Tuesday, December 21, 2021

~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





50 comments:

  1. I am sorry to hear that you are in lockdown again! Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas

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    1. I know!And yet rules are followed..in most cases..only the Facebook doctors are not following the rules.A mess this omicron .Happy holidays!

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  2. I have family in Montreal so know about your lockdown. We are getting close to lockdown too here in Toronto. We cancelled our Christmas plans and will spend it alone, together.

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    1. Smart thing to do I think.My youngest daughter soon 45 spent 4 hrs in a paying drive through to be tested..negative our eldest daughter reserved a test kit for five so our small group of ten may be ok 🙏

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  3. What a beautiful post; images and words. Your stockings made me smile...I'll be doing the same for everyone here.
    It's true that memories leave us with mixed feelings. We were all selfish teenagers. Most of us, anyway. I'm sure your mom took it with a grain of salt. And I have to say...I think we grew up with the same living-room. lol
    I sure hope you can all be together. Have a wonderful Christmas, Monique.

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    1. Thank you for understanding.I felt sad last night thinking about it.
      Hard to believe you were selfish🙂Great living rooms🙏❣️💞

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  4. I think we might be in lockdown after Christmas.

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    1. This is a roller coaster of emotions.Take. Are Polly🙏

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  5. I so enjoy your posts! Missed the previous one, scrolled and smiled at all the happy photos of your Grands and especially the one of you! Not much baking going on here. I’ve just barely pulled together the house - still a mountain of boxes to go through in the garage.🤣. Our daughter and family arrived on Sunday. Landon is so excited to spend Christmas here in Florida. He no longer believes in Santa, but said “Nana, next year, don’t put the presents under the tree until Christmas Eve, because I just want to open them so bad!” Hoping you can spend Christmas with your family. These last two years have been fraught with anxiety. Wishing you all the best dear friend and Happy Holidays. If you ever get back to Florida, I would so love to see you❣️

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    1. "I want to open them so bad" HOW cute is that? Oh what a great Christmas you will have:)I love Florida and have missed it.
      I am happy for you..My daughter is in boxes ..moves Jan 15th..
      She took a drive~through covid test yesterday..$75.00 but you know on the spot.Negative.
      We will have access to some rapid tests from our other daughter who was able to get some.Lates news is that the number 10 will be reduced to 6 for Christmas.
      We are 10.
      WE will see..Our homes accomodate social distancing..easily..we will see..Jacque's had his booster..
      Merry happy healthy first Christmas in Florida with you and yours♥

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    2. We have been using the tests that you take at home. All negative so far, which is a relief. We are all vaccinated and Jasmine & Jason work from home, so with any luck we will all make it through the holidays, healthy & happy. Best of luck to your daughter with her upcoming move. How exciting for them. ♥️🎄

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    3. It is! Although they are leaving my street after 16 yrs I am excited for them all and this new adventure!!We will be 12 minutes away by car lol;)

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  6. Morning!Beautiful post...this time of year seems to bring up lots of memories. I hope you all get to be together. Merry Christmas! xo

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    1. Me too..we're really only 10..so ..I am thinking yes..My daughter's home is open and spacious:)xxx

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  7. I share some of your feelings. Things we should have done or said but didn't...the frustrations of life as it is now with this ever present virus. I try to limit my news & stay positive. I am looking forward to seeing my two grandsons and their bright shining little faces on Christmas Day after I take my rapid test!
    Merry Christmas Monique to you and your family.

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    1. That will make your Christmas♥Their bright lovely faces:) Have a lovely one Ga:)

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  8. I hope you’ll be able to see your family for Christmas. Here I think we will be in lockdown after the holidays it is a very sad time.
    I wish you a Merry Christmas to you and your family

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    1. We would be 10 max now..immediate family..large open home..fingers crossed more news tofday.Thank you:)And very best wishes to you and yours also.
      We're so strict here but it all boils down to hospitals..the poor staff..Medal of honor to all of them..

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  9. Restrictions have come here in BC, too. But we are still getting together with our family (11) and all of us who are eligible are vaccinated. Medical staff are so overworked, and tense, too. My husband works in long-term care administration and he is very concerned about the staff.
    Joyeux Noel, Monique!

