Life

Green Christmas

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Winter has officially arrived and there's not a speck of the white stuff on the ground. It's beginning to look like we are going to have a green Christmas. Sunshine and warmth will definitely make for a different Christmas. Oh well. The family will still gather to celebrate the day - the only thing that truly matters this time of year.

In the meantime, enjoy this picture taken a few years ago. Snow and cold weather are surely around the corner - let's appreciate the milder weather while it lasts.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!!

The New House - The Property

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Earlier this year, mom and dad found their dream property. Tens of acres of rolling hills, forests and pastures. As things do when they are meant, everything fell into place in short order. The house was sold - in a matter of days, the sale for the new property sailed through and a rental house was found - right next door to the new place. Dad has the best commute in the world now - a short walk along a magical forest path to the building lot.

The start of the long and winding driveway

In May, we took a walk around the property before any construction started. Spring was in full bloom. The apple trees were blossoming, the grass was fresh and green and a certain peacefulness seemed to have settled over the forests and hills. We spent many hours exploring and found, among other things, a creek to splash in, a great camping spot, some excellent sites for building forts, old fences, fantastic trees for climbing and numerous forest paths. This is a child's version of the world's greatest playground - mine, as well, for that matter. 

Spring flower crowns

Views from where the house will be built

The colours of spring are very inviting at this dark and dreary time of year.  We will provide regular updates on the build over the next few months. 

The tree root fences are so structural and appealing - you'll see a lot more of them

Spring leaves and sunshine

European Christmas markets

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Fresh baked beignets rolled in sugar and filled with hot jam.

Steaming gluhwein and gloggi that warms you to the bones.

Huddling together inside packed cathedrals for caroling by candlelight.

Ice skating and carousels, Ferris wheels and light shows.

Beautiful store windows and outdoor stalls overflowing with wonderful homemade gifts.

Happy crowds. Delicious aromas.  Falling snow. 

These are a few of my favourite things.

Parades Past

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The Santa Claus parade is this weekend - it's always a great time.  The entire community shows up and everyone enjoys visiting with the Grinch and the Gingerbread Man. Santa and Mrs Claus as well as other notables make an appearance as well. The evening ends with hot chocolate and hot dogs - eaten around a hot fire. Perfection.

Here are a few images from previous parades.

Thanksgiving

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A time to be thankful - for friends, family and all that life has to offer. 

Mushrooms stuffed with cheese and peppers and wrapped in bacon

Caprese salad

Chocolate mousse cake

Lemon cheesecake

October Snows

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Our autumn has been gorgeous - sunshine and warm weather well into the year. However, the first snow fell early - mid October, in fact. The snow stayed for only a few hours, melting quickly once the sun came out but it gave us enough time to enjoy a unique experience - fall colours and snow. At the same time.

The girls enjoyed a good romp in the snow - rolling down hills and shaking the branches of the snow-covered maple tree.