The Wet Coast

This week, coastal rains perpetuated the nickname most easterners refer to this area of the country. That being said... our garden is a very happy these days, weeds and all.

Down at the local watering hole

When pulling weeds in our backyard, one has to watch out for the scores of birds coming in for happy hour.... or happy 24 hours, as it seems. Word is out in the aviary world that our bird bath really is the best lounge in town.












The scenery from the watering hole certainly isn't bad! The irises are in full bloom, along with the laburnum tree and the first roses. That's a sure sign we're headed from spring into full-on summer.

Cooking with Jeff

Today is Mother's Day. Jeff and I are very fortunate to be the offspring of some very talented and wonderful women. Jeff has inherited his mom's sunny disposition- these two get out of bed with the ability to see all that is bright and good with the world. It's something I'm slowly learning from both of them although anyone who knows me knows it's not my natural state of being (!).

With my days now tied to a book or an internet portal, Jeff has expanded his role from chief dishwasher to sous chef in our kitchen. Sunday brunch has become his specialty- last week it was Eggs Benedict (with hollandaise from scratch!)












and this week, vanilla almond pancakes with fruit. Yummy.

New Rhythm

It's been quiet here on the UnWay as we have moved through some major life transitions over the past three weeks. My commencement of school and the loss of Jeff's beloved Grandpa have put us in rather reflective moods these days. We've been thinking and talking a lot about the whole concept of legacy (both personally and professionally) as we transition into this new phase of life.

School has been tougher than I thought- not just because of the work load (TONS of reading) but mainly because of the challenge of balancing focus and energy. The reading so far has been just excellent and I want to immerse myself in this experience to get as much out of it as I can. Struggles at work have been rather depleting recently and I'm not sure how I am going to find a workable balance. That being said... we will somehow work it out.

In the meantime, we have some beautiful sunny days and blooming lilacs to soothe the soul. After work on Friday, I had coffee with a good friend and just sitting out by the water, watching the float planes come and go, was a very good thing. I'm realizing- I really do need to take time and enjoy life outside my head.

Back in February, I completed the main work for my application to Royal Roads just before going to Saskatchewan to surprise my parents and celebrate my dad's birthday. Jeff was so confident that I would be accepted (MUCH more confident than I was!) and cooked up a surprise of his own while I was away. When I arrived home, there was a mysterious path leading me from the kitchen.....




down the basement stairs....


past the laundry room renovation (check out the almost finished new linen closet).....
















around the family room....















and into our guest room.

















Jeff decided that my life in school would be simplified without reliance on my old ink jet printer. And he was right. Both my husband and my new "brother" have proved to be invaluable so far.

This week was one filled with a little more busy-ness and stress than usual so it was a particularly nice surprise when another cherry tree (this time, the fruit bearing one) burst into full bloom overnight. It was so lovely I couldn't resist marching around the yard with my camera the minute we got home from work.

Special project

While I've been rather quiet on the last few posts here, there actually has been lots going on for us behind the scenes. In addition to work, fun, friends, watching the garden come to life, keeping up with laundry, baking bread (or hockey pucks, as the case may be) and trying to cross off some of the many "to do" projects off our home improvement wish list, there has been a whole new other project that I have been preparing for behind the scenes. After much researching, document gathering, writing, thinking and ticking off checklists, I have some big news to share.

Jeff's response to this photo was, "Poor Fanie- she has a LOT of work to do in the next two years!" He's right. I'm going to sincerely hustle my fanny to successfully complete an MA while continuing to work 4 days a week. This program is actually designed for working professionals so I'm hoping to just make it work. That being said- I can't imagine a greater opportunity right now and I can't imagine there are many spouses out there who spend several months actively convincing their wives to take advantage of such opportunities. And pull out their checkbooks without question to help make these opportunities happen. He is undeniably, one of a very few.

This new chapter of life starts on Monday. Wish us luck.

Still spring