A Ukrainian/Canadian Christmas Celebration

January 9, 2023.Reading time 1 minute.

More than 150 people gathered yesterday in our local Presbyterian Church to celebrate Ukrainian Christmas. I am too tired to say much more than I am warmed to my core and so grateful for all these people, who have come into our lives since our decision to host a Ukrainian family. The photos capture it […]

Moose-capade

January 6, 2023.Reading time 6 minutes.

Every Christmas for the 20 years we have been together, Ric has threatened to decorate the front yard (or roof) with a herd of reindeers. Every year, I offer up an emphatic NO! This year, our Ukrainian guests got in on the fracas. They seem to be amused by how easily he baits me. Entertainment […]

Interlude

December 19, 2022.Reading time 1 minute.

Ah Christmas…the barrage of lists, the constant bustle, my aching legs…. When we have a moment to rest, we celebrate that two Ukrainian families have now successfully flown our nest. We are exhausted but warmed by the knowledge that our family has grown. We’ll be twenty at Christmas – our two families of five, plus […]

Things I Learned From Christmas

December 29, 2021.Reading time 1 minute.

Attire does not an occasion make (referring to the 5-year-old in pjs). Age doesn’t matter when in the presence of loved ones. Engagement is everything. Stories and memories never grow old. Love prefers to congregate in small spaces. Dogs share their affection equally. (Thanks to my husband for capturing these moments.)

Are you pregnant, or is that a mouse in your pocket?*

December 25, 2021.Reading time 2 minutes.

A heavy fog greeted us this Christmas morning, but nothing can dampen the mood. Ten negative COVID tests brought a group of us together to celebrate Christmas Eve. Not the whole family, but all the grandchildren, which made this Grandma’s heart sing. My son and his wife were delayed by work, so we let the […]

Anticipation

December 22, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

There was to be no tree – both of us lying low – but the granddaughters arrived and with their unique flair, decorated. We cancelled getting together, but then all the adults acquired rapid test kits, and now there is talk of gathering again, but the COVID numbers are rising, so… we wait. Presents under […]

Christmas

December 22, 2020.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Unique ornaments, each representing Christmas’ gone by, decorate our tree. This year, it will be just the two of us enjoying this family tradition. (For Nancy Merrill’s A Photo a Week challenge: Christmas.)

The Mice Are Stirring

December 21, 2020.Reading time less than 1 minute.

A favourite Christmas ornament for Lens-Artist Photo Challenge: Here comes the holiday season.

Silver and Gold

December 9, 2020.Reading time less than 1 minute.

For Cee’s Midweek Madness challenge: silver or gold

Red and Green

December 7, 2018.Reading time less than 1 minute.

These leaves apparently want to get in on the Christmas Act – coloured themselves red. Hope everyone is staying calm and well in what can be a stressful season. (For Cee’s FOTD)

Marriage Potential

What if loyalty purchased this houseand commitment co-signed?We’d take out a mortgagebased on love – interest only What if our foundation was spiritualand our walls cornerstones of faith?We’d furnish our home with joyand leave room for wonder. Can you imagine the possibilitiesif we dedicated this life to service,if we made our marriage the hub,found a […]

Small Town

No big box hereour shops line upin historic rows Our fraganceeau-de-fermeearthen fresh Our spires remindersthat values are simpleand life blessed. (Photo mine)

Origin

Anxiety burnsan acidic devouring confidence impaled –mind wanders to childhood dreamsuncovers fear’s origin. (Tuesdays, I borrow from Twitter @Vjknutson. I came across this tanka written in May/21 that seemed to match with the image I recently posted on my other blog. I decided to pair them here.)