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Potato leek soup
My husband and I hosted Thanksgiving dinner at our house. Roast chicken, potato and celeriac purée and a medley of colourful roasted vegetables. My brother and sister-in-law made the trek from Ottawa with my two nieces and nephew. My daughter was home from university. The grandmothers were happy all kids and grandkids were present. Eleven family members packed around our table. We all had many things to be thankful for as we went around the table: family, friends, health, peace, homes safe from hurricanes and tornadoes, good food, a week off school, swimming, donuts, molasses Halloween candy. It was a good long list. After dinner we played the game Listography.…
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Go with love
The first stop on the French Way of the Camino de Santiago is Roncesvalles. It feels momentous to arrive in this small village. You’ve made it over the Pyrenees, left France behind and arrived in Spain. It’s Buenos Dias and Buen Camino from here on out. Another momentous occasion in Roncesvalles is the pilgrims mass in Iglesia de La Colegiata de Santa Maria. This intimate gothic church has exquisite stain glass and fantastic acoustics. The church fills with locals and eager pilgrims from all over the world embarking on the 800 km walk to Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrims may set out from home on an individual journey but quickly become…
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Holiday traditions
My living room is decked out for the holidays all Hyggelig (remember the Danish concept of cosy contentedness?). Many of the same ornaments adorn our home year after year, including my retro 1970s reindeers, one of my grandmother’s hand-stitched stockings and my daughter’s crafts from when she was little. I enjoy these familiar traditions. Though it’s also fun to learn new ones. Which brings me to a popular Spanish tradition. La Lotería de Navidad or the Christmas Lottery. I happened upon this tradition in Madrid this October. I noticed a long line of people winding around a block in the Puerta del Sol area. They were waiting patiently, not for…
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Trying new things
It’s a new year. I am not one to make New Years resolutions but I do like to try new things. In fact that was one motivation for setting up this blog. Trying something new can break the monotony of routine, stimulate creativity, or get me looking at things from a new perspective. Sometimes simply cooking a new dish or listening to new music can reinvigorate me. One of the new things I am so glad I tried in 2021 was forest bathing. Distinct from walking or hiking in nature, forest bathing encourages you to slow down, even sit down, and connect with the forest (see Forest bathing invitations for…
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The Optimist
It’s that time of year. The squirrels are fat. Slower. One of these days I will catch one. The white fluffy stuff comes and goes. I can curl up in front of the fireplace. It’s toasty. Other than some salt on my paws, it’s been another tail wagging year. My family was home a lot again though there were more comings and goings than last year. Oh let me tell you about one new coming and going! One of my family (the one who lets me sleep in her bed) goes somewhere new. Somewhere magical. When she comes home her shoes are all meaty smelling. A most delightful aroma. I…
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Simplicity
Simplicity. This is the name of our Christmas tree this year. (Our local garden centre attaches a name tag on each tree to add a little whimsy to the tree selection experience.) The tree fits nicely in our home. It’s not too tall, so there’s room for the star on top. The bushy green branches are well spaced to host our assortment of well-worn ornaments. We chose the tree for its pleasing shape and size rather than its name. But the name fits quite well too. Wizard, Joey or Audi would not feel right this year. In a year where good health, family and a comfy home are appreciated more…
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A hyggelig time
There is a warm glow from the fireplace. The air smells of tangy Balsam fir. The soft lights on the Christmas tree twinkle. The dog is curled up on the sheepskin rug basking in the heat of the fire. On the mantle are homemade clay pots from our wedding filled with cedar clippings from the garden, and three little reindeers from my childhood. It’s cold outside. I am cozy in my wool socks, under a soft blanket on my couch, sipping warm cinnamon tea and eating a gingerbread cookie. My husband and daughter are sitting nearby quietly reading. Hygge (pronounced hoogaa). I have used the word hygge so many times…
