08/18/09
July 23 (Thurs): I think we might have to build an ark soon. Holy non-stop rain.
Whatever the weather, we are off for a few days. Our friend is house and catsitting for us as she loves the girls and the yard. Take care all. Don't look for an update before next month.
July 19 (Sun): Firstly, a bit of back-tracking. Thank you so much to Victor who, at Andy's 'Healing Celebration BBQ', gave us one of his original photos.
We haven't hung it yet, as we still have several areas to paint once autumn comes, but it perfectly fits with our "natural/nature" theme in most of the house. Victor now sells his photography. He'll have samples on his website soon: http://gallerymagdic.com/
On Tuesday, we had another BIG shock!
That's right! After coming outside all of last summer and much earlier than Casper this summer, Comet no longer confines herself to the deck and patio-stone pathway. She would NEVER go on the grass before no matter how much we tried to entice her and Andy always said that was ok because it meant she wasn't going too far. Well.....after watching her sister a few times, Comet struck out and very quickly conquered the grass. We are being careful not to put anything too close to the fence that they might jump up on (and then go further), and the gate has a padlock locking it so no-one can open it without us (it's a city bylaw to have your gate locked if you have a pool). It's really nice to now have both girls enjoying the entire yard with us.
Today, we finally got to go kayaking! Once we were satisfied that the rack and straps were securely fastened, we took the kayaks up to Christie Lake.
We were only out for about 20 minutes, but were very impressed at our little kayaks, and now our test run is done for taking them to the cottage.
Yesterday, we did lots of chores. First priority was cleaning up the final wires.
Can you see that there are less now?
A few weeks ago I called Bell because I was fed up at looking at all these cables hanging over our yard from this pole at the back right corner. There were 2 TV cables and 1 telephone cable coming to our house, but the most annoying were 1 telephone and 1 TV cable diagonally crossing our yard to go to the neighbours house that hung so low that they were eye-level when we looked out our kitchen and dining room windows.
So, I let the neighbour know what I was doing, then complained to Bell that these wires were too low, that they were only a foot above the top of our gazebo, and said that we were going to be doing some landscaping and would have equipment in here that they would interfere with. We'd also found out it's now illegal for cables of a neighbour to be in your property's airspace. An inspector came out, had a tour from Andy, and then put in an order for their telephone cable to be buried - and he said that while they were burying the neighbours' lines, they might as well do ours too (which was much higher and really not as annoying).
The burying of the lines was done quite quickly, but after waiting and waiting for someone to then come and connect the ends to the pole and the house, I finally called in. A fellow was dispatched that day, but he would only do our cable as he didn't have a work order with the neighbour's address. I got the neighbour to call in, but they were told they would be charged. No way! I called back in and got satisfaction, only for Andy to get a very whiny tech pounding on the door the next afternoon. He was a glass half empty type of person. He wanted to have a chunk of the neighbour's hedge torn out so he could get to the cable at the pole, and made other whiny challenges. But Andy pointed out that the chap who was here two days previously had completed the task for our line with a few simple steps. The fellow was gobsmacked, whined some more, but completed the job in the same manner.
This meant all overhead telephone cables were down! HURRAH!!! Saturday morning I personally took care of the TV cables. Since neither our neighbours nor ourselves use cable for TV (we both have satellite), I went up the pole with some snips and soon the lines were down. Then I did the same at our house.
We've cleared a heck of a mess of cables, and there are now none at all over our back yard - we have clear airspace! We are hoping the other neighbours take note. I'm pretty sure the two closest saw our lines coming down.
Unfortunately, I hadn't realized that the satellite installer had used a couple of the old cable wires routed through this tangle above on the right. In my zealousness to clean up this mess, I've cut off our signal to the bedroom (the other two TVs still have signal). Luckily, we pay a small monthly fee for line maintenance, so I will call Bell tomorrow and get them to come and connect the two required ends.
Our next chore was to install the new security bars we bought Friday night. It's bugged me since we moved in that all someone needs to do is smash the window on the back door or the garage door, then reach in to undo the lock. But Burlington is a really safe town with a very low crime rate...until recently. In the paper last week were several accounts of break-ins, car theft, and vandalism. There was also a killing on our street, albeit down in the lower income area past the mall - a teenager's party that got out of control and a stabbing resulted.
We now feel more secure. If anyone else is interested, they came from Home Depot and the bolts go right through the door, so you have to drill 4 holes.
In the evening, we went to see an excellent movie:
About a third of the way through, Andy leaned over to me and said, "We have to get this one!" It was very funny. As soon as it was done, I wanted to watch it again. It also stars Betty White, Mary Steenburgen, and Craig T. Nelson.
And finally, I didn't get a chance earlier to post these, but for Andy's Healing BBQ a few weeks ago, we made some quirky signs to go with the theme. Some people thought they were funny, and the rest went with the old adage, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all". Some are based on old war-time posters and some are just from our sick brains.
