Venice...City of water...

We have been in Venice for two days and have walked all over seeing the sights. It's really beautiful. Imagine a bustling city, remove every last one of the cars, and add about 200 boats. The police drive boats, the postal service drives boats, the bus is a waterbus, and the taxis are shiny wood boats as well. It's incredibly beautiful, like a movie set, and the food has been incredible.

We've been getting a kick out of watching all the Venetian dogs walking around in their stylish coats and vests. Everyone is dressed to the nines and the shopping is everything you imagine.

We'll head back to Germany in a few days, but for now, exploring the islands that make up Venice is a pretty wonderful way to mark the days leading to Christmas. Having my parents and hubby here to share it with pretty much make things perfect.

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday, wherever in the world you find yourself this year.

Bring on the snow!

It snowed all day today. All... day. Didn't stop once, and it was those big fluffy flakes that clump together with more fluffy flakes in the air and come tumbling down on your head. It was fabulous and awful, depending on whether you were watching if from the comfort of a chair by the fire, or trying to drive in it to finish up the last of your christmas shopping.

Luckily, being a Winnipegger, I am well-versed in winter driving, and this was put to a test today several times.

I shoveled the sidewalk in front of our house three times so far, and I'm thinking I'll do it one more time before bed so there isn't a crazy amount there in the morning.

The Germans keep saying that it doesn't normally snow this much or this early, and they generally seem kind of bugged with this inconvenient storm, but the buses are running, the streets are cleared, the shops are open and the Christmas market is chugging along... so what could be so bad? Slow down on the roads, dress warm and wear good boots, and cuddle up to the heater or fireplace once you are indoors. The snow won't last forever.

I love the fluffy flakes though. I put on my big (fake) furry lined boots and clomp around in it. The pug is less impressed, but pugs are really more built for afternoons by the fire.

Just a few more days til the parentals visit, and we are super excited!! We've been setting up their guest room, stocking the pantry, and hoping upon hopes that Venice doesn't sink before we get there.

Yay for Christmas and loved ones and big fluffy snow! Just stop the snow long enough for them to get here safe and sound, and we'll be all good. :o)

Sipping a hot mug of coffee and looking out on the snowy landscape as the world goes by, I am very, very thankful. There is something about the chill of winter that seems to bring everything in, closer together. People congregate in restaurants and shops. Families sit closer together and watch movies. We all inch closer to toasty fires and snuggle into warm sheets.

I love the sun, the warmth, the air of spring and summer, but there is something so beckoning about winter, provided you're dressed for the cold.

My parents will soon be arriving for Christmas in Italy and Germany. I have not yet seen Italy, so Venice will be a wonderful introduction to a place that has always been on my list. Although I can't wait to show them the Christmas Markets and all that Germany has to offer (I am certain various pastries will be on our horizon), I am mostly looking forward to the small pleasures of spending time with the people you love. Having my husband and parents in the same room at the same time, long talks in person (rather then over the phone), walking through shops with my mom, and gathering at the table for dinner.

I could not be more in the Christmas mood if I tried this year. I have finished wrapping, packing, and shipping presents off to loved ones far away, I have been listening to Nat King Cole's Christmas album, we've visited two Christmas Markets before December 1st, and I'm already searching through boxes for the Christmas ornaments.

Bring on Christmas!!