up on stage ready to start. Until they have met the sights of their families, little eyes search row by row and then a smile and even a wave and then it's time to get the show on.   It was a lot of work for the children and their teachers and so much fun to watch.   It brought back memories of my daughter's concerts and way back to some of my own.

Noah did quite well but didn't last too long on stage.  It wasn't that he didn't know his part or hadn't practiced  but the sensory overload was too much.  He did try and we're proud of him.  After the concert en-route to the car there was a certain amount of complaining and feet dragging ...please understand that routine and consistency are important  for him....bad enough the car was parked elsewhere, it started to rain and the car was a few blocks away.   Part way along the route the dragging feet changed to a soldier high step march.....things really weren't so bad.  Once home he bounced out of the car, checked the outdoor decorations, smiled and headed to the front door.  One last  momentary turn  to us and Noah said "See you Sunday" no prompting, clearly and loudly.   The best present we could receive!

Both boys visited today with their parents.  Everyone was kept busy...big people/little people. Lunch/ play time and Christmas decorations to check out.  Exciting times ahead.

The next few days are going to be a whirlwind of activity.   We're doing a Christmas Day lunch, buffet style.  The kitchen/family room already has the extra serving table set up.  Next up will be the final decorating and setting up the main table.  It will all come together....fingers crossed.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!   And Happy New Year too!

A definite maybe

Making some Peppermint Bark has always been on my to do list.  I found a microwave version for melting the chocolate.  The dark chocolate came out great so onward to the white chocolate....to my dismay, it started to go thick.  I quickly added the oil and peppermint flavoring and stirred like mad.  Ok, it's spreadable and covered the dark chocolate and topped with crushed candy cane...it can't be that bad, right?   It's currently in the fridge getting cold.  Taste testing later.

Second up, Rice Krispie squares, that goodness for the microwave.  This recipe worked great!

Lastly will be Peppermint cookies.  This recipe I found last year and never had a chance to make a batch.  So here goes.

As for the ornaments, only two more to trim and finish and then pictures.  I'm pleased with the results thus far.

From soggy BC, take care......

It's beginning to feel like ...

a mini Santa's workshop here.  Today was the day to sew together recently stitched (and 2 not so recent) cross stitch ornaments.  Eight sewn and stuffed and ready to be trimmed.  The only hiccup was the sewing machine.  I'm down to the last ornament the bobbin needs a refill, of course.  That done and the machine re-threaded and of course there was an issue .....many words, many times undoing, redoing and finally it was good to go.  This is a Brother machine and overall is great, especially being a featherweight.  I still miss my old Singer.  Heavy as it was ......   Currently it's stored in the garage along with a 'new to me' machine that was put out for claim in the garbage room.
So early in 2015 I'll tend to having them serviced.

Last night overnight and early this morning heavy winds and rain.  Apparently another storm is due overnight with more wind.  Bring on the candles.  As much as I enjoy real candles we have adapted to using the battery operated tea lights.  Definitely an advantage with our grandsons.

stay warm and dry!

Saturday morning

Another very early start this am.   DH has already left for work. And I'm ready for my second cup of coffee.

Rain is hitting the windows, definitely a soggy day ahead.  It's still very dark outside.  Too early to put out the bird feeders.  So long as I remember to keep  to the bird schedule ...otherwise there are a lot of bird complaints when the feeders are hung, especially from the hummingbirds.  Who could have imagined something so small could make such noise!

This afternoon we hope to put up the outdoor lights, at least on the patio area.  We have a long covered patio  so there are many options for decorating.  Directly adjacent  is a large hedge, trees and garden area.   Let's see how far the lights go.

I just realized how silent it is in here right now ...... so let there be Christmas music ....  much better!

It's too easy to get caught up in the stresses of December and forget the simple pleasures.  Light twinkling, music playing and a warm fire going.  Add good company, comfort food and a glass of wine.

Wishing everyone a good weekend.

Come December

I'm finally back to the keyboard....call it blogger's block, akin to writers block, it's been a long gap since my last post.  In that time I have been productive with projects: knitting, stitching, crochet and sewing.  It is amazing the stored stash in the closet....now being put to good use.

My new role to homemaker/retired person has come about with ease.  It is a new life for sure.  And there is no lack of things to fill each day.  Home baked bread is a regular part of each week.  It's been fun trying recipes.  And home made soups are great, especially during this cold snap.