July 13 (Mon): So much going on again. Andy finished her grave for our garbage, and then we found out it only would have cost 5 bucks to take it to the dump. Oh well.
Wednesday night, we finally got to meet Josiah. We used the guise of dropping off a present so we could get our hands on him. We each held him quite a while, but here he is with his Dad, Brad, and then with Brad and Sheri. He slept the entire time we were there, so we think he's a very good baby.
Andy worked Monday to Thursday mornings and then got told to stay home Friday. Her boss happened to be in town from Montreal and he issued the edict. Come Friday morning, she was happy to oblige. She slept lots and happily spent some time playing with her camera.
The veggie garden is also coming along well, with the lettuce pretty much finished (but I will plant another round) and we have even tried our first peas sucked right out of the pod. We will have to grow many more of these next year. We also have had more company in the yard than we ever bargained for - and that unexpected guest continually makes herself more and more at home!
Before I go any further, and before I forget, I have to throw this picture in.....check out "Curly":
Andy's wish has come true and she got some body in her hair from the chemo effect.
Saturday we were up early and out on a quest. We'd been eyeing a certain bench in Fortinos' Garden Centre for a while, but were not going to pay the ridiculous price. Wednesday night, we'd found out that Saturday would be the final day for the Garden Centre and our chance for a deal. Well, we got there too early - the Manager who changes prices wasn't coming in till 9:30. Home we came just in time for a massive lightning and rain storm. The rain was coming out the downspout so fast this time that it completely knocked the lid off the rain barrel. And the lightning was almost continuous for a while. Once the storm passed, we went back over and to our delight, our maximum price level was being met - the benches were now 50% off. Hurrah. We'd discussed that we would pass on anything less. Well.......doesn't this thing weigh a TON. What a job getting it in and out of the car. But it's done and tonight we placed it.
Saturday, after we'd rested up again from getting the bench, we headed off to Andy's company's picnic. Conveniently, it was being held at Christie Lake/Conservation Area, in the Marina Pavilion. They put on a wonderful Hawaiian-themed gathering. We wore our trusted leis and ate a yummy lunch beside the serene lake.
From there we went to Mom and Dad's for Dad's 72nd Birthday Party. We were a bit early, so Andy got to go lay down in Mom's bed for a half hour, but then she heard the rowdy Coopers arrive. It wasn't long before they were in the pool.
Check out Grace's face - got a little bit of the devil in her as she not only tries to push Ben in, but puts her cold, wet bathing suit against his back!
After about 10 minutes of cajoling, Ben finally went in. Well, the water was only 70o F! Brrrrrrr. A bit later, when everyone was dry again, I snapped this picture only to realize when I downloaded it that Grace still had a bit of the devil in her!
This next picture I include only because Andy is making a concerted effort to make sure I am pictured on the blog more than previously. So, here's a lovely picture of me and dad just sitting and talking.
For gifts, Dad got his usual cottage mad money from us, but Scot had a great idea and went in search of a Wii fishing game.
Moments after it was opened, all the boys plus Grace were in the house playing, leaving Andy, Mom, Monica & I some welcome quiet time. We used the opportunity to get our cottage menu and gear planning finalized. I then BBQd the meat, which we had with a couple salads and I only tell you that as a lead up to this: At the end of the meal, Grace, who runs and steals bits of lettuce from our veggie garden every time she is over, thanked me sincerely for making a salad with the lettuce from our garden. I thought it was so cute.
After cake (and seconds for me), I brought my tired honey home asap.
Sunday, we had a lovely peaceful morning, eating breakfast for the second day out on the deck at our new, little bistro set (something else Andy got for 50% off a couple weeks ago). Then I sat and read the paper while Andy examined the roses. A morning like this is the way it should be! Then we packed a picnic lunch and headed for Niagara on the Lake. We stopped and found a picnic table along the bikeway beside the river, which you can barely see under the right side of this tree.
From there, we went 3 minutes down the road to the Festival Theatre at Shaw Festival.
At 2 o'clock, we saw "The Devil's Disciple".
It was very good. The second half, particularly, had tons of laughs and what amazed us is that a play that's over 100 years old is still so relevant. We were also very impressed with the Festival Theatre, especially Andy, who had never been there before.
The last bit of news from last week is that I no longer have Fridays off for the summer. On Thursday, my boss came to me apologizing for having left me out of the management strategy sessions since I am part of management. Frankly, since I'm not an accountant, I hadn't thought anything of it and was thrilled to have Fridays off. But she said I should have been included and, if I didn't already have plans, they would like me to join in. So, I am now being a team player and joined in going to "Summer School" starting last Friday (that's not sarcasm - they have, in fact, nicknamed these Fridays "Summer School"). I actually enjoyed the morning session and then was able to get caught up on some work. Over the upcoming Fridays, we have many presentations and projects to strategize and work on. They are sincerely trying to make great improvements in the company, so I am happy to be a part of it - and it doesn't hurt that I now get paid for Fridays too.
