Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Boats, Baking, Books, and Candles

 


The days pass, busy but not frantic. The rain has let up for a few days and there have been patches of sunshine. Clear weather on the night of the lighted boat parade meant no raincoats. We walked along the waterfront and marina before dark. How calm the water, reflecting those tall masts perfectly. 


We stood on the pier and waved at the boats going by. Happy voices called out "Merry Christmas" from shore to boat and boat to shore. What fun it is to be part of a crowd of people intent on simple joys. 


I baked cookies this morning - Rugelach - a Christmas favourite. They are small and two made a nice accompaniment to my afternoon cup of tea. 

Our postal system is on strike and it doesn't look like things will be cleared up before Christmas. I'm writing cards for those I can hand them to personally, but otherwise, cards are off the list for this year. I feel for the small businesses who rely so heavily on mail orders at this season. 


I tied up an old German hymnbook with the musical notes along with my grandmother's old German hymnal, with no music score. My grandmother's hymnal was published in 1895 and has her father's name written in it with Chortitza - the colony in Ukraine where he once lived. 

Scented candles don't appeal to me very much, but Frasier Fir by Thymes is one that fills the house with scents of fir and cedar. I like it very much and a small votive like the one on the books above lasts for a long time. 

It's late in the day now and I've still not published this post. It's time to do so and settle in with my book. The fire glows and pools of lamplight cast warmth just where we need it. Wishing you a quiet evening and a lovely day. 

18 comments:

  1. The Christmas boat parade must be very nice, you’re lucky. I like your cup and saucer they are very nice. I like scented candles but natural ones, difficult to find. I don’t rugleach are they German cookies?

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  2. I can almost smell the scent of fir and cedar from here. Two of my favourite scents. I can imagine how lovely those illuminated boats must have been. And no rain…what a joy. Plenty of baking here too. It’s what December is all about. My day dawns and I loved reading your post as I start a new day. B x

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  3. The number of cards I post at Christmas has reduced drastically over the last few years. However, it is sad that workers strike at times such as this festive season, and as you mention especially for those with small businesses.

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  4. Lovely to settle down with a book (Winter Solstice?) by a glowing fire.

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  5. Beautiful boats and an adorable Christmassy coffee cup ❤️
    I would like to taste those cookies. They look tempting.

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  6. That hymnal is a family treasure for sure.

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  7. My friend from Canada brought her US/international cards and packages over during her visit this week to mail here but said there was no point mailing to Canada. In fact, the US post office won't even take packages going there right now, though I suppose you could drop a card in the box and it would sit in limbo indefinitely. Timing is everything and your timing on that first photo was unbelievable. And I really love the teacup. What a treasure that hymnal is.

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  8. Anonymous5:41 AM

    I love the way your hymnals look tied up with ribbon! Just lovely. I’m so sorry you all have a postal strike, and at Christmas time!

    Deanna Rabe

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  9. I loved all your photos, Lorrie. That boat all lit up was a lovely sight. And what a treasure to have those old hymnals, especially with your great-grandfather's name in one. I love how you tied them with red ribbon and arranged candles around them. I have been thinking of doing something similar with a pile of my Christmas books and setting them on a table.

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  10. We've got your rain!

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  11. Isn't it lovely to settle down with a book :)

    A lovely post - enjoy your December days.

    All the best Jan

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  12. Anonymous9:41 PM

    The Rugelach look so good. I have never tried making them. The old German hymnbooks are truly treasures. GM

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  13. A beautiful post, Lorrie. I do love your arrangement of the old hymn books, wrapped with ribbon, a lovely idea. I do not much like candles either, but the idea of fir and cedar is appealing and speaks of Christmas. A lighted boat parade is very special, and I am sure enjoyed by everyone.

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  14. Wonderful to have your family hymn books and they look lovely in the candlelight. The parade of boats at the marina sounds like a wonderful event to be part of, your photos are lovely:)

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  15. How beautifully this Christmas-lit boat is reflected in the water... it can only warm your heart.
    Your pastries look very good. I looked for the recipe online and found it... I like the little rolled up filled cookies.
    I would like to leaf through the old hymn books.
    Kind regards to you.

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  16. Such beautiful photos outside and inside. I was happy to be able to hand deliver cards to 7 of the Mennonite Girls on Monday. That postal strike is tough on many.

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  17. A lovely post, Lorrie! The old hymn books are treasures and oh, how well your teacup and napkin fit together! But the postal system on strike just before Christmas is really sad.

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  18. Bonjour Lorrie,
    Comme c’est intéressant de connaître les coutumes et les célébrations de Noël de chaque pays et ces bateaux illuminés sont une charmante tradition.
    Vous habitez une région où l’hiver doit être rigoureux. Prendre une tasse de thé au coin du feu avec un biscuit maison, un bon livre et les souvenirs des Noëls d’autrefois est une charmante "routine".
    Bon weekend et prenez soin de vous
    Hélène

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Thank you for your comment. I read and value each one, cherishing the connections we can make although far apart. Usually, I visit your blog in return, although if you ask a question I try to contact you directly.

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