Happy New Year. The holiday season is over and now I have the time to make another blog entry. Some people ask me why I write a blog. Who is the blog for? The short answer is: I write the blog for myself. I am pleased that other people take the time to read the blog. Over 25000 hits have registered on this blog in the five years since the blog, Into the Blue, was created. There are around 200 views of this blog every month according to recent statistics.
Back to the holiday season...
1. When I was a teacher and when Judy and I had a young family, we would be involved in six or more concerts or recitals every year because we had a our school Christmas production, church Christmas pageants, the girls' recitals, Saskatoon Children's Choir, Silverwood singers, etc. Since retiring, the centre attraction of the Christmas season has become Fireside Singers Christmas Production. Mary has been with Fireside Singers for the last several years. Fireside Singers' Christmas production is nothing short of amazing. Most of Mary's dearest and long lasting friends are a part of Fireside. Seeing them on stage for the first time since the pandemic began was a great joy. Of course, seeing Mary on stage is emotional for me. I have been watching Mary on Stage for 34 years. She played baby Jesus when she was 3 months old and has continued to perform her whole life. She is surrounded by amazing talent on stage, but the one I go to see is my Mare Bare.
2. Haley and Dustin had a mini vacay before Christmas. They traveled to Whitefish, Montana on a ski trip. They went with their close friends (Brett and Michelle Hardy), the grand dogs, snowboards, winter gear, and the usual 5 tons of luggage they usually lug around when they vacation. They had a fantastic time. The snow was marvellous and Haley was thrilled to learn how to snowboard. Haley mentioned in her latest blog (icingandanimalcrackers.ca) how she was not interested in fitness and sport when she was young mainly because she lacked confidence. Now, she is the family jock. She learned to wake surf. She is a gym rat who goes to the gym several times a week. She is an excellent dancer which is no surprise with the Polish blood coursing through her veins. She bikes and hikes and stays active in many ways. Haley also coaches junior volleyball and badminton at her school. Moreover, she is a knowledgeable sports fan. She can talk Rider stuff with her uncle Vince and she is right up to date with the NFL especially with her favourite team, The Seattle Seahawks.
3. I am continuing to play hockey. There was a mild outbreak of Covid among the players in late November so we had a two week circuit breaker. So far, we have been able to continue playing, but I suspect there may have to be another circuit breaker in the coming days. Linda and I attended the Hockey Christmas Banquet and Dance at the Western Development Museum on December 14. People I know marvel at the fact our league has over 30 players who have continued to play hockey into their 80s. We sat at the kids' table with the 60 somethings. Haha.
4. We had our annual Christmas Eve party at my house. To ensure some measure of caution, we all performed our rapid tests before participating. Luvisa and Gunnar provided the entertainment.
5. Haley hosted Christmas Dinner this year. Dustin cooked the bird on his Traeger smoker. Besides my crew, Dustin's parents and his sister, Dez, enjoyed Christmas Dinner together.
6. Linda and I spent two days at Elkridge Resort between Christmas and New Year's Eve. In spite of mind numbing cold, we skied, snowshoed, and skated. Elkridge was stunningly beautiful with ample snowfall, snow laden evergreens, Christmas lights, and wintery vistas...like being in a perfect Christmas card scene.
7. On New Year's Eve, we had a fondue at my place and played games. Luvisa and Gunnar provided another sterling performance.
And now, I am settling into the dog days of winter. I have shovelled a lot of snow. The deep freeze is well stocked with food. There is still plenty of wood on the wood pile. I have been helping Linda refinish some furniture pieces most importantly a kids' table and chairs for Luv and Gunnar. I have been dabbling in painting landscapes a la Monet using acrylic paints. Last winter's hobby was carving wooden spoons, but I haven't begun carving this winter. Perhaps, I will. My life continues to be good. Thank God, I am healthy, loved, and guided. I wish the same for you.
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