Christmas Eve Mass-in-the-snow was wonderful..
the local children performed the most magical Nativity play..
and later, stockings were hung..
So pleased to see DD is still using the patchwork stockings I made years ago..
Christmas Day dawned with all the enchantment of glittering white snow
Dear daughter gave me a cute Canada tray and a book about The Crown.
As we do not have Netflix at home, I have been binge watching it since arrival, and loving it. Soooo interesting, but of course I have my own ideas about the authenticity of some of the scenes.
I know, you have all seen it long since, but I have to say how wonderfully Claire Foy portrays the Queen..and to also say Princess Margaret was a very petite woman, and I find the idea of a tall, angular actress in the part completely unconvincing. But there you go...
What do you think?
We had such a lovely day, I forgot to take many pictures.
Daughter's enormous turkey was succulent and superb, her family recipe plum pudding boiled in a traditional cloth was wonderful, and we have enjoyed it all so very much.
Two little boys have been building the Lego Simpsons house, complete in every detail...furniture, utensils, appliances - they are all in there...
And now, a few snow scenes from the countryside, for those who rarely see it:
Ottawa is having a record-breaking cold snap.
Last night -26c, the same as the North Pole, and for the moment, the coldest Capital City on earth.
With Frost Bite warnings..
Well, that is something we did not expect...
Undaunted, dear daughter drove us out into the countryside where I took these snaps. Next time I will pack a balaclava...
XXXX
Two little boys have been building the Lego Simpsons house, complete in every detail...furniture, utensils, appliances - they are all in there...
And now, a few snow scenes from the countryside, for those who rarely see it:
Ottawa is having a record-breaking cold snap.
Last night -26c, the same as the North Pole, and for the moment, the coldest Capital City on earth.
With Frost Bite warnings..
Well, that is something we did not expect...
Undaunted, dear daughter drove us out into the countryside where I took these snaps. Next time I will pack a balaclava...
XXXX
How magical Patricia. I never experienced a white Christmas in England, close several times but melted by the big day. I can't imagine such cold .... I thought -7 was cold when we lived in ACT!!! It looks as though you had a wonderful time .... I noticed in one of the photo's a wall of books... would love to browse.... Lindsey
ReplyDeleteDaughter has a great library there; she is an English lit teacher and works at the university. There is no doubt the snow makes everything look like a pretty postcard, and the red trimmings on the houses look wonderful against the White.
DeleteHi Patricia wow what beautiful pics and how wonderful you got to have a white xmas it all looks wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing xmas thankyou for sharing your pics with us and we are also watching the new episodes that have come out on netflix of the crown,we have really enjoyed this series,wishing you Happy New Year my friend.xx
Thank you I am enjoying all the scenery here. Glad you like the Crown - we are up to no 7 in series 2. Margaret's wedding dress was quite accurate, it was always a favourite of mine.
DeleteYour trip looks fantastic. I did think of you when I heard about the weather in Ottawa last night on the news. It's really putting it on for you. Glad you are having a great time with your OS family. It's stinking here so what do you choose? One extreme to another!
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful but I could not live here permanently - even though I hate the humid heat at home. Life here in winter is quite harsh, if you need to go outdoors. At the moment we have to cover all skin to avoid frostbite. Takes ages to kit up to go out, and can be treacherous walking in dirty snow and ice. If the house heating breaks down you have to leave and sleep with friends. The has happened to daughter and her family.
DeleteIt's hard to imagine Ottawa being so cold! It looks as though you had fun with your Canadian family.
ReplyDeleteIt is unusually cold; the original forecast for this week was around -15c which is easier to cope with.
DeleteI do not envy you the cold weather, although it does look picture perfect of course! Better viewed from inside, I think. I am just reading your repy to Summer Flies...I do not think I would enjoy this way of living. Having been born in the UK, I remember the cold winters - which were nowhere near as cold as the Canadian winters - and hated them then. I don't even like our winters - I prefer the heat. I should think many people die of cold in Canada - the old and poor and frail.
ReplyDeleteYes I imagine there are some deaths of cold,also think it must restrict activity for older people. Many retired couples go to Florida over the Winter including DD's in-laws. As afresh air fiend I don't like the warm and dusty air encountered in many buildings. That said I am glad we came and we are doing fine, dressed correctly and have not felt bodily cold at any time.
DeleteWonderful, you are lucky to spend Holidays in the snow with your family.
ReplyDeleteWish you a Happy and Healthy 2018!
Hi Janneke, we are glad we came to see Te White Christmas of legend. It is gorgeous. Happy New Year.
DeleteBeautiful! I love the candy dish with the candy canes, I notice things like this!
