Whispers

Happy 2011

2011-01-05T22:45:00.005-08:00

to all of my family and friends! Time has flown so quickly and so many things have changed in my life, the lives of family and the world. Recapping the year, it was a good one. We did so many things, alot of it work. One of the highlights was being a torch bearer for the 2010 Olympics. Such an honour!! My scrapbooking store is in it's 3rd year and we moved to a bigger spot in the mall, love it! We saw all of our family at some point during the year which was so nice. (Given how many we have to see that is a feat that we were so happy to have accomplished). 12 Grandchildren now that light up our lives whenever we get to see or talk to them. For now we will just say Happy, Happy 2011 and may everyone have a healthy, prosperous and fun filled new year! May we also see the world come together as we did last February.

Our Dear Jake

2009-11-10T14:43:00.006-08:00

We lost Jake, one of the two Maltese dogs that we have. I think that most people find it very hard to lose pet. His sister Cassidy is now a pampered pooch that turns 14 in early March. She comes to work with me and has started to put some of the weight back on that she lost after he died. These are some of the last pictures taken of him. In the second picture he was in dire need of a haircut and bath but his health was just to fragile. He perked up for a few days and then passed.

He was almost completely blind, the vet said as long as he was comfortable, no problem. But you can tell in the first picture he was starting to use his legs for balancing himself. We miss you Jakester and always will.

Spring time brings the gardener out in me

2009-11-10T14:36:00.005-08:00

Something I used to do ALOT was garden, both flowers and vegetables. Now, with my time being more restricted I yearn for the time to putter in the gardens that I do have and to start a vegetable garden once again. This past winter and spring had me looking at bulbs, seeds and bedding plants. I also took time throughout the year to take pictures of the flowers that were in our flowerbeds. Some of them start so early, it was pure pleasure.

What reminds me of my sister-in-law

2009-11-10T14:21:00.006-08:00

My husband's brother and his wife live on Vancouver Island so we get to see them quite often. It is not very often that I can spot many of the "things" that they have in their home anywhere else. When I do I am immediately reminded of Aline and Jim. She has put together a beautiful home filled with old and new alike, but, most of all how warm we always feel when we visit them.

Work and Work

2009-11-10T14:05:00.005-08:00

This is where I work, one helps to keep the other one going at times. I love scrapbooking. Having both jobs is what keeps me so very busy. This is where I need to be able to cut back in some areas but still have time to get everything done. The store is a dream come true :)

Happier Times

2009-11-10T13:45:00.003-08:00

My brother and his wife in happier times. They are on their way to getting divorced after 33 years of marriage. Very hard on them both, their family and on us.

Back to Hockey

2009-11-10T13:38:00.007-08:00

Not only does Meagan love watching hockey she loves to play. She is 3rd year university but still takes time to play her favorite sport. She is taking a breather (how do you sleep holding a water bottle!) during a hockey tournament she played in.

Back to the Family Hockey Night another favorite shot with Jonathan and Meagan in their Canucks Jerseys.

We were able to find my two stepsons outside GM Place and got a quick pic of the gang(sorry the friend is unknown)

Jonathan, Unknown, Christopher, Matthew and Meagan

Caught!

2009-11-10T13:22:00.004-08:00

We joke with my daughter about this picture that was snapped of her. We are blessed to have a grown daughter who is practical in every way and enjoys having fun without overdoing it. She actually posed for this shot and was asked to smile. The smile is what got me.

So proud of my nephew who is a volunteer firefighter. He works hard while training and along with his regular job he is also has a black belt and teaches Tae Kwon Do. In the photo with him is his son.

Family Hockey Night

2009-11-10T13:14:00.008-08:00

Not all of these are from 2009. Some special ones that popped into my head are being used and according to Project 365 that is acceptable, which is good lol because I would have posted them regardless.

I LOVE this picture taken just prior to going to a hockey game in Vancouver with my two kids. As you can see they are not fans of the team I am, which makes it all the more fun.

