Friday 31 December 2010

Resolutions



A simple one for 2011. Will be very disappointed if I can't manage it.

And it goes hand in hand with the more challenging self-imposed knitting resolution.....I will be endeavouring to knit 11 sweaters in 2011, egged on/supported by two of my colleagues at the yarn store....we've each set out own guidelines, mine are:
a) 'Sweater' can be a jumper, cardigan or tanktop, either adult or baby sized.
b) To count they need to be finished and wearable in 2011. They may have been cast on already (in fact two already have).
c) Each completed item needs to be blogged here - ideally with photos, if the recipient decides to model all the better.
Think that'll do it, don't want to restrict myself too much....if anyone has any requests let me know (Mum - you're already on the list!)

Happy New Year to one and all, hope 2011 is a happy, healthy, hoppity one for all. xxx

Looking back at 2010

Thats another year done then.

Apparently that counts as a full reivew of the year in Paul's book, lazy man.
Lets see.....ten achievements in 2010, in no particular order and probably missing out the really important ones as I just write down what comes into my pretty little head.

Numero Uno - Paul's highlight of the year has been canoe-camping, in fact he stood in Canadian Tyre this morning looking at canoes and thankfully registered that $700 is a lot to spend on a whim. He is right though, we have indeed had some fantabulous times on our canoe-camp trips this year. From getting stuck on beaver dams, to swimsuit stealing geese, to early morning misty cuppas as the loons call - fab fab fab.

Deux - It took over a year, but I finally overcame my fear of driving on the wrong side of the road and got back behind the wheel. After a brief practise in Gatineau, I followed this up with an epic road trip with the parental ships to:

Numero Trois - Niagara Falls. Its big, and wet, and I loved it.

Number 4. Our relationship survived skating. Paul loves it. He loves it on the rink up the road, playing hockey with his science-tician friends. He loves it on the canal clocking up the kms and building up speed.
I can stand up on skates.
And have just about mastered not swearing at the people I care about whilst doing so. Despite this contrast in our feelings for the frozen water, we are still going strong. Hoorah.

Part e - Food food food. This year we have eaten well. Which isn't really much different to the other years, except that the proportion of this food that I have cooked has dramatically increased. My culinary skills are definitely improving, and the melted spatula I rustled up last week was a wonder to behold.

Six - Craftilicious. Despite the numbness of my elbows on many occasions this year, my crafting has gone from strength to strength. Whether it be the sweaters sported by the men in my life, or the felt robins adorning the dining room walls, there are not many days this year when I have got through without playing with the needles or scissors. More to follow next year I'm sure.

Sieben - Visitors. This year we were host to family visitors with my parents here in September and Steve in October. Both groups have mentioned possible return visits so we can't have been atrocious hosts. Dad and I survived an attack by a viscious snake with no permenant damage except to our pride. Mum single-handedly devoured two of the biggest ribs I've ever born witness to. And Steve got to wear plaid up a mountain. Good times were had by all.

Number the eight - We are taking over Ottawa one jam sandwich at a time. Truth be told we only seem to be making headway at brainwashing the non-Canadians in our lives, but between the marshmallows, jam-sandwiches, beans on toast and Christmas pudding - conquer them we will. (Why are so many of our achievements this year food related?!)

El Nino - Wildlife spotting. This year has been a good'un. I spent three days in May impressing my fellow bird-watchers with my spotting skills - "theres one, theres another", which they then identified. One of my happiest days was spent chasing Monarch's around Presqu'ile with Mum and Dad.
The encounter with the friendly Grey Jay in Quebec was another of the highlights of the year, together with the brief encounter with the elusive Fisher.
From Jasper's point of view, you can't beat a good squirrel spot however.

Ten-Dix-X - Time with friends. We've decorated cookies; cooked pancakes on camp fires; watched mounties ride in musical formation; played boule in the sunshine; solved murders; picnicked in the snow and countless other activities this year - and all with fab friends. Hoorah for them.

Sunday 19 December 2010

Christmas is coming....

....in fact its almost here. Due to unforeseen overuse of the internet I have been a little quiet on here of late. Seems watching 8 hours of TV online sucks up that bandwidth - who knew! Anyway, wanted to share some festive cheer with a couple of piccies from recent weeks.
We started off at the European-Union run Carol Concert at the Notre Dame Cathedral, which was beautiful inside....the concert was slightly marred by lots of people wandering round during the service in efforts to find better seats - PUT YOUR BOTTOM ON A CHAIR AND STAY IN IT! (Breath Amy, Breath). A wide variety of Carols from around Europe sung very nicely, and some excellent people watching opportunities (spotted two sleepers and some fantastic bow-tie wearing) made for a nice start to the festivities however.

On to Paul's Christmas Work do, preempted by an afternoon of cookie decorating with Betsy and Michael. Betsy's beautiful sugar cookies were subject to a variety of artistic approaches. I chose a minimalist styling (which, though they looked gorgeous to an adult eye, do not appeal to children due to lack of sprinkles):
Paul spent some time exploring different textures:

The peak of our Christmas ventures so far was our annual trip to the Capital City Chorus Christmas Concert (well, our second trip anyway).

I love barbershop. Paul loves barbershop. We love barbershop - there, we've said it loud and proud. Adding to our festive favourites (Visa Visa; Head of hair; The drummer boy etc) was a stunning performance by the Canterbury School Choir whose latin piece in particular was breathtaking.....A very festive evening indeedy.

Right, a cup of tea is calling so I will stop rambling on for now. More piccies (mainly of snowy scenes) on flickr in a mo.....

Merry Christmas everybody. xxx

Thursday 2 December 2010

A robin away keeps the toothache away....



2010 is the year of the Robin (in my head). December 2010 is make a robin month (in my head).
December 1st - This is Ruben. He likes bowling and drinking coke. He currently lives on our mantlepiece. When you are suffering with hideous toothache after a root canal and you feel like you want scream/pull your tooth out/punch the wall, he is especially good at....erm.....sitting on the mantlepiece not being any help what-so-ever.

But he's cute.