Christmas

A few shots from Christmas Day....

The dog who decided our kids (who are actually young adults) weren't getting up early enough and went ahead and opened a gift!

Ice Storm

Took some time out from Christmas preparations yesterday to go out and take some photos.  We had an ice storm overnight which left a lot of people without power and a lot of downed branches. Pretty to look at but lots of damage done.

Winter

It was a beautiful sunny day on Monday which was welcome after two days of snow and clouds.  We took a walk in a park on the lake.

Will it last.....

till Christmas.  A white Christmas isn't very common around here anymore.  We are hoping this snow sticks around till then.  It snowed an entire day and since my husband was working all weekend, my son and I did the shovelling....three times!  I took my P&S along on our walk today.

 My outdoor Christmas arrangement which is under the front porch but still got covered.

Celebrations and Traditions

This past weekend we did both.  Usually we have kept our daughter's birthday separate from any Christmas activity but this year it just couldn't be done.  Trying to work around my husband's shift work, the kids exam schedules and other Christmas commitments meant it had to be done the same day.  At age 23 it doesn't bother her.

A few ornaments from the tree.

The tree before it fell over.  What a mess a full stand of water makes!  We are getting very close to switching to artificial, must be getting old!

Yummy chocolate cake to celebrate our middle child's birthday, and coloured flames on the candles.

All in all, a very fun filled day.

Deserted

Yesterday the dog and I went down to a nearby little harbour for our walk.  There were many other walkers but the boats are all put away and the docks look deserted.

There were six swans swimming around.  I'm guessing they are they same ones I photographed as babies back in the spring.

First Snow

Yesterday morning we woke up to snow on the ground, our first this season.

Quick Stop

Today I made a quick stop at the lake while out doing errands. The fallen leaves are not so pretty anymore.

The trees are all at different stages. Some still green, some colour.

and some completely bare already.

And the squirrels are still busy storing up for the winter.

Christmas Cards

Sending Christmas cards is always something I have loved to do. While some find it a tedious task I enjoy the process of creating and sending cards. But I do have the time which makes a big difference as to whether or not you participate in this tradition. This week I have been working on my cards, probably the earliest I have ever done them! The photo was taken in Niagara-on-the-Lake a few years ago.

Tis the Season.....

for making Christmas gifts.  With November racing by I decided I'd better get to those Christmas gifts I wanted to make before the December busyness arrives.  I've been sewing up some pillowcases and table runners.  Both are simple projects to make. It's great to be able to finish off a gift in a couple of hours.  The weather is miserable and the house is quiet, great time to sew.

What to do with all that paper.....

I have given up the traditional scrapbooking after filling many albums and will just do the digital books now. But I still have lots of paper left so have been looking for ways to use up my stash.  Some I will use when I make cards but there is still so much!  This is the first craft I have found that uses paper scraps.

Good activity for this rainy day.  

November Already?!

Time sure flies.  With the warm and sunny days seeming to last longer this year it makes it hard to believe that it is November now.  We did have our first frost and more leaves are coming down.  Some trees are completely bare while others are just starting to change.  Even our grass is still green.