A NEW BROOM SWEEPS CLEAN...

And boy does it ever!! My old sweeping  brush collapsed before Christmas and had to be replaced. There's something about this new one. Ever since it arrived it seems to have cast a spell over me - a good spell! It's not just the floor...I've been going insane cleaning out cupboards, presses, drawers, cabinets - everything that once housed clutter is no longer safe with Polly and her new sweeping brush! Three giant refuse bags are now full in the garage, awaiting our next trip to the dump.

I'm blaming this manic de-cluttering on two things - a mice infestation we had recently (Kevin caught 2 dozen) - yuck yuck!! They came in via the garage, and decided to stay, thanks to the dog food housed there. The other reason is it's good Feng Shui to de-clutter your home before welcoming in the new year. It brings good luck - out with the old - in with the new. So get cracking!!

I've just one day left to finish it all - will I? I like deadlines...I also like the idea of starting the new year with a squeaky clean home, minus mice, clutter, plastic bags full of papers, and the luxury of being able to find things! If I don't get it all finished in the next day, I still have the Chinese New Year to aim for...So do you!

Let's do it together...

Clean out all kitchen cupboards - throw away expired food items. Clean out fridge.

Clean out your wardrobes. Organise outfits.

Make your wish list for the year a.k.a. bucket list.

DO NOT weigh yourself. Just gently change your eating habits if you've been over-indulging! I have no intention of weighing myself. It would only depress me and Pollyanna is all about positive ideation - right? Just let your waistbands guide you!

On New Year's Day make sure to get a good old walk in! Fresh Air = Fresh start!

NO STINKIN' THINKIN' in 2013! Keep moving forward...

Start a Gratitude Journal - It's the best thing you can do for yourself.

Feed your spiritual side. Soul food is actually quite delicious hmmm...Taste the following books 'Anam Cara' and 'Benedictus' both by John O'Donohue and 'The Age of Miracles' by Marianne Williamson. These are great books to keep in your bedside locker. Wonderful to dip in at any page, and will help you have a peaceful sleep.

Write a list of all the things that bug you about your life. Set them aflame with a match and watch them disappear!

Fill balloons with your wishes for 2013. Let them fly up to heaven, and ask the Angels to help you achieve them! C'mon it's worth a shot. Insane - so what!

Plan at least ONE fun trip in the year ahead. Give yourself something to look forward to - something to aim for...

Last, but not least - be kind to yourself! That way you can be kind to others, Right?

Choo Choo for now!

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Patricia xxx

CHRISTMAS YOU'RE A LADY!

Don't you love Christmas? If you had to give it a gender it would surely be female. All that fussing, feasting, glamour, glitz, decorating, furry bits, shiny bits, frantic bits, friendly bits, family bits, and shopping...did I mention the shopping? And spiritual, yes. That's the light that keeps the heart aflame through all the emotions Christmas ignites within.

CHRISTMAS DAY CHEZ MOI - The reindeer were so well behaved! 

OH CHRISTMAS TREE HOW I LOVE YOUR TWINKLING MERRIMENT!

When I got back from Ireland Kevin and the girls had done such a beautiful job with the lights outside, and the trees inside. It surely warmed my heart! Victoria had our multicolured tree twinkling in the upstairs landing. The gold and burgundy tree is for the front room because it matches the colour scheme. The multicoloured tree is really more fun, and has far more sentimental stuff hanging from it. Decorations the girls made over the years, the first decorations I every bought, and various ornaments given to us by family and friends over the past 30 years. Each has its own story to tell.

        THREE BEAUTIFUL ANGELS AROUND MY CHRISTMAS TREE...

Left to right - Victoria, Claudia and Alexandra. They are responsible for the beauty, joy and happiness that fills my heart today, and every day. Thank you girls for the glorious pressies put under my tree this year. But, as you know - your presence in my life are my very favourite presents!

Christmas was different this year - for obvious reasons. Dad's funeral on the 13th of December was a sad day. Yet, I felt in my heart that he did not want us to be sad. Rather he wants us to be happy for him. I know he is in a joyful place and that his spirit is free and at peace. That knowledge in itself helped make the season bright.

There is a deep black well of sadness I could have allowed myself fall into. If I did, I would have made Christmas miserable for everybody, including myself, but I chose not to. I made the decision to enjoy Christmas - and by golly we did!! Yee Haw! Pollyanna's glad game sure made the season merry.

