Christmas preparations, shopping, and oh snow!

For those wondering, the wordless Wednesday was an experiment. D and Eli have been trying various experiments over the last week. This one started with three glasses with water and two empty. They added food coloring to the water, and then placed folded paper towels in the glasses. D explained to Eli how plants get water from the soil around it, seeking out water from a distance through their root system. Interestingly, while they started with different water levels in the three glasses, all five ended up with similar amounts through the transfer. We also wondered how the colours would blend (they did, but not as we expected). The experiment continues as she is using the project to explain evaporation too. 

Another week in the rear view mirror and with it, winter is drawing closer. We did have a few snow flakes on the weekend but nothing stuck. The day time temperatures are staying above the freezing mark, which is appreciated at this time of year. We haven't seen a lot of the sun either, and the "dark" hours being earlier in the evening and extend into the morning. I heard my daughter asking Google how many days until the winter solstice. She really finds the dreary days difficult.

As a result, we've started the winter/Christmas decorating. There are ornaments like icicles, snow flakes, even snow men that can be put out now and remain out until spring. We put up the tree on Sunday, fluffed out the branches, but didn't start to decorate it for a few days to allow it to settle. This tree holds only ornaments that D had - my ornaments remain in a tub as they don't match her silver and blue theme. We've talked about a second tree, but I don't know where we'd put it. I don't need/want a small tree in my bedroom, as the cats use my dresser for watching out the windows. The big tree is currently in the office with the French door, allowing it to be seen from the living room but out of reach of interested kitty paws!

Wednesday was voting day for the municipal elections. We dropped Eli off at school, and drove over to the community center to vote. It was a short walk upstairs to the walking track where we spent a half hour walking with a few regulars. This is the third or fourth time we've walked and I'm starting to recognize some individuals. The hockey team was exercising on part of the track today, so we would walk one way as far as we could without interrupting their work-out, and then turn and walk the other direction. A couple of the other walkers weren't as cautious and walked along the edge of the track. Some of the exercises had the young men jumping over low pieces of equipment on one leg or from side to side...we didn't want to chance being bumped if someone lost their footing. Besides, they smelled funky! They were clearly putting effort into their work-out.

I've started working on Christmas ornaments for Eli's teacher, teacher's aides, principal, and counselor. There are six ornaments needed this year, and I decided to make crocheted gingerbread ornaments. I found a couple of patterns, tried one - didn't like it, so used the second one. It can be made a single or double layered ornament and I chose to do the double layer. I changed the pattern slightly to include the white edging, added safety eyes and a bit of stuffing, and enlarged the little bow. Of course, I learned a bit with the first one and Eli has asked to keep this one, so I'll continue to tweak the pattern and finishing as I go along. 

Once those are complete, I'm planning to make trolls for my niece and nephew. What my brother and his wife will get is still to be determined. The more I look through possibilities in Pinterest, the more suggestions I get so I know I'll find something.

Grocery day was Thursday, which normally means sticker shock here in our small town. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that the sale price on many of the items was as low as I find in the city. I tend to buy our groceries based on what is on sale, with a few basics thrown in. But even the basics seemed to be a bit lower than I remember from this summer. I know it won't last, so I'll enjoy it while it lasts.

We dropped Eli at school on Friday and went to the walking track. We walked for just over 35 minutes before heading home. My right knee has been giving me grief, and while I'm sure the walking is good for me, it does irritate my knee. My daughter has issues with her hip flexors and needed to stretch when we got to the house. Clearly, we both need to keep moving!

That afternoon we got a call from the delivery company - they were on the way with our new fridge and stove. We had about 15 minutes to clear out the old appliances before they arrived. After removing the doors from the old fridge and taking off the back door it was removed from the kitchen and the new one was brought in. Switching out the two stoves was much easier! Then it was time to return all of the food items into the fridge. The old fridge was a side by side, while the new one has French door fridge on top and the freezer on the bottom. The new freezer had just enough capacity to hold what was in the side freezer, however the new fridge capacity is much larger than the old one. D baked that afternoon to try out the new convection oven - it also doubles as an air fryer, though we'd have to buy a special pan. D has a double air fryer so I don't think we'll bother. She also set up the app on her phone as both appliances are WiFi enabled. I won't bother...

I spent some time crocheting and have the bodies of three more gingerbread stitched. Once I've got all of the pieces made, I'll put them together and do the finishing. There is football today and tomorrow to watch so I hope to have them all done by the end of the weekend.

Though I hadn't planned to return to the city until mid-week, my plans have changed as we're getting snow and rain in the next few days. (5 cms./2 inches expected today). I'm scheduled to take the bus trip to Bismarck for Black Friday shopping on Thursday. And no, that isn't the trip I hinted a month ago. This will be my first winter driving in the SUV and I'll admit, I'm a little nervous. Monday seems to be the best option. Since I'll be away, there won't be a post next Saturday. CORRECTION: Thanks to Cheryl for reminding me that Black Friday isn't until Nov 29th. I would have been 10 days early for the trip. Plans have changed!

Have a great week ahead everyone!