December 31, 2014

Jamie 

We had a great time out celebrating at David & Sylvia's traditional New Year's Eve Eve party! It was a treat to see their newly renovated space and to catch up with everyone. Hugs abounded!!

 

Shannon
In a mad dash to sum up and finish off the year before the year finishes, I spend a lot of yesterday vlogging and got 3 book centric vlogs done which of course was way too much. But that's what happens when I've not vlogged in a while! At least when I use my phone I don't have to edit or compress them. I was happy to get these done though, books and really has really meant a lot to me in 2014 and I really felt strongly about summing it up and sharing the experiences of the year. I hope people like them!

Suzie

It was one of the last days of Michael's Boxing Day Sale and I convinced Reg to take me to Michaels. I know he was wary of doing so but I brought my puffer and discovered a Michaels that's actually quite close to us with a huge parking lot so we were off. I got yarn for hat-making but I also really wanted a keepsake box for the things I have from Mom. Reg found this one and I knew it was it! I inherited two peacock shirts from mom and they always remind me of Vancouver Island because of Hatley Castle and Mom and I had such a good visit when she came there. I think Mom also really taught me a lot about embracing the beauty of colour. I am so glad I found such a special box to honour things that remind me of Mom.

December 30, 2014

Jamie

Well, it's that time, the time I sit down with my dreams and some magazines and make my Vision Cards for the year ahead. I popped out today to get some new mags and though some are still holiday focused, that's actually great because they have lots of magic and sparkle - just what I'm looking for!

Shannon
I think I've finished my last book of the year, and it's a Those Books book! Although I didn't finish Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town before the holidays as planned, I did finish it by the end of the year and for that I'm counting it as a win. It was very charming and I can see how it's continued to be enjoyed over the years. It makes for my 4th Canadian book of the year, 7th of Those Books and 65th for the years total (unless I finish something in 48 hours!).

Suzie

I did it! I sat down with Reg and watched the first episode of Isis while eating a Curlywurly chocolate bar. I felt like such a kid! I actually remembered the intro quite well and it was exciting to see. Reg said he used to watch a show that was so similar, I think he called in the Phoenix or something. Similar premise. Yes, it was cheesy but I loved it! I totally want to make her costume now.

December 29, 2014

Jamie

My traditional shot of going to the movies: a shot of Shannon taking a picture of the poster as we go to the movies :) I'm so glad the weather cooperated and we were able to get out to see The Hobbit over the holidays! What a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon :)

Shannon
It was so much fun to get out to see the final Hobbit film! Getting out to the movies during the holidays is such a treat, especially as this year it has been so mild that it's been possible to do so. It also amazes me that I read the book for this film almost 3 years ago now, and I retained almost none of it, so I have no idea how true to the book they were. Crazy!

December 28, 2014

Shannon
I'm kind of resisting putting away my presents (I don't want the holidays to end!), but I did cave and put up my Halo Calender! Sorry Fish Calendar of 2014...you have been usurped!

Suzie

We had a Skype call with our friends Mike and Jen and this moment was so funny, I had to take a photo. It was of their poinsettia! Ours is still alive so I guess I'm doing a pretty good job of taking care of it. Reg and I are wearing matching Star Trek hoodies while hanging out with our dear friends.

December 27, 2014

Jamie 

Ahh... a relaxing day. What a delight! The weather is so mild too that Justin and I decided to get out for a walk (an especially good idea after so many Christmas treats!) It was amazing to see how many people had gone to a real effort to light up the streets. I'm glad I brought my camera!

Shannon
It was so much fun to kick back and play games over the holidays, including being a "Shrewd Dealer" Bob who did really well until... well.. he didn't. Fun times!!

 

Suzie

You know we're really sick when we don't take a photo. This is one I took of Reg on Christmas. He didn't want me to put it up on FB because he doesn't want to be all about "stuff" but he did want to celebrate the geekiest Christmas ever for him which made him ver happy. Which makes me very happy too. And he can keep busy while I fall into a healing coma for a week.

December 26, 2014

Jamie 

What a highlight to be able to get together this way on Christmas Day! It was great to share stories of the day and clearly some laughter! It's amazing how Skype can transmit the love :)

Shannon
It's a Skype-Family-Christmas! It was great to get a chance to see everyone together, although it's wild to see everyone's different views!

