I'll choose a room that overlooks the woods with the snow covered trees, the windows not quite sealed tight so they rattle a little bit in the wind, and an old fashioned hand quilted blanket made by some old great grandmother with a heart full of love. There's a braided rug too, I believe, that will keep my feet warm. Can't wait to sit by the fire.
I did forget to mention the hot water bottles. For the younger set (ha!), that's a rubber bag thing you fill with hot water and screw in the stopper nice and tight and you stick it into your sheets near where your feet go. When you slide under the hand quilted blanket (are teddy bears ok?), you play footsie in the warm spot already there but keep your feet off the hot water bottle for the first half hour or so.
So there you are snug under the blanket with warm feet listening to the slight rattle at the old window trying to realize that even while it's freezing out there, you have a warm and comfortable place to sleep and that that's going to continue. Some people need to have things taken away before they really appreciate them. I think I read that someplace. So I opened my window and screamed into the night "Ok! I get it now! I got it! You can bring her back now!" What must your neighbors think you might ask? They think I'm...unusual. They invite me over though because I'm entertaining and cheaper than cable.
So I'm the only person in the world who tears up watching Scrooged. So what? Pan the camera out far enough and you see the little dutch boy with his finger in the crack in a Hoover sized dam. Oh oh.
Lindylou, count me in on the chopping. I like that part of cooking best. Especially fresh parsley. Looking forward to a new take on seafood stew or pie. Wolf, I think a sleigh ride on Christmas Eve sounds good. We better use those tartan blankets and bells so we don't risk losing white horses in the snow. Maybe I will put up a Christmas tree later.
I wrote a post and then lost it, I think. Oh well...was just stopping by for a quick cup of hot tea by the Christmas tree and a visit with Mousebane and Fluffy before I head back to my house. I have the kids after school and for some overnights while they finish up their school here before the holidays and while the new house is being set up by DD and ex-s-i-l. Just giving them hot dogs and beans tonight, with some fresh fruit and a cookie tray. I have two kinds of good homemade soup left over from the weekend, too, so we should be good. I drove past the old house, emptied out by the movers this morning. Felt bad, but oh well. DD does not share my culture, values, and code of ethics, and while I wish her well in all her new endeavors, this is hardly what we planned when we all moved to the Heartland from other states. My parents, grandparents, and Larry are spinning in their graves, I'm sure. So much for "family life." (Har, har, I laugh cynically.) Well, nobody can say I don't take care of my relatives. I'm looking forward to heading out--have a lot of plans for NY. If weather doesn't permit it next week, well, maybe the week after. I'm not driving 400 miles with my dog unless the roads are good. Right now it's like the house and yard are encased in ice. (Doesn't bother Bandit one bit, of course. That dog loves winter. If he wasn't only eight and a half pounds, he'd be pulling a dogsled in Alaska.) Wow, these candy canes are good--taste just like Crown Royal. Hmmmmm--I bet one of our Canadian friends made these.
Back again for another cup of tea by the tree. At home I have a houseful of relatives, so just need a fifteen-minute respite here at the Lodge. I love the soft snow coming down and the way it never ices up and gets slippery at the Lodge. And the way the Christmas lights are always on, and soft Christmas carols playing in the background. OK, I can't resist these pecan diamonds. Hope it's OK if I take a couple--they're so good--kudoes to whoever baked them. And the hot cinnamon spice tea is great. OK, boots and saddles. (i.e. hat, gloves, down parka, snow boots). Back to the trenches!
Is there something stronger than tea, Elizabeth? I have come a long way and feel the need for a "stiff" drink and something good to eat. Any ham? It is nice to see you all, you are just as you have been pictured in my minds' eye. Thanks for the drink, cheers and I wish you all some happy moments here and when you go back to your own abodes.
Yes, full bar, Cassie. I'll slice you some of this good Virginia ham that somebody brought up. Why don't I just make us a couple quick mimosas--it's a little early for anything else. And I'll do some eggs to go with the ham. Bandit and my relatives are all still asleep, so I ran up here for a half hour or so before the day starts.
I'm arriving tomorrow. Ordered the fish and veggies for the Very British Sea Food Pie, lots of herbs too - plenty of fresh parsley. Will bring them with me, and if you still wish to chop, bvh, I'll certainly enjoy the company in the kitchen. After we've tucked this meal into the oven, I'm going to take a long walk and feel the wind in my face, making icicles in the corners of my eyes. I will have a couple of apples in my pocket for Daisy and Mae, and ask them how they feel about pulling the sleigh this year. And later if I'm able to get up without ruining it, you will see a snow angel marked in the snow. Haven't made one in years.
