Now that we have had a time change, early mornings have become even earlier. The benefit is that even the dogs aren't interested in being awake at 5:30 am and I have a quiet house for at least an hour. This means time to sit uninterupted in front of a fire with coffee and knitting. So today a new project has begun.

By lunch it was a fabulous felted piece of material waiting for the next step. Perhaps that will happen tomorrow morning.

Audrey led the way to more felting. A trip to Gaspereau Fibres and choosing some marvelous wool and we were set to try felting balls. A success and maybe even a new obsession. Joe couldn't stay away for long. Ahh, a day spent with wool.

This is how it goes when waiting for a friend. First the calm watchful pose.

Then the taking advantage of one's surroundings.

Finally, just read (books being loaned to expected friend). Every moment put to good use by this young man.

Apparently we missed the harvest moon, but this evening's moon did not disappoint. This was the ideal Halloween moon, a couple of days later but just right for autumn. Eerie and comforting. Quite the combination.

Fourteen

Festivities this week begin and end with Adam's birthday. One day for a celebration is never quite enough. Nanny and Grampy Pete know this and are always keen to celebrate birthdays with us. Joseph is always keen to have Nanny and Grampy to play with. Amidst all this birthday bash stuff is Halloween. Thanks to Audrey and Joseph, we had Jack-O-Lanterns once again.

And so we were ready for the day. Come to think of it Audrey prepared most of the decorations. Good thing she's ours.

How about a boy who is fourteen? He has plans. Knows just what he wants to accomplish with this year ahead of him. Some snowboarding, some sailing, maybe a little biking in between. I love to watch him discover his passions and go after them, nothing will get in his way.

Fourteen....I think I'm going to love it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ADAM!

farm life

We headed out to New Ross Farm this week with our Homeschool group. Some of us (insert parents) were loving the buildings and idea of having animals around us every day. In particular, this fabulous shed. perfect for a horse and even a few chickens!

And so while Audrey and Joseph discussed math equations (love those kids), Adam was making a new friend.

Perhaps we need sheep to go with the horse and chickens.

Who new the school house would be such a hit with the kids! They sort of moved right in, making themselves quite comfortable. Was it the heat of the woodstove on a cold day or the comfortable seats?

Yep! The school house was a hit, but there was more to see.

We spent much time checking out the large animals and even more time in the farmhouse where fresh biscuits were being served right out of the oven but not before adding the fresh butter. Ahh..loving this.

A great day left each of us thinking about a better way, a more fulfilling way to live.

trees

I understand how enticing a huge pile of leaves under a tree must be...and how after one..then two jumps the fun just keeps going... and now she understands how important it is to land IN that pile of leaves, because if you don't feet can be injured. "It really was fun!", she says to the doctor. His instructions: stay off your foot, ice your foot.... stay away from trees. Okay, for now. Those trees are always getting kids into trouble.

Sugar, sugar and more sugar. There will be sleep at this sleepover.
Please?!

In review

A week of Grandparents visiting means many milkshakes. Simply because when one stays at a motel where the restaurant serves only the best milkshakes there is nothing else that can be done but drink and savour many. It apparently doesn't matter whether it is 8:30 am or 5:30 pm. Those lovely ladies at Evangeline Inn will serve them with pancakes or a sandwich.......they understand priorities.


And so the week went with as much time spent as possible, being with family. Of course, there was a little bit of this..

and this...

but not nearly enough of this.

So, after saying goodbye until Spring, it was time to head back to this place. Why this place, I'm not sure but even on a rainy morning the fragrance and sounds of these woods are energizing and comforting all at the same time.

These girls understand.

With little sunlight and few leaves left on trees, a burst of colour feels like a treasure just waiting to be found.

a day

It's haircut day at our house. Tradition is that when Grampa Jake comes to visit, the guys go to the Barber shop (they are getting harder to find!).

A visit from Granny and Grampa Jake also means plenty of time in the pool; playing, lounging, or splashing......Audrey!