A Thousand Wordsworth

Patched up

2009-07-13T20:37:00.005-07:00

Dad, as you may know, fell off a ladder and broke his arm quite badly a couple of weeks ago. The break went right up into the shoulder joint. He had to wait ten days for reconstructive surgery as it took that long for the swelling to go down enough.

He lost 10 lbs in those few days as he was feeling nauseated most days. Dad always gets queasy when he has suffered any sort of trauma.

Anyway they were able to patch him up, a bit like Humpty Dumpty, really! With a few pins and plates he is back together again. Fortunately they did not have to resort to a joint replacement afterall. Once he was patched up he started to feel much better.

Ill be going up to see him again this weekend with my sister and some of the kids. Nothing like a pile of family dropping in to cheer you up eh?

YOU CAN READ HIS OWN ACCOUNT OF THINGS AT HIS BLOG BY CLICKING ON THIS BOLD PRINT.

Other than that, we have had it pretty quiet around here lately.

I work nights now for a couple of shifts, then im off for four days which will be nice.

A couple of days ago we had news that My ex sister in Law, Addie was in a car accident. She had been medicated for some dental work and was probably too groggy to drive, but did anyways. And she blacked out and ran into a pole. Shes badly bruised up , but fortunately, no other injuries. She puts her lack of serious injury down to her guardian angel Kayla watching over her. She is supposed to be coming out soon to BC from Alberta to visit her kids, Troy, Nick and Lexi who live here in Maple Ridge with their dad. Hopefully she will get here soon, as they are all looking forward to seeing their Mom.

I had beter get a bit of rest before I run off to work for the night.

Have a great week!

Morning Mist

2009-07-09T11:58:00.006-07:00

This is the sun this morning.

Foggy friends.

Woken up at 0620 by a son whose alarm clock had let him down. Now too late to catch the bus, was begging me for a ride.
With a slight groan I rolled out of bed and drove the little fella off to work.

Thankfully, traffic was light. If I had stayed in bed, I would have missed the beautiful early morning mist. By 0900 it had burned off to a nice sunny morning.

June Birthdays

2009-07-04T21:52:00.006-07:00

We had a barbeque today to celebrate the June birthdays on my side of the family. My Sister, Carol and I have always celebrated our birthdays together as we are only 1 year and 20 days apart.

Carol is getting into cake decorating and made me this beautiful cake that she topped with her hand made cala lilies and tiny daisies. It was so pretty that I did'nt even want to cut it. Carols Daughter Jenny also made beautifully decorated cupcakes.

My other sister Sheila and Hubby Jay came over too with their little Brood. Sheila also brought cakes! So we had lots and lots of cake!

Carol brought her little dog Mollie. She had us all in stitches. When her ball landed near my naked lady statue, she started growling and barking at her! Every time the ball went near it she would start again! Keith took all these pictures, but he did'nt take any of the kids, but take my words they were there!

I am so lucky to have my sisters both live so nearby. I have one other sister, Catherine, actually, Sheila's twin. She lives up in the Okanagen next door to our parents. I will be seeing Them all tomorrow as I plan on popping in on them. Dad Has his reconstructive surgery on Monday so I thought I would go spend a couple of days up there playing nursie to him. Give my mom a hand too.

Thanks for stopping in!

Mayberry Revisited

2009-07-02T11:15:00.007-07:00

A belated Happy Canada Day to all you Kin-adians. July 1st was (123rd Nope Ive been corrected,It is actually) our 142nd birthday of THIS AMAZING COUNTRY.
Sad news this week.
My Dad, Dave, of OUTHOUSE CAPITAL OF CANADA is Out of Order. He tumbled off a ladder, not from high up, but far enough to badly break his arm. Apparently the bone is fractured right up in to the joint also damaging the rotator cuff. He is waiting for surgery, where they will either pin and plate him or give him a complete shoulder joint replacement. Needless to say he will be out of commission for quite some time. He is so upset. Not so much because he is hurt, but the timing of it. He was due to go to China in a couple of weeks for the observation of the next TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE SUN. He has been planning this for months and now its all dashed! Now he will have to get over it and focus on healing. He can maybe plan to take in the eclipse that occurs near Easter Island next year instead. Please pop by and give him some cheer!

Last night I worked the night shift. On My way home the sun was making the whole world around me sparkle with golden light. I had to stop and take a few pictures along the way.

There are two new signs at the Memorial Peace Park entrances with fountains incorporated into them. The back drops are a heavy textured glass, designed to the silhouette of our local mountains. I think there will be more than a few hot feet being dipped in that nice cool water in the coming weeks.

