Saturday, December 13, 2008

Oh There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays...

Edward and I arrived in Steelhead after the sun had set, not surprising at this time of year. While Steelhead did not have the thick fog Caledon did, there was a light mist, which gave the town a mystical feel. Edward and I walked to Rosehaven, our trunks having been sent earlier. We passed the Sheriff's house, noting that he had not yet had a chance to decorate for Christmas. For the most part though, the town was looking quite festive.

Lunar had managed to get the fires lit at Rosehaven, so the house was warm and snug when we got inside. Being rather tired, we had a very light dinner and then settled for the evening. Edward read the paper and I read a ladies periodical (so full of excellent holiday ideas!) before we headed to bed and a good night's sleep.

The next few days were spent in a flurry of activity and fun. We decorated the house and our businesses for the holidays, Edward putting out his Christmas gift to shop patrons, myself spending considerable time in the kitchen, baking up a storm. We attended the skating social down at the docks, which was great fun. It was wonderful to see the "old timers" as well as the new faces in town, along with those whom were known but now residents to Steelhead. I think everyone had a lovely time gliding across the ice to the tunes the Sheriff provided.

Ah yes, the Sheriff. After debating the state of his house one evening, Edward and I decided to take matters into our own hands and get his house decked out for the holidays. As well, a very special gift Edward and I had specially ordered had finally arrived. One afternoon, when Fuzz was out on his rounds, we snuck down to his house and put up a tree, swagged the outside of his house and put magical twinkling lights on his roof. The best part though, was the present we left carefully hung above his bed, with the appropriate sprig of mistletoe. Merry Christmas Sugar Booger! :-D

Being in Steelhead was a much needed change for us. We were able to rest after the hurried and frantic packing. Our spirits were calmed and restored as well, spending time among friends and family and just being away for awhile.

Word did arrive one afternoon that our new homeland in Caledon had finally been opened. I was very glad we had decided to spend this time in Steelhead because it would be a very busy time getting the new house (whatever it would be) ready for the holidays in time. However, refreshed and rejuventated, it would be less of a daunting task than it would have been.

I was thankful for Rosehaven in Steelhead. As much as I love Caledon, there are times that I miss the sense of community that used to exist. Perhaps it is just because I'm not involved with society as much as I once was, I'm not sure. Steelhead still has that feel and I hope that it never loses it. I will be glad to have closer neighbours in Caledon again, and I know that it is best to lead by example, so hopefully we will be able to host a few events at our new home.

Edward returned to Caledon before I did, to make sure our new home was fit to be occupied and at attend to a few other matters that required his personal attention. I made ready our trunks and cases and hoped that this truly would be the last move in a long while. On to the next chapter of our lives in Caledon!

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