It’s May 7 and it’s about 19 degrees. I don’t know if this weather is early or if it’s late. That’s the thing about living in Nova Scotia, our weather is never consistent. Regardless, it’s gorgeous. The sun is shining high and warming me all the way to my soul. These are the days I long for. The days when nostalgia takes over and I relive memories each time the wind sweeps my hair; I’m thrown back to days gone by. High school and college and days with my friends at beaches or soccer fields. Or days just spent driving around, longing for summer. Today is one of those days.
I should be at work but I had a medical appointment and took my lunch at the end of the day so I could come home instead of making my way back to the office, and I’m sitting on my deck, feet up, blazing sun beating down on me, flip flops just lingering on my toes. Oh how I love this. I am thrilled that Old Man Winter has finally departed us and Spring has sprung.
I am not one of those people who fare well being cooped up. I am too social to be a couch potato. I get my strength from my friends and being active and socializing. I always have. Mine is the way of the butterfly.
But who I am can vary depending on who I’m with. I can be a dancer or a comedian or a wine connoisseur or fitness coach (well, technically, I am). I’m a therapist and brawler and a bawler. And a baller.
You know how I always celebrate Birthday Week? I have multiple gatherings with multiple friends and multiple groups. This has been going on since I was little-ish. And mostly because a lot of my friends didn’t always like each other. This carried out through high school, and then when I hit college, many of my friends didn’t know each other, and the tradition has continued on for the same reasons. Some of my friends don’t like each other. But also, some of my friends don’t like some of the activities I do. The shopper doesn’t necessarily want to go dancing. And the running buddy may not want to sip wine. I wear many hats and I love my adventures, but not everyone is as resilient as I am.
I have a great group of friends who, at a moment’s notice, are able to ditch their lives and are up for whatever our days or night bring us, planned or unplanned. But I also have a friend or two that need a completely choreographed itinerary detailing our outing and who will be there. And I have friends who I like to keep to myself and who are reserved for end-of-week wine-and-dine and gabbing about how complete bullshit our work weeks have been. And I also have those friends who are up for any adventure I throw at them – Wanna drive to Quebec for a concert? Let’s go? Wanna come to a Fitness class with me at 6am? You got it! Wanna drive to the US for the weekend and go shopping? What time do we leave? Wanna do Mud Hero? Where do I sign up?
These are the many types of friends I have and the adventures we’ve had. These are my soul sisters. These are the girls that bring out my multiple personalities. I don’t have to chase their friendships, because they’re right there. Ready, waiting, willing.
A is for All is calm, All is bright. As I sit here in the solitude of an early Christmas Eve morning while the rest of the house sleeps. Just me and my Christmas tree.
B is for Baby, It’s Cold Outside. It is chilly, around -3 this morning. I’m sitting here with a chill. ‘Tis the season.
C is for CHRIST our KING. Leave him in Christmas.
D is for Damn, I hate when it’s over. Christmas Night always makes me sad. The anticipation and hustle and bustle is really what gets me through the Holidays. When it’s over, it’s a little heartbreaking, isn’t it?
E is for Excitement and exhausted. I am full of both.
F is for Festive. How I have been feeling for the last month or so. It’s also for Festival, because I’ve been to about a million of them in the last month.
G is for Gingerbread candle. The scent is burning and it smells divine. And for Glitter. Because I love glitter…especially at Christmas.
H is for Hallmark. Watching movies and living the life the last month.
I is for Insomnia, because I’ve been struggling with it all week. It’s also for Iced Coffee…..the stuff that’s been keeping me going.
J is for Jesus. HE is the reason for the Season.
K is for King. For on this day a king was born unto you.
L is for (What’s) Left to Do….I’ve got a few things remaining on my List.
M is for Magic….because there’s always a little Christmas Magic happening.
N is for No Time Left. Today is it. If it’s not done, it’s not getting done.
O is for One Magic Christmas….my all-time favorite Christmas movie.
P is for Peppermint. There is something very Christmassy about peppermint. And the swirls of color make me feel festive.
Everything about this looks divine.
Q is for quaint. My Christmases are always quite quaint. Even when I was galavanting around the City these last few weeks, my December has been quite lovely.
R is for Rappie Pie, our traditional Christmas Eve feast. My grandfather was French Acadian and Rappie is my favorite food in the world. It’s usually my birthday request. We have it every single Christmas Eve.
S is for, duh, Santa. (It’s also for Shark, because Husband just put on “Jaws”)
T is for T minus how many hours before it’s Christmas!!
U is for Undressed. I went to grab meds for Husband this morning without even a bra Underneath my coat and sweater. I obviously wasn’t planning to go into the store.
V is for Victorious. How I felt when finishing wrapping and shopping.
W is for Wrapping. Thankfully, I have it all finished. All of it!! Thank goodness. Husband has some more to go. He’s on his own from here out.
X is for Xmas – a shortcut I absolutely don’t like. Don’t be lazy, respect the word.
Y is for Yule Blog. Keeping it fun and giving me something to write about.
It’s 8 am on Christmas Eve and I have been awake and up and about for three hours. I still can’t sleep, but I’ve been getting more the last few days. Yesterday I was up just after 4, and this morning, well, 5. *sigh* Maybe Santa will bring me a good night’s rest.
This morning I have been scrolling through the channels, trying to locate a decent Christmas movie to throw on while I aimlessly do nothing. Although, I do have goals today, aside from relaxing, I have some baking to do, some cleaning up to do, and I plan on doing some Christmas Eve yoga. And a jump in the hot tub at some point.
