CHRISTMAS AT OUR PLACE

                                 WELCOME TO OUR HOME - COME IN!

TWEEDLE DEE & TWEEDLE DUM - OUR ONLY WELCOME DEER!

                     OUR VICTORIAN WINTER WONDERLAND

THE DINING ROOM BEFORE PUTTING UP THE SOCKS FOR SANTA!

                       GETTING READY TO FEAST...YUM YUM!

IT WAS SNOWING OUTSIDE AND WE WERE ALL COZY INSIDE!

NOW THAT CHRISTMAS IS OVER, LULU LOOKS JUST HOW I FEEL - NO I WOULD NOT WISH TO POSE LIKE THAT!!

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Where did Christmas go this year? Like the snow, it was here one minute and gone the next.  Such a flurry of excitement and then...it disappeared in a New York minute. I guess time flies when you're having fun!! One of my favourite Christmas events this year was attending the Victoria Symphony's 'Sentimental Christmas' on December 15th and singing along with Kevin and the girls.

Sharing the stage with the tenors at the Royal Theatre on December 10th was also a novel experience. We squeezed in a few great movies too. Jennifer Lawrence was the queen of the silver screen this Christmas. We really enjoyed both her movies - 'Hunger Games 2' and 'American Hustle'. You can tell she is a Leo - drama comes naturally to her. I'd highly recommend both movies.

On the 23rd I had some friends over. This time I decided to serve an Empress Hotel style afternoon tea, which was a lot of fun, and very little washing up afterwards! We had some visitors from out of town, and some local friends. For starters I did a bowl of mixed berries with a dollop of cream - just like the EH. This was followed by a selection of finger sandwiches, which were very filling, some sushi, as one of our guests was from Japan (I've never seen Japanese eat bread so I was worried!) and some delicious olive and feta tapenade with crackers.

Dessert consisted of a generous selection of tiny bite size pastries, which were quickly devoured - lemon squares, mini chocolate eclairs, rum balls, fruit cake, tiramisu, chocolate mousse, mini cheese cakes, candy cane flavoured cup cakes, butter tarts, and mocha chocolate cups - yum yum!! Last, but not least, some Baileys Irish coffee, and Butler`s Irish mint chocs. A simple, yet satisfying little feast. Later the kids pulled some fancy crackers. Per tradition, I adorned some Christmas tin cans, and filled them with sweet treats for our visitors to take home with them.

Christmas Eve was all ours to enjoy, though Kevin had to work until 2.00 pm as some folk needed to see him - desperately! Christmas is a stressful time for many. That evening we went to the 'Irish Times' pub and eatery for our traditional Christmas Eve office party - just Kevin, Ali, Victoria, Claudia and myself. It was jam packed, and pumping with pre-Christmas excitement. Later, we strolled down a beautifully adorned Government street, to view the Christmas trees at the Empress Hotel, and enjoy all the lavishly decorated shop windows.

Each Christmas the Empress Hotel has its annual Festival of Trees event, where all the local businesses display their individually decorated tree, and you can vote for your favourite. The hotel was alive with all the Christmas buzz. Mr. and Mrs. Claus had just arrived, and were reading to pyjama-clad children by the huge roaring fire (made me want to be a child again!!) All the restaurants were buzzing...Christmas had well and truly arrived! We decided we would like to have our office party there next year - God willing.

Another tradition of ours, which we did after the Empress Hotel, was to drive around the city and neighbourhoods, gazing in awe at the bedazzling Christmas lights. This year they were spectacular. Some homes had begun their lights and Christmas set-up several months ago - insane I know! The more elaborate homes had a little collection box for charity, and free candy canes, for grown ups and children alike. I just love all that Christmas razzle-dazzle. The electricity bills at some homes I believe are over $1000 for the month of December!

I never before braved Boxing Day sales, but this year I did. Victoria was working at Banana Republic, and it was well and truly BANANAS!! I got fabulous bargains and I'm thrilled to bits with all my purchases. 50% off the sale prices, and then an additional 10% off. Sweaters that were originally $89 down to $11. I love the BR bling and got a few pieces because they were gorgeous, and such fantastic value. We also gave each other loads of Bay gift cards for Christmas. We get them from Visa as a thank-you for all that spending!! I got a brilliant German frying pan (should have got it 30 years ago!!). It is supposed to last forever. The original price was $235 and I got it for $60 with my Bay card. Also got a classy Ralph Lauren navy cardigan with crest - original price $189 down to $60. I'll get loads of use from it. Sales were good this year.

