Christmas season has begun

It's a snowy wintery day at the farmette. The juncos are back and the geese are honking as they flap across the sky in their dozens. The other day, between the geese and crazed rooster that lives down the street, it was a veritable sound storm in the farmette back yard.

Anyhow. It's been a busy couple of days for me. On Friday, I met up with old friends and colleagues from the days we worked together in Toronto. Which is about a hundred years ago. Okay, maybe 35.

I've known Hélène for that amount of time. She's the one on the far left. I drove down to her lovely home in Guelph, and she drove the rest of the way to a fantastic Italian restaurant in Etobicoke called Fiamma for lunch.

Pam (next) came in from outside Guelph, Joan from her home in mid-town Toronto and Rita (far right) from Richmond Hill. Joan (middle) was our Director of Communications at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food (as it was known then). I am always amazed at how easily we slip into conversation after years away from one another. We worked together so well back in the day and the camaraderie is just the same today. It was a long day of driving, but the food was fabulous and I actually felt recharged after enjoying these ladies' company.

Yesterday, I went with sister Sandy and her two daughters to a Christmas market in Thornbury. The place was bustling with lots of folks looking for gifts. Niece Erin got this beauty for her livingroom. We had a hoot, snooping through all the exhibits the locals had set up.

There were talented artists, crafts people, foodies, jewelry and all manner of oddments. Even a girl selling beer for dogs!!!

After filling up with loads of goodies from the market, we loaded up on yet another fantastic lunch at The Port. Again, I felt lucky and energized after catching up with the family.

The girls went home and Sandy took me on an infamous 'capture cruise'. Basically, once we get in the car, she proceeds to visit several stores to do her shopping. I don't mind. I actually really liked it yesterday, since we went to downtown Collingwood with its festive window dressings. So cheerful. Plus we both ordered some boots that were on sale to keep our toes warm this winter. Double win.

As we start the winter, it's more than fulfilling to have the comfort and joy of friends and family. Until next week.

Gratuitous cat photo courtesy of Calvin, who has clearly outgrown this bed, but he doesn't mind.