Life goes on in the New Year at elfland. We have had some bitter cold earlier this week. But weather mellowed down a bit and now we can come out of our hibernation. The chickens have been a focal point. They drive us out, no matter what weather. Unfortunately, they have caught the fancy of a couple of hawks! With the extreme cold, the hawks have been circling around with the hope of grabbing one of our precious girls. Tanya and Leena have been hanging outside while we let allow our chickens to free range to protect them. It would be great if our dog would take on the protector duty, but she loves chasing the chickens and that doesn’t work out so well!

Leena has captured one

Tanya and her babies!

Our chickens and dogs leave their mark

Me with the elegant “Chocolate Sprinkles”

Cuddling works well in this weather

Chickens by the greenhouse

The girls have been up to their usual antics. Tanya put on a Tweak and Dashi puppet show from the unfinished toys. This was the one and only show using these puppets, because they have been sewn and are now stuffed toys.

The puppeteer has all the fun!

Tweak and Dashi puppet show

Our lovely Leena

Tanya with Tweak and Dashi

Monkey up a tree

2016 is behind us. I, for one, am glad. Back in October I had an injury in my knee (ACL tear) which pretty much consumed the rest of the year for me. Luckily thanks to minimally invasive surgery and excellent physical therapy, recovery is on track.

Moving to better news, we had a good fall, and a great Christmas break. Christmas was a nice family time with lots of cooking, chicken-playing time for the girls, and movie-watching time for Johan and me. It was a relaxing week. Kids are back in school now and we are busy with – elfie the school bus, organizing, physical therapy and crafts. I will not be teaching this spring.

Wild Kratts homemade costumes for Halloween

We made a halloween quilt this year.

We have been crafting. Santa gave Tweak and Dashi (characters from TV show “Octonauts”) to the girls. Tanya is making Tweak and I am doing Dashi for Leena. Works in progress.

Tanya’s Tweak kit in felt

Leena’s Dashi kit in felt

Tanya has already made another Tweak a month ago!

This is Elf on the Shelf made by me for Christmas!

Tanya working on her Tweak kit

And finally, end of the year is a time for parties. We partied a bit. What fun!

Leena’s school Christmas party

Christmas Pinata at School

Art display at the municipal building

Dancing at New years eve to Atmorays in Websters

Tanya trying costumes at New years party at Websters

We have been busy baking cookies and sweet bread. We have the ultimate shortbread cookie recipe using almond flour, ghee, maple syrup, vanilla essence and a pinch of salt. Mix, form balls, insert chocolate chips (I found a sugarless Stevia-sweetened version at Nature’s pantry), and bake at 325c for 20 mins. Easy peasy!

Finally, Tanya and I are using the neti pot to keep the sinuses in check. Tanya is doing well, I am very proud to say!

Almond shortbread cookies

Tanya and Leena working on Banana bread

Tanya doing the neti.