The best news we got this Christmas was that Ali has secured an internship with Vancouver's prestigious 'Western Living' magazine. She starts on Thursday. As I write, She is winging her way back to Vancouver, with Kevin and Victoria. I miss them already!! Claudia has to work, so I am staying with her and our little animal babies. I have been invited to a friend's birthday party tomorrow, so I'll have to wait until Tuesday to begin my healthy eating again!!

My 2014 project is to live more simply, and see how long I can last without buying any bling, clothes or shoes. I'll keep you informed on the project and my willpower.

So, without further ado, I am sending lots and lots of love and good wishes your way!

Keep HOPE in your heart, and let there be LOOOOOOVE!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Love,

Patricia xxx

IT'S O.K. TO BE HAPPY WITH A CALM LIFE

The above words of wisdom greeted me when I turned on my computer yesterday. I totally agree. Peace and Calm are the gifts of a strong and deep faith. I had a long conversation this morning with a taxi driver from India about the same thing. We were discussing life, and all the manure that hits the fan from time to time. "It's good that you are a deep thinker" he said, with respect. Whether he meant it or not, nonetheless, it touched my heart.

At the moment, everybody in the world is freaking out - Christmas is around the corner - presents presents presents...dieters feeling the stress (talk to me about it!!)  - alcoholics feeling the stress - financially strapped families feeling the pinch. Drivers are erratic on the road - did you notice? At mass on Sunday, Fr. John was talking about this, and apparently somebody in America was shot because he snatched a car space from another!! I'll admit when that happens to me, I just take a deep relaxing breath...O.K. being honest - sometimes I use the eff word. They can't hear me, so it's a waste of time, but better than shooting them dead you'll agree!!

So, in the midst of all this Christmas excitement, I went to mass yesterday to pray for my friend Aileen O'Neill, who was undergoing major surgery. The process of sitting in church and praying was as soothing to my soul, as a frothy cappuccino on a cold day. It was heavenly - if you'll pardon the pun. Outside the church, it was noisy with all the Christmas hustle and bustle. Inside, it was an oasis of perfect calm, illuminated by the gentle twinkling of church candles. Bliss...

I left St. Andrew's with such a lovely warm fuzzy feeling inside of me. Better than all the parties in the world - better than all the shopping in the world - better than chocolate - Yes! better than chocolate. After this wonderful experience, I said to myself 'that's it! I'm giving myself the gift of faith this Christmas, and the time to develop it properly'. I want to feel that happy and calm every day. I deserve it - you deserve it - we all deserve it. And the good news - It's free!!

My friend Monica phoned me from Calgary this morning. She has survived breast cancer. She asked me to pray for a friend of hers, whose brother has just commited suicide, and her 21 year old adopted daughter has just been diagnosed with ovarian cancer - Hell multiplied by a hundred you'll agree! Thank God, that woman has a strong faith. How could you cope with a double whammy like that just before Christmas? That same woman, who is a retired lawyer, has 8 children of her own, plus two adopted children. What planet do these Superwomen come from? I ask myself.

Monica's words of wisdom for Aileen - and everybody - are as follows:-
(These words were given to her by a deeply devout priest who stormed heaven for her when she had the cancer).

When stressed, take a deep breath, close your eyes, and repeat these words -

                          JESUS IN...(as you breath in)

                          EVIL OUT..(as you exhale)


Try it - I guarantee you'll feel something...earth moving? Perhaps - if you pray hard enough!

Love,

Patricia xxx   

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU AILEEN!

My FB pal Aileen O'Neill will be undergoing major surgery on Wednesday 18th December. If you are reading this, and have a few moments to spare, it would make me very happy if you could please say a little prayer for her. She is a wonderful woman, a loving mother and wife, and does everything in her power to make the world a happier place for everybody. She has courage, integrity, good nature, and generosity of spirit. I hope her surgery will be easy on her, and that her journey back to good health will be a speedy one.

Lord Jesus,

Please send a chorus of Angels to surround Aileen during surgery, and be with her every step of the way. Help her to feel the power and magnitude of your love, and to know that with you on her side - nothing can go wrong! You alone Lord Jesus have the power to heal her body. Please give her husband and children the strength, resilience, and support they will need at this difficult time. Let only good come from this, so that when it is all over, Aileen will be back to her resilient, optimistic and positive self. As always, we trust in you Lord Jesus. You, and you alone have the power.

Please guide the surgeon's hands on Wednesday...

Thank you Lord!

Love,

Patricia xxx

WHAT IS CHRISTMAS REALLY ALL ABOUT?

I love love love this picture...doesn't it warm you heart? When I first saw it, I went oohing and aahing, 'See that's what Christmas is all about". Then Ali said "Mum it's fake!" I said "NO! it can't be!" I didn't want it to be fake. If you look at the website beneath this picture, you can see other wonderful fantasy photos.

