supportive, dessert and pressed clothes

1. She supports him even when he's down or more importantly because he is feeling down. She sees an opportunity and shares that with him.

2. Leftover cake.

3. I like ironing. I got it all done and a wee bit more. My clothes thank me.

my part, wishing and the countdown

1. The meeting was informative but predictably little was accomplished. Apparently there have been many similar discussions already. We will have to create a skeleton plan for them. I think I will play a smaller support role than originally thought.

2. The new neighbours are finally quiet. My fingers are crossed that it will stay that way at least for tonight.

3. 11 days and Russ is home.

sleeping baby, much love and mother nature

1. I quietly go into her room to check on her while she is sleeping. Her little feet are sticking out of the blanket and she is damp from sleeping so deeply. She will need a cuddle when she wakes.

2. I find it difficult sometimes to express how much I love my sons. Nicholas lives in China and so there have been no physical hugs for 2 1/2 years, but he will often send me a heart on chat in lieu. Chris lives close by and we are hoping even closer soon! He hugs me often which I love and I hug back! I'll love you both forever.

3.  There are buds and sprouts on almost all of the plants in the gardens. Oh, they certainly want to open their petals to the sun. They are trying hard despite the fickleness of mother nature today.

smiling on the phone, a bit better and fingers crossed

1. 'You have my full attention', I said when he called earlier tonight. He laughed and said that was awesome. We talked for a bit. He's excited about some new prospects for work and living arrangements away from work. It was good to hear a wee bit of a smile in his voice when he is talking about things. Adjustments away from those we love are never easy.

2. Work was better today. I still feel like an outsider at times but there are a few people that I work with that are kind. It takes time.

3. I heard about the other union office opening in June or July. I haven't been able to get any, and I mean no information at all on the whereabouts of this new building until I met with a union rep at my work orientation day and she let it slip. It's a gorgeous new office with ocean views!! I am wishing I will get some casual work there.

torn, happy birthday jennett and deda's table

1. He calls tonight. I love the sound of his voice even though I'm distracted and can't concentrate on his words because my aunt is visiting for just an hour and a half. He understands and says we'll talk tomorrow. Tomorrow he has my full attention.

2. Jennett came for a visit tonight. Just a quick bite, and some hugs and tons of stuff! Wow! It's her birthday on the 28th. Happy Birthday Auntie GiGi! xo

3. The coffee table was made by my grandfather John Androsoff. It's been varnished and polished and has a glass top. What a loving gift and gentle reminder of the carpenter who made it. It lived in their home for many years and now we will watch Isabelle play on it like we did when we were kids.

snoozin', soaked and shared

1. She snuggled in and was snoring in a matter of seconds not minutes. Poor girl was so tired she was eating dinner with her eyes closed. Gosh, we played a lot this afternoon.

2. The hot tub is 102F and did a great job! I am officially a noodle.

3. Sharing fish and chips. Nothing fancy and not particularly good but the company I shared it with made up for it.

chris, isabelle and russ

Someone really needed to tell me how awful that sweater looked on me!!! wow

1. Feeling many emotions today watching my oldest son be baptized and confirmed. So proud of him for making a good life choice.

2. Isabelle had to be in on the action too. She made repeated trips to the altar of the church wanting to be there with Daddy.

3. Russ needs my help. He asked and was bold in it. Proud of him too.

edible farm animal, fire and loving him

1. Enjoying each and every bite of the chocolate cow I received from Gaile. (Along with the bath salts and lovely Easter card) She spoils me.

2. A burn free fire tonight. Perfect temperature in here now. Burn free as in I managed to not burn myself with the torch tonight.

3. I see his face on the computer. We are happy to see and hear the other. It's a big adjustment for him, being so far from home, working long hours, no days off, no comforts of home and yet he's trying to stay positive. I miss him terribly so I try to say the words that will soothe his soul. I hope he feels the love even when he's so far away.

Wed, Thurs Fri April 20,21,22

Yesterday the blog server was down and it wiped out some of my posts this week. I'm on catch up now! Here goes:

1. Spending time with my best friend and her man. We did a little bit of everything this visit. Time was too short but every moment was full. 

2. Talking to Russ on Skype and seeing his handsome face.

3. Izzy in a warm mauve sweater.

4. A burned hand, but made a great fire. Ozonated olive oil soothes the pain.

5. Japanese treats.

6. Finding out we can get even more deductions on our income tax returns from our move, if only I can find all the paperwork or get copies in time.


