WT Strikes North of the 49th!

This is my thumb after nearly 4 hours waiting in the ER and shortly before getting 5 stitches in it today.

For those that don't know, my grandfather Wilford T. was always slicing, dicing and abrading himself somehow. Those genes appear to be alive and well in my mother and me. This morning, shortly after Ron left, I was washing dishes when a glass platter broke in my hands and sliced my thumb a tad. I *did* have a lot of things planned for today. . . well, there goes that! I had to call Ron and ask him if he was able to come take me to the hospital as it is hard to hold pressure and drive at the same time. . .oh well, It was a beautiful day for a drive (even a short one) and the swans always make me smile as we go past them in their field.

Nov 22, 2011

We had snow here a couple of days ago that even managed to stick around for a few days. Last night we had one heck of a rain and wind storm that washed it away which was fortunate, because I had a BUNCH of tulip, crocus, iris, anemone, hyacinth and allium bulbs/corms that needed to get into the ground. I planted most of them this morning before getting ready to go to work. While I was outside enjoying the bright sunshine and relatively warm temperatures, a bunch of geese honked their way overhead, then there were 3 bald eagles squawking and chirping while they flew around the neighborhood for awhile.

My thoughts are with my family down south right now, my aunt has just received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer (This is the aunt who recently lost a husband and sister to lung Ca). "They" think she has about 5 years . . . I'm sure it could have been a worse diagnosis, but it is still not something anyone would have chosen. Fortunately, my Mom and her friend Debbie (a former oncology nurse) are there to give her the physical and emotional support she will need.

Adam will be 20 tomorrow, so we will be doing the American Thanksgiving thing in conjunction with his birthday celebration tomorrow evening.

A citizen of North America. . .

So my mom says I'm "bi" now- I prefer to refer to my status as dual, or even better. . . a Citizen of North America.

Yesterday Elizabeth and I completed our 7 year journey through the immigration process and received our Canadian Citizenship. I had spent much of last week doing as many practice quizzes as possible and re-reading the study guide that was sent to me at this time last year. I still felt like I was going to throw-up while waiting to write the test yesterday morning (apparently I passed). After writing the test and going over the paperwork with an immigration officer, I was told to come back in the afternoon to take the Oath of Citizenship. I was still feeling a little nervous about whether everything would go through or not. I was missing some of Elizabeth's paperwork, but apparently they weren't crucial pieces.

After Ron picked the kids up from school, we put on some nice clothes and went to the ceremony. Out of the 72 candidates that had interviews or tests in the morning, 60 of us were there to take the oath in the afternoon. After some final paperwork, we took It was a very moving experience and I teared-up a couple of times. Elizabeth had the honor of leading everyone in the singing of O' Canada at the conclusion of the ceremony.


The Knights of Columbus provided everyone with cake, coffee, tea and lemonade afterwards. We took the family (minus Adam, who was at work) out to Boston Pizza to celebrate -anyone else see a bit of irony here?


Now to get 4 Canadian passports and enough money together to be able to use them. . .

I think it was a success . . .

We had a Halloween party at our place last night(after some SERIOUS preparation!)

There was~
 
a plate of deviled eggs,

  
Bowls of punch


  
a veggie tray,

  
a pair of Cops, a zombie and a smiling Kaili

 
a transformed family room,


 
pond scum punch (Tasty!)

  
beautiful women,

 
some Jello,

  
more Jello,

  
a fruit plate with lemon dip,

 
a cake,



a couple of Jokers,

 
a rockin' old lady,

some hot dogs,

  chips and salsa,

loud music, laughter, and bit of apple bobbing. . .

The parents mostly stayed upstairs and played cards.

Quick Update -October 20, 2011

Patchyface loves birdwatching! This feeder is on the window and Patchy spends a lot of time watching the chickadees coming and going.

It seems I have barely had time to read emails, let along write anything down lately, so here is a quick rundown of the last week or so-

Mom, Doris and Debbie came last Thursday afternoon and spent the week-end here. Debbie made us a beautiful quilt that now graces our bed. . .I will get a photo of it posted one of these days.
We had a late Canadian or early American Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday. Ron's Mum, step-dad, sister Janice, a couple of neighbors and the missionaries also joined us for the big dinner. It was really good to see everyone, even if the visit was too short.

The California contingent went home on Monday morning, early and I got started making applesauce, canned pears and caramel spice pear jam. A couple of weeks ago we got a 5 gallon bucket of apples (Gravenstiens -YUM!!!) and some pears last week from friends at church. I spent the day canning and "jamming". Now we just need to start using them, so I will have jars to fill next year!

