Spinach Tree.

I love trying new receipes and Christmas

is truly the best holiday for new ones.

I found a great one that creates a

breaded "Spinach Tree" ....

.... using pizza dough pastry, cheese and

spinach dip that is already prepared.

One half of a container of dip

was exactly the right amount.

I added in cheese to the dip and

put the other half on the spread.

Then put the "tops" of the tree over

the spread and pinched the edges.

Cut straight lines on both sides,

leaving about an inch in the middle.

After twisting the ends, I baked

the tree and then made a glaze.

And that's it! An easy to make and

very scrumptious treat with dinner.

Colorful Peppers.

I'm a very visual person ~ part of being

an artist I guess. Our local store has some

great ways of displaying their goods. This

one is currently my favorite. Looks good.

My Family.

Many memories to share about this family shot.

from two weeks ago. For now, just the picture.

Christmas Display.

We were recently in the Big City,

watching our junior league hockey team.

Our parking is in a brand new building

underground parkade. It's an amazing spot

and so convenient to the arena. Coming up

the elevator to the main floor we see this ....

A huge tree that I estimated to be at least 20 feet

tall, with lights that change and dance to the

music. Snowflakes illuminated on the floor

and lighted trees in the big picture windows.

The sweetest part is this snow family that

attracts lots of photos and silly poses.

Tiny Tree.

Decorating our home in the country

includes the outside too. Our little

tree, before lights, in our big plant

pot. Having so much fun this season.

Tiny Hockey Star.

I grew up around hockey players as

my dad was very involved both as a

coach and within the media. And my

younger brother played all his life too.

Our boys enjoyed watching the game

and playing for fun but none of them

expressed any interest in being on a

formal team. They played football,

soccer, did theatre, music and found

other creative outlets they loved to do.

We were just fine with that, especially

knowing that in this country, many teams

have to practice at 6 in the morning in

order to have ice team consistently.

So it was a bit of a shock when we had to

take our little guy to an early morning game ....

.... very early. We left home in the dark and

it was hard to feel warm as we drove thru

the snow. But the game was amazing, he

had a great time and played like a little

start and it was a great experience. On

the way home, he kept falling asleep but

perked up for the rest of the day and did

just fine. Us? We had to have a mid day

nap on the couch, with the fireplace on

and a cheesy Christmas movie playing in

the background. We were a little out of our

element but it was a fun time and worth it.

Memorial Candles.

The children and parents in our grief program

made these beautiful candles for our memorial.

Our last class is always a mix of emotions as we

take time to remember each of the loved ones that

have died and are actively mourned. And then a

celebration to end the sessions. Very impactful.

Treating my Crew.

Each time we end an 8 week grief program,

I like to treat my truly hard working crew.

 They work so very hard, giving their time

on often cold Saturday mornings to work

with very vulnerable children, teens and

their parents, teaching each about grief.

It may seem like a simple card and a store

bought gift certificate would be not very

personal but I've learned this is one thing

they love and it fits well in our meager

budget. But the real gift is the words I

write for each of them, unique for all and

excitedly received. The gratitude I feel

could never be measured, so this is one

way I can show my appreciation. Their

reactions are priceless and worth the time.