~Into The New Year~

 

Christmas came and went and I appreciated being with family so much.Last year was very sad.Just the two of us zooming with family that lives on our street..and 15 mins away.

This yr our government allowed 10 people .Christmas eve at our daughters we were 10..sadly my son-in-law could not be with us,as he was sitting by his father's side in palliative care.His eldest son was with us.

All testing negative.

We loved being together..talked..laughed..ate..at 11..Alain's father passed away.

We were, in a sense still together..on the phone and with his son.

Things can go from bad to worse quickly we all know.His dad was undergoing chemo..and pneumonia stepped in and carried him away.

He was suffering..And wanted to be with his wife I am sure.

The next day brunch was at our home..and Alain came..he needed to be with family.

We were 10 still as his eldest son didn't come..it's nonna's turn on Christmas Day.

So we exchanged gifts..the boys are so nice and grateful and sweet..I have a stocking too the last few years courtesy of my daughters.I love being with them.

They are my adrenaline.The Spring in my step.The reason I can smile wide and real.

I can't explain the tenderness I feel towards them.

A dash of magic.

Jacques and I watched Call The Midwife the Christmas Special..with Kleenex by our side.

There was a quote in the show..as Mrs Turner (Shelagh) holds a heroin baby in her arms..and has been told that Mae was such a baby before living with them..the Turners had no idea..Shelagh says she will hold and cuddle and administer the opioids to the baby..

A Chance To Travel Back in Time..(something to that effect) She said..It immediately struck me that in fact this is what having grandchildren did for me ..it gave me a chance to travel back in time.

What a gift♥

This show is particularly one of our favorites..ever.

Our daughter that has lived across the street from us..for at least 16 years..will be moving very shortly..the chocolate house was my contribution to her desserts Christmas eve..

That silicone mold is great,,if you can find it and think you may like doing this go  for it.I used Belgian Choco for the house..white bark for roof..

A fun project to add personal touches.

I also brought a home made no knead bread ..saw this heart cut out idea..somewhere..IG I think..

Made a Half Baked Harvest App..Whipped Goat cheese/cream cheese/dates/bacon..I read the reviews first and didn't overbake..Mine wasn't as pretty..

I always buy a Shutterfly calendar.I can prove it by my stack:) Of the Littles..Family..Trips..this yr being so different..

I had some of my Paris People printed up..It's cute:) I like it..Way to go Shutterfly..no stories  just a sampling of my 100ish people.

I need a new painting challenge:)

So we enter 2022..

On a pretty strict lockdown once again.

All restos closed takeout only

Curfew 10 PM-5AM

NO visitors in your home

Schools closed until Jan 17th.

And the list goes on.

I had my booster..all is well.

What are the naysayers waiting for.

Happy New Year..see you in 2022.♥

PS..

My little monthly calendar templates are courtesy of https://mindingmynest.com/

~Lockdown~Once Again...

 

I don't think Snowflake knew what he was in for..

Schools closed abruptly yesterday..cinemas..bars..etc..You must work from home again..

Back to square one..

C'est la vie as we know it~

Some last baking items..

Snowflake is that sweet bandleader up there:)She came to me because of Susan..:) You all know her..We go back 100 yrs:)

The cake is a Nordic Ware recipe.. Snowflake Cakelets..

The fun cookies..are an idea I gleaned from Bridget..

the gingerbread cookie recipe I used..From Susan..Savoring time in the kitchen.

Never a great piper..I'll practice.

It’s funny what thoughts cross your mind..

Last night I washed my hair and blew it dry..I’m at that age where I am thinking:”Should I part it to the right.No bangs..bangs?A trim?Shorter”?Keep letting it grow in natural? Itt will be two years in Feb..I think I will..

And in a flash looking in the mirror blowing it dry.. I was reminded of seeing my mom in front of her vanity over 50 yrs ago in her 50’s parting her very thick prematurely grey hair to the left then right instead of her middle part ..she saw me of course, and said “What do you think?”I must have been18 and said..no just leave it in the middle.It suits you.

Why didn’t I try different styles on her?Have fun with her?

She asked for nothing and really got very little.

It’s the least I could have done.

I’m shocked at myself and that memory.

What a selfish teen.

I had no idea she would be gone so soon after.

Mea  culpa maman.

See..funny what we think about and the flashbacks as as we get older ..under different times and circumstances.

Funny but not funny  right?

My family is doing well..I'm so grateful..everyone is well and happy and healthy..accomplishing things that give them satisfaction..well deserved.Nice people♥THAT is so important.NICE.KIND.HAPPY.HEALTHY.My gratitude lies therein.

Stockings are hung..Hoping we can be together.

Some have been added this yr from dear friends..which is fun and sometimes a huge surprise♥

Take care,be safe,see you after Christmas,with more spellbinding tales~:)

xoxo

~10 more days ~!

 

I bought that book in 2009 and it has a little voice recording..the day I opened it this week I found it needs a new battery:)

I filled in 2009 and henceforth there are envelopes in the book with photos of family at Christmas up until 2019..

