We are slowing finding room for all our stuff. Still unpacked are several boxes of photo albums and several boxes of books and cookbooks and cooking magazines. And a few containers of toiletries. Honestly - why do we think we need all that stuff?
And I have yet to find - uh, an official government document that should be reported missing as soon as it is known to be missing - my headphones (ugh, I can't block out my fellow GO train commuters with my iPod), Ev's 12 pack minus 1 package of contacts, the charger for the cordless vac, and a few other things. Hopefully this weekend we will have everything unpacked and accounted for.
There are a few benefits from downsizing to 1500 sq ft from a 3400 sq ft home and equivalent yard - I can't wipe the smile off my face as I roll the push mower over the lawn. I love the sound the blades make as they cut the grass. The tiny patches of grass in the front and back take a dozen or so swipes - et voila - that job is done. What is taking more time is watering those little lawns. I'm down to taking 5 minutes adjusting the water pressure so that all the neighbours, their cars and adjoining lawns don't get sprayed. The first time I tried to water the lawn, I spent at least 15 minutes going back and forth from the tap to the sprinkler, changing the pressure and the direction of the spray. I think the typical oscillating water sprinkler is meant for big lawns. I'm going to look into a different style of sprinkler, one more suitable to watering 30 sq feet of grass - they should be going on sale any time now.
Being in such close proximity to our neighbours has been mostly positive. And a source of humour for me today. Evann proudly reported this afternoon that she rinsed out all the recycling and compost bins that were put out at the curb this morning. Because of our shared driveway and limited curb real estate, our neighbours place their garbage in front of our place with ours. Ev wasn't very happy when she found out how wonderfully neighbourly she was, having washed out their smelly garbage bins as well.
The big girls seem to be settling in - though they are frustrated with the time it is taking me to figure out how to set up the new wireless internet connection...having to plug their laptops directly into the modem that is under the basement stairs is only temporary, I assure them.
Leah has only spent two days at the new place - as soon as she returned from New Brunswick, she was whisked away to the cottage where she has been having a blast with her cousins; beating them at War and learning how to ski on the wakeboard. If she had her way, she would split her summer vacation time between the two places - cottage and New Brunswick.
More changes tomorrow as Rob takes possession of his new place.
I wonder if he needs any toiletries?
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
It takes a village...
...to move me into our new place. Chief amongst those villagers are Carol, Paula and Brent. They kept me focussed (never an easy job) and propped me up when this whole transition seemed physically and emotionally overwhelming.
Friends and family have been sending good wishes and another favourite friend arrived Saturday afternoon for a visit. Marilyn and I sat caught up on the front porch and were eventually joined by Carol and Paula. Impromtu dinner plans were made and within an hour or so, we had prepared two pounds of delectable and garlicky mussels. Perfectly accompanied by Paula's bocconcini and tomato salad and lots of fresh bread. And a few splashes of wine.
I'm so glad we had that fun time - the next few days were hectic - preparing for the movers, moving and now finding a place for everything.
Cousin Brent has been spent most of his vacation here, putting together furniture. A desk, tv console, and two beds. Here is Leah's room - before and after assembly
Right now Brent is hooking up the tv/dvd player to a small surround sound system. I've got boxes open and stuff scattered on all three floor. Plus a whole lot of cardboard to break down.
We have plans to get out to the downtown Midnight Madness event tonight - we might just be able to tear ourselves away before midnight.
Or maybe Brent will be able to hook up the "entertainment system" and we will just veg here.
Two more days til the girls return from their travels. Lots to do.
Friends and family have been sending good wishes and another favourite friend arrived Saturday afternoon for a visit. Marilyn and I sat caught up on the front porch and were eventually joined by Carol and Paula. Impromtu dinner plans were made and within an hour or so, we had prepared two pounds of delectable and garlicky mussels. Perfectly accompanied by Paula's bocconcini and tomato salad and lots of fresh bread. And a few splashes of wine.
I'm so glad we had that fun time - the next few days were hectic - preparing for the movers, moving and now finding a place for everything.
Cousin Brent has been spent most of his vacation here, putting together furniture. A desk, tv console, and two beds. Here is Leah's room - before and after assembly
Right now Brent is hooking up the tv/dvd player to a small surround sound system. I've got boxes open and stuff scattered on all three floor. Plus a whole lot of cardboard to break down.
We have plans to get out to the downtown Midnight Madness event tonight - we might just be able to tear ourselves away before midnight.
Or maybe Brent will be able to hook up the "entertainment system" and we will just veg here.
Two more days til the girls return from their travels. Lots to do.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
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