Making Time for Friends, Family and Me...

This year was a bit of a blur.  So much went on...walking, running, baking...working.  I travelled a lot....to some amazing places, like my vacation in southern France with Camera Guy  (my baking classes in Paris), time in Prague with Sheila and Judy (I haven't blogged about it yet) and a Danube River Cruise.   I also travelled within Canada - coast to coast.  I visited Calgary where I spent some time with my son, Elliot and his girlfriend Leah. To Vegas for meetings, Buffalo shopping with Leslie and the list goes on.  I did not get to Montreal enough, to see my family...and I miss them.  One of my sisters, Arlene came for Christmas and so did my dad, my son Elliot and Dan's son Zac, which was so much fun.  Well, my sister Lorna felt a little left out, so I have included the pic of the three of us...

I  also had my 5th Annual christmas cookie exchange!  It was great getting together with the gang and sharing stories and swapping cookies.  I appreciate the time everyone takes, not only to come to the cookie exchange but to bake seven dozen cookies!
Here is a pic!  I will post some of the Christmas cookie recipes shortly.  They were so pretty and of course delicious!

The pitter patter of feet in our house is now gone.  It is quiet again. My resolution this year  is to have a better work life balance...more time for my family, friends and me.  These are the important things in life.

My friend Ivonne, over at Cream Puffs in Venice, started me on this blogging journey back when we were in baking classes together at George Brown.  She mentioned in her blog today that this is the year she blogged the least, and that is the same for me.  Somehow, for me there just wasn't enough time and energy for baking.  And it is something that I truly love to do.  I suggest you head over to her blog and try making her pasta.   I feel the same about bread...flour, salt, water and maybe some eggs.  Simple...yet very special.  Bread may take a little longer but spend some time on  a weekend afternoon and try this one...an egg bread (challah).  It is very relaxing and rewarding.

I have lots to look forward to this year.  On January 6th  I start my new exciting job with an exceptional team.  I will have a little more time with Camera Guy,  friends and family.

To all my friends, family, readers and bloggers, I wish you a year full of love, laughter and all sweet things.
Until we bake again...
Penny
xxx