This guy "had my back" as he put it, we were in enemy territory cheering for a different team.

Time Flies

2009-11-10T13:08:00.002-08:00

Not only has it flown this past year I have not posted my Project 365. I don't think I recall a year, except for perhaps one or two when we had the farm, that we have been as busy as what we have been. I will add more pictures, the dates will not all be exact. I haven't taken as many pictures, which goes hand in hand with being so busy. Even all of the kids have noticed that I'm not clicking away. It is my goal to be able to let some things go and enjoy visits, outings and getaways the way I used to both with all senses and through the lens of my camera.

I hope everyone is doing well. H1N1 is alive and well where we live and also where many of our family members live. I debated on getting the shot as I have a form of asthma which is on the list. I broke down and got both the h1n1 and the seasonal flu shot which I have never gotten before either.

Keep safe :)

Project 365

2009-02-24T11:40:00.020-08:00

With all of the things going on in the world I am taking advantage of 2009 to set new personal goals, help others when I can and work more on many of the things that I love to do. I decided to take the dare from someone to do Project 365. We are talking 365 pictures. Trying to take one a day is sometimes difficult and at times hasn't happened, but then, after talking with a few people who are doing their own 365 I'm not the only one. It is a work in progress, getting better every day with remembering. I have to figure out where to put all of the pics thus far because if I don't get them off of my camera and document just a little bit about the picture I'm sure I will forget. I may have to put many pictures up in just a few blog posts so I get this done. I am determined! I'm also hoping to change the look of the blog, something else that will be entirely new to me. Wish me luck :)

New Years Day 2009(just barely)We stayed home with Meagan and Dennis helping us ring in the New Year.

Meagan is home for Christmas Break. Jake and Cass love Meg but Jake in particular just loves snuggling up with her, makes typing a little tough :)

We are SO not wanting to see any more snow at this point and for us this is alot of snow and more so, for it to stay as long as it has.

There is that "dollop" in the center of the margarine again, old habits die hard.

Removing the Community Christmas Tree from the front of the mall. With all of the commotion over the tree this season we/I are hard pressed to even think about doing it again even though it has been tradition for our mall to have the tree in our parking lot for over 25 years. Some people really don't have the spirit of the season no matter how hard you try to give it to them.

My "For Scrap Sake" blog

2007-09-07T20:11:00.000-07:00

and site is finally up and running! I will continue to post the everyday life here from time to time, perhaps just photos. I invite you all to check out my new site, we are so excited that not only the store in the mall is up and running but soon the online one will be as well. You can find us at: www.scrapsake.com
Please bear with us as we continue to tweak the site and make it the best that we can!

It's an Empty Nest!

2007-08-29T18:48:00.000-07:00

We drove our youngest child down to University this past weekend. Empty nest syndrome is alive and well in our house. Not as bad as I thought it would be although I'm busier than I think I have been in many, many years. We can talk via messenger, text messages and phone which makes it much more simple than days gone by. She is loving her new home, roommate and anticipating starting her classes next week. Life does go on.

Not surrendering summer yet

2007-08-29T18:42:00.000-07:00

We haven't had much of a summer and when we did I was too busy to enjoy very much of it. I made the most of the time I had and am not ready to surrender summer just yet. We had a warm, muggy day on Northern Vancouver Island followed by drizzle and showers. We've had alot of that this summer, more so than past years and I believe we are making up for the phenomenal summer which I was fully able to enjoy last year. I'm hopeful for at least one more full month. Only mother nature knows for sure. Till then I will enjoy walking barefoot in the grass be it dry or wet.

Sisters

2007-08-02T18:09:00.000-07:00

My Mom comes from a family of 12 siblings and is very used to having people around to this day. She has only one of her sisters out of all of the kids that live close by. My own brother and sister along with their families that could be there along with my Aunt and several friends helped Mom celebrate her birthday on July 28. We wish we could have been there as well. Happy Birthday Mom!

