We did not usher in the new year with much fanfare. The fact that we are still recovering from being unwell meant that most of us were already in bed sleeping when the new year began. Truthfully, I was happy to get a good night sleep after a rough...
As we were enjoying the blessings of the Christmas season, a virus crept its way into our home. Fever, coughing, and runny noses, the little ones have been hit the hardest. Teddy was terribly croupy and needed a dose of steroids...
Throughout the month of December our family prepares for the celebration of Christmas. We light our advent candles and hang ornaments on our Jesse tree, along with other traditions that I mentioned earlier this month. What this means is that when Christmas finally...
The Christmas tree, a symbol of life and light, is for many people an integral part to the Christmas festivities. I do not remember a single Christmas without the sweet smell of an evergreen tree filling the house and it's etheral glow lighting up the room. Some years...
Earlier this week our learning circle gathered to make felt lanterns for the winter solstice. It was an exciting and wet activity, next time I will remind everyone to bring an extra change of clothing. Our lanterns turned out a little misshapen with some thin spots,...
There isn't any snow around our house right now but when I look out my front windows I can see that the snowline is moving steadily down the mountains. We don't need to travel far before we reach snow for some snow play.I have many fond memories of playing in the snow...
This morning I crawled out of bed reluctantly. Last week was filled with business and I couldn't make myself start this week at the same pace. I shuffled into the kitchen to start some oatmeal and then curled...
The winters in the Okanagan tend to be quite overcast. I find that the short cloudy days of this season can be a bit of a downer for me. While I enjoy the respite from the business of the spring, summer and fall, I miss the sun. When the sun does break through the...
Today Advent has begun. It is a time of anticipation and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Our family has several Advent traditions, some of our tradition have been passed on to us from our parents and others we've discovered on our own. I...
Grandpapa and Mémère arrive late last week and with them came warmth and cheer. Our home took on a festive spirit as paper snowflakes were hung from the ceiling, apple and sugar pies were baked, Christmas lights were stapled to the house and evenings were ended with a...
Today we had the opportunity to take part in a guided tour of the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory with our Learning Circle. Our guide was Ryan Ransom, a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Okanagan College. This professor is passionate about teaching...
Today is a day for us to remember the enormous sacrifice that men and women have made in past wars and to acknowledge those that continue to do so in present day conflicts. This morning we brought our family to our local Remembrance Day ceremony. There were other...
Yesterday we discovered a new trail. The trail goes straight up the hill behind our home. It seems to be well used by mountain bikers, ATVs and fellow hikers. From the top of the hill there is a beautiful view of the lake, a perfect spot for a picnic. Along the trail...
It rained yesterday, it was cold and I felt miserable. I snuggled under a pile of blankets and slept the afternoon away. Today the skies slowly cleared and with renewed energy we completed some much needed tasks around the yard. Two of the four raised garden beds were...
Tonight was the most spooktacular All Hallow's Eve celebration that I have ever taken part in. I hope that it becomes an annual event! It was the perfect mix of community, adventure, surprise, treats and cheese (err... I mean food). We began our celebration around...
Three years ago, when I was living more northerly, I convinced my husband and brother that it would be a good idea to go around town and pick the fruit from neglected apple trees. Most people were glad to give their apples way, since backyard bears are inconvenient...