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.
Dec 19, 2010
Theres no place like home!
Well, we are finally in our new house and loving it!!! It has been a crazy adventure from day one.
After being in our new house a little over one week, we now have almost finished unpacking, setting up the decorating touches and are almost ready for Christmas.
It has been a crazy but I think we are starting to finally unwind just before the kids all come home for Christmas.
So exciting....got to get the new photos uploaded.
After being in our new house a little over one week, we now have almost finished unpacking, setting up the decorating touches and are almost ready for Christmas.
It has been a crazy but I think we are starting to finally unwind just before the kids all come home for Christmas.
So exciting....got to get the new photos uploaded.
Dec 7, 2010
Simcoe, Ontario
Well, another Charlotte story to tell.
Sunday morning Brian and I packed up. My son told us about a fantastic place in Grand Haven to have breakfast, Morning Star Cafe. So we piled into our individual cars and met at the cafe for breakfast. It was outstanding!!! Then we headed on our way from there. .
We drove to Detroit, Michigan to the airport so we could get familiar with it for when we pick up Haylie, Sean and Chloe flying in from Kansas on Christmas eve morning. We found the airport without any trouble but when we tried to find the bridge or the tunnel to cross over to Windsor, Ontario, we missed them completely. We followed our GPS and it tried to take us back to the Port Huron/Sarnia crossing, which was way out of our way. We lost an hour just getting back on track and finally crossing over to Windsor.
We were heading to Rob & Michelle's house in Brantford for the night but when we hit London, Ontario we called them and cancelled our plans. We drove right into a horrible blizzard with white out conditions and traffic was crawling on the 401 heading East. We could see there were at least 10 cars in the ditch and guard rail plus a semi jack-knifed and there were tons of emergency vehicles on the other side of the highway. They were diverting westward traffic off the 401 to the 402. We finally got off the 401 near Ingersoll, driving to Tillsonburg and took the #3 to Simcoe. It was really scary driving in this awful stuff. London hasn't seen this kind of storm for 30 years the news said shutting down schools and roads with 4 - 5 feet of snow blown in from Lake Huron.
We found a really cheap motel room with a kitchenette just west of Simcoe called "Fairview Motel". They have weekly rates so we booked the room for four nights and are staying here since Monday till Friday morning. I'm looking for a job but this is a difficult time of year to get work.
Brian got hired by Canadian Tire basically before we moved, they just wanted to see him for a face to face interview but with his background they snatched him up and made a place for him. We arranged our cell phones to be changed to local numbers; we're arranging house insurance and have a meeting with the lawyers on Thursday; I found a hair salon today and finally caved -- wiped out the gray roots and got it cut and styled -- I feel like a million bucks right now.....it was just the pep in my step that I needed.
The weather has me a little worried though -- the snow just won't stop coming down. Everyone here is shocked and caught off guard. They haven't seen this much snow in years. Anyone who has ever heard my 'whenever I move' story in the past, may be thinking, 'oh yeah, Char did it again!'.....just when we move here they get a freak snow storm. LOL
A few more days and we'll be in our house. Worrying a bit about how this weather is going to affect delivery of our furniture but all I can do is pray and trust the Lord to handle this. Hoping we get everything taken care of that needs to be done. So excited. The next time you hear from me, we will be IN our new house and hopefully I'll have a job.
Sunday morning Brian and I packed up. My son told us about a fantastic place in Grand Haven to have breakfast, Morning Star Cafe. So we piled into our individual cars and met at the cafe for breakfast. It was outstanding!!! Then we headed on our way from there. .
We drove to Detroit, Michigan to the airport so we could get familiar with it for when we pick up Haylie, Sean and Chloe flying in from Kansas on Christmas eve morning. We found the airport without any trouble but when we tried to find the bridge or the tunnel to cross over to Windsor, Ontario, we missed them completely. We followed our GPS and it tried to take us back to the Port Huron/Sarnia crossing, which was way out of our way. We lost an hour just getting back on track and finally crossing over to Windsor.
We were heading to Rob & Michelle's house in Brantford for the night but when we hit London, Ontario we called them and cancelled our plans. We drove right into a horrible blizzard with white out conditions and traffic was crawling on the 401 heading East. We could see there were at least 10 cars in the ditch and guard rail plus a semi jack-knifed and there were tons of emergency vehicles on the other side of the highway. They were diverting westward traffic off the 401 to the 402. We finally got off the 401 near Ingersoll, driving to Tillsonburg and took the #3 to Simcoe. It was really scary driving in this awful stuff. London hasn't seen this kind of storm for 30 years the news said shutting down schools and roads with 4 - 5 feet of snow blown in from Lake Huron.