I've been RAK'ed

2007-08-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

Random Acts of Kindness, they are all around us but when we receive one it is especially nice no matter how big or small. An elderly lady who frequents the mall and my office if only to open the door and say a warm hello, dropped off these beautiful hydrangeas which are in full bloom on the north Island. I have a small hydrangea bush where I have moved to but am missing the ones I planted many years ago. It was a simple but kind gesture that results in me smiling every time I look at them across my desk. Now that I am taking off for a few days I will pass them on to a friend that works here in hopes that she will enjoy them as much as I have.

Family

2007-07-26T10:47:00.001-07:00

My husband celebrated his birthday on July 14th and five of his six kids surprised him by showing up in a small hamlet on Vancouver Island where one of the six kids live.
They all set up camp in the local campground and even though he truly couldn't imagine that the one daughter and her family that live in this beautiful, little place would really be camping (as it was so hot) with their 3 month old son, he said yes, we would go and join them for the day.
I love surprises as I'm sure most people do however there is no greater one than having family show up unexpectedly.

We had a wonderful day and a great time with the kids.

If his eldest son and family could have made it I'm sure we would say it was about as close to perfect as perfect can be for his big day.

Happy Birthday!

OH.....

2007-07-09T19:03:00.000-07:00

For Scrap Sake finally opened it's doors! On July 7, 2007 (07/07/07)cool date, hopefully for the best of luck. It's been a long time coming, it's not overly big but we (the ones that have been putting it together) feel it's just right. I will take it online later in the fall but for now this will employ my daughter until she heads off to univeristy at the end of August and give me a chance to finish unpacking our house from the move. I can only post a picture of the website as it isn't finished yet. One half of the buttons have the wrong names on them but hopefully this will be working in less than 2 weeks! I hope you get a chance to visit the new site when it is up and running and my new blog as well. Just click on the link For Scrap Sake"

Where did my car go??

2007-06-26T19:51:00.000-07:00

When I went to leave work yesterday, after having locked my keys in the car, I walked out, looked into the managers parking spot and.....no car. Well, of course, make it easy for any thief to break the back window, I mean really, the keys dangling there just inviting them, beckoning them..steal me, steal me! I am not impressed with the police, the insurance company or any follow ups, rather the lack of. We, as a group found the car abandoned, no further damage done other than the back drivers side window missing.
We did however lose our satellite radio and some smaller items that weren't worth much. After the fact we have heard that several people did see the car being driven around (the thieves are apparently very bold and daring) not once but three times before parking it in fairly plain sight out of town but still in a residential area. I have done my own "investigating" asking different people questions and have done a time line. We, being the mall security, my husband and I actually think we may have figured out who might have taken it but we'll leave it for now. The broken glass from outside the vehicle and in has been cleaned up....I among others just cannot believe the justice system, scratch that, the lack of it when it comes to underage (which we believe these people were) having no consequences. I believe that our local police do not follow up more diligently on these cases as they know that these people will not be prosecuted and most definitely will not be held accountable for their actions. Maybe if I sat in a court room for a full day, again, as I did over a month ago, I may see a little more justice but I'm not holding out any hope on that.

Do we need....

2007-06-26T18:17:00.000-07:00

our gallbladders? The doctors I have seen have varying opinions, not on whether we need them but rather should they be removed unless your quality of life is unbearable. I have been told I could be in for a "trade off" and have since found out that they could quite possibly be right. Take out the gallbladder and have (no way of putting this nicely) bowel problems for the rest of your life. Weighing the options and hoping that it doesn't act up again. Any input would be appreciated :)

