Christmas & Holidays in Guelph

Christmas this year was great! Now that I live away from home, I can savour and cherish my family time even more than I did before. I had lots of great food and meals shared with my family and nights together over movies or board games.

Someone got a Barbie Camper-Van!

On Christmas day we went over to my aunt's house for an all round multi-family celebration. Around 10 pm I took scamp out for a walk and we discovered an injured mourning dove! These birds have a knack of falling into my care. I took her home in a shoe box and let her dry-out from the melted snow in Icicles old cage, ironically replacing hers on Christmas. The little bird's tail feathers where missing and she is now spending the rest of winter and spring at a bird sanctuary in Rockwood, Ont.

I never ended up naming her, but if I could now, her name would be "Snow-Drop"

For Christmas my aunt and cousins got my a round knitting loom set. Its been great, I've made four circle scarves/cowls and a few other things since I started looming. Its so easy to pick up and do while I'm watching TV or reading. Lastly I've been so lucky to catch some of Bronwyn'sfigure skating while I'm home. Each time I watch her she is getting better and better, she truly loves this sport, I'm hoping to start sewing her some dresses, and expanding it into a hobby-job.

Look at that stride!

Donkey Sanctuary!

Bronwyn, Morgan (2nd Cousin), my mother and I all headed out to The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada during its holiday open-house hours. It was a great winter family experience, a super close drive to Guelph! They simply ask for a small donation per person and that you respect the rules. You can move through at your own pace and enjoy the peaceful barnyard setting back from any main-roads.

All of the donkeys, mules and hinnies are tame, quiet, calm and restful and are extremely gentle with children and everyone else. Donkeys are furrier than horses, and are super soft, the staff left several brushed lying around so kids could groom them. The staff was a mixed group of women who had no problem talking with guests and teaching visitors about donkeys amidst their chores and duties. I love all animals and any organization who takes care of those in need, these donkeys are well taken care-of and enjoy a lovely facility.

For Christmas they had lights strung up in the barn rafters, and bails of hay to form a sitting area in a reading nook right next to the indoor pens, with Donkey story books for children to read with parents. It was a bit cold, but they provided free hot cider and hot-chocolate and a small fire pit near the entrance, there were spruce and cedar bows decorating the fences and barn, too picturesque! It's the perfect time to go, the mud was frozen and no-one got dirty!

To learn more about The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, visit their website, by clicking the hyperlink!

Cocoa the Standard Donkey!

Super curious and gentle!

Say: Cheese girls!

The heart is seen through the eyes.

...a bit of grooming

Admiring the do.