Our First Real Tree

This is our first real Christmas tree ever.  Merry Christmas!

Christmas 2013

I woke up this morning, pulled back the curtain & was happy to see big fluffy snowflakes falling.  I love it when it snows Christmas Day.

Last year I bought Crockett a sweater that was too big.  This year I bought Crockett a sweater that is too small.  Poor thing looked like he was out in the cold in a muscle shirt.

I am devastated by what the ice storm did to my favorite trees.  

They lost so many branches.  

I feel like Treebeard when he came upon Isengard.  

(LOTR reference for those not in the know)

This is Crockett at the base of the trees.  So so sad.

These are a few shots around the same area I took the ice photos last Sunday.  

It is still so awful and so beautiful at the same time.

These are from the Parkette across the street, I don't even dare venture in there. 

Not only are there still many branches that look like they could

snap at any moment, the snow is covering pure ice.  

I'd break something no doubt.

Lastly, the driveway of the park leading down to the Tennis and Lawn Bowling club is closed.  

A wee little black squirrel is noshing on something - an apple or an orange.  

I didn't want to get too close and disturb its feast.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

The Season Has Arrived

I arrived home from work tonight late (7pm), tired, hungry, and ready to drop my bag and turn right around to take Crockett out for a walk.

Adam met me at the door. He had to, I'd hollered his name from the street in the direction of our open window as my keys were sitting in the kitchen on top of the microwave where I left them this morning. He had Christmas music playing.  Santa arrived.

Yearly, Adam decorates the apartment and surprises me with, " Santa came today!"  Thank you my love, it means alot to me & I love how happy it makes you.

The photo below is a ceramic tree Adam's Mother made. To the left is a toilet paper roll, Styrofoam ball head ornament Adam made when he was a kid.  We are nostalgic 'round these parts.

It was EXACTLY what I needed today.  It took awhile for the agitation of the day to leave me but when I finally was able to breathe without awareness, it was wonderful to see all our decorations and get in the Christmas spirit.

We've moved our bedroom out of the front room and it has turned into my very own personal space! Adam has his man cave and I have my craft room!  I still haven't put up any drapes so I went to see what goodies were left in our boxes marked "Christmas Decorations".  This is the result.  I'm hoping it lasts more than 12 hours as I put it up using scotch tape! We'll see.

Happy Christmas.

Funk Be Gone. Please.

Finally my little corner of the world is back to normal.

Almost 2 weeks ago, Adam's computer bit the dust.

What was to be a small fix ended up being a major overhaul.

I don't like using Adam's computer for a number of reasons 

and he doesn't like me using it either.

I get it, because I hate it when he uses mine.

He's an Internet Explorer.

I'm a Firefox.

He's a multiple window open multitasker.

I am focused on one thing at a time.

 He's a Forum Admin.

I'm a Blogger.

His mouse is sticky & covered in hot sauce.

Mine is not.

Some say separate bathrooms is the recipe for a happy marriage. 

I say it's separate computers. 

My computer is now back on my homemade desk in the

corner of our bedroom with my dog sleeping happily behind

me on his pillow on the bed.

Adam is in his man cave with all the settings on his computer

as he needs them to be and no longer needs mine.

The world again makes sense.

Sadly, that was not the only thing keeping me away

from the keyboard.

I could have updated my blog during the 10 minutes

a day that Adam stepped away from the screen but I

have been in a bit of a funk.

It was even bothering me that I wasn't keeping up with Radvent.

A pre-Christmas, lack of daylight, S.A.D,

Black Dog funk.

The weather has been wonderful.

Bad for the planet, animals and plants, but good

for someone with a pedestrian lifestyle who is prone to

falling on the ice.

I've said and felt since the end of November

that I'm just not feeling Christmas this year.

I want to, I'm just not.

Is it because I don't have enough disposable income to buy quality gifts?

Because I'm not willing to go into debt for a few luxuries?

Because Christmas is magical for kids and we don't have kids?

Because we haven't decorated?

Because I have NO IDEA what to get for anyone?

Who knows.

I am looking forward to having some time off.

For the 1st time EVER, I will be off between

Christmas & New Year.

It's not even booked vacation time.

I'll be off Friday at noon returning to work

on Monday Jan 2'12.

What are we doing?

Nothing.

Cuddling on the couch with Adam & Crockett.

I want my parents to come over and spend time here with us.

I want to watch movies and documentaries.

(All 3 Extended BluRay & Extras of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and

maybe even trying a Harry Potter Marathon)

I want to go see the shop Christmas Windows downtown.

I want to go up to the restaurant at The Bay on the top floor

and eat  a Club Sandwich and French Fries as I look out over 

The Eaton's Center and City Hall and watch all the people moving about in the city.

I want a Candy Cane Latte.

