HAPPY NEW YEAR 2017!

Happy New Year!

I can't believe I haven't posted since October.

I got sick at the end of November. I thought it was a simple respiratory cold (which actually are never simple with me anyhow) but it turned into a sinus infection, and it settled in my left ear on Dec 5, where it proceeded to become an inner ear infection. I was quite ill for a while. Even though I was on antibiotics for the sinus infection, my ear didn't unplug for 3 whole weeks. I was very dizzy from the inner ear infection and it was ghastly. I recuperated enough to enjoy Christmas but it was low key with only Matthew here on Christmas Day for dinner. 

It began to snow on December 5th and it hasn't quit. It has snowed seven times total in December. We haven't seen the grass since Dec 4. Kelsie doesn't care for it anymore, poor thing. Here I am after my illness was nearly gone, in one of the blizzards.

It's been quite cold, with temps dropping to -9 C at night. Brrr....our street is never plowed or sanded or salted so it's an ice skating rink out there.

We had a quiet New Year's Eve too, as Leona didn't venture forth due to the ice. Robert and I watched the last episode of "The Crown" on Netflix, and I banged a pot at midnight and popped confetti onto the snow.

New Year's Day was a Sunday, but we didn't go to church. We ventured forth later for lunch at James Bay Cafe, and then went to Central Park for a walk in the gorgeous woods.

There have been some marvelous views in this winter wonderland.

Robert had today off, so after shopping for groceries, we went to Burnaby Village Museum which had free admission. I don't recall ever seeing it in the snow. We had hot chocolate in the cafe. It was delicious. I hope you all have a wonderful New Year!

By Loretta Houben

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016!

Happy New Year to all my dear friends and family!

I rarely hear from most of you, but as long as I'm able I will continue to post on this little blog of mine. It's similar to a journal, although my posts were down last year.

I'm not as prolific as I used to be, due to writing for the little local newspaper, and doing genealogy research. I went on quite a roll last year!

 After lounging about this AM and chatting with my sis Leona (1st one to call on the phone) and my parents, we went for a drive to see the gorgeous North Shore mountains, only they were encased in thick fog, so we wound up driving to Horseshoe Bay, a place I love, and there it was cold and clear so we walked along the pier and shore, took some photos, and had lunch at Trolls, a fish and chip place which has been there over 65 years. I'd never eaten there before. It was quite good, but not as good as Tony's Fish & Chips at Granville Island. We came home and I made a batch of New Year Kutchen; a German yeast dough recipe from my mom. Her mom, Helen Brutke, used to make them each New Year's Day. They have raisins and are delicious. It's best to eat them warm after they are deep fried. Yummy. You dip them in sugar and they are quite addictive.

 It was a nice relaxing day. Robert had all week off, and it flew by quickly.

I trust the New Year will bring you good things, and happy healthy days, filled with God's richest blessings.

By Loretta Houben

The last day of 2015.

It's hard to believe, as usual. But this year really whizzed past.

For me it was a difficult year for personal reasons which I won't go into.

I tried my best, yet could still try harder.

It was also a good year in other aspects. The 6 month drought in BC was phenomenal as it gave us many hot and sunny days. I felt sorrow for the dying trees, but other than that, I truly enjoyed all the sun and the glorious times spent outdoors in our little garden, and on our lovely back deck whenever the shade came round.

I seem to have collected a fair amount of new dolls this year.

I bought Grace Thomas on the right back in January.

Here she is enjoying a new pink dress which I got on sale a few weeks ago.

Grace was an extremely popular doll and her collection has sold out.

I took time this morning to dress and pose some of my dolls.

Raine is the newest doll, (2nd from left) bought a few weeks ago on sale at Sears.

She is Sears 18" doll version, and is the Newberry brand.

She is very cute and well made, and for only $32 Cdn is a very good price compared to $140 Cdn for an AG doll! 

I even made two party hats.

They were easy to do. I printed the free pattern from AmericanGirlIdeas.com

This is a fantastic site for free printables and ideas.

It was fun to end the year with some dolly play time and photos.

The little star ornament is from Dollarama, and the little black hats are from another dollar store.

Did I ever mention I frequent them constantly?

I hope you and yours have a blessed New Year in 2016 filled with God's richest blessings.

May love increase, may cares all cease;
And all the world rejoice in peace!

(from an online card)

By Loretta Houben