Christmas Countdown - 2019

[SnowflakeMom]

Happy Saturday! I am enjoying coffee and watching a Hallmark movie. No real
plans for the day...hope you have a great day!

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

1 Saturday closer to Christmas Can you feel the YABBA!

Back from my trip and I have three days remaining of my vacation.

O'Malley was delighted to see me. His meow greeting was a blend of merawl and purring at the same time. He always seems relieved when I return, much like my husband used to seem when I returned from work or quick trips. O'Malley barely ate anything while I was gone. One full dish of kibble disappeared, but he never touched the other two. I guess he just lounged about most of the time.

We took the border entry at Blue Water Bridge from Sarnia ON to Michigan and on the way back we came through the border off the Mackinac Bridge to the Sault entrance back to Canada. The Mackinac bridge provides a better view and the colours of the green and cream are comforting as compared to the steel / cement and high fencing of the Blue Water Bridge.

I'm glad I suggested coming the other way instead of traveling the long way back from Sarnia. If we had, we would have stayed with cousins in London over night, but my idea worked. We had a great view along the HWY of spectacular Fall trees interrupted by sections of dull views and back to glorious colours again. This way, our trip home was only 9 hours with two quick stops.

I played a license plate game with myself once I spotted one that wasn't from the State of Michigan.

What states and provinces were represented you may be wondering? Pretty much in order if my photographic memory is still working.
Michigan (didn't count them all because we were in Michigan)
Texas
Tennessee
Minnesota
New Brunswick
California
Georgia
New York
Ontario
Alberta
New Mexico
New Hampshire
Ohio
Alabama
Manitoba
Ontario (not the same one)
Texas (not the same one)
Arizona
Ohio (not the same one)
New Brunswick (not the same one)
Arkansas
Ontario (not the same one)
Indiana
Newfoundland
Georgia (not the same one)
Quebec
Nova Scotia
Manitoba (not the same one)
Rhode Island
Ontario (passed us and then drove slower than molasses where we couldn't pass him)
And as we neared the border, more Ontario, Michigan plates popped up and I stopped counting.

The U.S. won for the most variety being represented, but then again they have more States than we have Provinces and Territories.

Still, it surprised me how many people from different places were driving along the same HWY.

I will catch up with the posts I missed later today.

I have a errands to run and advance poll voting to take care of after my shower.

Keep a merry thought in your head!

 

[Edge612]

Good Weekend Starting Day, my Friends.
A great day to head for the coast, for which we will start shortly.

In the meantime, let's review the current statistical release:
Days to Halloween: 19 (Down into the teens!)
Days to the Season: 32 (One month from tomorrow!)
Days to Christmas Day: 74 (Just over 10 1/2 weeks left!)

(Moving along briskly, now!)

Same weather pattern. Rather coolish mornings and evenings, with perfect weather sandwiched in between for most of the day.
Looks like good travel weather, and we should be in the upper 70's to 80 for highs at the coast.
Right now, we have again started off cool at 57 degrees, here.

Have a Sensational Saturday and a really nice Weekend, Everyone!
Edge will take over counting duties in his usual classy style for tomorrow morning, then I shall return Monday.

Thanks Crown! Happy Mid October Weekend!

 

[Christmaswarlock]

Good Weekend Starting Day, my Friends.
A great day to head for the coast, for which we will start shortly.

In the meantime, let's review the current statistical release:
Days to Halloween: 19 (Down into the teens!)
Days to the Season: 32 (One month from tomorrow!)
Days to Christmas Day: 74 (Just over 10 1/2 weeks left!)

(Moving along briskly, now!)

Same weather pattern. Rather coolish mornings and evenings, with perfect weather sandwiched in between for most of the day.
Looks like good travel weather, and we should be in the upper 70's to 80 for highs at the coast.
Right now, we have again started off cool at 57 degrees, here.

Have a Sensational Saturday and a really nice Weekend, Everyone!
Edge will take over counting duties in his usual classy style for tomorrow morning, then I shall return Monday.

Thanks Crown!! Have a great weekend!

 

[Christmaswarlock]

Morning MMC! Looks like a rainy day for us along with the Stink Bug explosion that seems to have reared their ugly head the last few days. Have a great weekend!

 

[brent]

O'Malley was hiding by my dining room chair just in case I tried to blame him for it or because he hasn't heard that sound in a long time; my husband's falls used to frighten him. He was the big cat in O'Malley's eyes. I lucked out; it wasn't too bad.



We came back a day early - didn't go to the Casino. I should have known when my dad told me to bring my passport "just in case" that he was surprising me with a Frankenmuth MI trip. Yes, my Merry friends, I have now seen Bronner's Christmas Wonderland in person. If I figure out how to redo my settings on my phone, I can load them to my laptop and pop the photos I took into the Blossoms thread. I only spent $80.00 and among my merry treasures was a beautiful box of 20 greeting cards.

Thank you; we had a short road trip, but a good one. My dad bought me a "Bronner's Roadtrip" nightshirt as an early Christmas gift and said I didn't have to wait until Christmas to wear it. I'm holding off until Nov. 12th so I have it on as we welcome Nov.13th and the start to "the season count".