The family stuff hasn't changed a lot.  I'm grateful to be able to be nearby for my parents.  Health issues have been hard on both of them. We're thankful to have them.  Our grandsons are growing and doing well.   Both boys are on the Autism Spectrum.  All words are treasured.

DH and I celebrated our 25th Anniversary in November. Where did the time go? Our celebrating was low key as we had a wonderful holiday in the summer.  Now he says "We're going for Gold".

Since our loss of Quincy the beginning of the year, we have yet to make the decision to add a new canine to our household.  We've come close but it's not time yet.  So for now we enjoy the outdoor birds that visit.  Hummingbirds are the newest addition.  Anna's Hummingbirds stay all winter.  We have two feeders set up for them.

Come December, I'm grateful for:

1.  Sharing a life with DH.
2.  Family and friends.
3.  Plenty of crafty stash.  lol
4.  Simple pleasures.

How about you.  What are you grateful for?

till next time .....

Welcome August

I can't believe it's been a month since I last posted.

July was packed full, away time and home time.   The away time was a trip to Italy and a cruise.  I'm still working through photos and will get some posted.  Our time away was wonderful, so much to see, so much history to take in and really so little time to fit in all our "to do's".

Home time has been catching up with family.  In two weeks it seems our grandsons have sprouted up! It is nice to be home.

I've been on a quest to find a dwarf fig tree.  No luck on the dwarf figs, at least not locally.  I've now two young trees, a brown Turkey and a green fig.  The plan is to maintain them in containers (as I've since read that the brown Turkey can spread roots akin to mint, curly willow, etc.).  The rhubarb plant purchased this spring is growing well.  It is a work in progress and hopefully by next year we will have a bit more of our own 'home grown' items.

During this time I've managed some stitching.  A summer themed biscornu is on it's way as part of an exchange.  Once received I'll post a picture.    The stitching/bag at the top of my blog became a camera bag.  Not much knitting or crochet happening yet.  

My new non work days still need some planning.  It's very easy not to get things done...too much computer time.

And with that I will sign off.

Till next time....

Happy Canada Day

Wishing everyone a wonderful day!

where is summer??

One week of summer and we've yet to really have much warmth.  The weatherman keeps promising warmer weather......sigh

A few months ago, after much talking/discussion with DH, I decided to give my notice to my employer. My last day was June 13th.   It feels like forgetting what I knew and remembering what I forgot.  Over the years there have been so many things that have had to stay on the back burner and now, new doors are opening. It is time for me to focus on my family.  Time spent is priceless.

The past two weeks have been very different.  I'm rediscovering cooking, starting from scratch, everything fresh and not so many 'rushed dinner's to prepare.  Mind you it's is a work in progress.  My "to do" list is a bit shorter too, well I can dream can't I?  At least it is a start.

One of the first projects that I completed was finishing a crochet blanket that my daughter started. Some of the squares needed to be squared up (sure made it easier for joining).  I had some yarn that matched and made a reasonable border.  I think she's pleased with the finished piece.

The remembering what I forgot, OMG, my stash of stitching, knitting and crafts, how nice to rediscover them!  Even the sewing machine that has sat idle, I'm already thinking about  new projects.

Enjoy the sweet days of summer!

Happy Easter!

So everything is ready ...and then the phone call, one of the grandsons is sick and plans will have to be postponed till next weekend.  It happens for sure and I guess it's our turn.  My daughter is not amused by the change of plans.  I understand how she feels and reminded her of all the times she got sick when she was young ...   The treats in the plastic eggs will keep just fine till next weekend for a belated Easter egg hunt.  With any luck it might be dry by then.

In my wisdom, I did most of the cooking yesterday afternoon/evening.  So the fridge is very full and likewise the freezer... no worry of menu planning this week!

And next weekend we will try it all again.

Happy Easter everyone!

April at last

It is Spring on the west coast...sunshine, rain, flowers blooming, rain  and sometimes more rain. And in between the raindrops, time for pictures.

 Both recent stitching projects have reached their destinations.  Happy Spring went to Char for the SNS2 Easter/Spring Exchange.

Boulderneigh sheep went to Michelle.

And this little fellow...had a lot to say!

till next time.