The first snowfall, and a wind chill factor of -12c at our daughter's home in Canada. That was yesterday...
But now, they are winging their way across the world to join us for a few weeks.
Of course, my favourite cross-stitch is up on the wall for the Christmas season.
Mr Red Cardinal and I have been mighty busy these past few weeks.
I found these cute stacking chairs for little people at our local Cheap Shoppe - only $7 each...
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| Star Wars plastic tablecloth - seems essential.. |
Years ago I bought this tin tray at a Thrift Shop for 50 cents.
I still love it. Old Christmas pictures have a charm which seems missing in much of today's festive decor.
Nativity scenes and angels are increasingly hard to find, and even Santa Claus is becoming rare.
I searched everywhere for an Advent Calendar for the children, including online. The only ones I found in Australia are completely secular, with themes from movies and popular culture. Surely the whole point of an Advent Calendar is the lead up to the Christmas feast of the Nativity of Christ?
I made some Goodie bags for arrival, including Summer pyjamas ...
It was 38c hereabouts today, a November record for heat.
The little Canadians are really going to notice that!
Little Aussie will be here too, to welcome them to Australia.
It has been many years since the whole family has gathered together in one place.
I am so thankful to be able to celebrate with them, including my birthday next week, a 'significant' milestone...
I've been working on a pure linen, pink and white floral birthday dress, using a Butterick nostalgic reprint of an early 1960s style...
Our agapanthus garden had to be cut down, in the interests of child safety.
This garden now looks like a field of stubble.
But it will grow back again next year...
and we have to be mindful of the brown snakes which can lurk in there.
Happy Thanksgiving to all my American readers.
Enjoy your festivities, and those delicious pumpkin pies.
I join you in gratitude for my beautiful family.
Stay well, and be cool.
XXXX
I'm so excited and happy for you, Patricia! You must be counting down the minutes until they arrive. It will all be so new to your Canadian grandchildren, and I know you are going to enjoy showing them what Christmas Down Under is like. I'm a little worried about the snakes, but I know you'll keep a close watch out for them as they play outside.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kristie. They have arrived! After such a long journey, the first thing they wanted was a swim in our pool :) All are sleeping now...
DeleteHow wonderful, Patricia. You must be so excited. I know you'll have a very nice time together. I enjoyed seeing some of your Christmas preparations. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteWe were so excited to go to the airport, Jennifer. They made it safely across the ocean, a 31 hour journey in all. Our house is so different with little ones running around!
DeleteAre they actually already on their way Patricia? What excitement and how lovely that little Aussie will have the company of his cousins, and that they will all have the opportunity to get to know each other properly and forge real friendships.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you next week Patrica - have a lovely day
Yes, they have now arrived Rosemary, after the long, long journey. Our daughter is a Supermum, bringing two little boys all by herself. HB follows in a few weeks. We are looking forward to the arrival of Little Aussie later today. Thank you for the birthday wishes - we will enjoy celebrating.
DeleteSuch excitement in your home...the family all gathered together!
ReplyDeleteOur darling daughter and her husband are still on their honeymoon and are in Australia...Perth.
Hope that you have a lovely time...happy birthday to you!
Our home certainly has been having a shaking up, with three little boys running around, and we are loving it totally! So pleased you daughter is in Australia, and I hope the weather is not too hot over in Perth - it is a beautiful city. We are having birthday cake this afternoon...
DeleteHow exciting! I hope it is a really wonderful birthday - and terrific to have the Canadian contingent flying in for it! I think if I was them, I would also be rather glad to get away from the sub zero temperatures... although perhaps 38 degrees is a bit TOO much of a good thing.
ReplyDeleteAnd, I love the design on your fabric. This was a nice cheering post. Enjoy your weekend!
Thankfully, the weather has cooled a little since that day of 38. Only about 30 today, which is fine with us. Pink rose dress thank you :)
DeleteOh, yes, safety first - your little Canadian visitors will not know much about the dangers of brown snakes. What a wonderful time you will all have, a special time with all together. I think Christ has been thrown out of Christmass (as my husband calls it), as He has in most aspects of life nowadays. It's so sad.
ReplyDeleteAnd what a great idea making useful goodie bags - sure to bring a smile. So thoughtful. I am sure that your relatives are going to be quite floored by the heat.
I like you husband's turn of phrase - that is how it all began, after all :)
DeleteThe goodie bags were useful on arrival, giving the boys something to focus on amid such totally different surroundings. They are now becoming adjusted to our house, and exploring everything..
Your happiness comes right off the page! How wonderful to have the family with you for not just a "visit" but a length of days. I'm so pleased for you. Happy Birthday (whatever day it is)
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you Darla. It is a happy time with little ones running about the house. Suddenly our rather big house feels rather small :) I even like the fact the kitchen needs a cleanup every couple of hours!!
DeleteAh, you have good taste, Val. I thought the Santa tray was just gorgeous when I found it.. Good old Mariah's Christmas song will be played a lot around here too. Thank you for your good wishes, as we spread the birthday over several days :)
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to have your whole family together for your birthday and Christmas! Sending you big birthday wishes darling!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Tamera
The pink and white floral fabric will be so pretty for your birthday. I love your Christmas cross-stich and what it says. Little Aussie will be there to celebrate with you, how wonderful. Your first snowfall must be beautiful. Take more pictures for me, will you? I never get to see the snow here.
ReplyDeletelove, ~Sheri
Hi Sheri, my floral dress was successfully worn to High Tea, and it felt so pretty. We had the three grandsons as well as all our children, so a perfect day. We don't have any snow here, I just enjoy pictures of snow from other places, so my cross stitch is really just a fantasy - but a nice one :)
DeleteOh Patricia...enjoy...enjoy...enjoy!!
ReplyDeleteNo snow here...12c today!!
Birthday hugs to you...
Cheers!
Linda :o)
Thank you dear Linda, 12c sounds good. 35c over here :)
ReplyDeleteBirthday over, time for diet....
Love that pic of the snow! Ours has all melted again already. Weird mild temps so far this winter in my northwoods.
ReplyDeleteBut Oh I'm so excited for your family on their way dear Trish!! I bet you're all going to have such a wonderfully fun time together. And happy belated birthday sweet Friend! May this year ahead be your most blessed yet. xoxo
Hi Carrie, we are having lots of fun and wearing ourselves to exhaustion :) I had a great fun birthday, two cakes even, and tomorrow there is another birthday for a small boy. Happy times. xx
DeleteDecember will be an exciting month for you, Patricia, special guests, a birthday and snow! Good for you.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
December is proving to be full of fun and excitement. Actually, my birthday has been celebrated and now we have a little boy birthday this weekend with lots of guests. Much cooking has been happening, really livens up our lives.
Delete