Photo Challenge Day # 299

Day # 299

Happy New Year !

If I could I would give each of you three gifts for the New Year this 

is what I would give you.

I would give you Bread,

 so your house may never know hunger.

I would give you Wine,

 so that joy and prosperity may 

reign forever.

I would give you Salt,

 So your life will always have flavour. 

Day # 299 "Bread, Wine & Salt"
My 3 gifts for you for the New Year 

Happy New Year to my children, my friends, my family & loved ones. 

See you tomorrow with Day # 300!

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 298

Day # 298




One more day to the end of 2015, I thought I would do a couple of self portraits. 

I always think I look great in the bathroom

Me and my Christmas tree 

Day # 298 "Me" 

I hide behind my glasses…I feel as though I keep the real me hidden…no more! 

See you tomorrow with Day 299! 

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 297

Day # 297


I hope everyone is enjoying the Christmas Season, with the past snow fall, the decorations. Now that the hustle and bustle over, we can relax enjoy the colours, the lights, the warmth the love of family and friends. 

Day # 297 "Front Yard at Christmas"

back yard 

May the magic of Christmas stay with you for the rest of this year and into the next!

See you tomorrow with Day # 298! 

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 296

Day # 296



During the last few days of 2015, I sometimes reflect on events, people, celebrations, trips, visits that include my family and friends. Which includes making plans for the new year!
At Christmas time, I love receiving photographs of my family to put into frames around my house. 
I have this large collage frame that I change about once a year. Today, I decided it was time.  This is me and my family a mini version  of my collage! 

Day # 296

Photographs are always great way of sharing and remembering the memories of the past year!

See you tomorrow with Day # 297!

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 295

Day # 295

It had snowed all night, so after coffee and toasted fresh raisin bread we had decided to clear some snow.When we left the house to shovel & snow blow a couple of driveways. We had noticed these clear foot prints in the snow! 

Day # 295 "Bird Prints in Snow"

Later  on in the afternoon went for a drive around town and I had decided walk a bit at The University of Northern British Columbia. We had a great chuckle walking around in knee deep snow and filling my boots with snow at the same time! 
The picture over looks Prince George…on a clear sunny day! 

Day # 295 " Foot prints in the Snow" 

Do not go where the  path may lead, 

go instead where there is no path

and leave a trail

Ralph Waldo Emerson 

I am looking forward in getting out and walking in our Winter Wonderland. 

(and making a few snow angles too)

See you tomorrow with Day # 296! 

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 294

Day # 294


It is snowing outside today, and it looks like it will not stop. So, after we shovelled a couple of driveways it was easy to dig out the book, glass of wine, some treats and relax. 
Well, really my plan was to use Caitlin's (Food Photography) gift to me…and try and do a photo shoot…but the pillow and blanket…and the photo props …well, you can come up to your own conclusion! 

Day # 294 "Boxing Day Relax" 

What did you do for Boxing Day? 

Merry Christmas and Happy Boxing Day to all!

See you tomorrow with Day # 295!

Jewels

Photo Challenge Day # 293

Day # 293

Christmas Day Dinner Feast

Gingerbread Boy Donnie & Gingerbread Girl Audrey! 

Day # 293 "Christmas Dinner" 

G.Grandma Hennig reading email from Martin & Donna
who are now living in Fiji!

Turkey! 

Table set for dinner 

The menu for tonights feast :

Roasted Turkey

Homemade Bread Stuffing with Raisins and Nuts

Scottish Haggis 

Twice baked Russian Potatoes

Brussel Sprouts in herbed butter and bacon

Carrots and Parsnips with *seasoned salt (*gift from Caitlin)

Julie's fresh yeast buns with butter

pickles, and fresh veggie tray

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

White wine & *Raspberry Riesling (*home brew from Nathan and Grace)

Dessert

Bavarian Cream with assorted fresh fruit

garnished with Dates &  Fresh Coconut

Tart tray (Julie's Christmas baking ) 

Mini Cheese cakes

Raspberry/Cranberry tart

Apple tart

Lemon tart

coffee/tea 

After dinner a few Christmas Gifts were handed out by Donnie and Audrey (very excitable elves).

I hope everyone enjoyed their day ! 

See you tomorrow with Day # 294! 

Merry Christmas to all! 

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 292

Day # 292

To my family and friends, 

Day # 292 "Merry Christmas" 

My Christmas wish for you,

That your heart be light as a snowflake,

That your troubles melt away like snow,

And a drift of blessings

surround you.

Merry Christmas to you all. 

See  you tomorrow with Day # 293!  

