Making the most of our (limited) summer

by


Halifax weather has been really helpful lately if you come from the mindset that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Today it was time to finally take advantage of beautiful weather and hit the beach.

We’ve had remarkably few beach weather days so far this summer, and almost all of them have been spent making our house in show condition for sale. Our family of four live in a small three bedroom semi. In May my sister moved back to Nova Scotia and because of her medical condition (brittle Diabetic, and seizures) she shouldn’t live alone. She and her large shepherd/lab moved into our basement rec room until we sell our house and find a bigger one that will accommodate an in-law suite. Hence forth de-cluttering and painting projects en mass.

We had an appointment to view a house that backs onto a greenbelt around a lake (lakefront being our movin’ up requirement for moving now rather than later), at 2pm. So we headed out at 10:30 to give ourselves a couple of hours at the beach. Now, I’m not a “beach day” kind of gal. Granted I have taken my kids to the beach for the day, but I would rather go to the beach for a swim and leave when I’m done, than laze around soaking up the rays. So, we had plenty of time. An hour in the water, and it was heaven. Then an hour of snapping photos while my darling went for a 10k mid-day run on one of our warmest days this summer (no, I was not silly enough to join in on that little escapade).

The beach was packed as expected, but we snagged a great spot to park on the way into the gravel lot. Grabbed our towels and headed for sand. The water was clear, calm and warm (18Celcius for those curious to know what constitutes warm on the Atlantic coast!) We brought wetsuits, which turned out to be unnecessary (my Ian will beg to differ).

When Ian headed out for his run, I, camera in hand started wandering down the beach. I still feel awkward photographing people I don’t know, so I mostly shot clouds and gentle waves and rocks.

There is not much greater feeling of contentment than that of leaving the beach feeling exhausted from splashing around in the water with the sun beating down and warming your towels for when you get out!

Filed Under: General, Gratitude, West Nova Family Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Project 365 – (Jul 4)

by

summer on the Bedford Basin:

From 365
Filed Under: 365, Photos Tagged With: , ,

Project 365 – May 31

by

Summer refreshments:

From 365
Filed Under: 365, Photos Tagged With: , ,

I want a do-over!

by

Summer, is just never long enough is it? I know some say they can’t wait to get their kids back in school and back to “normal”, but the season itself just goes by too fast.

We really do enjoy the fall and the back to school transition here. The newness of all of the activities and the familiarity of most. Autumn is really my favourite season (and it’s not long enough either). I love change, and there seems to be an extra abundance of it in the fall.

I love the fall foliage. I love starting dance and music lessons again. I love the cool dry air. I love running with fallen leaves crunching under my feet, in long pants and long sleeve shirts, while cool enough to enjoy the workout.

Yet, I despair the end of summer. We’re an active family and summer just flies by too fast, with the alternating vacations between here and their dad’s, with grandparents who also want time with their little ones, and with the desire to explore, there’s never enough time to just enjoy the relaxed mode of summer at home. This summer we stayed put once again for our vacation. Two weeks of hanging at the lake, afternoon trips to the ocean, and a couple of playdates with friends. But, summer is coming to a close and I feel gypped! We only get those two short weeks at home, doing fun family summer activities?

It’s simply not enough. I want a do-over.

I love the fall foliage. I love starting dance and music lessons again.

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: , , , ,

Work in progress… deck stain

by

We bought our house with the knowledge that this deck needed some attention. First priority came last year when we had the front porch steps, that were literally held on by some lattice, replaced. This year, I took on the project by myself. Powering washing and scrubbing, then staining a 12-year-old, likely-never-touched deck. In one weekend I completed the useable portion. My next big job will be the outer sides of it. Here’s a photo story: I know, I know, not the most exciting way to spend a beautiful first July weekend.

BEFORE:

From Photblog
From Photblog
From Photblog
From Photblog

POST SCRUB-DOWN:

From Photblog

FAIT ACCOMPLIT:

From Photblog

Now I have to find the courage 😉 to climb the big ladder with a paint roller and brush and tackle the outer surface! YIKES!

Tomorrow’s forecast:

Cloudy with 40 percent chance of showers in the morning then a mix of sun and cloud. Risk of thundershowers in the morning. Fog patches retreating to the coast in the morning. Wind southwest 30 km/h. High 29 except 20 along the coast. UV index 8 or very high.

Filed Under: Photos Tagged With: , , , ,