But, as luck would have it, Husband came home from hockey last night and, before our date, announcing he thought he was coming down with a cold. Of course, he tried to nip it in the bud, but, this morning he is sick! Ugh!! Fate can be a bitch, can’t she?
He says it feels like Covid. He’s had it several times. He will test when he is up for the day. My fingers are crossed for a negative result, but, regardless, whatever it is, it puts a damper in our Christmas plans.
An hour ago, I ran out to grab some take out breakfast and popped into the store to get some more meds. Hopefully, he can stave off the symptoms of body aches and sore throat and runny nose. Seriously, fingers crossed.
In the meantime, I’ll sit here and sip by coffee and Baileys and enjoy whatever love story Hallmark dribble I can find.
It’s Friday night, December 22. Christmas is in just three days. And I’m pooped.
For weeks on end, I have been going non-stop, hitting the gym, working long hours, teaching classes, training clients, traveling back and forth to the City for work, sleeping in hotels, hiking up and down the city streets so that I don’t have to pay for parking, dealing with an infection around my heart, and getting ready for Christmas. On top, of course, staying on top of my social calendar and living a Hallmark-style December.
I don’t want a lot for Christmas….just a good night’s sleep
This week, I did not sleep well. Each night at the hotel, I was awake by 3:30am. The last two nights at home, I have slept a combined less than 6 hours (I’ve been awake since about 12:30 last night). I’m exhausted. Physically and completely drained.
I got up this morning and ready for the gym extra early. I was in the McDonald’s drive-thru at 5:01 (they open at 5) so that I could suck back a coffee on my way to work out. I worked out, then worked today until our office closed at noon. I then had a client back at the gym. Afterward, I had to stop and get groceries, before heading home. Husband and I got in at the same time and decided immediately to jump into the hot tub. It’s a very cold day with a wind chill, and we’d both worked out hard. The hot tub was welcomed. And then we cozied up on the couch, but my chest and heart were hurting and I considered going back to the ER. However, I ended up passing out on couch in a good nap. I never nap. This is my second nap in a week, so my body and mind are buckling under the pressure (and not sleeping).
So here I am on the Friday night before Christmas, drinking hot mulled cider while cookies bake in the oven, battling to keep my eyes open. I have a charcuterie board to put together for a festive gathering (aka a party), goodies to prepare for Christmas Eve and Christmas dinners, and still some wrapping and sorting. Not to mention the regular day-to-day chores and whatnot to complete.
My goal for tonight, though, is to sleep. Nothing else, just sleep. I’m looking forward to a long winter’s slumber in just one night. In just a few short hours, I am hoping to be there.
I spent another few days working in the City this week, and I’m gearing up to head down for a few more days after the weekend.
This trip was a bit different. I headed down after work one afternoon (instead of on the weekend). I had a few shops to stop at before arriving at the hotel. But once I did, I unpacked a few things and then headed out on a quick tour. I just can’t resist. The City is lit up like a Christmas tree and the night life is on par with what you’d expect this time of year. Lots of wanderers, lots of couples and singles roaming and enjoying the holiday glitz.
I have made it my marker to stop and have a glass of sangria at new places whenever I can, and that’s what I did before heading back to the hotel to have dinner and unwind. Let me tell you, the hills did me in this time around. My heart and chest still hurt, and this was early in the week so I was in the middle (hopefully nearing the end) of the infection around my heart. I had to rest several times as I made the trek to the top of the hill (the very top!!) where my hotel sits. Once I returned to the hotel, I had a coughing fit and my heart rate would not settle. More than an hour later, and after a hot shower and a climb into my California King bed, my heart rate was still around 130 bpm. I was exhausted (as does happen when your heart rate is that high) and eventually I fell asleep. My body was thankful.
The next evening I had plans with my aunt and uncle to meet up to explore the Evergreen Festival. It turns out, my visit last week was nothing compared to this week as the festival was in full swing. The smell of Christmas trees and other goodies filled the air as Donna, Alan, and I had a wonderful time winding thru the vendors, sampling wines, smelling candles and soaps, warming our hands by the fires, and strutting the boardwalk.
Eventually, I had enough touring. It was extremely cold and my chest was beginning to hurt, and I knew I had to hike back up that damn hill. I said my goodbyes and mingled my way through the hustle and bustle of the busy streets and festival goers. Christmas was in full swing.
As I climbed, again, what seemed like Everest, panting and puffing, I stopped for a rest at this sweet little restaurant that has an overflow of twinkling lights. I had a glass of sangria while I waited for my takeout order of guacamole rings (yes, they are a thing and yes, you need to try them) while having the nicest conversation with my server, Abi (He said not to forget his name).
I returned to my suite, stuffed my face with half the order of guac rings, while sipping a small glass of wine, and pondered over my ability to make my own Christmas magic.
Last week, after my first day in this different office, in a City not my own, making my way back to a hotel I’d be calling home for a few weeks, my mom asked me something like “Have the people been nice?” or “Has anyone talked to you?” And I responded “You know me, I can step into a strange place, not knowing a soul, and within two minutes have three best friends.” And it’s true. I have been fortunate enough, during my Hallmark stay, to be surrounded by kindness and appreciation, and welcomed with opened arms. In just after my very first day, I’d been invited to a Christmas party, and out for drinks, and for a coffee date.
My Hallmark moments include all of those things. And I can’t wait to see what my return this week will bring.
This has been a whirlwind of a weekend. I’ve been snuggled up with my heating pad on my chest whenever I could, but there’s really no downtime this time of year. Yesterday I had a wonderful shopping date with my nephew, more shopping after, and a date with my husband. My heart and chest hurt, but things need to get done and this coming week shows no end in sight for busyness. Especially since I have to head away for work for a few more days.
