Happy 2009!

Can it be a month has almost passed since my last entry - where the heck does time go - or for that matter where the heck did 2008 go?! With all the wild and wacky weather we've had since late Oct., it feels like it should be later then Jan.3rd - compounded by the fact we had about 100 cm of snow before Christmas even! It is definitly going to be a LONG winter.

The decorations started to come down yesterday, thanks to Sarah, who did the "tree" stuff and Bill & I did most of the rest today. Always nice to get it all put away - although the house always feels a little bit "naked" for awhile! We also made a trip to the airport this morning for Sarah to catch her return flight to Halifax, after a nice 2 week break for her. Thankfully, mainly due to "luck" she made it home with no major delays, considering that, that same weekend created travel chaos for most air travellers scrambling to get home around the country.

Sarah loves baking and helped to create some delcious cookies we had no trouble consuming over the holidays. We also had to "dress" for the part - although the hats didn't stay on too long as they were too warm! At least they looked good for the picture!

It was only just us, for Christmas dinner, but we then headed down to Wallaceburg to spend a couple days with my folks and a slightly belated Christmas with my folks. We decided to go down Boxing day, instead of the day after, as weather looked crappy, plus we found out Christmas Eve day, that we needed a new furnace ASAP and it was scheduled for the Tues. after Christmas. Luckily the weather co-operated for our lengthy drive each way.

We enjoyed some great meals. games and videos of some memorable family events while there, despite only being there for a couple days. Especially nice for Sarah to get there for a visit also as she doesn't get back to Ont. as often as we'd all like with her new career "training" out East.

As usual, I was asked to do some sewing jobs by Sarah - mainly repair jobs and probably the most unusual "item" I've sewn yet- if you can guess what this is from the picture - you're good: - no it's not a jacket for a "deformed dog" as the clerk at Fabricland guessed - lol!! It's the "bag" cover from Sarah's set of bag-

pipes - she wanted an alternate one that could be gripped a little easier while under her arm - therefore the "gripping fabric" I placed on either side to helpfully make playing the pipes a little easier.

I had tried to suggest an animal print for her "bag" - but no luck, and we instead used some dark blue drapery (??) fabric - on the wrong side, once again to reduce the "slippery" factor! Blowing up the bag, remembering and playing the correct notes - is hard enough I guess without the added problem of supporting a slippery "bag"!

Greg also spent Christmas week here (we drove to S. Ont. to my folks in 2 vehicles) and even left his Wii here for awhile for us to try out and enjoy - although right now the TV has been on more to watch the IIHF World Jr's hockey tournament which hopefully Canada can win once again!

So we hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday with family and friends and will enjoy health and happiness in this new year of 2009! Until next time...take care.