We found a really cheap motel room with a kitchenette just west of Simcoe called "Fairview Motel". They have weekly rates so we booked the room for four nights and are staying here since Monday till Friday morning. I'm looking for a job but this is a difficult time of year to get work.
Brian got hired by Canadian Tire basically before we moved, they just wanted to see him for a face to face interview but with his background they snatched him up and made a place for him. We arranged our cell phones to be changed to local numbers; we're arranging house insurance and have a meeting with the lawyers on Thursday; I found a hair salon today and finally caved -- wiped out the gray roots and got it cut and styled -- I feel like a million bucks right now.....it was just the pep in my step that I needed.
The weather has me a little worried though -- the snow just won't stop coming down. Everyone here is shocked and caught off guard. They haven't seen this much snow in years. Anyone who has ever heard my 'whenever I move' story in the past, may be thinking, 'oh yeah, Char did it again!'.....just when we move here they get a freak snow storm. LOL
A few more days and we'll be in our house. Worrying a bit about how this weather is going to affect delivery of our furniture but all I can do is pray and trust the Lord to handle this. Hoping we get everything taken care of that needs to be done. So excited. The next time you hear from me, we will be IN our new house and hopefully I'll have a job.
Dec 4, 2010
Grand Haven, Michigan
So we are in Grand Haven, Michigan and Sage is sitting on my lap while we look at pictures on my laptop. Snuggling with Sage, watching Toy Story together, hiding in a blanket tent, eating fruit loops, read "Curious George", wearing his Spiderman costume we bought him.
Today Grandpa and Sage built a snow-woman. The final touches were a little unusual -- a coconut bra and a grass skirt. We later decided it would be great to put both arms going the same direction like "she" was doing the hula. So funny!
We've been here since Thursday afternoon and will be leaving on Sunday heading to Ontario.
Today Grandpa and Sage built a snow-woman. The final touches were a little unusual -- a coconut bra and a grass skirt. We later decided it would be great to put both arms going the same direction like "she" was doing the hula. So funny!
We've been here since Thursday afternoon and will be leaving on Sunday heading to Ontario.
Dec 1, 2010
Davenport, Iowa and Genosea, Illinois
We spent the day driving across the state of Iowa. Now staying in Geneseo,Illinois, just outside Davenport, Iowa. A much better day for driving today and the scenery was better too -- at least Iowa has something to look at. We are only 5 hours from Grand Haven, Michigan and should be there tomorrow afternoon. Can't wait to see our grandbabies.
Nov 30, 2010
North Souix City, South Dakota
Drove across the cold, windy state of South Dakota. Staying tonight at the Comfort Inn. We have almost re-charged our physical batteries even though driving 6 hours a day seems like it too much, its kind of a nice change. I just can't believe how friggin' cold and windy it is here in South Dakota. I've got wind burns on my face but after meeting a homeless woman tonight, I am counting my blessings!!! This woman and her family are staying at the motel because a tornado destroyed their house this year. They were living in their motor home until winter arrived, now they're living in the motel until their house is rebuilt. She said it took this long to finally get the insurance to settle up and the house is just getting started to be rebuilt so they have another 6 months living in the motel.
I think we need to all look around us and thank God for what we have. No matter what we have to complain about, there is always someone next to us that has it worse off. I'm so thankful for everything we have.
I think we need to all look around us and thank God for what we have. No matter what we have to complain about, there is always someone next to us that has it worse off. I'm so thankful for everything we have.
Rapid City, South Dakota
Arrived in Rapid City for an early check in. We are still catching up on rest. With the weather issues we decided to call it an early day. Staying at the AmericInn, which we do not recommend. We went to dinner at Arnold's Classic Diner. Then went to the movies to see the new Harry Potter movie. The snow stopped but the wind is horrible here.
Nov 29, 2010
New Chapter - Moving Forward
After two of the most stressful and physically taxing days that I can ever remember, we are finally on our way to our new life in Ontario. We left Larry & Grace’s place (The Pioneer Bed & Breakfast – Irricana, Alberta) at 7:00 a.m., stopped for a coffee at Tim Horton’s as we left Calgary.
