At Home On The Rock

When you really matter

2012-02-10T14:03:00.003-03:30

Saw this on facebook and it really caught my eye....

When you really matter to someone....they *will always* make time and you won't be last on their list.....

Improvement

2012-01-28T23:45:00.005-03:30

Improvement!

I'm noticing some improvements on the M.E./Fibromyalgia front. I don't want to speak to soon as relapses with these illnesses are quite common...but....any kind of improvement is good news!

I've been battling M.E. and Fibromyalgia for going on five years now and it's been a long and often lonely road to travel. Improvements at times are so minimal (and often a 'two-step-forward-one-back' type of scenario), that it's easy to get discouraged and think nothing is working and it never will. I find it's most productive to focus only on improvements and to refrain from comparing my present abilities to how much I used to be able to do before I got ill. It's also not helpful to concern myself with what others think I should be able to do.

Comparing points in time, from year to year, shows the largest amount of improvements. For example, this past November, we took part in an a Food and Craft Fair. We took part in the same show the previous November too.......but what a difference a year has made!!

November 2010, I was only able to stay until noon....and even that was pushing it. I shouldn't have went in the first place -- I was too weak. I had a major headache, could hardly stand up/felt like I was going to faint, weak, dizzy, swollen and very short of breath, pounding heart, felt "fluish" and all that goes along with that (only much worse than a regular case of the flu). I felt bad about leaving Larry and Jake there...but what could I do? Home to bed I had to go...and in bed I stayed for the rest of that day. The post-exertional malaise the days following were rough too.

Fast forward a few months to March when the next fair was held. Although I was able to stay for the whole thing, I did need to leave half way though for a rest. I retreated to the van, had a bite to eat, put my head back and napped for awhile. Eventually, I went back in where I stayed for the rest of the show. Even though I was majorly crashed the next few days ....I had managed to stay out for the duration of the day! Improvement!!

November, 2011, the show happened again and this time, I was able to stay for the whole show!! No nap needed, no rest in the van needed! Definite improvement since last year at this time.

I've learned to accept and carry out the pacing rules. Resting and "saving up" energy is important before an event as well as after. In keeping with this, Saturday before the show I did nothing but rest as well as Monday.

The Monday after the show, I felt somewhat achy and tired, but not majorly crashed as I have been in the past after shows. The Tuesday and Wednesday were good too --- no Post Exertional Malaise -- Improvement!!!

I've learned a lot from having these illnesses too.

Things like...Don't sweat the small stuff! I know that sounds trite, but when you don't have enough energy to even tackle the really important stuff, you soon learn to let the small stuff go.

I've learned who my true friends are. The ones who have stood by me throughout this ordeal without passing judgements.

Lots of surprises along the way too. Like, the first Sunday I returned to our previous church after a very long month of being pretty much bedridden, a woman lambasted me at the back of the church (with teeth clenched and very loudly for all to hear I might add). It seems she thought my parenting skills needed some of her 'expert' advice. Hmmm... I was so sick --- everything...and I mean everything --- fell back on to Larry and the kids --- they had done well just to get there each week. No interaction while I was so sick for that month but more than ready to pounce on me upon my return. Talk about kicking one when they're already down... What's that old saying? If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem....

And.....I 'get' the stares and the whispers of people who think I just can't be bothered. If they only knew the reality of it all....

Oh well -- if I want to continue to improve (and I do), I need to focus on the positive and put the negatives out of my mind. Don't sweat the small stuff ;)

Hopefully, more improvement to follow.

Home again

2011-12-18T23:05:00.006-03:30

Well...the first semester of college is over for Tyler and he made his way home for the Christmas break.

He was up at 4 a.m. in anticipation of his long day ahead. 6 a.m. saw him calling for a taxi, which took him to the train station. He took the train into Union Station (Toronto). From there, he caught a shuttle bus which took him to the Ferry. The Ferry took him to the Toronto Island Airport where he caught his plane home to St. John's (after stopping in Ottawa and Halifax).

It was a long day for all of us. The last day of the Farmers' Market for the season, meant it was a busy one. That was good as it distracted me from a day of total worry. I must admit though, I became one of those people who are constantly watching/using their Blackberry. He'd text me after he successfully made each connection. Not until he reached the Toronto Island Airport did he request I call him. Nothing major...just unsure what to do next.

Lots of brand new experiences for him as he's never flown before or had to maneuver around in Toronto on his own.

After the market was finished, we returned home for supper and to make his requested meal of macaroni and cheese. Brittney had spent some of her day making brownies for him.

After a quick on-line check of the flight status, it was finally time to head to the airport. As we waited we waited in the observation deck, we were able to see his plane land.

Jake eagerly (and I mean dancing around with great enthusiasm eagerly!!! ;)) awaited for his brother to appear. At around 7:00 a tired but relieved looking Tyler appeared at the gate. Jake ran and jumped into his brother's arms...almost knocking him to the ground.

Great to have you back, Ty!

Scholarship!

2011-10-31T22:47:00.003-02:30

Tyler just got word today he's won a scholarship!

Congrats to Tyler....that homeschooled guy of mine ;)

My favourite time of day...

2011-10-14T21:50:00.005-02:30

is early morning. I love watching the sun come up over the ocean.

First, the dark sky gets a warm red glow. Soon after, the sun peeks up and before long, the sun seems to be sitting right on the ocean. Watching this *almost* makes me believe...it is a flat earth ;)

From a few days ago... (click pictures to enlarge)...

Different day...but love the way the sun sparkles on the ocean...

Sun is starting to go down...love the pink/mauve/blue sky and pink/mauve/blue ocean

Traffic in Front of our place

2011-10-05T20:13:00.006-02:30

This is what traffic in front of our place looks like: (Click to enlarge)

Back to Blogging

2011-09-29T21:11:00.005-02:30

It's been awhile...my poor neglected blog.

It's been a very busy, emotional couple of months. We were busy getting Tyler squared away for college. Preparing before we left home was lots of work, but there was even more work once we arrived there.

Before leaving home, Tyler indicated his church denomination of choice and we researched a church in the area. I made contact with them well before we left home, letting them know we'd be visiting with them and about Tyler living there for school etc. They were very nice in their response to me and were even nicer in person. Very welcoming and many "mothers" stopping to reassure me he'd be well taken care of. A few people offered rides each week and indicated they'd make sure he had a way there. He felt comfortable there right from the word go.

We spent a weekend in the city...looking around and getting him familiar with his new surroundings. We met for lunch with our very first piano teacher (who also now lives in that city).

The day we dropped him off, was a very emotional one for all of us. It's one thing to go to a new school, but when it's far away from home, it adds a whole new dimension.

It's been just over three weeks and aside from the usual settling in pains, he seems to be doing very well. He likes his classes, his professors, his class mates and his room mates. He's meeting people at the church and attending events there. One family in particular has been really nice to him....driving him to and from church each week and even treating him to lunch one Sunday after church.

He got 100% on his first Photoshop assignment (but claims it was the first one so the professor wasn't too tough on them...hmmm...)

He's made an oral presentation and feels comfortable with the job he did on that (takes after me ;) lol )

Here is his first 3D Modelling project (animation class). He says it's challenging but fun. (Click to enlarge)

Keep up the good work, Ty!

Remembering my Mom...

2011-08-02T00:04:00.007-02:30

on her birthday.

This picture of the two of us, was taken two years before she died (she was quite sick here)

Miss ya lots, Mom!

My M.E. (CFS) and Fibromyalgia Story

2011-06-11T23:42:00.010-02:30

Dominique, over at her website, Becoming Visible 4 ME, has posted my CFS/ME story for this month. (M.E. being Myalgic Encephalomyelitis which is another, more appropriate name for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome).

Her website is dedicated to making ME more visible. Each month, she publishes a CFS/ME story in order to accomplish this. From her other site, 4 Walls and a View, she writes:

"We are now onto our fifth story of this year. I find it amazing as I read each new story, how vastly different they are … and yet … how similar they are. Linda’s story, for me personally, was quite riveting. I was completely taken in the very first time I read it. Here is a excerpt of her unique and captivating story: As I stopped to look around, a “sensation” shot up the left side of my neck, then"...

Click here to read my full story at Becoming Visible 4 Me Once at the site, my story is featured in June, 2011. (There is a new story posted each month) By clicking on my picture, it will bring up the full story.

Dominique, who also has ME, has been a great inspiration, support and help to me in my battle with CFS and Fibromyalgia.

I've posted these videos from Get Well From ME before, but he explains ME/CFS so well, they bear repeating. Over the course of these two videos, he touches on all aspects of this illness.

He goes into more detail in this one:

Around d' bay...

2011-05-23T20:07:00.013-02:30

We quite often hear the response, "Around d' bay". This can be in response to, "Where do yo live?" "Where are you from?" "Where are you going for the weekend?" "Where did that happen?" Almost everything can be answered by "around d' bay". I've often wondered, exactly what that meant...so today we decided to take a drive....around d' bay. It was a beautiful day and Brittney and Jake were away at Spring Forth. We headed out around 8:00 and what a beautiful drive it was. We went up to Grates Cove...which is the other peninsula across the bay (or is that around d' bay) from where we live. So cool to see 'our' peninsula from the other side of the bay.

Click on the pics to enlarge them...

Sunrise from our deck before we left...

Newfoundlanders are very proud of their athletes and whenever one does something spectacular...they get a lot of things (roads, lookouts etc.) named after them...

I believe this ship, stuck here, is The Kyle

Closer up

A write up about Danny Cleary, located at the Danny Cleary Lookout

Looking north at the Danny Cleary Lookout

Newfoundland is home to some of the most interesting town names ever. Here is one --Heart's Content. I think it would be sooo cool to live in a town named "Heart's Content". Can you imagine telling people the name of your town while giving your address.

And...some random shots taken as we made our way up the coast (or is that... around d'bay ;) )

The water was absolutely gorgeous shades of turquoise, navy blue and bright blue.

Finally...up at the tip of the other Peninsula -- Grates Cove. What a cute post office! So tiny.

Across the bay is the peninsula we live on (only the other side of that peninsula)

Another town with a cute name. Cupids.

There is also Heart's Delight and Come By Chance...to name just a couple. I'd be really interested in learning the history behind how these towns got their names. Hmmm...I sense a homeschool history lesson in the making ;)

How cool is that?

2011-05-07T11:09:00.005-02:30

Larry's job requires him to be on-call, five days a week. With never knowing from one day to the next if he'll be working or not and then needing to be able to go at a split second notice, it makes planning/committing to anything else very difficult.

With his evening job, he must travel from place to place for one hour sessions.

Both of these jobs together require a vehicle be available to him every day, from morning to night and at a moment's notice. Add into that Tyler's job which requires at least an hour of daily travel time...well....it makes things really complicated (especially for the rest of us who also require transportation to get to various things.) It's a constant juggling and rearranging of schedules (most times at the last minute as Larry is rushing out the door to his last minute call). Day after day it becomes quite exhausting.

Many things we simply aren't able to take part in, but a few things are just so important we simply can't miss. One such thing is appointments with my homeopath. She has helped me so much and I find keeping regular appointments the key to continued success. However .... with the good chance I'll have no way to get there come the day, I've not been able to make an appointment.

I'm already a month past when I should have gone to see her. Trying to figure out a plan has been causing a lot of stress for me. Knowing it will be July before I can commit to anything, I emailed her to ask if we could set up a phone consultation. She did this for me once before when I was in too much pain to make it into her office, so I was hoping she'd be ok with this set up again. Much to my pleasant surprise, she emailed back right away to say she's quite often in my neck of the woods and would be glad to see me in my home if that would work ok for me!!!

Wow...a house call.....how cool is that?

Early Morning

2011-04-30T07:43:00.003-02:30

This is what early morning in Pouch Cove looks like.

Click pics to enlarge

Off to College

2011-04-17T18:45:00.006-02:30

Last week, Tyler learned he's been accepted into the program of his choice, so come the fall, he'll be heading off to college.

Way to go, Tyler! Congrats!!!

This means moving to another province (about 3000 kms away....not that I'm counting or anything).

A lot of mixed emotion at home, I must admit. Jake was quite upset at the thought of his big bother moving so far away. He expressed many thoughts about it as well, statements like:

"I like this family just the way it is and I don't want it to break apart."

and

"I'd rather be stupid and stay home than go away to college just so I can be smart."

After a lot of talks though, he's more accepting of the idea.

Tyler has worked hard to get to this point. Being a homeschooler, meant no "official high school transcript", which was a road block he had to work around.

The thing that goes against conventional thinking though, is his program of choice.

Animation.

That in itself is not unusual, but the fact he has ended up choosing this field, is. In our years of homeschooling, we covered the academic subjects: Math, English, Science, Chemistry, Physics, French, History/Geography/Social Studies and Music (through outside piano lessons). Phys. Ed. was covered through normal, everyday activities, like bike riding, walking, road hockey etc. We never, however, covered art. Never. Not one single class.

