Christmas in July

A few days ago, Terry and I headed to the Miller's Oven Tea House in Manotick for a traditional Christmas dinner -  in July!

I really have no idea how this tradition started - but it's a fun reminder (in the middle of summer)...

... that our wonderful warm weather won't last forever.

All too soon, winter will return. Christmas is only five months away!

In the meantime, enjoying a traditional Christmas meal is such a treat!

What is This?!!

I often buy gifts ahead of time - then forget about them, and move on... only to find them months - or even years - later!

This happened recently as we were clearing shelves untouched by water in our flooded basement. They were in a Bombay Company bag...

What is this...? Who did I buy it for?

I simply can't remember...

A teapot and warming stand?! Cute!

I guess if nobody in the family wants it, I could use it - or maybe donate it to charity.

It reminds me of Tibet or Nepal - two places I've never been.

Canada Day!

Today is Canada Day - the day I traditionally take time to reflect on how wonderful it is to live in this country and to be Canadian!

Last year we had a Canada Day dinner with friends...

The salad (before dressing was added) resembled a Canada flag - thanks to radishes, tomatoes - and strips of red pepper (to make the shape of a maple leaf). Real food artistry!

Then we played a Canadian trivia game!

Fun!

This year, the weather forecast is for extreme heat - so we may stay indoors - which is fine with me, too.

Celebrate!

Last weekend, Terry and I planned to celebrate (Grand)Mother's Day and Terry's birthday at the same time. 

(This year, they were one day apart!)

To keep things simple - and to get a reservation at this busy time - we planned a family dinner a few days earlier.

It's always fun to go out to eat!

The food was delicious!

(Unfortunately, Ivy was feeling "under the weather", so she and her mom stayed home.)

But FORTUNATELY, summer brings lots of family birthdays - so it won't be long before we celebrate again! 

A Small Celebration

When I was in high school, there was a popular TV program called "Route 66." My friends and I watched it...

Ever since then, I was curious about the real "Route 66" - the first cross-country highway built in the USA, that runs from Chicago to Santa Monica, California. Would I ever have an opportunity to drive down this iconic road?!

After completing a few shorter virtual walking challenges, I noticed that one of possibilities was "Route 66"... But it was so long! Could I walk 3670 km in 2 years - the longest time I could set to finish...

I decided to give it a try! 

I guess it's all about persistence - because yesterday I finished the trek - in less than 2 years!

So I'm celebrating.... (No party - just smiling a lot!)

In the big picture, it's really a small thing. But we all need challenges to strive for... And  we all need occasions to be happy. 

Merry Christmas!

From all of us (including my daughter's cats)!

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

In the Air...

Advent is here - and Christmas is in the air!

For the first time since 2020, I'm sending out a few Christmas cards. (I planned to last year, but Canada Post was on strike!)

My grandson is in full Christmas-fever mode! I spent a PD day with them... The kids made an indoor slide using a foam mattress.

Elves are out...

Decorating for Christmas is in... 

For kids, there's nothing more exciting than counting down to Christmas... and decorating the Christmas tree!

Disgusting ... (But Delicious)!

My daughter sent me this photo of a Halloween treat available at one of her favorite bakeries: chocolate brownie bits - and gummy worms - floating on a base of chocolate pudding... 

I had it a few years ago - and it's really good, she said.

Hmmm. Sounds like a simple Halloween dessert! Why not give it a try?!

I made my go-to chocolate cupcake recipe, but cut the sugar by a third (using 2/3 of a cup instead of a cup).

Later I showed my granddaughter the picture - together with the cupcakes I had made. What do you think?

No need to add pudding, she said, crumbling the cupcake into a dish - so that it really did resemble dirt!

She put several gummy worms on top of that, and did a taste test.

Delicious! But I'm so disgusted - I'm eating "worms and dirt"!

Feeling Thankful!

Today is Canadian Thanksgiving Day!

I'm feeling very thankful...

That I live in a peaceful, democratic country... 

That I still enjoy good health - and have access to good doctors (for FREE!)

That I have interesting things to do... like take nature walks ... and people I love and enjoy - to spend my time with!

What more could I ask for?!

Fireworks!

My daughter was watching fireworks that looked uncomfortably close to the elevated Gardner Expressway in Toronto...

I don't know... Is that safe?!

If I were driving on the highway, I'd be very startled!

It's Canada Day!

Yay! 

It's Canada Day!

So glad to be part of this great country!

So thankful to be here!

Lots to Celebrate

Last Sunday was Mother's Day. It was also Terry's birthday! So life got busy!

On top of that, it was our granddaughter's final acro-dance competition of the year!

Serendipitously, this final competition took place in an auditorium at the nearby college - so we just walked over. 

Watching our young acro-dancer stretch before heading over reminded me that her acrobatic skills don't come without effort!

She has to practice...

We had a fun time hanging out with everyone and watching her dance. Then we headed back to our home for lunch.

Fun! It was a very special day!

Busy Day!

There are days that are simply TOO BUSY!

Today our family is celebrating Mother's Day (with two mothers!) AND Terry's birthday, which occasionally falls on Mother's Day!

Then, into the mix, comes a final dance competition for our granddaughter's acro-dance troupe!

Fortunately it's being held within walking distance of our house! 

I look forward to a FUN, BUSY day for us all... 

Birthday Party

Last Sunday, our family attended an "open house" birthday party for a woman in our church community.

The theme was "camping." 

There were numerous  camping "props" like beach balls...

Lots of opportunities to be silly!

Cake! Popcorn! Pretzels! And lots of fun!

Gentle Easter Decorations

I like these gentle Easter decorations I saw hanging on bare branches outside a restaurant.

No flashy colours...

In fact, if you aren't paying attention, they're easy to miss! Like the first robin... Like early flowers...

Like early signs of spring.