I couldn't resist this picture and ran for the cam as the sun was coming up at 6:15 ish this morning, fighting it's way through the clouds and fog. Still practising ... be patient!
Hospital visit again: at the fracture clinic they clarified that it's actually a growth plate strain, which I take to mean that if he were not still growing, his ankle would be in pretty bad shape, but since the bones are soft and not fully fused, and were in perfect alignment at the time of the impact, he's postioned well for full recovery in 3-4 weeks. But feel free to call him Gimpy for a while!
If ever a crime was commited in my kitchen, Gil Grisham would be able to do a visual fingerprint analysis right off the stainless steel fridge. 
This light looked great on the RONA website, so I ordered it and waited patiently until they finally called for me to pick it up. With excitement, I helped (watched) P set it up, giving verbal encouragement and complimenting his expertise at leveling ... which is where I stopped dead. This light isn't level!! And the construction is so cheap that it's not possible to level the shades ... I returned it yesterday. 
Although I really don't think this requires any explanation, I do want to say that in spite of S's ankle injury, he's willing to help wash & dry the dishes. Once we get the water softener set up, manual work won't be necessary.
Our closest neighbours were peeking at us through the fence, but they ran away when I approached them. Shy? Stand-off-ish? Don't speak our language? This merits further investigation.
Some old loggers asked if we'd be interested in having them chop a few maples in our back woods and we agreed to one load, and they've cut a wider path for us, taking out some saplings for their skid all the way back to the river. Although it initially looks like lots of devastation, it opens up the canopy, dries up the forest floor and allows for smaller things to grow.
Could he possibly be eleven already?!?! He had a fantastic day, eschewing the traditional cupcakes for the class in favour of a store bought Truffle Royale cake which he's been dreaming of for months.
I really like this pic that GT took with the new camera! It makes me look like I've been working hard in the garden. In reality, though, GT and Bop have been the muscles behind the operation, digging and raking and burning and trimming and sawing and stacking ... getting rid of those nasty hawthornes and vines. They're the best kind of guests!
J got his first trophy at the race! GREAT RIDING! It was a beautiful sunny day and he rode his heart out, kicking up clouds of dust and roosting those unfortunate riders behind him. With a gracious nod to the spectators, he zoomed past, gaining the admiration of all. A trophy well earned!
This blog is really going to reap the benefits of my birthday present! Here are some test pics. Thanks Mom & Dad!! 
The weather has been so great for sawing, splitting & stacking the wood that'll keep us warm till spring.
These past mornings we've been lucky to have the luxury of time to hang with S&J as they get ready and run off to their school buses. The sun has been shining every day and the early fog lingers as the bus stops at the end of the drive. One morning we saw a herd (or gaggle) of wild turkeys in the hay field next door. If you zoom in, you can see them peeking their little heads up above the straw.
Butterflies in the stomach, unable to eat breakfast, wondering how this day would unfold ... first day of school jitters! But that's just for me. S & J were unfazed, hungry and eager to tackle the day.
The boys are taking a break from house work (unpacking boxes in the kitchen), prepping their bikes for this weekend's festivities, and enjoying the gorgeous weather.
It's beginning to look and feel cosy and homey in the living room now that we have most (not all) of our stuff here. As you can see, J is exceedingly enthusiastic about it.
The last leg of the kitchen construction is complete. There are of course little things like the countertop and the toekick that need fine tuning (ie installation) and the sink and taps will eventually be replaced. But let's take a moment and admire it, shall we?