In the beginning, our work days started at 7:45 a.m. The deal was, when the day's book work is done, you're done for the day. This schedule usually translated into working until about 11:00, followed by lunch, practicing piano and then chores. That left the rest of the day "free" for them to explore something of their own interest. Some may think they would choose to spend this time watching tv or playing video games, but this was not an issue.

It was during this "free" time, Tyler developed an interest in cartooning. At first, he didn't tell us. He wasn't hiding it, he just didn't think it was a big deal. When I walked into his room one day though and saw all of them arranged over the bed....I was more than a bit surprised. There were several of them, all cartoon stories, all drawn, coloured and written by hand.

Here are some of his first cartoons... (click to enlarge)

From that point on, he'd use any spare time he had to work on his cartoons -- Holidays (he'd lug all of his materials from van to hotel room), while waiting for Brittney and Jake to complete their piano lessons, even some nights after lights were supposed to be out.

One time he showed his work to a professional artist and his comment was, "Wow, you're art teacher must be very impressed with your work." Wish I could take some credit, but I can't. Up until this point he's been all self-taught but that is about to change. He's looking forward to this next challenge and it's one we're certain he's up for.

Happy Birthday, Jake!

2011-04-10T18:11:00.010-02:30

A little late...but some pictures from Jake's 13th birthday. He's usually a high-energy guy, so I was a bit surprised that he wanted a low-key day. He opted for having one friend over and they spent the day hanging out.

Family celebration at Montana's. He knew about this 'hat'....which is one reason he wanted to go there. He told me, "I want to wear the hat, I want you to take pictures and I want you to put them on Facebook." Oh my....

Opening Ben's present...

The cake...

That makes THREE teenagers in the house now...oh my!

Excellent explanation of M.E. (CFS)

2011-04-02T16:41:00.017-02:30

The guy in these videos is doing a series on ME (CFS). All of them are excellent, but this first one posted below (it's #2 in the series) gives a great description/introduction/overview of the illness for those unfamiliar with it. He covers all the points of ME/CFS and, as you can see...it's sooo much more than just 'fatigue'. These are just the tip of the iceberg though and in the second video, he gets into more details. (Thanks, Dominique for pointing these out)

All things with this illness are frustrating....beginning with the name and the way it is diagnosed. One must experience the severe symptoms for a minimum of six months! Imagine with any other illness having the Dr. say,

"You have a lump? Oh well....come back in six months and if it's still there, we'll take a look at it."

or.....

"You're having pains in your chest? Well, give it six months and if they're still happening, we'll check it out."

or....

"Seizures? Are you sure? Maybe you need to get out more. Come back and six months and we'll take a look at it."

As with any illness, quicker diagnosis allows for better treatment and better chances of recovery. Why should this one be any different? Waiting six months is just nonsense. I certainly knew during my first six months that something was wrong. I now know, during those six months I did things which worsened my condition. At the end of six months, I felt worse (just as anyone with any illness left untreated for six months would).

At any rate...here's more info about ME (CFS).....

He goes into more detail in this one.

I'm looking forward to the rest of them, hopefully he'll reveal what worked so effectively for him and his treatment.

And the marks are in...

2011-03-30T15:05:00.002-02:30

Tyler received his final course marks from Athabasca University today.

Small Business Management (Entrepreneurship) A-
English B+

Congrats, Ty!

Warning to drivers

2011-03-23T20:03:00.007-02:30

in Newfoundland and Labrador.....

We have another driver in the house! Brittney recently got her learner's permit to drive. That makes TWO teenage drivers in the house now...oh my! All kidding aside, we're (mostly) glad lol...driving is such a necessary skill.

Congrats Brittney!

Dissection

2011-03-05T10:33:00.007-03:30

A local homeschooling family asked Larry if he'd be willing to lead a dissection. As with most Biology teachers, this sort of thing is right up his alley. It was decided a frog and a cow's eye would be the specimens of choice for this session. The other family graciously looked after ordering the specimens and they hosted the event at their house. I was self-appointed photographer and kept my distance from the.... ummm...."fun" (ewww....dissecting -- not my thing ;) )

The teacher is the first one to the table....anxiously wanting to get this show on the road...

Frogs were first on the agenda..

Everyone's suited up with cut out garbage bags for aprons, gloves and goggles

Down to work...

They worked away, learning as they went along. Judging by all the "Oh wow!"s and "Cool!!" statements....it seemed to go very well.

Congrats, Ty!

2011-02-23T22:34:00.006-03:30

As I've posted before, Tyler finished up his last year of homeschooling in June. He's been homeschooled for 8 years (most of them in Ontario). Since graduating from grade 12 last June, he's been doing a couple of University courses as well as working at Swiss Chalet.

Monday, he wrote his first University Exam (actually, being homeschooled, it was his first exam ever). Today, he got his mark back.

........ 80% (Entrepreneurship)

Way to go, Ty! Congrats!

Shaking Things Up...

2011-02-14T19:15:00.005-03:30

A while ago, I wrote about Jake's spectacular encounter and the next installment of the story.

He hasn't been challenged enough by our current reading curriculum, so we've decided to shake things up a bit. What better book for him to read, than the one written by Ron Joyce (Ron Joyce being the person who took a single-location Tim Hortons and turned it into the empire it is today).

Being an autographed, personalized copy...just added to the excitement. Notice Mr. Joyce writes to Jake "Don't compete too tough on Tim Horton" (I think he is very nervous ;) *grin* )

A two page note by Mr. Zarboni, the man who sent Jake his cookie stand, the book as well as had the book personalized for Jake (more about that in the above link "Spectacular Encounter"

Jake has come alive reading this book. He's learned new words "humanitarian", "vigor" to name only two. Both of these resulted in lengthy discussions.

It talked about Mr. Joyce's resort in Nova Scotia. That added a personal touch because that's where we met Mr. Zarboni...in a Tim Hortons in Nova Scotia. He was on his way to that very resort and it was there he told Mr. Joyce about Jake.

It talked about Tim Hortons surviving economic downturns. That, of course, sparked questions by Jake... "What is an economic downturn???" More discussions about economics and downturns and what they mean for people and the country.

He didn't want to put the book away. Hmmm...I'm thinking this reading 'program' will be much easier to get through...as well as make more sense to Jake. Not to mention, cover many other areas.

Snow!

2011-02-09T17:15:00.008-03:30

We woke up to lots and lots of snow this morning. Considering we haven't had much up until now, and were virtually snow-free until January 23rd, I guess one could say we were past due.

(Click on pictures to enlarge)

From our front window...

The driveway and car (well...the parts that didn't covered)

Larry on his way back down the driveway.....

Action shot! LOL ...

Making another run up the driveway...

Our neighbour's house

Again.....

And again....

Trees beside our house....

Still at it!

Shed at the back...

From the back our house (and yes...there is an ocean there, just beyond the trees)

How long 'til Spring???

Advancing Technology

2011-02-01T22:48:00.003-03:30

Jake wanted (and received) a disposable camera for Christmas. He's now taken all of the pictures and it's ready for developing. He popped into the photography centre, only to return to the car quite disgusted. He went on to say, he'd take it elsewhere and that he wasn't going to put up with that.

Hmmm...

Now, knowing there had to be more to the story, I tried to get to the bottom of it all. He was obviously disgusted and something must have gone on in the store, to make him so. I asked him to repeat what had happened. I listened as he repeated the conversation, but it just wasn't making sense to me. It all sounded very normal and polite to me.

Things like:

"She said it would take SEVEN to TEN days!!"

"They have to send it away"

"She said it will cost money"

As I mulled it over, trying to read between the lines and make sense of it all, it suddenly occurred to me.

This is the age of all things digital. We take pictures with the camera and transfer them to the computer. Instantly. We take pictures with the phone .... and transfer them to Facebook. Instantly. Jake has never had to send in a film for developing. Who ever heard of doing that?? Not Jake...and he was certain she was trying to pull a fast one on him. LOL.

I explained the process to him. At first, I wasn't sure if he was going to believe me. But he did, eventually.

This reminds me of the time he first saw my rotary phone (a decorative one). After studying it for a bit, he asked me "how do you get the number in there....say there is a 9 in the phone number...how would you put that into the phone?" When I showed him, he asked "how would you know 9 actually got put in and not some other number."

Hmm...I'm suddenly starting to feel very old!

Ahhh.....Newfoundland and Labrador

2011-01-21T09:24:00.019-03:30

These sum up life in Newfoundland and Labrador very well....

Half Hour (Newfoundland and Labrador has it's very own time zone)

500 Years (for those who prefer City Life...we have that too)

Interesting few days

2011-01-12T13:02:00.006-03:30

for those who have been following Newfoundland Politics!

Jake with Mr. Brad Cabana

As I've discussed here before, Jake has always had a real interest in politics.

What an excellent learning opportunity this has been for a first-hand look at our political system and how it (democracy) works (or should that be...how democracy is supposed to work?). It has been a real eye opener for sure! We've covered so many topics in these past few days (because it has touched on so many things), as well as watching history in the making. Not something we could ever learn from a text book.

New Year's Eve, 2010

2011-01-01T22:22:00.009-03:30

Hard to believe another year has passed by already!

It's become a bit of a tradition for us to head into 'town' (not sure I'll ever get used of calling St. John's 'town') and spend New Year's Eve at a local hotel. We've spent the last couple of years at one particular hotel and were always happy with it, but this time....not so much.

I guess we were a bit later booking this year and had to take a 'suite'. The suite was disappointing (very small compared to other hotel suites we've stayed in). Also, the room was short on pillows and towels .... not even enough for us to each have one. Tyler ended up using the couch cushion as his pillow and the towels...well....we won't go there. The front desk said they were out of both. Hmmm....

Then, a sign on the front desk indicated they participated in a local savings program (of which we are a part). However, when we tried to show our card...we were informed they accept it every day except NYE. Hmmm...that's not what the sign said. We've always recommended this hotel, but not so sure we will anymore.

Despite that...we had a fantastic New Year's Eve. The kids and Larry enjoyed the pool for the afternoon (I was feeling a bit crashed from our busy week, so I opted to stay in the room and rest). Later in the evening, friends of ours dropped by the hotel room for a bit. We ended up back at their house though, where there were lots of games (pool, ping pong, video games, darts, chess etc.). There was lots to eat and no shortage of noise lol.

At midnight....there was the usual countdown ..... complete with noise horns (which all the kids seemed to know how to use!)

Oh my....

After the count down, we headed outside to see if there were any fireworks. They continued on with the noise horns and the noise.

Oh my.....

We saw a few local fireworks but eventually headed back inside...where the kids wanted to continue on with the games (and the music and the noise horns lol).

The 'old people' though decided after one more game of pool, it was time to wind the party down. We took one of the party goers home...and it was no problem getting him there....but getting out was another story. Now, these people didn't live too far from the hotel....but somehow we ended up downtown St. John's .... George Street and Water Street of all places....on New Year's Eve!!! not where we wanted to be. Larry claims we must have taken a wrong turn....but I maintain he just wanted to be able to say he was downtown on NYE (*wink*) lol.

Eventually, we found our way back to the hotel.

A few pics...none of the adults made it into the pics (well...except for Larry...but as you'll see...he was acting like one of the kids lol)

Happy New Year!!!

Visit to Random Island

2010-12-29T00:39:00.004-03:30

Our friends Katie and Brad, who have a similar moving-to-Newfoundland story as ours, invited us to their place on Random Island. Although we'd seen quite a few pictures, we'd never been there in person. Many things contributed to this....they'd only recently purchased it in the summer, followed by major renovations, then Hurricane Igor (Random Island was one of the hardest hit areas...thankfully they were all ok). Then work, busy schedules, that pesky winter weather again....and well...here we are at Christmas.

During a recent phone call to wish each other a Merry Christmas, Katie extended an invitation for us to visit. With a couple of free days and such great weather (for winter), we figured it would be a great time to go. With 8*C (46*F) - 9*C (48*F) all day long, it made for a nice drive.

We'd never been to Random Island. One thing we noticed was the effects of Igor were still evident after all of this time. Even on the highway there....road signs were snapped off...sometimes bits of rubble around...other times not.

Once on Random Island, we could see all the places the road had been washed away. Unbelievable. I can only imagine what it was like in the days and weeks immediately following the hurricane.

We arrived at Katie and Brad's and had a wonderful visit. Their house is really nice. Being right on the water, it has an incredible view! The kids all hung out together while the adults sat around and chatted. Katie made a delicious lunch (actually...it was a dinner)and we enjoyed that while enjoying their beautiful view and great company.

Some pictures....

This is Katie and Brad in the front with Josh and Kassidy in the back (as well as Robbie the dog ;)

A group shot.....with one of the kids (who shall remain nameless) doing his usual thing of making a face just at the precise moment (in between the time the button has been pushed but before the picture is actually taken....not sure how he times it so well...but he does...)

This one is a bit blurry (but no funny faces anyway)

It was a delicious dinner and a great visit!

Thanks, guys!

More visiting

2010-12-29T00:07:00.002-03:30

We're always amazed at the number of people we run into who've had reasons for moving to Newfoundland that are similar to ours. Many in our own town fall into this very category.

