Wintry Morning

It was such a beautiful wintry morning today. There was ice fog, lots of frost on the trees, and the whole world just seemed white. I tried out my new camera (the auto feature only - I still haven't figured out how to use the manual features yet!). It takes really nice shots. I can't wait until I know how to use it properly.

We let Molly run around a bit, which she enjoyed. It's a bit chilly so she needs to keep moving. I had hoped to take her to the coulees again tomorrow, but I think it'll be too cold. We'll have to take her for lots of short walks to keep her tired out. We're heading to Jennifer & Courtney's for their annual New Year's Eve bash. It's always lots of fun, and this year they are doing a fondue. I'm going to try GF angel food cake. Let's hope it works!

You'll get an update on that on New Year's Day. In the meantime, HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone! Here's wishing you a safe, healthy, and happy 2010.

Boxing Day Walk

Molly's Christmas present is normally a nice walk in the coulees, but since we were having people over for dinner, we didn't have time. We went on Boxing Day instead. Molly didn't mind the delay, and the weather was great. It was sunny and reasonably warm. We let Molly run without her coat on the way out, but put it on for the return trip. She's usually a lot slower on the way back, so we didn't want her getting cold.

I love the picture of her running out the frame. I like the way her back legs are perfectly together. So cute!

Christmas Dinner 2009

Before the turkey went in the oven it had to come out of the brine, get rinsed, and the butter stuffed under the skin.

As for dinner, Jennifer & Courtney, Sarah, Nicholas, & Soren, Shawn, Wim & Mia, and Hester, Dagmar, & Hester's Mom all came. Everyone brought a dish, making it a potluck. We provided the turkey, gravy, & carrots. It was brined turkey with herbed butter & pinot noir gravy. Very yummy. Jennifer & Courtney brought cheesy scalloped potatoes, Sarah & Nicholas brought a pumpkin mousse pie (which Sarah made GF so I could eat it!). Shawn & Win brought brussel sprouts and parsnip & squash. Hester brought traditional dutch apple pie. Dagmar made figs stewed in wine, and they also brought a salad. So delicious! Shawn & Mia also did some baking which they brought for dessert. All in all, a great night. 

We had to rent a table and chairs in order to seat everyone. I also got little favours to put at each person's spot. Naturally we had Christmas crackers too, although they had to be opened while I walked the dog.