November was a particularly busy month for me as I was busy planning the finishing touches for CAIC's Annual General Meeting as well as producing a newsletter for another client and celebrating family birthdays! First up -

November 8

Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Nicholas . . . Happy Birthday to you! That's right my baby boy turned 19. Hard to believe but true! We celebrated by taking him out to a local pub and buying him his first (legal) drink. Nana (my mother) joined Caitlin, Joe and me in wishing Nicholas many happy returns.

November 26

Happy Birthday to Joe! My partner in life and one of my dearest friends. Joe and I enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Paddy O'Farrell's a tiny little Irish pub just down the street from our house and enjoyed finishing off the evening with a little competitive shuffleboard (I won) at the Alpine (another local haunt).

November ended with a whirl (work, work, work) and it was onto December and planning for Christmas.

December 5 - 9

Work, Work, Work . . . my client, the Catherine Donnelly Foundation (www.catherinedonnellyfoundation.org) completed its second round of granting and I was busy following up with successful grant applicants.

Busy, busy, busy . . . making Bombshells, Christmas cookies & Christmas pudding, writing Christmas cards and Christmas shopping.

December 11
Suzanne's 50th Birthday Fabulous Birthday Celebration

I managed to keep Suzanne's birthday luncheon location (& guests attending) a surprise. The two Brenda's, Dianne, Suzanne and me battled snow and icy road conditions to enjoy a wonderful luncheon at Chartreuse in Kleinburg. We had a leisurely lunch and a stroll around the shops of Kleinburg. (More in Suzanne's diary!)

December 13 Christmas cookie exchange at Curves

Now I know what you are thinking . . . a cookie exchange at a place where you are supposed to be working out and losing weight. Well, who better to get fabulous cookies and recipes from than women who are battling the bulge!!! Get Val's recipe for Chocolate Butterscotch Almond Crunch

December 15 - Movin Out

Joe and I braved a blizzard and went to the Canon Theatre to see 'Movin Out' a musical/dance extravaganza conceived by Twyla Tharp and based on the music of Billy Joel (movingout.uvision.net). I happen to like many of Billy Joel's songs and as a result thought the show was really great. The dancers, particularly Eddie (played by Brendan King) were outstanding. James Fox on piano and lead vocals really nailed the songs. All in all a great evening!

Also of note - Before attending the show we had dinner at the Hard Rock Café at Yonge & Dundas. It was my first time and I really enjoyed the food, service and atmosphere. We even got to check out Kim Mitchell broadcasting live in the Q107 booth in the lobby of the Hard Rock Café. (www.hardrock.com)

December 16

Suzanne threw a 100th birthday party for herself and her dear friend David who was also turning 50! I must say they looked great for centarians.

December 24th

Off to Kincardine to celebrate a rather wet Christmas with Mum, Jerry, Auntie Marie, my niece Vann and her fiancé Bob, my niece Jenna and her son Dylan. This year I made my usual Christmas cookies and I am quite proud to announce I also made my first traditional Christmas pudding (Get Recipe). Last year I baked an untraditional Christmas pudding (chocolate/orange) which I thought turned out quite well. However, after some discussion with those who actually enjoy Christmas pudding, it was determined that I would attempt a more traditional version. I did, and I am happy to report that it was a success. The torch has been passed - I am now the official Christmas pudding maker!

December 29th - Festive cheer

I enjoyed an evening of good food and drink with girlfriends. It was a chance to catch up on all the local 'news' and share our teenage children woes.