Had migraines most of the time, but likely caused by the high frequency from the speakers at the Tiki Collective and John Finley performance. I still managed to smile through it so my dad wouldn't know how bad it was.​

Merry Marvelous - signs of Christmas enthusiasm are everywhere.
Thought of you yesterday as we travelled through the Sault and passed the turn off to St. Joseph Island. Some of the trees along the HWY still yielded a lovely golden sheen.

Closer toward Blind River, I saw a gold star affixed to a tall Pine and it made me smile and think of everyone here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Aww. That's sweet, Auntie. I may be happy to live in Ottawa, yet I constantly miss my home in the Sault and my camp on St. Joseph Island. That really made me smile. Thanks, Auntie. At this time of year, that must have really been quite this scenic drive.

It must have been nice to see some Christmas lights up a little early. It's definitely a reminder, this weekend, on what we should be thankful for.

On our drive to Cornwall last night, Kim and I spotted Christmas lights in full glow from a house. It really made me want to start playing some Andy Williams.

We're doing our big dinner today. Our nephews have football all-day tomorrow, so they will be at the field.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

 

[brent]

1 Saturday closer to Christmas Can you feel the YABBA!

Back from my trip and I have three days remaining of my vacation.

O'Malley was delighted to see me. His meow greeting was a blend of merawl and purring at the same time. He always seems relieved when I return, much like my husband used to seem when I returned from work or quick trips. O'Malley barely ate anything while I was gone. One full dish of kibble disappeared, but he never touched the other two. I guess he just lounged about most of the time.

We took the border entry at Blue Water Bridge from Sarnia ON to Michigan and on the way back we came through the border off the Mackinac Bridge to the Sault entrance back to Canada. The Mackinac bridge provides a better view and the colours of the green and cream are comforting as compared to the steel / cement and high fencing of the Blue Water Bridge.

I'm glad I suggested coming the other way instead of traveling the long way back from Sarnia. If we had, we would have stayed with cousins in London over night, but my idea worked. We had a great view along the HWY of spectacular Fall trees interrupted by sections of dull views and back to glorious colours again. This way, our trip home was only 9 hours with two quick stops.

I played a license plate game with myself once I spotted one that wasn't from the State of Michigan.

What states and provinces were represented you may be wondering? Pretty much in order if my photographic memory is still working.
Michigan (didn't count them all because we were in Michigan)
Texas
Tennessee
Minnesota
New Brunswick
California
Georgia
New York
Ontario
Alberta
New Mexico
New Hampshire
Ohio
Alabama
Manitoba
Ontario (not the same one)
Texas (not the same one)
Arizona
Ohio (not the same one)
New Brunswick (not the same one)
Arkansas
Ontario (not the same one)
Indiana
Newfoundland
Georgia (not the same one)
Quebec
Nova Scotia
Manitoba (not the same one)
Rhode Island
Ontario (passed us and then drove slower than molasses where we couldn't pass him)
And as we neared the border, more Ontario, Michigan plates popped up and I stopped counting.

The U.S. won for the most variety being represented, but then again they have more States than we have Provinces and Territories.

Still, it surprised me how many people from different places were driving along the same HWY.

I will catch up with the posts I missed later today.

I have a errands to run and advance poll voting to take care of after my shower.

Keep a merry thought in your head!

The Mackinac Bridge is always a beautiful drive. It's a shame that not many people get to make that drive in their lifetime. It's totally amazing that one bridge can connect an upper peninsula to the rest of its state as it travels over the connecting parts of two of the Great Lakes!

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

Aww. That's sweet, Auntie. I may be happy to live in Ottawa, yet I constantly miss my home in the Sault and my camp on St. Joseph Island. That really made me smile. Thanks, Auntie. At this time of year, that must have really been quite this scenic drive.

It must have been nice to see some Christmas lights up a little early. It's definitely a reminder, this weekend, on what we should be thankful for.

On our drive to Cornwall last night, Kim and I spotted Christmas lights in full glow from a house. It really made me want to start playing some Andy Williams.

We're doing our big dinner today. Our nephews have football all-day tomorrow, so they will be at the field.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

It was a nice scenic drive. My mom had a cottage on the shore facing the island. We passed along the home where she grew up; the old confectionary my grandpa owned was torn town years ago.

The star on the tree was along the HWY not on a home - I suppose it was paying tribute to someone who lost their life on the HWY instead of a cross, they put up a star - I figured it was a lover of Christmas.
Although there were a few decorations here and there.

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

The Mackinac Bridge is always a beautiful drive. It's a shame that not many people get to make that drive in their lifetime. It's totally amazing that one bridge can connect an upper peninsula to the rest of its state as it travels over the connecting parts of two of the Great Lakes!

I agree. My dad said we had traveled it a few times, but he and my mom did several times on their own vacations and took a few days to enjoy Mackinac Island with a horse buggy tour and a play by a local theatre production.

 

[brent]

Good morning, everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving weekend to my fellow Canadians! Kim and I made it to Cornwall last night and are excited to celebrate with her family. I do believe this our 14th year celebrating together. I've only missed on Thanksgiving over the years due to going to a concert in Buffalo instead.

