Blended Cultures

Dear Friends,

The first photo was sent to me from Abbie Bakan, who
is Catherine’s sister-in-law (and my friend and colleague
at Queen’s). The Chanamas Bush belongs to the
Bakan/Kellogg family and represents their respective
backgrounds (Chana(kkah) + (Christ)mas = Chanamas).
The bush came to their family from their late
Great-Grandma Grace, is made out of plastic, wood
and metal and is miraculously still able to stay assembled
for the entire Chanamas season. The second photo was
sent on by Brenda Ravenscroft (also my friend and
colleague at Queen’s). Brenda hails from South Africa,
and their lovely light display is of an African ostrich.
Thanks to both Abbie and Brenda for sending on images
of their blended traditions. 

We have had a nice few days here in Cobourg. My pain
continues, but my energy is good. Mostly I feel like I
have the immune system of a three-year-old, catching
little bugs as they go by. Fortunately, I have been using
Cold-FX which seems to stop these bugs before they can
get very far. Two viruses in one week is a bit much, but I
guess that’s to be expected. Abbie is keeping us extremely
well fed, we had 11 for Christmas dinner (Catherine
cooked up a storm that night), and we are getting rest. 

We head back to Toronto tomorrow where we will
continue our celebrations. 

Much love to all,

Kip