photos, truck and grateful

Kung fu at school in China

1 An online chat with my son's girlfriend in China. She sends me photos of N teaching and it looks like it's all great fun!


2 The red truck is up and running again. Once again he's grateful for his shop with pit. It's an $800 job done for his time, research and $2.50


3 We are so lucky to have a hot tub. Tonight I'm especially grateful.

nap, prof and wondering?

1 His late afternoon nap means he's feeling wide awake now and dives into his reading.
2 The prof is extremely helpful and encouraging. I'm feeling much more confident about the content and have a study plan to follow.

3 I wonder what the world would look like if people read the instructions first?

late, switch and meditating

1 The sound on the alarm is turned low so I am up late this morning running around like a chicken. I manage to get to work on time but feel a little off balance until my coffee kicks in.
2 We've switched sides of the bed. I notice he's still mostly on my side now...hmmm 
3 I'm watching a BBC documentary series called The Story of India. Written and presented by historian Michael Wood, about the 10,000 year history of the Indian subcontinent. Wood explains historical events by travelling to the places where they took place, examining archaeological and historical evidence at first hand and interviewing historians and archaeologists, as well as chatting with local people.

relocation, flowers and happy

1 We've decided on a new spot for the greenhouse. It will be on the far side near the raspberries, grapes and fruit trees and will hide the rock sections of the septic tanks. He says he can still put in electric and sprinklers. Yes, overall it's a good fit. We'll put a cold frame in the other spot. Much better use of space.
2 Flowering in February! 
3 I love, love, love the new mixer. It made the most delicous cookies! My smile is huge! 

day, artisan and coupons

1 Our day starts our slowly but rapidly picks up speed and we end up going to Shawnigan Lake, Victoria and Sooke. So good to see family and do a bit of catching up. Nice to meet a friend of Pats.
2 Used Victoria has once again come through. We pick up a used Kitchen Aid Artisan mixer. Love the look and lines. Boy is it ever heavy...27 pounds!
3 We like using our coupon book and Pirate Chips is on our way home. The owner spoils us with a little extra everything. Our fare included, fries, cod, calamari and loads of chipolte, tzadziki and tartar sauce. We end up eating most of it on the way home; cold fries are never good now are they? 

cheery, get a life and ahhhh the smell

1 The city workers have been plugging away at the road project for a year now. Looks like they've put in sewer and water pipes, electrical for a new light and now sidewalks. The rain doesn't delay the work and morale seems low but the flag person is working really hard to stay cheerful.
2 I like the sidewalk design. They're putting in some stones along with the sections of plain concrete. Hmm Note to self... get a hobby or a life and stop oogling the sidewalks!
3 The hyacinth is a gorgeous pink colour and smells heavenly.

mending, purging and enjoying

1 She tells me what's been going on in her world and I'm pleased to hear that they're all mending. Miss her.


2 Purging is contagious. It's so great to see the other staff members getting into the groove of getting rid of excess, redundancy and the outdated.


3 I'm so grateful that someone in this world invented headphones. At a minimum it makes 'noisy' people invisible and mute and we can both enjoy our shows. 

pinterest, day and the drawings

1 I'm enjoying Pinterest. An online site that lets you create boards and pin websites to them. I love all the recipes, clothing and home ideas. It's a mecca of ideas for the brain.

2 It was such a gorgeous day out today. Sunny skies and crisp clean ocean air to breathe. 
3 Pen + paper + ideas = green house interiour design layout 

healing, job and seeds

1 Kitty is eating a new food...just a bit but she seems to have more energy and is meowing and even started swishing her tail a bit. That is a good sign.

2 The other boss says my work is excellent and it accomplished what it set out to do. I think this means I still have a job! 
3 He is making a frame for the greenhouse and it's kinda exciting to see the progress. I'm planning what we'll grow this year. Okay, it's awesome not just kinda exciting...AWESOME!

progress, eludes me and organized

1 She's a bit perkier today. I hand feed her some treats which she eats but anything in the bowl is left alone. Still, it's progress.
2 Homework eludes me tonight. Sigh. I'm creating a plan to combat that problem. Tomorrow I will be able to judge my success. 
3 Ironed clothing all put away and hanging neatly. There's something so satisfying about an organized closet. Certain colours together and hangers all facing in one direction, scarves folded and stacked and shoes neatly in a row. I laugh at my thinking, 'it's a work of art.' 

soak, cat and book

1 A soak in the hot tub in the rain. It runs down my face cooling me down.


2 Our cat is under the weather but today she eats some salmon liquid and a bit of water. It's been a while now so we're hoping she's turned the corner.


