Staying In

Still really cold here so tonight I sat by the fire with my tea watching the third season of Downton Abbey.  I have watched them previously but wanted to refresh my memory before the next season starts.

Happy New Year!

Today I decided to tackle the turkey bones and made some turkey stock to be used later for soups, etc. The house smelled wonderful while it was simmering.  Since I needed to keep an eye on the pot I decided I may as well take down the Christmas decorations.  It always takes longer than I think it will.  Walked the dog and will be leaving shortly to have dinner at a friend's house.  It's been a great holiday season and I am looking forward to 2014.

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.