Christmas Eve....only one sleep to go!

What a morning! Breath-taking...quite literally.

This was the sight that greeted me upon opening my eyes.

The snow on the roof of the conservatory had grown considerably. 

 

 Another view out of our side bedroom window...really does a winter scene get much better than this?

A beautiful blue sky with crisp white power snow, glistening in the morning sunlight.

 Just take a deep breath....

 Let me show you around...

The sunlight hitting the icicles on the branches made them appear to be wearing twinkling fairy lights. 

Mother Nature was very busy last night.

 I suppose the icicles on the side of the house could be diamante dangly earrings...or is that going a little too far?

If you don't like the cold or would like to see what the house looks like in its summer outfit then click here.

 Oops...I've been so busy I forgot to mention we did have our usual Christmas visitor...the magic elf

 He's been settling in and up to his usual tricks of popping up in the most unusual places. 

I think he's enjoying being in the colder climate after visiting us for so many years to hot countries.

Can you spot him below?

 I know it wasn't difficult was it....

The antique snow shoes by the way, were purchased at Lachute Market which is a short car ride from here. It is an amazing market where you can buy literally anything from a horse to a handbag!

You just never know where he'll pop up next....

We just couldn't believe it when we spotted him up on the moose antlers 

(another purchase a few years back from Lachute Market). 

I mean he is seriously high up on there....so he must have a good head for heights!

It's quite difficult for you to see him but he's perched on the far right. 

I even had difficulties taking the photo...perching myself half way up the stairs to snap this shot! ;D

Here's a shot of the icicles tonight...they're growing by the minute. 

Anyone like ice in their drink? ;D

 I must also show you Mont Saint-Sauveur night-time skiing resort. 

It's the largest in the world apparently.

This is the view as you approach the resort.

I'll take better photos later...it was minus 18C degrees so I didn't hang around for a photo session.

 And here's the proof....

Nothing more for it now than to get cosy and wait for Christmas to arrive....

Look who got in on the act to my right...typical. But then it is his big night after all.

I just want to wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas

to you and all of your loved ones. 

I would also like to thank you for visiting me here. 

I've loved having you stop by. Enjoy the festivities with love and lots of laughter.   

Oohhh...I think I hear sleigh bells...

 

Happy Mother's Day

Its Mother's Day here in Australia today and therefore to all the Mum's out there, I hope you have a wonderful day. I've just got back from being taken out for my breakfast. What a lovely treat.
I've had some wonderful Mother's Day celebrations over the years and feel very privileged. Unfortunately, I lost my mum last year so can't spoil her, but I thought I'd post this little tribute to both her and my grandmother, Nanny Pridd.
This photo is was taken waaaaaaaaaaaay back by my OH. For example, the little wee one in my arms is now 26 years old! I think its such a special captured moment in time. Four Generations of females in one family.
Many people have commented on how they wished they'd thought to do the same thing within their family.
This picture wasn't as set up as it initially looks, we were all gathered in my daughters bedroom, when my OH saw the moment and seized it.
  

 My Grandmother, Nanny Pridd (Right) as you can see she isn't looking into the camera...in fact she never did, but I'm not sure why?
Well, that was when I knew her, but by the photo below she wasn't always camera shy.... I'm  not sure what the occasions was for the studio session or how old she may have been, but I suspect she it could have been for her 21st Birthday.

There are so many memories....eagerly watching out of the window for her Sunday afternoon visits, bags of sweets produced from the depths of her handbag, treats galore, everyone calling into her kitchen for untold cup's of tea, no matter what time of day or night. The kettle never got a chance to go cold. When out walking with her, she'd tell me to walk tall and straight - shoulders back, putting toes down first before my heels when walking (this makes you walk like a palomino pony - I'm not sure why or what was the purpose for this) wonderful huge hugs as much as her corset would allow - keeping everything in trim and a fantastic Nigella waistline. Not bad when your in your late 70's, early 80's.
She's was the instigator of my plant passion and love of baking, which I'll always be grateful for. Her rose garden was such a treasure, and her little patch of grass was always so green (secret formula - the chamber pot kept on the landing overnight! - No inside toilet....oh them were the days.....NOT!
One tradition used to be having all the grandchildren gathered together to help with the Christmas ritual of baking mince pies for all the family and friends. Warm kitchen, beautiful smells, laughter, and wonderful memories....

Muffin's Merry Christmas

I feel I have been neglecting my blog time recently, so I apologise, but with being up to my ears in pastry, pavlova, prawns and Christmas Puds to name but a few, then its not surprising.

So to help me out Muffin has stepped in with a little Christmas Greeting....

"Wishing you all a Sensational Christmas, Health, Wealth and Happiness with Family and Friends and Every Best Wish for the New Year".

I'll be back as and when I can or when inspiration strikes....

Find the Magic Christmas Elf

So how stressed are you with all the holiday preparations? I know me too, although I do feel that I'm finally making some progress. Whilst I'm trying to get organised, I thought I'd carry on with the Christmas Elf theme and show you some of the places that he's appeared so far.

Snuggled up with the Gingerbread Man
Getting cosy in the stocking

Sitting on Santa's knee...well not quite

Where did he go?

This hiding place took us quite some time to find....

Hanging precariously in the holly decoration

He's even visited the crib....

My mother knitted these figures quick a few years back now and I remember commenting when I saw the empty crib that she'd forgotten to knit the Baby Jesus. She opened a drawer near by with a wink to show me that she hadn't forgotten, he just hadn't arrived yet and wouldn't until Christmas morning. I've been carrying on the tradition ever since.

I'm away now to carry on with my preparations. This afternoon baking Mince Pies.

Hopefully some will last past the weekend!

Our Magic Christmas Elf

Well, once again we've been lucky to have our annual visit from our magic Christmas Elf.
Yet again, he's managed to find us, in fact over the years he's found us no matter where we are in the world. Even when we've been travelling - he's so clever he just knows where we are.
He normally appears on the 1st of December and there's always an excited buzz when he's discovered.

Christmas is coming....

My children over the years have loved him visiting because he doesn't just sit where he lands. Each night whilst we're all sleeping he moves to a new position. Normally somewhere where he can see everything and to make sure that we are all behaving. That way on Christmas Eve he can tell Santa if we've been good or bad! Once his job is done he then vanishes - puff!
When my son was a wee toot, first thing in the morning he would dash to find out where the Elf was hiding and on occasions we would see him standing very close to the Elf having a very private conversation.....so cute. I would have loved to have been privy to those conversations.
Thankfully, the Elf doesn't live with our Christmas decorations because upon setting up for this years celebrations, I found that we are missing quite a few items, garlands, wreaths, table candle displays etc. I think one large box appears to have been 'lost' in transit shall we say....

Just to make it perfectly clear, my son no longer talks to the Elf and certainly doesn't rush to get up in the morning to check his location - well I don't think so anyway?