Victoria Day.

The May Long Weekend in Canada each year is in honor of Queen Victoria. It's a lovely weekend to embrace our heritage and history. Some years, we stay home and plant our gardens. Other years, we zip away on a jet to our favorite spot on the West Coast. This year, we took the time to rest, put our feet up and dream about the next few months. Because the rains arrived, we couldn't plant our gardens or jet away. So we did the next best thing ~ relaxing! It's going to be a very busy Summer, so this time off for us has been healthy and what we needed to do to keep moving. Long weekends are for rejuvenating our minds, our bodies and our spirits. And honoring the Monarchy. 

~ Chy

Easter Weekend.

We are embracing this lovely, long weekend. Our building permit came through from our County this week and we should have keys in hand for our new space for our program sometime this coming week. It was clear as we worked towards this amazing moment that once those keys were in our hands, life was going to change greatly. And my time will become very busy and likely fractured as I navigate many meetings, deliveries, moving and deadlines. So much is going to happen in a very short time. This long weekend of 4 whole days (okay, we did start a bit early on Thursday, so we'll call it 4.5 days) has been amazing so far. We had some great meetings on Thursday in the morning, including a very long but productive session with our Health Inspector. He shared that most organizations or businesses do their reno or build, and then call him in for the final, so he was quite impressed we asked if we could meet before the build starts with all our questions. It turned out well, as there are a few small changes to make but if we had left this until the end, those changes would have cost some precious dollars! 

Thursday is Chamber of Commerce Breakfast that we attend each week. The Networking is so important as we build our organizations but even more important to us is the connections to each other as people. We have benefitted so much and it feels like family now. I made some great strides this week with a couple of important individuals who are key to our next steps. So glad dh suggested we start attending a year ago. After the meeting, the snow was really coming down so we did some quick banking and then headed home. The plan was to visit my mom but it would have been her lunch time and she doesn't like visiting then. We instead visited her today and it was a better time together, with no other distractions. She's progressing and is now in a wheelchair ~ hard to see, even though I've been the one advocating for a better sitting arrangement for her. She seems so much more comfortable. I hate seeing her progress though it is expected but its so hard to watch.

We drove home through the snow and the wind, and soon were cozy and comfy in our little cottage. I spent the rest of the day trying to put construction stuff and program stuff in to place. It's all coming together. And then we watched a few shows we are behind on and chilled for the evening. Yesterday, we got up earlier than anticipated as dh wanted to try to get the board and batten started in the long hallway that leads to our Art Studio. We actually did way more than we thought we would get done. Today is sanding and painting. It will be nice to have this one done. I'll post photos as we work away this weekend. Trying to get our cottage all done before the new space is opened. I won't have all the time I've had this year, though my intent is to get it open and operating and then ensure I never, ever get into a situation where my time is everyone else's. Never again!

Last night, we watched Corrie and then another show we needed to catch up on. Late bedtime, which was not the best idea as we were up so early this morning. We thought it might be super busy at the grocery store so we went early and that was a good thing as it was quiet while we were there but definitely got crowded after we left. We visited the bank to chat with our bank manager, visited our site, had a great time with my mom, picked up dinner, found the top piece we'll use for trim on the board and batten, then headed home in the gorgeous sun. Put the groceries away, answered some emails and after a quick lunch, now I'm off to paint the board and batten, while dh watches hockey with dd and dgs. After I'm done, I'm going to have a quick bath, then we'll settle in for dinner, a movie or show, and likely a bit earlier bed time tonight. No big plans tomorrow other than cooking Easter dinner and enjoying some down time. Monday is open as well ~ having blocks of open time is such a lovely way to spend a long weekend. With the sun and expected warm temperatures I do plan to sit out on the deck in the warmth. Soaking it all in!

What are your plans for the weekend?

~ Chy

Just the 2 of Us.

This was dh and I this weekend. Just the 2 of

us with all the kids gone. Heavenly and quiet!

~ Chy

Kids Trip.

