Cozy Reading Spot

This has been a good summer for reading curled up on the back deck.  Harry Potter has been a favourite choice and Ian has a wonderful reading voice that we all enjoy.  Doesn't Pat looked cozy wrapped up in the quilt?

Saucy's Zombie Jar Swap

I have been accepted into this swap hosted by Saucy and am thrilled.  I have some ideas and am raring to go.  My swap partner is Pam and I will post a link to her site when I figure out how to do that.  

My Space

I have never had a space dedicated to my interests and have made do over the years. In 2007 when we bought our house in Toronto on Bellefair there was a tiny bedroom that I claimed and set up as a sewing room, office, place for my books, crafts and art supplies. It was painted a lovely light blue aqua ocean colour and had a big table and cupboard to store material. I hardly got to use it though since we were busy renovating and our move to Vancouver came up out of nowhere. In our much smaller house in Vancouver our third bedroom is now my space and the guest room but I am having a hard time getting around to using the space and have conveniently left the work surface covered. What is going on? I have quite a few quilts on the go, art projects ready to start and fabric to fondle but I am stalled. This weekend for sure (I hope) I will clear off my desk, put up the bulletin board, post my project list and start on inspiration images. The rest of the house is in good shape so no more excuses!!! Stay tuned.

Manchester United Fan

Pat has developed an appreciation for soccer and even checks the scores on the internet.  He loves his soccer shirts and his enthusiasm is contagious.  His energy and exuberance is amazing.  Ohh to have a tenth of that energy now.

Bye Bye little birdies leaving the nest

Caitlin and Devon on the way back to Toronto.  It was so good to have Devon here with us this summer.  He was a big help in getting our place set up and a bigger help with Patrick.  He has a great sense of humour and can always get me to smile.  He is planning to get a job in Toronto - keeping my fingers crossed.  Caitlin is on her way back to Waterloo and back to university studying chemistry.  We had a great visit and I hope to see them soon.  Patrick misses them already.  The time has flown as they have grown.

Check out the boulevard planting.  The previous owner is a landscape architect and has heavily planted the yard with an amazing array of plants.  In the boulevard  we have banana trees, sunflowers, yarrow, brown eyed susans, coreopsis, asters, ornamental grasses, a tree with shaggy bark and a variety of plants I do not know.  Its a little wild but very beautiful and a nice welcome home.  

E. T.

McSpadden Park, a small local park, was the setting for an outdoor screening of ET in our neighbourhood. People brought their dogs, kids blankets and lawn chairs to watch the movie under the moonlight. Pat sat on my knee enthralled and engrossed in the movie. It was a joy to enjoy him enjoying the show. This movie came out in 1982!!! and still spun its magic.

Back to School - A Good Start to Grade 3

Pat started back at school - one hour on Tuesday and then full days on Wednesday and Thursday and Friday till noon this week. There seem to be more Professional Development Days and more early dismissal days than in Toronto and the kids go just half a day on Fridays. Pat likes school and is keen to engage with the other kids. We bought school supplies this weekend and Pat got a white chocolate coated ice cream bar dipped in multi-coloured sprinkles from Purdy's chocolates to celebrate. It looked and tasted delicious!!! I must figure out a way to make those at home.

Queen Elizabeth Park

Enjoying BC

Cait arrived on Friday and we went to Steeveston and had a pleasant time walking around. On Saturday we went to the Trout Lake Farmers Market and bought more yummy produce and some beautiful creamed honey for Cait to take back to Waterloo. Don't the peaches look wonderful?

We also shopped Commercial Drive and Cait got a cool dress, sweater, jacket and hat. On Sunday we went to the Portobello Market which has 100 booths of artists and crafters. Cait scored a beautiful set of earrings and a silk sundress. Friends took us to the Richmond Night Market which was so much fun. There were lots of tents with all kinds of asian food and goods and entertainment. Cait again scored with a pretty neat pearl ring.

I found a Manchester United soccer shirt for Pat. I put it over his computer so he would see it when he woke up. He was so pleased -- Cait said he just stared at it in wonder when he woke up and then he came running to find me to see if it was truly for him. We had a very happy boy that did not complain too much about putting dishes away this morning!!!