On the Water

2007-06-21T23:02:00.000-07:00

Backing up just a few days before my daughter's graduation we had the opportunity to go whale watching with some of the graduating class and their parents. Even though our company was due to arrive several hours after we would return home from this outing it was a unanamious "yes" to going. We left from the high school at 8:30 a.m. and from that moment on I was more relaxed than I had been in months. Even though we did not see any whales while out on the ocean we did see almost everything else one could see from eagles, to seals, sea lions, dolphins and what I love the most, the water, the many Island and the mountains beyond.
Before moving to Vancouver Island I had no idea how much I felt at peace and how content I was being "out to sea". The "boat" if you would call it that was a 60 foot vessel, something much bigger than I have been out on typically. Our Captain was Wayne, very knowledgable of the area that we covered and much more as he was with the Coast Guard for 18 years prior to "retiring" and taking on the "Stubbs Island Whale Watching Tours". We also had Jackie Hildering, a naturalist that my daughter was priviledged to have had as a substitute teacher in Grade 6 and whom she has never forgotten because of her fantastic way of communicating with kids. Rounding off the crew was a student from the University of Victoria who is spending the summer at Telegraph Cove.

Before leaving the dock it was very much impressed upon us how we were going into the sea life territory and not the other way around. If we happened to come upon a pod of whales transient or otherwise we all knew to be very quiet as was the case if we spotted seals, sea lions or eagles. The first picture is of two young eagles who had been resting on a nearby Island. We saw more than a dozen in that one small location. A little further out we pulled up close to Stubbs Island, there are currents around the Island that are very strong. Being out in our own boat a few years ago we pulled in towards the same Island, but not nearly as close and it took us close to an hour to get out as the current and eddies constantly pulled us inward. It is a favorite spot for experienced divers.

You have not experienced "noise" until you hear the sea lion that is feeling somewhat in danger. Upon hearing the boat (they really are not stupid) and then no sound at all, no engine, no voices, the male took over completely. It was VERY cool to be so close to them and have them settle down once they realized we meant them no harm.
The male, "bossman" as we dubbed him was the noisiest of them all but did his best to protect as we first came upon them, moving in and out of the bunch spreading his fins wide. Knowing to keep quiet, we saw only one young sea lion dive into the ocean. We all know that the transient orcas feed on the sea lion and seals and if you've ever witnessed the sight of the whales tossing a 300/400 lb. sea lion about as though it were a rag doll is an unbelievable sight in itself and not one we really hoped to see that day so not a peep was uttered.
It was an enjoyable day from start to finish as we relaxed as well as learned many things we had not known prior to the tour about whales, sea lions, dolphins and the many birds that we saw. OH, I almost forgot to mention that some of the best spots for salt water fishing including cod, halibut and salmon are right here...but that is best saved for another post.

Meagan's Day

2007-06-18T11:16:00.000-07:00

It's been just a little over a week since Meagan's graduation day. We are all so proud of her. At Port Hardy Secondary School they have the Convocation Ceremonies in the morning where we see them "cross the bridge" and wait for their name to be called so that they can proudly walk up on stage and receive their hard earned diplomas.
It is also the time when scholarships and bursaries from local businesses and individuals are announced. Meagan won ten of these leaving us proud and speechless even though we know how hard she worked for them!

She was so happy that her brother and grandparents could join her on her special day and I'm sure we all heard her loud cheer of HURRAY when the grads threw their hats into the air. If you hadn't already noticed the graduating class of 2007 chose a "Bond" theme of "007 Tomorrow Never Dies".

The walking ceremony takes place in the evening where all of the gals and guys are dressed to the nines. Meagan was absolutely beautiful in her pale mauve gown, hair up and just a hint of make up.
She spoke without a trace of nervousness as she thanked some of the teachers.
Afterwards, the grads dance with his/her parent.
We then see them on board a bus being escorted by our local police, firemen and paramedics driving on many of our roads throughout town where the residents cheer them on. Once back at the school they enjoy dry grad. Last Friday was the last day of school. Their is only one exam to be written and then look out world! Way to go Meg!

