T'is the season...

... to start the Christmas preparations. I've said it a million times before ''my favorite part of Christmas is the weeks leading up to the big day''. The kids, Dave and I have always celebrated Christmas on the 24th. For me, everything is blaaahhhh on the 25th. We jam-pack a whole lot of goodness on Christmas Eve day.

Yesterday Dave and I headed deeper in the woods to fetch the necessities for the outside decorations. We keep things plain and simple outside... inside, well that's another story. Now that outside has been taken care of, let's start inside.

I am putting up stuff one bit at a time.

I was in New Brunswick over the weekend and picked-up this beauty. I can't remember the german name for it; I call it the wooden german merry-go-round. (Note to self - yes, you have to keep an eye on it when it's lit. Two of the propeller thingy almost caught on fire).

I am starting to prefer roasted pumpkin to boiled for making purée for baking.

This week I am also getting ready for our annual ugly christmas sweater party taking place this Saturday. Pictures to follow I'm sure.

Wild Things

I've mentioned here before - I have a niece that's only 7 years older than I am. She's also my best friend. It is unfortunate that we live 4 provinces apart, we can't visit in person like we'd like but there's always the telephone, emails and skype. She's the one that started me (gave me a little push in the back kinda thing) on this simple living journey that we are living around these parts. Did I tell you she's smart and knows a lot about healthy eating and Mother Earth and so much more.

Yesterday this came in the mail for me with a beautiful message in the card. And yes, it's from Colleen. She and her daughter went into the woods to collect the items for that Christmas tree ornament she made for me... an early birthday gift.

There are three books that show you how to make projects with natural found items. She made the ornament from that first book you see over there.

Thank you so much Colleen. You know how much I love handmade gifts, especially those made by you and that it's made from nature is a double bonus.

Unrelated, but I wanted to let everyone know that I participated in my first drumming circle Friday evening. WOW !!!!! it sure won't be my last. The energy in that room was uplifting to say the least. Friday afternoon I sewed-up that linen bag for my drum.

Annual foliage drive

This afternoon Dave and I went for our annual fall foliage drive. We were a few weeks late, most of the leaves are on the ground but it was still pretty and peaceful. And I LOVE Sunday drives, I just love them... and Dave knows that. So he knows exactly when to suggest such a drive.

We stopped at our secret spring in the woods to fill our water bottles.

Mmmmmmm, so refreshing.

Filling Dave's bottle, because as you know, he broke his wrist so he has to be super carfeful about those yoga poses ;-)

I love the ocean but I sure was born to be a woodswoman. The deeper the woods the better for my soul.

Have a good start to the week everyone.