Haven't felt like blogging.

 I haven't felt like blogging lately. I think so far there has only been one post in December. After all it started as a travel diary and since I cancelled my planned winter in Cyprus, again, I can't seem to build much enthusiasm for it. Last winter I tried to stay committed to it and treated the winter as a staycation, walking and exploring areas that I hadn't before, and posting about them. Like everyone, I am just tired of the restrictions, lockdowns, masks, nervousness around people and places with people. I know that I am lucky to enjoy my house and community and not be affected by job loss, or money troubles, or home schooling while working etc. I am grateful for that. Then I cancelled Christmas (there had been plans) at my place and expected to be even more discouraged by that. But I was surprised, it was actually fun, receiving the photos and calls and having a porch visit and Christmas has reinvigorated me. 

So this post is a catch up on December and Christmas.

Photo sent by Christine of Cigi seeing her first snow.

Another crazy, windy day and Rick had to go out to take photos. Nearly blew him away.

The wind was picking the top of the waves off and blowing spray horizontally

creating a "whiteout" effect and

obscuring the multiple Lakers sheltering in the Bay.

Rick and I ventured out to check on Spellbound and take pictures of the waves crashing

on the lighthouses.

The next day was beautiful so we drove to Long Point but couldn't get far because of the flooding across the roads. Back to Turkey Point and we happened upon

their Santa Claus Parade. Rick's favourite - the Grinch.

A short parade but fun with all the essentials - firetrucks, kids in costumes, thrown candy canes and, of course, Santa. We couldn't drive far on Turkey Point either as the roads were flooded there too.

The beginning Rug Hooking class, held at the Woodhouse Gallery, was 4 evenings (2 Mondays and 2 Thursdays) over the course of 2 weeks, so there wasn't much time for hooking in between but the students were all close to completing their 9X9 mats. This is Sandy's, Winter Tree.

Charlotte's barn

and Janet's sunflower. It was her idea to use a swatch for the background as I would never suggest fingering to a beginner but it is going to be stunning.

I completed this sample so I could demonstrate finishing for them.

I also had a day of marathon sewing to complete Cigi's stocking and get it to Chris and Jason in time for Christmas.

Rick and I were exposed to Covid at a Christmas Open House with his family so even if I hadn't already cancelled Christmas at my place I was going to be in isolation any way. But Christmas morning the pictures and greetings rolled in from all the family members including

Chris, Jason and Cigi .....

and Mike, Iggy, Avery, Maya, River and Aimee.

Nic and Dave did a Christmas Day road trip and had a carport visit with Si, Dan, Fiona and Lou and then a porch visit (with lunch and presents) with me.

Rasta had an enjoyable Christmas with bags to jump in,

a mandarin orange to roll (it ended up under the couch) and

a new bed/cushion protector for his favorite chair.

Boxing Day there was a hawk hovering over the bank and

kayakers out on the lake (man that would be cold)

Happy New Year to all who read this.

Wild weather and craft collaboration

 December has been pretty volatile, weather wise, so far. Temperature swings, snow, rain, wind.

Wet snow, that actually had to be shoveled,

but the ducks were still here.

Out in the bay; looks like a barge and a gas rig???

Then the snow melted and Rick and I went looking for some walks that we had not done before.

Next to the sewage treatment plant behind Port Rowan, a short walk around a pond. With a few male Buffleheads,

Canada Geese,

and many female Buffleheads.

3 Wood Duck nesting boxes. We will have to come back in the spring to see if they actually attract any.

As it had been a short walk we also took the Bird Studies trail and were rewarded by Sandhill Cranes

coming in to land in the marshes

in the moody evening light.

It was really to dark for taking photos when we scared up the Great Blue Heron.

and saw the lone Mute Swan.

A few days later the wind kicked up to Gale Force and I took a quick drive down to the pier on my way to teach the Beginner Rug Hooking class. The waves were breaking over the pier, obscuring the lighthouse

and washing over the road, tipping over garbage cans and making it impossible to walk along the edge. It was garbage night in Port Dover and there were garbage bags and cans blowing all over the downtown streets. There were 8 "lakers" sheltering in the bay.

Nicola came down for a couple of days and we finally attempted something that we had been talking about for quite some time. A craft collaboration. First she pieced and then quilted material on to rug hooking backing

and then I hooked on it. We made some mistakes, know how to do it better, learned a lot and were quite pleased with the final product.Of course there are all sorts of  ideas now floating around in our heads  so I am sure we will do it again.

Rasta was, of course, his usual helpful self.

I have finally finished hooking the rope border on Cigi's rug. I wont be doing another one of those any time soon! (if ever).

Last few Edmonton Photos and on to Long Point

 I found there were a few photos, from Edmonton, that I had not yet put up on the blog, so lets get them out of the way first.

Michael massacring the turkey in an awful Christmas sweater.

The tree in their backyard. Luckily we hung the lights on it before it snowed.

Michael volunteered at a Jujitsu tournament, run by his gym, so I did too. 4 mats in use all day.

Numerous TVs with the bouts and scores.

250 participants.

Mike worked in the podium/medal area and I ensured all the participants had their T-shirts and sold them too. We each came home with a shirt.

The night before I left, a beautiful sunset, taken from their front door.

I returned with plenty of frig decor.

Its that time of year again, the thousands of Sandhill Cranes are back in the fields near Port Rowan.

And a few Swans.

Still more in the air

and, as they drop their landing gear early, they look very funny coming in to land.

 

From there we drove to my old place at Long Point and walked on to the beach.

It had been quite windy and cold in Port Dover but here it was calm and therefor warmer.

Nobody on the beach though.

We watched flock after flock of tiny ducks head out to a "raft" on the lake before heading south.

Then

over the

dune

to where the duck hunters camp during the season.

I really DONT

UNDERSTAND IT!

This is my kind of duck hunting

I can't find my bird book, so unable to identify them. (Maybe Canvasback?)

Bufflehead ?

And a flock of these sweet little things in the Cedar tree

No idea, I need to find that book.

Misty morning on the lake.