Friday, December 31, 2021

December ~ The Finale


As the year comes to a close...
we find ourselves emerging from an extreme cold weather event over here on the west coast. 

Too cold...
but so beautiful in the valley this past week!

Let me go back to the beginning of the month...
and do a quick re-cap.


As December began...
almost every field was a lake in our neighbourhood. 

For some the flood of 2021 will not be forgotten any time soon.
 

The fields that weren't under water were as green as spring.
Flocks of snow geese arrived to set up camp next door.


With no Christmas gatherings permitted last year...
it was such a treat to start the festive season with an MGCC Christmas party hosted by Herb and Anneliese in their new home.

Good food (of course)...
good friends who had been apart for too long...
stories shared and lots of laughter...
and before we knew it,
the evening had slipped away.
It has been 13 years since we met together for the first time at Christmas. 
These friends are such a gift!


By mid-month the snow arrived...
and it was 'beginning to look a lot like Christmas'.

We attended one of many Christmas Eve services at our church...
with registration required to insure the auditorium was only half full.
Some of the family came for appetizers after.


The Arctic cold front brought a blizzard overnight...
and by morning our front door was not too welcoming.


The front sidewalk was somewhere under that drift.

They came for brunch...
through the back door!


The Christmas morning menu is still the same...
after many decades.

Christmas morning 'Lifesaver' casserole, fresh fruit bowls, croissants.
And a special order or two.


Ranen read the Christmas story.
We opened gifts.
The chaos of yesteryear is gone...
the grands are all growing up far too quickly!


Emme and Spencer organized the 'Saran ball' game this year.
Always so much fun!

It was so nice to spend time with family this Christmas...
though we pushed the limits just a little.


It's been too cold here this past week...
but also SO beautiful!

The Fraser River is freezing over.

We bundled up and went for a drive one afternoon. 



We walked along the river for a bit...


...but not for long!


The geese discovered some open water in Kris and Lina's front yard...
and it is now a bit of a bird sanctuary.


As another year with many challenges comes to an end...
I am reminded that there has also been much to be thankful for.

I thank God for His faithfulness...
 'come what may' He is still in control!

 Sending wishes from my perch to yours...
for a very happy new year!


8 comments:

  1. Such beautiful images. We have watched and prayed from Kamloops the effects of the flooding in your area, your post reminds me of God’s goodness and love even now when our world is in chaos.

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  2. The snow looks beautiful there. Course I know that it is a big 🥙. At least, it is here.

    So glad that the MGCC were able to gather. I noticed a few missing.

    Your family is looking fine. Always fun to see how they've grown. The children that is.

    Happy 2022!

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    Replies
    1. Acckkk! My eyes! I missed seeing Lovella and Terry the first time around. 🤦🏻‍♀️

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  3. What a wonderful recap of all the weather events you survived and are still surviving. Love seeing the whole family together. Great times!! Happy New Year!

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  4. Such beautiful scenes in your corner - snow and blue skies are gorgeous! This has certainly been the year of weather events here in BC. The family is growing up and it's good to see them all. Wishing you a very happy 2022.

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  5. Another beautiful post! I think your front door looks very welcoming! And I love the top view photo of the gift opening! So good to be together! Wishing for more and a blessed New Year!

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  6. Your front door looked amazing! At first glance I thought "wow, how did she get those ice sparkles all over her door?" haha! As always, thank you for sharing so many beautiful photos of the area you live in. It's so different from the brown desert down here, each month I anticipate photos of green from up there. Happy New Year, Judy!

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  7. Oh Judy - your pictures are just beautiful, as always! I love the one of your front door - it looks so welcoming and cozy inside. Your pictures of this family gathering are treasures! Stay well ...

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'The ornament of a house is the friends who frequent it.'
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson