getting ready ~ and a general update

Where to even begin? This time of year is crazy for most everyone. Between all the Christmas prep, get-togethers with friends and family, and all the regular errands and household stuff, it's enough to make anyone stressed out.

 Our weather has been mild lately, so I did take some time out to walk in the State Park this weekend. I usually just walk around the neighborhood, which becomes a little boring and stale. The State Park was peaceful with beautiful views and the crisp air felt so good. I paused to take some deep, cleansing breaths and went home feeling more relaxed but yet energized.

 And last night, Brian and I bundled up and took a night walk around our neighborhood. I don't walk alone in the dark, so walking at night was a different - and very refreshing - experience. We stopped to look in amazement at all the stars in the sky and to admire neighbor's Christmas lights. This one house in our neighborhood puts lights on the gigantic pine tree in their front yard. You can estimate the size of the tree by the house in the background. It's spectacular to see in person. I think walking outdoors will come to a halt next week when our highs are forecasted to be in the teens. 😒

I think I'm finally ready for Christmas. I'm working tonight on the last of my baking. Are you familiar with Nanaimo bars? It's a three-layer Canadian dessert, named after the city of Nanaimo, British Columbia. I don't know what prompted me to think of them this year - I haven't had them in many years - but I got the urge to make them. I ordered the Bird's custard powder from amazon. Click here for the recipe if you're interested.

My darling girl, Clementine isn't doing too well. She'd been seeing a veterinary dermatologist for skin issues and through blood and urine tests, this vet suspected possible kidney issues. We were then referred to an internal medicine vet, who did more blood and urine tests plus an ultrasound. Clementine does indeed have the beginnings of kidney disease. She only has approximately a couple more years to live. She is only 8-9 years old and cats can easily live until they're 20+, so we are absolutely heartbroken to know that her life will be cut short. 

My "baby" turned 27 yesterday. How did this happen in the blink of an eye? This is a recent photo of him with Zippo - our 18-1/2 year old fur baby. You might recall from other recent posts that Zippo has glaucoma, cataracts, and thyroid disease. He's doing really well under the care of an eye vet (so many specialists, even for animals!) and his regular vet. But we know our time is limited with him, too because of his age and illnesses. He's also mostly deaf and a bit senile, but for his age, it comes with the territory. It does bring me peace of mind to know that he's had a good, long life full of lots of love. Tim found him outside on our property when he was only a few months old.

This weekend will be busy...a get-together with friends at a wine bar on Friday night; lunch with the in-laws on Saturday; Christmas Eve festivities with extended family on Sunday and then finally ~ a quiet Christmas at home with just the three of us and the cats.

Wishing all of you much love, good health and blessings this holiday season!