Photo Challenge Day # 291

Day # 291


Today was another baking day. Yesterday I baked 5 different types of tarts…today…cookies and another special (hope it tastes good) braided loaf. Gifts from my kitchen, from my heart to my loved ones. 

Day # 291 "Lemon Christmas cookies" 

Tomorrow is Christmas dinner preparations, and baking a batch of dinner rolls. 
I hope you house smells as wonderful as mine…all those Christmassy smells.

See you tomorrow with Day # 292! 

Jewels 

Ps Yes they taste as good as they look! 

Photo Challenge Day # 290

Day # 290



It is the official first day of Winter. 

Day # 290 "First Day of Winter"

Toast to the first day of winter. Blessing onto your home and family. May you stay warm, dry, happy and healthy this winter.

See you tomorrow with Day # 291! 
Cheers!

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 289

Day # 289





It is a few days before Christmas. The count down continues. The last few days of shopping, house cleaning, cooking, baking, wrapping. There are Christmas parties with co-workers, family and friends. Your children and grand children so excited!  Your world may feel upside down…. checking your lists making sure everything gets done in time.
For me it is the memories, the traditions of the past. I know that each year life changes, and we carry some or most of the traditions forward, and sometimes we create new traditions along with the new memories. 

Day # 289 "Upside down Christmas" 

I hope during this festive, fun, busy time, that you remember the the spirit of Christmas. That you relax and enjoy your home, family, friends near and far. Sneak in that glass of wine, that egg nog… Make a toast ! 

Enjoy the preparations, of this Season! 

See you tomorrow with Day 290! 

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 288

Day # 288




Yesterday, Audrey and I decorated my Christmas tree. Today I went to Moore's Meadow for a walk. I wanted to see how Mother Nature decorates for the season. 
The trees, bushes and dry plants were topped with fluffy white snow.

Day # 288 "Moore's Meadow before
Christmas" 

There were branches that the sun had melted the snow and left water droplets which then froze. While walking I could see the frozen droplets sparking in the sunlight. 

The snow fall last night made everything white, fluffy, refreshing, like a Winter Wonderland.

See you tomorrow with Day # 289! 

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 287

Day # 287




Today I decorated my christmas tree. I did have some help from Audrey.
I had Audrey start with hanging up the German Christmas Stars on my tree. Looking at the box of stars, some of them yellowing with age, are now 40 years old.

Day # 287 "Audrey helping Grandma"

Over the years I have collected many tree ornaments.  So, now I feel fortunate that each year I can decorate my Christmas tree a different colour or theme.

See you tomorrow with Day # 288!

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 286

Day # 286



This evening my grand daughter and I we had a sleep over. It was her  first sleep over at my house! When Audrey kissed her parents good bye, she unpacked her back pack and put her tooth brush in the holder in the bathroom. She wanted to put on her pj's right away, but we held off to eat dinner first and watch a Mickey Mouse Christmas movie. Then on went the pj's and a Tinker Bell Movie..tucked in with Anna (Frozen Movie) Frog. 
This is what I had always wanted. My wish for my grand kids, is that they will come over when ever they can, when ever they want, sleep over, eat all the cookies and ice cream and watch movies with Grandma Julie! 

Day # 286 "Sleep over at Grandmas'

Watching Tinker Bell Movie with Grandma 

Sleeping Anna frog has the floor.

Sound asleep, it didn't take her long! Not sure what time we will be up in the morning! Coffee for Grandma and waffles for Miss Audrey! 
Good night all ! 
See you tomorrow with Day # 287! 

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 285

Day # 285



Looking around today, the trees covered in frost and snow. I feel a spark of Christmas inside of me. I feel lucky that we live in a winter wonderland. Some areas around Prince George, reminds me of a Christmas card.

Today I took out my macro lens and tried to get up close to see the wonders of Mother Nature and Jack Frost. 

Day # 285 "Touch of Frost" 

What a wonderful glimpse of this frosty world. 

See you tomorrow with Day # 286!

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 284

Day # 284



Elf on the Shelf is a popular pre-Christmas activity for the young and young at heart. You can find a book, video and your own Elf at department stores and local book stores. 
Aleah has an Elf, her name is Radly. Each morning when we get up Radly is somewhere in the house, doing something mischievous or interesting. I applaud the grown ups who are creative and have ingenious ideas for Elf on the Shelf. 

Day # 284 "Radley and Aleah" 

My favourite part of the Elf on the Shelf yesterday, was cutting out the snowflakes for the Elf! The internet has lots of templates/patterns to help you with your snowflakes. 

