Finally after 5 days of a backed up sewer lines unable to wash dishes using the sink, take a shower or simply flush the toilets, which has made it really gross around here, we finally got the frozen sewer pipe opened. It was between the basement pipe inside and the septic line going outside. I now have a whole new respect for the modern convenience of indoor plumbing. We'll probably still have to invest in a new septic system this year but at least we currently have running water throughout the pipes and into the now-pumped-out septic tank. Christmas and Thanksgiving are holidays that apparently are hard on your drains. According to recommendations you should encourage your guests (ok, I say just tell them straight out but nicely) to wait a minimum of 10 minutes between showers/baths so the pipes can drain out. If not, you may be dealing with a congested septic system. The other night when we had out-of-town guests for the weekend, we got in a hurry and didn't wait because we didn't know this 10 minute rule between showers. Grant it, we already had an overtaxed septic system with all the guests from Christmas and a nearly full septic tank at the time, which we were unaware of. Other than being concerned about running out of well water, neither of us thought about the septic system.
To resolve our current situation, we first had to get the septic tank pumped out at the tune of $180 and this still did not resolve our issue because something was blocking the flow into the empty tank. Second, the septic tank specialist told us he would have to get someone to dig up the outside lines so they could assess the situation. They also told me to flush a few times, resulting in an overflowing toilet, more gurgling in the shower and kitchen sink and a real mess on my hands as I'm running around with beach towels and a mop trying to sop up the overflowing toilet. Meanwhile the bathtub in one bathroom and the shower in the other bathroom are both backing up again with even more sludge than the last time.
It is at this point I have to express my gratitude that I married a smart man!!!! My husband did not go for that idea of digging up anything outside until we first tried some other options on the inside. He also knew that there are specialists like Roto-Rooter that have a fiber optic sewer line inspection camera to evaluate rather than digging up the lines. So my hubby went to town for some large plastic buckets and a giant funnel. Then came the nasty job of removing the cover inside the house that runs through to the septic tank outside. Opening the pipe very slowly, we began catching the nasty waste water with a 5-gallon bucket hanging from the pipe. With liquids come solids, right? So, yes, we dealt with poop but at least we could clearly see the problem – a large round blockage of ice. Everything before the blockage has now been drained into buckets. We then have to carry them outside and around the house to transfer it into the septic system using the giant funnel. Next, with much difficulty, we were finally get a plumber that can come out and break up the blockage of ice with a huge machine. It worked well. In less than an hour, we were now free of ice blocking the drain and we are free to flush again! We can take showers again!!! We can do dishes again!!! It was such a relief.
Lesson for the day: Be smart, do your homework and don't jump at an expensive suggestion without doing some research.
There is no place like home and home is where the heart is.
Jan 24, 2011
Life in the Country
Some of you remember my eluding to the learning curve regarding life in the country.
Let's review what we've learned through our rural experience so far:
This weekend we had a new experience. We invited some friends to come out for the weekend but just 20 minutes before they arrived our plumbing backed up and wouldn't drain. I had dishes in the dishwasher that I hadn't done yet and I'm about to finish dinner adding even more dishes. So I can't use the sink because Brian comes to tell me the shower wasn't draining. Since we've moved in we've noticed the gurgling sound that comes from our kitchen sink whenever the washing machine drains and whenever the shower is being used.
We don't know if the septic tank is full or if we have frozen drainage pipes somewhere. In the meantime we entertained our weekend guests with non-flushing bathrooms, which included the guys making use of the rugged outdoors while the gals didn't flush the toilet.
Monday morning rolls around, our guests are gone, we still can't do dishes but the good news is we are able to flush. We chose not to do any dishes yet until we get a professional assessment of the situation.
At this point, I maintain my mantra "There is no place like home and home is where the heart is."
Let's review what we've learned through our rural experience so far:
- We've run out of well water costing $100 to refill -- don't do 5 loads of laundry in one day.
- We've used 75% of the filled propane tank within one month of moving in -- refill cost $500.