I love listening to Elizabeth playing the piano. Its true, there are just no bad notes. I'll just sit by the fire and enjoy the music with my eggnog for a while. I'll offer to help in the kitchen a little later.
Just arrived. Found the door unlocked. Put the food in the refrigerator to put together later. What a beautiful fire. I'm sitting here in the silence with a cup of coffee in my hand watching the flames. Not wanting to wake anyone up. Just enjoying the little whiffs of smoke, the softness of the blanket wrapped around me, the blackness of the outdoors outside the window. If I doze off, don't be afraid to wake me. I'll be glad to see you. I've been anticipating being here for several weeks now.
I'm on the sofa with my feet up on the coffee table watching the darkness turn into dawn just outside the window. The white snow, the black trees starting to show up etched against the sky as it lightens to gray. I exchange a smile with Lindylou, but we are just sitting here peacefully enjoying the moment...not chatting yet.
Going into the kitchen now and start chopping. Five kinds of seafood five kinds of vegetables and many herbs, all needing to be chopped. Its not exactly therapy. Its creativity that others can enjoy. Sort of like ice sculpture or Buddhist medallion sand art - created, enjoyed by all for a moment, then all that is left is the memory and the satisfaction. Will be serving it 5 PM anyone's time if you like sea food. It is sort of like shepherd's pie in that it has a potato crust and has a nice smokey taste from the smoked trout. You are all welcome to chop with me, if that is your thing. In any case I will be having a blessed time in this beautiful kitchen. The view is great from here too. I think I see some deer next to the woods. It was nice to just sit with you this morning Elizabeth, enjoying the silence.
The seafood pie sounds wonderful Lindylou. I am coming down from my room to help you chop. Such a gorgeous Christmas Eve! Love the snow falling. Thanks to whoever stocked up the fire again.
Had a wonderful sleep here.
I didn't know there were horses here until you mentioned it Wolf. I popped in to see them yesterday after unpacking. Such magical energy horses have. I love being around them.
Hope some of us do go for that sleigh ride. Haven't been on one since 1982 in the Great White North of Canada.
By a remarkable coincidence, Daisy and Mae are inclined to go for a saunter through the star filled fields and woods this very evening. They have their tartan covers and their bell harnesses and we have thick throws to cover our legs even though we'll need to dress warmly. Remember it's layers that keep you warm. If someone makes something warm to drink to fill our thermoses, we may even be lucky enough to see a glimmer of northern lights. At the least we will see all the little houses with their warm and inviting lights before we get back to the lodge and have our own feast of seafood pie and what not.
I've been walking for seven (hours, months, years?); I don't know how long in heavy snow up to my knees. I'm tired and cold and lonely. Could you steer the sleigh to the SE and watch for the big fir tree on the hill by the lake. I can see the lodge but cannot judge how far away it is. A ride and a helping hand up into the sleigh would be so welcome.
Sure, marche. Daisy and Mae are ready--I came up and brushed them, picked their feet, put a little Show Sheen on them. I didn't braid their manes and tails--thought their hair looked so gorgeous loose. They were outside this morning, but now that they're cleaned up, I'm leaving them in their stalls. I checked their tack (love, love, love the gentle jingling of the sleigh bells on their harness) but Wolf already had it gleaming. I see he uses Murphy's Oil Soap on it, just like I do.
Ah. The Northern Lights. I'm crying with delight.I know there is no guarantee, but wow, that would be so wonderful if we see them.
The Very British Seafood Pie is in the oven now. It will be ready whenever we are. Thanks all for your help. Many hands made light work. And what enjoyable company.
Lindylou you remembered extra parsley! My favorite thing to do. It is so much fun to be chopping everything looking out the window at the deer at the edge of the woods. I can't wait to find out how this seafood pie tastes. Let's go pick up marche while it bakes.
The sleigh ride is scheduled for after eight So our western friends can participate It might be best to feast first then, And go on the tour afterwards, when The seafood pie and the all that comes with it Have disappeared and left empty dishes Then on with our mittens and coats fastened tight We can all go on the sleigh chasing northern lights.