Last night, I attended a school concert of the jazz bands and choirs from the 3 high schools in the Comox Valley (Elizabeth was singing). It was very different from the "school band" concert I attended last year. There are some really talented kids around here. Ron spent the evening teaching a genealogy class at church.

Kaili has had some intermittent tachycardia, so she is wearing a holter monitor for the evening, we'll see what happens; her episodes are so sporadic I'm not sure it will catch anything.

The weather has been just beautiful and the trees are wearing their fall finery and brightening up the greenery with reds and golds.

That's the report for now. . .Hope all is well where you are!

Sept 26, 2011

Adam had his wisdom teeth removed this week.  He seems to have recovered very well and seems not to be bothered too much by it.  Ron and I met our new family doctor last week, and Adam will be seeing her on Friday.  He is in process of getting all his stuff done to go on his mission and should be ready to turn in his papers soon.

Our 16 year old next-door neighbor was baptized on Saturday and will be going to church with us now. She asked me to give a talk on baptism and this is what I said (mostly):

I have been asked to speak about Baptism this evening, first, we’ll get the
―book‖ definition out of the way-
According to –The Guide to the Scriptures online @ LDS.org- The word
Baptism is ―From a Greek word meaning to ―dip‖ or ―immerse.‖ Baptism by
immersion in water by one having authority is the introductory ordinance of
the gospel and is necessary to become a member of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is preceded by faith in Jesus Christ and by
repentance. It must be followed by receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost in
order to be complete (2 Ne. 31:13–14). Baptism by water and the Spirit is
necessary before a person can enter the celestial kingdom. Adam was the
first to be baptized (Moses 6:64–65). Jesus also was baptized to fulfill all
righteousness and to show the way for all mankind (Matt. 3:13–17; 2 Ne.
31:5–12)‖
Now as good as that definition is, there is still much more that can be said
about baptism, I don’t think we really want to be here all night, so I will just
mention a few things.
Alma taught that when we are baptized we make covenants with the Lord
to:
1. Come into the fold of God.
2. Bear one another’s burdens.
3. Stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all places.
4. Serve God and keep His commandments.
When we are baptized and keep the covenants of baptism, the Lord
promises to:
1. Forgive our sins (see Acts 2:38; D&C 49:13).
2. Pour out His Spirit more abundantly upon us (see Mosiah
18:10).
3. Give us daily guidance and the help of the Holy Ghost (see
Acts 2:38; D&C 20:77).
4. Let us come forth in the First Resurrection (see Mosiah 18:9).
5. Give us eternal life (see Mosiah 18:9).
The first definition I quoted, describes baptism as the ―introductory
ordinance‖. I like to think of it as the beginning of a long, sometimes
arduous, but ultimately, worthwhile journey. You have already done some
work, and made personal changes before undertaking this important first
step. It will require even more work to continue to journey’s end, and like
any excursion there will be a mix of challenges and rewards. You should
remember you are not on this road alone.
Listen to this poem. . .
From One about to Be Baptized
By Kathy Gailey Stephens
I’ll still need you
After I’m baptized—
Don’t forget.
My new-forged testimony
Isn’t strong enough
To stand alone
Just yet.
I can’t perceive
In one day, or year,
The entire gospel plan;
You’ve had a lifetime
To learn it,
And still don’t
Completely understand.

Like this author, once we are baptized, we are only beginning our new lives
trying to live within the Gospel. We need help from the people around us to
fully understand the commitments and covenants we have made. When I
was baptized, I felt very much the outsider, because I didn’t really know
very many people in my ward, but as I attended meetings and activities, I
got to know more people; they truly became my brothers and sisters. Don’t
be afraid to continue to search the scriptures and pray and to seek help
from your new ward family. I know that I have grown quite a bit in the
gospel since my baptism 9 years ago; (I mentioned here something about
my own baptism being a pivotal moment in my life where I changed course
from some self-destructive directions/decisions) I also know I still have a
great deal left to learn.
Your Heavenly Father loves you and there is rejoicing today because you
have decided to make this important first step.
In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen

 

Today we had some serious wind and rain until mid-afternoon when we had brilliant blue skies and sunshine.  I LOVE the changeable weather here!  I got off work early and had a really nice nap, then went outside to add a big bucket of plums to this year's harvest.