July 6 (Mon): So much going on.
Andy started back to work this morning - half days. She's driving our car so that she doesn't have to go on the germy Go Train for a while, to give her immune system a chance to improve. I'm driving Mom's old Cavalier to work for a couple months. She got a 2006 Chevy Equinox a week ago, so the timing was perfect. Andy's pretty tired tonight after her first day back, but we think it's more from the excitement. She got lots of warm greetings this morning as plenty of people stopped by her cube to chat, then came home to a 3-hour nap. She's now filled up on Chicken Korma and is resting and going to sleep early.
Wednesday was Canada Day. We slept in too late to make a decent attempt to go downtown to the free pancake breakfast, so we altered our plans, jumped in the car and went out to the parade in Lynden in front of Mom and Dad's house.
Andy liked my hat, but so did the Mayor as he drove by, so he ended up with it.
The same Filipino Heritage Band from the Sound of Music Parade was in the Lynden parade.
After the parade and a test drive of Mom's Equinox (which is sweeeeet), we high-tailed it back home to go to our own Canada Day celebration. Unfortunately, I forgot my wallet in the Equinox, so we got part way home and had to turn around, then we didn't make it in time to see the Teen Tour Band at 1.
After stopping home, we headed down toward Spencer Smith Park, but then stumbled across the "Strawberry Social" next door at the Joseph Brant Museum. I just like saying I went to a "Strawberry Social". Andy passed on the treats, but checked out the used book sale. I enjoyed a bowl of vanilla ice cream topped with lots of strawberries.
Then we wandered across the road.
We managed a great hour checking things out before these ominous clouds decided to wring themselves out.
Andy did find something tasty that fit into her acceptable food criteria.
I had a taste after she raved about it. It was so tasty I went and got my own. We couldn't figure out where they got fresh corn at this time of year, so I asked. It came from Mississippi. Then we wandered down and watched "Fiddle Stix".
When the rain started, we came home. Had a little rest, then were thrilled to have a Skype videochat with our BC buddies, Kath, Michael, and their visitors, Rob and Jo. Also got to see Rob & Jo's kids, Will and baby Cate.
Then we headed back down to the waterfront to see the Bee Gees Tribute band, "Stayin' Alive". They were very good.....really nailed the voices. Part way through it started to rain, but we wore gear and sat with the umbrella over our laps.
Afterward, the skies were lit.
Friday was the first Friday of the summer that my office was closed - and it was lovely. 9 more to go. However, we spent the entire day getting ready for our "Healing Celebration BBQ" on Saturday from 11 till 4 (including Andy cutting up 12 big, strong onions - for fried onions on the hamburgers - wearing swimming goggles). It was well worth it. We had a really great time, and hopefully so did the guests - 31 adults, 2 kids, and 3 babies. Many, many thanks to Scot and Steven for taking turns cooking the burgers and sausages, and to Mom for making the potato salads (with egg and without). Also, Monica helped keep the food table organized.
We gave everyone a name tag - actually their name written on a Bandaid. It was a "healing" BBQ after all. Andy's chemo head gear was on display and the wig from Joanne made the rounds.
My new outdoor food covers were a hit. Andy got them for me a couple weeks ago, making a special trip to Oakville after we'd looked in every store closer to us. Several people asked about them.
The new twins were very popular and made the rounds. I wish I had a picture of Bronte sitting with me at the end of the day, laughing and gooing.
Oakley on the left with Scot, Bronte on the right with her Nana. Grace got lippy with Andy, so......
We had the perfect day weather-wise.
We did have one casualty of the day. Dad was playing Ring Toss with Ben and he backed up to catch one that Ben threw to him only to trip over the cinder block in the top right of the above picture. Andy and I both saw it happen and Dad came down HARD! On his dominant side he now has a very sore wrist, shoulder and especially sore and swollen shoulder blade (wing). He's been icing it and happened to have a doctor appointment today anyway, so is now going for x-rays in the morning. We'd had to use the blocks instead of just pegs as the breeze was quite strong.
Sunday was a day of rest with a small spurt of chores. The rain finally stayed away long enough for me to finish painting the last two panels of the back fence, and Andy started digging.
I don't know why she's digging - I guess she just feels like it - either that or she's finally had enough of me and has some plans! But seriously, she's decided rather than paying to take the chopped up, old clothesline pole to the dump (as it's so heavy), she's going to bury it and then we will build the wood corral (for firewood) on top. I think she was just looking for an excuse to borrow dad's pick. She's had her eye on it for a while.
Garden update: Andy's totally psyched about the growth. I'm pretty happy about it too.
And all of Andy's rose fears have been allayed - the bushes she transplanted in the spring are finally blooming!