Saturday evening we arrived at Billings, Montana around 6:00 p.m. and checked into the Dude Rancher Lodge. We know it will be several days to get over the exhaustion and stress but we are starting to relax. We asked the front desk for a recommendation for dinner, which we were thrilled that we took her advice. The Montana Brewing Company is a truly unique place to dine. This brewpub is known for an incredible home-style menu and a full bar featuring special microbrews. We now also recommend it if you ever visit Billings, Montana.
We woke up on Sunday morning to heavy snow coming down. After a nice breakfast, we filled up with gas we started out for Rapid City, South Dakota. Unfortunately the weather worsened as continued, pressing through carefully. We made it over the pass from Billings, Montana on I-90 but we only got as far as Sheridan, Wyoming due to the blizzard. We are stuck here for the night at the Quality Inn, which turned out to be just fine with us -- nice hotel. Our room has a lazy boy recliner, which gave us a much needed feeling of home. If you are ever in Sheridan, Wyoming, eat at Los Agaves restaurant -- truly authentic Mexican food -- I was completely satisfied.
Monday, Nov 29th, we are planning to head to Rapid City, South Dakota because of the weather that is as far as we can probably go until the storm passes through this area.
Saturday evening we arrived at Billings, Montana around 6:00 p.m. and checked into the Dude Rancher Lodge. We know it will be several days to get over the exhaustion and stress but we are starting to relax. We asked the front desk for a recommendation for dinner, which we were thrilled that we took her advice. The Montana Brewing Company is a truly unique place to dine. This brewpub is known for an incredible home-style menu and a full bar featuring special microbrews. We now also recommend it if you ever visit Billings, Montana.
We woke up on Sunday morning to heavy snow coming down. After a nice breakfast, we filled up with gas we started out for Rapid City, South Dakota. Unfortunately the weather worsened as continued, pressing through carefully. We made it over the pass from Billings, Montana on I-90 but we only got as far as Sheridan, Wyoming due to the blizzard. We are stuck here for the night at the Quality Inn, which turned out to be just fine with us -- nice hotel. Our room has a lazy boy recliner, which gave us a much needed feeling of home. If you are ever in Sheridan, Wyoming, eat at Los Agaves restaurant -- truly authentic Mexican food -- I was completely satisfied.
Monday, Nov 29th, we are planning to head to Rapid City, South Dakota because of the weather that is as far as we can probably go until the storm passes through this area.
Oct 8, 2010
Home Inspection
Rained all day! That, however, was a good thing because today was the day the home inspector looked over the house we want to buy. Our Realtor, Lisa Vandenbussche, picked us up at the campsite and took us to the new house to meet with the inspector and the other Realtor. I took a lot of photos while Brian stayed right close to the home inspector, who is very anal about the details. He really takes his time and I can tell you that Mike Holmes would be proud and give a thumbs up to this guy I’m sure.
It felt good to be back in the house again. I was so comfortable in this house. I felt like I could have just stayed right there and call it home. I like the way the owners had decorated it too. There isn’t much I would change at all but with the photos I’ve taken I shouldn’t have any problem figuring out what I’m going to do. Just hope everything goes okay and we can get it sooner than later.
This evening, is our last night camping in the motorhome.
Oct 4, 2010
Long Point Provincial Park
We left Brian's mother's house this afternoon. It was very sad, she walked us outside and hugged us both and said, ‘I haven’t felt this bad since Susan went off to college’. We hugged her again and reminded her that once we get moved we would be coming up to visit her every month and she should work on her monthly ‘to do’ list for Brian. I felt bad having to say goodbye and leave her all alone. She had travel plans coming up in a day or two so she had something to look forward to with her bridge group. I still can’t believe Isobel is 83 years old.
We arrived at Long Point Provincial Park and it was raining for the last hour of the drive. It was dark by the time we got here so we can't even see where we are until tomorrow morning when we get up. It is not something I recommend when setting up camp!!!! Thankfully we found a few "pull-through" sites because there is no way I was going to direct Brian in backing up this motorhome in the dark AND in the rain to boot. As it was I had to get out of the motorhome, and with my little flashlight act like an air traffic controller, to direct him through the site till we could get it parked. I basically walked ahead of him in the rain as he followed me driving the motorhome like a lost puppy!!! Men!!! Just get out and check out the sites with a flashlight because I want to 'get er done' and obviously it can't be done from the road when you can't see 2 feet in front of you!!! It was funny but a bit frustrating.
