Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

1 We work side by side for most of the day, stopping now and then for a break, a bit of horsing around or a nap.
2 It feels like home already even though it's strewn with boxes,(some empty and some full of stuff), packing paper, empty cups and chaos in general.
3 Two extra large woodpeckers land in the large pine tree in the back yard and proceed to chase each other up to the highest branch possible. First one climbs two or three branches then the other goes and all of a sudden there's no place left to climb. And just as the branch starts bending they take flight, simultaneously!
4 We head back to get the last load so we're up early, enjoy a quick cuppa and we're off.
5 The roads are wet and bare, traffic is light and we have enough time to get lunch at a sister restaurant from Nelson. Their food is just as delicious so we get some to go as well. It made our dinner choices simple, soup or salad.
6 We hit the ground running and before we know it the rest of our things are packed and loaded into the trailer, and the house is cleaned and floors washed.  Soon we're suitability fed and washed and snuggled ready for our last sleep there.
7 Morning comes way too soon but we're up and outta there in short order. There is nothing left to do except for the camper pickup which Mr P will do.
8 Again were blessed with good roads, little traffic and make it home in good time. We're made aware of our good timing when we hear there's been an accident on the very highway we were just driving on. Thankful.
9 After many ear infections this year the doctors have finally decided to give Kes tubes in his ears. Sounds like this procedure will happen soon. We're happy we can help out now that we're living closer.

tea, snowy plants, let's go, lost wallet, quicker, and another first together

1 A cup of tea every now and then helps us keep pushing forward. At one point I realize I've packed up the tea/coffee cupboard and have to search through the sea of boxes to find our stash. Crisis averted!
2 The snow just doesn't let up and we are surprised to see about 8 inches of accumulation on the roof. The driveway gets shoveled repeatedly and I'm amazed at Mr P and how he forges along packing up. He's packed up the utility trailer with garden items and some rather large potted plants. (I re-potted some favourites to take with me to the new home)
3 We decide to go tomorrow despite the snow because the forecast is for sunny weather. Option one is to take the full cargo trailer, option two is to take a fully loaded truck/canopy and utility trailer. He's done so much driving lately that we opt for option two so he has an easier time of it.
4 I realize as we are leaving the restaurant that I've misplaced/lost my wallet. Not a good feeling at all. We quickly return to our previous stop and there it is sticking up in a pile of slush. Good thing there was snow and few people venturing out or this might not have had such a happy ending.
5 Our trip today is much much faster than before. The skies are blue, not a cloud to be found and the roads for the most part are either wet or dry and bare. Yes!
6 The grand kidlets are pretty excited to see us. We share dinner at their home and will spend our first night together in our new home tonight. I'm blogging and he's enjoying a soak in an extra deep bathtub.(That's as much as should be said!)

twos, the skies have opened, and zipped

1 Two chairs, one table; two pillows, one bed, two plates, two utensils each and on and on. Just two is all you need really, when there's just the two of you.
2 The snow comes and boy does it come. He's shoveled a few times already and it makes packing the trailer that much more difficult. He says tomorrow we will have to sleep in the camper because the weather forecast is for sunny and that'll be our window to drive the pass.
3 Sometimes the kindest thing we can do is say nothing.

wondering, isn't it so true?, the packing saga, and the four seasons

1 I wonder sometimes how easy it is for people to know me. I tend to wear my emotions and my feelings on my sleeve for the world to see, so maybe it's not all that hard for people to grasp where I'm at.
1a "You're not moving away from something, you're moving towards something better."
2 As each box is filled, as each room is emptied of belongings and cleaned we edge nearer to our moving out target. We decide not to rush things and just make sure we do things the right way, not forgetting things or taking things just for the sake of taking them. (I have filled another, yes another large box with bits and pieces, half bottles, and junk for the dump)
3 It's a snow day here and large fluffy flakes are falling everywhere and all day long. I'm looking forward to having four seasons again. I have my favourite seasons but I'm not going to tell you what they are right this moment. Perhaps you will figure that out when I'm photographing and sharing my mindful moments with you.

the story, last of it, and done deal

1 The story has a beginning, middle and an end. Our story of life on an island in the Pacific is coming to its conclusion, at least for now. It's time to say our goodbyes and move on. We didn't come to our decision to leave lightly so it's with love in our hearts and a new commitment to each other and our family and close friends that we move forward with love, joy and faith. And so we say goodbye to the old and hello to our new life, new adventure, big love. Our adventures continue.
2 We head back to get our last load of stuff and are so very very pleased to see sunshine and wet but not slippery roads. The pass is easy stuff but he works hard to drive the big truck with trailer. He's very tired and sleep finds him quickly and mercifully puts him into a slumber.
3 It's finally here. We get an email from our lawyers office letting us know that the conditions are removed on the sale of our island home. Monday we sign the last of the paperwork and a week following it should all be completed and closed. What a relief to know it's all done. We have been so blessed with the speed of which this move has taken place. Something to be very very grateful for.

opening boxes is like opening presents, peso the explorer, bliss, and he's done it again

1 It's another day of unpacking and organizing. How fun it is to get to do this in our new home? The sun streams brightly through all the lake facing windows (just like our first day) and it's warm and inviting. The kitchen setup is quite like the one I have just left and it's relatively easy to find homes for things. We are missing a couple of pantries that we had before so we'll be looking for a match to these cabinets for appliance storage.
2 Peso has decided he's an explorer. Two days in a row he's gone missing. First up the hill, today down to the woods. He must have run into the tall grasses and with his colouring being similar soon he's disappeared. We think he's not far away but he's not coming and he's in big trouble. Eventually he comes up from the woods, slowly with his little teeny tail low and not wagging. His mom says he's going to have to go on a lead next time.
3 Bliss Bakery is our newest find here. It's very trendy and right on the lake. Bet it's busy and very popular in the summer. We indulge in coffees, and sandwiches made with thick home made breads, cheese and meats.
3a Once again our son, C, makes us dinner and we are so thankful. Tonight it's lasagna, salad with garlic toast for the adults but the grandkidlets prefer mac and cheese. Our appetites vary depending on whether or not you've been hit by the flu bug. Apparently my appetite is just fine!

J and Peso, family, and thinking of others, is it time yet?

1 My dear friend J comes to help and brings her little chihuahua, Peso with her. He's rather adorable, well behaved (well he did pee on the fridge and floor) but he's great with the kids, rarely barks and is super cute! Izzy forgets and keeps calling him Tofu and we all think either name will work!
2 The kids and grand kidlets are with us the whole day despite all of them being sick with the flu/cold. It's smiling faces, warm words, hugs and a feeling of belonging again.
3 Consideration personified. Our eldest son heads out to get medicine and toys for the kids. He comes back with that plus snacks, pizza, tea, a kettle, mugs and all sorts of cleaning supplies. Gotta love a guy like that!
3a Later we head back to the kids place and they feed us and give us a warm bed to sleep in. We laugh as we say good night because it's barely 9pm.