Welcome the Ides of March

Four more days until the clocks go ahead...and nine more til the Ides of March.  I didn't know that the Ides of March was the 15th of the month and there is actually an Ides of every month.  Ides just means the middle of the month so some months the Ides is on the 13th.  The Ides of March just sticks in my head as something to be feared...makes me think of evil Leprechauns but I have no idea why...LOL!  Now...putting the history lesson aside I want to welcome the Ides of March because it means longer days and that we are closer to Spring. 

I can't really say my life has changed too much over this winter which is a good thing I suppose since I have such a great life!!  However, I have been getting out quite a bit more than previous years meeting some really great people and having some good times with lots of laughter.  I made a very good friend that I went out with to play some pool...he taught me how to play 9 ball and I asked him if the cone shaped chalk on the wall was a salt lick...didn't want him to think I was uppity...  ..hahaha!  He then introduced me to a pub in St. John called Fish and Brews where we enjoyed a night of great live music, a few beverages and even some dancing...I now believe in miracles!!!  Just a great night overall spent with a really cool guy...fun times!!

Brooke has a new friend that is visiting for awhile.  Also she is enjoying her new job here in St. George.  Billy and Brit are anxiously awaiting the trip to Ontario..still no definite date yet but thinking it might be the end of June at the earliest. 

I guess I have a bit of Spring Fever because I had my living room and dining room painted and am now planning on building a bedroom downstairs so I can regain my privacy.  Hope to have that done by the end of the month if I can nail down a contractor!!

I think that's all the news in my little world.

See you back here in April :) 

I Forgot....

I see that I didn't post anything for December. I had a great Christmas this year with Brooke, Billy and Britni. Since this was the first time I put up a tree or decorated in over 4 years I thought I would post a couple pics.

Christmas Greetings from our cozy house to yours!

 

 

 

The tree before the presents :)

 

Brit with the tree...what a sweetie :)

Charlie got caught snooping the the stockings...looks so innocent! 

And The Wind Blew!!!

So here it is the middle of February already!  It's been a pretty uneventful winter weatherwise this year and that's ok by me.  So far we have only had two major snowfalls and some pretty cold days but this is Canada and to be expected.  From the sounds of it and pictures I've seen, it appears my old stomping grounds in Ontario got more snow than we did here in St. George with this last storm.  Sorry friends, but I love it when that happens...hahahaha!!! 

A few weeks ago we had some pretty strong winds.  Strong enough to blow my deck door open even with a desk and large tv in front of it, the tv did not survive the fall but it was an older model so not a big loss.  The chimney however is a different story.  The pipe on the top of the house came unlocked and blew off, it came tumbling down with a loud rumbling and vibrated the whole house.  When I went out to check it I tried to lift it, however it was heavier than it appeared.  I rolled it over to the porch and stood it up where it remains today.  Maritime heating came to take a look at it and just called to tell me some bad news.  The type of chimney I have is no longer being made so finding a new pipe to match the style that will lock into the existing chimney is not possible, going to have to replace the entire pipe from roof to basement.  I have made a new friend online that does this for a living and is advising me what to do.  It's nice to have someone looking out for me that has my best interest in mind and not dollar signs.  However it turns out, the work must be done if I am going to burn wood again next year.  I also want to look into this heat pump system that is out there, not having to deal with wood sounds good to me but I know this type of system will be very expensive.  Lots of research to do before anything gets done in the spring.  I'm just glad I have the woodstove and electric fireplaces for back up :)
So, do you want to hear about my love life?  Hahaha!!! I thought so!  Well, I don't have one..heehee.  I have met some really interesting people online, had coffee with some, just chat with others but am in no hurry to have my heart broke again anytime soon so am treading lightly into the dating scene with both eyes wide open.
My trip home in the spring may be put on hold due to the maintenance issues but I hope not.  Brit and Billy are looking as forward to the trip as I am so hopefully will be able to swing both things.
Won't be long now and Spring will be here...am looking forward to the time moving ahead and longer days.
That's my news for February, if anything earth shattering happens, I'll be back :)  Take care my friends, hugs to all!

A New Chance

Happy 2013 everyone.  I always get excited to start a new year...the wonder of new possibilities and new chances to improve and grow!  As usual I also like to reflect on the year gone by and I find it amazing to have overcome so many adversities yet here I stand...stronger than ever and just happy being me!

2012 went out in style dumping a foot of snow on our doorstep.  What a marvel it was to wake up and look outside to find the world pure and white...it reminded me of that first big snow when I was a child and how I couldn't wait to get outside to build forts, go tobaganning and make a snowman.  I have to admit as soon as that thought entered my head, it left and I thought about how was I going to get shovelled out!!  hahaha!  Luckily a kind neighbour came along with a snow blower and removed the bulk from the end of the driveway and my other neighbour, Sandy, helped Billy shovel what was left.

The wood stove is crackling and I am warm and happy with life...a great start to a new year.  I don't make resolutions but I do have some specific goals set for myself in 2013.  A trip home to Ontario in the spring, lots of road trips and since Billy has never been outside of New Brunswick other than into Maine I want to take him to PEI and Nova Scotia as well. 

May this year bring you happiness, love and good health.
Cheers!!

Looking Back to the Future

Anyone following my blog knows what a rollercoaster my life has been over the past 4 years.  The biggest benefit of this writing experience for me is that I am able to look back over time and see how far I have come with some insight into the possibilities for my future.

As I head into the final month of the year I am going to enjoy this Christmas by just counting all my blessings.  Who needs expensive gifts when you feel content within your heart?   Afterall, it wasn't that long ago when I was the closest I have ever been to bankruptcy and unsure of how I was going to pay any of my bills.  As life would have it an opportunity presented itself that was not only good for me, it provided me the chance to improve the lives of others. 

So let me take a moment to actually look at some of the blessings this year has brought.

•  My house did not sell...a blessing in disguise
•  Income opportunity appeared
•  Enjoyed a week in Ontario
•  Got two awesome housemates!
•  Met my new grandson Jaxx...perfect
•  My health did not let me down when the going got tough
•  My kids are in happy relationships
•  The house is warm and cozy
•  Brooke moved back here and found full time work

To celebrate the Christmas season I have decorated a tree and the stairs...looking very warm and inviting with a nice fire going at night.  Of course no holiday season is complete without a bunch of yummy baking to give away to some of my closest friends.  Britni is looking forward to helping with this and I know Billy will love delivering the tasty packages as much as I do.

This is my build up to Christmas 2012...it's sure to be a great one!  As for looking to the future, I now have some definite goals to reach and look forward to.  A trip home with everyone as soon as the weather clears in the new year...hoping for April, some more home improvements and lots of happy days!  Simple and attainable...my kind of goals!  Merry Christmas!

Better Late than Never

What an exciting two months it has been.  October began with my daughter Brooke moving back down here with me and she brought along my son's girlfriend and my new baby grandson with her for a two week visit.  How absolutely amazing it is to be a part of my son's life again and to have the opportunity to get to know Brittany and Jaxx.  He is such an adorable little guy (I suppose every grandmother thinks that of their grandchildren).  It was also heartwarming to see that Brad has a terrific girl in his life now.  She is very grounded and sensible, a treat to visit with!!  Their two week visit flew by and in no time we were seeing them off at the airport with the hopes of getting together in the not too distant future.

