Friends for Life

Christmas Day is usually marked for me by a wonderful annual brunch the Gagnon's put on.   I've come to love my leisurely drive down the road on this peaceful day, usually accompanied by Handel's Messiah playing on the radio. 

It's one of the finest drives of the year.

Winter beauty, hardly any traffic, and the promise of very fine company and excellent food.

An oasis of love and deliciousness.

And this year Patrice and Daniel and Nicole were all able to attend as well!

Watching these kids who grew up together engaging and enjoying each other's pups and kids is a priceless gift.

So fun to have little people in the mix again.

Henry is a real hit with Matthew's two kids! 

And there is the endless presence of dogs!

Which multiply as well at these gatherings - there were 6 present including Penny who found a new friend in Huck. 

This is Huck's sister - she is particularly lovely, her name is Scout. 

A wonderful story that keeps unfolding and expanding, through good times and hard times.

Friends for life.

Daniel and Nicole headed back to Vancouver to celebrate the holidays with the Flemings.   I'm not crazy about the winter driving involved, but I just have to send them off with love and many prayers.

Patrice and Becca are still around for a few more days which is wonderful.  Not ready to have everyone leave in one fell swoop! Mom loves the activity of having people around the house and it is a joy for me as well. 

Lots of resting and relaxation.

While the snow kept falling...

and falling

 and falling.

There was a lot of shovelling going on to keep the paths clear.

Perfect weather for staying indoors and doing puzzles or drinking warm yummy drinks.

We did something a little adventurous one evening ... we took Mom to the movie "Little Women" and once she figured out she couldn't be talking out loud whenever she had something to say we all settled nicely into the big reclining chairs and enjoyed the movie. 

Here we are all cuddled in together! 

Anita arrived home from Iqaluit and brought Ollie up on New Year's Eve for dinner and drinks.

We we all sleeping as the new year rolled in since this crowd prefers to be tucked in very early.

The different seasons of life.

It's all good!