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    1. Thank you for the cheery wish after all this..
      I feel terrible for the medical system..all echelons.And the restaurants here that just opened after a lot of work.Some just closed😑Praying we can still be 10..Meilleurs Voeux Lorrie🙂

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  10. I so adore your felts. They are works of art! And thanks for the links to Susan's blog. Your ornaments are so beautiful and everything looks totally delicious! I understand what you mean about your mom. I have pangs of that sometimes -- "Let's do this," "Oh, I can't, Mom!" And how I would love one day, one week, one forever, to have her here so we could go shopping (I don't like shopping; she did) or bake together. She'd love that I cook and carry on her traditions and I have to believe she knows. But oh, for more time...

    Have a wonderful Christmas, my friend. My cards got out late -- I hope it arrives by Christmas but I wouldn't hold my breath the way the mail is these days. You'd think Canada was across the sea instead of two hours away. (Well, you're more than two, but you know what I mean!) Merriest to you all! Stay well. (Our Molly got Covid from the Toddlers; we're holding our breath it is a mild case.)

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    1. Oh dear😖Poor Molly..Omnicron seems the beast here.
      Hope my card got there☺️
      Oh I would love to let’s do this and that with. Y mom..
      Looooove.
      Have a great holiday!

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  11. Monique, I agree, the best gift we could ever receive is to be nice, kind, healthy, and happy--and for all of our loved ones to be, too! Your sentiment about your mom tripped a similar memory. When I was in high school, I was very critical of my mother. Looking back, I really don't know why I acted that way, but I think it's common. Now that I'm older (70 is only a few years away, lol), I try to remember the lessons my mom taught me and modeled for me. I'll bet you do the same. It's kind of a tribute of honor to our moms. Love those stockings! I sure hope you're all able to celebrate together this year. Our family only numbers 6 and all are vaccinated. Hopefully, we will be okay. May you have a very Merry Christmas!!!

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    1. I remember those critical feelings..my mom was the only one with grey hair..it became that way very prenaturely after a terrible loss..Now look..today young women are dying their hair grey..luckily this lasted a very short time and early high school.There are things that happened so differently..I took her to my college graduation instead of a boy:)And won her a Mother Of The Year contest with a letter I wrote about her.On the radio.
      She was so happy♥So I hope in some small way I did bring her joyx
      As I am sure you did!
      WE will be able to be 10.Thank goodness..:)
      Have a very Merry one too:)That photo below is my uncle :)Was...

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  12. I meant to ask if that last photo is you and your father? Precious!

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  13. Here the same…so sad for manny manny people…take care love Ria 🎄❤️🎄🍀🎄❤️🎄

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    1. I feel sad for you!I hope you and Leif can share the day with friends Ria♥

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  14. Snowflake ♥ I don't think 18 year-olds are in the right frame of mind to be thinking about our mother's hair. I never did either. We too focused our trying to figure out who we are. Our makeup, hair, boyfriends, girlfriends, jobs, school., etc. Don't be so hard on yourself. Neither of you knew what was ahead. It takes many adult memories to be able to think, I should have done this or that. I'm so glad you should be able to be together, that everyone is tested and healthy. We went to a testing site and the line was around the building. We were shocked! Called the small pharmacy where we got our vaccines and they gave us rapid tests for half price. No waiting! We love that little pharmacy. John is taking the female pharmacists flowers this afternoon for being so helpful. We both tested negative, thankfully. Will you celebrate tomorrow or Saturday? I will look forward to relaxing again :) Please tell your family Merry Christmas from me. Joyeux Noel, Dear Monique! ♥

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    1. Snowflake is actually a NUTCRACKER feltie too♥Thank you for understanding and telling me that you too were not into thinking about your mom's hairstyle..We did have a lot going on..you are so right.Oh yay on the tests!
      You know I didn't call my pharmacy..which I love too I may call tomorrow and try and reserve for the 28th when I go for my booster up the street from them.
      It's funny..I find it's the time of year to show appreciation if we can.I went to my small popular in the village IGA today..two of the cashiers have been there forevee and have been there for us every day since Covid.
      I put two poinsettias in my cart..to give each one at checkout.One woman in front of me in line..had a big pie..cupcakes other baked goods from the store.. she said these are for you both and gave them each a card..and I was next.It made me feel so good for them♥THat people were recognizing their above and beyondship.
      Christmas eve,yes..10 of us..Brunch 9..Alain will be with his dad.
      Only immediate family both days.Distanced..But together..

