Well, I can't believe that it is almost Christmas!! Maybe the mild climate here is throwing me a little out of sorts, seeing that there are roses and some other things blooming in the garden, or perhaps due to the lack of any snow, but it sure does not feel like Christmas is just a week away. There is so much greenery in the yard, and everywhere else, that it kinda reminds me of the time I was in Hawaii for vacation right before Christmas. Of course they have palm trees and hibiscus and much warmer temperatures but it's kind of the same feeling. When one has spent 46 years in a climate where there is usually snow at holiday time, or at least freezing cold, and then you find yourself somewhere that is warm and green, it just doesn't seem right. Maybe I'll have to start cuddling up by the fireplace with some hot cocoa to put me in the mood. I have been getting some decorations up around the house and that has helped me feel a bit better, but I'll still be missing friends and family over the holidays. Phone calls help a bit but there's nothing like Aunt Loretta's cranberry relish with orange zest, chopped walnuts and cinnamon to make me feel all warm and cozy. But I did find some wonderful cranberry tea at the grocery this weekend, and when I add a bit of cranberry juice to cool it off, oh my how that hits the spot. Back in the States there is a little coffee shop we would eat at two or three times a week and they used to make a Cranberry Herbal iced tea that was to die for! They would brew a wonderful herbal hibiscus tea from a small supplier in rural Minnesota and then add 1/3 white cranberry juice. It sure hit the spot on those warm summer Wisconsin evenings but alas they discontinued it and I was forced to find other sustenance. I did attempt to replicate it at home but it wasn't quite the same. Lately I have been adding a touch of cinnamon to the coffee grounds before I brew, for just a hint of old Vienna to warm me up on a chilly morning.
On another note we finally met up with Mary and Diane for brunch on Sunday. I found them online through their blog and we have corresponded back and forth a bit. They moved to the area here from Las Vegas so we were anxious to make a connection and see how they are managing life in Canada. They have indicated that the job hunt may take a bit longer than we would expect but they said to hang in there and be patient. If only we could tell the bank account the same! HA! They are great gals and I do believe we have made our first friends here! They may even talk me into making my own wine, which seems to be a very popular thing to do here, even though there are wineries all over the place that you KNOW I will end up checking out. They indicated that summer farmer markets on the island are incredible, with a lot of organically grown produce, so I am kind of anxious for summer to get here.
The weather lately has actually been really good, with very little to report as far as storms go, so I am crossing my fingers that it stays that way. Dixon's mother and her husband are arriving Jan. 3rd for a week long visit and we are looking forward to that. We have to get the house a bit more organized as far as accommodations go but company coming is always a great motivating factor to get the house in order.
Another bit of news is that we finally found a couple of things that are cheaper here than back in the States: electricity and water. We received a bill for each last week and were pleasantly surprised when we opened them up. Two months of electric was less that one month of electric and gas at the old house (no gas here) and water came out at less than $10 per month!! And that is city water! If we were on the well water, with questionable quality, it would be $0. We'll leave the well water for the yard and greenhouse though and stick to city water for the household needs. Oh, also, Sydney is doing just fine on her new medication, which is a relief. She really is a tough little gal and seems to be very adaptable. Now if we could just get her to stop pulling on her leash when we walk to get the mail....
As always, thanks for tuning in....
2 comments:
I knew you would like Mary & Diane, and yes, they are Great!
"drf" and I were pleasantly surprised about the inexpensive power bills in BC, also. Makes up for some of the other items that are a bit more expensive . . . .
Snow for Christmas is a luxury item in BC, I always find. Makes white Christmas once in a blue moon event.
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