He Went Down in History

One of the things I love about Christmas time is all the charming TV programs. Last night was the 1964 version of "Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer". I can't even begin to count the number of times I've seen it, but Christmas wouldn't be the same without it. Don't you just love Yukon Cornelius! "We're on the island of misfit toys..." :-)

Hundreds of little black birds landed on the back lawn this morning - they didn't stay long, perhaps there wasn't much to eat. I love watching them swoosh through the air in an aerial display that would leave even the Snowbirds envious. How can they fly so closely in such formation?

We headed out this afternoon with the idea of getting a Christmas tree. After driving around getting our other errands done (including getting the best eggnog ever and a pear cider to try), Carm decided that he just wasn't up for it today. He's not feeling very Christmassy this year - probably because of the loss of his dad. Saturday would have been his 86th birthday - the whole family is missing him. We'll get our tree later in the week when Carm's more in the spirit.Or maybe we'll just cut down one of our trees that line the roads. Not a big one, but one of the Charlie Brown trees where they've been planted too closely. I just want a little tree - 4 1/2 to 5 feet would be perfect.

I think we've finally nailed down the recipe for the bread machine. We wanted a smaller loaf (2lb) and 100% whole wheat. The recipes in the booklet that came with the machine were for larger loaves and only 50% (or less) whole wheat. So we've been experimenting. Last night's loaf was almost perfect. We also changed flour brands (to Great Plains from Loblaws No-Name). The GP whole wheat is finer and also has better flavour. The other thing we've learned - no matter what time it is finished baking we MUST have a slice ;-)

Still big flocks of geese flying over!

The aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware.
Henry Miller