Birthday Celebrations

   This is the time of year for birthday parties. Alison's birthday is Nov. 14th, Steve's is Nov. 18th and Natalie's is Nov. 21st. Natalie had a lovely time opening her presents early and will have another party for her friends (and more presents) next Saturday. Today we had a combined party at Judy's - a delicious brunch of  eggs, sausages and french toast drowned in maple syrup. There was also cake - a strawberry shortcake of unbelievable lightness and creaminess, and coffee. I was quite stuffed but, luckily, was able to work some of it off at a demo pool practice later in the afternoon.

    Dinner tonight is something light, probably quinoa with peas and a salmon fillet. The weather continues to be cold for November, around zero, with snowflakes floating down. They may amount to quite an accumulation by tomorrow morning but, hopefully, not enough to have to get the shovel out.

Another Plum Pudding

    The kids were here for a few hours yesterday and we made some more plum puddings in individual pots. They were really helpful and were thrilled to take home their very own plum puddings and some custard to top them off.

   A fairly quiet day today - after the morning chores I was out again hacking away at the dead hedge but it was a little too cool to stay out too long so there's still lots to do.

Snow!

    Yes, it was snowing this morning but nothing accumulated on the ground, thank goodness. I am really dreading when we have to start shovelling the white stuff!

   I went to the golf drop-in and hit a few buckets of balls - didn't seem to improve much but if I keep it up all winter, there should be some improvement by Spring. Then over to the senior's centre to buy a coffee and check out what's going on. Just the line dancers and the routine looked pretty basic so I don't think I will sign up for that next session. I took down the phone number of the volunteer who runs the coffee bar as they are looking for spares so I will put my name down to fill in occasionally.

   I had bought all the dried fruits for the Christmas plum pudding on Tuesday (Senior's discount day at the bulk food store) so I set about preparing it when I got home. It steamed all afternoon and is now wrapped up in foil to mature for the next few weeks until we need it on Dec. 25th. I had a few leftovers so when the kids are here tomorrow (another P.D. day) they will help me make a small one for them to take home.

   I went to the pool this afternoon and managed 16 laps but the last two were considerably slower than my usual (slow) speed. I think I will stick at that for a while. It wasn't quite as busy as usual so much more enjoyable.

   Dinner tonight is chicken drumsticks which I am going to bake in the oven coated in a yogurt and honey dip, then coated with breadcrumbs. I will make some fries and I think I have some green beans in the crisper which will round out the meal nicely. Big Bang Theory on TV tonight, then Doc Martin, then Inspector George Gently so my evening is set.

Back To Chilly Weather

     I managed to get the garden rubbish bins refilled for pick-up today (the truck made an early pick-up yesterday but I quickly got out with my saw, rake and clippers for another load) and there will be just one more pick-up this year. I am trying to get rid of the hedge by my front walk as it died last winter and has been a sorry spectacle all year. Some of the bushes are gone and will give me more space to shovel snow off the walk. I hope to get the rest out  before the snow arrives.

    Speaking of which, how the temperature dropped last night! After yesterday's beautiful, balmy weather, it was quite a shock to open the front door this morning. It only made it to 3C today and the wind was strong and bitterly cold. We are threatened with snow over the next few days - they already have lots out west and in the Maritimes so it is only a matter of time before it arrives here.

   A fun day today. I attended a card-making class sponsored by RWTO and came away not only with some new skills but also three beautiful cards which I made myself. I can't wait to get some of the supplies and get cracking on some Christmas cards. This afternoon I have been trying to finish "The Bone Clocks" by David Mitchell. It is finally beginning to make sense and hopefully by the end, all will become clear. It is quite a confusing (but fascinating) book.

  Going out tonight to an RSCDS meeting and wish I could just stay cosily at home. So I will have an early dinner of leftovers and hope the meeting doesn't drag on too long.

This cards is decorated with a stamp and watercolour paints. I am not at all artistic but it was very easy to achieve this effect.

 

This one had a blank inside to write your own message.

 

I added glitter to the trees to simulate snowflakes.

 

The interior message was also produced with a stamp. I will have to purchase something similar.