~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/