I have had a time of adjustment this past year. Working and family life have been both a joy and a bit frustrating. My desire to explore has been stagnate and my passion for photography has been less than mediocre.
I sold my home of 25 years in February. It was a mixed bag of emotions. I was glad to say goodbye to a financial albatross and hello to my new chapter with Jim. I was very sad to say goodbye to the memories of raising Andrew and Leah and sad to say goodbye to some great neighbours. The good news was that the current real estate market made it a perfect time to sell.
Jim and I went to Arizona immediately following the sale for three weeks with Harlow and it was an incredible road trip. Harlow was an excellent passenger for the 3-12 hour day drives. We stopped every few hours for a pee break(for the dog) and a quick walk about to stretch our legs. When we finally arrived it was a new experience to say the least. Harlow had to learn to stay away from cactus and without the grass, she learned quickly to pee on gravel.
We returned home via Nashville where we just walked the entire day around the city and took in an art Gallery.
When we got home I was busy every day teaching. One of the benefits of being a supply teacher is the ability to take a holiday whenever you want. I had some great days, several with the same groups of kids which I find the most rewarding. The last two weeks of the year all I accepted was art and I have to say it was a great way to end the year.
Now with summer upon us we are endeavouring to build an extension on the back of our house. The architect has been acquired and hopefully the drawings will be in hand by the end of July with the construction to begin shortly after. We are aiming for completion around Christmas.
Yesterday was Canada Day, a day I have missed out on for three years. I began the tradition many years ago of taking my children to Kincardine for the day. I am blessed that they wanted to do nothing less than the same with me this year. It's been a terrible spring with rain almost everyday but yesterday thousands of Canadians brought the "Canadian factor" and it was an amazing day at the beach.
View from the back of the house in Arizona.
Harlow did not like the wind and sand at White Sands National Monument in New Mexico.
Every time we slowed down, Jim would roll down the window for Harlow.
Nashville
Kincardine. I had several taken with Andrew/Magyn too but they are on his camera.
Some of the red and white at the "Bag Pipes parade" and thousands of people walking behind.
The back of Andrew's car with a hockey stick/flagpole.
She is already tired of my taking pictures so I have to make deals like - I'll go collecting stones with you if you let me take your picture.
I have the uncanny luck of attracting viewers who interrupt my shot at the last moment. "Mr. Murse and Mr Tilt-a-head" (Leah named them) moved in just as the show was about to begin, memories of New years in London all over again.
HAPPY CANADA DAY, this is a great country!
