The view out back at my sister’s place … it was definitely a white Christmas in Toronto.

Not surprisingly, with the snow and cold and all, our train was delayed. Just enough for a quick sketch of the view from the waiting room. Nothing very exciting – snowed in industrial buildings – but, appropriately punctuated with bits of green and red.

It’s a long-standing family tradition to make shortbread (entirely by hand) at this time of year, usually starting on the winter solstice. Peace, joy, goodwill to all.

On this day my drawing skills were a bit rusty — I started drawing the very interesting, and complex, view of rooftops and a church steeple from the kitchen at the local curling club. Much I tried to persevere and save it, it was a disaster. So I focused on what was right in front of me instead, mismatched salt and pepper. (White and grey pencils plus graphite and pen on grey paper — various product samples received at Chicago Urban Sketchers Symposium).

I grew my own garlic this summer. Very rewarding! I planted another 100 bulbs this fall. Hopefully they will all grow to be as plump and juicy as these were.

My train was late coming in to Alexandria Station, so I had some time to sketch the vintage bench in the waiting area. The sketchbook is a small Moleskine (3.5 x 5 inches) that I keep in my handbag.