and the word for May ...........

Instead of a picture being worth a thousand words it's just one word...SOLD...

Call it light at the end of the tunnel but it still means going gang busters to pack up and move everything.by our deadline (end of May).  It's like a giant puzzle, pick up one piece and make it fit or move it out. Thus far we've been able to rearrange things in our garage to include large dock boxes.  The boxes are sturdy and hold a lot.  Much better than regular storage bins.

We did another trip to the thrift store.  We give them goodies and they give us discount cards and garden seeds. Nice.  Our second stop was to the recycling depot, no cards, no seeds and that's just fine thanks.

I wish I could say I keep my "happy thoughts"  ...........not always the case.   It comes down to high expectations of what we can get done at any point.  The reality is some things go better and some don't.  And it doesn't help that my knees are hollering and slowing my efforts.

Today is a new day.  Pick up from where we left off yesterday and make another dent in things.  A new list is started....remembering who to contact and arrangements to make.  The plan will come together.

Outside the chimes play a gentle tune.    Today's word will be gentleness.

moving along

The weeks are passing too quickly.  Time in my computer has been minimal.  Since mid month we have forged ahead with moving things around/out to new homes, thrift store and some to the cleanup crew pickup.  It's all a process.   The family home belonging to my parents is now a house ready to sell.   The house is furnished suitably for presentation and showings.  No longer will we say let's go over to Mom and Dad's.  

It's hard to explain the feelings that I have regarding all this.   It feels like forever but it has only been a few months since Dad's passing.  I know he would want us to be doing what we are and moving on. So would Mom for that matter.

Out our windows we see this.  The trees were covered in blossoms this year.  They don't last long.

More blooms to enjoy.   Nestled behind the hedge, that's us.  From the patio there is lots of light and sky views.  It's our oasis.....truly a secret garden.

Last Friday marked Nate's 6th birthday.  And he was so excited at his party on Saturday.  With friends to play with, cake to eat and presents to open....definitely a special day!

all for now...........

Happy April

So here I am again, the weeks have slipped by and I've been neglecting my blog.  Here's why.....

It was always in our plan to do some renos to our current home.  Plans get derailed and time passes. Finally we bit the bullet and went shopping for something new for flooring.   The old carpeting is gone and the new vinyl flooring is in. The reveal photo to come.  

As most of our house had to be packed up for this project we had a taste of tiny house living....two people and one dog living within the confines of a bedroom/bathroom.  It has given me a new appreciation of living simple and simple pleasures.   It's going to make the next part of de-cluttering way easier to accomplish.

As the work started on Tuesday we've yet to put all the rooms back in order.  The kitchen and family room are comfortable for now.  So long as Sully has his space (lol), we have the computer and TV working and space to be, well it's not too bad.  The rest will be an adventure.

Our weather continues mild and sunny, warm actually as temperature records have been broken. 

Happy Friday!

till next time ...

March......really....

February 29th was our bonus day.  We had the day at home.  The time was put to good use ....more inroads with sorting and decluttering,   By afternoon it was time to stop, pour a glass of wine and then enjoy a good dinner.  We ordered a Greek from a nearby restaurant.  It worked out easier to phone in and pick up the order.  It was a nice treat.

Here's what is happening on the patio.  Just a bit of added color makes all the difference.

Blue skies overhead and sunshine make any day great.  And just over the hedge I can see my parent's home.  Lots of memories and reasons to smile.

This end of the patio has been regrouped.  I've already discovered that Sully has a long reach and some of the planters will need to be raised up more or built up.  He is creative.  Snap hooks on the pillar hold the extension gate secure.  The rest of the patio is still off limits for Sully.  We're going to place more of the clear panels in between the border fencing and the hedge.  It's on the list.

I've been reading and enjoying blogs and trying to leave comments.   I know I'm tardy with replies to comments on my blog.  I sincerely appreciated everyone who stops by and leaves comments.  Bit by bit the big picture stuff is being worked through, it's just taking time, more time than I could have imagined.

The other day I read  of a teacup tree on http://www.craftygardener.ca.  These tiny crocheted teacups are so cute and so much fun to make.  I'm up to ten so far.  It's a great way to use up small scraps of yarn too.

 

With the chain 11 for the handle I did a slip stitch in the base and then started the bottom.  I looped through the base row and made two dc in each and a slip stitch to join.  It meant an all in one project.

Definitely more of these to be made!

And every now and then, it's nice to daydream of far away places.  With modern technology and views from live cam, it is almost like being there!   I did say almost.   

that's it from this corner....till next time.

Gifted gorgeousness

Jo of Serendipitous Stitching (link on the sidebar) has organized this wonderful  monthly SAL to celebrate crafty gifts sent, received or made.

This is my first time participating, so here goes .....this month it's other than stitching gifts (they're coming) .....

I finally got the hang of hdc and treble crochet stitches and made hearts, lots of hearts.  Fun projects and some have made it to their new homes.

Secret Stitching Sweetheart Blog Hop

 Jo from Serendipitous Stitching has organized this wonderful Valentine's blog hop.

She has randomly given us a sweet Valentine stitching picture from our Secret Stitching Sweetheart.

We then visit Jo's blog to start the blog hop to find out who has our Valentine picture and let them know who we are.  

Here's the picture I've received.  I wonder who this secret stitching sweetheart is????

heart to heart

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

It's been a busy few weeks, more on that later.  For now, Valentine wishes to everyone.

so long January

It has been a very long month.    I thank you for your very kind words.

Bit by bit we are moving forward.   There is no timeline........... yes I know anything beyond a snail's pace is recommended.  

The days are getting longer, so nice!  There are signs of spring outdoors.  Mind you the weather reports suggest cooler weather next week and even a chance of snow.

Knitting and crochet projects are getting done.  This means I'm also using up stash which is always nice.   I'll have some pictures next post.

So now it's onward to February.

soaring with the eagle

This afternoon marked both Dad's birthday and  our family gathering to pay tribute to him.  Our group of four sat graveside to remember Dad. It was in keeping with Dad's wishes that this been small and private.   A large spray of yellow flowers  was placed on a nearby table.  On the smaller table, Dad's urn, a photo of him and mementos to be placed in the vault.

We were lucky to have a dry day but my goodness it was cold.  It seemed appropriate to stay seated (and keep warm).  I had prepared a tribute to read and actually manged to get through most of it just fine.  Laurie, Vanessa and Kevin also spoke.  We then had a toast to Dad (one of his favorite's, Green Tea ginger ale).  We had selected three of Dad's favorite songs to play and at the end of the last song the eagle flew over low then headed north.  It was a fitting sight.

The day was as it should be, we remember you, Don Williams.  You are loved and missed.  We are thankful that you are with Mom and setting your course to sail the heavens together.

And for those of us left behind, we will continue your legacy.  

Moving forward

Things are ok.  Some days present more challenges than others.  There are reasons to smile, to laugh, to remember and to appreciate.

The family gathering for Dad takes place Tuesday afternoon.  We will remember a life lived well, Dad's love of his family and celebrate his birthday.  No good byes, more so till we meet again. Farewell.