- We've had uninvited furry guests coming in out of the cold -- we're still trapping them.
This weekend we had a new experience. We invited some friends to come out for the weekend but just 20 minutes before they arrived our plumbing backed up and wouldn't drain. I had dishes in the dishwasher that I hadn't done yet and I'm about to finish dinner adding even more dishes. So I can't use the sink because Brian comes to tell me the shower wasn't draining. Since we've moved in we've noticed the gurgling sound that comes from our kitchen sink whenever the washing machine drains and whenever the shower is being used.
We don't know if the septic tank is full or if we have frozen drainage pipes somewhere. In the meantime we entertained our weekend guests with non-flushing bathrooms, which included the guys making use of the rugged outdoors while the gals didn't flush the toilet.
Monday morning rolls around, our guests are gone, we still can't do dishes but the good news is we are able to flush. We chose not to do any dishes yet until we get a professional assessment of the situation.
At this point, I maintain my mantra "There is no place like home and home is where the heart is."
Jan 11, 2011
Rural living in Ontario
Adjusting to life in the country and living in Ontario.
Rural living certainly has advantages and disadvantages.
UPSIDE:
Beautiful and serene countrysides
Less stress in my life, opportunity to really become healthy...already lost 7 1/2 pounds in one week (now that the holidays are over) just by changing type and quantity of food consumption.
No traffic to listen to or contend with. We rarely drive near Toronto.
The people make you feel welcomed. Very friendly and eager to help with information or directions or introducing you to other folks. Most shocking is that even the stores and services are friendly, customer focused and go the extra mile.
The weather is better although this year it isn't the norm they are use to but its really not as cold here, even with the snow we've had, compared to out west.
Church only 5 minutes from our house. Almost all our neighbors go there so not only am I meeting the people at church but also getting to know our neighbors.
Groceries are cheaper here, obviously depending upon where you shop. There is at least one house on every road that has something for sale they make, produce or grow. Farm fresh eggs just up the road from us; Firewood readily available most everywhere (we use our wood stove a lot); Fresh fruits and vegetables (in season), locally grown. We are planning to have our own garden this year. We are looking to buy at least a quarter side of beef somewhere. If only I could find fresh milk too that would be awesome.
DOWNSIDE:
Car insurance --- almost three times higher than what we were paying.
Sales tax -- yes, we have to pay higher sales tax on everything!!! That sucks. In July 2010 the the Retail Sales Tax (RST) was replaced by the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). The provincial portion of the HST is 8% and the federal portion is 5% for a combined HST rate of 13% tax.
Internet --- not easily available in this rural area. I still have my turbo stick that works for internet with some limitations. Many people out here can't get internet service because of the signal or the cost of buying a hub $300 plus monthly rental. I'll stick with the turbo stick for awhile but this has forced me to confront my computer addiction and instead of sitting at my computer all day I am more active and have a real social life.
Country critters --- still can't get use to setting traps every night to catch these well-fed country mice. This has become a regular morning routine, going around checking the traps in the morning and resetting them if we've caught one and we have always caught at least one every single day for 2 weeks. Its not fun anymore!!!
Propane --- We just had the tank refilled today, it was over $500 and a bit of a shock. We've used a lot to heat the house the first month....moving into the house with the doors open; making sure our guests were comfortably warm during the holidays plus all the cooking and baking (our stove is propane also).
Electricity -- Haven't got the bill yet but I'm expecting it to be high the first time. Until recently we had company and there were times we had every light in the house on but we are doing much better about turning off lights we aren't really using.
Water -- we have a well so its free BUT we made the mistake of using too much at one time and ran the well dry and had to pay $100 to have water hauled in. Of course, I don't know how much the people used before they moved out. They could have done up all their dirty laundry before they left and then we came in with two weeks of dirty laundry from traveling on the road. I'm learning how to reduce our water consumption (something everyone needs to do). I don't take our resources for granted anymore. I've made simple changes like not letting the water run while I brush my teeth. Conserving water isn't hard it is just a learning experience.
