Into the Gray.

"The weather is a friend if you make it one.

I look forward to the gray, quiet time for

solitude, contemplation, reading, long

conversations with friends. Colors are softer,

sounds have more depth, the pace is gentler.

Instead of resentment at the lack of sun, snuggle

into the gray velvet quilt and make yourself

a cup of tea."  Written by Jennifer Jones

I love these words by Jennifer Jones. Such an amazing way to describe Winter in our region. It may be gray outside, but inside, we are full of life, activities, memories and love. I'm not always crazy about the season but love it at Christmas, and on those days where we can choose to stay home when it's nasty outside, or we're forced to stay home if it's too dangerous to travel anywhere. Those are the days we're extra thankful for our warm little cottage, and work that lets us have the flexibility to just be. Making a pot of soup, steeping our tea, and cuddling down with warm blankets and sweet lights make those gray days very precious. Yesterday was a brutally cold one, with temperatures hitting almost - 40 C. A stay at home day for sure. Today, the numbers were better but the wind did keep the air bitter. We spent some time at our new centre, folding laundry, putting the dishwasher on, hanging curtains and installing blinds. Though we are now open, we still have a small task list that we're trying to complete before we go on our trip. Just a few more items and then we'll be all done. Looking so good! I shared with dh today that it now feels like out 2nd home, not an office, or clinical space, but another version of our cottage here in the big woods. This one just happens to be in the little hamlet, though there is a forest to explore across the road. So happy we chose this amazing spot. 

Enjoy your Sunday tomorrow!

💗 Chy 💗

Quiet Cozy Day.

Last night, I spent some time working on our Christmas gift to each other ~ a vintage signed print by an artist with a vision. I'll share the story one day.

This morning, we woke up with plans to head in to the Big City to visit the Old Antique Mall and to see my mom. But we woke up to large snow falling from the sky and decided not to chance driving down the highway with reports of blowing snow. It seems to have calmed down now but we're settled in after some tidying, showers and comfy clothes, and will now just enjoy being home in our little cottage. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were family focused, Boxing Day was friendship, and tomorrow is our day to welcome our neighbors down the lane in. So today was to be a bit of shopping and visiting. We don't have to work over the next week, so shopping and visiting can happen on another day. We're heading out to shovel, then lunch, then dh is playing some games with our dgs and dd's, and I plan to keep writing to planning for 2025. More family dinner tonight, some favorite shows to watch, and an early night as tomorrow will be quite busy with groceries in the morning, tours at our new centre for families wishing to join in, then home to tidy and make food for the evening. Excited to visit and enjoy the company.

                                  Enjoy the day!

                                      💗 Chy 💗

Just the 2 of Us.

This was dh and I this weekend. Just the 2 of

us with all the kids gone. Heavenly and quiet!

~ Chy

Brewing Storm.

Tonight, we thought we were going to

get a wee thunder and lightening storm.

Even though it looks light in the pictures,

the darkness began and filled the sky.

But not long after, we looked out and

saw the sun shining bright. So off the

lamps went and we continued on with

our quiet, at home, no agenda evening.

How was your evening tonight?

~ Chy

Quiet Read.

There is nothing like working all day long

and then taking time to make a hot mug of

tea and grab a great book to get lost in. At

this time of year, when the days are slowly

changing from hot to cool and the nights

are becoming darker and early, this is where

you'll find me. In our cozy, warm great room,

where the worries of the world melt away

and adventures and stories await. One of

my favorite spots to be, on cool Fall nights.

WW.

After the Rain.

Once the rain disappears, I love to venture

out to the front veranda to watch the new

blooms carry the raindrops. It's alway so

quiet after the rain, except for the little

drip drops that splatter to the puddles. A

relaxed place to be after the rainy storm.

Breathe September #15: Quiet.

A quiet morning, long before our work

day begins. Meditation and reflection.

Wordless Wednesday.

Our trip to the Mountains!

We live just 3 hours from the mountains and love to go for short trips, to breathe the beautiful air, relax in the quiet and explore the wide open spaces. The sea will always be my favorite place to rejuvenate my soul but the mountains are a pretty close second!

Dh had a business trip, but I was far too busy to tag along, so he "kidnapped" me on Thursday morning and off we went, me protesting most of the way there. But in the end, he was right. I needed a break and we needed to spend some time together. On our way, we had to stop to allow this family a chance to wander across the highway. 

A visit to the prestigious Jasper Park Lodge. I've never stayed here but dh has and he likes it but our favorite is the "castle" in Banff. We stayed there just a few short years ago, up in a turret, far from the noise of town, with incredible views of the mountains. Hope to stay there again one day. The lodge is not as grand as the Banff Springs Hotel. I find it quite dated and not as plush or welcoming. But lovely to spend some time there. Marilyn Monroe and Bob Hope both listed this as their favorite getaways, back in the day!

Our first day was chilly and cool but at least it wasn't raining like it was back home. We walked around the grounds and took some pictures at the lake. Such breathtaking scenery. And so very quiet!

The mist started to come down and the wind picked up, so it was time to head back to town and our humble abode for the next few days. 

More pictures and commentary to follow!