Tomorrow our Realtor will pick us up at Long Point and drive us to the new house where we are meeting the home inspector. I'm anxious to see it again and hopefully take a few of my own photos of the inside of the house.
Interestingly I met a man at the campground tonight who just happens to live just down the road from where we'll be living if we get the house.
We arrived at Long Point Provincial Park and it was raining for the last hour of the drive. It was dark by the time we got here so we can't even see where we are until tomorrow morning when we get up. It is not something I recommend when setting up camp!!!! Thankfully we found a few "pull-through" sites because there is no way I was going to direct Brian in backing up this motorhome in the dark AND in the rain to boot. As it was I had to get out of the motorhome, and with my little flashlight act like an air traffic controller, to direct him through the site till we could get it parked. I basically walked ahead of him in the rain as he followed me driving the motorhome like a lost puppy!!! Men!!! Just get out and check out the sites with a flashlight because I want to 'get er done' and obviously it can't be done from the road when you can't see 2 feet in front of you!!! It was funny but a bit frustrating.
Tomorrow our Realtor will pick us up at Long Point and drive us to the new house where we are meeting the home inspector. I'm anxious to see it again and hopefully take a few of my own photos of the inside of the house.
Interestingly I met a man at the campground tonight who just happens to live just down the road from where we'll be living if we get the house.
Oct 3, 2010
Visiting Brian's Mother - Part 3
Sunday morning we went to church with Isobel. We were not expected to see Brian's uncle and aunt but it was really a nice treat. After church we all went to lunch together at Kelsey's Restaurant.
Before we went home, Brian suggested that we take a "Sunday drive" to see the countryside. The leaves were turning and quite beautiful. Of course there were moments when we stopped for a couple of photo shoots.
When we came home, Mom wanted me to help her plant her tulip and daffodil bulbs in the garden that Brian had cleaned out. Teddi enjoyed the backyard with me. It was a gorgeous sunny afternoon and felt good to be outside.
Isobel asked if we liked Pizza for dinner. She said it would take 50 - 60 minutes. We asked, 'what kind of pizza is it that takes almost an hour...are you sure you read that correctly'? She came back and said, 'Yes, it says 50 - 60 minutes.' Later when dinner was ready, his mother said, 'oh, it wasn't pizza, it was lasagna'. We had a good laugh about that.
We are packing up a few things because we are planning to leave tomorrow and drive to Long Point to camp for a couple of nights. We have a home inspection for our new house coming up soon.
Before we went home, Brian suggested that we take a "Sunday drive" to see the countryside. The leaves were turning and quite beautiful. Of course there were moments when we stopped for a couple of photo shoots.
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| Can you believe she is 83? |
When we came home, Mom wanted me to help her plant her tulip and daffodil bulbs in the garden that Brian had cleaned out. Teddi enjoyed the backyard with me. It was a gorgeous sunny afternoon and felt good to be outside.
Isobel asked if we liked Pizza for dinner. She said it would take 50 - 60 minutes. We asked, 'what kind of pizza is it that takes almost an hour...are you sure you read that correctly'? She came back and said, 'Yes, it says 50 - 60 minutes.' Later when dinner was ready, his mother said, 'oh, it wasn't pizza, it was lasagna'. We had a good laugh about that.
We are packing up a few things because we are planning to leave tomorrow and drive to Long Point to camp for a couple of nights. We have a home inspection for our new house coming up soon.
Oct 2, 2010
Visiting Brian's Family
Brian and I went to the Casino Rama to celebrate his birthday. We didn't win anything but at least we kept playing a few slots for a couple of hours. That was fun. Then we went to dinner and played a couple of more slots and got home late last night.
Today Brian and I borrowed mom's car to drive to Barrie for breakfast with his sister. We ate at Cora's Restaurant Breakfast & Lunch, which we loved the food and experience but we had never heard of this place before. Ironically we looked online and discovered there is at least one in Calgary.
After breakfast, it was a trip to Costco to look for Miche covers but they didn't have anymore. After shopping we followed Susan to the Springwater Provincial Park, which is a year-round, day use, recreation class park located just outside the City of Barrie.
Susan planned this outing because her son, Ryan, was home from college and would be meeting us there along with her daughter, Shannon and husband, Murray. This was a great idea to take photos of all of us. Susan, like me, is into pictures and she is much better at scrapbooking than I am. Springwater park has trails and the Native Animal Display Trail houses live bears, wolves, owls and swans in the wildlife display areas. We enjoyed spending a couple of hours together as a family.