See you tomorrow with Day # 285!

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 283

Day # 283



The house was filled with delicious warm smells of vanilla, butter melting, brown sugar, cinnamon. When the oven door was opened the tantalizing smell of pastry and mincemeat filled the air. I  truelove the baking smells of Christmas !

"Nothing says Home like the smell of Baking!"

Day # 283 "We Whisk you a Merry Christmas" 

Baked with Love by Danielle!

Jewels thought of the Day! 
I just want to wear my Christmas Pj's, bake stuff and watch Christmas movies all day!

See you tomorrow with Day # 284! 

Very tasty Danielle! Thank you! 

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 282

Day # 282






Today modelling the newest in Christmas sleep wear are 2 of my 5 models. 

Day # 282 "Christmas PJ models"

They will stay warm and snug in their new PJ's while waiting for the arrival of Santa Claus. 
I think I may be wanting a pair for myself, along with a glass of egg nog or wine…. 

See you tomorrow with Day # 283!

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 281

Day # 281



I am a pine tree planted in Will and Tracey's front yard.  During the year,I have had many birds in my tree, sheltering them from the dark and from the cold.
I have had many pets sleeping under the tree, and children playing hide and go seek. I give shade during the sunny days, and shelter you in the rain.
I am too tall to be a Christmas tree inside the house. But now I stand tall outside your house with my branches frosted.  

Day # 281 "Frosted Pine"

I like the way pine trees look when they are covered in snow or frost! Plus, that wonderful smell, I close my eyes and it reminds me of Christmases past. 

See you tomorrow with Day # 282! 

Jewels

Photo Challenge Day # 280

Day # 280 




Today was a cold and frosty morning. The trees were all decorated with frost. Not really sure if Jack Frost was outside decorating the trees or Mother Nature doing her magic. 

Day # 280 "Frosted Sunflowers"

With the trees all covered in frost, it did make it look like winter wonderland outside. 

See you tomorrow with Day # 281!

Jewels

Photo Challenge Day # 279

Day # 279



Today's photo challenge is reflection. While I was outside Andrew and Danielle's place taking other photos. I had noticed my grand daughter Aleah sitting at the dining room table eating a Christmas cookie…I bet she is wondering what Grandma Julie is doing? 

Day # 279 "Aleah, reflection" 

Aleah liked this picture. It was a like Christmas magic. I do have more ideas with reflections that I need to try. 

See you tomorrow with Day # 280! 

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 278

Day # 278



One of my photo challenges was to use my cell phone and take pictures. I see so many people with their phones taking pictures at concerts, outdoors, even on the plane. I decided to try the same thing. I thought I would try taking pictures with my phone as the plane was preparing to land at The Calgary Airport. 

Day # 278 "Landing in Calgary"
Photo with Cell phone. 

I have joined  'view bug' a couple of months ago. I wanted to submit some of my photos, enter some contests and wanted to know what other photographers think of my pictures.  I am very pleased with the response I am getting. For me that is as scary as getting that 'job' you have always wanted. 
Today I received an email telling me that one of my photos received an award from the judges. The cool thing was, I never entered that picture in a contest. So I am thrilled. This picture was used as my photo challenge Day # 239!  

Won Staff Winter Selection 2015 

I would like to say thank you to my family & friends for their love and support while I wonder about taking pictures and posting my blog! 

See you tomorrow with Day #  279

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 277

Day # 277



I think it was time I did another self portrait. I thought since grand children are so photogenic, I needed to do a selfie with James. I was very surprised that Elf on the Shelf, named Radley decided to get into the picture as well. 

Day # 277 "Selfie with Grandma Julie"

It's the little memories that lasts a life time! 

See you tomorrow with Day # 278! 

Jewels

Photo Challenge Day # 276

Day # 276




Ti's the season for the school children to participate in a Christmas Concert. I always enjoyed helping my kids with their costumes, learning lines, practising songs before the performance. 
I am saddened when I hear that my grandson Ashton, had his Christmas concert. (he lives 8 hrs away) and that I wasn't able to attend. I feel very lucky when I see pictures of that event via cell phones or face book! 

This year, I was lucky to catch Donnie's first Christmas concert. The school put on a production of "The Littlest Reindeer". The whole school participates and takes a song/carol and performs for the audience. 

Day # 276  "Donnie singing" 

Donnie knew his family would be there, and he did the search while trying to sing. 

found Grandma Julie taking pictures

They all did a great job with todays performance. What a memorable way to start off the Christmas season! 

See you tomorrow with Day # 277!

Jewels