The sprinklers were still in action watering the gardens. The droplets catching the morning sun.

The flower beds around the bandstand are all the picture of perfection right now. I love the tree on the left in this shot. Its shadow extends the curve of the trunk.

The hanging baskets around town add a vibrant splash of colour. You can never have too much colour! This pair brighten up the expanse of green glass tower which houses our municiple building and various offices.

Seen here with the Golden Ears Mountains in the background.

Paving the way to the ACT (Arts Club Theatre)
Outside the sunny 227th street building. I love this bright place, looks like somewhere in New Orleans.

Thanks for popping by.

I hope you have a great day.

Day for Dads.

2009-06-23T00:00:00.006-07:00

This is a picture that I took a couple of years ago. Keiths dad was here helping our son David to craft a sturdy, new back gate for our yard.
Here Dads steadying hand guides young David as he drills holes for the hinges. I love photos of hands. I really feel this shot conveys so much. Anyways, I printed this up and made a Fathers Day card for Keiths dad with it. Keith wrote a few nice things inside the card. Well his dad was just delighted.

Fabulous Fleet of 4Runners. All the men in our household drive these beasts. Actually, the youngest man doesnt take his driving test for a couple of months yet. But once he passes he will be ready to hit the road in his own wheels.

This was the breakfast that Keith was woken up to on Fathers day. Home baked cinnamon rolls, bacon , eggs and fresh fruits served on a tray in bed! Heidi loves her dad. She is a vegetarian and usually refuses to prepare any sort of meat. I cant show you the picture of Dad enjoying his breakfast as he was topless and that may be to riskee for the likes of this blogs readers!

Golden Ears Bridge

2009-06-19T00:14:00.005-07:00

Sunday, June 14, 2009
Golden Ears Bridge Opening Ceremonies.

Video at the end of this post of the un"official ribon cutting".

This was a day our family has been waiting for for years.
My Dad, of Outhouse Capital of Canada fame, is a bridge collector. Here he is at the temporary outhouses on the new bridge deck.
He is fascinated by bridges. Wherever he travels in the world, he works bridge sightseeing into his itinerary and he photographs them. (He also collects Total Eclipses of the sun, but thats another post all together!). We have all been on standby to support him on this day.
This silly grin was plastered on his face all day in spite of the crowds and heat. I can guarantee you that he was the happiest man on the bridge that day, which is saying something, as there were an estimated 60,000 people there that day!
There was a fly over. See the planes? It was an incredible experience to walk down the center of a six lane bridge, knowing I will most likely never do so again. We were making history , so I was told!
It is a beautiful work of engineering, and will make a huge difference to commuters and the traffic in our area.

He brought his own ribbon and scissors and had us help him "officially" open the bridge with his own ribbon cutting ceremony before the premier could do it. He actually drew a crowd of onlookers who all had a good chuckle!

For Penny.

2009-06-08T00:43:00.003-07:00

I finnally got around to visit Penny. I have not been keeping up with my blog reading as much as i'd like. Today I finally got to her site "Calm Blue Ocean" to learn that her dear Mother passed away on May 25th.
I am having difficulty leaving comments right now, I dont know if it is a bleep in the system or if its my computer? So try as I might I havent been able to leave her any kind word.
So Penny, I just want to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. She looks like an amazing woman. She must have been, to raise such a lovely daughter as she did in you. You are right, she will always be in your heart.
Sending you my deepest sympathy and friendship.

New Dresses

2009-06-07T01:01:00.005-07:00

Looking resplendent in their new outfits, Lexie and Tasha pose on our front lawn.

What lovely young ladies thay are growing into. Then we picked up my sister and Jocelyn and headed off to the dance. All three girls had a great time and we do it all again next weekend.

Butterflies and memories.

2009-06-06T13:28:00.006-07:00

A week ago, my neices Lexie and Jocelyn, both were initiated into Jobies. Here they are cutting their cake. My other niece Tasha has also been doing the fun things, but has not been allowed to "join" officially as it is too much of a schedule comflict with soccer etc. They have been doing some fun things with the group including a camping trip. Now they are official.

Thats my sister Sheila on the right beside jocelyn.Yesterday we went out shopping and I got Lexie and Tasha new dresses and shoes and purses. I found a shop here in town that sells gorgeous dresses for $10 and under!!! I dont know how he can afford to sell at that price but I m not complaining. Tonight they are going to a dance and will be the belles of the ball. They are so excited.