Shortly after we arrived here in Pouch Cove, I was searching on-line for info about the town. I wanted to send links with pictures back home to our friends and family. While searching, I came across a website which contained beautiful pictures of Pouch Cove. Turns out....the owner of the site was also here because of similar reasons to our own.

We'd met Bob and his wife Po at various functions around 'town' (our town...as well as 'town'...which is really St. John's). At the last one, they invited us to their place for a pre Christmas visit.

Despite the heavy rains and high winds...it was a great visit. We always enjoy talking to people who 'get' and 'see' the same beauty of Pouch Cove as we do. Great conversation and Bob showed us his beautiful photographs he's taken. (Bob's site can be found here...lots of amazing photos)

Great visit guys!

Christmas week

2010-12-28T22:33:00.004-03:30

With Larry working most nights and weekends, there's not a lot of time left for visiting. Throw winter weather or the threat of winter weather into the mix...and well....it limits us even further.

This week has been different on all fronts though. Larry's work has all but stopped for the Christmas holidays and we've been having fantastic weather! Well....for December in Canada anyway....no snow and fairly warm temps. Even with the rain....we'll take it.

We spent Monday with our friends Joan, Keith, Jacob and Ben. They had a yummy turkey dinner, complete with salt meat and roasted chestnuts (first time I had ever tried them). Did I mention it was yummy? :) The boys played together, while Brittney hung out with the adults.

We all enjoyed the day and evening....thanks guys! (sorry...I didn't have my camera with me...so no pictures and I need to ask permission first)

Christmas, 2010

2010-12-26T22:54:00.010-03:30

Christmas Eve -- Our family tradition is to have a special dinner, followed by a family sing-song and each opening one present before the kids hit the hay. I used to be the one playing the piano for everyone to sing, but since the kids can now play the piano...they do the honours.

Jake taking his turn

Brittney

Here we go....get ready to sing...

Oh no...look at Dad....is he for real? ask the teenagers...(just as a fyi....Larry loves to shake things up a bit by acting goofy...it makes the teenagers unsure what to say ;)

Oh c'mon Dad.....you're not going to act that way all night...are you? Tyler trying to remain cool

Come on, Brittney...SING!!!

Oh Dad....Puleeezze!!

Tyler still trying to remain cool

O.K..fine.......I can sing by myself...

Ahh...two thumbs up....we finally got him to stop singing.

Tyler can now safely crack a bit of a smile

Not so fast.....I can pose just like all those stars do...see?

Oh mom....can you make him stop?

Even Tyler can no longer remain cool...

Brittney's turn at the piano...

Warming up for round two.

Jake is certain he can not only handle his Dad's goofiness....but outdo him...

Oh no....they've gone to the piano....I'm stayin' here

Having the words is much better...means Larry doesn't have to make up his own...

O.K...Tyler is here...not sure for how long

Tyler is almost certain these people cannot be related to him

Is there any question in anyone's mind where Jake gets it from???

Jake opening his one gift on Christmas eve. Only a gift card...he picked the wrong one to open

Jake had trouble sleeping, so he slept with us. I told him if he got up early, he was to take a picture of the clock, so I'd know what time he got up. When I woke up at 5:50....he was not with us. He was however, on the couch with the tv and the Christmas tree lights on. He showed me the picture....here it is....that *IS* 1:02 a.m. (I think he dozed a bit on the couch though)

Self-portrait at 1:02 in the morning. Does everyone look this wide awake at 1:02 a.m.? I'm fairly certain I don't

It's about 7:00 a.m. Tyler is still not sure about being up at this time...

Oh well....might as well join him...

Brothers chillin on Christmas Day...

Another tradition in our family...the candy table.

Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - ELLE

2010-12-03T22:30:00.003-03:30

Laura Hillenbrand, Well known author of Seabiscuit also suffers from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Excellent article about her struggles with this, found here:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - ELLE

On the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome front ....

2010-11-24T17:25:00.009-03:30

Frustration....unpredictability....more frustration

A recent Drs. visit revealed I'm not doing as well with this illness as I had thought (or was that I had hoped?). That was followed by some strict warnings to change my ways, or else.

Sigh.....

One thing that frustrates me the most with CFS is the unpredictability of it all....and it's unpredictable on so many fronts. (I know many CFS sufferers struggle with this unpredictability part of the illness as well. Dominique over at 4 Walls and a View wrote a wonderful post on this very topic)

Things like the unpredictability of:

--not knowing how much energy will I have today, tomorrow, next week or even in the next hour (and it can vary that much from hour to hour)
--not knowing when a crash is going to happen.
--not knowing what exactly causes a crash
--not knowing how long a crash will last.

Now, I'm not talking about huge amounts of energy requirements...I'm talking about energy levels for daily tasks that most people take for granted. Things like grocery shopping, or vacuuming, standing, or lineups. I've just recently started going into grocery stores and helping Larry with groceries...but when it comes time to check out....it's out to the van for me.

Most days big stores like Costco are out.

Or walking. The kids are taking swimming lessons...I'd love to walk to the end of the pool to watch them...but each week so far, I've been unsure if I'd actually make it to the end and back again.

One day, I'm able to do most things (like going out) while the next, moving around the house is a challenge. Not being able to plan for these days, makes it even more frustrating.

This was the case with my last major crash. It was last January and I had been steadily improving health-wise. The kids had skating and the arena was equipped with a wonderful indoor track up over the rink area. I thought what a great idea...I could walk around the track and keep an eye on the kids at the same time. On that fateful day I walked into the arena feeling better than I had in a long time (at least a year) and yet left the arena barely able to walk or drive home. When I got home, I literally collapsed into bed and barely woke up for two or three days. That was the start of a crash which lasted six weeks...and a long six weeks it was. The phone did not ring, the only people I saw or talked to was Larry and the kids, and I hardly got out of the house (except two or three rides into town but I did not get out of the car once in town). Most of that time was spent in bed. The household chores fell on Larry and/or the kids. Suppers became frozen chicken fingers and fries...or other similar easy fare that Brittney could do. Each night I went to bed hoping the next day I would wake feeling feeling better. Thankfully, Tyler could drive. He was able to take the kids to piano lessons and skating.

While this not knowing is frustrating for me, it is even more frustrating to adequately explain it to people. They see me out and think I must be better....except they didn't see me two days ago when I couldn't get out of bed and they won't see me if I happen to be that way tomorrow. They don't realize, I may have been 'saving up' my energy for the last day or so in order to be out for that particular day and they don't realize after my afternoon out, I will head home where I will need to rest for the remainder of the day. I don't go out when I'm at my worst (partially because I'm not able, but partially because who wants to be around someone who can barely remember their own name, let alone carry a conversation...brain fog is something else with all of this). Sometimes, I think I should take pictures of myself when I am at my worst or better yet...actually go out! (That would surely raise some eyebrows) Then I try to remember they aren't being intentionally mean...they simply don't understand the disease. The education is just not there and there are so many false ideas of what CFS is or isn't ... or what a person should be like/do/not do when they have it. (This type of thinking/questioning is as frustrating for me as the question homeschoolers often hear...."What about socialization?"....argh...)

I have found if I can sit down while doing things, I am able to last longer (not as long as I once could...but enough to do what needs doing). Things like making supper, folding clothes or doing chocolate are still doable. So, as long as I am not crashed....not all is lost....as long as I remember to pace myself in order to not end up crashed. Once I'm crashed though...it's anybody's guess how long it will last (another factor of CFS).

I recently watched an episode of The Golden Girls in which Dorothy had CFS. While I watched the shows, it was great to see it portrayed so well. Everything she experienced, right from the treatment of some Drs., to the reactions of people were so bang on. It was great to see something where someone actually 'gets it'. I was nodding my head so much throughout. Then....it occurred to me. Wow....those shows are over 20 years old. We haven't made very much progress in 20 years. Shocking that is. Many people 'in the know' (CFS researchers, CFS Drs., etc) feel a breakthrough in the treatment or cure of this illness is on the horizon. Let's hope....because it's about time! A really good place to start would be renaming the disease with a name that more accurately fits the illness. That shouldn't be difficult....almost anything would be a better fit than "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome!"

Happy Birthday, Dad!

2010-11-19T00:10:00.001-03:30

Happy Birthday, Dad!!

(Don't worry, I won't tell anyone you turn 84 today LOL)

These pictures were taken during our visit there this past summer.

Brittney is 16!

2010-10-26T08:32:00.006-02:30

Hard to believe where the time has gone....

Happy Birthday, Brittney!

Some pics from her weekend-long celebration..

Cake at our place

"Brittney" made by Jake, out of chocolate chip cookies

Cake made for Brittney, by her friend

Flowers from her friend's family

Ahhh...brotherly/sisterly love

More pictures around Pouch Cove

2010-10-12T17:33:00.007-02:30

Some pictures I've taken the last few days of the ocean at Pouch Cove. Taken from our deck...

Click all of these pictures to enlarge them...so much more to see when they're enlarged

Morning...best time of the day

When the sun first peeks up over the ocean, it looks like a glowing ball...just sitting there...

Gone.....but not Forgotten

2010-10-01T11:28:00.004-02:30

Igor that is.

He was very intense here. Driving into St. John's we see the number of trees that Igor snapped off....just like twigs. But...as intense as Igor was in our part of Newfoundland....he was far worse in other parts. Bonavista for one (and that is just one...there were many other areas hit very hard as well). In the grand scheme of things, Bonavista isn't all that far from us. As intense as Igor was here, I cannot imagine what it must have been like in some of the other areas on that day.

More pictures here from the Bonavista area.

The Newfoundland Way...

2010-09-28T12:41:00.001-02:30

The Telegram is running this story today. It's about a NL town still stranded due to Hurricane Igor. The residents can't leave the town because of a washed out road, so they drive as far as they can, leave the keys in their car and walk across the gap. On the other side people have done the same thing but coming back into town. So they just pick up another car! Return and repeat.

Trouty battered, but holding together - Local - News - The Telegram

What a great way to handle this!

Rainfall amounts from hurricane Igor

2010-09-27T15:31:00.004-02:30

Even though we didn't have any damage, we did have a significant amount of rainfall...even more than St. John's

And...scroll down underneath the rainfall map of NL and look at the Before and After photo of the red house. Wow...

Rainfall Map from Igor and another amazing photo

More pictures

2010-09-27T08:10:00.005-02:30

A CBC reporter went up the Bonavista Penisula and here are some pictures she took along the way Where there is rubble...used to be roads What Odds Found Here

More help

2010-09-26T20:05:00.007-02:30

The military arrived via ferry. These pictures were taken by Arlene Gibbons of Newfoundland.

Wow...here is one example of what is being referred to as "the road is washed out" more like totally gone. Notice the guard rail to the left of the picture. If you click on the picture itself, it will come up a bit larger (not the header picture at the top, but the first one down).

Click here for picture

A new day will dawn....

2010-09-26T07:50:00.005-02:30

and the clean up from Igor has begun. Help has finally arrived and hopefully, these people who are stranded and cut off because of roads that are completely gone, will start to get the food, water and gasoline they have run out of.

It was a busy corridor on the ocean front area of our place today. Ships coming and going, bringing much-needed supplies to areas cut off by road.

Can you see the little fishing boats (click to enlarge and look in the lower right hand area of the ocean both in this picture and the previous one)

The ship from the Canadian Military was really moving quickly!

I can also hear (and see some fly overhead) a lot of helicopter activity.

When reports first started coming in, phrases like "the road is washed out" were being tossed around. When I hear that, I think of roads with water over them. When pictures started to come in, it was much more than that. The dirt underneath the roads were completely washed away and the road was totally gone! Huge craters were there. Our own Prime Minister said he's seen flooding in Canada before, but nothing like this. One hole was 70 ft X 70 ft'....and that was just one.

Friends found...

2010-09-25T08:06:00.006-02:30

Yayyyy.....we heard from our friends last night. Late last night, they finally had power and phone service restored. They were safe as was their house, although I think it was a long few days for them. She has pictures and more about their experience and promises to share them...Glad they are all ok.

We also were able to connect with our other friends on the Burin Peninsula. They, along with their home, fared very well. Their Peninsula however, is disconnected from the rest of the province due to the road being washed completely out. There is now no milk, eggs, fresh vegetables, gasoline etc. there. To top it off, another bridge on that peninsula has now been declared unsafe and they're getting another 25 mms of rain there today. Not really what they need there today.

Sending Help

2010-09-24T18:55:00.005-02:30

Our Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, viewed a couple of the most devastated areas today.

"I have seen flooding, but I have never seen anything like this," he said. "I have never seen damage like this in Canada. Where we were standing at one point the water would have been over our heads here." Prime Minister, Stephen Harper Story found here

The Canadian government is deploying the military to help with the hardest hit areas: story here

We still have not heard from our friends on Random Island. We know their area was hit very hard. Pictures and stories are just starting to come out. Apparently, today a boat was able to get there with some supplies. Katie and Brad...we're thinking of you and hope you are ok. One story about Random Island found here.

