Preparing for Christmas

Here we are at the end of November already and Christmas is speeding towards us.  We had our first real snow on Wednesday, November 26th, the night Kristie and Brooke headed out driving to Ontario.  So anxious were they to get there, they couldn't wait until Thursday when the storm would stop and and the roads would be cleared.  Luckily they made it to their destination without incident.  In their absence I have the pleasure of George and Melody's company along with their dog's Zeus and Charlie.  Should be an interesting 10 days!!

This month Paul and I attended the Christmas Craft show in Saint John at Harbour Station.  The place was packed with vendors selling a wide variety of crafts, food, furniture, clothing and so much more.  As usual I look at the crafts and think, "I could make that!" and for once came home and actually did.  I picked up a couple pair of old skates at Value Village and filled them with Christmas decorations, sparkly foliage, baubles and finished them off with red and gold bows.  I'm very happy with the results and love how they look hanging by the wood stove...very nostalgic.

This week to help break up the monotony and to keep all the folks busy, we will be starting some Christmas baking.  Peanut butter balls for the freezer and some sugar cookies are on the agenda.  The second Saturday of December Paul's sisters, Denise and Claudette are coming over to bake and I have a very ambitious list of recipes to accomplish in one day but we will try to get through it.

The majority of my Christmas shopping is complete and I'm hoping by the end of this week it will be all done and ready to wrap.  The house is decorated and looking very festive, snow on the ground and my first fire of the year really help set the mood to get things done.

Time to make breakfast for the troops now.  Enjoy your day and see you back here in December!

Short and Sweet

It appears that October got away from me, such a busy month celebrating all three of our birthdays, Thanksgiving and Halloween!
I had a great birthday with Kristie, Brooke, and all the folks we care for.  After a great supper we headed down to Oven Head beach to take a few pics and then home for cake.  Thanks Kristie and Brooke for the awesome, red Kitchen Aid mixer.  Christmas baking will be a breeze once again!!

What wonderful summer and fall seasons we have enjoyed, lots of new adventures, shopping trips, laughs and overall good times spent together.

Now what is the best thing about Halloween being over with?  Christmas is just around the corner so decorating and baking can commence.  I love this house the most during this time of year, decorated and so cozy feeling with all the evergreen garland draping the stairs and soft candles burning, the warmth of the wood stove and the smells of cinnamon wafting through the rooms.

Today, November 2, we are getting our first taste of the winter to come with a dreary day of freezing rain and a dusting of snow on the ground.  Hopefully the weather is all clear by the end of the month when Kristie and Brooke are planning to drive back to Ontario for a visit and early Christmas celebrations with family and friends.

Take care and I'll see you back here in December :)