worse, shopping and noises

1. It could be worse. Sometimes it's darkest before the storm.


2. The store had an abundance of items on sale and most people were at home not shopping, so it was much more enjoyable.


3. The transmission clunked but held on. Maybe there is a little more life left in the old girl.

mornings, outcome, visitors and feelings

1. The birds have decided that everyone should be up early today. I look forward to mornings when it is warm enough to have coffee on the patio.


2. The spreadsheet has five sheets to it and looks very workable. I'm wondering how long it will be before the users 'rework' it. Regardless, I like the outcome.


3. The hot tub is the perfect place for weary bones. I prefer having my mister with me for company, tonight it is the frogs and Kosha visits too. A chat with my best friend on the phone makes it perfect.


4. They are cautiously optimistic. I am feeling hopeful, grateful and full of love for them.

brunch, welcome and husband

1. Brunch with the Gabriola Browns! Homemade hash browns, fried pork, goat cheese omelets and fresh ground coffee. Decadent.

2. The kids made me feel so much at home and so welcome. What a good feeling. 


3. Mr Plant called me twice tonight. Once driving from camp to his new home (camper) at the campsite and once from his new digs. He's happy to be on his own and has a routine for himself. He is home in a little over a week.

sun, sleep and coupon

1. The sun was out finally. The cat lazed in the sun, rolling back and forth to get warmed evenly.


2. Isabelle fell asleep on her blanket. Sweet girl was sooo tired.


3. Using a coupon for dinner out makes me feel like I got a deal even if it really isn't. 

things just happen, bargains and not for babies

1. Sometimes things just happen. There are some things we expect, things we are surprised by, things we want or don't want. The point is, how do you handle it? Most often we just do.


2. Finding a good bargain or two makes shopping feel that much sweeter. 


3. Not for babies is what they tell Isabelle instead of no. She understands but the temptation to reach her hand out and touch or taste is overwhelming and she extends her hand. She almost touches it then stops, reaches a second time, shakes her head no, stops again and keeps trying. Eventually she is distracted by something else and moves on.

important, cycles and toys

1. It matters to me. 


2. There is a cycle to yard work. Mow, weed, water, repeat as needed.


3. She likes her watering can and beach pail with shovels. It's amazing what you can find for a dollar ninety nine.

good work, a call and organizing

1. One boss tells me she was really impressed with my presentation and that I was incredibly articulate" and the other boss comments on a brochure I created. In an email to all the staff she says, "Wow. This is an amazing piece of work. Kathy's expertise in this is a great addition to our team." 


2. He called yesterday excited about sleeping for the first time in the new camper. It will be much quieter and more private for one of the most private men I know.


3. All the recycling is put into its appropriate bin or bag. Organization works for me. 

leaves, cup and store credit

1. From one of the spots at the front desk you can see directly out of the front door. There are two trees in view. One has deep red leaves and the other the perfect shade of green.


2. The cup fits perfectly into the palm of my hand.


3. I return some items without a receipt and get a store credit with no hassle at all. How surprisingly pleasant.

Bonus

Tonight Nick and Sara are in Shanghai at the consulate getting some passport documents for Nicholas. They talked to me on QQ (Chinese chat program) and it was so wonderful to hear their voices. Missing him so much, but thankful to hear him. He sure didn't sound Chinese at all! He sounded just like Nicholas and I loved hearing the grumpy groaning noises when he pretends he doesn't want to do something. I'm smiling big time.
They say big hellos to all and special hugs to Isabelle. ♥ Thanks for calling! 

swimming, mowing and eating

1. We went to the pool this afternoon. Initially Isabelle was not to thrilled with the water. I think the waves in the wave pool were too big and the pool itself was noisy. But she warmed up to the idea of splashing and she sure liked jumping around in it. I took her down the kiddie slide. Holy man, I just held on to her and hoped like hell that she would like it and that I wouldn't injure myself. Omg, the joys of aging. <insert image of grandma and izzy in a small waterslide> Okay, you can stop laughing now.


2. The lawn mower started like a dream today. I did the part where the fruit trees are. I like the smell of freshly cut grass. I guess I know what I'll be doing tomorrow. The forecast is for more sunny warm weather. 


3. Organic roast with potatoes, carrots and a fresh salad, and for dessert home made chocolate chip cookies. 

May 20, 21, 22

Well, I've been under the weather . I'm still fighting a headache but regardless I'm back now.. so this blog will be my catchup for the past 3 days!
xo


1. The bird feeders are full and the birds have resumed feasting. I love the look of the red headed male finch. They are very quick so I'll have to fiddle with the settings on my camera and see if I can catch one or two on film.