Sights along the way

2007-06-06T13:52:00.000-07:00

Just a day after finishing moving to our new home which has yet to be fully unpacked we took a short day trip "down Island". It is amazing how many bears we see for most of the trip. I still hear that the black bear is close to becoming an endangered species. You would never know it here. These are just two of the more than a dozen that I spotted right alongside the road. There were more a little further into the trees along with deer and elk. The skunk cabbage named for it's smell, is our reminder that it will soon be bear season. This picture was taken a little over a month ago and the bears had been out for a little over two weeks at that point. They eat this wonderful plant to clean out their stomachs and intestines from their long winter naps before eating much of anything else. We have signs along our main roads reminding people not to feed the bears let alone get to close to them but you will still see many people daring to get as close as they can and then running as fast as they can for disturbing them while they eat. I will never tire of seeing the wildlife that is so abundant and all around me.

Just Breathe

2007-05-24T22:12:00.000-07:00

During this busy time of moving paired with our full time jobs and my youngest graduating in two weeks I found a book that has helped me to not only cope but to look at things a little differently than I may have. I don't have time for long posts so suffice to say that this book is well worth the money you spend on it! Taking five minutes for yourself isn't asking too much even in the busiest of times.

The Dollop

2007-05-24T22:04:00.000-07:00

We call it the "dollop". We all know it isn't the right name for the swirl that is in the center of the margerine container when you first open it and it lays untouched by a knife or any other object for that matter. The dollop has been 'saved' as in, left untouched for my daughter for years. Strange, yes, but a habit that started many years ago when a young child asked, can I have that swirl? (not with knife but with her clean index finger). Such a small thing but here is to the "dollop" and perhaps a little more of that childhood innocence that fades away all to quickly.

Eye Opener

2007-05-22T17:05:00.001-07:00

Being the manager of the only mall in a smaller center has it's ups and downs. It is a gathering place for young and old alike but in recent months we have had a younger crowd invading, a school aged crowd. We have a policy that if you are school aged, no matter if you are in school or not, you are not allowed in the mall during school hours without your parent or legal guardian. It is something that we have had in effect so that not only can the schools keep track but the chances of someone kidnapping a child is less likely because of it. Most, if not all of the kids are aware of this policy. However, we have the usual rebels that are simply bored or in need of quick money which leads to theft, drug deals and other illegal incidents happening. I decided, in a moment of what one might call either despair or clarity, to write a letter to the courts in regards to one certain individual whom we knew had a date for court, the charge being theft. In the letter I had to be careful according to the police whom I called upon for help. Try not to put the "child" down, make it sound as though it would be in his best interest rather than the interest of the merchants at the mall that he not be allowed in here for a year. A week ago today was his court date. Head of security of the mall and I sat through well over one hundred cases, his was heard and "laid over" until after the break and we had no idea what that meant. When all was said and done, the letter did indeed make a very big difference as there were so many kids in the courtroom listening (which blew my mind) they were in and out as though the room had a revolving door. I was certain the court bailiff would come and tell them, either in or out? But no. There was swearing, the clothing, well we won't go there. A drug deal was made between the two people in front of me. Absolutely no respect and NO regard for the laws at all whatsoever. The letter however seemed to have some impact as it was something new, something that hadn't been done and we were there to endorse it.
Because of that this juvenile got a little longer probation and more to do on his "community service" which up until yesterday and the letter had been pretty much a joke and in our opinion still is. The judge took it quite seriously and had all juvenile probabtion officers set a date for a meeting to see if more "physical labor" such as I had asked for could not be included in the "sentence". As it was the youth in question got one year probation and 40 hours of community service and has to publically apoligize to the manager of the mall (me) and to the merchants afterwards. It is a slap on the pinkies for someone who does not have a conscience. There is something wrong with this 15 year old but no one is paying attention to it and I have run out of steam with all that I have going on. From now on, after talking with the Crown Counsel a blanket letter from the mall will suffice for all that have charges there which helps me immensely as we sat there from 9 a.m. till 3:30 p.m. with only a 1/2 hour break. We will go if the offender has more serious charges. I shook my head, I don't know how many times at how our system is NOT working and wondered......will if ever be?