Food -- Planning and traveling for groceries and supplies to make sure we're stocked up.
Although I stocked up for Christmas guests, we also had to re-stock the deep freeze and pantry with the essentials used up before we moved or given away.
*** I'm still glad I moved here and confident it will be positively worth the sacrifices made and the changes we are learning to make in our lives as we adapt to Rural living in Ontario...but still, 'there is no place like home and home is where the heart is'.****
Rural living certainly has advantages and disadvantages.
UPSIDE:
Beautiful and serene countrysides
Less stress in my life, opportunity to really become healthy...already lost 7 1/2 pounds in one week (now that the holidays are over) just by changing type and quantity of food consumption.
No traffic to listen to or contend with. We rarely drive near Toronto.
The people make you feel welcomed. Very friendly and eager to help with information or directions or introducing you to other folks. Most shocking is that even the stores and services are friendly, customer focused and go the extra mile.
The weather is better although this year it isn't the norm they are use to but its really not as cold here, even with the snow we've had, compared to out west.
Church only 5 minutes from our house. Almost all our neighbors go there so not only am I meeting the people at church but also getting to know our neighbors.
Groceries are cheaper here, obviously depending upon where you shop. There is at least one house on every road that has something for sale they make, produce or grow. Farm fresh eggs just up the road from us; Firewood readily available most everywhere (we use our wood stove a lot); Fresh fruits and vegetables (in season), locally grown. We are planning to have our own garden this year. We are looking to buy at least a quarter side of beef somewhere. If only I could find fresh milk too that would be awesome.
DOWNSIDE:
Car insurance --- almost three times higher than what we were paying.
Sales tax -- yes, we have to pay higher sales tax on everything!!! That sucks. In July 2010 the the Retail Sales Tax (RST) was replaced by the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). The provincial portion of the HST is 8% and the federal portion is 5% for a combined HST rate of 13% tax.
Internet --- not easily available in this rural area. I still have my turbo stick that works for internet with some limitations. Many people out here can't get internet service because of the signal or the cost of buying a hub $300 plus monthly rental. I'll stick with the turbo stick for awhile but this has forced me to confront my computer addiction and instead of sitting at my computer all day I am more active and have a real social life.
Country critters --- still can't get use to setting traps every night to catch these well-fed country mice. This has become a regular morning routine, going around checking the traps in the morning and resetting them if we've caught one and we have always caught at least one every single day for 2 weeks. Its not fun anymore!!!
Propane --- We just had the tank refilled today, it was over $500 and a bit of a shock. We've used a lot to heat the house the first month....moving into the house with the doors open; making sure our guests were comfortably warm during the holidays plus all the cooking and baking (our stove is propane also).
Electricity -- Haven't got the bill yet but I'm expecting it to be high the first time. Until recently we had company and there were times we had every light in the house on but we are doing much better about turning off lights we aren't really using.
Water -- we have a well so its free BUT we made the mistake of using too much at one time and ran the well dry and had to pay $100 to have water hauled in. Of course, I don't know how much the people used before they moved out. They could have done up all their dirty laundry before they left and then we came in with two weeks of dirty laundry from traveling on the road. I'm learning how to reduce our water consumption (something everyone needs to do). I don't take our resources for granted anymore. I've made simple changes like not letting the water run while I brush my teeth. Conserving water isn't hard it is just a learning experience.
Food -- Planning and traveling for groceries and supplies to make sure we're stocked up.
Although I stocked up for Christmas guests, we also had to re-stock the deep freeze and pantry with the essentials used up before we moved or given away.
*** I'm still glad I moved here and confident it will be positively worth the sacrifices made and the changes we are learning to make in our lives as we adapt to Rural living in Ontario...but still, 'there is no place like home and home is where the heart is'.****
Jan 7, 2011
Divine Guidance
I get excited when I see God working in mysterious ways. Sometimes it seems like a coincidence but I believe in divine guidance leading us to divine appointments.
