New Flash

We have been keeping it busy for the first half of August. Some exciting events are transpiring here in the Kootenays.

First off, as we have lived in this house for almost three years (well two and a half, but close enough) it is way past time to move. Plus we are starting to feel like this house has a curse on us, so a change is in order. We have officially put our house up for sale. We've had lots of showings already, and all good feedback, but no offers yet. I hope it happens quickly, I am already getting tired of cleaning the floors and house every other day. The joys of selling a house with two dogs.

Another exciting event happened yesterday. Our truck, which was a hefty lease payment, went back yesterday! What a weight off the bank account. So we are now a one car family, weird! I wasn't even a one car family before I married Mr Rona.

We have been inspired by my mom and step dad to try kayaking, so we have gone out for a few tries at it. It is an excellent workout. We sleep very well after a day of that.

Dorian went for his first boat ride this month. He did very well. He also enjoyed sitting in the chair that Julien always sat in.

We got a boatload of raspberries this year, so I think we will try our hand at making raspberry jam. I just made the second last batch of Zuchinni jam from last years crop, good thing, the zuchinnis are in full swing already. I recently bought a small jar of jam from the store and I couldn't believe how awful it tasted. I guess it is homemade jam for us from now on.

We had fourteen dead pine over the last year, thanx to the pine beetle. So our friend who is an excellent faller came and knocked them over for us. We have a big mess to clean up. It would be nice if they would lift the fire ban so we could start burning all the branches. It is turning into a rather enourmous pile.

Please excuse the dry content. We seem to be stuck in a holding pattern temporarily. I will try to spice it up soon.

Julien, October 4, 2004 - August 1,2009

Dear Julien,

I remember picking you up like it was yesterday. It was the best day we could ever ask for. We were so excited to finally take you home. We're a family now, your dad said. You were perfect. In every way. We couldn't put you down. We tried to kennel you for night, but your little cries broke our hearts, so we cuddled you all night instead. I miss cuddling you every single day.

We had so much fun with you, and you were such a little ham. We often pretended there was a zipper somewhere in your fur, and inside was a little boy. You were our first little boy and you always will be.

You brought joy to my heart every single day. I couldn't wait to get in the door and see your smile and wiggling bum, complete with a little hop. We took you everywhere, and everyone who met you, loved you too.

The hole in my heart is unbearable. One year is passed and the tears have not dried. I regret every moment that led to that day. I replay it often and try to change the ending, but it always ends up the same. I will never see you again. I will never hold you again. I will forever wish you were here, sharing life, and doing the things we loved to do.

Julien, I will love you forever, and miss you until the day I die.

xoxo

Mommy

Rest in Peace Purla

Purla passed away today in the comfort of her little house.

We are not sure of Purlas' exact age. She was part of the package when we bought our house. When we first moved in, Purla was quite standoffish. She had been a barn cat and a reputable mouser. As time went on, she first made friends with Julien, as he was not interested in chasing her, and was quite interested in what she was eating for supper! Purla soon enjoyed cuddling and rubbing up to Julien and eventually she made a truce with Madeline. The first winter we lived here, we felt sorry for her and tried to bring her inside for warm up periods, she was happy to come inside, but only for a few minutes at a time. By next winter she would have willingly moved right in....in front of the wood stove to be exact, but the house was a little full with doggies, to allow her in all the time, but she enjoyed many evenings toasting in front of the fire.She mourned with us last summer when Julien passed away. Yet she immediately became best friends with Dorian when he came home! They spent many happy hours playing together. Last fall we built her a new home, located on the porch, as it was clear her mousing days were over. She enjoyed the beginning of the summer basking in the sun. She passed away peacefully this afternoon. She has been laid to rest on the acreage that she spent all her days on.

Purla, it was lovely to know you and have you as a part of our family for a few years.

I'm well aware it's been a month....

Sorry, I have no excuses. Well I do, but I won't waste my breath!

Summer has finally arrived, we haven't seen rain in weeks! The clothes are drying nicely on the line and the garden has finally started to grow. My mom and stepdad were here for three weeks, and they didn't do any relaxing, all they want to do is work. It was exhausting just watching them. They arrived on Friday night and we spent Sunday at Rona getting supplies. Those crazy kids worked their butts off and had our kitchen remodelled in days! First the old view...

Yucky, dingy and dreary.

And the new view...
Bright, airy and shiny! We originally wanted to restain, but the laminate was too thin to work with and we had some damaged spots that needed lots of sanding. So we went with a light grey in a melamine paint, and new handles, and Mel and Tom found this dark grey tile for the backsplash. It looks stunning! Here are some of the hard workers, Mr Cherries;

Mr Rona,

They also built me a new platform for standing on when I hang my laundry, so I don't have to balance on wobbly lawn furniture anymore. It even has a pedestal for my laundry basket;)

Mr Rona is enjoying a nice summer off work to due knee surgery that couldn't have come at better time! What a lucky guy. It's no fun being the breadwinner that's for sure.

And lastly some FO's that were finished earlier in the summer.

My Husband Made Me Pee My Pants

So we have had a rough couple of weeks, here in the Kootenays, but last night, we finally remembered how to have a good laugh.

I recently decided we needed some new form of exercise, and was inspired by my sister's wii. So at our last field trip to walmart, we picked up....you guessed it....hula hoops.

It took us a while to get it going, but holy cow , what a work out.

Baby, your awesome, I literally peed my pants.

Progress Report - A+

Wow, has hubby ever gotten busy in two days!

Check out my new bedroom. I'm not even joking, it took me a minute to figure out where I was this morning! And what day it was. I thought for sure it must be the weekend, waking up in such a soothing room! (Refer to previous post to see the old color) Excuse the mess, we haven't put things all back yet.
However, I have clearly come to the conclusion that new window coverings are REQUIRED. Hubby however has not come to that conclusion yet...can we all agree that the beige mini blinds are horrific? Some nice white flowy whispy curtains? Yes? Everybody post your opinions so I can use them to convince him!

Last year my mom gave me this nifty little gizmo, for those of who are a little challenged in the flower arranging department. You bend it over the vase and then each flower will stay in place.

And this is how they turned out! Looks pretty good, thanx mom!