I just cant believe how fast Lexie is growing up. Her sister would have been so proud. She has become quite the young lady! Ill post phot0s soon of the dance tonight.

~ Nick's 14th Birthday ~

Surprize party at Grandmas house. Here he is on the seat of honor with Grandma at his side.

We had a wonderful feast and family time to gether. Nick went home with a bulging wallet. At 14, they seem to appreciate cash in a card better than anything I could pick out for him. True to form, the next time I saw him, he was sporting new duds. Plus I paid for him to go to the movies with His friend and Heidi.

This is an excerpt from Kaylas Care Page, written by her mom. This details some of a memorial which she attended, along with 25 other families who have lost a child to cancer recently. I was so moved by her experience that I wanted to share it with people who knew or knew of of Kayla.
'May 31st/09...marked a beautiful day for the families who have lost their children to cancer! We celebrated, "A Time to Remember" at the Devonian Botanical gardens! We were all given a special flower that represented our child plus a floating rose petal flower that lit up...and while the sun was shining and the music was playing...we placed our flowers in the water and watched them float! A very special miracle happened during that moment. My dear Kayla showed me just how much she missed me and loved me by sending a beautiful butterfly to sit on the sleeve of my sweater! I didn't notice it, until my dear friend...mentioned that the butterfly had been sitting on my arm for approximately, 10 minutes! I went to look at it...and it just fluttered it's wings...and than flew away! I smiled...and knew it was from my precious Kayla! It brought tears of joy to my eyes...and I thanked her!'
We have been seeing a lot of beautiful butterflies here lately. Now every time I see one it makes me think that Kayla is looking in on us.

Balancing Act.

2009-05-15T19:59:00.004-07:00

On a recent afternoon in White Rock, we came across this "Inushuk artist".

He was creating his masterpieces from the rocks along the train tracks.

They are so fascinating. How the weight of the stone seems to counter the expected tumble is so impressive.

I have never tried it myself, I wonder if it takes some skill and practice? I really enjoyed watching him work.

In other less interesting matters...our back yard is almost ready for the lazy days of summer. We had the pool guy come by today to do a little nip and tuck on our antique pool liner. Its starting to show its age these days. But with today's work, we should be able to eek out another year or two's use. These days it is more nieces and nephews using the pool than us or our children. We have had alot of good times and pool parties, so it has well earned retirement when the time comes. Once it packs it in completely, we will just fill the hole with dirt and maybe just get a hot tub. and room for a veggie patch. I do like to sit by the water though, even when its still too cool to swim, it is a nice colour and the reflection gives me a sense of peace. Laughing to myself just now, I am siting poolside with my laptop as I write this.... With Davids heavy Metal band practice booming from the house... What Peace? you may well ask! They are rehearsing for a show tomorrow. Ahh there... they are stopping for a break to order pizza. Now its peaceful. I can hear the birds singing their evening praises.

Good night birds.... Good night Bloggers!

Everyday Miracles

2009-05-14T22:24:00.004-07:00

Our garden is really starting to wake up now. I snapped these photos this morning. This clematis grows right by my front doorstep. It is a very old established plant and never fails to give me pleasure, year after year.

We had a nice get together with Keith's Uncle and Aunt/Godmother today for lunch. I hadn't seen them for a year, so we had lots of catching up to do. Lots of laughs and reminiscing done before lunch was through. I took my camera along intending to get some photos of them but got so wrapped up chatting that I forgot to take my camera out of my bag!!!

Ladies Mantle filled with evidence of last nights rain. Also known as Fairies Cup. These things are just some of the everyday miracles that bring a steady stream of beauty to our world. Which reminds me of this beautiful Sarah McLauchlan song.

2009-05-11T21:20:00.002-07:00

This little fella was in our swimming pool, when I uncovered it yesterday.

"DONT EAT ME!!!!!!!!!!

No way, just hoping if I kiss you you will turn into a prince. The kids took him in a bucket to the forest and set him free by the creek.

Front steps? Glad they aren't mine. But then again, they do come down onto the beach front where these gorgeous tulips are growing.

Bunk beds. Binzen and Sasha catch a few zzzzzzs.

I hope you all enjoyed your Mothers Day. My day started with breakfast in bed. Heidi seved home made blueberry pancakes. She got me a Paul Potts CD. It is awesome and I have played it over a few times already. He is the fella that won the first "Britain's Got Talent". I spent all day in the yard playing in the dirt, which always makes the dog happy. He loves to be out there but only if he has company.
Sad news for Vancouver tonight. The Canucks lost tonight which puts them out of the playoffs. On the plus side, now I will have my house work caught up again instead of watching a game for 3 hours every other day. Truth be told though, I would rather have a filthy house, if it meant hockey in June.

