Mizuho made this wreath from some fir branches, some pine cones, and some fur from Hime

And this is Mizuho and Hime in their osoroi (pair look) jackets.

We cut one of our trees for a Christmas tree this year and decided we needed to do some snowshoeing around the property to identify and trim/shape trees for future years.  We have lots of trees but most are far too big.

We have about 6″ of powder snow, with more coming tomorrow. But the longer term forecast is for much warmer weather.

Our tree.

We wish you a most Merry Christmas and for health, happiness and good fortune in the new year. And we hope we have the opportunity to host you next year in the Okanagan valley.  This past year we had the delightful opportunity to welcome more than 20 friends chez nous, with 105 nights of guests staying over.

2nd last posting of the year.  Have just enjoyed the warmest November on record, and some nice skies.

Things changed in December.  For the past two weeks, highs have been around -10, but lots of sun.  People are panicking :).  Forecast is for above freezing weather early next week.  My favorite lumber mill is now closed but managed to buy some wood before the end.  This pile is about 600 sq ft of T&G pine and fir that will be used for soffits on the porch and siding for the garden shed.  Coop bought some nice clear 2x10s and is making two tables out of it.

These are the fir treads and stringers that will be used to construct the stairs to the upper floor.  Stringers are 12x3x8′, and heavy.  Treads will be 11x3x40″  Next step is to template the stringers and cut them, likely early next year.

These are the maple treads that we (Coop and I) finally got around to installing over the plywood rough stairs that we have been enjoying for 18 months.  Stair treads run into drywall on either side with no other trim as we were seeking a clean modern look.  Used same flooring as was used on main floor.  Am now figuring out how to do something creative for the landing.

This is the back of the bookshelf/railing on the top floor made of fir with a live-edge birch top.  I made the shelves out of fir flooring about 8 months ago and finally got around to assembly and installation.

And this is the front. Still need to design/finish each end.  And given all the books I have, I will need to make another larger bookcase soon.