Tiny Skates.

Dh was playing around with my new camera

and took this nice shot of a tiny pair of

vintage skates I hung on our lamp. 

Nice shot, honey!!

Yum!

Grampa made dill dip for our nachos

to munch on while we ring in 2014.

Yum! A favorite treat that we don't 

get to eat often. But when we do, it

doesn't last very long around here!

A Fine Romance.

Love this book, lovingly wrapped and

placed under our tree this season. 

Susan Branch creates the most interesting reads. 

Another edition to add our overflowing

book collection. Our personal library!

Entertainment!

We bought him a childs microphone for Christmas.

He is truly enjoying entertaining us!!

Final Scrabble!

And I won the first game!!

Happy New Year. 

Holiday Closures.

I feel so lucky on a daily basis to work for the charitable organization I'm part of. We are a tight group, celebrating not just our highs at the centre and observing those tough times together, but also supporting each other through our every day challenges: raising kids, managing personal finances and sharing our relationship complexities at times. We don't have benefits but are paid well and we tend to stay on for a bit longer than the norm. But the one perk we get each year is a holiday break at Christmas. This year, we closed on the 24th and we aren't open again until January 6th, 2014. I had a couple of days saved from extra hours in December, so I don't go back until the 8th. This holiday is bliss and we all are so appreciative of the opportunity to rest, relax and rejuvenate our souls. 

I was shocked this year to observe on a number of occasions many community members expressing disbelief and displeasure that certain establishments would not be open over the holidays. I had a friend vent that Costco would be closed on Christmas Day. She was truly angry and was going to call the head office to complain. Whoah! Other people were upset that the library was closed yet the movie theatre was open. What? Blew me away. I wish everyone could have a nice break at Christmas. Don't we all deserve this time to spend with family and friends?

It Can't Hurt!

My brand new winter tires were put on my car on November 30th, 2013. Best Birthday gift ever and I'm loving winter driving now. Wish we had done this years ago but our frugal budget was always a consideration. After saving all year and comparison shopping, we chose the best set from Costco. Cheaper than other retailers but not on sale. We kept waiting for a sale and watched the website of the tire manufacturer as well. But no sale, so finally, we caved and bought them at the full price, reassuring ourselves that they were still $300 to $450 less than anywhere else. 

On December 9th, 2013, I received an email from Costco.ca informing me that the very same tires I purchased and had installed were now on sale until January 5th, 2014, at a savings of $110. Although my tires were already installed and I had purchased them prior to the sale, I thought I'd ask if I could have the savings applied to my account, as a loyal and dedicated Costco shopper. I'm sure anywhere else would say "sorry, too bad, so sad" but not Costco. Rebate applied to our account, no questions asked, no hesitation. After all the headaches we encountered buying the tires, the company has redeemed themselves. I love Costco!! I love my tires!!

2014 Resolutions.

I've never really made a formal list of New Year's Resolutions. I remember as a very small child watching the adults make lists, only to be a week or two into the New Year and declaring that they had "failed". For me, the New Year is about creating plans that have real possibilities, not just wishes and letting the year unfold, flowing gently.

I like to make a list of "Hopes" instead. Here's what I have so far for 2014:

* I hope we get a chance 

to meet new people this year.

*I hope we continue to enjoy good health this year.

* I hope we are able to travel with family 

to create new memories this year.

 * I hope my centre is able to continue to help 

families grow strong and healthy this year.

What are your hopes for 2014?