Beach Baby

2009-05-09T01:01:00.003-07:00

Beach weather on Saturday drew us out to White Rock, BC.

Keith had business out that way so I went along for the ride and I am glad I had the camera with me.

I love catching shots of little children at play.

This young man was a camera magnet in his bight red hood.

He looks so little against the enormity of the Pacific Ocean.

Ahhh Weekends!

2009-05-03T20:59:00.008-07:00

Weekends are such fun aren't they? When you make the most out of your leisure time, it sure is rewarding. Some times we get so caught up in chores and commitments that before we have had a chance to enjoy it, the weekend is gone. Kids know how to say the heck with chores and just have a good time.

Last weekend David, his friend Hillary and Heidi went canoeing and camping at Alouette Lake.

After we got the boat on to the truck, we set off to the lake which is about five minutes to the gate of the park and then another ten minutes to the lake, by car. Not far from home but is like being in the middle of nowhere. I love living on the edge of the wilderness.
Here's a little plug for Canada's famous coffee shop in association with a great Canadian pastime.

We dropped them off at the boat launch and they paddled off down towards the narrows at the far end of the lake. Its a fairly easy paddle to the far side as the water flows that way, but coming back can take three times as long as you have to paddle into the current. There are a couple of Provincial campgrounds in the area, but they like to find a spot in the wilds and enjoy a more rural setting. They camped at the tip of that far peninsula. It was cool up there with the wind coming across the snow, still low on the surrounding slopes.

Thankfully it stayed dry and they made it back dirty but no worse for wear.
Today Keith and I took our nieces to help at a hot dog sale fundraiser. It was sponsored by a large furniture shop to help promote their sale. The shop provided all the supplies and the barbecue and we got to keep all the donations for the girl's group.

They had the most fun doing promotions at the road side. The shop has a mattress company mascot, which is an unemployed sheep. The sheep claims to be put out of work because their beds are so comfortable that people no longer need to count sheep to get to sleep!

Here are Jocelyn, Tasha and Lexi, as the sheep. The girls all took turns wearing the sheep costume and dancing and waving signs to get customers into the shop where we were selling hot dogs at the front entrance. Its interesting to see the difference in the donations you get for a hot dog. Some people will give you $5.00 for one and other times you get an entire family that gives you $5.00 to feed five of them. Its all fine, as we don't pay anything for the supplies. I remember what it was like to be a struggling young family. We even had a couple of homeless people come sheepishly up to us and I told them give what you can afford. Well I guess they couldn't afford much 'coz they gave nothing, but that was alright. It teaches the girls something about charity.

We have had some gorgeous spring weather recently. I have spent many hours in the yard getting things tidied and pruned. Its finally taking shape again. With the busy spring we had last year, we didn't do much in the yard. But this year I am feeling more inclined. Keith recovered our patio. We have a corrugated vinyl roof which was cracked and leaking. So now its all new and we love to sit out in our dry outside area. I love the sound of the rain on that roof, its so peaceful. Even when it pours down we can sit out side and keep dry. I love it.

With the nicer weather, I have been doing a lot of out door cooking. We had steak tonight, with grilled yams and a delicious spinach salad with pecans , granny smith apples marinated in lemon juice and strawberries. It was delicious! yesterday we had portabello mushroom burgers with swiss cheese and we also did a stirfry with tri coloured sweet bell peppers, onion, garlic, mushrooms and zucchini. Yum!!!!!

We have been glad to get back to our hockey games. The Vancouver Canucks were on a break for a few days following their early win in round one of the Stanley Cup Finals. Now in round two, we have won one and lost one. They play for the best four out of seven. We are challenging the Chicago Blackhawks. Vancouver is the only remaining Canadian team, so we have to do well as the whole country is now rooting for us! You see how I say "us"? As though I am one of the team! He HE HE!

I am working night shift tonight so I had better get scooting along here now. Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!

She Flew up to Heaven.

2009-05-02T13:06:00.003-07:00

May 2nd marks a year since our beautiful niece Kayla was taken from us at just 17 years old, following a two year battle with cancer. She continues to be missed and is never far from our thoughts.

I am posting this Alan Jackson Song for her. Performed here in ASL, which I find really moving.

