Under Pressure!

Don’t worry – this is in a good way!  I have a Pressure Washing experience to share! But first… my weekend! I have had a HELL of a great weekend this weekend!

My brother and his wife had their wedding vow renewal on Saturday – a GLORIOUS day – sunny and not stupidly hot (thank God!) filled with love, laughter and fun.  Because they initially married in May of last year, most of Carrie’s family was unable to make it out for the ceremony, but this time, with the exception of her grandmother, all of her immediate family made the trip and it was a wonderful time for all!

Finn was a little concerned with the sheer number of people around – he had his little forehead all scrunched up in consternation, but he was quiet and sweet the whole time things were going on… he hit overwhelm about two hours into it all – but that was also, partly, due to the heat. 

I packed it in and came home around 7 that night – the day was a very hot one and Jasmine was cooped up in the house with all of the windows and curtains closed to try and keep things quiet and cool for her. It mostly helped – but it was still about 26*C inside the house when I got home.

Sunday we all met in Nanaimo again – this time for a celebration of Finn’s first birthday (while Carrie’s family was still out) and some play time in the park.  Finn LOVES cake - he couldn’t even be enticed with peek-a-boo – and that’s his FAVOURITE game in the whole world right now!

Mum, Dad & I headed back to our respective homes around 2 yesterday – and I came home with some new window screens that Dad constructed for me (for the two sash-less windows I have in the house) AND the family purchased pressure washer!

First things first, I put in the screens and opened the windows – the cross breezes that they allow (front to back of house – North / South direction) are making a big difference already! The screen doors can comfortably be left open during the day while I am home, but need to be closed at night for the obvious reasons as well as one not-so-obvious one – bears. When Jasmine and I walk in the mornings now, quite often I will see bear scat on the trails near the house – with bear scat being so near by, I am concerned that, if I leave the front door only secured by the screen door, well, that could appear to be an invitation to a bear to come on in!.  No thank you! 

Screens in, I had a glass of water and then assembled the pressure washer and got started. I finished off a quarter section of the patio before dinner and then worked on the next quarter section afterward. The semi-finished product was pretty neat to look at and, though I will, I am sure, need to seal the concrete, I like it SO much more without the red paint on it.

This morning, (I took a long weekend this weekend) I cut grass, weeded a little more, pressure washed the other half of the patio, set up the umbrella laundry line and did some laundry.  I have also dealt with my paperwork drawer and washed the kitchen floor… I haven’t yet vacuumed – it’s almost 6 PM now – so I still have some time – but it’s REALLY warm at the moment and so I am going to wait…

Here are a couple of shots of the pressure washing project…

Before - paint peeling off in places &
generally looking ugly

Partially done - the pressure washer
allows for straight(ish) lines

Done for now - looking WAY better already!

Laundry drying in the sunshine

Time for a shower!

With love across the waters,

New Year’s Resolutions? Nope, Not So Much…

I try not to make resolutions at New Years - there seemed (for me, anyhow) to be a big push to accomplish something, which then became a little push and then the resolution was placed, neatly, back on the personal shelf... For many years now, I have been trying to set SMART (Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Time Oriented) goals for myself... and I usually try to set them to paper around my own "personal new year" - my birthday – which is in a little over a month’s time. 

It ends up looking more like a “To Do” list, but that’s OK - I work better with lists (that I write out) anyhow. This year the list starts with things that will continue to make my home a place of safety, comfort and usefulness. The installation of a new front door, the installation of a wood stove, making the back and front yards into productive garden space (where the deer and bears will allow) growing (and then freezing, drying and canning) my own foods. I need to learn how to actually can foods, but that will be part of the process.

I have a new notebook/diary set aside for this.  I have a red pen ready to start writing.  I have a day off in front of me and I have coffee ready to drink.  What a great way to look at my year ahead – setting my goals. Writing them down. Reviewing what is left from last year - modifying those ones as needed and adding them to this year’s list.  Dates for completion are subject to change – it all depends on the supporting factors like time and money. And weather, and season, and availability of teachers.

As I have mentioned a number of times, I love lists, and one of the things I am planning to do today (a day off) is to start drafting up my 2012 "to do" list. That’s the great thing about having a whole year to work through the tasks (or change them or remove them and add new ones, as the work progresses) there’s a whole year ahead.  

A whole year – one of potential and possibility – stretched out ahead of us.

I know a lot of people had a rough year in 2011.  Parts of it were unpleasant for me too, I’m sure. The thing is, though, that in looking backwards at this year that just finished, the spots that are standing out for me are all good things. In May I welcomed a new Sister to my family.  In July my Nephew joined us. September saw me starting a new full time job, learning new skills for work and taking possession of a new home.  October saw me hit the 20-year mark at my place of employment and December saw my Nephew’s first Christmas – spent with two of his living Great-Grandparents.

So as I wrap up my own personal thoughts on the year just finished I am reminded, once again, of how much I have in my life to be thankful for, and just how blessed I truly am.

I look ahead to 2012 with happy anticipation.

With love across the waters,

A Wedding

As many of you know, my younger brother (who I love and am so proud of I could bust) got married a couple of weeks ago.  There isn’t much I can say about the day – it was wonderful and sensitive and emotional - and I am so blessed to have been allowed to attend such a wonderful and intimate wedding.

So instead of words and thoughts, I will share some of my favourite pictures of their VERY special day.

With love across the waters,