First of all, I want to thank you for allowing me into your lives to explain what Toastmasters does at meetings. Part of my Toastmasters project was to put this information on a blog and then give a speech. Mission accomplished and I am back to my normal blogs!
For over six weeks we had furniture and “stuff” from cabinets in the family room in our living room. The whole house was a big mess as we waited to get our new flooring and carpets in on the stairs. We went with Deluxe Luxury Vinyl Planks in wood tones and carpets to complement these. I was happy to see the back end of the off-white carpets which had been in our home for over 21 years and probably another 20 before. They had served their purpose but had worn thin and holey of late. Somehow with carpets even when you vacuum they never seem totally clean. We also found a lovely orange carpet under the off-white Berber one. You know the ones that are good for indoor or outdoor! I truly thought that the previous owners had painted the concrete that colour! Boy was I wrong. It is so easy to keep things clean now and not lug my heavy vacuum around. Can you tell that I love my new flooring!!!???
BEFORE
AFTER (Bella likes the new flooring.)
Last Saturday my son Jay and his family came here to London for a surprise visit. I was totally shocked! The Grands charged down the stairs into the family room. They got to meet Bella for the first time. She just turned one year old! It took a bit but she did win them over. They walked Bella around on her leash in our backyard. She is so good. They had some pizza from Richmoor’s for their lunch. The best in London! We realized that they hadn’t been here since my 70th birthday in August 2019.
Shea remarked on our missing tree. That Norway maple had been trimmed up to get through my party and then taken down shortly after as it was diseased and dying. They also went to Shea’s brother and sister-in-law. This was a whirlwind day for all of them.
The Grands will be down in July to stay with us and their Aunt & Uncle. It should be a lot of fun. Their Aunt and Uncle will wear them out a bit first! Our trailer is being fixed so we can stay in there. We had a major leak in the skylight. I look forward to using it again without getting a shower while in bed!
I recently got recertified so that I can teach “How to deal with Chronic Pain.” I so love to teach again after years of teaching Communication skills in the Concurrent Disorder Program in both St. Thomas and London. (Psychiatry + Addictions) Still miss my peers there.
I haven’t yet gone back to Wellspring to give Reiki sessions to clients with cancer. My day to do this was on a Monday and they are only partially open to start. I will continue to mask because of my compromised immune system with P.M.R. and being on prednisone. I have had 4 shots though so feel fairly safe. I have had two of my friends come down with covid recently so it is definitely still here.
I visited a friend of mine from Toastmasters. He and his wife will be parents sometime this month. It is always exciting to welcome a little baby into this world. Yes, they are a lot of work the first few months but so worth it. They are so excited to meet her. I remember all too well looking at the blank crib and imagining what my children would look like. I wish them every happiness!
I have been gardening early every morning due to the heat. I have to keep my many patio plants watered so that they won’t dry out. I will shortly have tomatoes in excess. So love the little ones. When ripe they almost (almost!) taste like candy. I have some strawberries too, and I fight the squirrels for these.
I picked up a plant called “Goldfinger Potentilla”. This is a beauty with yellow flowers. These remind me of my parents’ cottage where they grew wild on the beach.
I am not sure if I will blog in August. Time allowing I will. As I stated I will be on the East Coast for a bit. That blog should be a lot of fun when it comes out. This September we finally get to celebrate our 50th + 1 nursing reunion at Fern Resort in Orillia. I don’t know about you, but when it comes to summer most of our time is already booked. The summer sun, cool lakes and family all get together to celebrate, whereas in winter we tend to hibernate.
I wish you a glorious summer where you get to enjoy everything it entails. Picnics, BBQs, swimming, and family visits. They all enrich our lives so much.
Always remember to be kind to yourself and others as we navigate these troubled times. We are stronger together. Stay safe!
Blessings to all!
Sue