Since I wasn’t feeling well today I felt an urge to go for a walk to get some fresh air. Though the temperature was warm enough for a nice walk, I still struggled with the decision whether to go or not. I couldn’t shake the urge to go and that my husband should go with me.
Fresh fallen snow glistened under the warm, bright sunshine this afternoon as Brian and I set out on a walk to the end of the road and back. We never got to the end of the road and in fact, we didn’t get very far when we found ourselves passing a neighbour’s house just up the road from us. A woman came out to check on her barking dog. We introduced ourselves to one another and started talking. An hour later we had met her husband and one of her daughters while still standing outside in the fresh air. We discovered some interesting facts about our community. We were also surprised to find out that the wind turbines were not as close as we originally thought. Even though they look like they are almost in the field right behind us, they are really about 100 yards away, directly across from the Thiessen’s home. Even when we were driving down the road we never noticed it until we actually walked by them and stopped in front of their house.
Turns out there were many remarkable things regarding our meeting of our neighbours Bill & Hilda Thiessen. We realized that we had met Bill before. Ironically on the same day Brian was at Canadian Tire in Simcoe on an interview/store tour, Bill came in as a customer. I had just shown up seconds before to see if Brian was done with the interview. I remember while we were standing there on the sales floor meeting the manager, customer Bill Thiessen walked up to Brian (who wasn't officially employed yet) and Brian asked, "Can we help you find something". That was before we even moved into the house. Now meeting Bill this afternoon he told us he doesn’t really know why he went into the store in Simcoe that day. He said he remembered Brian because he thought how much Brian looked like his brother-in-law. Another interesting thing is that that Bill and Hilda built their own home and use to build a lot of houses before Bill’s accident. Now he runs the security on all the wind turbines in the area plus they own a few themselves.
Another ironic connection other than the carpentry craft they have in common is that Bill and Hilda want their kitchen refinished but Bill can’t do that kind of work anymore, although he has a huge supply of wood in his sawmill. They also go to the community church around the corner where we’ve considered going. Their son is the pastor there. One of their daughters does physical therapy from home across the road from her parents, which is also owned by the Thiessens.
They told us about our neighbours. One of them up the road sells farm fresh eggs. Although we stood outside talking for over an hour I wasn’t cold but then snow began falling heavier and heavier until we were all covered in white stuff and I noticed that Hilda was shivering. Finally we had to end the conversation and get back home and let these folks go back inside.
The snow is falling heavy now covering the countryside. I’ve never heard such quiet before. It’s beautiful and so peaceful here. So many emotions flood over me as I stand on my front porch looking across the empty field to the farmhouses barely visible. It reminds me of a painting by Courier and Ives, the style my mother loved to paint. This setting would have been one of her beautiful landscapes if she were alive to see us now. I am filled with gratitude and awe that I am really here in this gorgeous setting.
It seems like a dream that I should wake up from. Now as I sit by the warm, crackling fire, I am filled with joy that God has blessed me with this beautiful home in this serene location. I’m taking in everything to appreciate the “now” moment and all that is included with that. I believe every day will be filled with anticipation of the new things God will bring to light as He continues to amaze and enlighten me.
Charlotte
There is no place like home and home is where the heart is.
Since I wasn’t feeling well today I felt an urge to go for a walk to get some fresh air. Though the temperature was warm enough for a nice walk, I still struggled with the decision whether to go or not. I couldn’t shake the urge to go and that my husband should go with me.
Fresh fallen snow glistened under the warm, bright sunshine this afternoon as Brian and I set out on a walk to the end of the road and back. We never got to the end of the road and in fact, we didn’t get very far when we found ourselves passing a neighbour’s house just up the road from us. A woman came out to check on her barking dog. We introduced ourselves to one another and started talking. An hour later we had met her husband and one of her daughters while still standing outside in the fresh air. We discovered some interesting facts about our community. We were also surprised to find out that the wind turbines were not as close as we originally thought. Even though they look like they are almost in the field right behind us, they are really about 100 yards away, directly across from the Thiessen’s home. Even when we were driving down the road we never noticed it until we actually walked by them and stopped in front of their house.