Thanks Mom

2007-05-13T15:51:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day has rolled around and as always I think about my Mom perhaps a little more than usual. She knows how much she is loved, she knows she can still run circles around me (I won't speak for my siblings;) When I think of you Mom I think of SO many things, but to name a few, your love of gardening, how much you enjoy preparing your house for company including the abundance of food. Exercising, keeping fit and healthy, the lake, seeing you with your grandchildren and how proud you make them feel. Your strong feelings of family and friends alike. I hope that you are having a day that you truly enjoy and deserve Mom! You know I like quotes, this is one I think of when I think of you. Happy Mother's Day!

"My mom is a neverending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune." ~Graycie Harmon

And who needs the news anyway

2007-05-02T19:24:00.000-07:00

The pictures tell the story minus the fact that oil prices are down. Unless you are willing to start a revolution (did that put me on the "watched list"?) then I guess fill 'er up if you hear a word about a rise in price! Thanks to a heads up I filled up at the lower price that we had sat at for approximately two weeks. This is per litre in Canada and I don't doubt that we will hit $1.50 per litre before summer.

Tuning out?

2007-04-29T21:16:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure I could ever tune "out" the news whether I would like to or not, BUT, for one week, one of what could be three of my busiest weeks of the year is fast approaching and so, I am going to try. Not that I am burying my head in the sand, no, not an ostrich, perhaps resting a weary soul. We will move this coming weekend, unless hubby wins out and whisks us both off for a much needed "breather". Not that I would turn that down, would love to see all work done first but we have been full speed ahead for so long now that we are overwhelmed and operating on low. SO, no news, can I actually do it!! I don't need to hear about Alec Baldwins phone calls to his daughter, yes, they were bad however I don't believe we ever needed to hear them in the first place. I also do not need to know anything more about Anna Nicole Smith, her baby or the father of said baby, they will figure things out all on their own. Our soldiers dying, both U.S. and Canadian, it may be cold, but I will hear about it after I turn the news back on if not before. Any other earth shattering "news" will find me as I work in a very social atmosphere. I would love to hear something good, Mr. or Mrs. So and So from down the block did a good deed or that some kind soul saved a life. For this week I will not turn the news on, not on the tv or radio, I won't read our local newspaper let alone a national or provincial one. I would like to test my theory that, in olden times there was a town crier. This persons job was to shout out the news. Most often you would hear only the news of your village and it's people maybe the next village down the way and every once in a while something from where the King or Queen or the person who reigned over all the land resided. I believe that we have been inundated by the media and have become so used to hearing about people dying whether in the war, in drive by's, in school shootings or some other horrific way that we are saddened but it is not reaching that part of us that it may have long long ago. The things that happen today, in our world, are horrible...beyond any words I can think of. I don't believe that our bodies/minds, etc. were meant to take all of the worlds events as we are...hence back to the days of that town crier. While taking breaks in between our busy week I am going to watch the flowers grow, literally. Behind this red rhododendron is a beautiful lavender colored one ready to bloom,after that the lilac trees and then azaleas. The new owners of this home will see the rest. Here is to my week of no news...and here is to my never ending dream of, well.... I guess what one would call a miracle nowadays.

Just an ordinary day

2007-04-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

While out on my walk I took notice of how many flowers had blossomed in the past few days along with the leaves on some trees.
I am blessed to be able to walk past the ocean every single day if I desire. I can think of so many quotes to sum the day up with but this one does it best for today *most any day for me* as I can get too busy and not take good advice. Learn to pause… or nothing worthwhile will catch up to you.

