Shopping in Oshawa

Boxing week wouldn't be complete without a trip west to Oshawa mall for a big day shopping.
So far we have been to Chapters, several card stores, two shoe stores, countless women's clothing stores and eaten lunch.
Shopping could be an Olympic sport. Its a gruelling, grinding, tough haul. Right now there are about a half dozen men sitting on benches outside an Old Navy store waiting.

First sleepover

Emily stayed over at Madison's house last night for her first sleepover. It was seriouly weird not having her in the house at the end of the day. It makes you realize how much she is part of the routine of daily life. Bath, brush teeth, read a book,and then a kiss goodnight.
Not surprising I did not sleep very well.
It was a landmark
We have had a few quiet days, swimming and feeding the ducks in the harbour. There are the usual mallards, a pair of swans, and a few buffleheads.
It is nice to have some rest.

Boxing Day

Shopping. Boxing Day is about shopping. So, Michele and her good friend Sharie-Lynn spent most of the day doing just that. By 9 a.m., they were at the mall.
Emily and I took off to Tim Horton's.for a hot chocolate and cup of tea. Then, it was off to the harbour for a walk along the beach. There are two resident swans and some ducks.
It was back home. We picked up the shoppers later and then went swimming at the Y.
Finally, we had dinner and to bed. A nice day.

Christmas Day

After attending a lovely evening service at St. Andrew's Church on Christmas Eve, we had a quite evening. Emily opened her Christmas Eve gifts and got an ornament and a book.
Christmas morning was crazy. We were up at 6:30, not particularly early by some standards. Santa arrived and stayed much too long. He left a far too many presents.
Emily received a new pair of slippersn Scooby-Doo cuddle pillow, a new stocking, lots of DVDs and a massive potato (large enough to feed a family of six).
Michele got some figurines from her favourite movie, Wallace and Grommit. She also got some jewellery and gift cards.
It was a wonderful morning.
The afternoon was quiet. The threat of falling temperatures meant Brenda wa fretting. So, we suggested we would have our meal later in the week.
Our dinner was three beautiful steaks, some potatoes, brussel sprouts and egg nog. It was fantastic.
Then, we played Scrabble. Emily is emerging as a great player. Whe won for the first time. That was the best gift of the day.
the day ended with watching some movies. It was a great day.

Christmas eve with angela

Just got back from Angela's, .ichele's good friend. She lives down at the corner. Her two girls are very sweet.
We exchanged gifts and caught up on plans. We are getting ready to go out to Ray and Brenda's for dinner. We hope to be home in time for church

Christmas blog

Yes, I am going to try to blog this vacation. Stay tuned. I need the practice.

Coming up for air

Going through a semester is a lot like swimming the length of a pool underwater. You take a huge breath at the beginning. Dive down and swim like hell. Half way you come up for a breath and drop under, swimming once gain. When you reach the end of the pool, lungs ache, head spins and you gasp for air. Yup, that is a semester.

So, it is time to start back blogging about life around here. Not bad, staring on Dec. 1.

There is plenty going on with university, teaching and family. Stay tuned.