Turns out there were many remarkable things regarding our meeting of our neighbours Bill & Hilda Thiessen. We realized that we had met Bill before. Ironically on the same day Brian was at Canadian Tire in Simcoe on an interview/store tour, Bill came in as a customer. I had just shown up seconds before to see if Brian was done with the interview. I remember while we were standing there on the sales floor meeting the manager, customer Bill Thiessen walked up to Brian (who wasn't officially employed yet) and Brian asked, "Can we help you find something". That was before we even moved into the house. Now meeting Bill this afternoon he told us he doesn’t really know why he went into the store in Simcoe that day. He said he remembered Brian because he thought how much Brian looked like his brother-in-law. Another interesting thing is that that Bill and Hilda built their own home and use to build a lot of houses before Bill’s accident. Now he runs the security on all the wind turbines in the area plus they own a few themselves.
Another ironic connection other than the carpentry craft they have in common is that Bill and Hilda want their kitchen refinished but Bill can’t do that kind of work anymore, although he has a huge supply of wood in his sawmill. They also go to the community church around the corner where we’ve considered going. Their son is the pastor there. One of their daughters does physical therapy from home across the road from her parents, which is also owned by the Thiessens.
They told us about our neighbours. One of them up the road sells farm fresh eggs. Although we stood outside talking for over an hour I wasn’t cold but then snow began falling heavier and heavier until we were all covered in white stuff and I noticed that Hilda was shivering. Finally we had to end the conversation and get back home and let these folks go back inside.
The snow is falling heavy now covering the countryside. I’ve never heard such quiet before. It’s beautiful and so peaceful here. So many emotions flood over me as I stand on my front porch looking across the empty field to the farmhouses barely visible. It reminds me of a painting by Courier and Ives, the style my mother loved to paint. This setting would have been one of her beautiful landscapes if she were alive to see us now. I am filled with gratitude and awe that I am really here in this gorgeous setting.
It seems like a dream that I should wake up from. Now as I sit by the warm, crackling fire, I am filled with joy that God has blessed me with this beautiful home in this serene location. I’m taking in everything to appreciate the “now” moment and all that is included with that. I believe every day will be filled with anticipation of the new things God will bring to light as He continues to amaze and enlighten me.
Charlotte
There is no place like home and home is where the heart is.
Groupon, the new coupon
Hi. I've discovered the new coupon shopping plan using our techno world. Have you ever heard of Groupon? I recommend it. If you decide to participate be sure to let me be the one that recommended it to you and I will get $10.00. Here is my referral www.groupon.com/r/uu14275021
I recently paid $35 CAN for $100 USD worth of Photo Books, Cards, and Calendars at Picaboo.
I also bought the groupon to the Railway City Brewery to get a tour, three samples and a $20 gift certificate for the price of $10.00.
I'm not wanting to advertise for any particular business but I'm trying to say this new wave of coupons online was on TV and hitting popular status for online shopping.
I recently paid $35 CAN for $100 USD worth of Photo Books, Cards, and Calendars at Picaboo.
I also bought the groupon to the Railway City Brewery to get a tour, three samples and a $20 gift certificate for the price of $10.00.
I'm not wanting to advertise for any particular business but I'm trying to say this new wave of coupons online was on TV and hitting popular status for online shopping.
Jan 2, 2011
Our Family Christmas 2010
Naturally I have a story to tell about the funny side of our family Christmas in the new house.
Two days before my son and his family arrive, the well runs dry. We have to make a call to some guy who hauls in water to refill the well. In the meantime We have to inform our guests that we have a shower schedule with only 2 showers per day. Dishes were done on a regular basis with limited use of the dishwasher and laundry. Its just when you have a house full of people rural living becomes a slight inconvenience.