Brooke found a full time job in Saint John working in the billing department for Bell Mobility.  It may not be a life long career but it is a good start to getting back on her feet financially and then hopefully school again next year.  It has been awesome having her back here and Britni is enjoying her company.  I am enjoying the extra help around the house but my favorite part is just having her here to spend time with.

November has also flown by with a week long visit from Brooke's friend Emmi. Of course there were lots of day trips to Saint John, Calais and all the scenic areas Charlotte County has to offer.  Just like Brittany, Emmi fell in love with New Brunswick and wishes to move here...time will tell I guess.

For the first time in 4 years I have a christmas tree up and am looking forward to a good old fashioned Christmas. The turkey is in the freezer and I have a good start on the Christmas shopping.  Our newest addition to the family, Charlie, especially likes the tree.  Charlie is a Bichon Frise/Malteese dog which is loved by the whole family.

Overall, I am really happy with the changes that have occured over the past year.  It seems hard to believe that at the same time last year I was hoping against hope that my house would sell and I would be able to move on alone and get back on my feet.  As fate and a lot of hard work would have it I managed to hang on and now life has done a complete turn around.  The people I have living with me enjoy being here and are reaching for their own goals with great success.  I have been able to retire from the work force and stay at home just taking care of my gang. 

Well, I guess that's my update for October and November..sorry for the delay.  My life feels full again as does my heart.  Life is good! 
 

A Very Special Reunion

As hard to believe as you may find this, I am posting twice in one month!!!  It's pouring rain outside and a perfect day for blogging.
I am settling in nicely to my three month leave of absence from work and enjoying the time I get to spend with my new roomies.  I wanted to  share this story with you because I think it is important for anyone who works, lives with or even just knows people that have developmental disabilities and want to make a difference in their lives. 

Jim's parents passed away and he was sent to another town to live with his sister and her husband.  While living there he was able to access a program that provided him with meaningful ways to spend his time doing things that he truly enjoyed.  Jim was, and remains to this day a very high energy man that likes to be busy.  He went swimming, snow shoeing and got together with friends through this program and really felt a part of something.
Eventually the family living arrangement broke down and this is where my concern begins.
Jim was picked up with no notice and placed in a special care home 2 hours away.  The program that he was attending was never notified, neither Jim nor his friends and program staff had a chance to say good bye.
Fast forward 10 years. 
Jim is still living in the special care home where he has become quite comfortable. He truly cares for the lady that runs the home but wishes the home wasn't so isolated.  He lives 30 minutes away from the nearest town and 40 minutes away from the day program he attends.  Jim has made lots of new friends at the new day program and has had a girlfriend for many years whom he only sees when at the program. 
I started working at the program last year and since my first day, Jim has repeatedly talked about the old program he used to attend and how he would like to visit.  I asked him why he hasn't visited and he said no one would take him as it's two hours away.  Jim can not read or write so it would be impossible for him to find the information to call his friends or to contact them through email or facebook by himself.
I found the Association online and sent of an email stating who I was and my relationship to the man that used to attend their program.  After 10 years I told Jim the same people are not likely to be working there but we would wait and see if we got a response.  The next morning there was an email waiting for me from the executive director and she was overjoyed to have finally heard from someone regarding Jim.  We set a date for a visit and she was going to make sure all the key people that Jim knew would be there.
I am happy to say that last weekend we made the beautiful, scenic 1 and 1/2 hour drive to reunite Jim with his friends.  There were tears and laughter but most of all a sense of peace for Jim afterwards.  There was also a sense of pride and belonging when he realized people truly had missed him and worried about him all this time with no idea where he had gone except they knew he had been placed in a special care home.  He is now connected with them all as they eagerly opened their facebook accounts and added him as a friend....thank God for Facebook!  Although Jim can't read he knows their profile pictures and gets help to read the messages.

So that is my story for September.  I learned a huge lesson from this experience.  As a person who works with and lives with people with some form of disability I can provide all the necessary day to day care for someone but it's the actual caring about someone that makes the real difference.  I have always found that people I support rarely ask for anything and they don't complain to people that provide them with care because they are afraid of what may happen to them.  I believe it is our duty to ask the important questions and make things happen.  I hope when this life is over I can be priveledged enough to know that I was the answer to someone's prayer.

Summer's End

September already?  What a beautiful summer we have had but the nip in the morning air tells me it's almost time to give up the sandles. 
As usual in my life there has been lots going on with a few changes thrown in to keep life interesting.  As you probably know, Britni moved in the end of March and we had a great summer filled with lots of fun activities and Brit made some new friends when my friends from Ontario came to visit.  I went back to Ontario for a visit in August to check up on my mom and dad and visit with my kids.  It was a great time, especially meeting Brad's girlfriend Brittany and their new baby Jaxx : )... but can't say that I miss that Ontario heat and humidity.
Once back here in St. George, Billy moved in.  I am now an Alternative Family Living Arrangement (AFLA) which is a program here in NB much like the Associate Family program in Ontario in which a person can open their home to assist people with disabilities.  I think this is such a great alternative to having people living in group homes whenever possible.  We are a happy little family of three enjoying life.
For the time being, I am on a leave of absence from the Community Living Center Program and am just staying home hanging out with Brit...Billy just had his gall bladder out yesterday but will be returning to the program next week.  I have some day trips and weekend excursions planned for us to explore this beautiful province which is what I have wanted to do since moving here.


Britni and I did get out whale watching this year when Debbie and Debra were here visiting from Ontario.  We saw lots of seals, a group of whales and many different types of atlantic birds.  We also took the ferries over to Campabello Island.






 

 

Billy and I took a drive with a couple friends in our new van down to Eastport, ME last weekend and discovered it was their Pirate Days festival.  What an array of colourful costumes and a conglomeration of scents and sounds to spark our senses on a beautiful day.  Hope you like the pictures.  More adventures on the way for fall...keep in touch!

From Charlotte County to Charlottetown and Beyond!

Relaxing at the beach, enjoying an evening ferry ride, long drives to nowhere in particular and just being happy spending time with good friends...that's what has been going on over the past few weeks.  We really couldn't have asked for a better summer, beautiful sunny days with a nice breeze and just the perfect amount of rain sprinkled in to keep everything emerald green.

I have a few bits of news to impart on you this month.  Britni has settled in nicely and we had a great time in PEI one weekend in July.  I'll post a couple pictures for you later.  We are expecting Bill to be moving in September 1st so more changes are on the way but I believe they will be positive ones.  I am still enjoying work at the Community Living Center.  We are currently studying Alice in Wonderland between trips to the beach and other activities that keep us out and about in Charlotte County.

I will be heading back to Ontario for a visit this month.  I was going to make the trip in October, however my dad is dealing with some health issues and I just don't feel right putting it off.  So I will be leaving on the 23rd and returning on the 30th.  My reservations at the Days Inn, Brantford have been made and the plane ticket purchased.  I look forward to seeing my grandsons and my kids and I am very excited to meet Brad's girlfriend Brittany and her son Brodie while I am there.   Since I will have internet access this trip it should be easier to make dinner arrangements during the week for a nice get together I hope.

