Our First "Frosty" Day of Winter

Well here we are, Dec. 30th, 2012, and winter only arrived but a week or so ago.  Today we woke to  minus 2c!!.  Brrrr!   We had a very heavy frost, but the sky was clear and blue, and I have new mittens to keep my hands warm.  Chris and I took Jake for a walk around Snug Cove and I snapped this picture looking out over the marina to Howe Sound, and beyond to the back end of Cypress Mountain and our coastal mountain range.

Guarding the Patio?

Jake (left) and his friend Cologne would much rather be invited indoors on this chilly afternoon (taken yesterday).              Still, they feel part of the pack having a birds-eye view of what's going on inside, and believe you me, they don't miss a movement that is made by us or the cats.

Blankets, Fur Trade & Canadian History

My sister Pat passed on one of her “collectible” Point Blankets to me.  Having one of these has been a dream of mine, and now it has come true.  This one belonged to my brother-in-law’s parents at one time.    These blankets are pure wool marked on one edge with black stripes and were a very important item in the Canadian fur trade era in the late 1700’s.   The first so-called “pointed” blankets were made by the British for French trading companies for sale to Aboriginal buyers.  The stripes on the blankets were about 5 1/2 inches (14 cm) long to indicate a full point, and half that long for half a point.  Point numbers refer to the size of the blanket width, and thus the approximate cost.  A general rule of thumb was that 1 point blankets sold for 1 prime beaver pelt, and up to 4 prime beaver pelts for a 4 point blanket.  This one would have cost 3 1/2 pelts.  Of course today, our Hudson Bay Company department stores manufacture and sell these and they are simply known as HBC blankets.   This one shown here is the real thing!!!

Collectible Kitties

Collecting wooden cats has been a hobby of mine for about 12 years now.  They are not as easy to find as you might think.
This is my current collection on the left, which includes one I just received as a Christmas gift from Susan and Bob; it is the black one with white spots, (on the right, below the tall blue cat).   Susan and Bob also gifted me with this awesome "hanging" wooden cat chime head.  Shown below, it is one of the most unique to my collection now.  I have yet to find the perfect spot to hang it, but that will come in time. I already have an idea to hang it right over the current collection.

Merry Christmas from Gypsy

Oh Tannenbaum!

No big Christmas tree for us, just a simple little fir top, shining proudly in the corner with a few lights and silver garland.  A little advent candle glowing on the table.  Just a little piece of Christmas to fill our hearts with love and joy.

Winter Nesting Time for the Critters

Don't we love this time of year when the weather outside is frightful, and our critters are so delightful?  Smoke, Jake and Gypsy have taken over the house now, and even though it means a little extra sweeping and vacuuming, it is worth it for the enjoyment they give us.   Today, this is what we found:  Gypsy has claimed the phone table, Smoke, as you can see, has found a tiny basket to call his own, and Jake, well, what can we say about Jake, except he makes himself at home! All is well in their world!

What is it About Those HERONS?

For months now we have endured the visits of a cunning teradactyl referred to by those who don't know better as the Blue Heron.  This creature has only eyes for our goldfish and koi.  Admittedly we have lost a few to this predator, but for the most part, Jake is on boundary patrol and will not tolerate the bird.  When we are home and Jake is on patrol, this creature sits in the cedar tree above the pond, taunting Jake and frustrating Chris.  It is a game to see who can outlast the other and give up first.  Chris has a chair outside, under cover, and watches and waits.  Recently, he decided to get himself a sling shot, thinking this would do the trick to scare the darn bird away for good.  He made a trip to overseas to town, and purchased the weapon of defense, and the ammunition as well.   To his dismay, the Heron suddenly disappeared and has not been seen now for a month.  The remaining fish (only about 22) are all present and accounted for.  Go figure!.  Not to worry says Chris, he is ready for the spring!!