Merry Christmas

these are NOT antique hand painted Christmas ornaments from the 1940's.

It’s pouring outside – no white Christmas for us.  In fact, I probably live in the only part of the country where you can see somebody outside, in the pouring rain, wearing only shorts, a t-shirt and bare feet, fixing their Christmas lights.

The house smells like turkey already – all the innards are simmering away on the stove for yummy turkey stock.  The bird is in a lovely wine/garlic marinade in the fridge.  The puppy and I have been for our walk in the rain, before the wind arrives that’s supposed to hit later today.  He’s fast asleep at my feet.

It’s dark and gloomy, but the Christmas lights are lit on the tree, Bing Crosby is singing in White Christmas in the kitchen while my dad tries to figure out his wild rice stuffing.  And I’m listening to Old Time Radio Christmas programs (think Jack Benny, Fibber McGee, Lights Out) courtesy of my colleague and friend, Dave, and the neat little radio network he set up for us.  Soon, I’ll sign off for a few days, go make a loaf of bread – the right kind that I need to have for my special turkey, cranberry sauce, mayo sandwiches.  And then, make some cranberry sauce for tomorrow.

Hand painted Christmas ornaments from the 1940's given to me by my cousin

Thank you all so much for the comments and emails and kind words through the last 4 1/2 months.  This has been such fun!  Take some time, away from your computer, your Blackberry or iPhone and focus on the ones you love, either in person or in spirit – give them the gift of 100% of your attention.  Slow down for a few days and savour it all – don’t worry if it doesn’t all get done.  It won’t matter.

Merry Christmas to each and every one of you!  See you all after Boxing Day!