So here are a few pictures from my summer of fun so far.  Enjoy xo

Britni (left) on the rollercoaster at Sandspit, PEI

Me and Brit joking around at Cow's Ice Cream Shop near Charlottetown, PEI.  We stayed at the Howard Johnson's just down the road. 

This was at Canoe Cove a short drive from our hotel.  I was disappointed that Cavendish beach was so expensive but the great people at Howard Johnson's told us about this beach where all the locals go and it was absolutely free. 

Coming home at sunset on the ferry from Deer Island Tuesday evening.

My new grandson Jaxx Kevin Earl born July 26th 2012, 7lbs. 5oz.

Been Awhile

Friday seemed to be a long time coming this week.  Probably due to it being a long weekend and the week consisted mostly of rain...however the weekend has shaped up to be absolutely beautiful.  Everything is eyepopping green from all the rain and the air smells sweet and fresh.  What a great way to start July! 

Life here is St. George continues to be peaceful and I finally feel able to breathe easy. I was hoping to get back to Ontario before now but we are still getting settled in with Brit here so it's best I wait until I know I can enjoy the time away without having to worry.

Work at the Community Living Center is still a blast...now with summer here we will be going on lots of day trips which everyone looks forward too.  I have a few dates booked to take some folks touring some castle and graveyard in St. John one day and another day going to Dooley's to play pool in St. Stephen with a few of the guys!  Other excursions planned at the center are picnic days at New River Beach, a trip on the ferry to Grand Manann  Island and a visit to the Aquarium in St. Andrew's.

Brit and I are taking a couple friends to PEI for a weekend of fun this month at Sandspot...Brit loves the rollercoasters so it should be quite entertaining.

I experienced my first 3D movie last week with Brit...Madagascar 3D!!  I have to admit I was like a little kid putting my hand up to touch things as they flew at my face...hahaha.  She is now working hard to save up money to go see Brave. 

Steve has taken up a new hobby...remote control trucks!  I have been trying to find an RC store or hobby store that sells RC's but am not having any luck.  I know there are better quality trucks out there than the ones at The Source or Future Shop...I mean actual racing remote control trucks.  If anybody reading this knows of one please let me know.

That's all for now...Happy Canada Day Weekend!!

More New Beginnings

I have been avoiding writing on here for fear of saying something that will be used against me in the future.  Isn't it a shame that there are people out there waiting for the opportunity to take advantage of anything positive that someone is trying to do to better their lives just because they have a need for negative drama in their lives.  I have been advised by a friend to start another blog but I have decided to throw caution to the wind and continue with this one.  I do love to write and keeping my friends and family up to date is important to me.

April has been a mixture of cold and warm weather and now that the month is drawing to an end we have been experiencing rain and some pretty high winds.  It looks like within a week I will have to get the grass mowed but isn't that a sure sign that spring has sprung?  I look forward to that first smell of cut grass! 

Spring is also a great time for new beginnings.  As I mentioned in March, Steve has moved in and we continue to work out the kinks of a new relationship.  Along with that new relationship we have taken in a young woman with some unique special needs.  We are trying our best to give her a life of dignity and respect and so far we are all enjoying the experience.  We are hoping soon to be adding another member to our family...a guy for Steve to spend time with! 

I am so happy that I have been able to take the house off the market as I have felt since the first time I walked through it that I was meant to be here.  Now I understand why and I feel that by giving of myself and my home to provide a full and meaningful life to someone else will also bring meaning and fullness to mine.

Steve and I both know that there will be many bumps and challenges along the way but we are willing to learn and try our best in what could be our biggest accomplishment.

Thanks to my daughter Kristie for all your encouragement and understanding. 

The Worm Has Turned

It will never work....that's what someone told me and more than likely what most people thought. I have been in a long distance relationship for over a year and a half with 2 1/2 hours, 300 km between us with no glimmer of hope that either of our circumstances were going to change in the forseeable future.  His career (which he despises) driving truck was in Moncton and a job I love is here in St. George...not many job opportunities here in Charlotte County in his line of work.  So we wait, sometimes patiently and other times not so patiently.
I have always believed that everything happens for a reason, good things come to those who wait and sometimes opportunity knocks but it's up to you to open the door and take a leap of faith.  Well knock, knock....who's there??  It's opportunity so come on in!!!!!  Steve has moved down and it is with faith that we believe everything is going to be fine, work finds you here in St. George if you are willing to put yourself out there.  He has managed to find work that suits him and gets him off the road, I still get to keep the job I enjoy and we get to spend time together.  Mission accomplished.  Nothing bad ever seems to come from positive thinking.  So when someone with a negative attitude tells you it will never work....just smile and  and keep movin!

Appreciation

I wonder how many people work for an employer that truly cares about their employees.  I know I do.  Yesterday I found myself in our usual morning staff meeting unable to raise my head without feeling like I was floating out of my body.  It was the same feeling I had last summer and dread filled me as I thought, here we go again!  With total understanding my boss offered me a ride home but I opted for a coworker to drive me in my car followed by another coworker to bring her back to work.  There has been a virus going around and I was hoping that wasn't what had me feeling nauseous.  Once home I realized I had not taken my medication since Sunday!  I am usually very concienscious about taking it for fear of having a set back and can't explain why for two days in a row I slipped in my routine.  I took my meds and laid down waiting for it to take effect.  About 3 hours later my boss called to check on me and was legitimately concerned about my well being.  I have worked in the past for some really great people but this was different.  She let me know that they were thinking of me and said if there was anything I needed just to call.
It took most of the day for the medication to really make a difference but it took only one phone call to make me feel better, comforted.
I am up and about feeling back to normal and looking forward to going to work.  I see on my facebook even one of the people I support sent me get well wishes.  Is it really any wonder I love my job?  I know it's not Thanksgiving but I think maybe today's class will be some creative writing on who and what we have in our lives that we take for granted and need to stop and appreciate. 
Happy Thursday my friends.

Sittin, Thinkin

It's 6:30 in the morning here and I am just sitting here enjoying the wonderful smell and taste of my first cup of coffee.  Hook seems to be full of energy this morning tearing around the room tossing whatever he can find to play with in the air and then bringing it to me for a treat.  The phone rang a minute ago leaving me to wonder who else is up this early, unfortunately my phone battery was dead so when I picked it up it disconnected.  They haven't called back so I'm thinking it was a wrong number.

Steve just sent a text to say good morning and that he is on his way to Fredericton...another long day for him.  I'm thankful for the weather this winter...snow and ice on the roads leads to worry when people have to drive for a living.

When I first woke this morning my first thought was how great it is to wake up feeling rested and ready to start the day.  So many days recently I have just wanted to stay curled up in the warm bed so this has lead me to think some more about what things make me feel really happy.  Here's a few things on my list and I hope you will stop and think about yours and send them to me : )

1. That first coffee in the morning
2. The aroma of soup simmering on the stove
3. Puppy kisses
4. A hot bath with a good book
5. Phone calls or visits from friends and family
6. The look and smell of my house after a good cleaning
7. Crawling into a bed with fresh sheets and pillow cases
8. The smell of fresh cut grass
9. Memories that make me laugh to myself
10. Having a job I love going to every day!