The first evening the kids were here, I found a surprise in the pantry. We have mice!!! My husband says, 'you live in the country now, get over it'. So as I take everything out of the pantry I'm worrying about how many we might have, how they got in and how do I get rid of them quick because its unsanitary. I put all the food from the pantry into plastic bins. The next day we pick up Haylie from the airport while Coley goes into town to pick up mousetraps. I set the mousetraps up despite sudden flashbacks of the movie, "Mousetrap".
Haylie's family couldn't make it. She faced the fear of flying and came on her own. It was so incredible to see her for the first time in three years. She looked fantastic. Coming across the border we stopped at the Duty Free. We soon found out why that wasn't a good idea for us. We didn't know that you had to be in one country at least 48 hours to buy something duty free. So we ended up paying an extra $60.00 on top of the items we purchased to get a discount. That was about a 20 minute delay but after six hours round trip, we made it back to celebrate Fawn's birthday after dinner.
We found out the hard way that if you don't put out your garage along the designated side of the road, the garbage truck won't even stop. Not only did we miss the garbage pickup once, but twice. My husband said "The last time they came around 1:00 in the afternoon". No sooner had he said that when the garbage truck zoomed by about 9:00 Monday morning. Now we have 3 weeks of garbage stashed in the workshop/garage. Its even funnier when you think about the mice issue combined with growing garbage. Its like swimming upstream? Trash day is tomorrow and the mousetraps have been keeping busy.
Christmas Eve, with everyone in bed, I slipped on the ice outside while taking out the trash and sprained my right ankle. Ironically that was almost exactly 2 years to the day when I slipped on ice and broke my left ankle. I hobbled up the stairs outside, grabbed some ice and a wrapped my ankle. I managed to get up the stairs to the bedroom. The next day I told everyone what happened and was I ever sore on Christmas day but I had lots of help from my family while I rolled around in an office chair. We had fun in spite of it.
Within a couple of days my ankle was good to walk around at the light festival in Simcoe we all piled into two cars and drove into town. It was really cold and a slight breeze made it feel even cooler. It was memorable for the grandkids especially.
My family really liked the new house. I think they felt right at home. Sage and Teddi got along like best buddies running through the house together. Sierra and Teddi (the dogs) don't get along so we have to follow the changing of the dogs' routine. We only had one near attack but it was diverted.
We did a lot of driving this past week. Brian drove to meet his sister half way so he could pick up his mom and bring her back to our place for a couple of days. Coley, Fawn and the kids left Tuesday morning. On Wednesday Haylie, Brian and I drove Isobel home, about 8 hours round trip. Haylie and I managed to get in some shopping on the way back. We also went shopping in Simcoe right before she left. We drove her back to Detroit to catch her plane on New Years day.
It was the best Christmas ever. Having my family all together is all I wanted. I am so thankful to God for answering my prayers.
There is no place like home and home is where the heart is.
Two days before my son and his family arrive, the well runs dry. We have to make a call to some guy who hauls in water to refill the well. In the meantime We have to inform our guests that we have a shower schedule with only 2 showers per day. Dishes were done on a regular basis with limited use of the dishwasher and laundry. Its just when you have a house full of people rural living becomes a slight inconvenience.
The first evening the kids were here, I found a surprise in the pantry. We have mice!!! My husband says, 'you live in the country now, get over it'. So as I take everything out of the pantry I'm worrying about how many we might have, how they got in and how do I get rid of them quick because its unsanitary. I put all the food from the pantry into plastic bins. The next day we pick up Haylie from the airport while Coley goes into town to pick up mousetraps. I set the mousetraps up despite sudden flashbacks of the movie, "Mousetrap".
Haylie's family couldn't make it. She faced the fear of flying and came on her own. It was so incredible to see her for the first time in three years. She looked fantastic. Coming across the border we stopped at the Duty Free. We soon found out why that wasn't a good idea for us. We didn't know that you had to be in one country at least 48 hours to buy something duty free. So we ended up paying an extra $60.00 on top of the items we purchased to get a discount. That was about a 20 minute delay but after six hours round trip, we made it back to celebrate Fawn's birthday after dinner.