Today Brian and I borrowed mom's car to drive to Barrie for breakfast with his sister. We ate at Cora's Restaurant Breakfast & Lunch, which we loved the food and experience but we had never heard of this place before. Ironically we looked online and discovered there is at least one in Calgary.
After breakfast, it was a trip to Costco to look for Miche covers but they didn't have anymore. After shopping we followed Susan to the Springwater Provincial Park, which is a year-round, day use, recreation class park located just outside the City of Barrie.
Susan planned this outing because her son, Ryan, was home from college and would be meeting us there along with her daughter, Shannon and husband, Murray. This was a great idea to take photos of all of us. Susan, like me, is into pictures and she is much better at scrapbooking than I am. Springwater park has trails and the Native Animal Display Trail houses live bears, wolves, owls and swans in the wildlife display areas. We enjoyed spending a couple of hours together as a family.
Visiting Brian's Mother - Part 2
Brian and I took Mom for dinner at Eastside Marios to meet up with his sister and our neice. We were celebrating both Shannon and Brian's birthdays.
We found out they accepted our offer on the new house pending a couple of conditions. We will be leave Mom's place and head to Long Point. We should be able to take a second look at the new house. After the inspection this will be our last opportunity to change our mind basically or confirm 100% that we want to be there.
On Brian's birthday, I made breakfast for everyone. Then his mom decided today was the day for him to do all these things on her "to do" list! She had him vacuum, repair a curtain rod and hang curtains, dig up part of her overgrown garden. I joined in and cleaned the kitchen for her trying to wash away all the grease build up, trying to reduce the clutter and asked where things should go. I did push to get the compost put away instead of leaving it on the counter in a foil pan where there were at least 50 fruit flies buzzing. After it got dumped, Mom kept the nasty pan and put it back on the counter unwashed. Of course the fruit flies stayed to wait for their next meal. Brian drove her to the bank and around town to run errands. She took us out for lunch. Mom might be on paid medication but that doesn't seem to slow her down. She just continues to putter around even though we are here to help her. We've quit trying to get her to relax. His mother is the queen of recycling -- I should try to have something made up for her one day that actually says that. One of her friends was picking her up to go play Bridge so we had the evening to ourselves.
Me and my lovely neice, Shannon
Brian and his mom
On Brian's birthday, I made breakfast for everyone. Then his mom decided today was the day for him to do all these things on her "to do" list! She had him vacuum, repair a curtain rod and hang curtains, dig up part of her overgrown garden. I joined in and cleaned the kitchen for her trying to wash away all the grease build up, trying to reduce the clutter and asked where things should go. I did push to get the compost put away instead of leaving it on the counter in a foil pan where there were at least 50 fruit flies buzzing. After it got dumped, Mom kept the nasty pan and put it back on the counter unwashed. Of course the fruit flies stayed to wait for their next meal. Brian drove her to the bank and around town to run errands. She took us out for lunch. Mom might be on paid medication but that doesn't seem to slow her down. She just continues to putter around even though we are here to help her. We've quit trying to get her to relax. His mother is the queen of recycling -- I should try to have something made up for her one day that actually says that. One of her friends was picking her up to go play Bridge so we had the evening to ourselves.
Sep 28, 2010
Visiting Brian's Mother - Part 1
Arrived at my mother-in-law's house and parked in the driveway. Letting the dog out in the backyard, we were immediately sent out to run errands because Mom had fallen recently so she doesn't get around very well and is on pain medication. We took her car to do her errands for her while she stayed home. After dinner, we tried to get her to rest while I cleaned up but she has a special method of loading her dishwasher and wouldn't rest until she did it herself. We stayed up and showed her pictures of the rental property we renovated in Calgary and then pictures of our upgraded home in Chestermere. When we went to bed Brian and I both had to laugh that in less than 2 hours his mother had already irritated us both.
We brought our coffeepot into the house because his mother only uses a one-cup coffee pot. We had it set up to just turn on the button. The next morning when I came inside and started to get a cup of coffee she said, 'Oh, I don't want that much coffee'. I smiled to myself and said, "This cup is for me. You can help yourself with as much or as little as you like." Brian was still asleep in the motorhome. Mom said to me, 'Don't you think you should shower first before Brian wakes up and wants to take a shower?' My answer was a simple, 'nope' because I try to keep my answers short as possible with her. I sat down at the kitchen table and began working on my laptop, still smiling to myself because I refused to be offended this time because I know she doesn't mean anything by it.