It can be easy to get caught up in things that are going wrong in our lives, always wishing for things to change for the better or thinking I'm going to do that when I have more money but really, there is something everyday that just makes getting out of bed worth it.  Glad I took the time this morning to sit and think about it, arent you?

Have a great day my friends!

Lessons Learned

It's hard to believe another year has come and gone.  December was a rush of excitement at work which made the month seem to evaporate.  I guess it's that time now to reflect on just what happened this year and absorb what lessons were learned.  These are my top 10 for 2011.

1. Sharing my gifts are truly what make them gifts
2. Giving money away to the cable and satelite companies all these years was a total waste of money.
3. Long distance relationships can work and grow
4. Good friends are easy to find if you are one of them
5. I get what I think about the most so it's important to stay positive
6. Talking to your parents (grandparents) regularly is important
7. My health is important and I must listen to my body
8. Communication skills only work if both parties have the skills
9. My grass is just as green as everyone else's
10. Loving myself is paramount, loving and accepting love from others is a blessing.

So my friends, take care in the new year.  May it bring you love and laughter, good health and a joyful heart.

Happy New Year!
Love
Peggy

By Hook or By Crook!

It appears I missed November altogether...sorry about that.  I guess there was either not enough exciting to write about or too much going on to take the time for writing.

Work is going great...my coworkers and I have been doing some fun classes with the folks we support and we are all learning in the process.  This month we are exploring Christmas around the world, a different country and their traditions everyday.  So far I think I like Egypts customs the most as they are most focused on the true meaning of Christmas with very few gifts and more religion and family centered.  Today we are going on a journey to Brazil where they boast the worlds largest Christmas tree!
I have also completed a course to become a reading tutor.  A few folks that I support at work expressed a keen interest in learning how to read so my coworker and I took the two weekend course and have been busy starting the learning process with them.  What a great feeling it is to help someone learn to do what most of us take for granted!

Now that things have settled down for me and I am down to one job I felt it was time to embrace the idea of getting a new puppy.  I miss Maddie so much and the house is just to quiet living alone.  I have had a dog my whole life and I really miss the companionship.  So, Hook entered my life last Sunday.  I was told he is a Malteese/Terrior mix but he's pretty big for 10 weeks old.  We will see just how big he gets but he sure is a cutie and hooked my heart at first sight.

Steve and I are doing great.  He is hoping to move down here by Christmas which we are both looking forward to.  It has been a trying year of long distance relating but it has somehow worked out.

I did manage to get 4 cords of wood this year for the wood furnace and thanks to the High School Rugby team it all got stored and stacked down in my basement.  A great thing about living in a small community is that you only need to ask for help and it is there!  What a terrific bunch of young men and great coaches for rolemodels.

I think that is all the news for today...time to get ready for my last day of work this week.  Happy Friday everyone!

Still Smiling!

I'm happy to report that nothing much has changed in my life in the past month.  I did take on a new venture but realized it wasn't my cup of tea and just let it go and have to admit I feel better for doing so.

I am still seeing Steve and enjoy whatever time we do get to spend together.  He just purchased a 2012 Santa Fe so driving down here from Moncton won't be such a worry as it was with his old truck.  My work is going great and I am really enjoying the teaching aspects of it as well as the great staff because we all work together as a team to better people's lives.

It's bird hunting season here so I have heard.  I didn't know there was such a thing.  I guess they shoot pheasants and maybe wild turkeys but can't say that for sure.  I have never eaten wild birds with the exception of the few times in my life that I've had to eat crow but I guess that's different :o). 

I had a little chuckle at the gas station tonight.  While filling up I glanced up at the actual price of gas and it was a whopping $1.27.5/L!!!!  The last time I got gas it was $1.22.  I mentioned this to the boy working on cash and his reply was that there were changes in the budget and when that happens everything seems to go up.  I was thrilled when he gave me this information and I told him I would be sure to pass it on to my boss tomorrow so she can raise my wages....I'm sure she is unaware of this budget stuff as well!!!  Hahahaha!!!

I guess that's all I have to say for October, although it's not much...no news is good news in my books!!  Happy Fall my friends..xoxo

Alive and Kicking

Does anyone else feel like you went to bed one night and woke up to find you missed summer? I don't know how it can be September already...guess time flies when you are having fun or just plain busy.

I have had a fairly quiet and uneventful summer in comparison to the past two years. All my medical issues have been dealt with and I am back on track feeling better than ever. I am really enjoying my job at the Community Living and am actually now just taking a break from planning my lessons for the week. We are going to be covering the story Stone Soup and I want to break it into 4 lessons involving nutrition, science, art and community service...should be a fun and interesting week...hope the folks enjoy it. At the end of the week everyone will contribute something to the pot and we will all feast on our efforts while learning about teamwork : )

As for the weather...Hurricane Irene missed us. We had some strong winds and rain but definitely not a hurricane. Even my gazeebo survived it!!

The only real setback I had this summer was the water pump going on my car leaving me stranded for three weeks while I hunted down a mechanic to fix it for a decent price. Mission accomplished and I am mobile once again. Thanks must be mentioned to my friend Elsie for loaning me her car on occasion to get to work...where would we be without good friends when we are in need??

I guess that's it for now...I am here...happy and healthy. Alive and when necessary...kicking!!

I am dedicating this post to my cousin Colleen who passed away suddenly on August 30th. I know she enjoyed my blogs, so my friend....this one's for you! ...xoxo

