Year's end

December 29, 2011

Christmas came and went in a flurry of wrapping paper and ribbons. Perfectly browned, a 25 pound turkey, with all the trimmings, topped off the best of joyous days. And my car went every day! Well, I have yet to try it today, so a plea to your gods might be in order. In spite of the forecast for a green Christmas, clouds moved in and deposited enough flakes to cover the ground making an already festive day brighter. Last night the temperatures plummeted so the household is happy that the backyard pond will be frozen enough for a family hockey scuffle (can’t call it a game).  I, in my wisdom, will watch from the window.

As the New Year approaches, I look back on 2011 with thanks that I made it through. January 1, 2011 was the beginning of one of the worst years of my life when that very morning at 6:30 am, I twisted my leg and did serious damage to the muscles and ligaments. I was already suffering from a nasty sinus infection that invaded during the night – no doubt after midnight. In February, my finances went into the toilet. In April, I had to make the ultimate decision to part with my beloved Bailey, my furry companion of 13 years.In August, I had an accident and broke four ribs and my leg. How’s that for a crappy year? As a result, I will not be wandering to wonderful destinations south this year.

Bring on 2012.

Friends

December 20

Sometimes when one wanders a friend or friends share the experience making it a richer moment. With the holiday season descending upon us at great speed, every day sings its own melody. Malls and stores provide background carols that swell my spirits as I scramble to find that perfect gift. After dark the night skies are alive with multi-coloured lights that to me are beacons of joy. Last week I gathered my dear old friend, and I’m not shy at using that term because she is just the right side of 90, and headed off to centre-town to see the light display. We drove around and around not able to get enough of the festooned trees and garlanded gates. Confederation Park is beyond beautiful, its breath taking. “Look here, look there, oh my” were constant utterances. The spirit of the season was imbedded through our eyes.

Then yesterday I got the call. Another dear friend from Arizona, my walking buddy, called to take me on the ‘walk’. Her Christmas present to me was to talk to me while she wandered over our morning hiking ground where she and I have shared our thoughts, our feelings and our hopes. For 30 minutes we chatted. I miss her and since I will not be going south this year, the call was extra special. The best presents do not always come wrapped with a bow.

Not quite wandering, but joyous just the same, I am going to physiotherapy and the results are more than encouraging. I am walking with only a slight limp now and am convinced by next week, I will be wandering with a strong stride. Halleluiah.

For my regular followers I wish you the merriest of seasons with family and friends.

Halleluiah

Halleluiah, after three back-to-back performances of the Messiah, the North Grenville choir were applauded with standing ovations and tears of elation. I’m proud to be a member of such a dedicated bunch of choristers.

With the holiday season nearly upon us, I’m wandering from here to there selling books. I can’t believe how quickly Snow Business sold. Here I am just weeks from Christmas and only two copies left. I suppose that’s better than having piles of them in my cupboard but I really am sorry I will disappoint those who might have liked it for a young one for Christmas.  I will stock up in the new year. I can’t believe it will be 2012. Our old house in the country turns 100 and with several generations that have passed through it holds a wealth of stories. Maybe my next collection of short stories should be based on Farmer’s Cottage. Even the story of the house name is worthy of telling. Apparently when the area was settled there were two families on this road and the son of the other farm prospered and displayed his success by building a large red brick house in 1910. Not to be outdone the son of the pioneer that settled this property in 1840 also built in 1912 but made his house (mine) a foot longer and wider than his rival and called it spitefully Farmer’s Cottage and imbedded a plaque to announce this to all. Well we have no facts to substantiate this fable but we love it none-the-less.

The weather is remarkably warm for December but I did get out trying to capture elusive shots of ice crystals – I’m not really succeeding – will have to stop by the photo shop for some tips.