Christmas 2013

Another year draws to a close and instead of spending my last day of work before Christmas break at the airport I am snowed in at home in Mission.  So I find myself conducting the screening operational orchestra remotely.  I started early this morning because snow that affects my day certainly affects the airport and Vancouver has had enough to impact staff attendance.  32 called in unable to make the trip.  Actually below average and somewhat a relief. (Later in the day this turned into 71 so I spoke too early).  I had no idea that many people could call in sick on one day until I started working in a unionised screening environment.  Last word on work for me apart from my expressing that I am exhausted from 14 hour days x 5 each week, is that I have just been advised that my role has now been confirmed going into January 2014, 6 months probation successfully completed.  Salary increase as well which is really welcome with Kim not working at the moment.  So shattered but unbowed we are enjoying that we have a few days together to just chill.

Walking Zoe in Heritage Park part of that chilling every morning and the snow adds something.

So season of goodwill and me taking stock of what I have, who I have and how I feel about things in general.  The one thing I know for sure is for all the talk of global families it is still a heart wrench being so far away from loved ones.  All of our loved ones are very much missed. 

I spoke to Manda this morning and it was nice to catch up on all that is going on at home.  I laughed when I heard that the Millington Twins have both acquired a 'pony hair' according to Maisie.  I was pleased to hear that things are going well for Debbie and Nathan.  Equally pleased to hear that Nicky has a solid position in Hereford.  One of my favorite haunts from early RAF training days.  Big house and big responsibility with Chandeliers that apparently need special cleaning.  The only possible thought that could spring into any sane mind is Del Boy, Rodney and Grandad doing exactly that in one of the timeless Fools and Horses classics.  Cherie and Diane we will be calling you in the next day or so, so stand by.  Aiming to do the news years eve Skype at Manda's as well.

I know Samantha, Reece and Marcus are all on form and I'm looking forward to Skype time over the holiday.  The world moves on and time waits for no man.  I am sending Alexa a message from Santa today.  Did the same last year and it was such fun.  You should give it a try PortableNorthPole.com

But let's be positive and not maudlin.  Plan is to make another trip back to dear old blighty later next year and in the Spring we have Christine and Paul visiting and we are very excited about that.   Lots to do in the meantime and although the smell of spring feels a long way off, it'll be on us in no time.

It's not going to be a White Christmas here in the lower mainland but its running close.  Our home lends itself to snowy landscape and along with the outside lights it leaves a warm and fuzzy feeling, bit like gluwein.  The fairly heavy dump of three days ago is thawing nicely and slush has already taken over in the valley.  We are still hanging onto the snow where we are some 600ft above the Fraser River.  Zoe is in her element which for a Swiss Bernese is hardly surprising.  She loves it and keeps arriving at the door covered in the stuff as if to say "it's me, in my white jacket again, can I come in?"  "I also have my own container stolen from the recycling of that's OK?"

 

 

Lacking in energy after a heavy work schedule we did not cut down our tree at the local tree farm but did find a nice Nordic Fir at Home Depot.  Having the Yukon meant we were also self sufficient hauling the tree home.  Bloody pine needles is already a common curse in the house, particularly as Kiara likes climbing inside the decorations.  She has already dropped the tree once so stabilised it is now (Yoda terminology seemed to fit the sentence so apologies).

 

Some years ago I got crafty and created a whole series of snow stencils for all of Mums  grandchildren.  They each had a pane dedicated to them.  This was in Folkestone on the Harbour.  One of the images was a church which I decided to replicate and spray on our pair of windows near the front door.

 

So to all the family you are never far from our thoughts and we look forward to seeing everyone soon.  Visitors here always welcome and every season has something to offer.  Come on over.  We hold fond memories in the bank ready to revisit from Guernsey to Hassocks, Northampton to Lincoln, Pilning to Brookthorpe, Redhill to Little Brington.  Crawley to Tralee.  Wallington to Long Buckby.