And so it was that they went out on the sleigh Some worried about how much we might weigh But Sven the horesman driving the thing Chuckled it could hold all we could bring The sleigh was forged in a meteorite shower And Daisy and Mae had enough horsepower And with a soft word in some unknown tongue The heavy horses snorted and pulled on the rungs And off we went with the greatest of ease Sliding behind them smooth as you please.
It was crisp and cold on the tip of your nose And it took a while to warm under the throws But there was mulberry wine and cinnamon tea And quite soon the weather ceased to be Instead, we all watched the branches of trees Sliding by us through the many moonbeams As the moon shone down on the fields of snow All lit up in a soft silvery glow Diasy and Mae knew the way and were having fun They liked to get out for the ocassional run
We crossed along an open field that ran along a hill, And far down in the dark blue, there was a little ville A cluster of lights shone down there, warm and inviting Making us wonder what tales they might be reciting All across the valley there were little isolated lights Showing where houses and farms were in the night All watched over by the man in the moon smiling At his soft, reflective glow, so clear yet beguiling We all felt it's presence so welcome and so serene Gliding with Daisy and Mae on it's smooth soft sheen
We looked at the black, star filled night in wonder What did it all mean some of us pondered And some of us didn't so much wonder that stuff Perhaps we were here, and that was enough Though we looked, the universe wasn't up for lights Perhaps they would be out on another night And so we headed back to the warmth of the fire To eat and be merry, or so we aspire Perhaps, one day, there will be enough of that stuff Perhaps, then, we will be here and that is enough.
For the time being we pulled up at the door And found out in the foyer our cold noses were sore Sven took the horses, unhooking the sleigh It would be fine there till quite another day We took off our coats and our snow covered shoes And headed for the fire perhaps for a snooze Our heads full of wonder at the world that is here Perhaps just one sip of some holiday cheer The answer to the question so deep in our bone Is that, no, my dear, we are not alone.
Haven't slept this late in forever. Was snuggled in a cocoon under a beautiful quilt dreaming of sleigh rides and sleigh bells and moonlight over bare winter branches and snow covered firs. Until the sun hit my face and I remembered where I was and it wasn't a dream after all. Or was it. Doesn't matter as long as it is real!
Of course, Elizabeth I'll post the recipe, just as soon as I am home. Probably will post it under "Share Your Favorite Christmas Recipe". The one thing the recipe doesn't show is the many friends chopping together in the kitchen. I've now done it both ways. Your help was tremendous as well as great fun. And the added love and enthusiasm added more flavor to an already fine dish.
Its late. If the coffee pot is empty by now, I'll brew a whole new pot for other late waker uppers.
Am I late? I slept in then woke to a beautiful sunrise, it rises later here, all of a sudden I realized I better get going didn't want to miss all of the festivities. Ran around looking for my gloves And typical could only find one! Put my boots on ran out the door and slipped on the ice, luckily didn't hurt anything. So I am finally on my way should be there shortly cannot wait to get there. I am bringing egg nog with something a little special to but in it. Oh I see the lights now and hear the laughter what a wonderful day this will be!
What a great poem Wolf! Beautifully captured our ride.
Great you will post the pie recipe Lindylou. It was heavenly!
Today, I can take a deep breath and just be. The frenzy of the season seems blessedly over and I can simply relax here with dear friends. I am going to get lots of naps between listening to wonderful piano playing and enjoying refreshments and catching up.
I just got back from having Christmas dinner with Kevan. I realized today that we have very little to talk about anymore. His world is there and I don't belong there. My world is waiting to see if he needs any help. To top it off , I just learned that my sons in laws were broadsided and she is in the hospital. Not sure how bad she is but here will be no Christmas celebrations there either. I will be happy when 2016 is gone.
So here I am at the lodge. I brought a homemade pumpkin pie and some 35% organic whipping cream. This stuff stays whipped for days. Hope everyone enjoys. Thank you all for the lovely wishes. Much appreciated. Willy and Bandit seem to be having a great time chasing around from room to room. Watch out you don't get run over. He is enjoying himself. I was told not to take him to a dog park where there are big dogs as they may look at him as prey when he runs around. Scary thought.