I must say, it's a picturesque Saturday morning in Cornwall. Temperatures are currently around 10c/50f. We should be reaching a high of about 17c/63f with some rain beginning later in the afternoon. I think I will be running to Thanksgiving dinner (from Cornwall to Long Sault), so I have to make sure that I arrive before the rain begins!

Hopefully I will be able to get out today and take some photos for the Blossoms thread, too. If not today, tomorrow, for sure!

Well, everyone, have a great Saturday!

 

[brent]

It was a nice scenic drive. My mom had a cottage on the shore facing the island. We passed along the home where she grew up; the old confectionary my grandpa owned was torn town years ago.

The star on the tree was along the HWY not on a home - I suppose it was paying tribute to someone who lost their life on the HWY instead of a cross, they put up a star - I figured it was a lover of Christmas.
Although there were a few decorations here and there.

That's interesting! Facing the island? So, around Desbarats, or? In which town did your mom grow up?

Ohhh, OK. That's a wonderful tribute, then. Even if they aren't a Christmas lover, it must still be a great sight.

 

[brent]

I agree. My dad said we had traveled it a few times, but he and my mom did several times on their own vacations and took a few days to enjoy Mackinac Island with a horse buggy tour and a play by a local theatre production.

Mackinaw Island is beautiful. For a few years in a row, we went through and enjoyed the historic sights and biked around the island. It was fun! I'm glad your parents also enjoyed it a few times, too. It's a great area to visit!

 

[NovaMan]

Have a Happy Thanksgiving Day Weekend, fellow Canadians, and enjoy your Fallidays, neighbors to the south in the USA.

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

Wal mart is fully stocked ! Yabba!

I stalked Christmas electronic toys at Walmart and heard, "Security scan aisle 7"; I had a few of them going off at the same time and even tested a few out on the floor.

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

Happy Friday Eve!! We are supposed to have cool and rainy weather into tomm afternoon. Already 10/10!! Hope you all have a great day!!

We're expecting rain on and off for the next four days.

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

Just checking in with an update, as I've been pretty invisible lately. Nothing wrong except overwork---too busy during the day, getting home too late at night to do anything fun worth reporting about. Rather than constantly post about being tired, discouraged, and frustrated, I just hang around in the background. But my heart is here every day and I always check in here when I can.

Thank you for checking in.

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

Hard to believe that 14 months ago, my life changed drastically! This bundle of joy has made my life ever so much better, not to mention how she’s improved my relationship with her parents! Wishing everyone at least a little joy and happiness in their lives.View attachment 64127View attachment 64128

Smooch her for me. I'm glad things are working out so well for you and the family.

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

Hey, friends!

Hope all is well in your part of the world. It is the Friday afternoon...the first real cold front of the year has shown up...and I'm superexcited about this weekend.

Tonight, we have a ballgame with our rival. they are better than us, but I hope we upset them. After the ballgame, I'm having a fire in the backyard and roasting some marshmallows.

Tomorrow morning, the temps are going to be around 40 degrees...so I will have a fire in the morning with my breakfast. I'm planning on cooking out tomorrow night, having a fire, watching a movie outside with the girls, and making smores. It is going to be awesome. Temps for tomorrow night are perfect. Mid 50's...it's going to be awesome.

Wanna know what else is amazing? This is literally the last weekend off until the weekend before Christmas. We have holiday events planned from now until Dec. 14th.

It is here...the ride has started...and I'm just overwhelmed with joy. See y'all in the morning for coffee.

You're in your happy place; I feel excited for you.

I have several Fridays off between now and the end of November. I love my four-day work weeks.

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

That's interesting! Facing the island? So, around Desbarats, or? In which town did your mom grow up?

Ohhh, OK. That's a wonderful tribute, then. Even if they aren't a Christmas lover, it must still be a great sight.

She was born in Nova Scotia and actually grew up on Wellington Street in the Sault. She always referred to her cottage as being on the Island, but on the trip through yesterday, my dad said, it was on the shore facing the island.

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

Good Morning, All.

We are Milestoneless for the duration of our remaining journey to the start of Christmas Season 2019, having now visited and passed every marker.
Let's enjoy the Home Stretch to the fullest!

Days to the Season: 35 (Five weeks from today!)
Days to Christmas Day: 77 (Eleven weeks from today!)

The Season will be here before you know it!

A bit coolish yesterday. We were supposed to reach 72 but I never saw it above the 60's all day. It was overcast and a bit breezy too, with one or two sprinkles. Today is predicted to have a high of 74, as we slowly climb back to 80 by Friday.
Our present thermometer reading is 58 degrees here, and it's a bit cloudy.

'Pines Day! It's here once again, as we have reached mid-week. And with the weather turning to the cool side, Carl is beginning to feel more frisky! That's liable to mean more antics and more experimental beverage blends.
He will have to wing it on his own tonight, as his bestie O'Malley will be unable to attend. But no problem. Our friendly activities director is always up to any challenge!

Have a Wonderful Wednesday, Folks!

We missed our Pines trip, but look forward to the one coming up.