A Look Back at December - Part 1

09Dec - Hamilton Christmas Lunch & Lights of St. Marys

Today we head for Oakville for our annual Hamilton Family Christmas Lunch. It’s impossible to get everyone together in December so we pick a date and then just see who shows up. This year the Omands are in full force - Joyce (Carman’s sister) & Neil; Carrie & Marco and Michael & Jessica. The Hamiltons are fewer in representation - Carman & I; Kyle & Nicky (visiting from England); Alex (Carman’s brother) & Birdie and Mark & Roxanna. Jennifer & Max (TO), Dj & Matt (Ottawa) and Rosemary & Rafa (Botswana) aren’t able to make it.

Our niece, Carrie and her husband Marco live in Oakville and always host us for a visit after lunch. Carrie has selected the Olive Press for lunch and we all thoroughly enjoy our meals and our server. Back at their place we enjoy a wonderful visit and especially the news that Michael & Jessica have to share - they are expecting in May - a grandchild for Joyce & Neil!

F: Roxana, Alex, Neil, Carman
M: Mark, Carrie, Joyce, Birdie, Pamela
B: Marco, Kyle, Nicky, Jessica & Michael

When we get home, I discover that my sister has sent us a photo from their annual "light tour". The neighbours in this area of Fredericton, NB go all out with the decorations every year. In the evenings traffic moves at a crawl thru the area as people take the tour comparing and photographing the displays!

Christmas Lights, St. Marys Reserve, F'ton, NB

08Dec - Boot shopping, Dominoes with Carla, Jess, Kristy & Derek

We’re headed north today, to do some boot shopping - both Jess & her Mom, Carla, are looking for some footwear that will get them thru the promised cold, snowy winter. Before we leave Carman wants a touch up so he’ll look his best for the adventure.

We arrive at the shoe warehouse and find many styles to choose from. This expedition requires consultation, thorough analysis, the texting of photos to our Ottawa fashion consultant and a bit of eenie, meenie, minie, moe before Jess settles on the black boots.

Alas, we didn’t find anything suitable for Carla, but on the upside, Carman found a pair of shoes (he wouldn’t model them for the camera though).

Once back home, we had some prep to do before the gang arrived for a round of Dominoes. Derek was the big winner tonight and the biggest shock of all was Jess’ score! Being the trooper that she is, she was still able to smile about it though!