Winter has arrived in full force upon the land. The snow is down, and in true Edmonton fashion, it seems like we just get another few centimetres each night – light, dry, and fluffy, but regular deposits upon the ground.

This is not Nugget’s favourite time of the year – that’s for sure! He is no Husky! So he has a little coat, but as the ground got colder, wetter, and icier. So to the coat we added boots – he wasn’t impressed, and watching him walk was really funny. Eventually, he just sat down in the snow. He’s getting used to the cold weather, but I don’t see him wanting to chase the white rabbits in our neighbourhood.

And what do you get for a dog for Christmas? My Mom suggested this guy might be spoiled. Maybe.

Now life in The Villa isn’t just about Nugget. Just this past week, we had our annual Christmas dinner. And how delightful it was to have Anna, Brooklyn and Shem come to do some carols with us. They were great. What was funny – at least to me – we had our usual gift exchange, and this is what I ended up with. Someone was gifting dandelion tea…Fortunately, I avoided that one. Dandelion – really?

Now, what was I writing about??…. I have to pee, hang on.

Last item – as we get ready for Christmas, the house inside and out – looks like Christmas, and there’s just something wonderful about that. Part of it is sentimental, that’s for sure, but the other part of it is the reminder that we are at a significant marker in the calendar. And I can’t help but look around our home and be entirely filled with joy, gladness and gratitude. We are a blessed people.