Friday night, however, my friends and I had plans to head to a winery for drinks and the light tour. If you remember from last year, I went a few times. There was a plan for 6 or 7 of us to go, but life happens, a few people called out sick, one forgot, etc., etc. And although I was feeling like I just wanted to be home, buried in a heap of hot water and heating pads, I couldn’t bail on my friend. So Kim and I headed out for a date on our own.
Kim was really determined to have dinner at The Church, a converted church in one of our local towns, that is now a micro-brewery and fine dining establishment. It really is quite beautiful, and it was the perfect way to start off our evening.
Church Brewing is a gorgeous atmosphere anytime of the year. The snow added to the ambience.
We dined and gabbed and indulged in festive sangria, all by candlelight and dim lighting. It’s a sweet place for dates (Husband I have gone a few times), intimate dining, or a small wedding gathering (a bride and groom came in just as we were heading out).
From there, we made our way to Benjamin Bridge – a local winery, just a few minutes from my parents’ home. Once again, the winery has its light show set up for the winter season. It’s absolutely stunning and I was excited to make the tour again.
The winery was hosting a private event, as well as a friends and family event. Since Kim’s daughter works at Benjamin Bridge, we got free drinks, making the night even better.
Once we had our glasses filled, Kim and I made our way outside and around the grounds. The night was cold, making it hard to keep a good grip on the stem of my delicate wine glass. Kim and I shared a pair of mittens, and I shoved my other hand in the pocket of my coat.
The light show was a little different than the previous year, and there were also some staples. It was all stunning. Plenty of people were sitting outside, cozied around fireplaces, wrapped in complimentary blankets, sipping their Wild Rock and Rieslings.
The warmth of the fireplaces drew us back to the boutique where we shopped and mingled.
It was a lovely, inviting evening, and I’m looking forward to go again – and again and again. But this evening was near perfect, with the exception of the cold air – my heart and chest were hurting by the end of the night, and as I walked back up the hill to my car, I thought I might collapse. Hopefully the coming week(s) will bring healing to me from this infection. Regardless, I will not let these moments, Yule and otherwise, pass me by.
On the Second Post of Christmas, I’ll tell you about the annual craft fair.
Amy (aka Applehoe aka Amy Whoreface, from days long ago) is a graphic designer and for years, she has designed publications for the annual craft fair held at Acadia University. And for years, Amy and I have had a standing date to attend the fair together (she gets a handful or two of free tickets).
The fair runs Friday through Sunday, and we always go on Saturday. We sip peppermint mochas and stick to our regular path – always doing our top lap before venturing down to the main floor, where we wind our way up and down the lanes, circling back for anything we can’t take our minds away from.
Each year, we get semi-smashed on the free booze samples – a ton of local wineries make appearances, although this year there was no a single one!; often craft ciders (Nova Scotia has plenty of those now too), liqueurs, and other alcoholic goodies, while we find treasure in hand-crafted soaps and candles and a kaleidoscope of other goodies and treats.
Although Amy and I both said we weren’t going to buy any soap this year (because we need more artisinal soap like we need a hole in the head), we both splurged on a few.
My absolute favorite. Anything with Patchouli makes me happyThe displays are so enticing – and they smell delightful!The most adorable card holderWith the most inviting display…..And the most inviting atmosphere….by far my favorite booth This was a newbie to usWhere I picked up some seasoning and drink mix/rimmersI grabbed a few new coffeesCaleb got us tipsy on his moonshine (again!). His Root Beer and Apple Pie shines are to die for!I drooled and drooled over these gorgeous earrings (sadly, I left them)And then I actually drooled over this Skor Candy Apple…….
And that wraps up another year of favorites from Acadia and the first weekend of Yule Blogging.
On the first post of Christmas, The season has arrived and I can begin, again. Each year I’m exuberant to start posting about all things Christmas and celebratory. And today is the day.
Last night kicked off the festivities of the annual Holly Days in my town with the tree lighting and a market and a “late night” shopping party. There was a hot chocolate bar, a blacksmith at the museum, and Santa and his elves even made an appearance.
The shops and offices are decorated and displaying Christmas cheer in their windows and entrances. That’s one thing about our little town, it’s always decorated for the seasons. And this season, we’re straight out of a Hallmark movie.
By far, my favorite display…and if you know, you know.
The Christmas Tree lighting is the big attention grabber. We roamed the streets and the market as we counted down the time. And, as everyone does, we gathered round just in time for the actual countdown. The kids love it, but just as much, the adults love it too. Those 9 or 10 seconds transport us back to our childhood, waiting merrily for a glimpse of Santa, and for Christmas to begin.
Clocks went back an hour last night, and I swear, today has bee the longest day I’ve ever experienced. 1pm felt like 4. It’s only 7pm now but it feels close to midnight.
And today has been one of those gloomy, overcast days that has me wanting to do nothing…but something. But mostly nothing.
So, aside from getting a few chores done, I got thinking about Christmas and started brainstorming all the things I’d like to do this year. There are always a ton of markets and events, but I only get to a handful of them. This season, I want to be busy every night! I want to go to tree lightings and listen to live music. I want to sip festive cocktails and get half tipsy and go shopping or galivanting a la Bad Moms Christmas (and re-watch Bad Moms Christmas while sipping festive cocktails!).
There are a ton of winery events, and live music at craft breweries. There are so many outdoor markets and fairs – I want to throw myself into the holidays head (or feet) first and not stop until the new year. And I’m going to make my friends come along for the ride…..Husband too!
I know it’s early. And I don’t usually start celebrating until after Remembrance Day. But after next weekend, I will be in full swing. Who’s with me?