SISSY'S SONG

Why did she have to go
So young I just don't know why
Things happen half the time
Without reason without rhyme
Lovely, sweet young woman
Daughter, wife and mother
Makes no sense to me
I just have to believe

She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees
And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying
Don't worry 'bout me

Loved ones she left behind
Just trying to survive
And understand the why
Feeling so lost inside
Anger shot straight at God
Then asking for His love
Empty with disbelief
Just hoping that maybe

She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees
And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying
Don't worry 'bout me

It's hard to say goodbye
Her picture in my mind
Will always be of times I'll cherish
And I won't cry 'cause

She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees
And she walks with jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying
Don't worry 'bout me
Don't worry 'bout me
Don`t worry 'bout me

Silver Valley Lamp Post Banners

2009-04-22T20:04:00.010-07:00

Yesterday we were out for a ride along Fern Crescent, which leads up to Golden Ears Provincial Park. This area of Maple Ridge is known as Silver Valley. All along Fern Crescent were some lovely new banners on the lamp posts. Not just cloth banners, no, these are made to last, nice shiney metal ones. Well worth the taxpayers dollars I say! They are so pretty and make such a statement about our area.

Why did these images resonate so deeply within me? They seemed so familiar. I knew I hadnt seen these banners before. Then it struck me....These images bore a stiking similarity to some of my own photos!!! Every picture a photographer takes is an individual work, and to me each one of these is my babies! Today I went back and photographed the Silver Valley banners and have placed them here besides the photos which they resemble. If you look at the details, there are some undeniable identifying details. The graphics have been altered slightly from the originals, probably for a cleaner version which made the printing simpler and converted into a "painted" style. Each of these images was posted on my Maple Ridge Daily Photo Blog over the last couple of years.

What do you think? Am I imagining this? I dont believe so! Could it be a mere coincidence that three images just happen to be so similar to my own photos

I am thrilled that my pictures have been put to such use where they will be seen by so many people. But I was not contacted for permission. I dont even care about making money from my photos, but the recognition would have been something.

I have emailed City Hall and await their response.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

2009-04-10T18:00:00.009-07:00

This week was my mum's birthday and today my sisters and their gang came over to celebrate. Mum is here for a couple of days before heading down to the USA to visit her cousin. I made a couple of big pots of homemade soup. Turkey vegetable and cream of broccoli and cheese. Carol and Sheila brought over buns meat and cheese. What a yummy feast, all followed up by Strawberry shortcake for dessert. Keith brought home boquets of flowers for both mum and I.

Here are a few photos of our trip to Stanley Park a couple of weeks ago. This is the drive along English Bay. I love these old trolley buses.

Always loads of cyclists along the seawall.

The swans on Lost Lagoon were posing.

And do you see on the duck pond this new hairy breed of duck?

100 MILE CHALLENGE

2009-04-05T00:42:00.012-07:00

UPDATE: iF YOU MISSED IT, THE FIRST EPISODE CAN BE VIEWED ONLINE AT http://100mile.foodtv.ca/episode/day-1-purge
Sunday, is the first episode of the 100 Mile Challenge, which is featuring Keiths brother Mike and his wife Angela and their family. Pictured here at the local Farmers Market eating "green" lollies. I copied this pic from an online Vancouver Sun newspaper article. The 100 Mile Challenge will premier on the Food Network (ch 52 in our area) at 5 pm pacific Time. We are having a little gathering here for dinner and to watch it together! It should be fun. They have been busy all week with tv interviews. They have been on Breakfast Television, Global News and will soon be featured on Urban Rush. They were featured in a full page spread in last Fridays Vancouver Sun Newspaper. Angela is such a dynamic bubbly person, with great looks to boot, she is a natural for this TV business. Mikes blunt remarks and dour expression when he sees his first 100 mile breakfast, was comical and made an interesting juxtaposition to Angelas enthusiasm. They arent acting either, their true personalities really came through.

Our Canucks lost to Edmonton tonight, but not for lack of effort, it was a fun game to watch. On TV that is! This picture is of GM Place with the huge mural of Roberto Luongo. I took this last week when we went downtown.

Today my Sister and I took out Lexi, and two other neices that are all close in age. We went to a Jobs Daughter Bingo fundraiser. It was actually really fun. We paid four dollars each to get in and then 25c a game. Plus there were door prizes and the fee included drinks and sandwiches and home baked goodies. The girls all came home loaded up with prizes. Tonight they are having a sleep over at Lexies new house.

Over here at our place, we are having a Demolay Wake a thon. I would prefer to call it a sleep over, which implies they may actually sleep at some point over night! So we have a house full of teenage boys and none of them are even ours! Well, unless you count out three nephews!

