An Island Winter Solstice

Today, we were invited to a Solstice Open House by Cynthia and Michael who live about an hour or so from us. With one eye on the weather (it had snowed two days before) and temperatures (it had been freezing) we were blessed by the Solstice fairy with misty rain and above zero C! Hooray, as the C and M's driveway is, can we say, challenging at best, and next to impossible in slush?
Before we left, we ensured good driving conditions by filling the bird feeder, knowing that this wonderful custom brings good luck during this time of the year.
At C and M's the groaning festal board was spread. This is only a partial photograph as all through the afternoon and on into the evening, platters of food such as smoked beef and chicken fresh from the smoker out on the balcony, were brought out along with a varieity of homemade liquers and spirits and of course Desserts!
It was not only a Feast for the eyes, but for the senses as well! I think Mr Bear and I rolled out there stuffed (as the Irish would say) like an egg.
Due to the fact that I had re-microfractured my heel (again) I played 'granny in the corner' and brought out my lucet and made wreaths for each couple that showed up. Here is a picture of Noreen learning how to lucet.
We had a wonderful time and tonight the drive home was a typical mild west coast winter drive; as Mr Bear remarked, 'this is the kind of westcoast Christmas that I love - wet and mild'.
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Blessings of the Return of the Light to all who read this:
Tonight I light my Lantern for all those who are struggling against the Dark.

Wonderous Wednesday

Dear Perusers: Tonight's Sunset.

Blessings.

2shot Twosday - Downtown Duncan - Art & Coffee

Dear Perusers:
While waiting for Mr Bear to finish with his appointment, I wandered into the Twisted Mug and ordered a Breve Latte.
I also took advantage of  the close proximity of a shop's window display to snap these Pillar Candle stands.
Wouldn't they make a wonderful 3 Kings Display?
Blessings of hot coffee to all on a cool winter's day.

Week 2 - December photos - here there and everywhere

Dear Perusers:
1. My friend Bette's favourite colour is turquoise and as it is Scandinavian custom to hang hearts on the Yule tree, I thought to do a crocheted blue heart for her. It may be a bit lopsided, but was sent off with 'heartfelt' blessings. (g)
2. Mr Bear's Birthday Present from me or what do you give the Man In Your Life who is a Big Bang Theory Fan?

Answer: a replica of Leonard and Sheldon's shower curtain of course! 
3.Downtown Duncan merchants have a Holiday Window Display Contest in which each get the same critter (this year it's a hamster) and have to include it in their display.

4. Wrapping prezzies for the little ones in front of the TV watching BBT of course!

5. and FINALLY Finding the Xmas Tablecloth after doing an archeological dig through the stacked boxes in the laundry room!

Blessings to all those who have gone out to capture a Live Tree for the Season - be careful out there, they have been known to 'bark' and 'pitch' at you! (g)

Mr Bear and St Lucia - Together again!

December 13 is not only Mr Bear's birthday, it is also St.Lucia Day in Scandinavia!

The photo to the left shows the traditional 'lussekatte' which is served with coffee on this Day.
Re: Mr Bear's Birthday:
This year, Mr Bear's natal day falls on a Friday and as there was no way I could let that pass, I decided to put the invite out to a Good Luck Cake and Coffee Party and asked invitees to bring something lucky to give him (ie a penny, a horseshoe nail etc).
It will be interesting to see what folks come up with!
I will try to post pix of the celebration later on but in the meantime enjoy the video link to the Light Bringer of the North.
Blessings of Light as we head into the Darkest Night of the Year.

HOORAY! The Tree is Up and Lit!

Dear Perusers:
Mr Bear put down his knitting (thats my half finished beret on top of another half finished sweater)  and manfully struggled to get the tree into place in the tree holder.
We were very lucky this year as First Time is the Charm: the tree managed to right itself and actually stand straight!
Quentin Quail decided that this year he was going to be the Top Bird so up he went.
Blessing to all those who found that the strand of garland beads so carefully wrapped up from last year have somehow unwound themselves and are now a tangled mess!

2shot TWOSDAY: TREE DAY

Dear Perusers:
For some strange reason, there were no Balsam Firs available this year at our favourite lot - no matter; after some hemming and hawing over a few specimens, Mr Bear chose a lovely Douglas Fir  which was delivered to our door tonight.
One advantage of living in this area, Free Tree Delivery to those folks who are looked on with pity (ie don't have a Behemoth Vehicle - 4x4) such as we.
Now to clear a space downstairs for it.
Blessings to all who are in putting up their tree - may your ornaments have survived the year long hiatus in a box under the stairs.