He's twelve now and on his way to being tall like his brothers..high school..time flies my friends..

This one is a teen now:)His little teeth were the cutest:)

Adamo is now 21..Giuliana 19 Lucas 16 and Max 14♥ Noah 13 and Oli 12.

Adamo becomes an actuary this year..Giuliana is in school of design..Lucas graduates and moves onto college.He is being recruited for football ..I am so happy for him..Happier for us that he is such a lovely young man.Max moves onto the latter part of high school..Oli and Noah still in high school..football..basketball..wrestling they all inherited my athletic gene..(LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL)

I cannot believe 12.5 yrs have gone by...I feel I look so young here..lol..That's a happy face.. a baby in my arms:)

So many years yet speed of light.Things change.. Children grow up.. have children of their own who one day will have theirs..or not.

Health can change..people can leave our lives..

People can enter our lives..

Christmas ..a time of reflection..

And recipes right?:)

Tourtières are a staple here.

Every family has theirs..

This year watched Love Actually while making them,Cried,,How Alan Richman could leave Emma Thompson is beyond me.RIP. Alan R.

And poor Liam..again a heartbreaking example of people leaving our lives.

Cried at the movie..

The stars are Savoury Shortbreads from Memories In The Baking..Sol..I miss this girl..

The Gingerbread men are a fun recipe to make with an embossed rolling pin..you can find the recipe at The View From Great Isalnd..amongst thousands of other great recipes.I mean just look at that cheese ball tree!

The meringues ..are my meringue recipe but the idea of dipping in chocolate and crushed candied pecans came from Amuses~Bouche

an outstanding French blog.

The shortbread doves are simply your fave shortbread cut out recipe..a dove cookie cutter..some sliced almonds..and royal icing to secure the almonds..

I'm still baking and I love it.

This time of yr is a nesting time..I enjoy being in my little gingerbread house.I don't miss working at all anymore.Not one bit.It was a shock and a terrible adjustment.But..I had this nest you see with these people all close by (And they still will be... I'm not moaning I'm happy for them :))

10 more days..y'all:)

PS every yr Marie and I share a card and sometimes a small ornament..her cards are pop up cards and delightful  .This is this yrs..:)

She's had quite the year and has landed on her feet in a exemplary fashion if I do say so myself.

Courage plus.

And Marie just had a new book published..her second!

You can read about it here..

I love watching people succeed.

In every aspect of life.

A lovely time of year~

 

December has arrived so quickly and unfortunately will end so quickly too.

I think because of last yr..I am more looking forward to it.It seems we will have dinner and brunch together♥..This new variant was and is a real threat.

My last Paris People was Santa..It finishes this watercolor book off perfectly in my mind's eye..Photo as always by Geni..who has recently been taking an IG break.

I've loved painting these..over 80 lol so I really have.

A lovely lady Diana..sent me this wonderful tea advent calendar..the first day was Gingerbread!Yesterday's Anise..so pretty  and useful..A decadence really.:)I am grateful.

Advent Calendars..when my girls were at home I always gave them one so it's been years really..Last yr..Dec I decided to make them one for this year.I bought the little Kraft paper advent calendar houses on Etsy..a PDF file pattern..My Staples doesn't print on Kraft paper I found out aftrer:(So I printed them up here on reg paper.50.

Because I have 2 girls:)

Then you cut out and clue the little homes..I glued mine to a foam core board that I cut in two w/ a curve like a street and set up the village..added bottle brush trees and trim to the front..and that's it..you fill and tie off.

They liked them:)

I made those delicious Gaufres of Isabelle's..I just love the crispness..sugary caramelly taste..not a pizzelle  though..be warned..but I love these more.Rhum adds a distinctive taste.Put them in a tin and you are good to go for weekkkkks!

Paris Breakfast's charming letter..look Gingerbread men:)

Perfect opportunity to use Dash's Gingerbread man waffler..Tilley told me about the waffles..I had bought some for the Littles..never for me.These are tiny treasures..gems..Tilley has many:)Enabler she is.I give these wee machines 5 stars.

Not sure I will make more snowmen..I'll see but they were fun last yr..

All special  Canadian cards are sent and US and Europe..only certain local and one local gift still left to mail.

Started some other baking..not all successes..Anyone else have problems with some Donna Hay recipes? Never quite on point for me.

While I realize that I am looking forward to this season I know many are not.

So many have lost parents..spouses..friends..So many are ill..so many have far less than anyone else..

And so many will be sad and lonely.

Sorrow happens to each and every one of us..loneliness too..and situations change..things happen in a heartbeat.So even though I may have a Spring in my step because I will be w/ my family this yr..all can change on a dime.

I've been on that dime many times.And never quite completely off.

It's 27F windy and brisk ..but blue skies..Tree lighting and festivities going on in my Hallmark town tonight..♥

Wish I really really wanted to go..you need a BFF for that..

Mine are busy ..one moved.. and one's not a festivity person lol..Nor am I but I'd like to get that back.

Bon weekend!

~Dec fast approaching!!