It’s the literal middle of April, April 15, and I am sitting on my deck for the second day in a row with flip flops and bare arms and legs, soaking up the warmth of the sun as it sends its blazing heat down into the oasis that is my backyard.
I can’t believe how warm it is this early in spring, but dammit, I’ll take it. My livelihood often relies on it. So as I’m sitting here, listening to the water pour from a garden hose 20 feet away as the pump silently drains the hot tub, I will bask in the glow and the nostalgia that the sunshine is bringing.
Last night Husband and I jumped into the hot tub at sunset, one last hoorah before we dumped it for a spring cleaning today, and the peepers were in full symphony through the otherwise silence of the night. Again, it’s so early. We had snow two weeks ago. It was only last week that I ditched my winter coat for a lighter jacket, and here I am today donning a full summer ensemble.
Once Husband removed himself from the tub, I stayed for a few more minutes, relaxing, reminiscing, thinking – a lot of thought-provoking stuff rings thru my mind these days. Suddenly I heard noises I haven’t heard in while, noises I haven’t heard since I moved from my little abode in Port Williams to Husband’s home nearly three years ago, noises I’ve barely heard since cell phones and video games took over the world; the noises of neighborhood kids playing….literally running thru the streets, laughing, jumping, screaming in giggles, dogs barking behind them. The sounds of my childhood when we would play after dark, staying up to what seemed so late, chasing fireflies, playing hide and seek with our friends, enjoying the night air and the spring breeze.
*Side Note – I wrote this a few weeks ago when we were on vacation.
Via The Food Network
Husband and I are currently in another province on vacation. We are staying with kind folks who have provided us with shelter and food…lots of food. We have not gorged, but there has been an abundance of food and drink. Wine, shots, beer, coffee, and water laced with orange and, I think rosemary – which has been my drink of choice and has been entirely divine.
Our hosts were lovely….a couple who both have been working from home and who enjoy cooking and dining and extravagant meals. Some simple dinners that seemed luxurious – blackened chicken and pasta, the most gorgeous salad I’ve ever seen and devoured, barbecue so out-of-this-world it made me want to fly home and light up my grill. These people enjoy food. And drink…loootsa drink.
And I noticed they watch The Food Network; something I never do. But I should. I definitely should. I love to cook. I love to create, but since moving and getting married, I don’t spend nearly as much time in the kitchen as I used to when I was living single and didn’t have a commute. Once upon a time I’d immerse myself in cookbooks and Rachel Ray magazines and I’d have dinner parties – even if it were only one or two people (Ames would usually be the benefactor of my former life’s culinary skills.) – and try new recipes that would light up stage, front and centre, of course, the secret ingredient always being love. And I loved cooking. I loved the creativity and the stress and how accomplished I would feel when executing the perfect dish.
I should watch The Food Network. I mean, I can Pinterest the shit out of recipes as much as the next person, but Pinning a recipe and creating a meal – and a memory – are two distinctly different things. I need to watch The Food Network.
Whilst in Greek Town a few years ago, again, I was immersed in hospitality and kindness. The Greek are an entirely different genre of host, lavashing in wine and charcuterie and olive oils. With the Greek, food is a complete celebration – no matter what time of day it is, no matter what the meal or occasion. One afternoon after a little shopping tour we came back and celebrated Saturday afternoon with a vibrant spread of fancy cheeses, several hummuses and dips, pitas and crackers – and wine. So much delicious wine. My time with the Greek is exotic- like walking into a different dimension – and my palate was extremely pleased.
I need to watch The Food Network.
~Ciao
*SIDE NOTE 2 – I have stepped up my game since returning from our trip. I tip my chef’s hat at a few meals I’ve made that husband was impressed with; including one today.
I can’t believe that I have not made a post since Christmas. Yikes.
It’s not for lack of trying. I keep saying I want to post about this or that, but honestly I’ve been so uninspired. I have lacked the wherewithall to put pen-to-paper and actually commit to completing a post. I’m hoping that will be changing.
I used to have so much to talk and write about. I would gather inspiration from every single thing I did or said or read or watched or listened to. I lived for music and books and adventures. I still live for adventures, but again, my get-up-and-go is momentarily on hiatus. As my post in October indicated, I’ve been struggling for a bit. Not so much now as I was in the fall, but I feel like I’m carrying a hundred burdens. I am not. But my heart – and head – feel heavy quite a bit. Again, I’m hoping that’s changing.
Spring is here! SPRING IS HERE! The sun was shining all weekend and the snow has melted. I have been able to relieve myself of my heavy winter coat and pop myself into something a little lighter and more cheerful. Spring is here.
And as the spring flowers bloom, perhaps my creativity will too. I’m hanging in there. There’s more to see and more to come.
It’s Boxing Day morning. I’ve been awake for hours. I never sleep anymore. I’m always waking when it’s still pitch dark outside, a side effect combination of going to the gym early, insomnia, and a mild depression. Awake, alert, and mindful of what’s in my head. I crawled out of bed a few hours ago while Husband slumbered and snored. The cat and I watched a Hallmark movie together, one that allowed tears to well in my eyes, until the Husband got up and we finished it together.
But in my solitude of the morning, I thought back to Christmases gone by; to the days when I was a kid and Christmas Day and Boxing Day were spent visiting family, traveling from house to house to house. We had grandparents and lots of aunts, uncles, and cousins on both sides. We made our rounds of visits, taking a toy or two with us, seeing what Santa brought everyone, snacking on treats, although my brother and I were usually gorged on chocolate or candy, and playing with the other kids. We’d often get home after dark, which, could have been 5pm or 11pm, have turkey dinner leftovers, and settle in for the night.