My sister Sheila's in laws were also in the spotlight this week. Cheralynn and her partner were also featured in the home and garden section of our local paper for winning an award at the Vancouver home show for outstanding work in their Landscaping company which attracted alot of attention for their talent with native plantings and water features.

Of course, I am already famous as I have all you nice people stopping by to visit all the time!

Hired

2009-04-01T02:36:00.002-07:00

Happy April Fools Day!
Well this is no joke, everything you are about to read is true!
Well things are moving along nicely in this household.
As you all know, Heidi graduated from her vet assistant program on March 5th. Yesterday she got a response from one of the places she submitted a resume to!!! She went in for an inter view and on Friday she goes for a trial run. If they like her and she likes the work there, she is hired. This is an Emergency Vet, which is open after hours, and on Sundays and holidays, when other vets are closed. So they see some very interesting cases!
I will let you know how she does.
I am happy to say, hat my vacation request has been approved, so that means Keith and I will be able to attend the family reunion in Saskatchewan this summer. We just had news today that a favorite auntie and Uncle of Keith's will also be going from Vancouver, as well as a couple of cousins. When we went to the last one in 2005 we had a marvelous time, and met many new faces that Keith is related to. We will also be celebrating his Great Aunties 100th birthday at that time. It is nice to have these things to look forward to. I don't know yet if our kids will join us as they are all working. We would ideally like to travel on further across Canada after that weekend and see more of the country. Now that we have a reliable vehicle, that shouldn't be much of a problem.
Yesterday, One of my sisters and her boyfriend both received lay off notices from their job. They both worked at a local factory that produced speciality rechargeable batteries. So for them both to be unemployed at once is a big blow to that family. Carol will be going to school as soon as she can get in to take a care aid course. My other sister Sheila also received her lay off notice a couple of weeks ago from her job as payroll clerk and accounts receivable. This bad economy is really being felt!. Fortunately I think my line of work in nursing is safe for now. Keith so far has been ok, but you never know. In the news yesterday they reported that the cruise ship industry in Vancouver has lost some business to Seattle. Keith's company provides fuel to the cruise ships which stop in the port of Vancouver, so that may cause some concern. It is by no means their larger contract, but every blow is felt. We will keep our fingers and toes crossed that he will be ok. Keith has always been very resourceful and is master of finding ways to make a dollar. If worse came to worse, I could easily work alot more hours and overtime, they are so short in nursing. Yuck! I sure hope it doesn't come to that.
But as I say, all our children are now working and seem to be well on their ways. So I am not too worried about them.
Next week we have to plan a birthday party to celebrate some of our family's spring birthdays. My Mom, My nephews Paul and Troy, My Father in Law and Brother in Law. These all in one parties are the way to go! Its about time for another nice get together anyways!!!
That's all for now. I am writing this at work and I shouldn't take any more time.
Thanks for stopping by and I will post again soon. I know you are all dying to see photos of our new and improved downstairs rooms!
BYE.

Beautiful Sunday

2009-03-30T11:35:00.006-07:00

Blessed once again with a sparkling sunny day. The air was fresh, cool and windy, but that sun was nice and warm.

We did get ourselves a new car. Well, new to us. A 2007 Toyota Matrix. Sort of a small station Wagon. It has much more space than the VW golf, that we just sold. So we took it out for a run to Stanley Park and then to Steveston in Richmond.

The wind was stiring up the ocean and the smell of sea air was intoxicating.

Spring Clean Up

2009-03-22T10:11:00.004-07:00

After a few days of mostly rain and gloom, the sun has come out to shine once more. My forsythia is starting to open, finally. What a delay in our spring we have had. Though spring officially has just begun, we normally have it spring like in February! Soon I shall get out and do some work in the garden, hopefully this nice weather lasts.

Before that we have a few details to take care of.

I haven't posted for quite some time... so I have to bring you up to speed on a few things.

To start the month off, we helped Norman find a place of his own. After 18 months with us, I think he, as well as us were ready for him to take the next step. We found a nice basement suite apartment just around the corner. We wanted something nearby so the children will still be able to come over here, and to their other auntie who also lives in the neighbourhood. With Norm working all sorts of strange hours, we feel comfortable knowing they can come over whenever they need to. Its right across from Lexis school, so its nice and close for her. Its so quiet! I miss them already!

We spent a week painting his place and getting them moved in. Keith and Norm moved everything in our mini van. It took alot of trips! We couldn't have done that if he weren't so close as you don't like to travel far with couches hanging our the back door!