 

Suzie

I wish I had a better screen shot that included everyone but we got edited down! At least we're all technically together in the photo, just as we were technically together yesterday online for Christmas. Which was amazing. I'm so grateful we could do this. I miss you all so much. I hope everyone had a very, merry Christmas.

December 25, 2015

Jamie

We had a wonderful time celebrating on Christmas Eve. We tucked into a very traditional meal which we've never cooked before, hehe, and enjoyed a great visit with Dad. Merry Christmas, everyone!

December 24, 2014

Jamie

The shopping is complete. The house is clean and decorated and feels like Christmas. Today we'll be baking and finishing up the wrapping. The holidays are definitely here.

Shannon
It's hard to believe that it's Christmas Eve! I am very much looking forward to festivities and celebrating and enjoying good company and connecting. Here we go!!!

Suzie

Reg and I took two buses (one very pokey one) and it took one hour to get all the way down to Stanley Park. We wanted to go on the Christmas Train and it was sold out! We got hot beverages and walked around the light festival which was amazing. I met who I call the Winter Warlock (apparently he is the Winter Wizard) and man, that guy would not break character. He asked me if I was a monster and all sorts of stuff and I was like, focus on Reg!!! But I did my best to do a back-and-forth. It was so weird to go out on an event like this and be too warm! It rocked.

December 23, 2014

Jamie

I'm learning something new: knitting in the round! Justin really, really wants a pair of mittens for Christmas and so I'm working on it! It's quite a challenge but I'm really proud of how it's going - luckily I have a knitting guru I can consult on a regular basis. Thank you, Shannon!

Shannon
This is me being ridiculously gleeful after completing a level on the Candy game. Oh my. I was trying to figure this one out for 2 weeks at least. I am not quite sure what it was that finally got me over the hurdle, but I did. Crazy level 86, why were you so hard?

Suzie

We only accomplished getting groceries yesterday which was incredibly stressful with all the other busy shoppers. So glad that is over! This is what the sky looked like on the way to the car. It had these amazing streaks in the clouds, never seen anything like it before. We didn't get rain on the first longer day of the year which was nice, even though it is always so dark.

December 22, 2014

Jamie

What a beautiful solstice celebration! This year we're playing with the holidays, looking for what fits just right. We moved our big turkey dinner to the winter solstice and it was delightful. It was a gentle day full of cooking and good food, sitting back in front of movies and enjoying good company. The weather was crisp but clear and I made sure to go outside and connect to the night and the cold. A beautiful winter celebration.

Shannon
Okay this Christmas vignette has a bit of Halloween crossover with the owl coming out to play. Who says owls don't love Christmas too?

Suzie

Reg and I had a wonderful weekend hanging out mostly at home to avoid the crowds but did go play D&D last night. That's me falling through a window onto a woman who run an orphanage, killing her. It just got worse from there. I may have to buy new dice because I can't seem to roll more than a 1 anymore.

December 21, 2014: Random

Jamie

This is random but current. I was SO delighted to walk down the street and be greeted by the lovely Priscilla. She's beautifully brushed and looking well, much better than the last time I saw her. Then she looked very poorly and I was worried about her. As I pet her this time, a lady with a young girl in a stroller walked by and told me they say hi to Priscilla every day when they go for their walk. Clearly she's a loving favourite in the hood.

Shannon
Now if I could just get him to blog for me....

Suzie

A stunning storefront Christmasy window in downtown Vancouver. Love the idea of a glamorous Christmas!

December 20, 2014

Jamie

We did a whole bunch of baking gifts this year. The treats were housed in these wonderful boxes. We kept them in the fridge and it just cracked me up to see them there!

Shannon
I had a blast watching the finale 2 episodes of The Voice S7 with Jamie. It's been a great season, and they pulled out the big guns for the final show and it totally rocked. What a fun ride, and so much good music and great singing to enjoy through the entire season.

Suzie

I know I shared this on Facebook already but making these ears made me so happy yesterday. I am also seriously getting the hang of using the sewing machine which made these puppies in no time flat! Which I found very exciting. I have officially wound a bobbin, treaded it and the machine all by myself. I'm playing with tension, threading… You name it! Once I realized I just want to go crazy with the machine first and just play and make silly stuff, there was no stopping me. Except the noise. Gotta be kind to the neighbours, LOL.

December 19, 2014

Jamie

What a whirlwind of a day yesterday was! I did some work in the morning and then headed out and finished off the last of my Christmas gift shopping. When I got home, Justin and I dove into a baking frenzy and made Caramel Brownies and White Chocolate Cranberry Blondies, grabbed a quick sandwich and then headed out to guitar! The holidays are upon us!