But, now that we’re grown, those visits have stopped. Yesterday, Husband and I lounged around after we opened gifts, we watched a movie, had a hot tub date, made food to take for Christmas dinner, and basically relaxed for a few hours before the chaos began.
Mid-afternoon, we headed to my parents’ home early to have Christmas with them and my brother’s family (aka opening presents) before we had our big Christmas dinner. The chaos is less and less as my nephews are getting older. I miss the days of them being itty bitty, running around with excitement and squealing with glee as I tickled them and tossed them in the air, or as they opened their gifts. Teenagers know no joy.
Instead of visits with oodles of family today on Boxing Day, here I am, writing my memoir, contemplating going to the gym, tidying up, and allowing myself to be somewhat lazy – for the time being.
It’s so late. It’s Christmas Eve and I’m tired out. I’ve been up since about 6am. I’ve had a full day. Husband and I had to run to the mall this morning for a few last minute items, and once we returned, I was just on the go-go-go. I made two kinds of fudge, two candy cane pies, cleaned up my horrid mess, threw on laundry, jumped in my hot tub for a quick 15, then showered and began the process of getting ready for the evening. While I air-dried my hair, I wrapped about a billion presents and loaded them into the car, and under the tree.
Once ready, we headed to my parents’ house for traditional Christmas Eve dinner with my family. It was a quick evening. Back in the day, Christmas Eve meant church, two sets of grandparent visits with tons of aunts, uncles, and cousins on both sides. There was always a lot of chaos and laughter and food and fun. We kids would be wound for sound but would fight off our parents when it was time to go home. Of course, we had to go. We knew Santa was on the way and we needed to be home and tucked away in bed, asleep, in order for his visit.
The drives home we often quiet, as we struggled to keep our eyes open. I have no idea what the average time was when we would eventually leave, but it always felt so late – as if we played into the wee hours of the morning. It might have only been 10 o’clock, but I never knew. I just knew I was up way past my bedtime and would sleep like a rock that night.
Christmas Eves are different now. But my parents have kept the tradition of hosting the same Christmas Eve dinner we’ve always indulged in, my nephews are getting older, but they’re still capable of hugging and laughing and agitating each other. There’s lots of noise, not noise like when I was growing up, but still the noise of stories and laughter and arguing (because it’s not Christmas unless someone argues). And I’m still fighting to keep my eyes open. Even as I sit here typing, with Home Alone playing in the background. My lids are getting heavy and I know Santa is on his way. It feels like I’ve played again into the wee hours of the morning. But it’s not yet midnight.
It’s a little after 7 Christmas Eve morning and I’ve gotten my wish of sipping liquid gold in front of my glowing Christmas tree. There’s a Christmas movie playing in the background, I’m not really paying attention to it. We were fortunate enough to not lose power. But I’m certain enough of the province is scrambling without lights and heat and trying to figure out what they’ll now do for Christmas dinner. I’m hoping the damage is minimal.
Earlier this week I had a mini adventure with Ames. Benjamin Bridge, a local winery, has had a beautiful light display for the month. It’s free. You can stop inside the winery and grab yourself a glass of wine (the Riesling is delish!) or hot chocolate or cider, and then tour the grounds. There are outside firepits set upon cobblestone ground, dining tables outside directly underneath blazing heaters, or you can roam inside to tour the winery, the shop, or to sit and sip. Bring your own snacks and delight in the atmosphere.
Amy and I had a fun little tour and I’m so glad we went. The next day, a group of work friends were planning to go. I was still on the fence about going because, well, I’d just been there the night before. But I had complete FOMO. So I talked another Fencer into going. We made a pinky promise to leave by a certain time. And we had a fantastic time. With no FOMO.
My heart needed the uplifting. It was a fun few nights. And my friends are pretty fantastic. We indulged in each other’s company, we laughed, we sipped, we gobbled up snacks, and we toasted to each other. Clink. Cheers.
It’s late-ish Friday night, the night before Christmas Eve. It’s been a long day. In fact, it’s been a long week. I’m exhausted. I’ve had a busy day – and week. As usual, I was up at 5am to hit the gym before moving onto work. Our office closed at noon (and we did the least amount of work possible), I left at noon, I got home at 8. Did I mention it was a long day?
But, I got my hair done, I got to spend time with cousins and a puppy, I got ALL my Christmas shopping (and some grocery shopping) finished; wrapped presents, had a date with my husband, and now, here I am, hunkering down; trying to unwind. Here in Nova Scotia we are having some sort of hurricane, unusual for this time of year, normally we’d be having a snowstorm. But, this Tibbs Eve the winds are blowing and the rains are coming down with a vengeance. There are already tons of people without power, and our lights just flickered.
This week has been so much better than the last few; aside from one bad day, I’ve been feeling a tad better than I have been. My friends have embraced me, trying to heal me, not giving me the time to feel the ache in the pit of my stomach or the wrench of my heart. My week has been very fulfilled and that, in itself, has been a gift of Christmas.
Tomorrow is a big day. Bigger than Christmas. Tomorrow will bring excitement and busyness and stress. I know it’s coming. It will be there when I wake up in the morning. Thankfully, I don’t have to get up and hit the gym or go to work. My goal for tomorrow morning is to linger in sleep as long as I can (I had difficulty sleeping this week and I look forward to an uninterrupted slumber), and when I decide to haul my lazy butt out of bed, I want to spend part of my morning in front of the glow of my Christmas tree, sipping my coffee, and being present in the solitude of the morning before Christmas.
I know that eventually, I’ll have plenty to do – finish wrapping presents, getting the house in order, preparing food, and getting ready for Christmas Eve festivities.
But, in the morning, before the rest of the world (or household) is stirring, I just want to be alone with my tree, leaving my thoughts behind, and letting go of my heavy heart. Just me, my tree, and the silence of the morning before Christmas.
A few weeks ago I decided I wanted to make something Christmassy. The idea popped into my head one morning, and I gave it a quick thought and came up with Cranberry Butter. Wait. Is that even a thing? I’ve made pumpkin butter in the past, and I’ve heard of apple butter. But cranberry butter?
So I kept it on my radar and did some Googling here and there over the weeks. None of the recipes I stumbled upon were quite what I was looking for. I wanted something simple and light, nothing too decadent or rich in calories (some recipes call for a ton of actual butter and that is not what I wanted), that would pair well in the morning with toast, or to dip apple slices in. So, I came up with my own self-sufficing recipe and it turned out perfectly.
Cranberries (pureed)
Apple sauce
Chinese Spice (clove, cinnamon, star anise…some other things)
A Squeeze of orange and
A little orange zest
Throw everything in a pot and bring to a boil. Once it boils, reduce heat and continue cooking (and stirring) for 10 minutes. Reduce to simmer and allow ingredients to thicken.
We are two days away from Halloween – and I just can’t get in the mood.
Every year I look forward to October (my favorite month!) and to Fall and to Halloween. But this year, I’m just not feeling any of it.
I have been extremely sleep deprived lately; having another onset of insomnia episodes. I’ll fall asleep fairly easily, most of the time, but waking up as early as 1am, without the ability to get back to sleep. My mind reels, and then I get angry, and I lay there. Wide Awake, waiting to get up and start my damn day. And with the sleep deprivation comes emotional roller coasters. It’s terrible. I don’t feel like myself a lot of the time; and the last few days I’ve been going through a depression that 100% got the best of me yesterday. I cried off and on for most of the day, to the point I was sobbing in a restaurant (which resulted in our server asking twice if she could give me a hug), sobbing in my car in the parking lot of a grocery store, sobbing in my bathtub, and sobbing in my husband’s arms. On top of sobbing at work and having minor meltdowns throughout the day. Last night, however, I had a few glasses of wine with a girlfriend after work, and then taking a few sleeping pills before bed. I slept about 10 hours, with the exception of a 5am wide awake, staring at walls session, before drifting back off. My body and mind needed the recoup.
That’s who I’ve been lately. That’s not who I am normally. And it’s affecting my outlook on everything, including my love and excitement of Halloween.
We have also been experiencing an Indian Summer of sorts ’round these parts, with warm weather and humidity, and it hasn’t felt too much like autumn weather this month. With the exception of today. This morning we woke to frosty lawns and air so cold we could see our breath. And of course, the sunshine and changing colors of trees and falling leaves have all left us with the impression of a regular October, for the most part, it’s felt like an extension of summer, complete with mosquitos.
I haven’t even participated in any spooky movies for October. Although, we did watch the new Halloween a few days ago and it sucked terribly. Honestly, whose idea was that? I was rooting for Michael Myers this time.
But yesterday. Let me tell you about yesterday morning. When I left my gym shortly after 7 am, I came outside to darkness, as the sun struggled to come up, and as I walked to my car, I took a deep, long inhale and it smelled like Christmas! The air was crispy, but not cold, and I could taste cool December and cloves and chimney smoke. And I am so entirely in the mood for Christmas. I cannot wait to start watching Hallmark movies and decorating and sharing glasses of spiced wine while sugar cookie candles burn. Maybe Christmas is what I need to bring me out of this funk that I feel I have fallen so deep into. I crave the noise of carols playing while we roam streets, and the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, and the crowds of people who walk by smiling while struggling to balance their bags of presents and food.
I cannot wait to be in it. To be in the air of Christmas and the full fledge of holidays. I am not looking forward to cold weather and wearing boots (and pants!) and having cold toes all the time. But I am eager to become overjoyed with the abundance of love and gratefulness that oncoming Christmas makes me feel.
The air out there changes me. And I am desperate to breathe it in.
We are supposed to be at a Christmas party tonight. But, Covid has us stayin’ at home. Our numbers are rising here in Nova Scotia, and the new variant is kickin’ our butts.
So, instead of our Jingalingin’, I’m touching up my roots, preparing to watch a movie with the hubs, and thought that, while my color is processing, I’d Blog about my recent adventures.
I had yesterday off, which worked out well because it gave me the opportunity to get out and get some shopping done. I met with my friend Velvet in a nearby town. (All our little towns are connected and are usually a hop, skip, or a jump away. Its when we travel to the City that we actually have to travel any distance.) We decided right away to hit this little local coffee house, North Mountain Coffee (https://www.northmountaincoffee.com/) , for a holiday drink. I had a peppermint mocha and she had a hot apple cider (which she ended up spilling all over her later in the day.). North Mountain Coffee is local to Berwick and is family owned and operated. It’s a sweet little gem of a place.
Once we grabbed our drinks, we walked up the street to a big discount store. It’s a bit of an eyesore, but I always seem to find at least one little treasure in there each year. And this year was no exception. I found a gift that I know will knock it out of the park. After a bit of shopping, we roamed across the street for lunch at the Union Street Cafe. If you’ve been a long-time reader of this blog, you will recognize the Union Street as a place I frequented years ago for weekend drinks and entertainment. Although ownership has changed (it was formerly run by my friend Jenny and her family), the atmosphere remains unique and the food is always delightful.