Igor Totals

2010-09-23T22:28:00.004-02:30

Environment Canada issued an updated special weather statement for Newfoundland and Labrador. It looks like here in Pouch Cove, we received 142 mms of rain and the wind speed was 147 km/h.

Not sure how long these links will stay active but here they are just the same

Statement found here

On another note, Random Island appears to be one of the worst hit areas on the island. Story and picture here This is awful, these people appear (and I say appear because up until now, I've been unable to find out any information) to be stranded here. We have friends there and have not been able to make any kind of contact with them. I can only hope they are all ok. By the sounds of this report, it appears the province will finally get to them.

Look at this house

Some more pictures here (scroll down the blue bar and then click on the white arrow)

There are still people without power here. There are still communities that are totally cut off....food, fuel and other supplies cannot get in. Hopefully, the governments will move quickly to send aid, restore roads and get these communities reconnected. It's been a long three days and each day seems to get worse as new pictures of the devastation come to light.

Experiencing Hurricane Igor first hand

2010-09-22T10:10:00.006-02:30

I don't even have the words to describe it that would do it proper justice. It was frightening, humbling and exhausting.

As I mentioned before, the rain and winds started Monday....long before Igor was anywhere near NL.

Then it got worse.

Many communities declared states of emergency. Many communities are cut off and not accessible because roads/bridges are washed away. Power can't be restored in these areas because of this. Parts of the Trans Canada Highway are closed. The highest reports I have seen, have the top wind speed at 172 kms/hr and the most rainfall at 239 cms.

I've never seen trees bend like they did. We could feel our whole house shake with every gust of wind. Jake was sure we were going to die. We lost power around 3 in the afternoon, so we sat in the basement, gathered around my clock radio, listening to the latest news and updates. With almost every gust of wind, I expected to hear or see part of our roof lift off. Thankfully, we had no damage here. Many others in our province were not so fortunate. We are concerned for friends of ours...we know their area was hit hard....but we're unable to contact them.

I took pictures...but again they did not even begin to do justice. Here are a couple of links, some with pictures (not my pictures but submitted by others).

Statement from Environment Canada with wind speeds and
rainfalls: Found here

Some pictures from CBC here although you have to scroll down to see them

CBC news story here

Igor Update...

2010-09-20T21:09:00.003-02:30

Not sure how long we'll have power for...it would be nice if it didn't go out at all. The lights have been flickering a bit, so it's anybody's call right now.

At last check, Igor is forecasted to be a category 1 hurricane when it passes by us tomorrow. The eye is not forecasted to hit Newfoundland directly, but we're still looking at wind gusts of 120 kms/hr and rain of 150 - 200 mms (6 - 8 inches). I cannot imagine what it would be like to have a direct hit of a hurricane.

For now, it's raining and raining hard. I can hear the wind and every once in awhile it gets stronger which causes the rain to hit the windows harder. I'm probably not gonna get much sleep tonight lol.

Anyway...I'll keep you all posted as I can. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers.

Preparing for Igor

2010-09-20T12:20:00.012-02:30

It seems as if hurricane Igor is on his way to Newfoundland and Labrador. I was first made aware of his impending visit yesterday and have been watching various weather reports and the latest available tracking information.

Depending on the source, we're in for anywhere between 50 and 150 mms of rain and wind gusts of up to 150 kms. Other sources are saying winds of 90 kms...which is better than 150 kms....but still too high for my liking.

We're battening down the hatches...and Larry is out doing this as I type. Tyler has gone to town and will fill our water jugs on the way back (we have to get our drinking water from there anyway). Everything that could be blown around, such as the BBQ, smaller pieces of wood, lawn decorations, plants etc. are being moved inside the shed. Larry is checking the drain ditches and removing any debris and/or grown up grass. The firewood boxes inside are full.

Then there is the usual for inside: batteries, wind up flashlights, candles and matches. I should probably charge the cell phone (I realize that service could also be affected but just in case). The vehicles are full of gas, as are the gas cans.

It's not supposed to hit until Tuesday...bur the winds here have already started to pick up.

Here are some various sites I've been following (click on link):

Environment Canada -- Hurricane Tracking Information

Storm Pulse

The Weather Network

National Hurricane Center

Storm Tracker

GET LOST IGOR -- YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE!!

I will keep you posted.....

Springdale Craft and Trade Fair

2010-09-14T13:59:00.010-02:30

This past weekend we took part in Springdale's annual craft and trade fair. Springdale is about a six hour drive from here...so after working on chocolate for the previous couple of weeks, we (or should I say Larry) loaded up the van and off we went. Tyler was unable to come with us because of job obligations and university courses. I think he was just as glad to stay home alone anyway (but mom still worried about him home alone and driving back and forth to work ;)

It was a great show with a lot of people in attendance. We met a lot of friendly people over the course of the weekend. We're already looking forward to next year!

Jake looked after a big part of our sales. As I've mentioned here before, he absolutely loves doing this and is right in his element while doing so. In addition to this, he also managed to get around the stadium and meet most of the other vendors taking part in the show.

All ready to go.... "Welcome to Candy Box Creations" was his usual opening line..

Here Jake is excited about starting. He's giving his spiel to one of the other vendors before the show opened to the public

Jake learns so many practical, hands-on skills from doing events such as these. We count this as an important part of his homeschooling.

We got talking to (or should I say Jake got talking to) the vendors on each side of us. We were pleasantly surprised to learn the couple on one side are the grandparents of a homeschooler we know (well..know of...she is in the next town). How cool is that?

The booth on the other side of us was occupied by a local college. I've never been able to pin down an answer from them regarding admission of homeschoolers to their college....so when there was a lull in the action, I was able to talk to them about this and homeschooling in general. The rep was very nice to talk with. She mentioned she'd never had that question before...but promised to look into it further for me.

We're very thankful to our friends, Soraya and Fred and their five children. They so graciously opened their home to us and put us up for the four nights we were there. (Ohh...and Soraya is a wonderful cook...and her cheesecakes are TO.DIE.FOR!!)

Soraya, Fred and Jael

Jael (as well as all of their children) made quite the impression on Brittney...

and Jake....

As I mentioned, it was a great show. We enjoyed ourselves very much and are hoping to go back next year. On the CFS and fibro front though, I must admit it caused these two ugly conditions to remind me they are still around. I ended up spending a big chunk of the last day, sleeping out in the van. I did help them take down our booth, but on arrival back at our hosts' house, I could barely stand. I was embarrassed but had no other choice...I had to lay down. I went to bed and spent most of that evening sleeping...and right through the night. For the drive home on Sunday, the fibro pain was quite present. Once home, Larry unloaded the van while I rested. I then slept through the night. Monday brought more of the same. I was in and out of sleep most of the day and barely remember the kids fooling around on the computer beside my bed or them saying goodnight.

Apparently, Larry tried to wake me around ten and then again around midnight...but was unable to. (I don't recall any of this either) He eventually gave up and threw a cover over me, where I slept soundly until the alarm went off at 6:00 a.m. I was still fully dressed. More of the same today (and at times like this, I'm grateful for my adjustable bed, laptop and ocean to look at ;))

I'm thinking from now on, I may leave the selling part to the 'experts' and I'll stick to the making part.

Another sunrise....

2010-09-07T22:48:00.001-02:30

New Job!

2010-09-06T20:46:00.003-02:30

I got a new job today...and a badge to prove it.

Jake hired me as a "Cookie Advizer" for his Cookie Company. I guess that's because I insist on supervising him in the kitchen (much to his dismay...he'd prefer me to go and leave him to it...but he hasn't had much success with that idea)

Anyway...here is my company badge.

Happy Birthday Tyler!

2010-08-24T23:30:00.003-02:30

Tyler turns 18 today. The time has gone by so quickly. Seems like yesterday he was born...now he's finished high school, starting to do university courses, driving and working.

Happy Birthday, Tyler!

Hi Ho, Hi Ho

2010-08-23T22:03:00.003-02:30

It's off to work he goes.

Tyler got a job, working at Swiss Chalet as a dishwasher. Congrats, Ty!

I offered, out of the goodness of my heart, to let him wash all of our dishes...just for practice of course. You know...practice makes perfect, right? ;)

For some reason, he declined my offer ;) Oh well....I tried.

Ontario trip, 2010

2010-08-17T09:15:00.026-02:30

We made a trek back to Ontario to visit with family and friends. It was a great trip, although seemed to fly by quickly. Everything fell into place fairly well and we made it there in 3.5 days. The first day across NL, the second day on the ferry (5.5 hours...it was a beautiful crossing...smooth and the sun was even shining all the way.) We got off the ferry around 2:30 and then drove to Moncton, NB. The third day took us to Cornwall, Ontario...which only left a few hours to our destination.

Here are some pics...click to enlarge them

Before we left....a boat on the ocean.....

Driving across Newfoundland,

The ferry we took and what it looks like at six in the morning

Boarding the ferry....here we go!

Larry's driving advisor...or has someone in the back seat played a trick on Larry?? ;)

Finally we arrived....first stop dinner:)

My ('little') brother and Jake

My little brother and Tyler

Tyler showing Grandpa and Marilyn (my step mom) his latest cartoon work

Us with Aunt Edna (in the pink) and Aunt Helen

Another day...another restaurant. Brittney and Jake with Uncle Bill.

Jake and Uncle Bill

Jake and Marnum (Marilyn's name in our family coined by Tyler ohhh so many years ago when he could not pronounce "Marilyn". It came out Marnum....and has continued on to this day)

Brittney and Marnum

Brittney getting ready to hit the pool at Uncle Bill's...

Swimming at Uncle Bill and Aunt Angela's house. Beautiful...it was so hot!

We went into Toronto for a day to get chocolate supplies. The traffic...oh my...how soon we'd forgotten...

Contrast that to Newfoundland traffic...

Back at Grandpa and Marnum's apartment. My dad is a Buckley's Man...and seriously...they should put him on the payroll. He tries to convert everyone....and when one of his friends in Florida happened to see this blowup bottle of Buckley's, she had to get it for my Dad. Last Christmas at their Christmas party...she made him sit at the front...where she brought in this big box and had him open it LOL LOL.

Some serious crazy eight card playin'

The next few are at the Mandarin restaurant. We told Tyler we'd take him and a friend out to celebrate his graduation. He opted to wait until we went back to Ontario so he could go the Mandarin (there are none here). He asked his friend Christopher to join us (our families have been friends since the children were very little)

More swimming, at our neighbour's pool (a neighbour where we used to live). Even I went in for a few minutes....Did I mention it was hot??

On to our friend's house for a few days (same friend Tyler took out for lunch).

Brittney, Natasha and Tamara

Colleen and Todd. Thanks, guys for putting up with us for a couple of days!

Christopher, Tyler and Larry playing a little basketball.

Are you watchin' ?

Can't be outdone by those youngins .... don't ya know...
Yahoo, Larry!! ...hole in one!! err...wrong sport...but you get the drift ;)

More swimming...

More basketball...Jake's turn

Campfire time...mmm..marshmallows... JJ (Christopher's older brother) tending the fire.

Don't come any closer....It's mine...grrr...

More visiting...

with Claire and Winnie...Delicious dinner...thanks so much!

and Kathie and Larry, Jacob and Joey..another delicious dinner (or so I heard...it was too late for me to eat, but it sure looked and smelled good ;))

Back to Uncle Bill's and Aunt Angela's.

Grandpa up to no good...waiting for the right moment to sling a cup of ice cold water on the un suspecting swimmers...

One of the things Larry misses is the pizza...so we had a pizza party in the park. We invited some of our cousins...and all enjoyed catching up and eating pizza...

Jake and Lucille (my dad's 1st cousin)

Here..there is our crew, my dad and Marilyn, Lucille and her children...Muriel and Bill and his wife Peggy. Jake rounded up some random person to take a group shot.

On to see Larry's sister, Elaine...

Then...the trying to take a good picture got interesting. I'd get everyone posed and lined up...make sure everyone's face was visible etc., then with a smile on everyone's face ....I'd push the button to snap the picture...and in those two seconds....Jake would make a face...

My CFS and Fibro was really acting up this day...I guess that's one good thing about Jake making the faces...it takes away from how terrible I look

Every.single.time....a face

Finally...a good one...

We stayed mostly at the Holiday Inn Express. My life-long friend Tammie works there...and it was great to catch up with her.
Here she is 'trying' to avoid a picture. Surely...she knows me better than that...I do not give up so easily...

I kept on until she finally posed for one...
She made our stay at the Holiday Inn Express very enjoyable...thanks so much Tammie!

Time to head back already. Going through Montreal...that traffic is worse than Toronto traffic! And....the signs are all in French...Help!!

Brittney's hair do creation on Larry...

We stopped at our friends, Ben and Jodie's house in NB. We stayed here for a night as well. Thanks guys for having us...and putting up with us!

Here our Jake and their Jake are playing the Wii...

Their other son, Jordan, along with a family friend of theirs, Rachel and Tyler Brittney settled into a good game of clue...

