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!