Happy New Year!

     Although there is still some snow on the ground, it has been raining for most of the day and is quite damp out.  CC and I have had a busy couple of days after three glorious days of rest and relaxation at home.  On the 30th, we went up north to Devil's Glen near Creemore and stayed at a friend's family ski chalet for the night.  It was a very foggy drive up, but very relaxing once we were ensconced  with a roaring fire, drinks in hand and lively conversation.  We came back to Guelph yesterday, stopped in at the grocery store, and came home to prepare for a dinner party at friends' nearby.  We made a fennel and orange salad and mustard beans as our contributions.  There were fifteen people altogether and we started the evening with a bunch of appetizers: garlic Boursin and olives on pumpernickel, pear and cheese on endive and radicchio, cheese and bacon on toasts and broccoli cheese squares.  We then sat at the table and had small bowls of a hearty beef stew, followed by baked, stuffed peppers and lots of salads.  We ended with an almond cake with pomegranate seeds.  Guests were asked to talk about news stories or quotes that affected them this year.  Some guests left before midnight but a few of us hardcore types greeted the new year with champagne, hugs and kisses!

Devil's Glen

     Today, CC and I packed away all of the Christmas decorations and took the Christmas tree and the evergreen boughs outside.  While I vacuumed and dusted, CC cut the greenery up into manageable pieces to put around the Rhododendron, Azaleas and Japanese Maple.  They act as a good shield from the winter sun and will eventually add to some acidity to the soil.  We noticed the Cyclamen had started poking up through the snow, adding some green to a somewhat monochromatic landscape.

Early Cyclamen!