Rachel and Jordan were gearing up for VBS and needed a poster made. They got Tyler to draw the characters. These posters were fairly large (I'm guessing about 5' X 3')...he's never done anything so big...great job Tyler!

Ben brought out his guitar...much to Brittney's delight. She is all about the guitar lately...mostly self-taught. She'd been missing hers...so when Ben brought his out...she was beside herself. Jordan joined in.

Larry...showing his age and complaining about the volume of it all ;)

Ben and Jodie, Jordan, Rachel and our crew --- Jake is up to his usal antics...

Their Jake, playing his guitar..

Next, on to Nova Scotia where we stopped at Shirley and Rick's. We met these folks on our very first camping trip to the east...back when Jake was about three.

Rick and Shirley's son, Sandy and his girlfriend Sam

Rick and Shirley along with our crew. I didn't get a pic of Jenna..

After leaving Rick and Shirley's, we headed for the ferry and then home. It was another good crossing and we managed to drive all the way back home, once getting off the ferry. It was a bit unsettling after dark as the moose are a real problem here. Everyone was on moose patrol....and thankfully we made it home without seeing one.

It was a great holiday. Good to see everyone and thanks to all for making it so great.

The only problem with holidays...they come to an end and then it's back to the grind....sigh

For Grandpa

2010-08-15T23:48:00.003-02:30

Tyler and Grandpa have a thing going back and forth.

Grandpa thinks toques (hats worn by most people in the cold weather) should be worn in the winter (and even then it's questionable)

Tyler thinks toques are cool whenever (except in the really cool weather)

Tyler wanted me to take this picture especially for Grandpa .....

Wood

2010-07-23T21:56:00.000-02:30

Larry finished cutting and splitting next winter's wood. It's all neatly stacked and out to dry before moving it under cover once the fall hits.

Dealing with wood was somewhat of a new learning curve for us and Larry loves working with it. It's hard to describe....but once bitten with the wood burning bug, it seems to get in your blood. Who would've thunk?

Larry's handiwork (along with a bit of help from Tyler, Brittney and Jake)

Backyard whale shows

2010-07-15T13:40:00.007-02:30

These videos were taken from our backyard last night. There were so many whales all spread out across our 'viewing area' that it was impossible to capture them all at the same time.

(You can click the little picture of a square with an arrow pointing on the diagonal, which is found in the lower right side, to make it a full screen video)

Video #1

Video #2

Whales...playing in their ocean playground

2010-07-13T21:39:00.007-02:30

The whales have been here for awhile, but have been holding on posting about it. I've been trying to get a picture, but try as I might, it's seemingly impossible to get a good one (or any kind for that matter). I've been trying for three years now....with not much luck.

Sooo....y'all will have to take my word for it....there are whales in them there waters!!!!!

And.....they are just spectacular to watch!! I love waking in the morning to see them spouting and bridging the surface of the ocean. Quite often, there are many all across our little area of the ocean. While there are many bridging...there are also many just spouting. So wonderful to be able to witness them, in their natural habitat...from our deck our or our bench at the back...and all for free.

Each day is a totally new, breath taking sight and they never fail to amaze us with their shows. Whether it's in the early morning with sun gleaming off of the ocean, or later in the afternoon when the sun has moved off of the water....each is equally as magnificent. We feel so totally blessed to be able to watch this.

The other morning was one such day...the sun was shining brightly and the ocean sparkling in its presence. As the whales bridged the ocean surface...the sun illuminated the dark, wet skin of the whales...honestly, it looked like sparkling bright lights in the ocean. Simply beautiful.

At any rate....here are my less than stellar photos. If you click them, they will enlarge....but keep in mind...they simply do not do justice to the actual view.

This is the best I've been able to get so far....

If you enlarge this one, and look to the right of the pic (just over top of the tree...you can see a spout)

Same here...

And here again...

Hmm....didn't think I'd post pictures without including a couple of sun-shining-on- the-ocean ones, did you? ;)

Seagulls feeding on the Capelin...a good sign there are whales there feeding on them as well...

Bridgette and Brittney, sitting on our bench at 'the point' (a high spot in our back yard which we've dubbed 'the point' -- more explaining pictures here -- scroll down to the ones with the red arrows )...watching for whales...

Another spout...

More sights from Newfoundland

2010-07-07T21:43:00.011-02:30

Brittney's friend, Bridgette, is visiting with us. She's from Ontario and this is her first trip to Newfoundland. Newfoundland is rich in history and played significant roles in many historical events. Today, we took her to visit just two of the many available sites.

First Stop --- Cape Spear....which is the most easterly point of land in North America

Whale Watching..... Click pictures to enlarge them

On to Signal Hill/Cabot Tower. It was here that the first trans Atlantic wireless radio transmission was received by Marconi in 1901 (more info here and here)

The Cabot Tower stands out for several kilometres in all directions and can be seen all across the city. We often comment it's Newfoundland's version of the CN Tower.

Sign post showing distances to various world destinations...Spot where the Titanic went down....584 kms...

Open for Business

2010-07-07T08:25:00.004-02:30

Last Saturday was Opening Day of the season for Jake's cookie business. He is so independent in all aspects of his life and his cookie business is no exception. He would prefer to do everything on his own ... except mom likes to keep an eye on things. Silly mom...(we 'discuss' this point quite often lol)

Oh well....it was a good day and he sold out in just over an hour. Half way through, one of his friends showed up and they sold cookies together. Jake paid him for his help.

Motorcycle Rides and Sunrises

2010-06-27T18:41:00.004-02:30

Our friends Joan and Keith invited us over for a BBQ on Saturday. Come for the day and we'll keep it simple they said. Hmmm...steaks they served....and huge ones at that...far from simple....but ooohh sooo delicious!! mmmmm

After supper, Keith asked what we thought about going out for a ride on his motorcycle. Hmmm....wearing a skort, tank top and sandals....I was hardly dressed for such an occasion...but no worries Joan said....we'll fix you up.

She let me borrow her chaps (leather pants), boots and socks, her motorcycle jacket (which has built in elbow pads...they felt similar to hockey players' pads) and her helmet. The helmet was equipped with a microphone....so Keith and I could talk back and forth without yelling, as we went along.

It was a beautiful day....sunny and lots of blue sky. The area we are from in Ontario is quite flat compared to the never-ending, steep hills of Newfoundland. The WOW factor of many of these hills are quite often more than enough for us to get used of. Just imagine what it was like on the the motorcycle! We toured around Maddox Cove/Petty Harbour (picture here...scroll down a bit).....beautiful small town...before returning 45 minutes later to St. John's.

Breath-taking, beautiful and amazing ride!!!

When we returned......it was Larry's turn.

Needless to say...after the yummy dinner and a ride through the open clean air of Newfoundland....we all slept very well!!

Thanks Joan and Keith!

As per usual ...I did not have my camera and didn't get any pictures. Hmmm...guess I'll have to get another ride...just so I can get some pictures... ;)

The sun gets up so early....and it gets really light long before the sun peaks up over the ocean's edge.

Here's what 5:00 a.m. this morning looked like in Pouch Cove....

Moon over Pouch Cove

2010-06-25T23:02:00.001-02:30

Trying out my new camera....bear with me lol

A couple of more grad pics

2010-06-16T20:33:00.003-02:30

Homeschool, Highschool, Graduate

2010-06-15T14:19:00.010-02:30

We have a highschool graduate in our home today!

(Click on pictures to enlarge them)

Congratulations, Tyler!!

Last night our homeschooling group held it's annual graduation/year end celebration. The kids always look forward to this night and this year there was an extra special event....Tyler, along with one other girl graduated from grade 12!! A member of the board mentioned to us, they wanted to do something extra to make it a bit more special for the 'graduates'. It was decided they would wear a cap and gown.

The first part of the evening was a talent show. Each child could perform something of their choosing. Many played the piano, but there was a clarinet solo, a couple of drum solos, a skit, some singing and a couple of poetry readings. The only glitch to this part of the evening.....for some reason, Tyler, Brittney and Jake's name/activity/song title did not get onto the program. They were upset, but Jake was devastated. He wanted to come home...and even though we spoke to the MC and he easily made a spot for them, Jake was still quite upset. All through the other performances, he kept saying he was too upset to go up and play..but I kept encouraging him and reassuring him all would be ok. When his turn came, the ole' Jake we all know came through and he played his piece (Home Run Harry) very well! (Complete with Jake jumping off the stage after his performance...which prompted the MC to comment that "Harry obviously got a home run.")

Tyler performed "Moonlight Sonata" and Brittney played "Pastoral"

All the kids of the group did well and it was great to see what a wide variety of talent present in our group.

After the performances were done, the kids retreated to another room in order to get organized for the certificates. While that was happening, a video (made up of pictures that we each sent in of our family taken oven the year) was shown to the parents/grandparents/friends etc.

After some instruction....the K - 11 group entered the room. Each one was called up and received their certificate. They all looked so happy and proud as they received their certificate (and so they should...they've all worked so hard!!).

With that part finished, the lights went up, the music started (Pomp and Circumstance) and the two graduates entered the room. It was very emotional moment for me....It seems like yesterday I was taking Tyler to kindergarten....and now he is graduating?!? ...... What happened to all that time in between?

After they arrived on the stage, Tim, (the MC) spoke to them...congratulating them on all their hard work as well as encouraging them for their future. Hmmm...did I mention it was an emotional night??

Congratulations Tyler!!!

Tim (MC for the evening), Sarah (chair of our homeschool board), Tyler

Tim, Sarah, Tyler and Jake

Leah (the other graduate), Tyler

Brittney receiving her certificate

Jake receiving his certificate

Tyler performing his piano solo

Brittney at home before we left

Jake at home before we left

Tyler at home before we left

Some of our homeschooling group. In the first picture, the other little guy making the face, is a good friend of Jake's. Go figure, eh?

Getting closer?

2010-06-08T17:12:00.002-02:30

Sooo....according to Iceberg Finder....there is one al.most here.

*Happy Dance*

Hoping it makes it's way here...just a little bit further (and that piece of land to maneuver around ;) )

I'm watching and waiting....got my camera ready...stay tuned!!

This 'n That in pictures...

2010-05-27T19:00:00.007-02:30

Good morning from the Atlantic Ocean.... (click to enlarge)

Some of our kids love to be photographed.....

Others....not so much...

Good night all...

Long Weekend

2010-05-25T06:35:00.004-02:30

May 24th long weekend is the unofficial (or is that official? LOL) start of summer. After the long winter, everyone is more than ready....and this year was no exception!

Tyler and Brittney went to Spring Forth, which is a Christian teen camp held in Musgravetown, NL. Last year was their first year...they had a blast and have been talking about it ever since. Needless to say....they could hardly wait to get back.

That left Jake, Larry and I....and Jake was quite excited about being the only child for the whole weekend. We decided to head back to Gander again this weekend in order to visit with our friends from Glovertown and other friends who were camping in Terra Nova Park.

The weather mostly co-operated with sunshine and warmth (well all except for Monday morning...it was chilly at only 1*C....quite the contrast from Sunday at 22*C and sun)

By all accounts....it was a great weekend.

Tyler and Brittney had a fabulous time once again.

We enjoyed spending time with friends, sharing some laughs, discussing life here in Newfoundland touring around parts of our (almost) new province that we had not yet seen, enjoying the great outdoors, clean air and overall just relaxing.

Yes...just what the Dr. ordered (literally)....now ... back to reality.

Homeschool Conference on The Rock

2010-05-18T08:32:00.004-02:30

This past weekend was CHENL's annual Homeschool Conference on The Rock.....and was held in Gander this year.

What an excellent conference it was! Congrats and Thanks to all of the organizers who put it all together.

We always enjoy going to Homeschool Conferences....it's a time to meet other homeschoolers, share ideas, hear speakers and come away feeling recharged and refreshed.

This one was no exception....and we all had a wonderful time! It's interesting to see how each one is organized...the differences and similarities. I'm always impressed with the creativity put forth in working around any unique challenges that each provincial area faces. It's interesting how (what may be perceived as) an area's weakness can actually be a great strength and vice versa.

There was something for everyone this weekend...child care and program for the little ones (which Brittney was even able to help out with a bit...looking after young children is something she absolutely loves to do!!), a teen room (full of lots of interesting things for teens to do...and other teens to hang out with). One of the speakers prepared a session geared especially to the teens.

For us adults, there were speakers, vendors with various curricula/books for us to look through, time to meet and chat with other homeschoolers from across our province, time for questions/conversations with the speakers...food (ohhh....and Larry's favourite...pizza for lunch).... lots of free draws/giveaways (and I actually even won one!!)....the list goes on....

Tyler opted to stay home....first time alone overnight and all. He was fine...mom was worried...but hey...that goes with the territory *and* it's a mom's right to worry....isn't it ;)

The only down side to the whole weekend.....was the snow we woke up to on Friday morning. Not what one wants to see in May....but especially not when travel is involved. Thankfully, it wasn't long-lasting (and didn't even stick to the ground)....but no way of knowing how bad it will get while it's happening. (I always fear the worst.) Not far into our journey though, the roads were dry, there was no evidence of any snow....and the sun was even shining.