After lunch, we continued down the street to another local treasure. Market Between the Mountains (https://www.marketbetweenthemountains.ca/) is a magical place I have heard about for a few years, but never managed to visit. Until Friday. And oh my! What a spectacular treat.
This Christmas “tree” is so pretty in the dark.
I am a sucker for bath bombs and candles, so this Market is right up my alley. But they have so much more than that.
They have hand crafted soaps, bath and shower bombs, beard oil (and entire lines of men’s grooming products), candles, jewelry, jams, local candies and hot drink mixes, clothing, ornaments, souvenirs, purses and bags, wedding stuff, wine glasses, and so many other unique gifts. I managed to get a few gifts – and maybe something for myself. Check out their Facebook site or their webpage (https://www.marketbetweenthemountains.ca/).
We checked out a few other locations and I met a man on or travels. He asked me if I’ve been good this year and we had a good chuckle.
After a few more stops, we decided it was time to head onto our separate ways. All in all, it was a fun little local adventure.
OH! I almost forgot. I found out Friday that I won second place in my office’s Ugly Sweater Contest.
I think the hidden booze helped me win
This fuzzy sweater has jingle bells, lights, tinsel, flashing icicles, a snow globe, a mittens clip, a partridge in a pear tree, decorations, and a Christmas stocking – which holds a full bottle of wine (tied with a bow).
Last week was the Annual Acadia Craft Expo in Wolfville, Nova Scotia (home of Acadia University). As always, Amy (Applehoe) and I had our standing date to tour the fair together. We have done this every year for years; usually planning on getting tipsy on all the booze samples, and spending way too much money. It’s always fun and always worth the day (and money) spent.
The craft fair is situated in and about the Acadia Arena and usually people are shoulder to shoulder. Covid really hadn’t changed that that much. Maybe not quite shoulder to shoulder this year, but shoulder, small gap, shoulder. Although I always tote how I love the hustle and bustle of Christmas, I really don’t like crowds. But I’ve done well at these craft fairs….I haven’t punched anyone yet. So yeah, I’ve done well.
I promise it’s a lot more throat-punchy inducing when it’s loaded with people
Amy and I switched things up a little this year and arrived before lunch. We usually go early afternoon and come out after dark. But, we went in early and came out with the sun still shining. We roamed our regular route, stopping at our favorite vendors, and trying new.
This is usually our first stop. We have been buying her products for years. I’ve gotten this cream in patchouli too and I love them both. I also got soaps, and Amy has also picked up her lip balms.
Two of my favorite purchases (aside from the above) this year were maple butter and wine. First of all, have you had maple butter? I had not. I am from Nova Scotia and I had not had maple butter until last week.
This is a game changer. O.M.G!!!!
This sweet, creamy butter is mouth watering and delicious on its own or as a condiment. You can buy this particular brand (and many more other products, including maple infused chocolates!) here https://www.newville.ca/shop
We each also bought some wine from the friendliest woman we’ve ever met. I love wine and I like to have at least a bottle laying around, always. Even though I’m not a big drinker, I like to have a glass here and there. Especially at Christmas. And Nova Scotia has a multitude of wineries and vineyards, so it’s always exciting to try a new local.
I can’t wait to try this!
Some of our other favorite vendors who we’ve purchased from over the years:
The fudge in so yum. The garlic guy has one of the most brilliant ideas ever. And the Moonshine gets us hammered. Every.Time. (PS the Apple Pie and The Root Beer are to die for. And I don’t even like whatever type of alcohol this is. Normally.
There are always beautiful crafts and jewelry and art work. I have picked up some lovely gifts over the years (and kept my share). I fell in love with these butterfly earrings this year. Although, I didn’t purchase them.
Some of the craftsmanship is so exquisite
And there are always new vendors and new things to see.
I always feel so inspired in October to write about Halloween and Fall, and in November to start writing about Christmas and all the holiday festivities. It’s my favorite time of year (although I always long for the summer sun and a tan), and I can almost always find something to write about. And so here I am.
Now since Remembrance Day has officially passed us, I can fully admit that I’ve been watching Hallmark Christmas movies already. Y’know, I used to hate them…the sap, the goofy storylines. But now, I appreciate them and I look forward to them. My friends have been watching too so I know I’m not alone in the viewing. In fact, my dear Aunt Donda has decided to start hosting a weekly Hallmark movie night. And, although I live an hour and a half away now, I am determined to indulge with her – if even only virtually. I am looking forward to those upcoming Wednesday nights.
And thank goodness for the channels that play the Hallmark movies On Demand. Between that and YouTube, I can maneuver through pretty much all the gems this season. Including one old favorite – Christmas Under Wraps. A Candace Cameron Bure gem from 2014. It’s pretty much the first Hallmark movie I’d seen and I have watched it every year since. It’s not perfect, and some parts are really, REALLY lame, but I like it.
via Hallmark
This week kicks off the first of many Christmas festivities ’round these parts, and I’m super excited. I have a very busy weekend planned and I can’t wait to start sharing my Yule Blog again.
There have been so many moments over the years that have left a landmine mark in my heart when it comes to Christmas: Going late night shopping with my cousin Tanya in the City and stuffing our faces with Chinese takeout at the end of a very long night; my annual Christmas party; cocktails with friends while we’re dressed like we’re headed to the junior high prom; staff parties (which, I’m sure Covid-19 has put another stupid damper on that!); baking and mulling wine and cider, and rocking out to Christmas albums while wrapping presents and driving from here to there.
I’m very much a traditionalist, and now I’m married…..an old ball-and-chain….and I’m looking forward to creating new traditions, while holding onto the old as much as I can.
How is everyone’s isolation going? This week hasn’t been too bad. Especially since missing our wedding this past weekend, I am doing fairly well.
