So this is Christmas...

Hello and Merry Christmas to all. We write you this special holiday update from the Dill residence in Moose Jaw, where Carly and I are spending a couple of days before heading off to Indian Head, Regina, and Estevan, all before going back to work in Saskatoon.

There are many updates of which to tell you, as it’s been a while since our last blog entry (apologies).

My parents, Alan and Daphanie, were up to Saskatoon recently to celebrate Carly’s birthday on December 14th. Carly is now officially one quarter of a century old. We had a nice supper at the 2nd Avenue Grill, where we were accosted by a herd of carolling firefighters, and then retired to our humble abode for a few fine wines, cheeses, and one hell of a game of Scattegories.

The following day, we enjoyed the company of Carly’s dad, Randy who took us out for another amazing meal before kicking back to watch movies on our 42” plasma TV, (compliments of wedding money; thanks!). Good times were had by all and Carly was spoiled as usual. Just kidding.

The only bummer was that Carly’s mom, Glendyne, couldn’t make it to partake in all the festivities, but much fun will be had with her over these holidays as we are off until January 7th!
Carly got especially good news on the day of her birthday, when, after a lengthy interview, she was offered a substitute teaching job with the Saskatoon Public School division. The interviewers were so impressed, in fact, that they offered her the job on the spot, which is an unprecedented act in the much-revered division.

To add to that good news, I have been slotted in for a full-time position at my current school, effective the end of January, and through until June. It’s true; good things come to those who wait.

Unfortunately, it hasn’t all been good news this year. On November 23rd, Carly’s beloved Grandma Kay passed away. Grandma Kay made it to both our wedding and her brother David’s wedding, and even managed to create a beautiful and elaborate quilt for each of us before her passing. And so, a sombre and solemn week was spent in Estevan remembering and celebrating her life, and we are sure that she remains with us in spirit now.

Back in Saskatoon, Carly and I have been enjoying our home, save a couple of frozen pipes now and again. Our digs are incomparably cozy, a feeling added to by our beautiful Christmas tree, which Carly has decorated with hundreds of intricate ornaments that she’s collected over the years. Some of said gems include: a pickle, a Marilyn Monroe, the Beatles’ Yellow Submarine, tiny dancers, homemade decorations, and one Bella look-alike. Our tiny little home is dwarfed by the 150-foot lot that extends a football field to the back, but it makes a perfect Frisbee run for Bella. Her life’s goal, I’m sure, is to bring flying objects back to their throwers.

So, we are settling in after a whirlwind wedding and California adventure trip last summer, where Carly and I met Donald Duck, raided tombs with Indiana Jones, evaded a T-Rex, survived a malfunctioning Space Mountain roller coaster ride, ate the world’s best steak, and sipped wines so divine you’d melt at the aromas, let alone the taste.

And so, we bid a fond farewell for now as another year comes to a close. My new year’s resolution: to eat the foods I couldn’t as a boxer. Carly’s: to hide them from me. ;)

Best wishes for a Happy New Year everyone!

Write to us!

- Carly and Khodi Dill