days, promotion, and seascape

1 The days are crisp and cold and the leaves are almost all off of the trees. I like the world with it's big bright colours and find I have to do a mind shift to adjust to the bits of starkness that barren trees present.
2 I've finally gotten the long awaited first promotion I've been working towards. My work is mostly on social media so it shouldn't really feel like work but it is. It's evident in the long hours, the roller coaster of emotions and the sense of satisfaction when there are big successes.
3 I found some photos from our summer trip. I'm nostalgic for the sea so this is a peaceful reminder of the sights, sound, and smell.

summer loves

Well holy it's been a very long time since I've spoken to you all. Life just seemed to take over and there was barely time to eat and sleep. But wow have we had fun!!! Our son Nick and his wife and 3 Chinese students have been visiting since the beginning of July!! To get caught up I am just going to post some photos and get reconnected with you all again.

eyes, view, and satiated

1 New glasses for our Isabelle! Pink of course, her favourite colour!

2 Lucky me! I get to sit on a bench in the shade and enjoy this view on my coffee break!

3 This is definitely a summer favourite this year! Tomato, soft mozzarella, pesto leaves and asparagus drizzled with oil and balsamic vinegar! 

working together, blooming, and snuggle down

1 I asked for help and they all came through with assistance, information and supportive ideas. It's one of those situations where things just don't add up and once the puzzle is solved, then the puzzle re configures and it all works out. It's good to know that there is a team and that the team really takes care of each other.
2 The asters are blooming already which means that summer is on its way out. Too soon I say, too soon.
3 Clean sheets on my bed. I love the feeling of these Egyptian cotton sheets, smooth and silky and I sleep deeply and soundly.

in the heat, Sundays, and red and white

1 We spend so long lingering on our deck over coffee and breakfast that it's pretty warm out by the time we are ready for some of our talked about tasks. We decide to plant the dogwood but once we're outside Mr P gets distracted and ends up on the hillside in the front cleaning up some dead branches . We try to pace ourselves but the heat is a little more than I expected and I quickly head for shade and cold water. I think we're still acclimatizing.
2 It's Sunday which means family dinner! Our lovies come earlier today so our meal is earlier than usual which is nice in the heat.  Mr P marinated some pork ribs last night and grilled them this afternoon. Ithey were done to perfection with the bits of bbq sauce crunchy and caramelized.
2a Izzy and Kes play out on the deck in the water with hoses and buckets, shovels, cars and best of all bubbles! I love how eager they are to water plants and dump water on themselves not caring that it's cold and that their clothes are wet.
3 We planted a dogwood shrub that the kids gave me for mother's day in a spot by the front door. It was a thoughtful gift and we're looking forward to seeing it grow through the seasons. It has variegated leaves in the summer and once the leaves are gone in the fall it will display its dark red branches and that should be especially lovely in winter. Red and white...how Canadian is that?