Christmas 2019 - Episode 2

After a day spent driving, Mum, Dad and I arrived in Pakenham (near Ottawa), followed by Si, Dan, Fi and Ruby and the following day, Chris and Jason.

While awaiting Chris and Jason's arrival (when we could start opening presents) we walked up the road with the dogs.

Visited the two ponds which involved some hills, yelling for dogs whenever a car came by and enjoying the sun and snow.

We gave in to Mum's whinging and each opened one gift before Chris and Jason arrived. Monty was very interested in the cheese.

Ruby was too tired out by the walk to care.

Pretty soon it was chaos of gifts and wrapping paper

almost buried Monty.

Fiona loved her quilt from Nicola.

Heather had put Kraft Dinner on her Christmas list and most of us took pity on the poor girl. Imagine her parents only providing healthy food!

Next; the traditional Christmas dinner of turkey, stuffing, gravy, brussel sprouts, carrots, beets and parsnip, followed by Christmas pudding and rum butter, followed by the traditional turkey coma.

Christmas 2019 - episode 1

My old netbook was starting to get "glitchy", it was about 5 years old, so I bought a new one and thought I had better make sure I could use it for blog posts before setting off on the next trip. Looks OK so far!

I had wanted to complete this pictorial before Xmas as I have to teach it at McGown Teacher Training next September and have to submit the pictures of the completed project, a report and lesson plan by the summer. At this point I am planning on teaching about black walnut dying (cabin and tree are hooked with walnut dyed wool), tips for pictorials and ways to add texture and dimension to a pictorial. That should fill a day. (Summer Bell Pull, designed by Jane McGown Flynn)

Christmas Eve day I spent with Nicola and her family for my "first Christmas".

Kevin and Broghan were there for the afternoon and evening. Carla was home for the week (sorry no pictures)

Nicola often compares Bronx to a two year old child and he certainly lived up to that comparison. Once he discovered that his wrapped gifts had dog bones and treats inside he was constantly trying to open everyone's gifts and hunting under the tree.

His other trick - stealing your seat if you got up.