Another concern for us, was the moose that are an ongoing driving hazard in this province. They wander out on to 'the highway' (NL's version of the 401, we call it ;)). It's difficult dealing with them at any time, but especially at night...the highway is not lit and when one is clicking along at 100 kms/hr....well...that can make for a bad combination. Thankfully, we were able to travel mostly in the light...and only saw one moose along the way (and even then, he was way off to the side).

My other concern was my CFS/Fibro. I was mostly concerned with the post exertional malaise/crash I could have experienced (and quite often do)....but took as many steps as I could think of to ward this off. 'Banking' my energy during the week before (as much as I could) as well as diligently doing/taking everything the homeopath had advised. I'm pleased to announce (for the most part) it worked!!! Saturday morning I was a bit concerned as I was quite achy and that all too familiar burning muscles...but I kept on with the daily regimen of vitamins, supplements etc. as recommended....and it seem to work! Today is Tuesday...and still no crash...so I'm thinkin' I made it through!!! Yahoo!!! *Doing the Happy Dance here*

So...ya....in summary it was a great weekend. Made some new friends, reconnected with old ones (not that they were old...just that we knew them from before lol ) and had a great weekend to boot!

Thanks again to all the organizers...Job well done!

CFS Sufferers...need your help

2010-05-06T11:36:00.003-02:30

I am looking for articles and/or websites that best describe/explain Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (because as we all know, the name certainly does not reflect the reality of the illness). Something that lists all of the symptoms (well as many as possible, I know it's impossible to list all of them) and the on going daily struggles this disease causes. I'm looking for articles/websites that are complete and to the point that would be useful to help me explain this to others (because I seem to be failing miserably and seemingly end up leaving people more confused than ever.)

If you could leave a link to your favourite in a comment to me....it would be much appreciated.

Thanks for your help!

Sad Anniversary

2010-04-28T09:56:00.001-02:30

coming up in our house. We try to not dwell on the negative, but sometimes that is easier said than done.

April 30 marks this sad anniversary, being especially difficult for Jake. That was the date his best friend, David, lost his battle with cancer. He was 7 years old.

Jake first met David when they were babies sitting in their car seats. David's mom (who also happens to be named Linda) and I went to Coffee Break, which was a mom's group held at a local church. As the boys grew, they became good friends.

David was a wonderful little guy, always cheerful and always happy. Even though cancer took many things from him (like his sight and his ability to swallow), it never took his sunny disposition or touched his spirit. Never. Even up to the end, David always had a smile on his face.

It was difficult to explain death and cancer to Jake. Even though Jake had experienced a loss through death (his grandfather) we were able to explain that event to him as a natural event that happens when we get older.

But this was different...David was not old. It had a profound effect on Jake that still goes on to this day. Somehow, Jake has convinced himself it was his fault (simply because he was David's friend) that David got cancer. Many times since then, he's been sure he needs to stop being friends with a current buddy or buddies. On more than one occasion, I've had to stop him from ending a friendship. Why? ..... Because, his reasoning goes, if he stops being their friend then they won't get cancer.

We've had many conversations about this over the past four years and although he hasn't mentioned this in a few months now, I am concerned as this date is again approaching. It always brings up those not-so-good feelings. Jake has been looking at the calendar for several days already and I can see it in his eyes.

It seems like...one step forward and two back.

Here are some pictures of Jake and David, taken at Jake's birthday parties. The first few are at Jake's 5th b/d party and just a few months before David's diagnosis of cancer.

Boys....being boys....they all thought it was funny to make faces for the pictures. I was unable to get a picture of them not making faces. Yes...boys will be boys.

David in on the fun of face making...

One year later at Jake's 6th birthday party. Yes....the boys are still making faces.

When David finished treatment, they had a party for him. This was taken at that party.

Are they on their way??

2010-04-27T09:38:00.003-02:30

According to IcebergFinder.....some icebergs have been detected. (This link will only stay active as long as the icebergs are there)

Woohoo!

As these are still quite a bit north....I'm wondering if they'll make their way this far south. Time will tell. I'm on the look out now (which makes my kids roll their eyes lol)...stay tuned!

From years gone by...

2010-04-14T19:46:00.005-02:30

Well....it isn't looking too good for icebergs this year, although I do have a tiny bit of hope ...the air certainly feels like there is an iceberg or two floating around out there. A quick check of www.icebergfinger.com says different though....so I'm trying to not get my hopes up (well...ok..perhaps a little).

Here are a couple of icebergs pics that I am reposting....they are from two years ago. That was our first year here, and we were (well...mostly me lol) in awe of them. There were a lot that year and I named them all (all names starting with "I")....which made my kids think I'd inhaled too much salt air. I remember Jake asked me, "If ever an iceberg comes in that isn't yours, could I have it? I'd really like to have one of my own." LOL

Anyway....here are a couple we saw from our backyard.

*Click to enlarge them*.....they're so much nicer!

This one is Iqbal....and I have this as my desktop pic

Oh my...I forget this one's name....but it started with I...hmm...maybe Igor?

Stay tuned....if I do spot any....I'll be sure to post them here.

New Friends

2010-04-10T12:33:00.004-02:30

We had the great opportunity to meet some new friends yesterday. Now, we've 'known' them for awhile.....through our blogs and our like-minded quests for life on the beautiful island of Newfoundland.

We've been following their journey as they prepared to do make a move, very similar to the one we did almost three years ago. They came from further away, so their trek was longer and they do have some distant connections to the island, but basically they had the same sort of thoughts we did.

They arrived a little while ago and have been busy settling in. Yesterday, they made the trip to this part of the island....and were able to stop in for a visit!

It was great to meet them in person! Their kids are very close in age to ours....and they all hung out in the basement, playing games, video games and such. We all walked back by the ocean and took a look at that (mainlanders....we're all fascinated by the ocean ;)). Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures (even though I put fresh batteries in it just before they came)...so I have none...but here is a link to Katie's blog post about their visit, along with some pictures she took both of this area, and some other places they visited while getting here. Click here

That time of year, again

2010-04-03T23:08:00.006-02:30

Not this morning, but a few days ago....and just because (click to enlarge)

We are still in the tail end of this year's burning season, but it is time to start getting ready for the next one. We had logs delivered last fall, where they've been sitting all winter. Larry also took a few trees from our property. But....seeing as the snow has gone...it's now time to deal with the pile.

Larry and Tyler have spent the last two mornings, carting them up and then sawing them. Hopefully, one more morning should do it for the cutting part...then comes the splitting and stacking. Brittney and Jake (and hopefully I will be well enough to pitch in too) will help with the stacking part. Our goal, as long as the weather co-operates, is to have most of it done by the end of the week.

Bringing the logs up

Tyler is sooo strong!

Positioning it just right

The fun part... (and Tyler trying to hide from the camera....he is sooo different from his brother ;0)

Carting more logs..

Still more...

The pile so far...

Passing Ships

2010-03-21T20:56:00.012-02:30

As I've mentioned once....or maybe even twice (*wink*), I love looking out over the Atlantic Ocean and seeing all it has to offer. No two days are ever the same.

One thing we see a lot of here, is passing ships. Some big, some small (although...I'm sure if we could get close enough, the small ones, wouldn't actually be that small). Some look like 'normal' boats, while others look downright strange. Some are obviously fishing boats....and others...well....we're not quite sure. Because we are on the northeast corner of North America (betcha didn't know NA had 'corners'...did ya?), it always leaves me wondering about these ships...where they are going, where they have been and what their purpose is.

Here is a sampling of today's passing ships. Click the pictures to enlarge them.

This one headed south (sorry..I know it blends in with the water and is hard to see...but if you click to enlarge, it will bring it up better)

Sailing away....soon will disappear around the point...

Later this afternoon, three more.... (traffic jam....Newfoundland style ;) )

And...an early morning sunrise picture from the other day....

Taken from a trail not too far from our place...

This is only our third Spring here, so we're hardly experts lol....but by this time for the last two years, our bay (and most of the whole island) was packed with sea ice. Not this year though....not a single piece of ice to be seen (not from here anyway). Apparently, it is a very poor year for ice...which has left me wondering about icebergs (specifically if this will mean no icebergs). I was asking our neighbour (who is a Scientist), about this. She said there are a few out there....they aren't very big ones...but there are some. Woo hoo! (Little icebergs are better than no icebergs). She also feels it will be an early iceberg season! Woo hoo!!! I'm just hoping they are big enough to make it down this far south. ('cuz you know if there are icebergs out there....they're sure to get mentioned here. Yep...and pictures too.)

Stay tuned....

An Award

2010-03-18T10:32:00.003-02:30

Dominique over at 4Walls and A View has awarded me with The Happiness Award.

Thanks so much, Dominique!

:)

Now, I am to list 10 things that make me happy....so here goes (and they are not in any particular order)

1) CHOCOLATE --- Need I say any more?? ;)

2) Family

3) Friends --- both irl and on-line

4) Travelling

5) The Ocean and all the beauty it has to offer (icebergs, whales to name only two)

6) Newfoundland and living on the ocean

7) Health

8) Sunshine

9) Good food

10) Homeschooling

Now, I am supposed to nominate others who make me happy, but it's so hard to narrow it down. I am truly blessed by all of the blogs I read...so thanks to all of you!

University Preparedness

2010-03-05T13:29:00.009-03:30

I can hardly believe I'm writing this post. It seems as if it was just yesterday Tyler was bouncing around, watching Barney, playing with his dump trucks (and filling my basement with dirt) and eating "Wa was with the ows cut off" (waffles with the hard outside edges cut off).

Tyler at about age 2

But .... I am.

He is finishing up his last year of high school and ready to move on with his life. He's been considering his options, a lot of things for young people to wade through. After many considerations, he's decided on a plan (loosely at this stage, but a plan nonetheless).

He took an English Language Assessment test through a university, to see if he's ready to handle this level of courses. An "Am I Ready for studies in _________". Hmmm...I must admit, I was more than a bit nervous (for a couple of reasons) while he was doing this test. This is where the 'rubber hits the road' for many homeschoolers. A time to see how effective ....or non-effective..... your homeschooling has been. Hmm...what will happen if all those naysayers over the years have been right....what then? What if we've ruined his life by homeschooling? Yes at this point I was having many moments of second guessing myself....moments quite the same as I did when we first started homeschooling.

Add into this, our English program ended at Grade 8. (For the years 9-11 we did French). He has not had any real English studies or instruction in going on four years. Oh no...more panic setting in. (Although, knowing he may very well be required to write an English exam somewhere along the line in order to enter a post- secondary institution, he did 'glance over' (in his spare time) the grade 8 English book again this past year.)

He did not study for the test (against my better judgement). He just decided that today was the day to do it and went ahead with it.

He had three hours in which to complete the test.

He finished in less than 2 hours.

Here are his scores:

Your Results
Section Your
Score
GRAMMAR: Part A 90%
GRAMMAR: Part B 80%
GRAMMAR: Part C 70%
READING: Vocabulary 90%
READING: Comprehension 80%
WRITING: Sentence Completion 80%
WRITING: Transitions 90%
WRITING: Definitions 40%
WRITING: Sequencing 100%
WRITING: Sentence Descriptors 60%

Overall Score 78%

A couple of things stand out to me here. First of all the sections on Writing: Definitions (40%)...this area was totally new to him...he had not studied this area at all.

Also the section on WRITING: Sequencing 100%. This one makes me smile. You see...when he was in Kindergarten, he apparently had great difficulties in sequencing. Almost daily, the teacher would meet me at the door to tell me of Tyler's difficulty of that day. Sequencing was just one of those problem areas. She was certain he had a learning disability and warned of his impending doom if we didn't deal with this problem at once. We didn't as we didn't see any problem. (At home, when things were quiet, I would ask Tyler about these difficulties...if he understood what was being asked, if he could hear when she was speaking etc. He always assured me he could. When I probed a little bit further....the response I would get would be something like this: "Who cares if the little boy grabbed his hat first or his bat first??? What difference does it make??? As long as he gets everything....that's all that matters.") Oh boy....Tyler...

Yes...I'm breathing a little bit easier today.

Congrats, Tyler! Good luck in your future endeavours ;)

Taken at his last birthday (we don't have too many pics of him...he is a bit camera shy ;))

An award

2010-03-04T09:29:00.003-03:30

My blog has received an award! Linda, over at Remote Treechanger has awarded me the Sunshine Award! Thanks, Linda!

I like this award too....the colours are so vivid and the flower...they all remind me of summer which, we here in most parts of North America, are eagerly awaiting!

The conditions of this award is to post it and then award other bloggers who brighten my day. Hmmm...that is just too difficult as all the blogs I read brighten my day! Sooo...thanks to all of you!

Thanks, Tom!

2010-02-25T07:32:00.008-03:30

Wow, what a nice tribute by Tom Brokaw (nice scenery pics too).