We're just a bit giddy over here with the

news our kids will be taking the long

weekend to zip away. A concert, friends,

good food and a hotel. Now we just

have to figure out what we'll do while

everyone is away. It'll be so truly quiet!

~ Chy

Serene Harbour.

First visit to the harbour after our arrival.

The sea was so calm and so very quiet.

Although it was the beginning of Thanksgiving

Weekend here in Canada, it was like a ghost town.

The enormous 25 million dollar yacht belonging

to Jimmy Pattison. Took up an entire pier side. 

Called the "Nova Spirit" the crew was large and

very quick in docking and setting everything up.

An incredible harbour view cottage over looks the inlet.

And a large group of birds suddenly scurried around.

The water isn't always this calm but matching the blue

sky, it was a great walk around the very quiet harbour.

Businesses around the harbour were quiet at first but

started to fill up as the day went on. Lots of tourists!

Final views as we trekked in to town to do some

shopping. Groceries to fill the kitchen and our bellies.

~ Chy

Victoria Day.

Canada is part of the British Commonwealth and each year we honor Queen Victoria on the long weekend in May, known as Victoria Day Weekend. Traditionally, it is also the weekend in our region when everyone starts their gardening. Prior to this, the weather is more unpredictable (we had a frost warning last week) but once this weekend comes along, the weather is a bit more settled. We did plant our seeds for our veggie patch yesterday but haven't yet put in the plants we bought ~ some perennials and herbs and raspberry canes. I need to get more deer fencing and don't want to risk any new plants getting eaten up! These currently reside on our kitchen table getting good sun and amble moisture. I hope to plant either later today or tomorrow. Sunny week ahead with mid to high 20's.

Over the weekend, we also visited the Farmer's Market, bought our plants from a local nursery, worked on the "never ending Pergola project" and did a quick house clean. The rest of the time we've been really good about also taking some time to relax and enjoy this time off. Today I'm doing a 5 hour shift at the Antique Mall, which reduces our rent. We both enjoy getting to know the other vendors and helping customers with their purchases. Today is the 1st Boot Sale of the season, so I'll be inside and out. Nice sunny day out so I'm sure it will be busy! We might even do a bit of shopping.

Before we head to the AM, we're stopping to pick up an item I've bought from a lovely lady. I've searched for a soft art tote forever and finally found one. She posted it for just $15, a huge savings. I love the colors and am excited that now I'll have a way to cart my art supplies to classes when I take them. Last time, I used my little tool kit that holds my dollhouse supplies but it's a hard shell and was a bit clunky. And then the dollhouse supplies had to sit on the art studio island all weekend. This is much more efficient. Here's a shot of the tote. Isn't it sweet? I can't wait for my next class!

My shift is done at 4 p.m. Both dh and dd are coming to drop me off and shop a bit before and then they'll head home. At the end, dh is coming to pick me up but we haven't made any plans beyond that time. Likely a nice dinner and then some Festival work. I might finish up the one area that needs more weeding and I'll definitely need to do some watering. Long weekends are lovely for projects and for taking time to enjoy and relax. This one has been great for us. Hope your Victoria Day Weekend has been wonderful!

~ Chy

Grounded.

A lovely presentation by a local art therapist yesterday at my quarterly community meeting that I chair ~ smudging and fairies ~ the grounding I needed after a crazy week. It wasn't a bad week, just one full of tasks, meetings, deadlines and hot weather. Thankful for the presentation and now a long weekend to recuperate before next week. Hoping it will be a bit lighter and more manageable. If not, I'll just think back to our session and remember the sweet smelling sage from the smudging. Always helps me get back to being grounded and health again.

Another Friday the 13th.

I'm slightly superstitious, so Friday

the 13th has never been a favorite

day of mine. However, I've never

had anything bad happen on this

day, so I'm going to stop thinking

that something bad might happen!

Today was great, other than waking

up with a very sore & achy body. I

attended our little guy's field trip &

had a great time watching him have

fun & conversing with the parents.

Got a few keys things crossed off

my "to do" list & now I'm tucked

into a warm bed to watch a bit of

telly ~ Coronation Street is on tap.

