2012 Reflections

I am sitting here quietly on New Year's Eve reflecting on the year that was.  In some ways, it was a very difficult year but my friends and family made living each day a joy in so many ways.  I include all my friends who read and support my blog as well.  At times, I debated whether to continue writing a blog and at times, I have sadly neglected it but when I seriously consider stopping, I feel it would be like cutting a good friend out of my life so I continue.

I have become reacquainted with friends from high school this year and that has been particularly wonderful.  I feel blessed to have them in my life again.  My group of girlfriends from work have been especially supportive through this difficult time and I am so lucky to have them.  They are no longer "work" friends but are "come hell or high water" friends.  I know they will always be there for me, as I will for them.

My mother will be 88 this coming year and continues in good health.  She only has the normal aches and pains of growing old to complain about and that is a blessing too.  On the whole, the family is healthy and happy and doing well in their studies, their careers, and their relationships.  My wonderful brother-in-law, Bruce is fighting another battle against cancer but he has triumphed twice before and I know he will this time too.  Please pray for him as we are awaiting his surgery date.

I spent 2012 trying to live a healthier life.  I have been successful but have so much farther to go.  The indulgences of the season, sweet, savoury and alcoholic, have added a little weight but overall, I  have lost 36 lbs this year.   This is the first year in a long time that I end it weighing less than on January 1 so I am pleased.  With this achieved, I know I won`t have any problem continuing down this path.  Overall, I ring in 2013 happy, peaceful and healthier and really what more could I have asked of 2012?

Julie

Sunday Morning Bliss

The sun is glittering on the snow...

I had a lovely breakfast of Belgian waffles made by my nephew, Ian.

Just a blissful morning all round.

"Mom, will you take my picture too?  Wait, I think we can do better."

"Ok that's better."  Finn says "hey, I can pose too"...

"But I don't really want too...just sayin'."

PS I'm joining Elaine for a Sunny Simple Sunday.

Julie



The Last Christmas

Our last and best Christmas dinner at my sister Connie's house tonight.  As usual, it was delicious.

A lovely fresh turkey from Flannigan's.  I planned on taking a picture of the meal but the groaning table of dishes swept all thoughts of photos from my head.

Mom and I were in charge of the pies.  Of course, Mom made the pastry but I plan on learning that skill this year. 

I made the filling for the lemon meringue pie.

We also made a mincemeat one...

and two apple ones...

I peeled the apples...

I was going to take a picture when we cut the pies but...

The Christmas season is over now so I guess I'll start packing up the decorations tomorrow.  It snowed all day and it really does feel like winter has arrived...

Julie

Christmas Reflections

This time of year when Christmas Day has passed and the New Year is quickly upon us leads me to reflect on the events of the last year.  I try to hold those thoughts in check because I like to spend a solitary New Year's Day reviewing the previous 12 months and making plans for the future.  I'm finding it harder to do this now.  Is it my milestone birthday this year (the big 5-0) or reading all the blogs I follow that are doing the "Best of 2012" posts or the hectic party pace I've been keeping up all month??  I feel the tip of an invisible whip spurring me on to make plans...bigger and better.

I was reading Brenda's cozy little blog entry and I feel the same this time of year - a real spring cleaning desire in the middle of winter.  Clean, sweep, scrub, purge, organize...out with the old and in with the new.  Between now and the New Year, I will concentrate on boxing up and putting away Christmas.  Giving in any further than that, will lead to paint and dropcloths and installing new light fixtures.  Frankly, I'm too tired to start that right now.  I need a little peace and quiet to recharge my batteries.

For those of you who guessed, yes, the tea cosy was made by my knitting friend, the extraordinary Cindi.  It matches my kitchen decor and I simply adore it (wait until you see what my other knitter extraordinaire made me!). 

For tonight, I am settling in with the December issue of British Country Living (I adore British magazines) and a cup of tea sweetened with a spoon of amber honey from my beekeeping niece, Allyson.  Lovely Christmas gift from her as well.  I shall get a picture of the centrepiece she made me for the blog - so rustic and outdoorsy.

Does this remind you of a certain reindeer?

I'm going to leaf through my magazine, sip my tea and let my mind wander where it will.  I'll remember all the lovely parties I've attended and hosted, all the family and friends from near and far who have warmed my heart this Christmas season and all the warm memories we made of love and laughter.

Julie

Merry Christmas!



Julie

Christmas Countdown

4 more days to Christmas and we have snow!

and in case you were wondering what I did with my thrift store skates...

Julie



A Moment of Christmas Solitude

Julie

Christmas in my Dining Room

The Christmas lights are beautiful in the dining room.  I love the evenings when the lights reflect off the window, the mirror and the furniture.

My silver bells wreath hangs on the mirror and reflects beautifully.

A bowl of shiny balls and cinnamon-scented pine cones is a delight to the senses.

My half-tree hangs by the china cabinet.

I am linking up to Claudia at Mockingbird Hill Cottage.

Merry Christmas,

Julie



Suggestions Please...

After lunch yesterday, I stopped at my favourite thrift store and made two purchases...

Sorry for  the quality of the pictures.  I'm baking and just took a quick break for this post.  I know what I'm doing with the skates (copying a lot of other bloggers out there ;).  But the lamp, oh the lamp.  I fell in love at first sight.  A little battered, great patina, completely rewired and $5!!!  Did I mention that it is completely made of metal...

Do I just clean up the brass and find the perfect lampshade?  Do I spray the whole thing white (can I cover that delicious green????)?  Suggestions please - I'm a mass of confusion here...

Julie