It is kind-of funny, so far this year I have harvested about 6 strawberries, 3 cups of blueberries, 3 gallons of Italian plums, 2 tomatoes, some mint, and basil, and 2 lemons from our plants- It looks like we will get a couple more tomatoes and 2 apples before it is all said and done for the year.  My lemon tree has about 10 baby lemons on it right now, and my orange tree has a bunch of mini oranges, but we'll see how many actually make it to maturity.  It doesn't seem like much, but next year we should do better.  We are hoping to have at least one planting bed put in the lower part of the yard where we get a good amount of sun.

I have stashed the plums in the fridge and hope to get many of them canned later this week.  Maybe I will even make a plum strudel on Friday like my Gramma Kay used to make.  We could then have it for Saturday morning's conference breakfast.  Sunday we will probably have our traditional crepes before Conference. . .

Ron, Dax and Elizabeth are at St. John's for the evening, but I bowed out.  I think I am now coming down with the cold that has been going around (probably why I slept so well this afternoon).

Sept 12, 2011

A few of the paintings I did when we were on Gabriola last month.

Today we put aside the "should do"s and "have to"s for a few hours and shot 18 holes. I haven't touched my clubs (other than to move them) in about 3 years, so it was a pretty ugly round score-wise. The weather couldn't have been better and it was good to get outside to enjoy it with Ron for a change. There are quite a few courses around here, and some of them are quite reasonably priced, so hopefully we will be able to squeak another few rounds in before the season ends.

This evening, I put up 10 quarts of pears while Ron took Ellie to her St. John Ambulance cadet meeting and Dax and Kaili worked on math homework. I think Ron is also covering a few of my responsibilities while at SJA too. I will have to sneak in there later this week, because I am WAY behind!!! I have gotten much canning done this year. I did manage some Blackberry jelly, syrup and canned Blackberries last week. I am hoping the kids can pick a few more berries before too long, so I can get a few more jars put up.

Seminary has started up and the kids are settling into their routines. Tomorrow I will be working a full day at Walmart, so Ron will be taking the after-school chauffeur duties. Adam will probably spend part of the day getting things ready to go on his mission; I believe he plans to have the papers submitted before Halloween.

Time to go get some lunch together for tomorrow and go do a bit of reading before bed. Ron and I still haven't moved back inside to sleep yet and hopefully we can stay outside for a while longer.

August 29th, 2011

We just got home from church, where Dax gave a great talk on prayer, the little stinker didn't even let on that he was giving a talk today before it was announced. He did an awesome job of preparation even with attending a dance and working several jobs this week!

Yesterday, after the nightmare of a "cash-only" shift at Walmart (more in a minute) we went to Goose Spit for a fireside. The weather was beyond awesome and the ocean was mirror-smooth. We roasted marshmallows and made smores. Our little friend Luella was having a great time in the bucket of water. I always thought the water was there for fire safety reasons, but I guess I was a bit narrow in my perspective.

The sunset over Comox and the mountains was gorgeous. . .

Now the Walmart thing. . .our store's network was down all day yesterday. That meant, no credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, no selling phone cards. . .or any other cards. . .no nada, just cash. It seems not many people carry much cash around these days, and with it being essentially one of the last Saturdays before school starts, people were a little less-than understanding about the whole situation. I was more than happy to escape to the beach. . .

I wonder; is there a "clinical" name for my special brand of crazy?

I have been feeling run off my feet lately (still), so what do I do? Back off a notch or five? Nope, not ME!!! I made a quilt yesterday. . .granted it is a baby quilt, but it is a quilt, nonetheless.

Ron and I were planning to go to Duncan (2hrs away) for the evening for a youth dance, but we decided it was just too much. I have 2 lessons to prepare for Sunday (still not done) and I worked today and am working another short shift tomorrow.
Since we decided not to go to Duncan for the night, that means I am able to attend a baby shower that I thought I would be missing in town this evening. Since I thought I would be missing it, I had no gift ready. . .hence the last minute quilt. I have been wanting to do an "I Spy Quilt" for a little while now, so I managed to do this one. . .
I even managed to laminate a card with a BUNCH of items to find on the quilt.

There were a few inadvertent little "jokes"; there is a panel of bears and they took very interested in the cupcakes in the panel next door to them and the cheetah seems to be eying the little baby chicks.

A few random thoughts-

• The honkers seem to have started heading South, but the weather is still mighty fine
• Ron and I are still sleeping out on the deck.
  
• I got some plums the other day and I am really hoping to get them into jars soon.
• I actually got out the water colors and did some painting while we on Gabriola.
• We really enjoyed Sister Pung's visit with her family and here is one of the photos I never got around to posting. . .