7. Finding some surprises for Easter to take to the kids on Sunday.


8. Purple hyacinths in full bloom.

9. Having my neighbour Wendy from Nelson join my http://plantgarden.blogspot.com/ blog.

10. And an extra one. http://ajournalofdays.blogspot.com/2011/04/study-of-dogwoods.html

reading, meetings and soaking

1. I lent a book to a co-worker yesterday. Sue Miller's book, While I Was Gone. My new friend's been through a hard time and found that reading has helped her a lot. I hope she enjoys the book as much as I did. What will I read now?

2. Meetings are done for this week. Tomorrow is a work day and then meeting Frank and Gaile at Costco for a shop then heading home. They'll stay overnight. I've not seen Frank since I left Nelson last September. He's a good man to talk with.

3. Heading to the hot tub to soak my bones. I think it's 102F. Just perfect for me.

missed visit, going with the flow and warm toes

1. I came home and saw a soft pink blanket on the chair by the front door. I knew they'd been here and in fact they even waited for me but I'd gone shopping and missed them. Still the blanket smells like baby.

2. No tears today. He's away and I'm here and gonna be a big girl. It is what it is so I'm not going to fight it.

3. A crackling fire warms the house right about now, courtesy of me.

no tears, his dress and down

1. This morning it was time for Russ to head to a job in a mining camp a few hours northwest of Prince George. He'll be gone for 21 days then he will come home for a week. He'll be doing this job for three months then hopefully will have more EI time. We hugged tightly when he left. I did not cry in front of him. He smiled when he realized I was going to be strong for him, for us.

2. I hung up the robe, he laughingly calls it his dress, next to mine on the back of the door. It smells clean like him.

3. The feather pillows I'd bought ages ago really haven't seen much use because they are overstuffed and not so comfortable. So I opened them up and took out about half the feathers from each pillow. The pillows are soft and squishy now. The extra feathers are in the burning barrel in the backyard. When the wind blows a few of them take flight. I'm wondering where they'll land.

first flower, us two and dinner

1. I love watching the excitement and delight in a child's eyes when they experience something new, something for the first time. It's magic. Isabelle picked a flower for her mom and dad today. A dandelion.


2. Spending time just being present together.


3. Pepperoni pizza....yes please! Thanks guys.

gaile, izzy and deb

1. Gaile and I spent the morning together. We shopped and had coffee and a goodie at Starbucks. Felt great to be spending time with her.

2. Izzy really wanted her grandma this morning. She needed some special attention for a tender bottom. Poor wee one.

3. Reconnecting with a dear friend from years ago. Deb and Don are now new friends. Great visit, thanks!

sighs, another and now we have a pair

1. She climbs up on my shoulder, lays her head down and sighs a gentle sigh, hugs me then sighs again.

2. Another hug. This time from my best friend.

3. We found the lost golden boot. (story to follow at a later date) xo

my best friend, yummy and booze

1. Gaile is here. Her warm smile, hugs and being are welcome.

2. Milano's greek food. Definitely enough and delish.

3. Tia maria.

no sun, my lips and memorabila

1. Driving to work in the mornings, I enjoy the fact that the sun is behind me. Easier to drive without the sun in your eyes.

2. A hot steamy cup of morning coffee. The creamy sweetness causes the outer portion of my lips to smile upwards.

3. Russ went to Victoria today and did some visiting with Pat. There was a box of photos and a few other items to go through. Most of the photos will go to David and Alan. Russ and I have some to scan and then we'll give the photos to his brothers. Russ smiled a lot and shared some stories. Margaret (Russ' Mom) was in the Navy as was his dad. There were lots of those photos as well as cards, deeds and certificates. Oh and some names from a family tree that were new.

lunch break, no boss and two sleeps

1. I like that I work so close to the beach. When I have lunch I head to the boardwalk or close to it and make sure my legs are getting a workout. Clears the head too.

2. The admin manual is coming along. I am moving along nicely and felt productive today.I suppose it helps that the boss was away all day too!

3. Gaile is coming for a visit on Wednesday! 

better, help if we need it and two

1. I've a sore belly today. He hugs me and makes it better, somewhat at least.


2. He looks at me and says, "Are you having a heart attack?" I am a bit confused and say, "I was last night, but today I'm okay". (I had a bad case of heartburn last night) He stands up and tells me there's an ambulance outside our front gate. Unsure what's up with the driver he throws on his shoes and heads out in the rain to see if he can assist.. The driver says to him, "We're just waiting for the cops before we proceed. We know where we're going. But if you need help. Call us."
I wonder what was happening in our peaceful quiet neighbourhood?


3. Getting to talk to both sons today. Short and sweet as is their style but meaningful to me nonetheless.

possibilities, sweetness and readers

1. The love of a mother and father for their child opens the heart. Anything is possible when there is love and faith. Chris and Michie are doing a great job raising Isabelle. Lots of snuggles and love all round.