My Age Guage

2007-04-17T13:04:00.000-07:00

When talking about my daughter you may sometimes hear me say that I refer to her as my age gauge. Well, she went and grew up so quickly as kids do. High School graduation is in less than 8 weeks and then onto University in the fall. She will be approximately one hour from my parents/her grandparents and I think that is wonderful. I can't think of anything more wonderful except to be one hour from home. I will post more when graduation date rolls around but until then this article is dedicated to Meagan, my quiet, yet very expressive gal. She doesn't do "the in thing" she does what is comfortable to her and I commend her for it! My hockey playing, rare to see in a dress young lady, this is you and you are moving onto bigger and better things!

Flames....I'm talking hockey

2007-04-12T21:42:00.000-07:00

I missed many years of professional hockey while raising my family. The past 3 or 4 years have seen me able to get back into this sport again. I have never waivered from being a Flames fan, ever since they came to Calgary this gal has been an avid fan even though I live in Canucks country now ;) They are in the playoffs by fate I'm sure, they were doing great until 1/2 way through the season. Anyone who knows me knows that I am now proudly attaching my Flames flag to my car window while out driving, have had a key chain/lanyard that I have all of the mall keys on for several years now that I will keep until it no longer resembles a key chain and last September while joining in the celebration of my parents 50th wedding anniversary while they visited Calgary I went to every shop that I could find for Calgary Flames memorabilia with much luck I might add. I hope that they can beat Detroit in this first round of playoffs, truth be told I hope they go all the way to the Stanley Cup!! Go Flames Go!! Added to the excitement of playoff season my daughter-in-law sent me the cutest picture of my grandson (no, he is not a Calgary Flames fan) wearing the jersey that my son wore when he was just a little bit older than Keilan, how can we not win with this cutie at least attempting, okay maybe even pretending, along with some prodding from his mom, to be on our side!!

Renovations+ Graduations+ Babies&Work = Take time to enjoy

2007-04-11T22:08:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how everyone else's life is as far as "busy" goes, or how you cope, but mine seems to be overwhelming at the moment. Almost everything that is happening is a "positive" but nevertheless, I am tired. We are renovating our newly purchased home and move between April and May. After moving, which I might add we are doing ourselves *insert a loud groan here* and will downsize anything that doesn't fit, my daughter graduates on June 9th. Her grandparents, brother and several other relatives and friends will be here to celebrate.

Relay for Life is the following weekend, a walk that is done to raise awareness and of course money for cancer takes place. Besides my regular job and several boards I sit on as director, I am opening or rather reopening a scrapbooking store within the next two weeks. For any that are wondering, no, I do not thrive on chaos or crisis. The store was to be up and running a month ago however that falls into the category of "the best laid plans".

Beyond all of this we have seen the arrival of grandchild number 10, a sweetheart!!A BIG at 10 pounds, 11 ounces, Hunter James, a joy amidst the work and a wonderful reminder that even with all of these things going on in our lives we have to remember to slow it all down and enjoy everything that we are doing. And an added bonus for me, springs arrival with it's beautiful blossoms, flowers and warmer temperatures. I take such pleasure in the "small" things and I do believe that I always will. Welcome to the world Hunter!

What it Takes to get a "Boat"

2007-03-30T17:03:00.000-07:00

Just a little over a year ago, in what we call the Inside Passage, a ferry sunk. At first, to all amazed listeners, there were no lost souls. After a head count it was found the two people had found Davey Jones's Locker. We here are still shaking our heads at how such a tragedy could have happened in the first place and also wondering why it took so long for BC Ferries to finally get a new ferry to replace one of the two very aging ones. We get our next one early in 2009 and it's bigger and better than the "Northern Adventure" which we toured today. I can't believe I am actually saying this, as no one I know, including myself enjoys having to take the ferry let alone pay for it, but this ship is fantastic! They have done it up very tastefully, beautiful wood floors, small, medium and large state rooms and we are talking a ferry here! I was very very impressed. So much so that I am bound and determined that I am going to take it, most likely before peak season and head over to the Queen Charlotte Islands. I have seen SO many pictures and it's time to take my own. If anyone ever had any thoughts of, what should I do this summer?? This is one trip I know you would love. (note: bottom picture is taken from the bridge of the ferry and looks over towards Port Hardy).

