Beginning to look like Christmas!

This weekend, Abby and I went to the Open House at Fanningbank. Fanningbank is a large, ornate Victorian mansion overlooking Charlottetown Harbor. It is the Lieutenant Governor's residence. The Lieutenant Governor greeted us at the door, and we walked through the house, which was decorated in fine style for Christmas. While we toured the house, a women's a cappella choir sang Christmas carols. It was a great way to get into the Christmas spirit! Later, we walked around downtown Charlottetown and did a little Christmas shopping. We visited Northern Watters, a shop featuring handcrafted sweaters and other knitted items. Isabella, I hope you like your lobster claw mittens!

Our other stops were the Queen Street Outlet, my favorite clothing shop on the Island. I bought myself a pretty red jacket and a pair of leather gloves for Abby. Next we went to Luna's, a funky little shop featuring quirky gift items. It is a great place to find ideas and laugh at the funny refrigerator magnets. They also carry quite a few silk and Indian items. Last, we walked around the Confederation Court Mall, and looked at the shops. The sun was starting to set, so we left for home. Horse needed to be stabled for the night and fed.

Yesterday was a very windy, cold day. The ferry service to Nova Scotia was cancelled due to rough seas and high winds. Bridge traffic from New Brunswick was likewise restricted to car traffic only because of the high winds. Last time I drove up from Massachusetts, bridge traffic was closed to trucks and high-sided vehicles because of high winds. The speed limit was greatly reduced, and driving over the bridge was a very scary experience. There I was, high over the Northumberland Strait with the wind blowing my car left and right. I was never so glad to be off the bridge and safely on to dry land! I hope the seas and winds are calm for us on our trek south and on our way back to the Island.