Shannon
More Christmasy goodness, and I really like this one. Feels like a many different places come together kinda group :)

Suzie

It was the only part of my day that wasn't super stressful and worrisome but we did it! We went to see the final instalment of The Hobbit.

December 18, 2014

Jamie

I had a great time out with my friend Sabine last night. We always laugh that we meet at this big, loud sports bar. We just happened to do it once and we always get a booth and so it's become somewhat of a tradition - along with talking for hours about deep things. I <3 Sabine. I'm delighted to have some friend time for the holidays!

Shannon
Potato goodness! Thank you Suzie so much for this recipe, it was again totally amazing the second time round. And it went pretty well with the Garlic Lime chicken (I wasn't sure if 2 citrus dishes was complementary or a faux pas. The clean plates suggested it was okay. And brocolli...couldn't go green-less. :)

ps, speaking of faux pas... I forgot to add the picture! Oopies! Here it is now.

Suzie

My crafts room is so close to being complete! I finally got my rug (yay!!!) and the organization unit and now the bulletin board and dream board frame have to go up and I'll be done. Still lots of cleaning, organizing and that kind of stuff to do but the room itself is complete. I could not be happier!

December 17, 2014

Jamie 

I was so excited this week to discover that Indie Kindred was available on DVD! Jen Lee created this film and they showed it at WDS. To me, it looked like the world of blogging on film and I couldn't wait to see it - and now I can! I ordered it from Amazon.com as a kind of Christmas Gift to myself.

 

Shannon
Holiday goodness time! This is one of my faves of the vignettes, The Christmas Band! Even the reindeer can play along with their own bell to ring. :)

Suzie

We got our tree! We found it at Walmart and she is perfect. We haven't decorated her yet though but Reg put her up and then we watched Charlie Brown Christmas which, as always, was depressing but that's OK, I love our winterberry tree.

December 16, 2014

Jamie

Justin and I decided to get into the holiday feeling by getting out to the movies and then to dinner. We saw The Theory of Everything, which was a powerful story brilliantly acted but, of course, very tough to watch as you see the impact of illness on famous physicist Stephen Hawking and those around him - very heavy. Afterwards we had a great dinner at a local pub, which we managed to get a seat at despite all of the Christmas after-work get-togethers!

Shannon
I hit a bit of a reading slump recently and as such I'm a little behind where I projected I would be for the Those Books Exploration. I would love for the pace of the books to be about one a month, but I'm still reading my November selection of Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town by Stephen Leacock. I'm really enjoying it, but I would like to finish it before Christmas so I can work on yearly retrospective stuff between Christmas. To provide myself some incentive to to finish it by then, I made a countdown calendar! These tend to get me out of a slump, and so far it's working. Each house represents a chapter/vignette and I colour in the roof when I've read the chapter. I'm now feeling pretty confident now that I'll make my goal!

Suzie

Reg and I went to IKEA yesterday to pick up some final things for my crafts room and this wall of veggies cracked me up.

December 15, 2014

Jamie

I'm so glad we had an Art Day yesterday! We played with watercolours and it was really interesting. I'm noticing now how much I'm wanting to bring in markers and I'm wondering whether that's becoming habit or preference! I think this is just the beginning of these piece. I like working with these over time, doing some when I can sit down to art day and pulling markers out when I have some time here and there.

Shannon
Art Day! I had a blast working on this piece, especially the little dots and lines which literally came out of using something I normally avoid: a small brush. And because a lot of the work was still wet, I knew I needed to do something that took a lot of time (another thing I don't tend to go for), because I worked on a drier area and was waiting for the rest to dry. I love the result. Little dots. Who knew they would be so fun?

Suzie

Reg and I went downtown to go to the Vancouver Christmas Market but I had heard about a Ferrero Rocher display so we went to check it out. Here is Reg being swept away by the magic of chocolate.

Random: December 14

Jamie 

It's so funny when you come across a picture of yourself that you don't remember taking at all! This is one of those moments, which qualifies it for "random," I think :)

Shannon
I can't imagine noting this as anything *other* than Random. Perhaps Holiday Random :)

Suzie

Took this when I was downtown for the chocolate shop article. They built this new building around the old building. And look how the top sort of sticks out on the top right. Vancouver is one unique city.