Is Christmas a fantasy? Yes of course it is, but don't we all need a little bit of fantasy in our lives? We need a full month of Christmas to help get us through the remaining 11 months. Right? Christmas is about watching cheesy romantic movies in front of a big roaring fire, singing jolly happy songs, jingle bells, generosity, glitz, twinkling fairy lights, Santa Claus, being nice to each other...because it's Christmas! - parties, food glorious food - and lots of it!! So what is not to like about Christmas?



http://www.alisonjackson.com/category/royals/

So far this Christmas, I've watched all my favourite movies - regulars such as 'Christmas with the Kranks', 'Love Actually',  'Let it Snow', 'Cedar Cove Christmas' to name but a few. I have yet to see Chevy Chase's Christmas Vacation - then I can tick it off my must-watch movie list. Christmas music is still playing 24/7 in the kitchen. We even had a little drizzle of snow recently to add to the ambience. Now that it's gone, I don't know how on earth I survived in Alberta for all those freezing winters!

Yesterday, we went to see Jennifer Lawrence in her much acclaimed movie 'Hunger Games', and it did not disappoint. I was glued to the seat for the full two and a half hours. She is a superlative actress. The setting was as dark and bleak as a nazi concentration camp, with the same overriding sense of fear and danger. The sumptuous costumes and make-up added a bit of relief, but the star of the show was undeniably Jennifer Lawrence. She held us all spellbound. A must-see. But be prepared - it's not a feel-good Christmas movie. If that's what you want, you'd be better off watching 'Love Actually'.

Today, I went back to the Royal Theatre with Kevin and the girls. This time I was in the audience with the family - way better! We went to hear the Victoria Symphony perform 'A Sentimental Christmas' which was absolutely delightful, and heart-warming (the girls may not agree!). It was a jolly-holly-happy-singalong designed specially for children and seniors. The audience were encouraged to singalong to such songs as 'Deck the Halls', 'O Come All Ye Faithful', 'Twelve Days of Christmas', 'Jingle Bells' and 'Silent Night' to name but a melodious few. I found my choir experience really helped. And I just loved loved loved it. 

After all these years, I've come to the realization that Christmas really is...what you make it. You get out of it, what you put into it...and then some.

Cheers!

Love,


Patricia xxx

FRIDAY THE 13TH!

Yeah! I love Fridays, especially when they fall on the 13th of the month. I don't know why some people are iffy about that date. I hope it turns out to be a nice day for everyone. I'm planning on celebrating...

I'm meeting up with 24 of my TOPS lady pals for our annual Christmas lunch today. I plan on wearing my ever-so-daring fascinating black and red fascinator. Anita said she will wear hers - if I wear mine! Claire's were selling them off after Halloween from $24 to $6 - they look a million bucks, so I bought five to give to friends. I sent one to mother, and I am also bringing one over to my hairdresser Chantelle today, as a Christmas present, to wear to her husband's office party. Chantelle is my fabulous hairdresser from South Africa. She is the most adventurous person I know, and currently has her hair coloured a beautiful hot pink shade for Christmas. She turned 50 this year, and lives every day to the fullest. The last time we met, she was wearing a hot pink top to match her hair, teamed with a short kelly green skirt and wild patterned tights. It looked sensational. "I don't give a cat's rattle what people think!" she says with a laugh. "I do it for me - I can't live without colour" - my sentiments precisely!

It's one thing I've noticed about my older lady pals - they sure live life with gusto! I enjoy hanging out with people like that. Later, Kevin, the girls and I are going to Government House for their annual Christmas event. From 5.30 - 6.30 p.m. the house is opened to the Public. You can wander around, enjoy the decorations and Christmas ambience. Government House is where the Attorney General resides. Later, from 6.30-7.30 there will be a Christmas Carols sing-along out in the lawn. I went to that last year, and enjoyed it very much. They handed out complimentary cookies and apple cider while people sang along to Christmas songs. It is a really nice family event for young and old. Thankfully, the cold snap has passed. I will try and get some photos.

Tomorrow d.v. Kevin, the girls and I are going to see the latest 'Hunger Games' movie, with Jennifer Lawrence, who happens to be Kevin's favourite actress. I enjoyed the original movie - though I don't normally like any movies with a violent theme. I'll keep you posted.

That's about it for the weekend!

