New Years Eve!

Lee here...my big plans...a glass of wine and pizza with Chris and Stef. Bed by 10ish to read and up early January 1 to leave the house at 5 am to take Stef to work. I haven't thought about resolutions this year...I am currently working on my weight loss goals and will just be carrying that through to 2011. To health and happiness! Cheers!

FOOD!

Lee here. My neighbours just brought us a beautiful gift basket full of different cheeses, hot red pepper jelly, yummy crackers, guacamole, grapes, and chocolates. NOW I'm hungry! I have been really watching what I eat so having a few treats this holiday have been so great. I feel in control and happy to not have to resolve to "start" losing weight and getting into shape on January 1st.

We are going to inlaws tonite for dinner..I am bringing a huge salad with black olives and feta cheese so I will mostly have that. Later tonite though, Kate and I are planning on making nachos and watching "A Christmas Story"! Big Hugs to Kathee and Zee...you are awesome friends!

First day of winter

Lee here...sometimes I am thankful for needing to get up and walk the dog. The first day of winter was so crisp and quiet at 7:30am...and look at this moon! This is the shortest day of the year which means from here on in, we get a bit more daylight everyday!

5 more sleeps

Lee here..I am really excited that its the holidays...I love Christmas! The music, shows, tasteful decorations, getting together to eat yummy food....ok I guess visiting with family is ok too. I really enjoy the story of the Nativity. I like being able to actually take "time off"..and sleep in etc. Annie is super crazed about Christmas as usual..and has been counting down for the past 45+ days. This week is too full of last minute things..I have already put a date on the calender to start Christmas cards and baking for next year....the last week of November. Some night this week we want to go for a drive and look at lights...with a hot chocolate in hand. I really miss seeing Zee and Kathee! We will have to plan something for after the holidays..I picture yummy snacks..tea and knitting.
Merry Christmas!!

The Christmas tree is up!

Lee here...now it really feels like Christmas time! The girls always decorate the tree after I put the lights on. We pull out the bin of ornaments and have a fond memory for most all of them. I got these 3 wise men from Chris's parents...they used to go on their tree...they are about 30 years old I think.

Annie wanted to make a star for the top...I was skeptical but thought, why not...and I think it is perfect! Kate got the ballerina from Yaya when she was 4 years old...and the spirally, delicate glass ornament was from when my parents were first married and decorated a tree...so 48? years old?

This is Annie's Charlie Brown tree...ok, its actually rosemary and was just a photo op....She didn't want to kill the poor plant.

I think the tree is perfect!

Things that make me happy at this time of year....

My collection of vintage Christmas treasures!
my "boy"chopping wood....and then filling the wood cubby!


Christmas baking......

My poinsetta...

How happy my hubby is when we get the Christmas tree!

and how amazing it looks when it's branches have fallen and it's all decked out!

and a few other things........Christmas cards, the smell of the Christmas tree, surprises in the mail!, the birdfeeding 'station' that we have set up, making Christmas gifts!, picking through the Christmas fabric bags and scraps to 'wrap'the gifts in, sitting on the couch with a hot cup of tea and watching the snow fall.......... happy days!

My favourite quilt...

My mom made this quilt many years ago and it is one of most favourites! I am fortunate enough to have several quilts that she made and I love them all for different reasons. I have a few reasons why this one is the best. First of all, I LOVE the pattern. It's traditional, old fashioned and basic....hmmm, sounds a lot like me...... I also love the colours of the squares and how there IS no real pattern to how they are laid out. The weight of this quilt is so great too! It has a lot of stitching to it, so that adds to the weight and when you cover up with this quilt it feels like it's hugging you. And now, after all these years, it is SO soft. I have it covering this little wooden chair at the moment, but it tends to be the first quilt I grab when I need one. It's perfect to cover up with when it's a bit chilly in the morning waiting for the woodstove to get going, or when I'm on the couch in the TV room. It's also perfect to lay on the floor when I want to warm up nice and close to the woodstove...