Dh is off to a hockey game & when

he's back, we're meeting our builder

at our local coffee shop to finalize

our kitchen budget. We have to

also decide the pattern of railings

& the last few lights need to be

chosen. Then all our decisions will

be finished up. Busy weekend to

get our house ready to sell. I am

so thankful it's a long one with

extra days off. We'll make good

use of this time with our last reno's.

How was your Friday the 13th?

Do you have big plans for this weekend?

Last August Flowers.

Hi everyone!

Another beautiful and warm summer day was enjoyed by our family. This long weekend has been busy and I'm truly looking forward to having some "down" time tomorrow. Since Friday, we have worked in the garden, painted walls, packed boxes, moved excess furniture to our new storage unit, purged items no longer used and then donated to our local charity shop, organized then cleaned the preschool for Tuesday, shopped for the preschool, shopped for our home and shopped for my closet. More about that later!

We went out to "visit" the new house tonight but before we left for our country drive, I snapped a few pics of the last of our August flowers. Some are starting to fade, others have floated away in the cool breeze but these ones are hanging on and blooming steadily. Love the colors that they exhibit.

My favorite blue blossoms.

Vibrant pink.

Light pink, the shade I love!

More news to share in a bit. 

How you spend your last Sunday in August?

We have a Roof!

Hi everyone!

 

We have a roof! Well, almost a roof! The beginnings of the top of the house have begun. The crew started with the end that includes the garage, which houses our Art Studio. You can see the rafters below. The lower right picture shows the opening where the gabled window will go on the back of the house, with another at the front. 

 

Our little guy is becoming a "country kid" more and more. He loves picking up rocks to stuff in his pockets and searching for little frogs. The house fascinates him but I think the huge space to explore is his favorite.



 

Different perspectives of the rafters. There is actually another level that goes up even higher to make the peak. In the lower right picture, the piece resting against the tree will be the end wall for the Art Studio. Once it's in place, they will cut out two windows. 





Our builder helping my mom into the house. She and her beau J were so excited to drive out today to see the house. The last time she saw it was well before we had designed the house, so she was surprised to see so much of the house up already! B had a great time "yelling" into the basement and was a bit shocked when he suddenly got a very loud "reply", courtesy of our builder, D!

 

 

Our original driveway, which we may keep to make the new driveway into a circular drive. The next picture is our builder and my dh walking away from the house. 

 

 

The next time we see the house, the roof should be finished, the windows will be in and the exterior doors installed. From that point, we'll come out to visit as the interior finishing begins. Now comes some of our big decisions like cabinets, flooring, paint, lighting and exterior colors. Lots of fun!!

 

How was your long weekend?

Was it a long weekend in your region?



Not what we expected.

Because it's a long weekend here in Canada, the ferry to the island was busy today. But it was definitely far from the crowds & congestion we were expecting. We were lucky to arrive early & get on the boat without a wait. Our rental car is the second one on the right side, a silver Cruze. Last time we were here, in January, they gave us a white Cruze. Nice car. Zippy & comfortable. Both times, we were told we'd get a little Ford Fiesta & both times they "upgraded" us to a bigger car, without charge. No complaints!

I love to people watch, especially when we travel. The most interesting people were at the airport with us at 6:45 a.m. this morning. A mix of ages, looks, creeds & of course, destinations. My favorite sight today was the "hippy van" below. Very Salt Spring!

We had a great travel day. Although we could have chosen to travel at any time & tend to avoid summer holiday time & long weekends, we really needed this break now between programs & filming. And dh really wanted to experience Canada Day on SSI after hearing the locals tell us about it when we were here in January. So we braved what we thought would be a hectic day of long lines, crazy temperaments & unbearable weather. But it was quiet, too quiet almost, everyone was friendly & the weather was warm but not scorching hot. Just perfect! Maybe most travelers left yesterday to beat the rush. Whatever it was, we are grateful & happy to be finally here, after months of planning, budgeting & dreaming. Now for 10 days of pure bliss & time to recover & regain our precious energy.