I never knew I had such a “thing” for reindeers and caribou until this year. We’re currently up in Northern Michigan, in Petoskey to be exact, that lovely place right on Lake Michigan where we like to spend some time during the Autumn. We’ve rented a two bed Victorian cottage just a couple of blocks from the main downtown area, so we’re close to everything but just far enough away from the hustle and bustle. While we’re up here we’re also hoping to find our downhill ski legs again, along with some cross country skiing too and a boat load of relaxation as I’m in dire need of a break. In fact, my suitcase consisted of my outdoor gear and three pairs of pyjamas as that’s what I intend wearing all day every day while we’re at the house! In my dreams at least!
[You lookin’ at me???]
So, those reindeer. Every year at the beginning of December we bring home a beautiful, real Christmas tree and I spend a very happy couple of nights decorating it and the rest of the house too. Only this year, there was absolutely no point in getting a real tree and even less point in completely decking the halls either, so I concentrated my efforts on the entry hallway so it looks nice for visitors and the family room where we spend most of our time. That meant that I put all my favourite decorations in the family room instead of spreading them around, and it was then that my little Rudolph habit became noticeable!
[This is one of a pair I was given, must do something with his white bob-tail, he seems to have lost the original one! And please ignore the packing supplies in the background, the Ribbon Organizers have been galloping out of the door!]
Of course, no big tree means that for the first time in many, many years we won’t be sleeping under one on Christmas Eve, we’ll actually be in a bed! Not sure how we’re going to cope to be honest, it will seem most odd!! But I’m really looking forward do the break as I’ve been very busy at work, very busy at home, very busy socially and basically, just very busy! I’ve been burning the candle at both ends and I’m rapidly running out of candle!!
[Another gifted one, silver this time. He lives on the end of the curtain rod as he’s much too heavy for the tree]
I’m also hoping to meet up with a lady I met on line on Ravelry, the knitting and crocheting emporium, as she lives just one block away from where we’ll be staying. And of course I’ll be packing a knitting project or two to work on whilst we away. It doesn’t look like we’ll be snowed in, sadly, but there is quite a bit of snow on the ski hills.
[Another gifted one, this time from a Manager at work who seems to know me quite well]
And then there’s Bou, who you’ve met before. I have to admit that he does receive preferential treatment as he’s up here with us, having a lot of fun and getting into all sorts of mischief. Let’s hope he makes it back home with us too!
[Looks like someone has been sticking their nose in the cookie jar!!]
I just wanted to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year in case we can’t get online while we’re away (this is a scheduled post). I have a new tablet that I bought for myself on Cyber Monday using gift vouchers from Amazon that I had but I’m still learning all about it and what it and what it does! I’m a bit old school I’m afraid! See you on the other side.
Butlers Abroad 