(Adam graciously offered to put some toothpaste in my coffee as an alternative)

I'd love to go skating a City Hall but won't as I wish to remain injury free.

I want to sit & wait while Adam goes to music stores and

browses through thousands of CDs and DVDs.

I want to bake and prepare delicious meals.

I want to knit.

I want to be domestic and do laundry.

I want to tidy & reorganize my DVDs.

I just want to enjoy waking up and not rushing out to catch a bus. 

I want to sleep well.

I want to take Crockett for walks.

Take photographs.

I want to write.

I want to read.

I want to take long bubble baths.

I want to organize my (pardon my french) shit to start off 2012 right.

 Too much to ask?

I don't think so.

It is amazing.

I started this blog in July 2010.

There are a few blogs that I read daily.

They are written by people I admire and who inspire me.

A few feel like they are my friends although we've never met.

I've been introduced to creative, smart, witty, funny, artsy-crafty,

dog and cat loving people.

Being away from my blog for even a few days made me feel odd.

I know I am not a writer but for me, this blog is my platform, 

it is my therapy, it is my place for exercising my brain

and challenging myself.

Right now, sitting here writing while

I drink a nice cup of tea, I'm already feeling a bit better.

Christmas Questions

From Alycia at The Curious Pug 

To get me in the holiday mood.

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Gingerbread Latté or Hot Chocolate.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Santa Joanne wraps them meticulously. Like crazy all the lines match up. Sometimes the wrapping is fancier than the contents.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
I like the Green and Blue combo or the Green and Red combo trimmed houses with white lights in trees. For us in our apartment, I prefer white twinkle lights.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
Nope.

5. When do you put your decorations up?
Second weekend in December.

6. What is your favourite holiday dish?
Call me mental – I love my Mom’s Christmas Cake and of course the full on Turkey dinner with all the fixin’s.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child?
Christmas Day. Christmas was always just my family – Mom, Dad & my Brother. After opening gifts in the morning I loved retreating to my room to play with my new toys and read my new Christmas Book.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I can't remember when. I just always knew that Santa had the same handwriting as my Mom & that she always stayed up really late Christmas Eve wrapping the gifts from Santa at the dining room table.  Plus, we didn’t have a fireplace in our house so…..??

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Never!

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?

Ornaments are very special for me.  My Mom used to give us an ornament for Christmas every year and I’ve kept up the tradition of buying a new one yearly. Sadly, we haven’t put up a tree in a few years. Maybe this year.

11. Snow! Love it or dread it?
Love it during Christmas week. I get disappointed if it doesn’t snow Christmas Day. I love how fresh fallen snow makes everywhere look sparkly and clean.

12. Can you ice skate?
Yes. I spent years figure skating. I miss it. I haven’t put on my skates in years.

13. Do you remember your favourite gift?

My stuffed Curious George. I still have him.

14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
Spending time with family. Reflecting over the last year and counting my blessings.

Time off work at home relaxing.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
Sticky Toffee Pudding.

16. What is your favourite holiday tradition?
Since my parents are now Grandparents, they spend Christmas at my Brother’s. Adam & I need to start our own tradition.

17. What tops your tree?
We don’t have a tree topper. Maybe that’ll be this years ornament purchase.

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
Giving. I love watching people open up gifts.

19. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? 
 Yum!  Christmas morning toothpaste ;)

20. Favorite Christmas show?
How The Grinch Stole Christmas with A Charlie Brown Christmas coming in a close 2nd.

21. Saddest Christmas Song?
I don’t know the name of it – about a boy buying Christmas shoes for his dying mother.

22. What is your favorite Christmas song?
All the Classics. I Love Christmas music.

You're A Mean One...

This time last year I was all up in the

Christmas spirit.

This year, not so much.

Maybe on account of the beautiful weather and

that it still feels like early October.

(Did I just jinx our weather?)

Is it because no one in the neighborhood have put

up their decorations or lights yet, me included?

Cause I haven't heard a Christmas Carol yet on the radio?

Most likely it's because I haven't been anywhere near a mall.

Tonight, I was in the kitchen making myself a late

supper of porridge & Adam called me to the living room.

My favorite Christmas Special was on.

It makes me smile and it makes me cry.

I LOVE it.

I love the Grinch & I especially love his dog Max.

I actually took photos of the TV screen!

Welcome, Christmas, bring your cheer. 

Cheer to all Whos far and near. 

Christmas Day is in our grasp, so long as we have hands to clasp. 

Christmas Day will always be just as long as we have we. 

Welcome Christmas while we stand, heart to heart, and hand in hand.

Thank you Dr. Seuss!

Birch Reindeer Family

I spent the weekend with my parents.