3 Chapter two is done except for the review exercises. 

walk, spring and washed

1 We make tracks to get ourselves outside before the sun sets and we have a great walkabout.


2 Crocus, daffodils and tulips are poking up everywhere. 


3 Our driveway is power washed and clean. He's been busy doing a lot of yard work and it's paying off. Looks great. <photos to follow> 

cops, dinner and tea

1 Friday nights are often quiet here but this Friday we do a drive up to Parksville to check out some electronics R is looking at. We drive up the road and miss our turn off so we stop and then find a place to turn around. R says, "I think there's a cop up there, and if I turn around he's gonna come after me." It's raining and I don't see what he's seeing, so I smile indulgently. Sure enough, here comes the officer. He struts to the window and says, "May I see your license please. Why did you turn around?" R says looking for a road and off the officer goes. He comes back and sheepishly says, "Lots of folks do a u turn here when they see us. Have a good night folks." Then peals out and we drive off smiling at his change of attitude. 
2 The restaurant has amazing food. The chef is R's riding buddy so we get extra special attention. I can't wait to go back for lunch and see the amazing view of the ocean.
3 Sleepytime tea.

birthday girl, quiet and sooke

1 Tomorrow is my best friends 60th birthday. I am wishing her so much love and goodness in her life. Missing her and wishing we could spend more time together. Best love G <3
2 A quiet night at home watching a couple of downloaded tv shows that I enjoy. 
3 His nephew calls looking for him and we get a chance to talk briefly. I think we'd better visit him soon in Sooke. And Rusty too.

her chance, clean and tea

1 She has a new opportunity in front of her that may open many doors, and give her lots of new experiences. I hope it's what she wants, what she gets and what she will love doing.
2 Clean and folded clothes. The baskets were full early this week. hmm I suspect we are super clean people.
3 Licorice isn't for everyone that's for sure but for me the best cup of tea is Licorice Spice. Even cold it's perfect. 

over, full and shared

1 Valentine's day is over. Now that's something to be grateful for.
2 Every dish fits into the dishwasher so none need be done by hand or left til the next load.
3 A shared bag of potato chips.

finally, eagle and ad

1 There is a schedule complete with time lines, finally. I'm looking forward to seeing who meets their deadlines, who doesn't and how it all comes together.

2 A large, make that huge eagle circles above the highway. I say in my head, 'hi dad' and it comes closer to my car then zips into the woods. (I associate eagles with my dad. Two ospreys were circling above his grave the day we buried him and we put that on his gravestone.)
3 New jeans to wear to work tomorrow. I love the straight leg look. Plus they were bought at Winners, so they're designer at a bargain price! Doesn't that sound just like a commercial? :)

walkers, south island and "let's do the time warp again"

1 We spent time with 'rent a dog' today. Cody lives down the road and his owners need walkers for him. He's a lovely boy with tons of energy. 

2 We head south island to look at a green house for purchase and are treated to murals and a protected Garry Oak Preserve in Chemainus and then a side trip down to Maple Bay. 

3 The gas station sign says gas/maintenance but it's abandoned and covered with algae and ivy. It reminds me of a building that might have been shown in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and I find myself singing in my head....It's just a jump to the left, then a step to the right!"

continues, compliments double and breaky

1 I did a pay it forward for 7 people this past year. It was fun to get it done...and mailed off. Today one of them is doing the same. So nice to see it continue.
2 She compliments me on more than one occasion today. Thank you for making me feel extra loved.
3 A double batch of cannelloni means we have frozen meals in the freezer for those days when cooking is not an option. (ie we're lazy) 
4 Our breakfast was triangles, toasted with copious amounts of butter and honey.

burger, her weekend and love

1 Halibut burger and salad. Yes! There is something extra wonderful about living where we can get fresh fish.
2 She calls and we have a great conversation. I'm hoping she has some great 'me' time and 'open house.'
3 I like that he's asking questions. I feel very loved.

