As this year comes to an end I am feeling so fortunate that I am able to take time away from work to rest and nest.
We had a wonderful Christmas this year, and our little part of the country was spared the worst of the wintry weather. A wind storm blew in on Tibbs Eve (December 23) and knocked out the power at my parents place, but fortunately they have a generator and a wood stove, so it didn’t hurt our holiday cheer, even when it didn’t come back on until about 7:30pm Christmas Eve. The power stayed on in Pugwash so Aldon still had to go into work on X-mas Eve, but I went to mom and dad’s and had a lovely day until he could join us. Mom cooked up an incredible clam chowder in an electric rice cooker and we feasted. As we enjoyed a post-supper beverage in front of the fire, waiting for friends to stop by, the power came back on! The only thing that would make it more festive would have been some snow – it was dark and green outside. We went to bed happy, full and wearing new plaid PJs (thanks, Santa-mom!).
I woke up first on Christmas Day (I usually do) and let the dog out, and what do you know? It started snowing! It was still dark outside, but as the day dawned, the snow kept falling. It snowed all day. Big, fluffy white flakes gently falling outside the windows – it was just like being in a snow globe. Magical! We all kept cozy in the house while outside a winter wonderland developed. It was a quiet Christmas, just the way I like it. Just the 4 of us (and Joker), though we certainly missed our loved ones from afar.
In what is technically November news, our family band Two +1 recorded a demo to share with the local radio station. I’m not sure if they’ll play it or not, but it was fun to do. Aldon took care of everything. We rented a bit of gear from L&M in Truro and then proceeded to play the same 6 songs over and over again in Dad’s workshop where we usually play together.
Somehow Aldon managed to find a decent take of each song (not an easy task) and spiff them up a bit. Mom found some old blank cds and printed off a CD cover, and we found an old school computer that still has a disc drive (not an easy task), and Aldon burned a few copies for mom and dad and their friends who still own cd players. If you’re keen to check it out, the digital files are available for streaming on our band page (interested in a download? Send me an email and I’ll get you the files).
Two +1 also played a volunteer gig at the local curling club for the Turkey-spiel this month. Mom curled and we provided the entertainment on Friday night. We even learned a few Christmas songs for the occasion! It was fun. The band is now on hiatus while my folks head South for a few months this winter. They’ll be back just in time for us to practice up for our next gig in May. In the meantime, we brought all of our gear home to our tiny flat and set-up a music room in studio in the front room.
I’m often going on about how much we love our place and how fortunate we feel to have found this amazing rental, and it just keeps getting better: we now have a hot tub! In the backyard. It’s insane. It’s incredible, I can’t get over it. Well, I need to get over it a bit, because we overindulged the first week we had it and my skin got a bit cranky, so I’m learning to take it easy and maybe not go in every day.
Since we had to incorporate all of the band gear into our place, I decided to nest this week. I call it nesting. It’s a thing I like to do every once in a while where I move everything, clean everything, go through cupboards and drawers and boxes, re-arrange the furniture and generally make our home feel fresh and new again (while retaining all of the coziness we’ve built). The last week of the year is the perfect time to nest. End of the year, change of seasons, and I have time and enough energy to move things around, try something new and get rid of what is no longer useful.
More changes will be coming in the new year – I’ve accepted the position of Market Manager for Pugwash Farmers’ Market! I had so much fun as a substitute for the holiday markets this winter that when I was approached about the possibility (after learning the previous manager had resigned), I had to seriously consider it. And I’ve decided that yes this is a very good idea. I’ve been involved with the market for years, and I love the people. I’ve been looking to supplement my web design work with something completely different, and to get more involved in the community, and this seems to me to be an excellent way to do both at the same time. I’m excited!
OK that’s a wrap on December. I have plenty to be grateful for, and I hope you do too. Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year and all the best in 2023.
P.S. I will be on the 30-day Yoga Journey in January as I have been for the past 3 years. It’s free if you want to join – let me know and we’ll do it together!
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