Talk Soon,

Love,

Patricia xxx
 

AN EVENING WITH THE TENORE

Was it a night I shall remember with fondness for the rest of my life?...Enoo. But it was an experience, and I'm always game ball for a laugh! My pal Anita and I anticipated the three tenors would be tall, dark, and handsome hunks - like their Italian counterparts. No no no...such luck! Air brushed posters are like on-line dating photos - deceptive! When three slightly built fellows appeared at rehearsal, one wearing a baseball cap, a cloud of disappointment washed over all the ladies' faces. And they weren't the Canadian Tenors either - No, they were a splinter Trio from somewhere.

As far as the night went, all the real-deal entertainment went on behind the curtain. Boy, if you ever knew what goes on backstage before the show begins - you'd have immense sympathy for the poor unfortunates having to sing for their supper. I made the decision last night - I'm not cut out for show business. If you think it's as easy as it looks - think again. It's darn hard work.

You could cut the tension with a knife. Nerves were all around like hopping fleas. The choir had nothing to do but croon, and whisper a few sweet nothings, and a Gloria, here and there. At the rehearsal beforehand, one poor girl in the choir had a major panic attack, another nearly fell off the riser, dragging the rest with her, while a third went into a thundering attack on a girl who appeared from nowhere - wearing perfume!! Aagh...perfume is akin to poison in the choir. I know, because I was once an offender.

Nobody knew who this mysterious girl was. One of the ladies from the Perfume Police took her on. "Don't you know you are not supposed to be wearing perfume? And who are you anyway?" The girl brushed it off, while the perfume police tut-tutted in annoyance. She was young, beautiful -and to add insult to injury - was wearing aaagh...Perfume!!

Because the nerves were so bad, and perfumed sprays, deodrants and potions or lotions of any description were not permitted, the BO was pow wow!! Imagine Marilyn Monroe if the perfume police wouldn't allow her wear her Chanel #5? I personally feel they go a bit overboard on the perfume thing. Later, the head of the PP reprimanded me for making too much noise on the riser behind her. The boards were creaking, and it was hurting her ears. Maybe if I had not eaten that Thai they wouldn't have creaked so much. To add to my excitement, before I went on stage, the arm fell off my glasses, so I had to memorize my lines in an instant!!

In the second half, we were joined by around 100 exhausted children. Their tired little voices were the oil to our water, as we had never practised together. Kevin and the girls said they couldn't hear a word we were singing. The tenors had amplified their voices, so ours was barely audible. The feeback from Kevin could be summed up in one word 'Brutal'. That's what I love about my man - his honesty!! He said the tenors were 'average' but they overdid the fundraising for Africa component of the show, and were very aggressive about it with slide shows. This had come too soon after the Philippines tragedy, when everybody in town had emptied their wallets to help. They only had ten people sign up at the intermission, and were very disappointed "Our goal was at least twelve" one tenor announced.

All in all the evening was hilarious - if not exhausting!!

Choo Choo for now,

Love,

Patricia xxx

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DEAR DADDY!

Dear Daddy,

It is a year today since you left us. I hope that your arrival in heaven was as peaceful as your departure this end. We miss you so much, and not a day goes by that we don't think about you. Your memory will remain forever in our hearts. I know you read my blog in heaven - so this one is especially dedicated to you!

The best thing I did was put your photo in almost every room in our house. That way I see your lovely smiling face everywhere I go! I still cannot look at it too closely, as the tears well up. 365 days is not enough time to fill the void you left behind. I think you like my kitchen the most, and I know you enjoy watching me cook, and pottering around the place. Nobody - absolutely nobody - can cook bacon and cabbage like you!

Just like Nelson Mandela who died recently, you too left a wonderful legacy of love behind. Interestingly, Nelson Mandela's birthday was four days before yours, and he died four days before your anniversary! Two wonderful, loving, and kind-hearted men you were...Hope you'll show him around, and make him feel welcome - I know you will!

St. Peter texted me from heaven the day you arrived. He asked me if I felt you deserved to enter the pearly gates. I told him absolutely! In fact I put in a good word - or more like ten,  on your behalf. I told him about all the life lessons you had taught me, such as the importance of kindness, humour, generosity, self-sufficiency, hard work, giving people the benefit of the doubt, enjoyment of good food, and the importance of family. He was suitably impressed.

The girls tell me I have your eyes, and all your mannerisms. I am delighted that they see you in me, because I noticed the same thing - and it makes me very very happy!

You were the best daddy in the world - and you better believe it! And No, it's
not the blarney, as you just whispered in my ear - it's the truth - from my heart to yours. I know we are as close as ever, even if I cannot always see you - I do feel your presence. And for that, I am deeply grateful. There will be a place at the table for you this Christmas - and every Christmas. No oceans shall ever again separate us.

Love you forever Papa Bear, and Happy Anniversary!

Patricia xxx