Odd coincidences and strong reminders

2007-03-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

On March 27th, 1998 my niece Michelle was going out to celebrate her best friends birthday. Little did anyone know that neither of them would be alive the next morning. A drunk driver took their lives and from that moment on so many people left alive had their lives changed in so many ways. The coincidence for me today is that the local MADD Chapter of which I belong along with our local insurance companies and of course, fire, police and ambulance are putting on a "mock" accident to keep up the awareness of not drinking and driving while under the influence. This was not to take place until later in the week. So...today, I remember Michelle.

Taking time to remember the small things

2007-03-26T14:57:00.000-07:00

We have been so busy the past month (feels like a year) that it's hard to remember to take the time and remember and enjoy the small things in life. Spring being one of my most favorite! Getting ready to move to our new home, starting the renovations there this weekend, already packing, painting where our new store is going to be in the mall that I manage, our youngest daughter graduating (should really bring everyone that reads this quickly up to date on our blended family). I have 6 stepkids, 2 biological kids and we are approximately one week away (my bet) on our 10th grandchild. YES, I wipe my brow and say whew when I type that, say it or even think it! But the memories these kids and grandkids have given us are priceless. I do digress, with all that is going on, remembering the small signs of spring and even the bigger ones at times go unnoticed.
Looking back at some of the pictures we have taken over the past few springs reminds me of all of the natural beauty that surrounds us. As pictures do, they also remind of who was with me when they were taken, mainly family and sometimes friends as well. Even with the amount of rain we've had the buds on the trees in the past two days of sunshine have burst open. I have a few favorite blogs, one of which Rain, Rainy Day Thoughts reminds us on an almost weekly basis of all that is going on around us along with her fantastic pictures. And then there is Stacy Julian's blog, Altogether Too Happy who reminded me how important family and friends truly are.
I hope you have a great week!

Puddles

2007-03-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

Looking back at how much I have not written in this blog and at the time that has passed since that snowfall. I look back at those pictures and think, it was great! We have had so much rain since last fall that I'm sure we have broken records. They are saying we can expect 4 1/2" in the next 24 hours, should we be building something here! We have more than enough to keep us busy and out of the weather, getting ready for our move, so we have begun packing. Renovations in the new place start in 1 week and 1 day! Graduation "stuff" has, for the most part been taken care of except for all of the volunteering left to do. AH, life is good. Now, if my store could open in the spot it was supposed to, we could get For Scrap Sake up and running. Note to self: try to hit this blog once a week ;)

Snow or Rain?!

2006-12-13T19:59:00.000-08:00

We had the most beautiful summer that Vancouver Island has seen in many a year. Very little rain along with warmer than usual temperatures. Are the "weather" gods above making up for that wonderful weather with all of the strange and extreme weather we are getting? I guess it makes no difference as we have to put up with the snow, wind and rain we have received in recent weeks, right up till today and another wind warning out with much rain also predicted. I'd like just a little of the "white stuff" for Christmas day as none of our loved ones will be travelling on that day. Otherwise, I'll travel 5 to 10 miles up to see it, which is one of the many reasons I moved here! The picture is of my daughter approximately 2 weeks ago when we had a snowfall that broke all records. We had fun out walking in the evening after it had slowed for a little while and ended our walk with a fantastic snowball fight ending in making snow angels.
Seasons greetings to you all!

This Wonderful Thing Called a Blog

2006-06-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

It's a wonderful thing....if you have the time to keep it up, which I don't. I will add to it as often as I can but for the most part this blog will be for sharing pictures of life on the North Island, my life and the lives of others that touch mine. Most of what you need to know about me is in my profile, other than that I work full time managing a small mall which keeps me busy weekdays. I hope you enjoy!