We found out the hard way that if you don't put out your garage along the designated side of the road, the garbage truck won't even stop. Not only did we miss the garbage pickup once, but twice. My husband said "The last time they came around 1:00 in the afternoon". No sooner had he said that when the garbage truck zoomed by about 9:00 Monday morning. Now we have 3 weeks of garbage stashed in the workshop/garage. Its even funnier when you think about the mice issue combined with growing garbage. Its like swimming upstream? Trash day is tomorrow and the mousetraps have been keeping busy.
Christmas Eve, with everyone in bed, I slipped on the ice outside while taking out the trash and sprained my right ankle. Ironically that was almost exactly 2 years to the day when I slipped on ice and broke my left ankle. I hobbled up the stairs outside, grabbed some ice and a wrapped my ankle. I managed to get up the stairs to the bedroom. The next day I told everyone what happened and was I ever sore on Christmas day but I had lots of help from my family while I rolled around in an office chair. We had fun in spite of it.
Within a couple of days my ankle was good to walk around at the light festival in Simcoe we all piled into two cars and drove into town. It was really cold and a slight breeze made it feel even cooler. It was memorable for the grandkids especially.
My family really liked the new house. I think they felt right at home. Sage and Teddi got along like best buddies running through the house together. Sierra and Teddi (the dogs) don't get along so we have to follow the changing of the dogs' routine. We only had one near attack but it was diverted.
We did a lot of driving this past week. Brian drove to meet his sister half way so he could pick up his mom and bring her back to our place for a couple of days. Coley, Fawn and the kids left Tuesday morning. On Wednesday Haylie, Brian and I drove Isobel home, about 8 hours round trip. Haylie and I managed to get in some shopping on the way back. We also went shopping in Simcoe right before she left. We drove her back to Detroit to catch her plane on New Years day.
It was the best Christmas ever. Having my family all together is all I wanted. I am so thankful to God for answering my prayers.
There is no place like home and home is where the heart is.
2010 completed
Today is the first day of the first month of a new decade...Jan 1, 2011. For me, the end of a decade is complete.
Christmas is over and the kids have all gone home. It was my best Christmas in 25 years. I just moved into my new home in the country. Now I'm left with a mixture of sadness, relief and curiosity.
Sadness that the pursuit of my dream is completed. I have longed to have an old-fashioned Christmas with my children and grandchildren. I have also longed to live in the country. Now I have a new home, living in a new province, living in the country.
Relief that I can actually rest now and start to enjoy the comfort of my new house and life in Ontario. I've just completed a major accomplishment and deserve to sit back and enjoy it. I want to finish setting up my decor while getting comfortable with my new surroundings, learning the lay of the land, meeting new people. No matter what I do, I know I will be taking a nice break to enjoy simple life for awhile, destressed, calm and relaxed, I deserve it.
Curiosity toward my future. What new adventures await me? What goals and dreams to aspire to?I'm open to the beginning of a new chapter in my life....
....to be continued!
There is no place like home and home is where the heart is.
Christmas is over and the kids have all gone home. It was my best Christmas in 25 years. I just moved into my new home in the country. Now I'm left with a mixture of sadness, relief and curiosity.
Sadness that the pursuit of my dream is completed. I have longed to have an old-fashioned Christmas with my children and grandchildren. I have also longed to live in the country. Now I have a new home, living in a new province, living in the country.
Relief that I can actually rest now and start to enjoy the comfort of my new house and life in Ontario. I've just completed a major accomplishment and deserve to sit back and enjoy it. I want to finish setting up my decor while getting comfortable with my new surroundings, learning the lay of the land, meeting new people. No matter what I do, I know I will be taking a nice break to enjoy simple life for awhile, destressed, calm and relaxed, I deserve it.
Curiosity toward my future. What new adventures await me? What goals and dreams to aspire to?I'm open to the beginning of a new chapter in my life....
....to be continued!
There is no place like home and home is where the heart is.
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