The Pie That Takes Off Weight

I was happy Friday to be at a conference in Moncton. The speaker was John McKnight and he was going to talk about community, I knew I would be coming home with great information to share and some new ideas about how to connect people and make things happen. When the room suddenly started to tilt I put my head down and closed my eyes. I've had this feeling before and thought it would pass in a moment or two. It didn't. Dear God, don't let me faint or throw up here in front of all these people I don't know! I suddenly felt the need to get out, something was wrong and I had to leave. As discreetly as possible I slipped out of the crowd and went to the washroom, splashed water on my face and looked in the mirror. Nothing looked different but the feeling wouldn't go away. Get a grip!!, I told myself. Calm down and go back in, you will be fine. After returning to my table I realized this was not going to work. My hands began to shake, my face felt hot, heart was racing and the room was closing in. RUN!!! I left with my things and went to my car to wait for the feeling to pass so I could drive home. It was a 2 and 1/2 hour drive but I had a Dr.'s appointment on Monday and thought if I could get home and just sleep for the weekend I could get this straightened out Monday.
When I finally thought things were settled down enough, I started to drive, opened my window and turned up the music. Not far into the Mountain Road traffic it started all over again only worse. I wheeled into the Canadian Tire parking lot and knew I needed help. I was alone in a city where I didn't know anyone but a stranger appeared at my car door where I was bent over trying to breath and figure things out. I told her I needed a walk in clinic...I thought my blood pressure was spiking and was afraid I was going to have a stroke. She helped me into the Pharmacy where I took my BP...it was off the charts. They called an ambulance and I was saved from the humiliation of dying right there in the store. Looking back, it's funny what goes through your head when you are scared but at the time all I could think was that I needed to let someone know where I was so they could pick up my body should this happen. Thank goodness for cell phones and free texting.
I spent the day in Moncton Hospital, found out what I had was a full blown panic attack and at the end of the day it passed and I was able to get back to my car and drive home. (I'm tring to make a long story shorter) I never would have thought I was the type of person to have this happen. I like to think of myself as strong and determined to overcome what life throws at me. I'm the one that wants to help everyone else and doesn't like to take help from others...there are always people with bigger problems than me and my life is blessed in so many ways. Why would I be panicking?? Apparently my body wasn't believing the story my mind was telling it. You can't fool your nervous system.
Once back in the security of my home my friends here began to call. I wanted to be alone, just go to bed and not think or talk about anything. My neighbour showed up to check up on me and it wasn't long before the flood gates opened and everything pent up inside was released. I felt weak and embarrassed but at the same time it felt good to just let it out. She listened without judgement and tried to offer advice. Everything eventually settled down and with my fears out in the open they didn't seem as overwhelming. I spent the weekend with all my friends and realized that I'm not really as alone here as I thought when I was in the hospital.
Friends from work also sent me a nice gift that I'm sure they believe was a small gesture but in reality it changed my whole perspective.
Here's what happened. The gift of my friend's support showed me that perhaps I wasn't sent here to help people that needed me. I think I was sent here to be helped, to be taught that we all need to ask for help sometimes and if we can humble ourselves enough to ask for it when needed it can take the weight of the world off our shoulders. So there my friends, is the moral of my story.
Eating pie can take off weight when the type of pie is Humble.

PS....I also realize that I didn't need to go all the way to a conference in Moncton to learn about community. The lesson was right here at home.
Thank you all!! xoxo

Happy Canada Day Weekend

Kevin and Susan Walters arrived at my place on June 30th just in time for the Canada Day long weekend. The weather cooperated and they were able to venture out all over Charlotte County taking in the beautiful views and fun excursions. We enjoyed a nice private boat cruise all around the bay off of St. Andrews to Deer Island, Camp0bello Island and Eastport Maine with our new friend Paul on his boat. No whales were spotted but lots of wild life such as the seals, and a variety of birds on Horse Island which is a bird sanctuary. After the cruise Paul invited us back to his place to pick up a bag of scallops for supper which we enjoyed with some fresh lobsters! What a nice guy!

Kevin and Susan also made the most of their time here going to New River Beach, Lepreau Falls and also St. Andrews for the Canada fireworks. Another great time with some awesome friends. Life is good in New Brunswick!!!

Good Friends...Great Times!

Tawny and Katie

June 2011

What a great time I had with these two girls from Brantford, Ontario. After their event filled road trip to get here they kept me in stitches their entire stay with me. It's always fun spending time with young people...I learn a lot from them. Two specific lessons I got this trip were ways in which to try and talk yourself out of a speeding ticket and how to "Plank"!! To learn more about planking you can look it up on Youtube but I have to say, you have to try it to appreciate the hilarity of it first hand. I think the girls had a good time here in Charlotte County and hope they return again for more adventures.

Never a Dull Moment!

June 2nd already...so much has been going on I kind of forgot about my blog!!

My trip home to Ontario with Steve in May was a great time as always, still never enough time to see everyone but I tried my best. Thanks Aunt Linda, Uncle Ken, Chrysann, Kevin, Susan, Amy and the boys (who are adorable!) and Paul for coming to Hagersville to visit. Thanks to Christy and Grant, Tim, Sherry and Mike for coming down for Chinese food with me too! What a lot of fun and a lot of laughs catching up with everyone!!! Thanks to Pat and Dan for the use of their trailer Thursday night as well! Steve sends a special thanks to Kristie and Greg for making him feel so much at home :o) and looks forward to you coming down for another visit here sometime! He also thought my parents and family are great people and enjoyed getting to know mom and dad and from what I hear the feelings are mutual. Whew!!! Hahaha! We had a great time in Dover the day before Friday the 13th...not into the crowd thing and also enjoyed lunch with the HBBS folks then a drive to Niagara Falls.

Steve really enjoyed Ontario and says he would move there in a heartbeat if and when I ever move back. Unfortunately for him I still own a home and am just starting a job I am really enjoying so I don't see that move happening in the near future. Never say never though....that is a big lesson I have learned in the past year.

Once I returned to New Brunswick it was back to work. I spent the first two days after the long weekend in Fredericton getting to know my coworkers there and attending a fundraiser and a staff appreciation night. How nice to be appreciated after only one week of work and was made to feel very welcomed! Had a great time there. Now that I am back to working full time in the new job and becoming familiar with what it entails I am really enjoying it.

Last Saturday night I attended my first party which was a 50th birthday bash for my friend Diane's sister. It was held at a camp out in the woods at an area called McDougal. There was lots of food, amazing talent by Trudy and Sharon on guitars and singing, Sally played the spoons so fast I couldn't see her hands and another lady on the mandolin! What a night of laughs and music...didn't get home til three in the morning but had an awesome time!!!

Soon my first visitors of the summer Tawny and Katie will be arriving and then Bev, Sandy and Angela. I can't wait to see them!!!

I think that's it for now....again thanks to all of my family and friends in Ontario...hope to see you again soon, my place next time!! :o) xoxoxoxoxox

Here's What's Up

I booked my vacation home three weeks ago and thought...my goodness, such a long time to wait until the 8th of May! Now here it is April 10th, less than a month to go! April Fool's day was just that!!! An unexpected snow storm hit Friday, April 1st ...was this winter ever going to end??? Refusing to let mother nature get the better of me I kept my plans to spend the weekend in Moncton and had a great time at Steve's. This weekend he spent here in St. George even though I had to work. He says it's nice to get out of the noisy city and have time to just relax...can't help but do that in this town! Hahaha! I was glad that he finally got the chance to meet my neighbours Sandy and Lise and he agreed that they are very nice people :o) The house is cleaned and ready for viewings. What a difference it makes when you are the only person really living in the house...everything stays where it's supposed to be and cleaning up is a breeze which makes this process so much easier than the last time I went through the ordeal of selling a home. I am looking forward to visits from my nephew Stan and his wife Nicole this month, then Tawny and Katie in June as well as Sandy and Bev (and Bev's daughter). My new job should also start sometime this month so it's gearing up to be a busy and exciting spring and summer! That's it so far in April...starting to count down the days til we go home for our vacation..less than a month to go!

The Winds of Change are Blowing....Again!

