Those readers who are usually reading our news from California, Arizona or Florida will wonder why I have not been posting lately.
We plan to head to Australia soon to visit Dani and Al and their first baby; our first grandson. As well, we needed reliable daycare for Dixie during our time away so we decided to stay around this year. We are experiencing some true Canadian Winter for the first time in five years.
our backyard
We will get out in the RV for a trip south in March. Meanwhile we enjoy snowy walks in the woods, watching the birds and squirrels at the feeders and the deer cross our backyard.
.
Dixie simply loves the snow and has been bursting with energy and enthusiasm as she runs, jumps and tunnels in the white stuff.
I made some decorations for outside and we cut down a fresh tree. It was fun to sort through the Christmas books and decorations which have been in storage these past years.
I have also enjoyed baking shortbread, fruit bars, apricot balls and gingerbread using my Mom’s tried and true recipes. It was fun to brush the dark Christmas cake with brandy each week for a month and steam my Christmas pudding. I mixed up a huge batch of bits ‘n bites like my Dad did every year. With a roomy kitchen, compared to the RV, I was inspired to make clementine marmalade and strawberry preserves. Tomorrow I will create a kumquat/dark chocolate bark and bake an eggnog cheesecake. My favourite part of the season, is the rich music and familiar carols. They take me back to my Christmases past and provide great memories of family and friends.
Doesn’t everyone think of alligators when making Christmas cookies?
No matter how you celebrate the season, I hope it is a happy one. Best Wishes in 2017! My, where do the years go?
from “The Polar Express”
