Christmas season

This Christmas season was quietly spent at home. As my life can be chaotic and busy with work, I enjoyed 3-4 days off work from both jobs I have. I was able to get together with a friend for coffee and try to beat the mad afternoon rush at the grocery store and enjoyed a few days of not waking up at 4:30am!!

For the month of December, I took every Friday off (I think I will do that next year - It made the month a bit more relaxing actually) - I was able to take in Journey and Ocean's school Christmas play. I then stayed overnight at Amy's house (first sleepover I have had with Journey - we both enjoyed it). In the morning, I played the memory game (which Journey won) and then dominos (which Solomon won) - as Journey would say - Amy and I were the last winners. I shared with Journey and Solomon a fond memory I had when I was their age - receiving the Lifesaver Storybook in my stocking - I found these in the local IDA store and gave them to Journey and Solomon. Amy told me last night that Solomon made small ornaments for his tree - I hope to stop in tonight to see his decorations and to give them a Christmas hug if they will let me .

Christmas Eve I made for the first time - a meat tortierre. Both of my parents are from Quebec and it was a tradition in both of their families that on Christmas Eve you have a meat tortierre before going to church service. I believe the recipe asks for pork and veal but I used pork and ground beef in mine just as my mom used to make it. As I had seen it before in other recipes - I add thinly chopped potatoes within the meat mixture. For a first attempt, don't think it was too bad.

Christmas Day I enjoyed a sleep in - made a few calls to Ontario - received a phone call from my dad who is currently traveling in New Zealand. It was nice connecting with him as he will be traveling around New Zealand on one of those hop-on/hop-off buses that go to the local hostels in NZ, so he won't be reachable for the next month and a half. Then I ventured off to the movie theatre to see the new film Sherlock Holmes. I was shocked to see how many people were at the theatre - many families actually. The first show of Sherlock Holmes was sold out so I went to the second one (thought the banter between Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law was good).

Today (Boxing Day) - I did venture to Future Store with the hope to find a DVD player to fit the shelf width of my new entertainment stand that my friend John built (other friend Jon painted) for me - success!! Will be leaving in a couple of hours to visit with my friends in Three Hills staying overnight - I am sure Sara and I will be able to sneak in a cribbage game tonight.

Wishing that you all have had a wonderful Christmas season with your family and friends this year.