Christmas Craft Shows in Nanaimo & Duncan, BC

It is difficult to really get into the Christmas Spirit without a wee bit of snow.....does frost count?

So to do this, Deb and I have been attending the local Christmas Craft Shows on the island.

Beautiful horses that take anyone for a sleigh ride in Nanaimo with Santa.

Saaaaannnnnnttttaaaaa! and Mrs. Claus!!!!

Gorgeous blue sky for the 45 minute drive to Nanaimo.  This is a four day event with a cost of only $10. to attend.  Well worth every penny.  As per my cousin, Dee Ann, it has the biggest shopping area on the island.  Oh yeah!

Kris Kringle and Debbie preparing to head in.

Over 150 Artisans were showing their displays and talents.  Incredible items for perusal and sale.  

Spent our allowance on that trip for sure.

Pondering what to buy........at any age.

Everyone was doing their shopping including Santa's helpers.

These Christmas Craft Shows have the yummiest foods to try. 

Lemon curd tarts......oh my gosh.....delicious.

Of course Snoopy and his buddy, Woodstock, have to make an appearance on the 50th Anniversary of Charlie Brown.

Homemade cabbage rolls.....I am so going to make some....or a cabbage roll casserole.

A deer that is a wee bit camera shy.....

Face painting for kids and also a visit with Santa.

Ok....not good for us...but homemade mini donuts.....we had to try them.  

Here is our second Christmas Craft Show in Duncan.  Deb was making friends before we even got inside.  This was a two day event with no admission price.  Because of the Grey Cup on Sunday, it was ideal to wander around......no crowds.

Our timing was perfect as we could observe an artisan carving a bald eagle out of cedar wood.

A brighter, spacious hall to peruse all the booths.  We tried fudge, Christmas cake, and so much more.

A beautiful peacock with christmas lights.....photo does not do justice to it.

To end our weekend of Christmas shopping......homemade sausage rolls.

We are not actually done.  Stay tune for our trip back to the mainland for the Vancouver Christmas Market on Wednesday.  Apparently much like the European Christmas Markets.....we can't wait.

"She Sells Sea Shells on the Sea Shore"

My tabby mountain lion has returned.  Giving me the hairy eyeball.....lol.

This beautiful, gentle donkey lives at the top of the hill to Cherry Point Lookout.  He has a friend who is an incredible looking horse....which is camera shy....and they are often out enjoying the fresh ocean air and sunlight.

Tide is in.

Because we are considered to be in a Rain Forest area of the island, there is beautiful web-like drapes of mossy material hanging in the trees.  The wind blows it to and fro.....gorgeous.

A bit of a wavy ocean day....."Anybody lose a log?"

Because...as everyone is aware...I love collecting sea shells.  I am actually a wee obsessed by it.  So I have decided to photograph the shells that I would like to take home.....

......Come and collect with me.....

Come on...don't give up now...we have to cross this drift wood pile to get to the other side for more shells.....don't turn back.

Anybody in there?

A monstrous tree that has washed up on shore.....check out the texture?

An incredible Bald Eagle freaking out the seagulls here.....

I love the way the sun is lighting up the white wings and tail.

"Would you love me if I were just a head?"

A wee Bufflehead duck making it's way through the waves.  One minute it's there, the next it is hidden by waves.

Two heads are better than one.....so someone brought a friend.  Two Bald Eagles looking for food.

Little Debbie watching the seas at her happy spot.

Not sure what kind of seagulls these brown ones are...but when they fly over head they look like a hawk.

White tail...no hiding this Bald Eagle.

You know who....I can not tire of these Bald Eagles.  They are everywhere....I can't believe it.

The seagull...that looks like a hawk.

Staying close for warmth?

Deb's wee seals way out in the water playing.

The last bit of road to get to our favourite spot....Cherry Hill Lookout.

Can I get this huge piece of driftwood home for the garden???

The American Wigeon with his bride.....but there are hardly any here anymore?  Not sure if some have migrated or just moved to a quieter area?

Coming in for a landing.

Guess who else lives on the road to the beach???  My best friends.....sheep.