2. Seeing the tulips he bought for her. Sweet thought.

3. She sat on his lap reading a big book of cuteness. There is a mirror spot on a couple of the pages and they laughed and pointed at each other while looking in it.

more beach time, meat and quietness

1. We took Izzy to Shack Island today. It was strange walking on a huge oyster bed. There was another Great Blue Heron and lots of birds. Isabelle liked the cookies best.

2. T-bone steak, medium rare.

3. A quiet house. It's late almost midnight. Quiet.

music, four arms and seeds

1. We spent time in the office this morning I was on my laptop just geekin' and Russ was doing homework and saving the world with his CBC posts. He 'has a Simon and Garfunkel song stuck in his head. He plays it a few times and then puts on other tunes of theirs. I mention I like a song and he says "It's their best song because it is called Kathy's
Song'. He smiles that smile and then we listen to it and I cry at the beauty of it and because I'm touched by Russ' words.  He says he's going to cry too if I don't stop my tears.

2. Sometimes we hold back the words we really want to say. Today I said them. I said " Chris we are so proud of you." And I meant every word. He's an amazing man. We hugged and it felt good, we meant it and we both felt it.

3. The yard is almost done. Just have the raspberries to thin and some grass to dig out in one bed. Tomorrow I am planting the two small raised veggie beds. What should I plant?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q60YKfPKdjQ
Kathy's Song Lyrics

I hear the drizzle of the rain
Like a memory it falls
Soft and warm continuing
Tapping on my roof and walls.

And from the shelter of my mind
Through the window of my eyes
I gaze beyond the rain-drenched streets
To England where my heart lies.

My mind's distracted and diffused
My thoughts are many miles away
They lie with you when you're asleep
And kiss you when you start your day.

And as a song I was writing is left undone
I don't know why I spend my time
Writing songs I can't believe
With words that tear and strain to rhyme.

And so you see I have come to doubt
All that I once held as true
I stand alone without beliefs
The only truth I know is you.

And as I watch the drops of rain
Weave their weary paths and die
I know that I am like the rain
There but for the grace of you go I. 

high up, eating and bird

1. A special day with Russ and Isabelle. We went to the Neck Point Park and totally enjoyed the walk. She loves being up high in the backpack and Grandpa loves carrying her.

2. Pepperoni pizza. We haven't had pizza in a long long time but damn this was awesome.

3. Watching a Great Blue Heron stretch its neck long and tall.

done, closed eyes and he's taking care of things

1. Getting section one completed on the admin manual.

2. A nap in the big chair.

3. I'm a bit under the weather (ok, understatement but no one ever wants details). Luckily I have someone to look out for me and give me a hug or two.

what have we started, helping each other and my older son

1. It started out like any other project then before we knew it we were in the midst of more pine needles than we thought existed! I wanted to just mow the lawns but we ended up raking the gardens too and filled a trailer load!

2. He finished cleaning up for me. I offered to help seeing as it was the project I'd started and he said to me looking all serious, "You get your butt out there and finish the job!" Then he burst out laughing and said, "No way!" So, I made some tea and goodies for us to snack on instead.

3. Chris called me back and he was in good spirits. I like it when he teases me. He was lighthearted and it felt good to talk to him. I look forward to more conversations with him.

feeling better, new product and fruit

1. The wee one has an ear infection. She was up a lot in the night all stuffed up. Her mom rocked her in the rocking chair, then they both slept there for a while. This morning she was much happier. She still needed some extra luvins' which isn't hard to give her.

2. Jumping in the car for a quick trip to a home finishing shop to check out goodies. I found a great product to rejuvenate the floors. One drawback is no walking or furniture in the rooms for 24 hours. I might need to do this job when he's away working as I suspect it might be a bit too smelly for him.

3. Two words: dried mangoes.

chop chop, the prescription and soothing melodies

1. I've been thinking it's time to spend time looking after myself a bit more. I'm neglecting some bits and pieces. So this morning I got a hair cut. Is a hair cut considered pampering? Must be,  because that's as good as it gets at the moment.

2. A quote from my boss. She said, 'I've been through the middle phase in life. They're called the 'Merlot Medicaton' years. Comes with 20 extra pounds'

3. It's a sleep over tonight with Chris, Michie and Isabelle. I hear my son singing songs to her to help her go to sleep. I remember singing the same ones to him, like Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Baa Baa Black Sheep and Jesus Loves Me. All time favourite for putting Chris to sleep was Silent Night. I think it was subliminal thinking on my part.