On Sunday evening the rain let up for a few hours, a welcome change from the constant dreary weather we're experiencing. Such good timing for it was the Sidney Sparkle Parade! We joined the crowds lining the streets to watch the Fraser Highlanders Pipe Band, colourful lighted vehicles, an Irish Dancing group, line-dancers, miniature ponies and more.
Some of the floats were very creatively decorated. The crowd waved and called out Merry Christmas in response to the same greeting from the riders on the floats. It all felt very festive and a wee bit cold.
There's something about marching bands that arouses emotion. I often feel tears prick my eyes when the music passes me and I see everyone playing together in stirring rhythm. I feel the same when I see vehicles pull over for emergency vehicles. Perhaps it's the pulling together part that affects me.
There was a double decker bus typical of our transit system. Smiling faces of children and families looked out from the windows.
Several old classic cars took part and this one had the Grinch at the wheel. He didn't seem too grouchy, and waved with a friendly hand at the crowd.
Here at home preparations are happening slowly but surely. Today I baked shortbread and chocolate cherry cookies. And made bread dough which is slowly rising in the fridge until tomorrow. The tree is up and in the evening we sit and enjoy the soft lights while we read. It is evocative of the following words from Thomas de Quincey:
"Surely everyone is aware of the divine pleasures which attend
a wintry fireside; candles at four o'clock, warm hearthrugs,
tea, shutters closed...whilst the wind and rain are
raging audibly without."
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