Woke up to find Santa had arrived leaving stockings under the tree on the wall. I was very spoiled both by Ashlée and the Guedes clan in Cranbrook who had sent my gifts ahead.
Ashlée liked her treasures too
she made us pancakes and then we watched a cheesy movie in our Jammie’s on the couch and face timed with family
before we knew it it was time to get ready to go as we had been invited to the family home of one of hers friends for dinner. Imagine my surprise when I found out they lived in Paradise
turns out our hostess, Nancy and I had much in common. Truth be told I knew we were going to be friends when I walked in the door and saw this…
she prepared a full on Newfoundland Christmas dinner complete with peas pudding and salt meat often one handed while chatting on the phone to family and friends. Mad skills!
It was enjoyed by her son, Jeff and her daughter Jemma, her boyfriend Chris and her two delightful daughters, Dahlia and Olivia as well as a family friend, Graham. I was overwhelmed by the welcome, the great food, the family!
immediately after dinner the two 20 something’s and the chef passed out while Graham and I played elves and cleaned up
poor Mitch was trapped under a pillow in the aftermath
a few selfies and even more hugs later we were off. It was so wonderful that it was hard to leave but promises were made to get together again.
we drove Graham home and then went looking at the lights. Along the way we saw a Circle K and had to stop for a picture as 11 years ago we had gone to Disneyland and there were no restaurants open after the park closed on Christmas Day so we had to stop for burritos at a Circle K. Good memories and we made more picking up beer from the BeerKave and buying lobster chips… Well, just because
next we went to Canterbury Place to watch the light show. We tuned to a certain radio channel and listened to music which the lights were timed to.
there is a beautiful tradition in the maritimes which I will quote the description of :
But possibly the strongest Celtic tradition is the candle in the window.
“It’s a very old tradition and was prominent across the Island before electricity came along,’’ said O’Connor. “Then it became a lighted wreath on the door. It was a welcome to any visitors on the road and an extension of hospitality to come inside.”
next we stopped for our 2014 santa picture… In a very cold wind
The last stop of the evening was to take a picture of a very popular chain here as one of the School Board members at home is Mary Brown
We arrived back home to meet one of the roommates, Rati. The three of us are in Jammie’s watching another cheesy Christmas movie.
What an amazing time I’ve had and it’s only been 26 hours landed!
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
triumphgal 