THREE More Sleeps!

ONE

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So, Christmas Lovers, are you ready? It really is hard to believe there are only three more sleeps, but ready or not, here we are. When a person gets closer to the big day, especially if one is hosting the festivities and family gatherings, it is suddenly very easy to cross things off the list that were really only hopefuls anyway. At this late stage, only essentials need apply. 

But we're not hosting this year, so for me, it's been a gentle rhythm of getting into the Christmas spirit. A little baking, a little cleaning, some decorating when the whim inspires, a little shopping, a concert or two. Enjoying the rustle of tissue paper, not to mention the sampling of chocolates and baking. All with cheerful cups of tea and Christmas music in the air ... and, since there's no pressure, there's also time for being quiet with one's thoughts and for being in wonder all over again as we prepare for this beautiful and sacred time of year.

TWO

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Over the last couple of weeks my desk has become quite the happy mess of Christmas miscellany: pretty greetings cards and postage stamps, stashes of coloured ribbons, tissue paper, scissors, and pens. With the added string of cheery lights, it has become a favourite cozy nook as evening shadows lengthen.

We've been writing out cards, making lists, dreaming up something nice for you to read here. Even composing a note with some hard-to-say things to someone dear. Yet I feel comforted as I sit here at my antique table in the warm glow.

THREE

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Beribboned packages are beginning to show up in various corners of the house. Oh, what fun! I love presents and I love surprises of a good kind. I used to be the kid under the tree rattling all the boxes to see if they shook. We have presents under the tree, but they seem to be gathering elsewhere as well.

Surprise Santa parcels are arriving in the mailbox which we then add to the growing pile. There's more parcels inside that gorgeous box with the gold dots. I thought the elegant ceramic birds perched on top--both a gift from a dear friend earlier this month--lend a certain je ne sais quoi to this little vignette.

FOUR

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Now, who can talk about Christmas baking without providing some eye candy and maybe a recipe to go with it. This Chocolate Marshmallow Roll was a favourite at Christmas when we were kids growing up. It was especially yummy, stolen and eaten straight from the freezer. With a texture that's soft and crunchy, sweet and chocolate-y -- what is there not to love?

The other evening I happened to say to Rick, "I think I'm getting addicted to those marshmallow pieces.

"No getting addicted, you already are," said he, with a grin.

Haha ... indeed, she is already obsessed. Quite.

I promised Facebook friends I'd share the recipe. So here it is. Quite simple. A tad messy, which just means you'll have to lick your fingers, not just the bowl, when it's all done.
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CHOCOLATE MARSHMALLOW ROLL

1/2 cup butter

1 450g (16oz) package milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 450g (16oz) package coloured miniature marshmallows

1 cup broken walnuts

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup or so flaked coconut

Melt butter and chocolate chips in heavy saucepan on low heat;

stir until smooth and creamy.

Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.

Fold in marshmallows and walnuts; mix till everything is coated.

Sprinkle a generous sheet of wax paper with the coconut.

Spoon out marshmallow mix onto coconut.
Form into two logs using the wax paper to shape.
Finish rolling the logs in coconut.

Refrigerate at least one hour
before indulging slicing into 3/4 inch slices.

 

FIVE

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As a way to close out this old year, as this may well be my last post for 2016, I decided to post one of our holiday photos taken this past summer. Rick and I are standing at the entry of the Glasgow Botanic Garden on a cloudy afternoon. 'Twas a wee bit rainy, which meant I finally had a chance to wear my new red raincoat; the weather had been so lovely we hardly needed it.

Looking ahead to the new year, I still have photos I want to share of our holiday to England ... I never did show you pictures of our visit to Highclere Castle where Downton Abbey was filmed. We had a wonderful tour of the house and gardens, and it really did feel special walking down that grand staircase in the main hall, even though we were wearing our heavy duty walking shoes... no sign of dance slippers or elegant Lady Mary shoes that day.

And so, dear beautiful friends, before I go I want to wish each of you a very special Christmas. May you catch glimpses of heaven in unexpected places. May you experience tidings of comfort and joy. And for those with light, merry hearts, may there be much laughter and celebration.

God bless us everyone!

Love,

Brenda

xox

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