Aug 9th

Kabobs ready for the barby. . . .

So far so good with the new hot water tank; no water on the floor, and hot water is coming out of the taps!

Today was a little of this and that for me, I managed to stay home and catch up on laundry and a few other little domestic chores. Ron has been at work for Don (vending machines) all day. . .he isn't even home yet, and it is after 8pm. The kids helped me with a few chores, then did their own things- Adam plugged away on his schoolwork, Dax went to his job this afternoon, Kaili worked on a sewing project for a hospitalized friend while Ellie read, played piano and goofed around on the computer.

For dinner, I constructed kabobs, Adam BBQ'd them and Kaili made some saffron rice. I guess Dax and Ron will have to do left-overs. . .

Nothing too exciting going on here, but the weather sure has been nice!

August 5th, 2011

Summer seems to have arrived and my succulents are blooming up a storm.The blueberries are plump, plentiful, ripe and sweet!
After a quick blueberry harvest, we got down to a bit of yard work yesterday. The store was clearing out the plants for 50 cents a piece the other day, so Ron and I took advantage of a few of the great deals. As a consequence, we had about 2 dozen new plants to get in the ground, then mulched and wrapped in deer netting yesterday. We planted about a dozen strawberries, 2 grapes, a gooseberry, some dahlias, a canna lilly, a Forsythia, plus a few other assorted ornamentals . . .and as bonus, we finally got the Spartan apple that I had picked up a few weeks ago out of it's pot and placed in the yard.

Ron is doing a family history mission from home and has been having a hard time helping clients over Skype the last few days (the old laptop in his words- has "had the biscuit"). So, after finishing in the garden, we picked up a new laptop for Ron's upcoming birthday. We got a demo model that had already been marked down, so we got a really good deal on pretty nice machine.

Ron wanted to go to the beach, but everyone was pretty tired from the day's activities and decided they would rather hang at home, so we took the kids to DQ for a quick treat, then kicked-back at home for the evening. It was especially pleasant on the deck

Next on the agenda is dealing with the water heater that is showing signs of imminent failure. . .(i.e. it is beginning to leak with greater and greater frequency).

Poor Isis is positively worn out after a day of basking in the sun while the family did yard work. Ron is in his "jammies" on the deck with his laptop enjoying the nice summer evening after our busy day.

July 28, 2011

We have had a few days of summer-ish weather over the last week or so, it has been really pleasant. Ron and I moved the extra bed that was downstairs out on the the deck and have been sleeping outside for the last few nights. I seem to sleep better outside for some reason!

This week I have worked quite a few hours again. I also made about a dozen jars of lime marmalade and finished a colorful summer skirt that I have been playing with. There will be a lot going on here this week-end because of the holiday (It's BC Day on Monday) Dax, Elizabeth and Ron will be busy most of the week-end with St John Duties, I will be working, teaching Sunday School, and trying to fit St. John in where I can.

July 14, 2011

Wow, Dax is 18 today!!!
He is away at the Stake Young Men's camp and is probably soaked to the skin after yesterday. The rain came down in buckets starting at about 3 am and persisted until late into the night last night. Fortunately, it is broken clouds today, so maybe the young men will have a chance to dry out a bit.
I was called in to work a couple of hours early yesterday. We had a couple of sick calls and we were quite busy; in part because of all the "damp" campers looking for a warm and dry way to spend the day. . .
Today I will begin the catch-up with some of the Saint John Ambulance paperwork that was ignored while Young Women's camp occupied so much of my time and energy.

Time keeps slip-slidin' away. . .I can't believe we are nearing mid-July already!!!

The 5am Sunrise Devotional and Testimony meeting at Lakeside.





Bailey's Special Sunscreen Formula


We used almost 500 little stickers as records of completion. . .they were surprisingly popular with the girls.















Jane Modeling Triangular Bandage-wear

Last week found us at "Girl's" Camp where we did some hiking, campfire building practice, orienteering, knot tying, purifying water, building emergency shelters, and having lessons in triangular-bandage fashion (and other First Aid). The certification part of camp was my bailiwick, and I wanted the girls to learn what they were supposed to, but have fun too. I found out that junk food is the grease that keeps the cogs running smoothly for most of them. My supply list was something like:

• LOTS of M&M's (Lesson on what to do when lost)
• Candy Necklaces (treasure for orienteering)
• Candy Laces (knot tying practice)
• Chocolate covered raisins (rocks in campfire building practice)
• pretzel sticks (logs-Campfire building)
• Hickory Sticks (BBQ potato chip strips- leaf litter in campfire building practice)
• Cotton Candy (dryer lint CF building)
• Dried Apple Slices (Cardboard CF Building)
• Bubbles (More treasure)
• Cake Decorating Gel- Red & White (blood and burns in First Aid Scenario)

The couple who were to be our first-aid/Security people had a medical emergency and could not be there. Thankfully, Ron was able to come down as a last minute replacement for them.

