Composite Wood

We were able to puchase some Trex - composite wood (plastic and wood fibres mixed) for our back deck. We couldn't believe how heavy it was to take home. Thank goodness Ron showed up at the same time at Rona and helped us take home half the load. We had to stop on the way home to push up the wood as it was sliding off the trailer. We could only carry 2 boards at a time when we were off loading it. It's going to be very nice. Very minimal maintenance and it should last a lifetime.

Beautiful butterflies

As we were waiting for the caravan to arrive with Dad and Mom's possessions, Ralph and I took a drive to see the lake (Lake Simcoe). The cottage at the end of the road had lots and lots of butterflies. I couldn't resist snapping a new shots..

Dad and Mom have moved

Well it done!! Dad and Mom have moved. The cottage is cleaned out, there is no more stuff there. The move went very well. It was very organized. Dad and Mom had already moved the bulk of their belongings weeks in advance to Jim and Debbie's garage and Henry and Yolande's home. I don't know where they will put the rest of their stuff once they get their apartment. I guess they'll have to see for themselves once they take possession. We had a fun afternoon altogether. Special thanks to Jim and Debbie for offering their home to them until the apartment becomes available.

Working downtown

It's been a while since I have worked downtown and these past two weeks have seen me there for 8 days. Yes, that is a lot. I have come to realize how spoiled I am. I am so thankful that Ralph drives me to and from work. He hardly complains at all. While I admit, he hates to drive down Bay St., he still does it because of me. I am really blessed to have such a wonderful husband.

I'm sooooo excited!!! I have an established Doppledecker!!!

I couldn't believe my eyes when I looked in the garden this afternoon. I have an established Doppledecker - Coneflower!! I don't recall planting it and I'm very excited about it. I bought two this year, but planted one up North and one in the front garden. What a pleasant surprise. It's interesting, the 2nd set of petals don't come onto the flower until it has bloomed for a few weeks. Isn't it an awesome and very different looking flower??

A new door!

Amazing isn't it, how 1 simple change can transform something into a thing of beauty!! Thats how we feel with our new door. Today Ron and Joshua (Fran and Mich's son) installed our front door and window. It's beautiful and it lets so much light into the front entrance. We're really happy with it.

My final days of Kidney tests...

As many of you may recall, I have been participating in a Kidney research study that is trialling a medication that will help stop proteins from leaking into your blood system. I have been taking a new medication for the past eight weeks. On Monday and Tuesday of this week, I spent two days at Toronto General Hospital while they conducted the final tests of the study. It was interesting to see the Ultrasound of my artery in my arm and watch the blood flow following different conditions (with a tight arm band on, after a dose of Nitro Glycerin etc). The doctors told me that they were very happy with the pictures that they were able to get and it would be helpful for their study. I will find out about the results in October and at that point in time will also know if I was taking the drug or a placebo. It was an interesting experience. The above photo is a view that I had from my bed...

What a blessing

Everyday I give thanks to God for the blessings that he has bestowed upon our family. As you can see, Hailey continues to grow into a beautiful little girl. She no longer looks like her sister Jordan and has developed a delightful personality. She is a very happy girl. It's no wonder Jordan talks about her constantly!!

Our vacation with Jordan

What a wonderful week we had! Even though the sun wasn't always shining outside, we felt like it was because of all the fun and laughter that Jordan brought to us on our holidays. We spent time playing soccer, reading stories, playing in the pool and taking walks. You see the world through different eyes when you have a young child with you. We were able to go to the Peterborough Zoo and see the animals and play at the park. Unfortunately it was a little too windy for Jordan to play in the water park, but we'll do that the next time. We are looking forward to Laura and Jay's, Jordan and Hailey's visit on the August long weekend.

My beautiful grandchildren

I picked up Jordan on Friday to join us for a week of vacation. I had a really nice visit with Laura in the morning and then we headed for home. In the early evening, we dropped by at Ron and Anne's and enjoyed a drink by the pond. Jordan enjoyed feeding the fish. Unfortunately we had to spend the evening at the hospital as Dad Helmus got very ill today. He is suffering from severe muscle spasms in his leg between his knee and hip. It was very painful to watch. The doctors have given him some very strong medication to help with the pain and he was able to come home again. I hope and pray that this medication works, because he can't even walk right now because the pain is so great.

On Saturday we slept in because we wanted to ensure that Jordan had a nice relaxing day. We baked Rice Crispy squares together. We had a lot of fun.

We're off on vacation now and will return next week. I hope you all have a wonderful week.

OUCH!!

I fell off the deck today. It was quite by accident and I'm so thankful that Anne was with me or I might have been stuck. We were outside looking at the garden and were on our way back into the house. As you may not be aware, we are missing about 1.5 feet of the deck between that and the house because of the Stucco work. Walking inside - I had just stepped with my left foot into the kitchen when my right foot slipped forward. I hit my right shoulder against the door and somehow jammed my left thumb in an effort to stop the fall but down I went. I had 1 leg in the kitchen and one dangling halfway down. I got a pretty nasty scrape on my leg from the concrete. I'm sure without Anne's help I wouldn't have been able to get up. My leg is pretty stiff and sore, but I think my thumb on my left hand feels worse. Maybe because you use your thumb all the time? Ah well, hopefully it won't hurt my golf game today, but if so, I've got an excuse...

First weekend up north...

Brrrrr, that's all I can say!! We went up North for the long weekend and what a disappointment it was. It was 50 degree's this morning when we woke up and yesterday we had rain all day. Not a great way to start the year that's for sure. It was nice to see that the trailer survived the winter. A few signs of mice, but this time we were much better prepared as I had moved everything up to the top shelf. Ours garden's looked great!! I can't wait to see some of the flowers open. There is very little weeding that needs to be done.

This week I'm on vacation. I'll work in the gardens and get things ready for next week when Jordan comes along with us for a week of holidays. We are so looking forward to our visit together.