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.

Jan 6, 2010

I got spoiled this week. Ron and I enjoyed TWO ocean cruise meals!!! It seems more often than not, when we tell friends we are aiming to move to Vancouver Island, they exclaim "oh no, you will have to deal with the ferries". We actually find the ferry crossings quite enjoyable. Many times we spend the 1-1/2 hour trip at the buffet, enjoying the great food, beautiful scenery and relaxing.

The house hunting bore no fruit this time, but we still have time. We will find out if our house has sold for sure on Friday and the home inspector will be dropping by tomorrow. After our visit, to the Island, we are both really looking forward to being Comox Valley area residents.

We did see LOTS of swans, herons, various water fowl and bald eagles on our journey. We also painted Ron's mum's family room, hung her new curtains and did her late-night furniture arranging for her. We are both totally wiped-out for some reason tonight!