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    2. And happy everything to you:) So glad we share this holiday together.

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    3. Merci, Monique! Enjoy this special weekend. ♥ When you have time, I'd love to know about the lone swinging star ornament! Merry, Jolly, Thankful, and Appreciative. ♥♥♥♥

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  15. Thanks for all your warm and memorable images M. Merry Christmas to you, Jaques and your family.

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  16. Monique, so sorry for the lockdown again. The whole world is so different now. Love seeing your childhood photos. Don't beat yourself up about your mom. I think we were all selfish teens. Your family is very sweet. Beautiful Christmas decorations and your baking. Merry Christmas to you and your family. It looks like Paul and I will be alone for Christmas. xo

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    1. I watched you with your mom and how truly wonderful you were♥
      Thank you..
      The numbers have remained 10 so I will be with family.Gives me a Spring in my step.We will not be hugging and kissing and sitting close..but we will be together.
      Thank goodness you and Paul are ♥♥♥♥With your pups and the warrmth you gve your home..it will still be beautiful.Merry Christmas to you!

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  17. Je vous souhaite un Joyeux Noël malgré toutes les contraintes que nous imposent ce satané virus et ses variants.
    Merci de votre visite sur mon blog.

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    1. A vous aussi..vos aquarelles sont tellement jolies!

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  18. Such a wealth of cheerful, beautiful things! I'm glad you all are doing well. Yes, flashbacks and regrets, I get them too in relation to my parents. If only I knew then what I know now, right? There is a hair brushing scene in the film Letters to Juliet. Makes me cry every time.

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    1. I remember..as that movie flashbacked into my mind last night as we started watching a movie with her and Kevin Bacon,we stopped lol..not for us.Vanessa Redgrave is a fabulous actress..a beautiful woman.It's a beautiful scene.
      Marry Christmas Rita:) And John.

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  19. I don’t know…you were honest. What’s wrong with that?
    And spontaneous. That was fine.
    Imho anyway :))

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  20. Merry Christmas Monique. I hope that you manage to have all your family together despite lockdown. Have a wonderful time. Lots of hugs, Rose x

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  21. Lock down here too. No church in person for the unforeseeable future as well. We do what we must do. I am blessed to have my sister, Dan and Dad in my immediate bubble I hate what this virus is doing to our world. I hope and pray each day for not much longer, please. I love all that you share with us from other bloggers and their creations. Loved seeing your different decorations, but most of all loved that photograph of little you and your Uncle is it? Am I right? I have always loved that photo of you. You are delighted by your canopy doll bed. I would be too! I loved also the memories of your mom. I wish for many things that I should have done, said, talked about with my mom while she was still here. It is too bad we don't have a crystal ball, but in some ways it is good that we don't! Blessings on you and J. xoxo

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    1. We were able to be together.10…and everyone tested negative.
      Immediate family only in our case.It was good for everyone and an RX for our hearts.
      My son-in-law lost dis dadChristmas Eve at 11 ..he was with him.
      Avery good son🙏🙏

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  22. I hope you have had a LOVELY Christmastime :) Yes, back to square one again with the covid. Its so sad...I really hope next year will be happier!
    Love from Titti

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    1. Oh I do too…warmest wishes to you and yours Titti!

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  23. What a treat to see you still creating and sharing these beautiful things! Xo Debbie

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    1. xoxox what a treat to reconnect..you may recognize a few from Gardenbuddies:):)

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  24. Wonderful post and so glad you were able to be there as family, but sad to have lost one on a Holiday. I have yet to watch this last season of Call The Midwife. It is one of my all time favorite series. xo Diana

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