DECEMBER 30th

Christmas has come and gone, and a lovely interlude it was.  Did I mention that this is only the second Christmas we have spent with John and Chrissy in 18 years.  They tell me it was.  Jack and went into Vancouver December 23rd, checked into a hotel just a half block from John’s apartment building.  Their place is small and they keep much later hours than we do so it seemed wise and worked out well.  We spent good part of the 23rd exploring Granville Island which has loads of really interesting shops and a fabulous market.  Naturally took home lots of treats for the holidays including Tortierre and amazing pastries and fruits.  Chrissy was working late, and Jack pooped out so John and I went out to see some of the Christmas finery.  First stop English Bay for the Caroling Parade of Boats.  Folks dress up all sorts of boats and watercraft and sail them up False Creek, past English Bay and so on.  It was lovely.  Then we went to Stanley Park to walk among the amazing light displays put up by the fire departments. One section of the park, where a miniature train takes folks for rides in the woods, is all decked out in all manner of Christmas displays.  It was a warm night, with a light misty rain.  John and I took photos - he was giving me lessons on night photography.  This event is a major fundraiser for the fire departments so it is quite spectacular and very popular.  The train was sold out.  Anyway, admission is free - donations appreciated. 

Christmas Day was wonderful.  John cooked us breakfast and we stretched out present opening for a couple of hours.  I was blown away by the thoughtful gifts they gave us.  We had all agreed that our being there was our gift to each other this year.  Money is a little tight.  Yet, we all managed to find special things with meaning for each other.  Chrissy got spoiled a little, but John loves to do it.  So we all ended up feeling very good about that part of the holiday.

John did all of the cooking for Christmas Dinner.  Well I peeled some carrots, made a trifle and the gravy, but he did all the rest.  There were 15 people squeezed into their little living room.  We all served ourselves in their little galley kitchen then ate where we could.  Jack and I, being the “elders,” got a small table, 8 gathered around the coffee table, the rest used laps, knees whatever. One of the 15 was little Malcolm, John’s cousin George’s son. Almost 5 he was very well behaved considering the excitement of the day.

Since Chrissy was nursing a cold, Jack just getting over one we had a kind of quiet time, but very enjoyable to spend it together.  Did stir ourselves to go to see the new movie “War Horse.”

Our friends Rob and Elizabeth invited us over for lunch one day.  Rob and Jack went to coffee with the “Over 60 Bikers”, Elizabeth and I went to do a bit of shopping - couldn’t resist the sales. It was lovely.

Anyway, we are now back at the campground.  I have now got the cold so Jack is doing laundry - which is very nice because I can do some trimming and organizing of my scrapbooking projects.  We have to head to Chilliwack to pick up some goodies Jack ordered from the English shop.

I hope everyone had a grand Christmas and would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year.  May 2012 be your best year ever.

Julie