ReplyDeleteThe cold! Oh my, good thing you have such a warm family!
Oh! And the Simpsons Lego! My son would have loved that as a kid, HUGE Lego fan he was!
I loved the candy dish too and had to take a snap. We are having a lovely time and the boys are relating to us very well.
DeleteYour daughter's place looks so pretty in the snow, but, yes, it is FREEZING! Stay warm! Xx
ReplyDeleteLove her garden with the snowy trees and squirrels. Ottawa has rely turned on the weather for us, however I have still enjoyed short risk walks.
DeletePatricia, it all looks so beautiful and how much better hot drinks taste when one has been out in the snow. Wishing you every good wish and blessing in 2018.Helen xx
ReplyDeleteThank you Helen and wishing you also a wonderful New Year. Oh yes, we are loving hot chocolate, so perfect after snow! One more excellent snow adventure before we fly home. Xo
DeleteDebar Patricia
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to be part of the Winter Christmas with your daughter and family.
It looks amazing and thank you for the snow photos - quite magical❄️☃️
How are you both coping with the cold - I found it went through to my bones in France. It was fine inside with the central heating but we didn’t cope well outside - our winter woollies are ok for NZ winters but not Europe☃️
Enjoy the rest of your stay, I’ll be in touch once you’re home.
Yes, I enjoyed The Crown and felt all through, how lonely the Queen must have felt. She has been and still is a wonderful example to us all, I have the utmost admiration for her.
Sending warm Christmas hugs and best wishes for the New Year🎉🎊
Shane xx
Dear Shane, we are coping very well with the cold - thanks to Canadian heavy coats and boots suitable for Arctic conditions. My coat lives here, no point taking it home. It goes over my light indoor tops and cardi and I am fine and warm even out walking in -20c or so. Only bothered a bit with the face and pull a scarf over, also the low humidity is drying on the skin. We are loving seeing the winter lifestyle, just been to see the boys skate. Happy New Year and I look forward to catching up this year. Xx
DeleteI'm so glad Canada is showing you her wintry best at Christmas! Looks like you had a magical day with your family. You'll be all outfitted in your wardrobe for another winter's visit by the end of this one. It's been quite cold this way as well with -25 one morning and today is -20C. Are you enjoying how it makes the nose tingle? Ha ha ;)
ReplyDeleteWendy x
We are enjoying theCanada season very much. I actually had most of the clothing from previous visits - the coat which lives here and my old gloves etc. bought new boots on arrival and love them. One more snow adventure this week and then the long trip home. HappyNew Year!
DeleteLooks like you are having a great visit Patricia!!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Years to you...
Cheers!
Linda :o)
It is all great fun with the boys and the snow. Canada sure gave us the White Christmas - sure has been cold this week but my coat works well and I have not shivered once. I walk most days around the neighbourhood. HappyNew Year!
DeleteLove your barn pics!
DeleteI haven't seen The Crown Patricia, but I do suspect from what you say that much of it is most likely to be a figment of the actually truth.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to see your husband playing chess with the eldest Canadian grandson.
Well Patricia, your homeland has already left 2017 well behind, but you are gaining a few extras hours before entering 2018. Happy 2018 to you and your family when it arrives with you in Canada.
Yes, I find the Crown both riveting and frustrating when it does not match up with how I remember people and events. I think it is somewhat tailored to the modern audience. We are enjoying our time with the boys very much - they are bright and funny. I have adjusted well to the extreme cold and live tramping out in the -20c snow! The coat is crucial.. Happy New Year Rosemary.
DeleteThat fruit cake looks Yummy. I think people either like fruit cake or they don't, and I love it! You had a wonderful Christmas, with the snow and especially with family. I dream of having a white Christmas someday. That sounds so nice. Frost bite warnings, oh my - it must be freezing there. I bet it was so fun to see the little one play in the snow.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I am taking a blog break for awhile, the girls will post as often as they can, which will probably be every couple weeks, and I will continue to visit your charming blog. It warms my heart. Happy New Year, Patricia.
love, ~Sheri
Thank you Sheri, I am glad you still enjoy reading the blogs. We have been having an amazing time in Canada with many snow adventures. Next week when we get home I will post more. Happy New Year!!
DeleteHappy New Year to you and your family Patricia. It looks like you are enjoying the season - cold though it may be. Such a good thing that you can spend time with your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you Darla and I wish you health and happiness in 2018. It has been amazing having the White Christmas here but soon we have to go home, with many wonderful memories.
DeleteYour photos are so lovely, they look look the perfect Christmas, white, cozy and heart-warming. And I'm glad you got The Crown - I have also been binge watching it :-)
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo