One Christmas Night In The Kitchen
Documenting a night over Christmas, in the kitchen.
As with most homes my kitchen is the heart of most of the action. This was one of many evenings spent here, but the only one that I decided to pull out my camera. For shame, I know.
The evening like many others, was well spent, laughing, cooking, eating, clearly some drinking, and playing games. Christmas tunes playing on Spotify..
Confession- I’m relentless with the Christmas music, when the opportunity of repetitive indulgence becomes available.
It is not very often that every one is able to get together under the same roof, at the same time. And at the time of these photos not all family had arrived. Lucky for mom, she’d had enough of the shenanigans and wandered off to bed earlier in the evening.
I am so very grateful that this holiday season was one of those rare occurrences where our Reesor side of the clan gathering, was not missing a single soul.
In the series below and ones to follow are in no particular order, my dad Dennis, my youngest son Daxon, his girlfriend Shylo, husband Brad, sister Tonya. Niece and nephew Jayce & Jaryn, and last but not least, Dany the elf.
Till next year.
Jasmine
Jasmine looks up at her mama
This sweet old girl had a photo session with her family the other day. But we all know who the star of the show really was. She probably doesn’t have many more Christmas’s left and so we made sure she got some special treatment.
I am a animal lover, and this old girl had my heart.
Such a beauty
BK & The girls
This man has been one of our very good friends for years. It is almost surreal that I have known him before these two beauties ever graced this earth. So when he asked to have some photos done with himself and his girls, my response was hell yes!
Here are a few favs from our session.
Thanks for gracing my make shift living room studio BK & crew
xo
TD
Ewoks on sale
Along the highway somewhere in Saskatchewan, there are Ewoks on for half price.
First of all, I didn’t even know you could buy a good Ewok here in the middle of the prairies. But there you go.
Just call me the bearer of useless information.
Ninety Seven
Grandpa Russ - This birthday thing is some serious business
This sweet soul turned 97 in December.
His name is Russel and he is my husbands paternal grandfather. The family gathered and celebrations were had.
Although some physical ailments have decided to challenge his everyday, this man still lives on his own and is sharp as a tack.
Russ like to keep up on the worlds current events, and loves challenging the ladies around town to a good game of crib. Much to his favour there are not many bachelors to compete with at his ripe age.
This wise guy has some serious quick wit, and his sense of humour brings a smile to my face whenever he is in the room.
Losing his wife of 65 years to cancer 9 years ago, I am in awe of his dedication to making each day the best it can be.
Happy birthday Grandpa Russ. I am inspired, blessed and oh so grateful to be a part of this family you created.
Cheers to you
xo TD
A Seasonal Rant With A Side Of Tea
Well I don’t know about you but I’m feeling this whole summer thing came and went way to fast. There has been no gradual easing into the crisp cool of fall.
Leaves are turning scarlet and crimson, they magically lull me into seasonal tolerance. Yes it’s beautiful, but I am never ready to say goodbye to summer. Never.
A list of some of my favourite coping rituals for easing into the fall season, below.
1. Morning coffee on the deck - although this takes place lately in toque, mitts, and a blanket. I stay true to this ritual until there is risk of frozen appendages.
2. Hot tub - It keeps ya toasty warm but still feels like i’m indulging in an outdoor activity.
3. Shopping for fall wardrobe - Although the fall thing is depressing, the shopping is therapeutic. And I always need a new sweater.
4. BBQ’ing - Until -40 and deathly wind chills make this favourite summer past time impossible.
5. Sunday cooking in my kitchen- Fresh summer produce, and cooler temps make Sunday Funday in my cozy kitchen a must.
6. Drink wine - Although not a seasonally specific past time, it goes exceptionally well with all of the activities listed above.
Enjoy -
xo Tam
YOGI TEA
In big soup pot full of water
WholeBlack peppercorns - about 20
Whole cloves - 15’ish
Whole Cardamom pods split (smack with the flat of a knife) about 20
Cinnamon 3 - 5 sticks
Ginger root - no need to peel. Slice the ginger about 8 slices (I keep mine in the freezer)
Black tea bag
Low boil for 30 - 45 minutes
then add tea bag
low simmer for another 30 mins or more depending on how strong you like your tea
Smells amazing!
Strain it through a mesh strainer and discard.
Pour into mason jars - I use a glass 4 cup measuring cup
Store in fridge
Drink hot (reheat in small pot) microwave not recommended.
Just as delicious cold
The 50'ith
Well Ma & Pa’s 50th wedding anniversary has just passed. There was a small gathering with some close family and friends. Some last minute rushing and planning. Some lack of organization, communication, and at times assistance; Marinated in a good dose of anxiety, all neatly wrapped up in a large loaded soft tortilla of love, appreciation, and nostalgia. I’m hungry can you tell?
All in all I escaped unscathed with most of my sanity and pride in tact.
Ah, this funny guy can still make her laugh
Adorable
My parents are pretty great. First of all I thank the lord, my lucky stars, and a few angels every day for still having the both of them around. They are fun and full of life and I can’t imagine not being able to share all the good stuff with them.
Vacation selfies out on the ocean low tide, Parksvillle British Columbia
Dennis and Val were high school sweethearts. Cool hey? (Is it still cool to say cool?) And the fact that they are still together probably makes them eligible for some kind of “defying all the odds” certificate of merit.
Grad 1964/65
what a good lookin' pair
They are fantastic role models and I admire their commitment to family, and each other.
The stories these hands could tell..
This celebration of defying all odds A.K.A 50th wedding anniversary, was held here in Saskatchewan. Both of my parents were born and raised right here, but in recent years have migrated to a little community in B.C. With the distance they needed to travel, and their presence somewhat required.. this party could not, and was not, a surprise.
Campers at heart, I arranged the weekend at a small regional park/campground in a little hall on the golf course out there. We gathered, we camped, we ate, and we drank… Its the way we roll here with summer in the Sask.
Some very close friends of ma & pa's travelled all the way from Iowa and surprised the hell out of them. Of course I knew they were going to be making the cross country trek, but the utter shock and joy of this little surprise for them was one of my favourite parts. The smiles and laughter lasted the whole night, I'd have to say, it was worth every minute of fuss.
So here is a kick ass moment alert! My dad is a musician, and he doesn't go far without his guitar. - Hey, that rhymed - So no surprise, he took stage and started jamming with old band buddy Gerald. Old referring to the band.. and not those two crazy coconuts ;) It would not have been the same with out them busting out their talents.
Both my boys and Holly (my daughter in law to be;) were there - As most parents with grown kids can attest too it’s not very often the whole clan is together in one place. Big heart sigh!
Aunts, Uncles, cherished old friends, and even some of the original bridal party, all came to help party the day away.
On a side note, that end of the night shit got real as nephew Jayce broke out the clothes pins. Despite what you see here, I assure you - No children were harmed in the clean up of this hall...
Saluti
TD
Dennis + Val, sittin' in a tree, K-i-s-s-i-n-g