Well, here's the deal. You just don't tell his mom anything. She will not leave it alone. We have some major decisions to make today and we made the mistake of telling his mother and she pestered Brian all morning until she left the house to go play Bridge. At one time in my marriage that would have surprised me, after all we just got here yesterday and haven't seen her for two years. However, I'm not surprised anymore because his mother never passes up the weekly Bridge game unless she is sick or traveling -- but then when she travels its usually with her Bridge group. She really is amazing for her age and I admire that she is so active.
So what was she riding his butt about you are probably wondering. Well, Brian really thought we would be living here by now so he chose not to renew his drivers license before we left Calgary. Unfortunately, the license expires this coming Friday, Oct 1st (his birthday). So after that he won't have a valid license. We were trying to decide if he could get an Ontario license and list his mother's address as home, OR should he fly back and take care of it then fly back here because we wanted to stay just a little longer (Brian's birthday and thanksgiving is coming. We decided to extend our stay a few extra days and I will have to drive.
This afternoon, while his mom was playing Bridge, we went shopping for a few more groceries for her. When his mother came home she tried to 'direct' Brian on the dinner meal he was creating. I was in the living room writing this blog. I heard the two of them arguing over the expiration date of things in the refrigerator. Suddenly, I got the feeling I was on the tv show "Hoarders"!!!! Brian said, "Ma, when was the last time you cleaned out your fridge because this stuff expired two years ago...like March 2008?" She said, "Well, I've wiped it down a bit on the shelves." Brian came over to me and whispered, "I think we are going to have to go through that fridge because there is a lot of crap in there that is really old." I just smiled and nodded thinking, 'Yeah, you get right on that, she's your mother and I'm not touching getting into that one with her. She wouldn't even let me load the dishwasher last night without trying to take over so I just rinsed and stacked the dishes for her.
We brought our coffeepot into the house because his mother only uses a one-cup coffee pot. We had it set up to just turn on the button. The next morning when I came inside and started to get a cup of coffee she said, 'Oh, I don't want that much coffee'. I smiled to myself and said, "This cup is for me. You can help yourself with as much or as little as you like." Brian was still asleep in the motorhome. Mom said to me, 'Don't you think you should shower first before Brian wakes up and wants to take a shower?' My answer was a simple, 'nope' because I try to keep my answers short as possible with her. I sat down at the kitchen table and began working on my laptop, still smiling to myself because I refused to be offended this time because I know she doesn't mean anything by it.
Well, here's the deal. You just don't tell his mom anything. She will not leave it alone. We have some major decisions to make today and we made the mistake of telling his mother and she pestered Brian all morning until she left the house to go play Bridge. At one time in my marriage that would have surprised me, after all we just got here yesterday and haven't seen her for two years. However, I'm not surprised anymore because his mother never passes up the weekly Bridge game unless she is sick or traveling -- but then when she travels its usually with her Bridge group. She really is amazing for her age and I admire that she is so active.
So what was she riding his butt about you are probably wondering. Well, Brian really thought we would be living here by now so he chose not to renew his drivers license before we left Calgary. Unfortunately, the license expires this coming Friday, Oct 1st (his birthday). So after that he won't have a valid license. We were trying to decide if he could get an Ontario license and list his mother's address as home, OR should he fly back and take care of it then fly back here because we wanted to stay just a little longer (Brian's birthday and thanksgiving is coming. We decided to extend our stay a few extra days and I will have to drive.
This afternoon, while his mom was playing Bridge, we went shopping for a few more groceries for her. When his mother came home she tried to 'direct' Brian on the dinner meal he was creating. I was in the living room writing this blog. I heard the two of them arguing over the expiration date of things in the refrigerator. Suddenly, I got the feeling I was on the tv show "Hoarders"!!!! Brian said, "Ma, when was the last time you cleaned out your fridge because this stuff expired two years ago...like March 2008?" She said, "Well, I've wiped it down a bit on the shelves." Brian came over to me and whispered, "I think we are going to have to go through that fridge because there is a lot of crap in there that is really old." I just smiled and nodded thinking, 'Yeah, you get right on that, she's your mother and I'm not touching getting into that one with her. She wouldn't even let me load the dishwasher last night without trying to take over so I just rinsed and stacked the dishes for her.
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