Oh Chute!

Wood, wood and more wood! We've loaded so much wood into the basement to prepare for winter, especially in light of P's limited assistance ... but we certainly couldn't have done it alone. HUGE thanks to GT and Bop and Andy who worked their pants off (and in Andy's case, he literally worked his pants right off) stacking wood.

As if that weren't enough, GT and Bop put in a few more winter-prep days ... putting the plow on the ATV, cutting grass, and putting planters and assorted junk away for the season. Amazing to have such awesome help!!! We'll miss them for the next 6 months while they're sunning themselves in southern climes.

Making Use of the Track

The day was cool, the sky cloudy, and the kids donned their gear (or most of it) and took their bikes for a spin.

I have no idea what came over me, but at the track while I was walking Scooby and watching the kids ride around on their motocross bikes, I was suddenly overcome with the urge. The urge to ride.

Perhaps I felt like the track hadn't seen much use since P's accident, or perhaps I felt adventurous and carefree, but whatever the impetus, I asked J for his helmet and gave the kickstart a good kick, and off I went!

Yeah, the bike's a bit too small, but look at my form! A star in the making. Gotta go ... I think Ricky Carmichael is calling for advice ...

Wood You Believe ... ?

On Thanksgiving Monday, some friends came out to the farm (indispensable friends, to be sure) and split wood. And stacked wood. ALL DAY LONG! The weather was cooperative (sunny and cool) and even Mr. Broken-Legg worked up a sweat. It's awesome to know that we've got enough wood for the winter piled in our basement now. And it's awesome to have freinds. I mean friends.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Year 2010

In light of the recent past, one might think there's not too much to be thankful for (I'm referring to Peter's broken leg, operation, recovery, discovery of broken foot, second operation, longer recovery and multiple incisions), but I'd like to take a mo and ponder what I am thankful for ...

Awesome weather!

Awesome neighbours who donated an air hockey game to us since their won kids have outgrown it.

Awesome grandma who kicked @ss at said air hockey game with dumbfounded grandsons.

Awesome husband who made dinner for exhausted wife last week in spite of aforementioned injuries, and who is upbeat and uncomplaining throughout.

Awesome kids who love music and teach each other the ins and outs of the tenor sax then practise screechily and enthusiastically.

Awesome turkey which is the first one I've ever cooked pretty much on my own (well, minimal verbal assistance from husband on initial set-up and from grandma on gravy-making). It turned out surprisingly well! I'm still surprised! And full.

A few months ago we planted cleome in the front garden, a small annual plant that would grown about 24 inches high. Well, take a look at these mutant green things: 5 feet tall at least. Even though they still have a few pink blooms, that bit of colour is not enough to deter me from tidying up.

It helps to have a warm sunny day when you're in a gardening mood, doesn't it? It reduces the chore factor and increases the enjoyment. And at the end of the day, there's a pretty little garden, free from gigantic roaming leaves that block the entire minivan from the front window view. Really! They were that big!

My Left Foot

P's left foot is his good one! These look like a "before" and "after" shot of the biggest loser except with scratches and bruises and staple holes. Believe it or not, P's right foot looks marvelous in comparison to 3 weeks ago, with the swelling substantially less and the bruising almost gone. Soon he'll actually be able to put weight on it as he limps down the road of recovery.

Bonne Fete !!

On September 22 my youngest child turned 12, beginning his 13th year of life on this planet. He is wonderfully enthusiastic and curious and the world is a better place because he is in it. Happy Birthday, mon petit prince!

Sliver of Truth

Yesterday I got the nastiest paper cut on my right hand, in that wrinkly part between my thumb and forefinger, and every time I opened a book or held a pen, that little paper cut stung like a devil. I complained about it in too much detail to P, who then countered with his own anecdote.

He'd been to the cast clinic, had more xrays taken, had all the staples removed and had a meeting with his surgeon. A total of 18 staples in one incision and 25 in the other, and he still has a smile on his face. He's now in an air cast so he can submerge his entire body in the bath!! Yay! We scrubbed him up and hardly recognized him afterwards. The bottom line from the surgeon is that he'll be in some sort of cast for 12 weeks, and for the first 6 (only 4 to go) in a non-weight bearing one. No walking. At. All.

What a whiner. My paper cut is way worse.

Meagre Fruits of our Labour

In our little vegetable garden (formerly known as the fire pit), we grew beans, lettuce, watermelon, canteloupe and zucchini. The zucchini far outperformed the others, resulting in about 6 vegetables of about 6 or 7 inches each. Not exactly a bumper crop. In fact, I think I need to fertilize more enthusiastically next year. Take a look at these wee little fruits: canteloupe and, yes, that's a watermelon!

Terry Fox Month

September is the month in which the Terry Fox Run is held, and for us this September is particularly meaningful since we have our own leg-challenged athlete.

P isn't quite ready to embrace a marathon, but he is wielding the crutches effectively and has been exploring around the house. He's even been to check the mail box!

In all seriousness, the Terry Fox Foundation is an admirable and worthy charity and I encourage you to make it your charity of choice. At our school, I'm organizing the National School Day Run (Thursday, September 30, 2010) and I'm proud to say that all classes are participating, from JK/SK all the way to Grade 8.