2. They want my company. I am deeply touched. I often wondered if it would be this way and the love, the invitation makes my eyes wet.


3. Kosha cuddles on my lap while I try to knit. Eventually she gives up her spot for a lounge near the baseboard heater.


4. I picked all the black spotted leaves off of the climbing rose bush I brought  to the island from Nelson. It seems much happier and the new growth is lush and green and not diseased. It only gets watered from below so that might be the answer. It's now planted near the front door. I'd like to build some horizontal lattice for it to grow underneath the front windows. If/when it blooms it will smell amazing there.


5. I've been moving rocks to the back utility trailer. My arms are starting to feel stronger.


6. Nicholas gave us a link to streaming sports games. We haven't had a tv in about 10 years and haven't watched much. Now when the kids are here they can watch hockey and baseball and other sports they like and not just listen on the radio. Thanks Nick!
 http://www.myp2p.eu/competition.php?competitionid=&part=sports&discipline=icehockey

7. He calls me every night. Last night he was missing us all and we are missing him. Soon we start the countdown...Okay let's start now. 15 days until he is coming home.


8. The hummingbirds like the new location of their feeder. It's easier to get to and I think they feel safer.

9. I love listening to their interaction about sports. They are both well informed and banter back and forth about players, coaches, refereeing and their 'picks'.

waves, shopping and helping out

1. Isabelle waves at everyone she sees. Most wave back and smile.


2. New shoes, t shirt and a new KaiLan doll for our doll. 


3. Being there when needed. Today was a lot of running around. Tomorrow possibly even more.

abc, wine and between the covers

1. He soothed me with his words. 


2. Blackberry merlot. 


3. Clean bedsheets have the scent of summer from the dryer sheet. Fake or not, it smells inviting.

outsider, warmth and love

1. I don't fit in at work. I'm not management and I'm not staff like they are because I am there for projects. I still don't fit in. She said to be, "Too bad you don't fit in. You're not really here or there"  So, it's out in the open. I might not fit in with them, but I have lots of people I do fit in with.


2. It was a warm day today. I like the feel of the sun on my skin. 


3. He calls me tonight even though he is exhausted. To paraphrase Nick, "I love him because he loves me." 

typing talk, feet and rings

1. Shannon knows the words.


2. They brought Izzy to the office for a quick visit and to show off her new thing. Walking. So sweet.


3. She figured out how to put my silver ring on her fingers. She said ooh and ahh while pointing to mommy and daddy. So proud of herself. She is a girlie girl all the way.

staying dry, pink cheeked and toasty

1. We spent the day inside today. The rain was coming down in buckets soaking all the new plants. I love the smell of the rain, which is a good thing if you live on Vancouver Island.


2. Blushing from a compliment. Russ is good at noticing things about women. He commented on Jennett's hair. He is sincere in his words and she likes that, I think. I know I love the attention.


3. The black vest is warm and snuggly. It has big pockets for keys, glasses, kleenex, money, pretty much anything that needs carrying. Oh did I mention it's warm. mmmm

pruning, sounds and hands

1. I found some videos on YouTube and it made the pruning work much much easier. I think the hardy  fuchsia  will be smaller this summer but next year we can create a new pruning plan. Pruning can be fun! Especially when you use a Black and Decker reciprocating saw! 

2. Listening to the wind and chimes. I could hear them on the phone when I was talking to Gaile. It was like we were sitting on her deck admiring the view of Kootenay Lake, almost. 


3. My hands are tender but he holds it gently as we walk.

outside chores, grateful and garlic

1. Together, we mowed lawns, trimmed edges, filled bird feeders and watered plants.

2. The new neighbours came over today to see if we'd like to cut down our trees. They told Russ that trouble follows them everywhere. Russ said it was an interesting conversation. The two men had beers in their jacket pockets... hmmm I am so glad I did not marry a redneck.


3. The garlic is oozing from our pores. Caesar salad with garlic toast for dinner.

crazies, flower and lost

1. We did errands together, hung out and had some fun bantering. He says we are both crazy and we laugh and smile at each other realizing we are.

2. The red budded rhododendron is open and surprisingly there is little red but more yellow and it's translucency is breathtaking.

3. We were looking through a box of old photographs and books belonging to Russ's family. Some photos he's never seen before. Some of the pictures have dates and names on the back but there is still a puzzle behind the faces. Unfortunately the family lineage stopped with the deaths of his mother and aunt. It's like finding a long lost family that is still lost.

laughing at myself, extras and ♥

1. I'm laughing at myself for writing the word, 'alas' in the last post. I mean seriously, who do you know that uses that word in 'real life'?