I was pretty busy, so didn't get many photos, fortunately I was able to snake a few from Kaili's camera. The last morning we got up for a sunrise meeting at lakeside-5 am!


It was fun, but exhausting. . . Now I am working as much as possible, trying to get my stuff unpacked and working on a little crazy quilting project. This is what I have so far-



Dax left for Young Men's Camp this morning. . . I guess we will have to celebrate his 18th Birthday this week-end after he gets back.

We are experiencing a non-summer, summer here. It has been unusually gray and cool. Fortunately, there is a few really beautiful days sprinkled in to help us all stay sane.

Celebration of Excellence. . .

Monday night Elizabeth got to sleep with the fishes and next week she is going on a school camping trip! Her class spent last Monday night "sleeping" in the Beluga whale exhibit at the Vancouver Aquarium-How COOL is THAT!?! Next Tuesday they will be hiking to the local Scout camp and spending the night in cabins. . .again, how COOL!

Tonight Ron and I spent the evening with Dax and Kaili at "The Celebration of Excellence" at their school. They both made the Honor Roll of Distinction (GPA= 3.5+). Dax was disappointed because he missed the Principal's Honor roll (4.0) by 1.4% in ONE of his 8 classes. . .SO close!!! Kaili also received recognition for Jr. Dance and Textiles 9. . .WTG Girl!!!

We took them out to DQ afterwards in honor of their accomplishments, they have really done well this year!

On other fronts, no riots (yay!) and no mail (boo!) in Courtenay, and though it has been cool the sun made another appearance today.

June 10, and another attempt at a quick update. . .

Wow, time has really been getting past me lately! I tried to post this a few days ago, but it got eaten or evaporated somehow. . . Since my last successful post a few things have happened:

• Ron, Dax, Elizabeth and I all attended the annual inspection and general meeting for St. John Ambulance-Dax and Ellie took their oaths.
• Elizabeth competed with her school at a track and field meet.
  
• Mom and Debbie came up for a nice visit. While they were here, we got to attend the Highland Games and watch Kaili compete. She got 3rd place in the swords!
  
• Dax has completed bike and radio courses, he has one more day of training, then he can be a member of the Bike First Aid Squad with St John.
• The weather has finally gotten REALLY nice for a few days running now and I have been playing in the yard as often as work, chauffeur duties, and chores allow. We are also able to give the dryer a rest and use the clothesline--YAY!
• Dax and Elizabeth have also been to another first aid competition (this one included a banquet and dance)
• Ron has nearly completed his training and is taking on cases as a family history consultant as part of his service mission. . .just call him "Elder H." now ;-)
  
• Adam and Elizabeth performed together at music recital this evening. She played her clarinet, he his base clarinet and a friend accompanied them on the piano, then she played two piano pieces. It was really nice to hear them play together.
  
• Oh yeah, Costco opened here last week, so no more trips to Nanaimo for Costco stuff.
• We have a new Bishopric in our ward.
• The girls went to a climbing gym last evening.
• Tomorrow Ellie has a car wash fund raiser she is working, Adam and I will be at work and Ron will be headed to Victoria for the day with the other two for the Seminary grad/ Scripture Bowl/ Dance.

That's it for now, the bed is calling to me, then it is time to get up,deliver Ellie and get ready for work.

May 13, 2011

This week Kaili has been doing dance stuff every day after school. She had a performance last night and will be performing again tonight. Unfortunately, I am working both nights and will miss it. I guess Ron is buying the DVD so I will get to see it at some point. I finished her vest with 1 day to spare. It isn't perfect, but it will do--and the $150+ savings by doing myself was worth it! The next one should be easier, especially if she and I can manage our schedules so that I will be able to fit it to her.

The cold has essentially cleared up and I am left with the allergies everyone else has right now, the pollen is coating everything in yellow at the moment.

I'm trying to get a few chores done, then I'm headed off to work. I am really looking forward to Mom's visit next week, and I managed to get the time off while she is here. Now, it would be awesome to get a stretch of nice weather for her visit too!

