We went to Mom & Dad’s tonight for supper. As always the conversation turns to the kids and how they are doing. Since both are buying their first homes and moving out they do need a lot of things.
Dad was going through their cupboards and asked if Brian and Kathryn would like any of their old stuff. Not knowing what the stuff was I said sure.
I mean how old can the stuff be? Remember avocado green? Isn’t that from the 70’s?
Here is an old blender. We haven’t tried it yet.
It is Carla’s birthday today. She and I spent the day at Le Nordik – Spa En Nature in Chelsea, Quebec. I had purchased a spa basket at our company’s United Way silent auction. It included among other things, 2 tickets to the spa and wine & cheese.
It is set in a beautiful wooded area on the way to Camp Fortune ski resort.
We arrived early in the morning with the sun shinning and the air a little crisp. Our first stop on the circuit is in the sauna. What a nice way to start the day warming up until we could stand the heat no longer. Then it’s out to the cold waterfall. Carla was right in there getting herself good and soaked while I quickly made my way past it barely getting wet (brrrr). Then to the temperate pool which now felt not so bad compared to the waterfalls. Next we hit the hot tub. Then we finished our circuit sitting out by the firepit.
Our next circuit was similar to the first except that we did the steam room instead of the sauna. I prefer the sauna. The steam room was noisy when the steamer came on and the fog made me claustrophobic. All the while there is soothing music playing and hushed voices only. This really is a place to relax and unwind.
We had lunch at the outdoor patio. The food was very healthy conscious but still delicious. We had a glass of wine.
We were off to our third circuit. We tried some of the pools and waterfalls at the back of the area. Everything was very nice and well kept.
Then we had the wine & cheese that came as part of the package. I’m so relaxed by now that I’m ready for a nap! We manage to do the circuit one more time before heading home.
What a nice day. Happy Birthday Carla!
We had the last of a 3 part course this morning. We started the day off by having breakfast at Summerhays on Baseline. Then off to the high school for our third course.
Today’s arrangement was a free or modern one. Grimace likes it so it must be good.
It felt strange to stick a wire through a flower. Somehow I felt I was hurting it. It was a little tricky to gather up the stems without breaking the carnations. One broke and now decorates the base.
It was definitely an interesting course. I now know how to finish off the base with greenery. This part I can do on my own. I’m not so sure about creating my own designs though.
Melody and I plan on taking more in the fall. For now this is it.
My Dad bowls once a week on Friday’s in a league. Today was his end of year tournament.
Dad’s team placed 3rd overall for the year but WON the tournament. They are the champions!
Dad also had a personal achievement by being the highest single scorer of the league.
Way to go Dad!
Brian has bought a new home (check it out). It is currently being constructed and will be ready for him in September.
Tonight we went to the design center to help him pick his colours, flooring, cabinets etc. I never thought I would be doing that again!
It was fun doing it for someone else. I can’t help but think of decorating or design ideas for his place. I try to keep my choices to myself. It is his place and he should do it as he pleases.
So far I like everything he has picked. I guess I have nothing to worry about. It’s going to be a very nice place.
Time for the next phase of our kitchen remodel.
Today we went to Laurysen Kitchens to get a design and estimate. We had a pretty good idea of what we wanted and the design was constrained by certain elements. It doesn’t leave much room for interpretation.
We wanted a modern look with dark cabinets and stainless steel handles. The upper cabinets will be extra tall to take advantage of the wasted space up above. The lower cabinets are all pots and pans drawers. We asked for a few glass doors to add a bit of interest to the design. Throw in upgraded hardware, crown moulding, light valance, panels and furniture style kick for the island and the price just goes up and up and up.
We found a granite that we liked called Chocolate Bordeaux. It goes very well with the Daytona espresso doors.
So how much for all of this? With taxes and installation – $15000 for the cabinets and $5000 for the granite. Yup that’s a lot of money. But I’ve been waiting for a kitchen like this my whole life. This is a one time thing. I’m not going to be redoing this kitchen again.
We have an appointment at another kitchen place next week.
What, me retire? Nah I’d rather have my dream kitchen.
Every spring this plays out the same. The snow melts on the pool’s black winter cover. Ducks flying overhead see it and think it is a pond. I can imagine the conversation that takes place as they land in our pool.
He: Honey, this look like a good place for us.
She: Hmpf, pretty tiny if you ask me.
He: But this is a nice quiet area. Look we are completely alone.
She: The water doesn’t seem to be very deep. There isn’t much food here. And where do you expect me to nest?
He: Well it looked good from up there. If you don’t like it we can keep looking.
He: Yes dear….
And then they are off to find a real pond.
We went to my brother Peter & sister-in-law Kathy’s place for dinner tonight. My Dad joined us. Mom wasn’t up for the trip.
It was our first time out to see their “new” place. They bought an old house that is over 100 years old. It is in need of renovating. I had never seen “knob & tube” wiring until now. They have changed the electricity but they still have a long way to go. Seems to run in the family!
Kathy made us a wonderful turkey dinner. We had all the fixings (even though we forgot about the dressing). They had a lot of leftovers but were planning to feed friends the next day.
We watched a dvd of Peter’s recent trip to Guatemala. He went down with a group from his church to build a house for a poor family. By our standards this house was not very much but to the family it was everything. It consisted of a cement floor, cement block walls (that were painted red), a roof, a window and a door. There is no electricity or water or any other finishings. This structure was going to help a large family and they were thrilled.
It was a really nice evening.
We had the second of a 3 part course this morning. We started the day off by having breakfast at Summerhays on Baseline. Then off to the high school for our second course.
I know a bit more this week. I know my mug is for tea and not a flower arrangement.
This week’s arrangement is a synergistic design. It is defined by 3 or more units sharing a common characteristic and unified by form, colour, repetition and plant material.
It didn’t take very long to make.
It’s not quite as interesting as last week’s design. There is something to be learned though with this one too. I just prefer the other type.
Well it’s 24C out on April 18th and there is still snow left on my patio. I’ve never shoveled snow in my shorts & sandals before.
This is the year the snow just kept coming & coming (almost a record year). It didn’t seem to be leaving anytime soon. I needed to help it along so that we could enjoy our patio this weekend.
I shoveled snow from the pile to wherever there was no snow. When it melted I did it again. It worked.
I hope I never have to again.