Once we got them settled we had to do some cleaning and painting at our house, in the rooms that they had been using. One room is completely done and we just have the last coat of paint to do in the living room. It was all natural pine paneling and I decided to paint it. It looks much nicer and modern and bright. Ill post before and after photos soon.

We also had to get some furniture for down there. We got rid of our old couch to make room for Norms stuff. It was ready to be disposed off as it was very old and worn out. after all, it was purchased by my grandparents when they moved to Canada in the 70's. So now we are looking for a replacement. I have made the back bedroom into a guestroom for my parents as they visit here quite often and have been using our hide a bed upstairs. We got a really nice queen size bed with all the bedding for $130. off Craigslist. It is like new. Heidi has been helping me with the painting.

Both Heidi and Keith have been sick with bad colds the past week. I know Keith has just been doing way too much lately, he needs a good rest. Heidi hasn't been looking for work, no point job hunting with a runny nose. So Monday Morning, she will get started with the job hunt.

David has been working for two weeks and is really enjoying his first year apprenticeship. He feels that his boss likes his work and has started to give him more challenging tasks this last week. Dave has also been seeing a very nice girl for the past few weeks. This weekend, her father bought them plane tickets to come up to their hometown of Powell River so they can meet him!!!! OH TO BE A FLY ON THE WALL! It makes me feel good to know that her father would go to this length. Any dad who would do that must be a pretty caring parent, and that to me says she is from a good family. That sounds so snooty but I admire a parent who remains concerned about his child's affairs even though she is a young adult. I also think that sends a strong message to David that says "Don't hurt my little girl or you may have to answer to me". Hehehehe!

Andrew came home one night and cut off all his beautiful hair! He felt it was time to tidy up a bit. I loved his long dark tresses! But he looks cute with it short too.

Currently we are a one car family! I am off for a few days so we are looking for a vehicle this week. We sold the Volkswagen, which I always felt was too small, we are big tall people and it was just too cramped. The backseat was unbearable. So now we are looking for something just a bit bigger. Keith is in his heyday as he loves the hunt!

So he's hunting for a vehicle and I'm hunting for a couch! Ill post pictures once we have made the kill.

Look Out World.

2009-03-06T16:56:00.005-08:00

Today was Heidi's graduation from Douglas College's Veterinary Office and Animal Care certificate Programme. Here, she gives Sasha a cuddle at our front door before heading off to the College.

It was a really nice ceremony. Her Daddy and I watched her recive her diploma with our hearts bursting with pride.

Posing here with her Dad out side the college,this once very shy girl has blossomed into a confident young lady.

It was not that long ago that we wouldn't have been able to pry her off our arms. Today she was off mingling with her classmates, looking so amazingly grown up.

In other news, last Friday David completed his first year of the Electrician Programme at BCIT.

He has been out every day this week seeking employment as a first year apprentice. Yesterday, he got hired for a full time possition, starting at $15.00 an hour!!!! With the economic slowdown, we were worried thet it may be difficult to find work. Hopefully Heidi has such quick results next week when she starts her job hunt.

And here, Dad looks like he is the graduate! Graduated from parenthood? Yes, with top honours. Dad you did a great job!

100 MILE CHALLENGE

2009-03-04T10:52:00.006-08:00

If the clip doesnt load up for you, you can also go directly to it by clicking HERE.

Keiths brother Mike and his wife Angela participated in a reality show called the 100 Mile Challenge which will air on the FOOD Network on Sundays, starting April 5th at 5pm Pacific Time.

The show involves several families living in the town of Mission, B.C. They had to live for 100 days off food grown within a 100 mile radius of home. It was alot harder than they thought it would be. The idea is to get people thinking about eating more pure and natural diets.

Mike is the bald guy who near the end of this clip says "Why would anybody do this to themself ?" Angela is the gal with the short, dark curly hair, wearing big loopy earings and says "There is no gray area. It is either within 100 miles or it is not."

I think this is going to be a lot of fun to watch with our family!

ROAD TRIP

2009-03-02T19:37:00.004-08:00

Last Wednesday evening we were graced with yet another snowstorm. We only got a couple of inches which melted away by noon, but it was a good reminder that winter was still upon us.
I had to take Thursday and Friday off work as I had a nasty stomach upset. Word of advice.... Salmon cream cheese does not appreciate being taken back and forth to work all week! By Friday, i was still yucky but no longer tossing my cookies. The storm clouds had blown away and we awoke to blue skies. This clear morning inspired me to pick up the camera to shoot this gorgeous scene from my kitchen window, of our mountains with fresh snow.
That same evening, the skies remained clear and we had this lovely night sky.