I must say that my first few weeks of isolation were not great for my mental health. I’m too much of an extrovert and social butterfly (duh) to be kept from the rest of the world. But, thankfully, I have wonderful people in my life and I am getting by and struggling a little less.
I have been teaching my boot camps and personal training via Zoom and other social media video platforms and that has been going pretty fantastic. I’ve also been doing my own fitness thing – working out, running, walking, participating in a new 60 day challenge. I’ve been reading – I finished John Grisham’s recent book and started a Candace Cameron book. I’ve been engaging in some really great conversations. We’ve been watching some really bad movies thanks to Prime and Netflix. I mean seriously bad…so dumb, so lame. I’ve been packing. I’ve been snuggling with my cat a lot. Thankfully she snuggles back.
I’ve been having weird nightmares since isolation began. I’ve probably had 5 or 6 or 7 terrible nightmares. The other night I woke up after having a nightmare. The poor Man didn’t know what to think. I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t swallow, and my heart rate was through the roof. I’m not sure if they’re caused from stress or what…but I am not a fan.
Thankfully I am back to work for the next couple of days and then isolation for another week. It’s great to get out of the house and see people. I feel comfortable at work. Although, we have all had our stressful moments.
So that is it for my little update…simply because I cannot think of anything to post. I’m sure something will come to me.
When I was 12, my brother and I joined a softball team. I was not overly athletic when I was little, but I was excited to join. After our first few practices, my friend Kim, who was staying at our place for a few days, tagged along to a practice. She decided to join the team too and it made for elation.
Our little team, the Boulders, was terrible. Oh my gosh, we were so bad. Not necessarily at the game, but we were a new team with no money, a weirdo for a coach, and our home field was nothing to write (home) about. I should also state that for the first few weeks I was sporting a cast on a broken left arm. And I’m super clumsy. So, I was determined not to get hit or re-injured. Kim always has said that I looked like a little ballerina out there…swinging the bat with one arm.
I was terrified of the ball too. I hated being stuck in right field, which I often was. Probably because most hits are center or to the left. Which, I was relieved for, but also terrified that the ball would come at me. But eventually, I got less scared, I got more aggressive (not a lot back then, but some), and my eventually my cast came off.
And as I improved, so did our team. Our community rallied around us and our field got some maintenance; our dugouts cleaned up, and we got a snack shack. AND eventually, we got team uniforms: Horrendous lime green tshirts and matching hats with our team name on them. They were so ugly, but we looked great as a team!
Honestly, I WISH we looked this good. (NOT US)
We started getting more spectators. We were invited to tournaments (most of I’m sure we lost – but maybe not). My skills improved and eventually I was moved out of right field and into centerfield *mic drop!*
We played through summer nights and in the rain and we played in the hottest of tournaments, having to have our parents drive us home in between games sometimes to shower or to at least get us out of the heat. Our little team was a family and we had so much fun. I loved our baseball team. We lasted two incredible seasons.
But by the time the third season rolled around, some of the team moved up to the next level because of age – including my brother and Kim. Gah! The whole point of our team was to be together and now we were breaking up.
So some of us moved up to another team, and some of us stayed behind to hold fort in our main team, with new players joining ranks. I stayed and I played. But it wasn’t the same. And by this time, I was good. I was a good hitter (well, definitely better than my casted ballerina days), and I was a great outfielder. And I had a mouth made for baseball. But it wasn’t the same.
I played that summer and that was it. I played on the girls’ team in high school for a minute and a half, but didn’t finish the season (helloo, social life), which I kind of regret. And there have been times I have wanted to join a team in my adult time, but just never bothered. Those days of playing ball in the summers with my friends were some of the best of childhood. And for that, I always keep my baseball mitt in my trunk, just in case someone, somewhere has a pick-up game going.
Each time I drive by our old field, it makes me sad. The field is overgrow, the snack shack and dugouts are caved in and decrepit, the mound is unseen, the fences falling down. Our home field has become a graveyard for our youth, and our memories of those glorious days are all we have left.
Still not us
There are no new teams. The children are busy playing online games or surfing Instagram. But me, I would never, in a million years, trade in those summer days with my friends under the hot sun, under the cool night skies, and on the green grass, swinging a bat and sliding into home.
It’s Easter Monday of quarantine. I’m sitting in my living room. I have chickpeas roasting in the oven and they smell so good. I’m tossing them in a salad, but I feel like I could just got out right now and eat a handful of them.
Today was the first day I didn’t get up and stress and strain myself right away. I relaxed, I watched a movie and drank coffee and snuggled with my cat. It was quite lovely. But, by 11 am I was Video training with my quarantine workout buddy, Amy (some of you might remember her as Amy Whoreface). And of course, I went for my walk, and I have a run planned for later. My days are stitched together like that…by coffee and workouts and wine.
In fact, that’s pretty much all I want to do: drink coffee, exercise, and drink wine. But don’t get worried. I’m barely drinking wine. Thankfully though, my friend and coworker brought me a bottle of home brew and I am definitely looking forward to popping that cork. I’m so excited and appreciative of it that I’ve been trying so hard to get over the fact that she put an apostrophe in “Summers”.
Oh how I long for the days of social distancing to be over. I would give anything to be with my friends and my family. I can’t wait to be able to go to the bar for a glass of red and some in person laughter.
I miss my running buddy (although my alone running time has been impeccable); I miss my gym fam and my bootcampers. I can’t wait to hug my nephews and my BFFs.
In the meantime, I’ll take bad movies, video workouts, calls with friends, and wine and coffee.
Sandy the Social Butterfly 