MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Lorraine and I would like to wish all those who read this blog an absolutely wonderful Christmas season. Please remember to praise our great God for His most precious gift to us ........ His Son!

Have a wonderful time with family and friends, drive safe, and don't eat yourself silly!

A Victorian Christmas

BIRTHDAY GREETING EMPRESS STYLE
(Note: hand dipped "tuxedo" chocolate strawberries - signature piece) (Peter says it is a plate of vegetables from the hotel that we had no choice but to eat!) (for those that don't know, chocolate is a vegetable since it comes from beans!! :)

RETREAT FOR BREAKFAST, RELAXING OR VISITING WITH FELLOW GUESTS
(Windows to the left overlook the James Bay Harbour)

BC LEGISLATIVE BUILDINGS DRESSED FOR CHRISTMAS

FESTIVAL OF TREES - IN THE FOYERS OF THE EMPRESS

BUTCHART GARDENS AT CHRISTMAS - A FAIRYLAND OF LIGHTS

CARROUSEL AT BUTCHART GARDENS WITH HAND CARVED ANIMALS

As much as I love the snow piled high on the edges of our sidewalks and tumbling over the eaves of our homes, we decided to experience a piece of Christmas where such sights are rare and chronicled in pictures and diaries for years yet to come. As much as we were relieved to miss another Prairie cold snap, a Christmas without snow seems to be missing something. When all is said and done, there is no danger of my heart having been captured by Victoria BC and it's "Victorian Christmas". This is my home. But it was fun to see what others see and hear what touches their ears this time of year!

The Empress is a Grand Old Gal to be sure! Christmas season or not she is always dressed in her finest of attire and prepared to have her guests treated like visiting kings and queens worthy of her very best. Tantilizing treats to tempt ones personal tastes, softest of feather pillows to rest ones weary head, views of a century old harbor with buildings and homes whispering secrets, many of which are long forgotten. In spite of the many additions over the years and a number of major "facelifts", the character and personality of the hotel remains the same. Christmas time adds a touch more elegance to what has never been lost with the changes the years have brought about. She is still the Grand Lady of James Bay!