Abbotsford - a City in the Country

We drove out here Sunday and Chris came for a visit and removed the car and bike hitchs from the MoHo which is parked in the driveway. Quite the juggling act moving into a house house someone else is living in. They made space for us in closets and dressers bless them, but I've had to take all the food out of the MoHo because it would freeze and explode and the kitchen cupboards are really full now.
We found a lab yesterday for Ron's INR blood test and CIBC for cash. Today we went to Mill Lake, a lovely spot for walking right in the middle of the city. It's stocked with fish in the summer and has a beautiful path around it. The birds were standing on the thin ice in spots.
There is an Art Gallery right at the lakeside which is a bright coral color.

Busy Week

I had a great time out for coffee with a girlfriend, we visited friends in Langely, I went to a meeting at the condo, have settled on 3 paint choices for the outside of the building, (silver fox, mossy green or the original pink - Mediterranean style), Ron had his 'stress test' at the hospital, and we checked out Abbotsford today. I've been packing all the food as we're going house sitting Sunday until April 1st when our friends get home from Hemet Ca. When you are driving around this city, you have many views of Mt. Baker. I checked the Info Center for pools and gyms and it is a lovely area with many things to do. Can't believe I had a son turn 47 yesterday.

Isaiah's 9th Birthday

It's been so much fun having a winter at home. Don't get me wrong - definitely prefer southern California's sunshine in winter. Today we had a family birthday for Isaiah, the first we've attended in 7 years - how cool it that?

Happy New Year 2012

Where does the time go? When you're having this much fun, it just flies! We had a great party at CJ and Joan's and it was a joy to celebrate the New Year with all our friends.

First Deer in 5 Years

We were driving along 20 Ave before 176 St., the truck route and guess what? 3 deer crossed the road and walked up into the 1 acre subdivision. We used to see them along 0 Ave all the time but since this area has been subdivided and 100 homes built, never again. This was our treat on New Year's Eve.

Great Christmas

Being home for the first time in 7 years is turning out to be lots of fun. We ferried over to Gibson's Christmas Eve and Adam and Shannon and girls joined us for our traditional German cold cuts with sausages, cheeses, breads etc for dinner.
Next, the family went to the St. Barts' Church service which was really nice.
We started Christmas morning with huge Christmas stockings, then presents for all. It was a delight to see the kids and us too opening gifts and having so much fun.
We had a surprise visit from Lilibeth, a wonderful women sho was their nanny for 3 years.


Christmas dinner was at James's sister with 6 grandparents and the kids downstairs having a wonderful time with their Christmas presents. A wonderful gourmet dinner from Caroline and Chris.
Boxing day was a great Open House Suz and James have every years for everyone. Best visit was with cousin Tobin and Marika from Victoria. We thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas but must admit we are not used to such a high energy level. We had to wait 2 hours for the ferry on the way home which was very quiet and peaceful reading our books.

2 More Sleeps

I am so excited, I'm vibrating. Can't wait to have a family Christmas starting this Saturday. Just checked the ferries to reserve and they're all booked, so we'll head out at 10 a.m. and sit in line, take coffee, buy a paper and be cozy. We went to the US yesterday and got lots of things, enjoyed lunch and had fun.
It is very frosty in the mornings, note the 80 gal propane tank, down to 30 degrees last night (-2 in Can) We park the car facing East so it starts to thaw before we ever need to go out.
Today I started with swimming my lengths in our beautiful swimming pool and then it was shortening Ron's pants. He's shrunk a bit but is wearing them higher now due to losing some weight, so sure enough I got 2 pairs done for him, a quick repair for a neighbour but didn't get to mine. Isn't that always the way?