The deed is done...I listed my house tonight. What a tough decision this has been but now that the wheels are in motion I am feeling very good about it. The last 6 months have had their stressful moments but there's nothing like having to walk through the fire to find out just what one is made of and what really matters.
Do I love my house? Absolutely!! Is it hard to give up on a dream? I thought it would be. However, after this winter and finally being able to spend time alone and think things through without having to take others lives into consideration, I realized that I am not giving up on the dream, the dream is just changing. The saying that the only thing that is sure in life is that it will change is so true! Every day seems to bring new opportunities for growth and learning and I am grabbing every one of them. I am hoping when the house sells I will be able to find somewhere here in St. George to rent for awhile rather than jumping right back into home ownership. I think renting will give me a bit of breathing space for awhile and less stress.
Ninety nine percent of the people in my life are cheering me on and for that I am so grateful. I feel so lucky to have lived in this house for the past three years, not sure when it will sell and am prepared to be here another winter if necessary but my life is changing even as I write this blog.
In the next 2 to 3 weeks I will be starting yet another new job, one I have been hoping to get since even before I moved here. I am very excited about it and looking forward to the new challenges it will surely bring but I can't deny leaving the nursing home is going to be difficult. The owners are such great people and have treated me like an old friend from day one and the residents there are just like family...lots of surrogate grandparents that have lots of advice and stories for me. I'm pretty sure there will be some tears when I have to leave but I know they will wish me well. I am hoping to stay on as a casual in case they need a weekend shift covered on occasion.
I had the opportunity to take in a boarder for a couple of weeks. His name is Roy and he is from Cape Breton and was here in St. George doing some insulating work at the paper mill. What a treat it was to have him stay here. Very respectful and very funny! He helped me put together a shelf unit in the bathroom and also helped Tyler get the washer and dryer hooked up in the bathroom as well before he had to leave. Yes, I made another friend and am pretty sure he will be back (hopefully bring his family) for a visit. Facebook can be a wonderful thing as is text messaging so I am sure we will keep in touch.
I am looking forward to going back to Ontario for a visit in May. I will be there from the 8th - 18th and my friend Steve is coming with me. He's pretty excited as he's never been on a plane before and I know my family is anxious to meet him as well. As always there will be so many people that I will want to visit with and not enough time so I will be posting a date for a get together for whoever can make it when the time gets closer. Maybe we will have time to do a Kelsey's night in Brantford and a dinner at the Chinese place in Hagersville as well!!!
So, when the listing for the house hits the net, I will post it on here. It's a beautiful house and some lucky family is going to love living here as much as me. It would also be a great summer home for anyone looking to vacation down east. A great opportunity and not as expensive as the Muskoka area!! Heehee!
So my friends, worry not for me. I am loving life and am happy just being me. Everyone and everything else good that comes my way is just icing on the cake!
Happy nite everyone :o)

Good Things Come....

Every day it seems I find another reason to be a firm believer in positive thinking. I have been worrying about whether or not anyone would want to rent my rooms but have decided whatever will be will be and either way I will be fine.
Yesterday I received an email responding to my Rooms For Rent ad on Kijiji. A young man from Cape Breton was looking for a place to stay in St. George while he works at the mill for three weeks or so. I checked his reference and was happy to receive glowing reports about him. The exact words were "you will love having him around and will miss him when he is gone!" Now that's a good reference :o)
So after chatting with Roy on facebook for awhile and learning a bit more about him it was decided that he will be staying here for the duration of his job. I am looking forward to having someone in the house to bake for and since it's only for a short time it will be a good opportunity to see how renting out the rooms to strangers will go. So, it's a start and I am sure more good things will come from this experience.
I believe he arrives sometime tomorrow so I better get the rest of the rearranging done upstairs before I sleep today.
Happy Day :o)

"March"ing to the Beat of My Own Drum!

Thank goodness February is behind me. I believe there has been some record breaking amounts of snow in this area and I know everyone here is just sick and tired of it. Last week the snow had really started to disappear only to have two more storms blow through burying us again. Ugh!!! One thing I will say about this area though, is that the men plowing the roads have done an amazing job! If you can shovel your way out of your dooryard after the plow has gone by, the roads are clear and ready to use. I remember it being days before a plow ever saw my street in Brantford after a snow storm leaving the road full of frozen ruts to maneuver!

As for what's going on with me personally this month...I have been having lots of fun and laughs with my friends at Tim Hortons where I have become a regular! I have met so many new people in the last bit of time and this in turn has opened up new doors so all is good. The electrician I have been hounding since August finally reported today that he will be dropping off supplies on Saturday and coming to do my work on Monday. I will update this post again if he doesn't show up which has been the norm in the past.

Work at the nursing home is going great. I work mainly nights, only one day shift in February but I do love the night shifts. It will be a real switch and a nice change though to one day have a Monday to Friday day job with weekends off. Who knows...I may get a social life!! Hahaha!!!!

My boss had some tickets to a live show at the Imperial Theatre in Saint John that she couldn't use so a coworker and I took advantage of her generosity and used the tickets. The show was The Piano Men II, a tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel. The music was mostly from their 70's albums as well as a few from the 80's. It was an awesome show and Sherry and I had a great time.

Overall, I am enjoying the single life and living on my own...doing my own thing!! I am looking at renting out the two bedrooms on the far side of the house for the summer but will more than likely be putting up the for sale sign on the house. This was a difficult decision to make and I really struggled with it. However the more I think of renting a nice apartment, just for me and Maddie, with no responsibilities of home ownership...the more I am warming up to it. It will be nice after this winter...to in the future be the one sitting inside nice and warm while someone else does the shovelling!! Hahaha!!!!

I am still continuing to lose weight...at this point I am down 60 lbs since Thanksgiving and feeling great. Looking forward to the nicer weather when walking is not so difficult outside.

Guess that wraps up February and opens up March for new adventures.

Cheers!!!!

Sunny Days Long Drives

February can seem to be a depressing month, especially when there is so much snow in the forecast. I'm not much of a winter driver but have found that once the plows are out and the sun appears there is no need to be stuck inside so off I go for a nice long drive with my music cranked. It never seems to fail that where ever I end up I meet someone new that brings a smile to my face and makes the day out so much more worthwhile. I'm not one to just walk into Tim Horton's, stand in line and not speak to anyone. I enjoy striking up conversations with total strangers which is exactly what happened in Moncton yesterday.

Her name was Marilyn and she has never been outside of New Brunswick. Since the service at this particular Tim Horton's was beyond slow we had plenty of time to converse and she had lots of questions for me about Ontario and what it was that possessed me to land down here. She was just there to pick up a coffee for her dad so I ended the conversation by buying her coffee and thanking her for the chat. We both felt we had met another nice person and were better off for having the conversation.

The rest of the day was spent at the Champlain mall, watching a movie and sharing some laughs with Steve. I am so glad I decided not to cancel my weekend visit completely because of the snow in the forecast...it was a great day! I returned home just a few hours before the weather changed so it all ended well.
Although it snowed through the night, the sun is shining again today and I will soon have to head outdoors to first shovel a bit and then see what the world has to offer outside my door today.

