Update: I'm still here...

...just too darned busy to write much these days.  Life if full of work and Christmas preparations - with the odd run thrown in for good measure.

Last weekend, Husband and I hosted an open house to kick off the season and "warm" our new kitchen. More than 50 people turned up and everyone seemed to have a good time so we were pleased - especially since, even jammed with guests, the kitchen functioned pretty well. Here's a "before the party" photo for those who are curious.

I suppose I should include a "before the renovation" picture too to give you some idea of the transformation wrought by my handsome, handy husband - with a good deal of help from our dear friend Ron, I hasten to add. This photo was taken after the wall came down but before the door and windows were moved.

I put my camera out intending to take photos during the party but completely forgot once people started arriving so you'll just have to take my word for what a good party it was.

Running has been a bit hit and miss lately but I'm trying to be okay with that. After all, 'tis the season to rest and recover from the year's races. Once the New Year rolls around, it will be time to start training for Cabot Trail Relay, which is only 5 months away! In the meantime, my goal is to run just three times a week with a longish run on the weekend. So far, so good.

I haven't taken many pictures lately either. The camera on my new Blackberry is pitiful, which takes all the fun out of trying to capture images during my runs. Perhaps I'll look into getting a small but decent point-and-shoot to carry with me instead.  Here's a shot I got during a long run on Sunday when I followed the trail that skirts the Dartmouth side of the harbour.

I've been lugging my DLSR back and forth to work all week, determined to take photos whenever I get the chance. Alas - there haven't been many opportunities. Here's one of my friend Cathleen on the ferry home last evening which I like even though I didn't get the exposure quite right. I should have used some flash, I think.

The forecast for the weekend doesn't look great for either running or photography - which may be just as well since I've got Christmas cards to write, shopping to do, and a quilting project to complete - so things will likely be quiet here on the blog too. Hopefully, I'll find time for more running and writing during the holidays. I'd like to finish the last installment of the our European Adventures, and write a post about my New Year's resolutions at least.

What about you, dear readers? How are your Christmas plans progressing? Have you made any New Year's resolutions yet? What running or other adventures are on your agenda for 2014?