2. I was scheduled for an extra day of work tomorrow but don't have to go as I've given it to someone else so I can spend more time with Russ before he's gone again.


3. He is sick with a horrible cold, grumpy, tired and aloof. But he's here. 

togetherness, family photos and the lucky ones

1. He is home!!! We spent the day together. Reunions are always bittersweet. I wish this time off would go slower and last longer but alas the time flies by.


2. Having a family visit in Victoria. Dinner, reminiscing and looking at old photographs that will now live at our house until I get them all scanned.


3. A soft place to lay my head to sleep. Many others aren't so lucky as I am.

greenery, dinner and invisible

1. The smell of mowed grass smells like spring.


2. STEAK, medium rare with salad.


3. No one noticed. If I ever thought the world revolved exclusively around me; wake up call.

plants, dinner and time

1. A quiet day of gardening and cleaning house and I even figured out part of the sprinkler system. I watered some baskets and the veggies that are planted. The radishes and peas are poking their noses up through the soil.


2. Tossed green salad with some chicken and 3 cheese dressing. It's crispy and fresh and just perfect for me.


3. It has been a long three weeks. I often think that time should go faster when I am on my own and in some ways it does, but being alone is tough. I think I'll appreciate this time he's putting in working away from home when he's got a big chunk of time off later. Here's hoping at least.

bites, new plan and giving in to it

1. The cranberry scone was toasted to perfection. It had a wee bit of real butter on each side and each bite was crispy sweet.

2. Creating an action plan. The gardens are overwhelming me and I think a plan is in order so something however big or small might happen. 

3. Deciding that even though my hair is shorter than I'd like, once it grows out a few inches it will be exactly what I pictured. So I'm liking it. Here's me.

hanging out, baby and just enough

1. Isabelle, Michie and I spent the day together, getting our hair done (not Izzy though, she needs more hair!), lunching, shopping and talking about all sorts of fun things.


2. She wakes from her snooze while she is still in the car seat. I hop into the back of the car and snuggle with her until she dozes off again. She feels warm and her arms twitch and her lips make a pout. She smells the sweet baby smell. We nap together.


3. It's quiet here. I can hear the radio, the rain on the skylight and that is enough.

warm, toes and waiting

1. A crackling fire made with loving hands by Michie. She tells me Christopher asks her to make sure I am toasty warm before she leaves.


2. Toes that are plump and pink and ready for 'This Little Piggie'


3. Five more sleeps.

rescheduled, warm spot and clean clothes for a small person

1. I call to confirm my appointment for Friday. The clerk says, "I'm glad you called to confirm because we never work on Friday's and your trip would have been wasted." We reschedule for Tuesday and that means a short work week for me! Yay. More time with Russ. 


2. The sunlight streams over the trees creating a warm glow on the walls of the office. I think curling up in the sun is rather catlike and I'd like that very much.


3. I found some lovely items for Isabelle to wear at the thrift shop. A little jean dress, a home made sweater and some pj bottoms. They're washing up now, getting ready for her tomorrow.

offers, listening and colourful

1.  An offer of help. His generosity pleases me. I like his style.


2. My boss takes me out for coffee and vents to me. Today I was a good listener.

3. They are pale yellow, cream, bright yellow and purple, some red too. Tulips.

sharing, joking and watching

1. Getting tons of pictures and a video of Nick and Sara's holiday in Beijing.


2. Joking around with Sara and Nick...on QQ chat. What good fun. Sharing stories about their life and telling Sara about life in Canada.


3. Watching the birds fight over the best spot on the bird feeder. I think the finches are the noisiest lately.

a saying, the door locked and trees

1. She said to me, 'there you are' and it reminded me of a Winnie the Pooh toy that Isabelle has that says the same thing when you press the button.


2. Okay so I pulled a good one today. I had brought in the spare key last night because there were car alarms going on off and I'm home alone and then this morning decided to take something out to the garage. For some reason both locks were on. hmmm Well, the door shuts and I think, "s#@*" and know instantly I am locked out of the house, no key hidden. What to do? Chris and Michie are 2 hours away and $30 for ferry costs and I'm dressed but in sock feet! So I walk around the house a couple of times thinking that somehow a window will magically open...but no that doesn't happen. An idea hits me in the head!! I'll get a sledgehammer and just bang off the inside doorknob. Well, hot damn if that didn't work. Of course we need a new door knob and a piece of wood where the latch goes but I nailed up the trim again, put some tape on the latch and it's perfect from the inside!

And I am inside not locked out AND the door still works!


3. Smelling the apple blossoms.