Happy February everyone...Spring is just around the corner but let's not waste a day waiting for it :o)

Giggles

I was chatting with this guy last night from Fredericton and he asked me where in Ontario I am from. I told him born and raised in Haldimand County then moved to Brantford where I lived for about 15 years before moving here. As it turns out, he too is from Brantford and has lived here for 11 years now. It's a small world for sure, we both agreed.
The giggles actually started when I was reading this guys profile. It said all the things he likes to do...camping, fishing, long drives, etc. etc... Then his hobbies: hatchet catching and overhand bowling!!! So, he has a sense of humour..this is always good. Then I read further down..what he would like in a woman! Must have a good sense of humour, big heart, and her own fork truck (please send picture of fork truck)! Well....needless to say I was laughing so hard I could not respond to his message.
So after composing myself somewhat, a conversation ensued between the two of us for a bit, talked about music and his life driving campers from one end of the country to the other and how his truck was in the garage for a few days. He made the comment that he has 130,000 km on it so its time it needed work done to it. I just couldn't resist...I mean he set me up!! So I replied: Yeah I know what you mean, that's what my dr. said about my boobs!!! Apparently that comment sent his icetea through his nose!!
Well, that's about it for my giggles today. It's nice to meet new people, even if it is just chatting online and not really knowing who or what is on the other end. Still, it's harmless enough and good for a laugh!
For those who may be concerned for my safety...I would never meet anyone alone, at night or anywhere other than a public place!
Happy Day everyone!

Out With the Old

Does anyone really make New Year's Resolutions anymore? I gave up on those some time ago. I found them to be nothing more than setting myself up for failure at things I have tried to do over and over again....quit smoking, lose weight, exercise...blah, blah, blah! Life really is so much more than our bad habits though, isn't it?
2010 has been full of challenges both good and not so good...happy and well, we all have not so happy things happen. Yet, despite everything I am still here, still standing and remarkably still moving forward. This is all I ask for 2011!!! Who knows what amazing things are waiting for me this year? My hope is to keep my heart and mind open so that I can accept them as they come.
As one person I am not out to change the world but I do believe that as one person I can make small changes that make the world a better place for myself and those close to me. I hope that this year is filled with the strength I need to overcome obstacles and continue to find happiness in the small things in life.
I am letting go of the old and happily moving forward with the new...who knows where I will end up but it's going to be a fun time finding out!
So...here's to saying farewell to 2010...thanks for the lessons learned! As for 2011???
BRING IT ON!!!!!!!
Love and laughter to all!
Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas

This will be the first Christmas that I have spent on my own...with all the renovations, new jobs and other changes happening in my life I have decided to just stay put in New Brunswick this year. I have been blessed to have been invited to many different places for the holidays and as always it's hard to say yes to everyone.

It's not that I don't want to spend time with my friends and their families during Christmas but have decided to spend the weekend in Moncton with a great friend...nothing extravagant, just a weekend away to relax, reflect, and do some boxing day shopping. Heaven knows there will be lots of laughing and don't we all need that when times are difficult...I know I do!!!! Thanks to my neighbours for gladly taking care of Maddie to make this weekend possible for me. I am blessed!

I hope all my family and friends enjoy the holidays in whatever ways make them happy with the least amount of stress.

I will be back to update in the new year.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Winter Wonders

Wonders abound here in my new start. First of all we had some snow the other night and I actually drove in it without freaking out. It's been a long time since I have HAD to do it...I was a bit nervous so left in plenty of time but cranked up some music and headed out slowly down the road. Next is the suprises I am finding in making new friends. I am gaining insight into music that I never considered my taste in the past, and am astonished to discover that there are still guys out there that are real gentlemen who opens and holds doors for me, walks beside and never crosses in front of me, likes everything about Christmas including the music and movies!!! May wonders never cease!!

Today was a beautiful day with the snow from the storm a couple days ago still clinging to the trees. The scenery was beautiful down to St. Andrews and St. Steven, especially the back roads where the trees line the roads...very serene.

Christmas shopping is almost done with just a few special people to buy for. I must get my cards signed and posted before next week, maybe over the weekend.

My jobs are going well but I am finding I need to learn to say no again. It is hard to have a social life when you only get one day off a week so I have to stop picking up those extra shifts!!

The deck has been built, another wonder to behold!! Who would have guessed that the weather would be nice enough in December to build a deck?? I decided to put safety glass around the deck for better viewing rather than spindles which makes the deck feel less closed in. It looks great and I will add pictures of the finished product another day. Look at that sky and notice the carpenter's coat hanging on the post...hard to believe it's December. By the end of the day all the carpenters were in t-shirts!! Nothing better than being able to watch men hard at work is there girls??? Hahaha!!

Usually I dread the winter but with so much on the go all the time I am quite looking forward to it. Friends are close by to visit with, I'm hosting a Christmas party on the 17th and will host another in January for my friends at the bakery if not before depending on my free time. Before I know it, spring will be just around the corner!

Unless something outstanding happens between now and then I will not likely be updating again before Christmas soooo....

To all of my family and friends that I will not see this holiday season,

May you find peace and joy in your lives this Christmas and in the upcoming year. Enjoy time spent with friends and family as we never know just what tomorrow holds. Eat lots, drink responsibly and laugh til your cheeks hurt!!! Merry Christmas Everyone!!

Love

Peggy

Out and About

We sure have had a lot of rain in the past week. Cooler temperatures, high winds and rain have kept me house bound but Thursday the sun decided to shine down so I had to take advantage of it.

Karen and I headed to Fredericton to snoop around. November 11th (Rememberance Day) is a stat holiday here in NB so no stores were open but we didn't need to shop anyway. Fredericton is a beautiful city but to me it still seemed very rural. The streets are quite narrow for a city and even for a holiday there was a fair amount of traffic which is not something I miss from Ontario.

We discovered a walking bridge that crosses the Saint John River and ventured out across the wooden structure to get some pictures.

It was a great day, made a new friend and got some good pictures. Happy Day!!

Welcome November! October was just packed full of new and exciting beginnings...a new job and a special new friend. My job in a Senior's Home is very rewarding. The folks that I support there are so funny and always happy to see me. They are also a wealth of information on the history of this area and I love listening to their stories as much as they love telling them. For the time being I am also working at the bakery one day a week so my friend Elsie can have a much deserved day off so I am plenty busy.

Halloween brought with it our first snowfall...draped the trees in a white cover over night and then left the next day, just enough to remind me that Christmas is around the corner and soon the baking will begin.

Today is laundry day, baking brownies and then coffee with my friends this afternoon.
Happy November everyone!

