OH DEER... IT'S WINTER, BABY!

Winter officially arrived yesterday and our own transition is happening too. The sunrise at Kemble was as far south as it can ever be. Healthy deer and hungry birds showed up for a farewell as the house got shut down for a long winter's nap. Even the mailbox looked ready for hibernation!

Back in Toronto, the unguarded Beach is available for the hardy---who's up for a Polar Bear dip?? There's a neighbourhood event putting some "fun" in "fundraiser" 25 homes design and display Advent-inspired banners. You walk around to view them, then bid on your favourite, and the money goes to the Food Bank. What design would you display on YOUR home??

Then a 500-mile daytrip to Michigan for an early Christmas gathering. Great to be with family, catching up on news and remembering those no longer with us. The Weird Prize goes to Ryan M who happily described his pet --- an Axoloti, or Mexican Walking Fish (look it up!!) A critically endangered amphibian with very odd traits, like the ability to regrow limbs. To balance that off, the Happy Prize goes to baby GMC who can laugh at winter now that he has some spiffy mittens from the homeland. (The darkest day's drive home ended in an ice storm that is still continuing this morning, coating everything...As of noon, officially declared the worst ice storm in Toronto's history...)

Lastly, a really good omen arrived in the fortune cookie at our local Chinese diner.  We're packing up today and the exciting destinations start tomorrow!