Airebella is Going on the Road again!

Well we are headed off this month for a few days in Kingston camping at our favourite place, Rideau Acres, and also to Niagara on the Lake for a family wedding! It is fun to think about getting Airebella the Airstream 34 Classic on the road again, the packing, the trip itself and finally the tranquility of a Fall camping experience!

Lisa and Derek's New Home!

Move in day came and went this weekend and there was lots of work to do! Everyone pitched in to make shorter work of it.

enjoying life....

Rudy adores Brooklyn (and Payton too)

Payton and Richard constructing with blocks while Brooklyn soldiers on...

Well this past week marked my one year anniversary of retirement from my government job and what a year it has been. As I reflect on it I am reminded that I finished my Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution just before retiring, and enjoyed greeting a new grandaughter at that time too (last June); we spent last summer in Kingston, the fall in Ottawa and the winter in Florida! We returned to embark on caregiving of my two grandaughters as my daughter went back to work to cover the time before we leave again for the sunshine...

We have decided to sell our home in Ottawa, perhaps in favour of some land and a new house construction, or restoring an older home out of town. Our plan is to find a place where we can have all our toys parked near us! Timing is everything and we are in no hurry since we love our home.

Last week we had lots of fun with Payton and Brooklyn...look at the photos! Next week is the big move for them into the big house and the last week of summer vacation for Payton.

Busy Busy Busy!!!

Time flies when you are having fun and keeping busy as has been our life of late. It has been a while since I posted anything since we have been busy with the grandchildren, the house renovations, the garage sale prep, the visits from Alabamians and life in general! In this post I am sharing some summer fun but also lamenting over the fact that the summer is flying by and we will soon be thinking of heading south again. We have not even put the boat in the water this year so I have posted some shots her of it from last year and if we get it out this week I shall return with new pics.

Here is a shot of Brooklyn learning to row at the cottage with her daddy looking on, one of Brooklyn with her Auntie Louise's Doll from 25 years ago and one of both Payton and Brooklyn with their Aunt Louise. It was a beautiful day in early August and we were happy to share the time together.

This week will mark one year of retirement for me and it seems the time just flies by too fast. I am enjoying this new lifestyle so much it is a wonder we didn't start sooner.

Twenty Two Years of Wedded Bliss!

Hey Y'all - Visitors here from Alabama!

We have Kristy and Sean visiting as Driveway Campers as they are touring up the north east and east central from Alabama. They have experienced the Musical Ride of the RCMP, the Rideau Canal at Hogs Back falls and the Canada Day Celebrations on Parliament Hill.

Around the kitchen table at Fernwood Louise and Debbie are getting the scoop from Kristy about the Airstream Travels that Kristy and Sean have done. It has been wonderful to hear the southern accent again!

Their web site is a great read for RVers of all ages at www.longlonghoneymoon.com .

Airstream (Airebella) is in Storage :-(

I feel bad having a blog entitled Airstream Chronicles and it (the Airstream) has been locked away in storage since we got back from Florida. I miss the single story, cafe ambiance, close quartered living! We have been back in Ottawa for more than two months now and while the house and yard are lovely it is not the same as roaming free!

My time is very occupied for the moment with my grandchildren and that is quite wonderful. Their mom has gone back to work until the next baby arrives in November so I am helping out with the caregiving. It is delightful to be able to have such dedicated time with them both.

Brooklyn Turns the Big One - 1

Payton's Third Riding Lesson from Aunt Louise

Another PD Day on Friday meant that Payton was able to get a riding lesson from her Aunt Louise. Lucky girl she is that her Aunt can do this for her! The pony is very well behaved and we all enjoyed the warm sunshine! Brooklyn looked on from the safety of her stroller although at the last lesson she also had a little ride!

I am really enjoying the time back in Ottawa with the grandchildren and with my daughters (and families) of course.

Lisa and Louise helping Payton get adjusted before the ride. Two horsewomen and a horse girl in training!

Payton is learning all about the grooming as well and brushing the pony before the ride is very important.

Payton's cousin Cassie came along to watch the riding today!

The grass is green, the sun is shining, the children are smiling - life is good.

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Mark Twain once said (and it is worth remembering) :

"In twenty years, it is not the things that you did that you will regret, it is the things you didn't do."

Ottawa Summer is Just Around the Corner!

Hello all - we have been having the best weather these past few days, sunny and warm. The Tulip festival is underway and every day as we ride our bikes on the paths we see more and more green in the trees. They are letting go of winter and really revelling in the springtime.

I am preparing for my new role as caregiver for Brooklyn and Payton as their Mom (my daughter Lisa) returns to work before the next baby arrives in late November! It will be really fun to spend the time immersed in the two of them and their daily lives and I am very happy to help.

These last few days have been busy with visits with former colleagues and the installation of state of the art, energy efficient furnace and air conditioner at the house here in Ottawa. What a job!