Hello all,
What a weird year. It did nothing but pour rain and stay cold and miserable all summer, and now that it's FALL we're getting above average temperatures, sun and dry weather. We'll take it!
We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Lindsay (and her friend Anulina) from Finland today. They will be in Saskatchewan for two weeks before heading back to Finland via Montreal, where they will stop to visit Leslie and Trevor.
In spite of the weather problems, the garden took up a lot of our time this summer. Along with that, we purchased a fishing boat, motor and trailer, and have been out a couple of times:
We have managed to get in a few rounds of golf, and have done lots of work on our yard. We re-landscaped the front yard completely--it was a very good year to lay down sod and get it established! We introduced some goldfish to the backyard pond and had great success. We put four fish in the pond and will be taking at least six out!
We have managed to get in a few rounds of golf, and have done lots of work on our yard. We re-landscaped the front yard completely--it was a very good year to lay down sod and get it established! We introduced some goldfish to the backyard pond and had great success. We put four fish in the pond and will be taking at least six out!Lew has kept up his 3-day a week schedule of playing Bridge, and is on the Club executive--sometimes a rather thankless task. Meanwhile, Phyllis has tried to keep herself fit by going to the gym regularly.
We made a very quick trip to Grand Forks, B.C. in July. We spent a couple of nights in Canmore with Janet and George, where it was very cold and we could see it snowing on the mountain tops. However, the day we left to head West, the weather changed and it was well over +30 while we were in the Interior. Cherries weren't quite ready, so we came home empty-handed.
Although our own apple tree didn't produce at all this year, we managed to raid some neighborhood trees and do our annual pie/crisp/sauce/wine fest.
Once we had all the garden produce under control, we did a bit of a reno in the kitchen. We purchased a nearly new dual-fuel range (gas cook top with electric convection oven), so that meant cutting out a portion of our cabinets and countertop (where the old cook top was) and revamping a door and drawer in order to accommodate the new range. As well, Lew built 4 lovely roll-out drawers where the old wall oven used to be. In order to make all the materials match, we decided to bite the bullet and paint over the original oak. That was a bit scary, but it has turned out quite nicely, we think.
Before After
We also worked on the landscaping at the side of the house, taking out all the crushed rock, and digging out the black earth so that we could put in sand and interlocking block. By the time we did that, our muscles certainly let us know about it! However, we now have a "third" retreat outside where we can sit and drink tea with the neighbors.
The next thing in the JOB JAR is to pack up the trailer with a cabinet and countertop and several other things and drive to Montreal to visit with Leslie and Trevor, and to help them renovate the guest bathroom. While there, I'm sure there will be some yardwork to take care of, and I hear there is to be a basement waterproofing project as well. We have no definite time of return, but hope to get back before the middle of November. We'll leave here the day after Lindsay and Anulina fly to Montreal. They will be on their way home to Finland before we invade the kids' house, since it takes us three full days' driving to reach there.
Meanwhile Grandma will come over and look after the cat and the house. We are very fortunate that both our "little old ladies" are doing very well this summer. We only hope it stays that way, as we have travel plans after Christmas.
That's an update on the Heuchert/Johnston lives. Hope all is well with you and yours.