Post Mother's Day Post

I got a call from work on Saturday evening asking if I could come in yesterday. I told them if they couldn't find anyone else, I would be there. I thought that some of the folks I had heard lamenting the lack of hours they were scheduled to work would jump at another 5 hours--guess not!

I woke up with a stuffed head and sore throat, but Dax made me hashbrowns for breakfast, and that always makes one feel better! Then he, Kaili and Elizabeth brought me handmade cards and flowers. Ron and I delivered the bake sale goodies to the school on our way to church. After Sacrament meeting, Ron took me to work instead of attending Sunday School class.

When I got home from work, I called and chatted with Mom for a bit. By the time I was finished, they had quite the spread set-up for dinner; steaks, asian salad and tomato/cheese/herb bread. The kids had all been busy baking all day too. Adam made a devil's food cake, Kaili made cupcakes and Dax made the low cal brownies I like to take to work with me. Also, the African violets that didn't survive the move from Kamloops have largely been replaced after yesterday.

We ended the day by watching "The King's Speech". . .It was a very nice Mother's Day for me and I definitely was blessed to have "felt the love". I am so grateful for my family. I do miss having my Mom next door and wish my grandmothers could see the influences they have had on me as well as on the the children they either never met or barely knew.

Oh, and the stuffy head and sore throat has blossomed into a full-on cold, I was hoping it was only allergies!

Chocolate covered cherry cupcakes!?!

I have nearly completed Kaili's dance vest, but I needed to come up with something to contribute to a bake sale fund raiser for Ellie's class tomorrow. . .yes, they are holding it on Mother's Day. Anyway, I stole an idea from Robin for decorating cupcakes, but I wanted them to be something different without being too bizarre flavor-wise. As I was perusing the cake mix isle after work yesterday I saw a cherry chip mix. Then I grabbed a can of ready made fudge frosting. . .yeah, I know. . .I shoulda done scratch. Anyway, I did the cherry chip cupcakes, then dropped a cherry from some canned pie filling in the center of each cupcake before baking. They all got a coat of chocolate icing, then Kaili and I did the marshmallow flower thing to finish them off. I made 6 extra, so the fam got to taste test (they passed-the cupcakes, not the fam).

After spending my morning madly stitching, seam ripping, altering, re-stitching, baking and decorating, Dax had come home from his job and was telling me about his plans for the rest of the day. Kaili and I were just finishing up the last of the cupcakes and I mentioned I could take Dax with me when I went in to work at 12:30, then he could hang with his Dad and Ellie at the mall. Dax then says "Uh, Mom if your leaving for work at 12:30, shouldn't you get going?" It was 12:25!!! I had a shower, grabbed lunch, brushed teeth and hair and was out the door in 10 minutes, kinda reminded me of the old fire-fighting days.

Looks like they are short-handed tomorrow, so I will be working tomorrow too now. I feel like I gotta make hay while the sun shines. . .Hope everyone has a nice Mother's Day!

May 5, 2011

On the way to work this morning, I discovered this little gem blooming next to where we park the Sonoma. I just love these Trillium and was very happy to find some of them growing in our yard.

The dance vest is coming along, though I haven't done any work on it today. I found out that Kaili will need it for her dress rehearsal next Wednesday evening, so I will have to get cracking! I also have cupcakes to make and decorate for a fundraiser at Ellie's school on Sunday. I am planning to steal Robin's marshmallow flower idea for them. I plan to get a picture and post it when these projects are completed.

We have had a lot of people out at work and I have been picking up quite a few extra shifts lately. I am still waiting to hear back from Canada Citizenship about the extra documentation they called me and said they needed a month ago.

People are starting to really complain about our late start to spring, but I guess it will get here when it is good and ready to get here. We have been getting more sun, but it is still staying pretty cool.

Sunday at the Spit

Yesterday, May 1st, was the first day for campfires down at Goose Spit for this year. The day dawned bright and sunny, but was breezy and cool by afternoon.The hot dogs, hot chocolate, roast marshmallows and banana chocolate cake were happily consumed by everyone. Our furry children even got to eat a hot dog or two. We gathered with a few friends after church and had a hot dog roast down at the Spit. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and relax a bit. There was a brief observation about in the old days, when woodsmoke negated the need for deodorant at one point. . . yeah, I don't think so. Do ya think Kaili and Holly have enough marshmallows on that fork??? I think there were about 10 of them on there.

Today is all about removing the smoke smell from various articles. I also need to get going on a certain velvet dance vest, as I am quickly running out of time to do so.