It was relaxing and just what I needed.
Saturday night my Mom and I just sat and talked
about everything and nothing until 1:00am.
I don't live close enough anymore to just pop in for a cup of tea.
That may change because when I go back to Port Credit, it feels like home.

My Dad & I had a really yummy French Canadian Pea Soup for lunch Saturday.

My Mom went to work in the afternoon and left us with

dinner instructions.

We had Pork Tenderloin, mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Carrots.

I made dessert for us for Saturday.

See the dessert photo over on my Project 365.

Today for breakfast I had mashed Banana with Special K

and a Hot Dog for lunch.

It is interesting how food prepared by my Mother

just tastes better.

I got home this afternoon around 4:00pm.

The sky was filled with clouds in various shades of grey,

so I took Crockett out before it started to rain.

Here is our walk in photos.

Here is the first sign of Christmas at Sheridan Nursery:

A Birch Reindeer Family!





'Twas The Night Before Christmas

I grew up in a bungalow that had a chimney but no fireplace.

I can't remember ever asking my Mother how Santa would get in.

I can't even remember when I stopped believing in Santa.

At this very moment, I wish I was 7 years old.

Or I wish I was the parent of a 7 year old.

Christmas concerts at school.

Festive Arts & Crafts.

Paper Snowflakes.

Making a Santa with a cotton ball beard.

I grew up in a very small family.

My parents emigrated to Canada from England.

We had no relatives close by.

My parents had alot of close friends that became their family, but

Christmas was just the 4 of us, my Mother, Father & older brother Phil.

Christmas Eve, my mother would stay up so late

wrapping all our gifts at the dining room table.

Christmas morning, we'd wake up with our stocking on our bedroom doorknob.

In it was usually a mandarin orange, a 50 cent piece, a bit of chocolate,

one of those small plastic games with silver balls in them that are

impossible to master and a *to do* project.

The *to do* kept us busy so my Mom could get another half hour of sleep.

Christmas morning was the ONLY day of the year that I would wake up before my Mom.

 (ouch!!! I just sneezed so hard it feels like my right eardrum burst)

My favorite *to do* was a bag with a little piece of wood, a small tube of white glue,

a few pieces of felt and a pattern.  Follow the pattern and voila - one year it was

a mouse another it was an elephants head.

When we were done we'd wake up my parents and open our presents.

I loved getting books and new pyjamas.  We would all get a book.

After presents were done, we all went our separate ways.

It was a day I remember as being very relaxing and warm.

I'd go outside to play in the snow or into my room to read my new book or

play with my new toys.

Mom would tidy everything up and then supper preparation began.

We'd have a traditional Christmas Turkey Supper at the dining room table

with a yummy Trifle for dessert.

I had the perfect childhood. Not just Christmas, everyday.

We were not rich, we were not poor, we were not spoiled

and I don't ever remember feeling as though I went without.

It wasn't even a thought.

I was fed, clothed, loved and nurtured.

I was allowed to play.

As a child in the 70's we had freedoms that kids today unfortunately

will never have. It was a different world.

I realize how lucky I was.

I wish that for every child.

Tonight as I sit here at home alone with a nasty cold, my husband with his family,

my parents with my brother and his family, I am hoping to be nestled all snug in my

bed and fast asleep so Santa can come in without the fear of being seen.

Tonight I am thinking about the people I love:

 MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Our awesome 70's Christmas.
My brother took this photo with his new
Polaroid Camera!

Nerd Alert!

We had an AMAZING day.

Adam and I went shopping at The Eaton Center.
It was so full of people.
Happy and pleasant people.
Santa was walking up & down the mall with a few Elves and he made me smile.
It was great how he made everyone smile, young and old.
Today, no one was rude, pushy, ignorant or complaining about waiting in line.

They have a tree that is decorated with Swarovski Crystals.
I don't think this photo does it justice. It was so pretty.
Women love sparkles like men love electronics.

Can you see my Adam in the photo? It's like trying to find Waldo.

We also went across the street to The Bay.
They have done the windows again this year.
They are magical and took me right back to being 8 years old.

Now is time for the
NERD ALERT

Adam got a pair of shoes from Groovy Shoes on Queen St West
so we just had to stop by The Silver Snail.

I bought this. Please watch below. It's awesome.

 

My NEW Favorite Thing(s)

I have a thing for Starbucks Coffee Mugs.

Don't know why, they're made in China like everything else.

They generally have good handles and are heavy.

Perfect for a nice hot cup of tea or coffee.

These however are teacups.

I couldn't resist. 'Tis the season.

These are my new

3 8oz Nesting Teacups.

Aren't they dear?

I love that they are all 8oz.

I added one of our new ornaments from this year.

We bought 3:

Joy (what these cups bring me)

Hope (springs eternal)

Love (my cup runneth over)

This is also a new ornament I've received this year.



From my Father In Law.