I enjoyed carol singing with friends on the grounds of Government House a few days before Christmas. They supplied complimentary hot apple cider and cookies specially baked by the Chef in residence. Delish! Later we walked back to my place and had something to eat, and a good old gal chat.

On the 22nd, we had our annual 'Office Party' - Just Kevin, Alexandra, Victoria, Claudia and I! We went out for dinner to our fav. restaurant. Prior to that we visited the Bay department store where we each picked out a gift of our choice to put under the tree. Then we headed down to the Empress Hotel to check out all the christmas trees. They were particularly lovely this year. The selection seemed larger and more colourful than usual.

Christmas Eve. we did our usual spin around town looking at all the gorgeous lights. Victoria has to be the most Christmassy city in Canada - in the world! It is always so thrilling to enjoy the efforts made by folk. There was one house in particular that stood out from the rest and defies belief. The owner spends all year planning and preparing his home and garden for Christmas. He has been doing this for near 20 years now. He begins putting up the lights the September Labour weekend. His electricity bill for the month of December is $1,000! Nuff said!! His garden shed is converted to a living village of miniature houses, trains, etc. Apparently people have donated antique family ornaments to him over the years. "The smile on people's faces makes it worth the effort" he said. What a generous man!

That is why I just LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas xxx

Last but not least - THE FOOD!! This year was my best effort - EVER. When I returned from Ireland, I felt a strong urge to shower my family with love and food - in no particular order!

Christmas Menu

Prawn Cocktail (for Kevin and I)
Caprese Salad (for the girls)

***

Delicious Turkey and Emperor Ham, with yum yum stuffing and gravy
Vegetarian Cannelloni (for Victoria who does not eat meat)
Garlic cheese potatoes
roast potatoes
Brussel sprouts cooked with red onion
Carrots (cut lengthwise) steamed with sugar and butter (Martha Stewart recipe)
Turnip cubes
Broccoli in cheese sauce

***

Chocolate Mousse Cake
Fruit Torte
Ice cream log
Fresh fruit

***

Tea/Coffee
Gallaghers Irish chocolates brought from Ireland
After dinner mints

***
Oops nearly forgot the music...Michael Buble did the honours at our home this Christmas, helped by Rod Stewart, Andy Williams, Daniel O'Donnell, and the old reliable Brenda Lee. Kevin sacked Daniel from his man cave and gave him to me. I accepted him with open arms. What girl doesn't love Daniel?

That's about the size of it from our home to yours this Christmas.

Keep Christ in Christmas, and everything else is the icing on the cake!

Love you and Happy Christmas!

Choo Choo for now...

Patricia xxx


Thank God for Christmas...

FAREWELL PAPA BEAR!

           'TO LIVE IN THE HEARTS WE LEAVE BEHIND IS NOT TO DIE'

A month has gone by since last I wrote. Dad passed away peacefully on Sunday
the 9th of December at 10.20 p.m. He died in mother's arms, in a candle lit room, surrounded by all his loved ones. The music of angels filled the air as he began his journey to the afterlife. It was the sort of death he deserved - beautiful! He will be dreadfully missed as he was a blessing in all our lives. A kind, gentle and loving man.

As predicted in my last blog, I feel Dad's spirit is very very close. So much so, I often talk aloud to him. O.K. if this is krazeeee I like crazy. It helps with the grieving process.

Two days after he passed I was sleeping on his side of the bed, to keep Mama company. I could feel his presence SO strongly I had to ask him 'Are you happy  now daddy?' I tore up two pieces of paper and wrote the word 'Yes' on one, and 'No' on the other. I got mother to pick one and read it aloud 'Yes' was the answer she picked. If this is krazeeeee, I like crazy. Great to know he is happy and at peace. Right?

Another unusual experience happened a few days ago when I was at the Mall with Claudia. We were having something to eat at the food court. Suddenly, I looked down and found a $50 dollar bill on the ground. I mean what are the odds of finding a $50 dollar bill? 'That's Kenny's Christmas present to you from heaven mama' she said. Daddy got a great kick out of my habit of picking up coins from the street. 'How much did you collect today?' he would ask with a smile. At the end of my stay we'd count up all the coins I had found. Later I'd drop them off in the candle box at the church and make a wish before leaving. So this $50 I found recently was a message from heaven. If this is krazeeeee, I like crazy.

I feel like I have another angel working for me from heaven. It sure is a comforting thought. Though daddy is gone from the physical world, his spirit lives on. I'll end on some words of wisdom -  'We are all spiritual beings having a human experience'.

On that happy note, Pollyanna is back on track!

Choo Choo for now!

Patricia xxx