My transition from cluttered to simple living.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Tuesday Morning on the 'Stead

I am sure that you have heard the expression “up with the birds?” Well... Tuesday morning is the only morning that I do not waken to the sound of an alarm. I waken to the sound of crows defending THEIR territory, which just so happens to be MY garbage. I am pretty fast on my feet when faced with the prospect of cleaning up their gorge!

Speaking of birds (of the nicer sort,) this fellow has been hanging around in our front yard. He does not seem to have a mate but seems very content. (Do you think that may be why?)

Friday, June 17, 2011

Closing one door and opening another.

Yesterday we pulled the trailer from our old house for the last time. (Or so we thought!) We got a call from the lawyer this morning however, as we had forgotten to check the shed at the very back of the property, and there were tires and old shingles to be cleaned up before the papers would be signed. Over we went...for one last time.....and spent 2 hours cleaning up. At 3pm we got word that the deal had closed. We are now officially the owners of one home.

It has been a tough year, but we have learned so much. Our journey to downsize will continue here.

In spite of the absolutely MAD schedule that we have kept over the past year, and in particular, this spring, I did manage to plant a small garden. Tomatoes, peppers, kale, carrots, squash. pumpkins, zucchini and cucumbers have been planted and I am watering them religiously.

Last night, after I had gone to bed, my husband called me to come out onto the deck. What did I see? Fireflies!! I had not seen them for years!!!

Do I have any regrets about moving, and the amount of work involved ? Absolutely not! I have only to step outside, and sit on my deck, to be reminded of how lucky I am.

I posted pictures a few weeks ago, of geese and goslings. It seems that they have survived and have made themselves at home on our neighbour’s lawn.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Dear Drug and Alchol Induced, Brain Injured Person.

Thirty some odd years ago, you made a decision that would affect you...and everyone who loved you...for the rest of your life.  You have spent most of the last thirty years being cared for by others. 

Today, you hurt me.  You attempted to leave the facility that was caring for you....and I tried to stop you from making a decision that might hurt you again. 

You were angry.  You shouted obscenities at me.  You called me names that I have never been called before.  You threw yourself around in your wheelchair, and struck out at me repeatedly.  I dodged your fists, and I held your chair so it did not end up in the gutter.

I am sore now.  It hurts to pick up my grandson, and the moving that I am involved in is now complicated by a sore back...

I will continue to care for you.  I will forgive you your outbursts...give you candy and coffee...because that really is your only pleasure in life...and because, thirty some odd years ago, I made a decision of a much different kind.  I chose to become a nurse. 

Monday, May 30, 2011

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Our Mini Vacation


This weekend we made our annual trip to Sault Ste Marie, to visit with Jan, Keith and Meredith.  We took along our grandchildren, Alexia and Dustin.  Both did very well, and had little complaint during the long drive north.

So much to see when we arrived!  Our days were filled with good meals...long walks...trips to the playground, and long soaks in the hot-tub!

Meredith (my niece) raises ducks... (and lizards., frogs, chickens and fish!) Never a dull moment at this mini-farm!


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Dustin had a blast!  See how big my little man has grown?

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These tulips posed for my picture.  Aren't they lovely??

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These are duck eggs.  Meredith is hoping to hatch them...if her dogs don't get to them first!!

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The latest arrival was chickens.  They are young yet and are still cooped up at night.

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My eldest granddaughter, Alexia, also had a great time, and has announced that she would like to go back.

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"Tag" is nearing 14 years old.  I think he looks pretty good!  All in all, there are 3 Jack Russel terriers that live on Mount pleasant.  Just to add a little more fun, three more pups visited this weekend.

It will be a while but we are looking forward to another trip north..when gas prices dip.  Until then, we will enjoy the memories that were made this weekend.

Thanks Jan and Keith, and Meredith!

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Wednesday, May 11, 2011

An Update!

I almost feel ashamed of myself.  It has been a while since I posted.  It seems as if I never have anything to write about.  We all know the feeling, right?  Well....Let me see what I can dig up!

I have been working a little more than I usually do.  Two different shift postings in the past two weeks has been tiring.  Work continues at the "old house."  Every day off is spent there, sorting and disposing.   Our only available storage space is full now, and I have resolved to bring as little here as I can.

I have learned to delegate.  We now have a fellow booked to keep the lawn tidy there.  What a tremendous help that is!

I finished a quilt for my daughter's friend... and am working on one for my granddaughter.  Painting class has been put on hold as has any other activities not related to moving.

June 17th is the date of possession.  I am truly looking forward to concentrating on this home.  Both Wayne and I are appreciative that we were able to live in such a lovely home, but nothing beats going to sleep to the sound of frogs in the pond by our window...and wakening to the call of the Loon.

I hope that all my blogging buddies are well.  I do visit your blogs from time to time, and hope to see you all soon!