 

Cutest most professional silver ornaments ..jewelry..pet tags etc made by Ginny  at Martinis and Roses

She has an Etsy shop and trust me you will NEVER be disappointed.

Her shop is now closed for the holidays as Canada Post could not guarantee delivery.

I love that you can have something inscribed that you could not get anywhere else.

I am one that loves words.She can do them all.She's on Instagram and I have linked her Etsy shop.Five stars.

It's time to start looking through old magazines..at recipes..to maybe start a few things.

I learned my lesson last yr..I've always loved Christmas apart from the nostalgia of missing my mom which never ends..4 Littles helped fill that void..I think I mentioned when the first came into our lives..Lucas..a hole in my heart was plugged:) And then 3 more came.

The lights of my life w/ their moms of course lol.

Anyway..last yr not having my family around for a dinner etc..sank my heart.

So this year I am anticipating it with a whole new outlook.You never know what you have till its gone is probably the best true quote ever.

I did take out my lantern Christmas house..Get yourself a lantern..some miniature furniture..not much..they are small ..a tree and lights and you've set the twilight mood of youth.

The gnome garland can be found on many sites..and youtube,I bet..and that dear crochet tree is from..Linda..breaks my heart when I open her blog she was a dear dear dear blog friend whom I lost..in 2021.She lost her courageous battle with cancer.You would not believe how she fought.♥

One of her daughters sent me the tree shortly after she passed away with a card that had sea glass flowers that she made.

Bawled.

Don't ever tell me blog/IG friends are not real friends.

This little girl had no idea what the future held for her.

On this particular day in her shiny shoes, puffy organza swiss dot dress w/ black velvet waist ribbon,black velvet ribbon tied ponytail..her hopes and dreams had come true.

A canopy bed.(Wish I still had it)And a new bébé...plastic though:)

Our white plastic tree and baubles and tinsel and glitter..our faux fireplace.. An upper duplex in Mtl.

I was messaging with my daughter and I said to her that while Lucas was playing his last football game last Saturday..for the Provincial title..They won.. My grandsons love their sports and work hard at them.

I asked my mom to send me a sign..

I asked for something special so that it would be an in my face sign.

See..I've never had signs..

The fact that they won could have been a sign..but it was a sign for everyone.

But when they won he broke from the cheering crowd he came to hug his mom a big bear hug  he's 16 ..and then us.

This boy...

That could have been a sign also:)♥

But I think that was not a pinpointed sign.

Anyway the more I thought about the more I thought my girls and these 4 darling boys are my signs.

I told Caroline..you probably won't get signs when I am gone..and she said :"Really"?

I said I think what you have are memories..so you right now have 45 yrs of memories with me..so you will remember funny things..words..flashbacks..stupid things I did..or nice things I did..

Things I told you..things I did OK as a mom..not so stellar things;)

Food I made..Christmases....

I figure I had 8-9 yrs.

We don't remember much before the age of 10..

I lost her at 19..so even 8-9 I am being generous..and then it's such a shock ..your memory bank in that period of time (the loss and before) is pretty much a blur.

Tree is going up today and we had ..

♥

I win at deleting pics and posts:(

 I had a lengthy November post ready and one false move..and it was all gone..

I thought drafts were saved..I better not find that touch key again ever that pulled the whole thing into a disappearing act...

 

So I won't bore you with a repeat of what got deleted..I'll just highlight the recipes etc:)

That apple crisp is unique..and a keeper

It's from Marie..Her Mom's Best Apple Crisp.

I have been touting this one as my best..

And I still love it..

But I had never made one w/ crisp on bottom and top.

Noah and Jacques gave it thumbs up!

Continuing on the apple theme..I made Ricardo's BEST APPLE PIE.

It's always a winner here.And I had to use my new old vintage Fire King pie plates:) I had to.

I stitched..this one is the Second Day of Christmas from 

I love her patterns.Super detailed instructions..And she is a wonderful talented creator.

I have finished all The Alicia Paulsen ones so I am happy to have found these precious ones..

Don't be fooled though these are projects..Not done in an hour or two.

I only make  these for my daughters..not for me lol..

If you want to start off softly with less intricate patterns I recommend Susan's.Click on free patterns.So cute.Generous of her talents.

Also I wanted to share these fun waffle cookies ..made w/ a waffle iron..so good..so surprised!

My fern's hanging in there from bringing it in..my daughter got my other two..fingers crossed they make it to her new home.

The geraniums are doing so well lol..and the rosemary bloomed..

On a personal note..Max and Oli are in the finals this week

And Lucas semi-finals..

I can't believe I'm excited..  two things..I always worried about football..and told my girls this 10 yrs ago lol when I met a man in yoga who had pain pain relief implants..he told us never let your kids play football..OY I immediately told the girls.

They all play football.

Goes to show you a Nana can change and wear many coats.

I love going to their games.

I had the pleasure of picking up Noah at school and he came for dinner.Unfortunately his team didn't get very far this year.

Next yr he will be in a school he can walk to here from:)

So that's it..Take care..