Christmas Stockings

I have fond memories of Christmas Stockings from my childhood. I was raised as an only child -- I do have a much older sister, but my parents separated when I was young and we each went with a different parent. I didn't miss the sibling dynamic Christmas mornings (because I didn't know what I was missing) but I did enjoy getting the diversion of opening my stocking while I waited for my parents to wake up. There was always a book. I think they thought this might occupy me and let them sleep a little longer -- and it worked! Chocolate, puzzles, a large naval orange, and always also something unexpected. I kept up this tradition with my own kids into their adulthood, and later gifts included new toothbrushes and stationary supplies. My father is coming down from Kamloops this Christmas (I am driving him back and forth). We don't do presents anymore but I thought having stockings to open would be fun. I wondered where my old stocking ended up after the move and found it in my box of ties (I don't look in there often!). I decided to make one for Veronica, in similar style. Everything I needed was at Dressew (sewing store on Hastings downtown -- very fun place to look around).

New Bike Light

I bought a new front bicycle light. Up until now I have only needed a light to be visible to cars. Now, my route takes me along South West Marine Drive (the highway section) on the way back and forth to UBC. There is a stretch without street lights and the new light is bright enough to actually light the way (as long as I don't go too fast). My night vision has deteriorated as I have aged -- I have heard others say the same. It is a Lumina 1000 and at least in early goings I can recommend it. Powerful light, rechargeable (mini USB port), seems to be rainproof.