Gladly, on Saturday, I was almost feeling my usual self and decided to make the road trip I had planned for the weekend to the OUTHOUSE CAPITAL aka my parents place. I checked the road report prior to leaving and it seemed like the roads were fine. Which they were, except for a few areas of compact snow, but it was fine.

Heidi and I enjoy the 400kms of winding mountain road. I was amazed at how little snow there was at the side of the road. Allison Pass usually has over 10 feet snow walls along the road, but there was very little.

Once we left the mountains and entered the Okanagen, there was a little snow in the fields but nothing on the road. It looks so pretty with all the dried grasses poking through.

The river running along the highway in Princeton usually is completely iced over at this time of year and it is quite open already. So in spite of our extreme winter out here on the coast, it would seem that inland they have had it a little milder than usual! We saw a huge bald eagle sat on the edge of this ice today but not at a place where I could pull over to shoot it.
I had to wonder if the cattle out this way, should be considered fresh or frozen beef? Isnt this a handsome creature? What a gorgeous colour hide, and what a cute pink nose!

It was Saturday when I took this picture, but it looked to me like these beasts were heading off to church! This is just outside of Headly. The older building on the left was the original church, probably where the great grandparents of these cattle would have congregated!

And taken this morning from my folks doorstep, Dad (Mr Outhouse), Heidi, Myself, Aunt Gail and Uncle Larry. The two dear people on the right were our prime reason for making this visit. Though its always great to get up to visit my family. My Aunt and Uncle were up visiting from Washington for a few days, so I was eager to catch up with them. Here we were all ready for the mass exodus. Dad was in his short pants as he likes to keep the wood fire in the house at a roaring blaze.

Our drive home was almost uneventful, as the little snow that was on the roads on Saturday had completely disappeared. We did have a near miss with a deer though. Fortunately, I had already geared down as I was travelling a winding steep road. So I was able to cram my brakes on to miss Bambi by a mere hairs width as he ambled casually across the road. I was just praying that the semi which I knew was not far behind me would not barrel around the bend and cream me! I live to tell!

Happy Birthday Lexie!!!!

2009-02-23T09:32:00.009-08:00

This week Lexie will be celebrating her 11th birthday and we had a party for her on Saturday. She commandeered my services as official photographer so that she could have a post done on the blog. She was very concerned her Mom in Edmonton should be able to see her celebration and not feel so left out. I can say without any reservations that lexie and her brothers too, are such thoughtful children.

To start with, she met all her friends at the swimming pool for a couple of hours.

Five of these girls are my nieces. It pleases me to know Lexie thinks of her cousins as friends. She really loves her extended family.

Lexie on the left, cousins, Emily in the center and Natasha on the right.

After swimming, we loaded them into cars and drove to Aunty Donna and Uncle Dons house, where they have enough room to accommodate ten squealing little girls! Thanks Aunty and Uncle for opening your home and helping Lexie's dad Norm host such a fun event. Norm got pizzas which quickly got devoured. Heidi and I made the cake, in the music theme which Lexie had requested.

Although not used to being the party host, Lexie's dad Norm had a glow about him from all the fun and excitement, or was it just the reflections from the ceiling light?

This single dad thing can be trying at times, but this day, all that effort paid off.

It was as nice to see Norm smiling and genuinely happy, as it was to see Lexie so (but then she is always cheery). Milestones like this can also be cause for much melancholy for a family who is still missing our Kayla so sorely. But without a doubt, her spirit was felt singing along to Happy Birthday for her sister.
Aunty Donna holds the pinata as the kids scramble for candy. This poor creature was felled by a mighty blow!

CLICK THE BOTTOM LEFT ARROW IN THE ABOVE FRAME TO WATCH THE CLIP. Norm learns the fine art of music tech!
The main events of the night were to be music related. From freeze dance, to Karaoke, to Rock Band. We sure did have a house packed with talent. You would think all the exercise and excitement would have worn them out, but nooooo. They did not fall asleep until past 2.00am! I don't know why we call them "sleep overs" because they never get much sleep at these things!

Uncle Keith and Uncle Mike, wimped out early on and had a rest on Aunty Donna and Uncle Dons Bed for a while... WIMPS! They left their poor defenceless brother alone with a house full of women. Oh well, such is the price of fatherhood.

Uncle Don is one of Lexie's biggest fans and paid her many compliments on her new birthday outfit that she got off Uncle Mikes family! Only 11 but looking so sophisticated. But still young enough that I had to explain what sophisticated meant!

Happy Birthday little one.

I know your mom will be happy to see what a great day you had. Right MOM?