CHAGA

Our neighbour brought Mary a box of Chaga this week. He has an eye for finding this fungus which grows on Birch trees around here.

The first job was to break it down to small managable size chunks.

Breaking frozen Chaga isn't easy, even with a hammer and working on a cement slab.

We moved it indoors by the fire to thaw it out and let it dry. This may take a few days. If you've never used Chaga you can learn about it by clicking HERE

I'll post more pictures once we actually start enjoying it.

 View out our windows this afternoon. Looks like a perfect day for a walk in the woods.

This morning Mary has been busy in her sewing room.

Safe travels everyone.

KELLY CHRISTMAS

We all  gathered in Hamilton yesterday for the "Kelly" Christmas. Of course the grandkids were the center of attention, everyone taking pictures of Frankie as we all took turns giving her the cuddles.

Like all family gatherings, food was essential and Sean decided it would be a Spanish theme this year. He made  PAELLA   which was so tasty.

No shortage of delicious food as everyone brought their favourite dish to add to the meal.

Contrary to her facial expressions Kate did enjoy the food. She just prefers  the chocolate candies in her treat box; must have her grandfather's genes.

After lunch it was time to open gifts; the best part of getting together according to Owen.

Owen reading his book to daddy.

A gentle touch warms the heart and Kate sure can melt our hearts.

Frankie happy in Owen's arms.

Sherri made PJs for all the kids so we had to get a group shot  We love our grand-kids.

Too soon the party was over and time for kisses before leavimg. Looks like Kate kissed Missy. She loves dogs.

Thanks everyoe for a wonderful time, delicious food, and some great memories.

ST. LAWRENCE MARKET

We were up early this morning off to the St Lawrence Market ahead of the crowds.

The market is still on the original site and I believe this building went up in 1845.

The vedors are friendly and helpul often giving you samples so you can taste beore you buy

Visitig the market takes me back to the days when Dad would drive us  to see the widows at Eaton's and the market. It was always a special day

Mary and Leanne discussing the purhasing of Canadian oysters from a vendor. My Mom always bought oysters for Dad to enjoy over the Christmas holidays.

We also bought clams which we will enjoy at Sean and Maggie's this afternoon.

If you ever visit Toronto be sure to spend Saturday at the market.

Thanks for stopping by and keeping an eye on us.

PRETZEL LOAF

Today Mary made Pretzel Bread. It is so easy to make and smells decliious. One loaf will disappear today one loaf is promised to Leanne; hope it makes it.

After they came out of the oven Mary basted them with butter to keep the crust soft.

It is -26*C outside at the moment, a good day to stay indoors and bake bread.

Stay safe and warm everyone.

AFTERMATH

The storm is over but the beauty remains. It so peaceful and inspiring walking our roads these days.

Even the hills surrouding Bancroft look spectacular covered in white.

Our trailer is safely stored at the top of the driveway, ready for a quick escape if we decide to head south.

Lots of low branches over our driveway. If we don't get some warm weather soon we will have to do some trimming.

Hope you are warm and dry and enjoying a long sandy beach somewhere.

Safe travels everyone and thanks for stopping by.

WINTER WONDERLAND

When we get freezing rain followed by wet snow our place becomes a winter wonderland. Hope you enjoy the pictures as much as we do.

We call this "Tunnel Road"

Our county roads are well maintained and cleaned before we are out of bed. Our cottage road was plowed first thing as well. The guy is doing a great job.

My favourite boat house.

Some of these branches are so loaded they touched the truck.

Living "Off Grid" means cleaning our solar panels when we get snow.

Our driveway. Glad I plowed it as we had a tree fall during the storm and I needed to get the chainsaw out. All part of living back in the bush.

Safe travels everyone and thanks for stopping by.

TURKEY LUNCH

We belong to a group at church called the JOY group. JOY is an acronym for "Just Older Youth". For some of us it's been a long time since we enjoyed our youth but we do have fun at our gatherings.

The morning was spent cooking the turkeys and getting the room ready for our guests.

Mary made the table centers from birch logs she found in our wood pile and boughs from our forest.

Soon the folks began to gather; long before the food was ready. They had time to mingle and chat which is all part of the get-together.

In total we had 42 people there to enjoy a delicious turkey lunch along with some very talented local entertainment.

The food was served buffet style and there was lots to choose from.

After the meal we were entertained with songs, poems, readings and personal stories of Christmas memories when we were just kids.

It was another very successful "JOY" gathering one that I'm sure will be repeated next year.

I would like to thank everyone who helped make the day possible; it was wonderful.

YULE LOG

This week we have a Christmas turkey lunch being served at church and Mary wanted Yule Logs for the table centers.

Fortunately we found enough suitable birch logs in our wood pile.

Mary measured and marked where each candle was to be placed and I drilled the holes

Next Mary will attach the boughs, bells, and ornaments. Once done I'll post the finished product.

Finished!

It's beginning to feel like Christmas.

Safe travels everyone and thanks for stopping by.

RELOCATE

When we arrived home from Florida we parked the trailer beside the house, unloaded, cleaned and organized then left it there until yesterday.

This wasn't the best location as it was right in the path of my snowplowing and could easily be damaged if my skid-steer brushed against it.

Yesterday I cleared an area at the top of our driveway; a perfect spot to park the trailer for the winter.

Here it wont be in the way when I need to plow the drivewy, yet it is close enough that I can easily remove snow from the roof if that becomes necessary.

Better yet, I can easily hook up and head south if our winter becomes unbearable.

Dreaming of sandy beaches and warm sunny days.

Safe travels everyone and thanks for keeping an eye on us.