Thanks! (Some interesting facts.....I learned a couple of things that I didn't know before)

Second Edited to Add --- Ooops...it appears to be back!

....but just in case it goes MIA again, here's a link to an article about it. for article, click here

Valentine's Party

2010-02-14T22:42:00.005-03:30

Thursday, was the Valentine's party with the homeschooling group. Jake was quite excited about this for about a week before it happened (I know...it's hard to imagine Jake excited *grin*). He had his Dad pick up some Valentine's cards and he carefully hand-addressed each one.

It was to be combined with their regular weekly skating session, which was a huge help. Usually, parties/events are held in the other end of town, which makes it almost impossible for us to attend. However, with the arena being only 20 minutes away...and with the fact it was combined with something they already attend each week, this was so convenient. My health issues still had to be worked around though. Our section of the alphabet was to bring sandwiches...which presented a major problem for me. This part is *so* frustrating for me....things I never thought twice about doing in the past are now quite often impossible to accomplish. Like he has done all through this whole thing, Larry stepped up to the plate. I feel guilty about this as he's stuck doing most things I used to be responsible for (housework, dishes, groceries, paying bills...the list goes on), plus working outside of the home earning money, looking after the kids and also the outside work (snow shovelling/yard work etc.). I'm really afraid this is all taking a toll on him and worried it will affect his health too. Then, we really will be in trouble.

He made a list, went to the grocery store and bought the items necessary for the sandwiches. When he returned home, he carefully made them (did a great job too!). He packed them on plates, got the kids organized (skates, hockey sticks, helmets, coats, mits, hats, valentines, container for other valentines), organized himself (he had to head to work from the party so needed his brief case etc.) Thankfully Tyler can drive now...but those details had to be worked out as well. Seeing as Larry had to leave early to go to work, they would be responsible for making sure everything they took....got brought back home (which it did....they've all been a huge help through this as well.)

With lots of confusion happening, they were finally organized enough to leave. I would have liked to have gone...but the party was upstairs (which I can't do yet) and the skating area is at the other end of the arena (which I also can't do). It was quiet here while they were gone. I am really trying to not be bitter, but must admit I'm more than a little disappointed with many people and institutions. It's been a long month and a phone call (or even an email) would have gone a long ways...especially on days the pain was so bad I needed to remain close to my bed. I am thankful though, for all of my you, my blogging pals....your support (messages, comments on here and emails etc.) have meant so much....thanks to all of you! (My Dad has called a couple of times and also my friend Kathie....so I have had three calls lol. Did I mention it's been a long month? lol)

I napped for the afternoon and eventually they returned home. All in all they had a good time.

Hopefully....next event, I will be able to...no...I *will* go with them (this is my goal anyway).

Snowfall and Sunrises....North Atlantic pics...

2010-01-29T10:32:00.013-03:30

(Click on pictures to enlarge them)

Our back yard .... after a fresh snowfall

A bit to the north

Same location...next day. Notice the difference in amount of snow covering. Snow seems to come and go quickly here. Also...do you see the light fixture which appears to be hanging in the sky? Cool, eh?

Early morning view of what we see as we wake up (depending of course on the time of year....winter time...this happens fairly late)

Almost over the top.....

This morning. Snow is almost completely gone now...hoping it stays that way...but not holding my breath ;)

Update

2010-01-23T12:49:00.006-03:30

Today is day 9 since my last crash and I'm finally doing a bit better.

This one has been one of the worst. I am still upset with myself...this was preventable as I knew better ..... this should not have happened. I've certainly learned my lesson though. CFS is here, probably for good (at least to some extent) and I'll have to deal with that. I've been going against the grain of my personality this past week (which is difficult) and have been resting, resting, resting. Meals have been less than stellar...but food nonetheless. Everyone has, once again, had to chip in and do more. Hopefully, that won't last too much longer.

I've also been looking over my notes, trying to remember what, exactly it was that started me on the road to improvement a year ago. When I was first diagnosed, I researched....and researched a lot. I was able to learn so much helpful and valuable information from those who have the same condition...whether it was what worked for them, what didn't, medical info that just wasn't right, a book recommendation or perhaps an article or website. I'm so thankful to my on-line CFS friends who've been both willing to share their successes and struggles all the while using up their valuable (often limited) supply of energy in order to do so.

I made notes...many of them and am now re learning and remembering things to do. I don't think it was any one thing that started me on the road to feeling better...but a combination of things. I need to hit that combination again (and this time I'm writing it down)

We moved to NL to enjoy and explore this beautiful province....which I still plan on doing. While we have seen some of it....there is still a lot more area to cover. There are pictures to be taken, things to be learned and friends to be made.

Looking forward to fully recovering from this latest crash.

Crash Mode Today

2010-01-15T17:03:00.005-03:30

Grrr at CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome).

I had been doing so well in my battle with CFS...making great progress. The new year started off with me pledging to take even better control of my health.

Things were going fairly well too...until yesterday that is. One of the winter activities for our homeschooling group is skating and the kids were eager to sign up. Most of the time, our group's activities are too far away for us to participate in....but this time skating was booked at an arena only 20 minutes away. Parents could join in the skate as well, if they wanted to. Even though I used to skate four nights a week....I knew better than to attempt it at this point. I was encouraged though, to learn the arena also had an indoor walking track. It rings the ice surface...up high over looking the ice... Great!...I thought. I can walk without worrying about snow, ice or rain and watch the kids as they skate...all at the same time. Bonus!

I should have known better. Larry and I did three laps...he went on to do another while I sat one out. When he finished, he joined me to see if I was up for some more. I already knew I was in trouble...I could feel it....but as stubborn as I am (get that from my Dad *wink* )....I thought I needed to push it.

Big mistake. I know better (or I should know better) than to think like that. (Pushing it works in a healthy person --- it helps increase one's fitness level...but with CFS, pushing it makes it worse. Our bodies do not produce energy the same way a healthy one does. I know I need to use less energy than I have. I know if I use it all...I will feel worse tomorrow and perhaps even worse the next day. But for whatever reason...I reverted back to traditional thinking. (Maybe it was wishful thinking..hoping I was back to normal and just needed to push it bit?)

We did three more laps.

Even bigger mistake.

As the kids were coming off of the ice, I could feel that all too familiar fatigue settling in. The fatigue is bad enough...but the achy/burning muscles that accompany it is something else. Then the onset of flu like symptoms....I'm sure I could point out where every lymph node in my body is...because they all hurt....I was sore all over.

Dinner was a bit on the pathetic side. I guess it was food at least but I always feel guilty when I'm unable to prepare a healthy meal...especially when this time, it was my own stupidity for ending up like this.

After dinner....I fell into bed in that all too familiar exhaustion. Exhaustion and fatigue are really poor words to describe the feeling of CFS...it's so much worse than that. It feels like my body is starved for what it needs .... like my cells are just not getting enough oxygen.

I did not hear Larry get up at 5:30 (I am a light sleeper and always hear everything). The alarm (radio) is set for 6:00 and it played for 15 minutes before I kind of...sort of heard it ...way off in the distance. It was like I'd been drugged....no matter how hard I tried...I just couldn't seem to wake up. Yep...I felt worse today than I did yesterday.

The whole day has been like that. My body feels like lead. I ache all over. All my muscles hurt. My sides are sore..even the slightest touch causes immense pain. I am swollen...all through my neck, under my arms....all over. The ringing in my ears is almost unbearable. I've slept...a lot...none of it refreshing at all.

I'm so hoping I haven't undone all the progress I've made over the last little while. I should have known better...but I want to be healthy again. I want to be able to take part in activities with my kids...instead of having to watch from the sidelines. I know...it's all about pacing myself. I thought I had that down...but apparently not. Back to the drawing board...but hoping I don't have to start all over from the beginning again.

Earning My Keep

2010-01-08T12:22:00.003-03:30

When I was young, my parents made me work .....and work hard, as evidenced by the above picture. That's me, sitting on my Dad's tractor.

Yep...driving the tractor, ploughing the fields....all in a day's work for me.

*grin*

Well...ok...so I didn't exactly have to earn my keep. I grew up on a farm and sure liked riding on the tractor with my Dad while he worked in the fields. Some jobs were more enjoyable than others....getting stuck in the mud while being eaten alive by mosquitoes was not one of the more enjoyable. Spreading manure wasn't one of the best either. But...ploughing and other field work was great.

I will take it!

2010-01-06T22:05:00.003-03:30

I am just not a snow person...not at all. I'd be more than happy if we never received another flake. Not ever.

Here is what's left of our snow. With all the rain and mild temps....the 40 cms we received last month....HAS ALL BUT GONE!! YAHOO!!!!

Here is what's left.....

Ohh...I found another patch.....(this size...I can handle ;))

None here...

None at the park (that's a mud puddle in the middle of the road)

Our front yard...none (those are white stones in the garden)

Looking down our driveway

I'm enjoying it while I can....they're calling for 15 - 20 cms (6 - 8 inches) on Saturday. I'm hoping it won't stay for long (and if it does...I'm sending it to Becky).

Twice the fun on New Year's Eve

2010-01-02T22:06:00.002-03:30

We spent New Year's Eve with family friends. We have many interspersed connections to this family....we're both 'Mainlanders' from Ontario, all of us growing up in fairly close proximity to each other. The town they are from was named after a distant relative of mine and her parents now live in the same town as my Dad and step-mom .... (practically across the street from each other). How cool is that? We didn't know them before coming to Newfoundland and only met up with them while visiting churches upon our arrival here. It's such a small world!

We decided awhile ago we'd spend the night in St. John's. We selected a hotel (Super 8...we stayed there last New Years's Eve), with a pool, a huge water slide and hot tub. We booked early and asked for adjoining rooms on the top floor with a view overlooking the ocean/city. We wanted to have a great view of the fireworks display put on by the city at midnight.

We hung out in the room, eating junk food as well as some healthy food (and I know there are lots of chip bags in the following pics....but we also had a fruit tray and a vegetable tray....we really did!)

We hung out by the pool.

We swam.

We enjoyed the hot tub.

Some of us enjoyed the water slide (and some of us chose not to go down..betcha can't guess who that was lol).

We hung out some more in the room....the kids played various games (video games and hide 'n seek...who would have thought that could be played in a hotel room?....but they did it) while the adults took a breather.

We had pizza for supper (larry's fave!).

We swam some more and enjoyed the hot tub.

We played Pictionary ..... girls against the guys and I won't mention the girls WON WON WON...even though there was one more of them *and* even after we gave them a huge head start by letting them win the first few rounds (well...ok....we didn't really let them win those first few rounds...but it makes for a better story ;))

And at midnight.....we were not disappointed by the fireworks. Not only did we see the city's display, but many other private homes were setting off their own. It was so beautiful to watch all of them at the same time....the whole sky over St. John's seemed to be lit with various displays of fireworks. We had a great view *and* we were warm watching from the comfort of our room.

And...in the morning, we enjoyed a delicious continental breakfast mmmmm!

Pictures from our evening (click pics to enlarge)

The group....
(from left to right...Larry, Tyler, James, Paul, Jake, Jennifer, Rebecca, Brittney)

Jake, Tyler and James checking out a video game

Brittney, Rebecca, Tyler...strategizing for Hide 'N Seek...

James and Jake

Rebecca, Tyler and Brittney....getting ready to go out for supper

Rebecca and Brittney

O.K...Enough pictures already, Mom...enough!!

The guys...Tyler, James, Jake and Paul

James, Jake and Paul

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Christmas Day

2010-01-01T21:08:00.004-03:30

Our Christmas was quiet ..... but enjoyable.

6:00 a.m. found Jake in our bedroom, standing beside our bed looking down at me. When I awoke with a start, he announced he just could not wait any longer. He went on to say, he'd been awake since 5:00 a.m. but had stayed in his room....except for a trip to the bathroom where he stopped to check out the presents (only one problem, he does not go by the living room on the way to the bathroom. Guess he must have taken the long way there ;) ). He then gave me a count of how many presents there were for each person.

Did I mention this was at 6:00 a.m.? I could barely recall my own name, let alone process everything he was telling me.

Some pictures of our Christmas.

Christmas Eve. We didn't have any cookies, so Santa and his reindeer had to settle for bananas.

On Christmas morning, we did our usual of opening the stockings first, followed by me preparing the turkey and putting it in the oven. After that was done we had breakfast...our usual Christmas morning fare...muffins and fruit. Notice the clock on the wall....it was in fact 6:40 a.m.

The pictures tell the whole story....only one of us was wide awake.

Tyler getting ready to open presents. Jake has already started. As evident by the window in the background...it was still really dark.

Tyler is starting to open his gifts, Jake is half way through his. Stuffed animals given to him by his friend, Ben.

Tyler has started, Jake is just about finished.

Brittney was pleased...a guitar book to go along with her new guitar.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T21:09:00.001-03:30

to everyone and Happy New Year! Wishing each of you all the best for 2010.