Happy Birthday Mom, he says, plans, kitty and massage

Today is Mom's birthday. She would have been 77. I miss her and remember her hugs. I can close my eyes and feel how warm and good I felt.


1 R say, "Happy Birthday Mom"


2 Tomorrow is Friday so we make plans to go out for dinner. We don't know where we'll go but we're both thinking we'd like a burger.


3 Kosha is happy to come inside where it's warm and dry. The wind and rain are pounding.


4 The Mr gives me a wonderful massage. I'm feeling very relaxed and the aches are at bay. 

part two, energy and sharing

1 Gutters part two. Only one small part left to do! Oh and his workshop but that has it's own category.

2 I have some extra energy tonight and do dinner, laundry, vacuuming , knitting and geeking.
3 She shares some pattern books she's gotten at the library with me. Scarf and hat for men has caught my eye and I just might be brave enough to try hat #2. The first was a bust.

bear, heated up and halfway

1 It's been a very long time since I've spoken to S in China. She is so enthusiastic. She calls me  "mama bear"


2 Frozen leftovers heat up so quickly using the Frozen Entree selection on the microwave. Who knew?


3 He's been cleaning gutters and gets half the house done. He comes inside looking like a mud puddle was sprayed all over him. Halfway is good. 

accomplish, view and for me?

1 The day goes by quickly. I realize that I've been in overdrive all day and now am feeling pretty tired but happy I accomplished so much.


2 An amazing skyline to view on my way home from work.


3 There's a slice of pie left. Mine perhaps?

change of plans, concern and served

1 There is a leak in our garage roof. We had planned to go to Victoria but now he spends the day investigating and repairing it.
2 I get to garden while he's doing the repairs and eventually he comes to help. He asks, "Are you pacing yourself?" I hear him and do just a little bit more then call it a day.
3 Blueberry pie with soy vanilla ice cream on a very hot plate is served to me so all I have to do is pick up the spoon and get my share.

wake me up, sale and hearty foodstuff and birthday

1 A sleep in with crazy dreams. I'm happy to waken. 
2 As we are turning to walk out the door the salesman/owner says to us I'll give you 20% off everything you buy in the store, "just today" and  we are pleased that he sticks to it. A good day for a bargain at the hot tub shop.
3 Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans. Standard fare for a cool evening. Dare I say, apple pie to follow? Why yes I do!
4 It's our oldest sons birthday today. 26. I remember when he was little I'd always tell him the story of the day he was born, how excited and thrilled I was to hold him in my arms, what a special day it was. I am overwhelmed with my love for my son today. So full of pride for the man he's become. Blessings and love to him today and every day.

milestone, difference and say what?

1 I just noticed that I've passed the one year mark with my three beautiful things a day blog. Many thanks to all of you who've supported my efforts at being a more positive and productive person. 


2 It makes a difference in how we see the world when we decide if the glass is half empty or half full.

3 ...and the waitress said "How's your meal?" He answered, "It's not the fine dining experience I was expecting for such a fine diner." She replied, "Well as long as it's edible." Seriously.  We dissolve into fits of laughter. You get what you pay for don't ya? 

appreciation, movie and in the light

1 I truly appreciate the meals, the cleanup and the ear he gives me after a long day of work.
2 We watch the end of a movie we started a few days ago. It's a good film. The Fountain. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414993/
3 How great to drive home in daylight! Okay okay, I'm driving to and from work and not in the dark... love it!

catch up, staple and puzzles

1 Our conversation on Skype is a catch up call. We still have tons to talk about but we'll save that for another time when we don't have time constraints, er I mean, have our men around!
2 For dinner these days, Annie's mac and cheese and salad are becoming the norm. Tonight however it's the white cheese version. We're so adventurous! 

3 Brainstorming was just what we needed to rearrange one bit of a work puzzle.  I must be a true geek cuz I just love working on a whiteboard and drawing arrows and circling things, this colour or that one.Tomorrow it gets deciphered and possibly reconfigured.