The Christmas Party

boston lettuce salad

salmon entree

Friend S invited me to accompany her to her office Christmas party as I have been doing for the past 2 or 3 years.  It was fun to see everyone dressed up in all their finery although it was very cold that evening -7c (19F).  There was an open bar so we had some cocktails, many appetizers and chatted with some of S's co-workers.  Before long, it was time to go into the dining room to our assigned tables.  We chose to have the salmon entree.  We were served a squash soup and a boston lettuce salad for starters.  Dessert was a chocolate torte with fruit and whipped cream.  S and I were getting tired so we left as the dancing started.

One interesting story was that one of the young mothers at the party gave birth to her 2nd child in the office washroom some this past summer.  Her mother arrived just in time to help with the delivery and they waited for the paramedics to arrive, they cut the umbilical cord.  

Paint Party Friday - The Ring

Welcome to Paint Party Friday! This is an ACEO (2 1/2" x 3 1/2") in permanent marker outlined with a PITT finepoint marker. I called it 'The Ring' inspired by a photo I saw in a magazine. There is something appealing about a beautiful diamond ring don't you think?

New Eyeglasses

I saw an optometrist at the end of October after a long time.  I had been relying on my opthalmologist for years as I go there to check my cataract annually.  However, the optometrist has more time to do a thorough eye exam as opposed to a specific check.  My prescription had changed slightly so I decided to get new eyeglasses and sunglasses.  The sunglasses weren't even progressive lenses before.  I figure it had been at least 11 years since I changed eyeglasses.  It was time.

I had been removing my old eyeglasses a lot for reading and now with the new prescription I don't have to!  My life has improved in a small way!  The optometrist also had more time for questions.  He told me I was not a candidate for laser eye surgery with the cataract, I had always wondered about that although I never considered that surgery.  If and when the time comes I would get new 'lenses' put inside the eye which would give me perfect eyesight.  They always do both eyes to equalize your vision.

Scribble Picnic - A Few of My Favourite Things

So here are a few of my favourite things for Scribble Picnic today! It is done in my sketchbook in permanent marker, outlined with a PITT finepoint marker. Those favourite things would be 'cheesies, music, my laptop, flowers and chocolates'!  Maybe I should have added my smart phone because that is perhaps more indispensable than a laptop these days, I feel truly lost without it.

On Death Cleaning.

For me number 8 would be the perfect banana how about you?

Here is an interesting article on 'Death Cleaning'. It means decluttering before you go. Some see it as a responsibility, not leaving the burden of your possessions behind for others to clean up.  I asked my daughter to consider getting me 'The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning' by Margareta Magnusson as described in the article.

My Gift Baskets

I made a couple of gift baskets for some special people this year. I am quite pleased with how they turned out! It all started with me finding some nice trays.  The main item in one of them is a silk flower arrangement.  The other has some nice bottles of wine.  Then I added several knick knacks to each basket such as  coasters, straws, ornaments, nuts, and chocolates.  Be careful with adding nuts as some have nut allergies.

The Visit

I borrowed this image above from blogger Sheryl at Handmade Happiness.

Husband M and I went to visit my uncle at the long term care home where he lives, our Chrismas visit I guess.  I always make sure his partner will be there when we visit as he has advancing dementia.  He is on the ward where they are locked in now.   He used to appreciate a box of unsalted cashews but this year I took a poinsettia plant to brighten his room.  They feed him now, he eats more like baby food.  My husband thinks he recognized me, but I can't be sure.  He is lucky to have his partner there with him 5 out of 7 days a week and she stays for 6 hours each day.