Update - The Raging North Atlantic

2009-12-24T11:40:00.004-03:30

Just a bit of an update -- our friend Paul dropped by Tuesday evening (the same night I wrote my last post). Paul is a native Newfoundlander, he was a fisherman (before the moratorium) as was his father before him. Paul grew up by the sea and on it. He earned his living from it. He's witnessed a lot of different things over the years. When we first moved here and would comment (more like get really excited and wide-eyed) about the sounds of the ocean, Paul would really have to listen to 'hear' what we were commenting about. He was so used of the sounds, they did not stand out to him as they did to us. But...the other night...even he was shocked at the feel of the ground shaking and the noise. He wanted to know if we could feel it inside the house....said he'd never, ever seen it like that.

The ocean continued on like that for quite awhile, well into the next morning. The ferocious waves did settle down a bit...but it was still rough and loud. Even today the waves are continuing and the ocean can still be heard...thankfully not to the extent of Tuesday night.

The Raging North Atlantic

2009-12-22T18:41:00.007-03:30

The ocean was rather tumbly today...make that very tumbly lol....

It's been windy here, again, with wind gusts upwards of 100 kmh (60 mph). Before the winds picked up though, the ocean became quite rough. It sounded like a freight train was coming .... or perhaps a lot of jets flying around way off in the distance. It was loud!

Then the winds picked up....and then the ocean became even rougher.

It's been interesting to watch and a little scary to experience. The churning, twisting waves, the white water, the deafening noise and the vibration we can feel through the ground....it feels so angry! All day the vibration from the raging ocean has made the house a little shaky and at times, the dishes in the china cabinet rattled. The force of the ocean is something else.

The waves were unbelievable as they crashed into the rocks. Here are a couple of pictures I took....but in actual fact, the waves got even higher than this. Sometimes, they were so high, the grassy section was completely covered (but try as hard as I did, I was unable to snap a picture at the right time in order to capture it)

Click to enlarge pics. Sorry they're not the best..but I took them from inside and the rain and ocean spray really shows up on the windows.

This picture is taken about 300 ft away from the ocean.

(Sorry about the flash)

The kids and Larry wanted to venture out into the back a bit...in order to get a closer look. Not to worry....they did not go back too far, just out in the back area a bit. They all came back amazed at the overall power and noise as well as the saltiness of the air. The spray of the ocean was everywhere and they were soaked. They could feel and taste the salt...an experience beyond belief and words.

Hopefully...it will quiet down soon.

White water rafting....anyone???

At least most of our snow is gone.

Real Wind!

2009-12-11T06:32:00.005-03:30

The Wreckhouse.

The name alone sums it up quite well.

This is the name given to an area in south western Newfoundland .... and it certainly lives up to its name! It is said the be the second windiest area in the world (winds of a category 2 hurricane), and from the news reports and stories, I can believe it. The winds are so strong, trains have been blown off of their tracks (well, when we had trains) and blows tractor trailers over on their sides.

Here are a couple of pics from CBC.

Picture One

Picture Two

We've travelled through this area many times on our way back and forth between Ontario and here (there is no choice...the Trans Canada goes through it and it's the only way to get from one side of the island to the other). Although, we've been fortunate to not go through during an extreme windy time, there has always been noticeable winds to some extent.

We've always found driving through the area to be a rather eerie feeling. I love driving through it now....but must admit, on our first visit to Newfoundland, not so much (and we didn't even know about it). You see, one goes through this section about half an hour after getting off of the Ferry. I remember, that first time, wondering (to myself and out loud)....just where exactly we had came to ..... and why?? It kind of reminded me of the moon (or what I pictured being on the moon would look like).....barren, scrub vegetation, mossy grassy stuff covering the ground, the odd tree...if you can call them that...all twisted, very small and look like they've been permanently blown over by a wind. It was quite flat....except for the odd looking blobs of rock type things that seem to ring the area (which turned out to be the Long Range Mountains....but who knew?). There were no buildings or people and was certainly different than the area we were coming from. We wondered (and were somewhat concerned) if this is what all of Newfoundland was going to be like. Thankfully, it was not...and became one unique, beautiful section of a unique and beautiful province in which we chose to make our home.

But still....those winds!!!

Ahhh....It Has Arrived!

2009-12-07T21:12:00.009-03:30

Winter...that is.

Yesterday (Sunday) we had our first snow storm of the year....and it was a doozy! The winds were high...100 km/h (60 mph) and according to the news tonight, we had 39 cms (16 inches) of the white stuff. Seeing as it's fairly early in the season for such a storm....I hope it's not a sign of things to come.

Time will tell...

Here are some pics I took over the course of yesterday and today. (Click them to enlarge)

The calm before the storm...so to speak. Taken yesterday from our back deck before the storm started.

Ahhh...it has arrived. Taken a couple of hours later...around noon I believe...

These next couple are taken from the same vantage point as the first two pics. Hmmm...where has the ocean gone? It's still there....it just can't be seen for all the blowing snow and cloud.

Can you see the ocean in this one? Same deal as the previous one....it's there somewhere...we can certainly hear it!

Still comin' ....around 4:00 in the afternoon.....

The wind blew all evening and it continued to snow.

This is what it looked like when I opened the back door this morning....

A closer look....

Out front (I couldn't get the front door opened over the snow) Click the picture to enlarge it and notice the snow in the trees toward the back and on top of our shrubs in the front.

Closer up of the shrubs

Jake and I decided to take a walk. Standing in front of our house looking up the driveway toward the road.

Standing at the other end of the driveway, looking down toward our house. We have a long driveway...about 200 feet....which makes for a lot of snow to blow out. Thankfully, that wind took care of some of it....but still a lot to move.

Annual Christmas Shopping Day

2009-12-06T12:11:00.003-03:30

Every year since we started homeschooling, we take one day off to do Christmas Shopping. It's always a weekday, usually in the beginning of December. We don't take snow days, or P.A. days, so other than regular holidays, it's the only one we take off all year. It's become a much anticipated yearly tradition with our family.

This year's Christmas shopping day happened this past week. Larry had the day off, so it was a perfect opportunity. We headed into town around 8:30. We spent the morning shopping, followed by lunch at Swiss Chalet (I think this is Larry's favourite part of the whole day lol). After lunch, we finished up our shopping, completed a few errands and then headed home. We were even home in time to get the tree up.

I guess, this would be our official start to the Christmas season.

Another sunrise over Pouch Cove (click pics to enlarge)

2009-11-26T18:38:00.003-03:30

Battle of the Sexes

2009-11-22T22:06:00.003-03:30

We had two chocolate sales to go to on Saturday (and I forgot my camera....so no pictures).

One was the Farmers' Market and the other a women's breakfast.

Seeing as Brittney and I are the only women, we went to that one. We first had to eat a beautiful buffet breakfast....bacon, sausages, ham, eggs, fresh fruit, muffins, hash browns, toast, orange juice and coffee ...... yes....it was rough but somebody had to sacrifice and do it....who better than Brittney and I? *wink*

Jake had been excited for a few weeks....declaring it "The Battle of the Sexes". He was determined his team would sell the most and win.

He was rounding up support all week....telling everyone he met.

Saturday morning came, we headed off. Larry and Jake dropped us off and continued on to their show. Jake was on pins and needles all morning....but had his game plan down. Larry even left him alone, at the booth, while he scooted back across town to pick Brittney and I up.

After the shows were over, we headed home to tally up the money. Jake could hardly contain himself as Larry counted......................

and the winners were:

The Women!!!

I kinda felt bad and was worried Jake would be so upset. He tried so hard and is very sensitive. I do believe, out of the four of us, he worked the hardest. As I pointed out to him though....it was two totally different venues. Ours was a one time deal....theirs is a regular weekly event. Ours had 200+ women, with only 6 vendors....the market has several vendors (many of them food) from which to choose.

Surprisingly, he was ok with it all. He congratulated Brittney and I, shook our hands and patted our backs....with one warning,

"Just you wait until next year.....things *WILL* be different."

Oh my......

2009-11-20T17:26:00.002-03:30

Happy Birthday to my Dad!!

2009-11-18T23:49:00.003-03:30

My Dad turns 83 today/tomorrow....(depending on when this posts --- November 19th)

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Doing what he does best

2009-11-15T17:39:00.003-03:30

Jake talking to a shopper at the St. John's Farmers' Market.

Answering questions and showing pictures where necessary...

We've been busy with the St. John's Farmers' Market these Saturdays. As I've probably mentioned quite a few times...Jake loves to sell and this no exception. He's up early, has breakfast, makes us some sandwiches, helps load the van and ready to go by 7:45.

It's about half an hour drive to the market, but when we arrive, he helps unload the van, finds out where our table is and then helps to set up. After pinning on his name tag...he's ready to go.

It's become a game of sorts for him. He would never let me 'pay' him, nor would he let me give some chocolate (always insisted on buying it from me)....but after me suggesting I put him on commission (and an explanation of what that was exactly).....he thought that sounded like an excellent idea. Sooo....commission it is. Mostly Larry and I stand back and let him go....he does most of the talking (with me answering some of the chocolate-related questions) and Larry overseeing/checking Jake's math skills (adding up purchases and making change).

It's become a great learning tool for him....and enabled the rest of us who aren't so outgoing, to step back into our comfort zone. Next Saturday though, we have two shows. Jake and Larry will go to the Farmers' Market. The other one is a woman's breakfast...so Brittney and I will attend that one. Time for Brittney and I to step back out of our comfort zone. Jake doesn't help much.....he's declared it battle of the sexes and is pumped to see which team sells more. Time will tell ;)

Another sunrise

2009-11-09T19:19:00.006-03:30

over Pouch Cove....hope you all don't mind...but I never get sick of the gorgeous sunrises. I only wish I had a half decent camera to take pics of the moon and how it shines on the ocean.....in.describ.able. For now....sunrises will have to do.

Taken from our deck this morning.....(click pics to enlarge)

15!

2009-10-29T08:35:00.003-02:30

It's difficult for me to believe....but Brittney turned 15 last weekend. We had a family birthday...out for lunch, bowling and home for presents and cake.

Pouch Cove.....First to see the Sun!

2009-10-27T13:43:00.005-02:30

We are the most easterly place in North America....making us "First To See The Sun" (our town's motto)

Click to enlarge pic....See the sun just starting to peak?

As the sun is taking longer and longer to rise these days, we are usually up for quite awhile before he (she?) makes his/her daily appearance (although some here would point out....it's been weeks since we've actually seen it shining brightly in the sky lol).

On Saturday morning, we were in luck! We were up at our usual time and just happened to see it as it started to peak over the horizon.

Storm on the Avalon

2009-10-16T17:49:00.004-02:30

Wow....we had a doozy of a storm on Wednesday! The worst one by far, since moving here. Reports indicated 60 + mms of rain and winds of over 100 km/h with gusts up to 140 km/h ..... and judging by the looks of the ocean (huge, ugly-looking waves), the swaying trees and the creaking sounds the house was making....I'd say it was at least that much.

It was like that all day long...but for some reason it sounds worse at night after dark. I laid awake in bed listening to the howling wind and the creaking house as I tried to identify exactly what was creaking. Sometimes, it seemed like the windows and other times it seemed like the roof.

The weather network guy said it would subside around midnight....but...I think it went on much longer. I did not sleep too much....hoping the wind would just die down.

Morning finally arrived. As with a lot of storms, the day after was beautiful....not a cloud in the sky...the sun was shining brightly and the sky a beautiful shade of blue. Hard to believe we'd just been through a storm.

I ventured out to check the house. I don't like doing this...nervous of what I may find. All was good though...the house and all of it's parts were still in tact. Strong house we live in. A friend of mine who lives not too far said houses in her area did not fare as well.....shingles and siding off. One person even mentioned there were trampolines in trees....oh my.

Amazingly though....we did not lose power. Areas of St. John's were out for a couple of hours. We did not have any snow either (well maybe a few very wet flakes...but no whitening of the ground)....some parts of NL had 15 cms (and they're welcome to keep it!)

We knew this storm was coming and tried to be prepared. One major concern was our winter's wood supply. There were 7 pickup truck loads (that seems to be how it is measured here) that had been stacked outside all summer, drying quite nicely. Surely all that forecasted rain would not be good for it.

Even though the day before was forecasted to be good weather, Larry wouldn't be able to stack it should he have to work.

What to do?

I was more than a little surprised when Tyler volunteered....see....he hates anything to do with the wood stove (It's his job throughout the winter season to bring in loads of firewood as the wood box gets empty.) He's mentioned, more than once....he will never ever have a wood stove when he gets his own place (although that may change when he sees the difference in cost between wood and all other methods of heat ;))

As it turned out, Larry did not get a call to work, so the two of them started at 7:30 in the morning and worked right through until Tyler had to leave for piano lessons at 12:30. Larry continued on until he had to leave for tutoring. When Tyler returned from piano...he went right back to the woodpile and worked away until 8:30....well after dark. He brought it all in...except for 7 wheelbarrow loads...which Larry finished early Wednesday morning before the storm started. Woohoo!

Kind of a double bonus.....all the winter's wood is in *and* we weathered the storm.

Another one is forecasted for tomorrow though....at least we'll be warm.