Just some pictures

Possibly not the most creative title. But accurate, nonetheless. This is what we've been up to lately.

Gord finished crafting a fabulous set of "Liars Dice"

I decorated the house (and bought and wrapped all the presents)

I did monumental amounts of baking, but have no photos to prove it.

And Atticus had a sleepover with his BFF Lucy. These quiet, tender moments were rare, to say the least.

And that's about all that's new around here. We've had lots of splendid Christmas parties and we went to a beautiful Christmas concert last night. I really do love Christmas when I don't have to go to a mall :)

Summer is now over.

But it never really came, which is always a depressing way to start the fall. So it's a good thing I love the fall. I love the colours, the weather, the smells. And it's bunnyhug and jeans weather - the best!

Well, summer may be over, but it was well lived around here. We kept busy visiting family and friends, gardening, working on the yard and watching the puppy grow into a dog. Our garden yielded many a carrot, potato, zucchini, pea, bean, beet, tomato and onion. We must have had beginners luck because everything just shot up. What a wonderful experience to watch your own food grow. And talk about tasty! I don't like to brag but I don't think I've ever had carrots that good before. That you mother nature.

This summer I . . .

• went from distraught, to anxious, to relieved, to thankful as I watched my parents battle with my Mom's health problems all the way from Newfoundland while they were on vacation.
• had the privilege of welcoming her back home to Saskatoon and watch her health improve
• had the good fortune to watch my longest friend marry her best friend in the loveliest wedding I could imagine.
• headed out to Winnipeg to spend some long overdue time with dear family out there.
• watched as Gord got more and more excited about cycling and the prospect of opening a community bike shop.
• celebrated the opening of the aforementioned bike shop
• took pride in the fact that a year ago we bought a shack, and now I live in a beautiful home that has been reclaimed and restored just-so.
• spent many hours walking and running with Atticus and Gord enjoying the sun and the air and life

What did you do this summer?

the house 2

The old hallway (looking towards front entry)

Before:

After:

Front Entry.

Before:

Don't you just love the color choice?

After:

And lastly, the bathroom.

And to think we were going to wait to renovate it.

Before:

After:

And now, let me introduce you to

Atticus Finch, who joined the family on April 12.

At just 11 weeks, he's quite a handful, but super sweet and cuddly too. We're glad you came to stay with us Atticus!

the house 1

Ah . . . the post you've all been waiting for. I've decided to split it into two because the uploads just take so darn long with lite speed internet. For those who haven't talked to us recently. This was a 2-3 month project that turned into a 7 month project including much more renovation than we had anticipated. We ended up renovating the entire main floor, leaving the basement for another time. We worked tirelessly (especially Gord) for a long time, but I definitely feel that the results are worth it!

So. . . for today's photos, we are starting with the living room/kitchen. I've tried to do a direct comparison so you get a better feeling. I have some extra photos of the kitchen at the end, as it wasn't much to photograph in the before pics. Enjoy!

Main Living Room/Bay Window Before:

After:

Other Side of Bay Window/Old Front Door Before:
After (no door anymore):

East Living Room Wall Before:
After:

Bay Window Before:

And After:

Kitchen Before:

After:

Thanks for coming on this mini tour. Drop by anytime!

Our House

We are getting closer to moving into our house and are as excited as child on Christmas Eve. Well, that mixed with the exhaustion of working there after work every day and every weekend, but the end is near. We've given our notice for the end of the month and so we'll be in the new house by the end of Feb. In the mean time, here are some bownesian pictures for you to enjoy.

We enjoy the particular detail of the letter coloring on the second line of this sign.

We spied this little beauty on a lovely walk through Bowness.

And me, in front of my treasured chalkboard wall.

More pictures will come once we're moved in. And a large party will be had by all.