Starting Over

Did anyone see September...I feel like I missed it somehow. It was a busy month full of great new starts and very sad endings
First the good news. My sister in law Karen, moved down here to make a fresh start in this beautiful province of New Brunswick and is now moved in here with me and going to college. After surviving a huge loss in her life she inspires me with her resilience and motivation to make positive changes in her life and move forward with pride and determination. Having her here has been a Godsend and I know part of a much bigger plan.
A week after her arrival Lyndon mysteriously disappeard during the night while I was at work and I was to find out three days later that after 18 years together he decided to call it quits on our relationship and had moved back to Ontario. The pain and devestation from that was physically and emotionally overwhelming and for the better part of two weeks I found myself bouncing between great sadness, anger, frustration, hope, bewilderment but worst of all for me was the feeling of being unworthy of love and no better than yesterday's trash...easily disposed of. All my dreams and plans for the future now had no meaning...what was the point and where do I go from here? I thought I wanted to die or at the very least crawl into a hole and hide where the pain couldn't find me.
Luckily I had Karen here and many friends and family who rallied around me to help dig me out...build me back up and listened without judgement. I was thankful for those who did not want to throw Lyndon under the bus because at this point I was hoping it was just some kind of stress induced crisis he was going through and it would eventually work itself out. I now understand this was wishful thinking but it helped me to work through the pain with eyes that could see some things from his point of view. No, I don't agree with how this all happened but in the end I can accept that it has and now is the time I get to see what I am really made of. Some days I still have to remind myself to eat, sleep...breathe...but every day brings a new sunrise and another chance to make something positive happen.
So, onward and forward we must go. Karen and I have been out and about meeting new people and experiencing lots of things that I have wanted to do but kept putting off over the past two years. I have always known I could do things on my own but know for sure that most things are more fun when you have someone else to share the experience with. In order to keep my house I knew I was going to have to increase my income so picked up a second job quickly but unfortunately the hours were not going to work with the hours at the bakery and still allow me to have any kind of life...so I made another call, got a second new job and gave my notice at the bakery. I feel somehow lighter and less stressed already...the early hours at the bakery were wearing on me and I knew a change needed to happen there and I guess this was destinies way of making that change for me. Reminder...always be open to signs and opportunities!
Now here we are in October and my daughter Kristie and her boyfriend Greg arrived last night to help us celebrate Thanksgiving and my upcoming birthday. It's going to be a great week and after it the new jobs start and so does my new life. I still miss Lyndon and will probably always have a place in my heart for him but it does get easier every day to move forward. I wish him well in his future, and hope he finds happiness and peace within himself.
I guess sometimes it takes something huge, unpredictable and heartwrenching to open our eyes to our true inner strength. I have learned over the past month that if you are
positive, wearing the smile even when you don't feel it on the inside, being open and inviting to new people and experiences...good things will continue to happen and far outweigh the bad. I still believe my life is truly blessed and believe enough in myself and my abilities that every tomorrow will be better and brighter.
I have to say here that I have been debating writing anything about this, however I feel that there are some lessons to be learned and want to share this experience so that you know...no matter what your loss, look to your inner strength, be kind to yourself, and trust there is a plan in place for you bigger than you can imagine if you open yourself up to it.
Happy Thanksgiving to all who read this and their families...I am grateful and blessed to have all of you in my life.

Moving Right Along

Can you believe it's almost the end of August already? What a beautiful summer we have enjoyed weatherwise. Lots of sun, little humidity and wonderful ocean breezes have made for excellent renovating conditions. Now that the outside of the house is completed other than staining the porch and adding on a deck in the backyard we have moved inside to revamp the upstairs bathroom.
The existing small bathroom has been expanded to make a large room that will contain a large shower, clawfoot tub and also house my washer and dryer. So far the room has been gutted, tearing out a wall, ripping up the floor and putting the plumbing and electrical in place. As with the rest of the renovating nothing is simple here. When the electrician started he found that the existing wiring coming from the fuse panel downstairs was not safe. We had a new electrician come in to look things over and it was decided that now was the time to switch from the fuse panel to a breaker panel. That is all fine and well but all I could think was...what else is this going to lead to. I have discovered through this process that nothing is as it seems so I asked...what else is going to creep into this change? Well...as it turns out, the electrical entrance into the house is not up to code so will also have to be changed. NB Power is called in and it is decided that the entrance will have to be changed from the back of the house to the front of the house and branches from my big tree out front will have to be trimmed...can you say "Cha-ching!!"? After walking around the tree it is discovered by the NB Power man that the tree not only has to be trimmed but it is rotting in the middle so will have to be completely removed...we had a tree removed from the deck last year so know what this is going to involve and cost...I can see my bathroom and new deck budget slipping away...Ugh!!! Lyndon then asked the guy how much over our budget this is going to take us and he assured us that because NB Power needs to remove it in order to bring the power up to code it will not cost us anything and they will be taking care of it! Whew!!! The break I have been waiting for finally arrived!!!
So, back inside the bathroom is moving along. Walls and ceiling are drywalled and taped. All the accessories have arrived and are ready to be installed. The shower that was sent has some large scratches on it so is being replaced on Monday...vinyl flooring had to be ordered and will arrive this week and once it is put down everything else will just fall into place...knock on wood!
Before and after pictures will be posted as soon as they become available.
Now, on top of all the renovating that has been going on we have been waiting anxiously for news from Lyndon's sister Karen regarding her move to St. George. We are looking forward to her moving out here with us and she has finally nailed down a moving date. Lyndon will be flying to Ontario on Sept. 10th to drive her UHaul truck out here for her. Karen and her friend Kathy will be driving her car out and hopefully all will arrive here by Sept. 12th.
So that is August in a nutshell...busy, busy, busy!

Summer Fun

June and July have been very busy here. Visits from my sister Catharine and her friend Judy in June and then my friend Sally arrived July. It's great to go on new adventures with people and this trip Sally and I went whale watching on the Jolly Breeze tall ship along with my friend Lisa from work. I had also received a message from my cousin Doug Donavan the day before that he was in the area with his family and they decided to meet up with us as well for the whale watching excursion. What a great time we had. It turned out to be a very windy and overcast day but that did not put a damper on our adventure. On our way out to the open waters we passed by an island with lots of seals sunning themselves. I had no idea that seals were this light brown colour...I thought they were black. You learn something new every day! Once out in the open water it wasn't long before we sighted the blows of the whales spouting off. Lots of whales were in the area but they sure are difficult to photograph...have to be pretty quick and try to have a steady hand but I did manage to get a few shots in. On the way back to St. Andrews when the tour was done the water was very choppy and the water was splashing furiously up over the front of the ship soaking the majority of us. Sally managed to stay dry by standing back beside the captain but Lisa, Doug, Brittnay and I were drenched. Just when I thought it was safe to take my jacket away from my face another blast of water would come up over the side and I got a mouthful of salt water! It was hilarious and we couldn't stop laughing...what a hoot we had! I do believe I will be making this a yearly trip if I have brave enough visitors to venture out with me.

If you click on this collage you will enlarge it to get a better look at the individual pictures. I can't wait to see what August holds in store for us here in Charlotte County! Thanks for stopping by!

Sunshine Yellow

Well here we are 10 days into the renovations. The clapboard siding has been removed and the house wrapped in that lovely and stylish Home Hardware paper. Nineteen of the 21 new windows have been installed, the other two will get put in tomorrow if it doesn't rain. The new roof is complete and the verhanda is all ready to stain. Thursday and Friday the siding started. Although the front of the house is not quite complete I wanted to post a couple pictures so you can see the before and after effects. Lots of people have given us positive feedback and seem to be every bit as excited as we are to have the old place looking so good.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend despite the rain here in St. George.

Day 6

Another beautiful day with more to accomplish. Today Jeff and Howie put the first coat of stain on the verandah...I can't wait to be able to put my chairs out there. It's a nice and shady spot to relax!

Once the verandah is complete we are going to power wash the granite slab step and then clear coat it to help preserve it and make it shine like a new penny!Kirk and Derek installed the new window downstairs yesterday ....Today, Howie and Jeff installed the dining room window and the two upstairs bedroom windows while the boss (Jeff) held up the scaffolding! Just kidding...Jeff cut the wood had tossed it up to them.Windows on this part are complete now. It really is amazing how much is done in only 6 days with 5 men. I think they could give Ty Pennington a run for his money!