Mixed bag week. . . May 29, 2010

This week we went to "cheap Tuesday" at the movies with Don and Carolin, we saw Ironman 2 and we enjoyed it.

Wednesday I woke up with a migraine that took me out for the day, fortunately, this one only lasted a few hours before I hurled, instead going on for days like they used to.

Ron has started working occasionally for Don in his vending machine business and spent two days doing that this week. Adam has started a new job at Kal-tire this week, so he will be able to get his apprenticeship hours in and complete high school (Whew!).

We continue puttering on the various shelving/storage/organization projects, but it is slow going right now with everything else we have been doing. I need to get my watering system set-up before we head South and the lawn really needs a shave. The weather has been mostly grey and showery broken by a few sun breaks and downpours. Not really great yard work type weather this week.

Yesterday Ron and I spent most of the day at the school district's track meet manning the Saint John Ambulance First Aid post. Between icing and bandaging minor injuries, Ron and some of the other guys spent a lot of time joking with the kids or each other.

Last night we went out to see Robin Hood. It wasn't very true to the original fables, but it took an interesting twist on them and I thought it was good, even if a bit too gory at times.

May 24, 2010 (Victoria Day)

Today we basically puttered; Ron worked on shelves, I rewired a lamp, did several loads of laundry and we made a couple of trips out for miscellaneous supplies.

Three of the kids worked on over due school work and the other had friends over They made radioactive-looking cupcakes (they tasted good though!), watched movies and just enjoyed the day off together.

Not much else to report from here. . .

May 23, 2010

I continue to be astounded at the musical talent in this ward. Today one family (a large, extended family) sang "Teach me to Walk in the Light" (in parts and with 2 flute and piano accompaniment). It was SO beautiful. . .

This evening a few folks came over for spaghetti dinner. We played a game called "What's the Story" (like 20 questions) while we ate, then we watched "Single's Ward" after our chocolate fondue dessert. There were 16 of us all together. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

The picture is one of the Scottie dogs that was wearing a kilt for the Highland Games. . .

May 22, 2010

Today found us at the Highland Games all day. We started off by watching a friend play bagpipes before a judge for the first time (He took 3rd out of 6. . yay Ammon!). There were bagpipes and drums galore, Scotty dogs on parade, highland dancers, stone throwers, caber tossers, dirks and kilts and dancers,

several friends (Hi buster!), and our kids ran in pack for the day. Ron was really happy to see his favorite Pipe Band from Simon Frazier University perform.

When the Comox Valley Pipe Band competed, a little guy came out and joined them on the field, he got right in the middle of the action and played his drum with them. They didn't seem to notice him, and he marched off the field wit them, so we figure he was probably with his mom out there.

It was a really nice day, but I think there are a couple of kids in this house who won't be forgetting the sunscreen the next time we head out for the day. . .

May 21, 2010

Today started with a blustery, rainy morning, then it morphed into a beautifully sunny and warm afternoon. Ron was getting more of the shelving installed in our bedroom, when he got a phone call. I could hear him saying, "No, I would love to another time, but I have to do the shelving ." When I asked what the phone call was about, he told me that Grant had invited him out to the driving range. I haven't touched my golf clubs in 2 years, and it really was a georgeous afternoon, so we called Grant back. We then went with Grant and his wife, Robin, to the Comox Golf Club and hit some balls. There were about a half dozen deer in the driving range and they weren't interested in moving out of the way. It was a bit disconcerting. A couple of them were hit with golf balls, and they would flinch, then go back to chewing their cud.

After we finished with the golf balls, we all went to Robin and Grant's place (where there were about 20 kids running around, our 4 included) and had a nice bar-b-que.

The Highland Games will be happening tomorrow, so I guess the shelf project will continue on Monday. . .

May 16, 2010

Today after church, I finished one book, began another and promptly fell asleep. After a nice nap, we had a great dinner of steak and asparagas. Then, while I was perusing my Facebook stuff, I ran across some VERY cool and surprising news. It seems one of my 40-something YO cousins (who I thought was a confirmed bachelor) is now engaged to a really intelligent, beautiiful, and all-around-good gal! Yeah!

May 15, 2010 (posted a day late! Just in case you are watching)

Today started with frantic grocery shopping followed immediately by a service project at the church. For our service, we pulled weeds and cleaned up the grounds at our building while other ward members worked in a garden at a local nursing home.

After the weed pulling, some of Kaili's girlfriends came by to hang out while I made jam. Mangoes have been about 7 dollars for a box of 12 lately, so I made a batch of mango jam, them I made a batch of strawberry-rhubarb jam. Both of them have been big hits with the family and they have already almost finished off a jar of each.

Later, a couple of my girlfriends (Kaili's friend's moms) came over and we had a dinner of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs (thanks, Adam). It was a very busy, but productive day and an enjoyable evening. We have really been enjoying the deck for some of our meals. After the kids did the kitchen clean up, the boys headed out to play pool and hang out with some of the guys for awhile.

Several folks have commented on how quiet our place is, but I don't really see it as all THAT quiet. It reminds me of Granma Jessie's house in the respect that, when I am outside, mixed in with the bird's song and lawn mower's drone, I can hear, in the distance, the sound of the Ryan Road traffic, punctuated with the occasional siren, loud motorcycle or plane. I think because we are on a cudesac, somewhat nestled in the trees, and the deck isactually limb-level, the illusion of being in a more rural setting is created.

May 14, 2010

This s the bed I planted the tomatoes and peppers in yesterday. They are interspersed with the blueberry plants we put in earlier this year. I won't be doing the big veggie garden yet, because there are just too many other things to organize this year. Maybe I can get to it next spring.

This other picture is Isis and her two buddies. She LOVES the cats so much. This also illustrates why the couch has a sheet on it most of the time. . .can you say pet hair?

Today Ron and I spent most of the day patching up scrapes, icing ankles and watching kids run around at a big track meet. We will be volunteering first aid services with St. John again at the same event much of next week.

Right now we are all (except Adam, whose allergies are going nuts) headed off to spend the evening at the talent show (at church). I think Kaili is the only participant from our family this time. She will be playing piano with a girlfriend.