There is so much food on the table - and company, always changing - and somehow dishes and pots and pans are all taken care of without any help from me. I'd feel guilty in any other place, I know. But today I just feel so relaxed guilt has disappeared all together. I have just enough energy, though, to go make that snow angel out in the back where the moon can shine on it between flurries. Been wanting to do it since I came. Jazzy, are you up for it? We could help each other up so as not to ruin the snow pattern. Then more eggnog in front of the fire. I was thinking about ice skating tomorrow morning before I leave. I'm way too stuffed now to consider bending down to lace skates!
Jazzy lets join Lindylou. I haven't made a snow angel in years. Will need help up :-)))
Then how about a little walk to the barn to chat with the horses for a few minutes before returning to the cozy Lodge? Love there is enough of the great seafood pie left for dinner. And all the other food. Yum!
Eggnog in front of the fire sounds divine.
Besides the three of us is anyone else here this Christmas Day evening?
Katherine, I am here and we are having a heatwave (40c) so I really want to do a snow angel with you all. And if I could take the next sleigh ride as well, I would be very happy!
I laughed out loud Jazzy with your comment "Who is going to pull us up on our feet?"
Maybe we can do the angels individually and there are three others to get each of us on our feet. Wouldn't that be something to video tape? We would need a 5th person to do that. I hope we end up in hysterics of laughter. Been years since I was in that state :-))
Me too Cassie for another sleigh ride. Last eve's was awesome!! I am here till after New Year so lets get another one going.
Now though Christmas night. It is 5:30 pm here in B.C. Canada so is this a good time to head out? I think others are further east so later in the evening. Bundle up and lets keep warm. Here we go!!
I have not laughed so hard in I can't remember when. My goodness. What the world would think of us if they could see us now. Icy snow down my neck. My boot coming off. Three people helping be back up to my feet! But what a snow angel! And yours are just as beautiful. Is anyone up in the lodge looking at us four old ladies being so intentionally foolish? If so, come down and join us. We are really a lot. But for a moment I feel like nine years old. And I'm laughing like one.
Wait for me I was in the barn when you were doing the snow angels but I am definAtely by the fire for some egg nog. Boy that fire is warm I hope I don't fall asleep and start to snore.
Maybe I am too late. Those snow angels sure are pretty! I got overheated putting all the Christmas stuff away at home. Enjoyed the walk through the snow and moonlight over here. Toying with spending a little time in the spa. See the steam rising. It's always luscious to relax in the warm water surrounded by the snow. Hope that cozy little room on the top floor with the skylight and the white quilt with little lavender roses is available tonight. Don't worry if I don't say anything. It is nice just listening to the laughter.
Hi bhv. So great you could make it! I'll have a little nut bread with you before I turn in. Didn't think of the spa at all when I came in all icy from the snow outside. Now I'm snug and warm and tired. And my face feels good from smiling so much. I'm grabbing one of the hot water bottles for my bed so I don't have to warm the sheets with my body heat tonight.
bhv, didn't realize the hard journey you had before you came out here until I read it in another discussion. The spa will help for sure. The fireplace burns all night. I checked and your room with the skylight on the top floor is waiting for you. Grab a hot water bottle before you go up. I've got one too. Did Xena come with you? There are enough animals here to fill a zoo, but they are all getting along and provide a lot of entertainment. I'm not an animal lover particularly, but I found myself stroking somebody's cat who had crawled up on my lap tonight. Its purring vibrated my whole soul and I needed that. The trenches have been hard for me too this holiday. But I have spent a good portion of my holiday time here. I'm leaving late tomorrow, but coming back for New Year's Eve weekend. But I'll get to see you more tomorrow I'm sure.
I put the coffee on and set out some cups. Had to look at those snow angels--used my flashlight so I could see them--beautiful! You guys are too much! You are all still asleep, but I'll just sit by the Christmas tree and have my coffee before I head back to the madding crowd. Just wanted a moment of peace and beauty before the day's craziness starts--still have a houseful of relatives.
Elizabeth, Mind if I join you. I smelled the coffee and it drew me downstairs. I am going out to skate after breakfast. But right now I'd like to just sit with coffee and quietly enjoy the dawn.
Yes, Lindylou, they found me half-frozen, buried in a snowdrift, and pulled me up into the warm sleigh. I don't remember much other than a mug of steaming hot chocolate put in my freezing hands, a warm bed, and someone even helped me out of the wet frozen clothes. When I woke up 18 hours later, lovely new boots and dry clothes were laid out in the room. It made me feel so loved. I will be downstairs in a few. . . after I dry my tears of gratitude.