And yes, we are so Thankful

Not sure how it happened, but we pulled together a dinner Sunday for Thanksgiving. I'm thankful. I obviously learned a lot from my mom, dad, grandmother and baba (the gravy was divine). I think if they'd been in the kitchen with me it would have been more fun, but the meal was appreciated and I'm happy I've learned a few things along the way.

Missed Georgia - doing this time with her dad - and really missed my full Chrumka family, but was lovely just us. Quiet, home, puttering, crosswords, reading, crafts... and eating, eating. Oh to happy thanksgivings.

Arts & Cats

The nights are getting cooler and darker. More evening time inside. I nearly fell over when after a few minutes with crayon and scissors, Clem produced her cat mask. You don't often remember "the" day or minute your ones meet a milestone. When did she figure out how to draw a cat face and cut wholes in paper?

We spent the remaining pre-bed time making paws, adding whiskers and attaching the tail. My heart swells seeing this work.

Oh, how I LOVE the Garlic Festival

Came home with 3 different varieties this year - Italian Porcelain, Yugoslavian (I think) and the Susan Delahani (a good roaster). Last year's crop did well 15 cloves from 3 varieties. Not large heads, but enough to get us through to spring and 8 cloves per head which makes for easy pealing, chopping and, if I'm organized, roasting. Was great to connect again (3rd year in a row) with Jenny, Paul, Ruby and this year Isamay. Jenny and I laughed, yup the magician performed his act just like last year's... line for line. The girls, of course, were entranced. We may shake it up next year and hit another festival, but how I love the hippy trip.

Fun at Point Roberts

The weather was fine again this August at the Point. Clem was keen on the annual Maple Beach bike rally and then swim. Last year it was freezing with waves bigger than the kids. This year a whole different story. They know how to do up parties well down south of we Canucks, that's for sure.

July was all about Honey

Clem and Paul spent a big part of July extracting honey, bottling and labelling. About 40lbs from 2 of the 5 hives = 65 jars 250ml each. If you haven't already, check the venture out on facebook - Little Yard Honey.

Day 6 - Bay of Fundy

We crossed the Annapolis Valley to Grand Pre and Wolfville. Never would have thought to do this, but thanks to Peggy's Cove tour guide, this was a trip highlight. Seeing the Acadian Cross and then visiting the best yarn shop in the world followed by a burger and rhubarb custard pie... and then a winery. These folks know how to live! I don't think I'd mind if Georgia opted for university at Acadia or St. F X. We'll see. Trip ended with lobster supper, plain and simple.

Day 5 - Chester, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg

We rented the most hilarious SUV minivan combo and headed southwest along the coast. The homes in Chester were incredible, 3 churches in Mahone Bay picturesque and what a knitting store we stumbled on! Lunenburg was quiet when we arrived at 5pm, but lovely, lovely. The signage (crazy to focus on that), but creative thinking down to the signage.

Day 3 & 4 - Again around town

After conference wrapped up, more walking around Halifax with Mom. I'm so glad we shared this trip. I like that we travel at the same speed - time for coffee, time for wine, eat more, look at more and keep walking.

Day 2 - Peggy's Cove

This was a big surprise. 45 minutes from Halifax or longer on the winding scenic highway. Cove, after cove sheltered from the Atlantic. I envisioned a big expansive cove, but it's tiny. A safe place from storms and now preserved thanks to fishers and artists. Peggy seems such a sweet, kitschy name. I was prepared for touristy, touristy, but was historical and just real.

Trip of a Lifetime - Nova Scotia with Mom

End of May, beginning of June, Mom and I spent a week in Halifax. Took advantage of flight and some hotel thanks to a work conference. Words escape me, Nova Scotia was incredible - simple, beautiful, wind swept, pastoral... Wool shops, wineries, crafts everywhere, old buildings valued and then the history. My brain couldn't take it all in.

Day 1 - Sunday was spent just walking... everywhere.

And then came the May Long Weekend

Was a most perfect weekend. Hot, family around, lots done and to do. Time in the garden, time with the Sherwins, a visit with Devin, Jennie, Henry and Dev's family and warm weather (this written May 27 when temperature was 4 degrees this a.m. and I think my tomatoes are wondering what's up). So this is us doing not too much May Long 2011. Do I miss the lake? You betcha, but was pretty great poking around our own place, no pressure, no need to be somewhere when, just doing our own thing.