A Walk With a View

We have recently relocated to the Niagara area.
Moving is difficult --- not just the physical jobs of packing and unpacking but also the fact that you are leaving a known --- friends, medical, shopping etc for the unknown.
We made this move to downsize both lot and house size and to be more central to our children , other family members and friends. Timing was right. We could still do a fair bit of lifting and hauling and people who are important to us are still able to drive to visit.
Our new home is small (perfect!). The grass takes 15 minutes to cut. There is an empty nesters complex next door (condos) and best of all we are mid way between city and country.
Niagara on the Lake is a 10 minute drive. The Falls 5 minutes farther.
This is bikers territory both electric and pedal. Miles of paths along the water or inland.
There are at least 30 wineries within a 10 K radius and peach, pear and plum orchards are everywhere that grapes haven't taken over.
Below are scenes from a walk we took from our house yesterday.

Beautiful scenery.
Lots of reasons to head outdoors.

Keep active.
Enjoy each day.

Aren,t Little People Wonderful

We are settling in nicely in our new home.
It was a frantic time the first 3 weeks or so. Don was having trouble keeping up to my pace of hanging / arranging / planting and organizing but it has been worth it. Now the front is landscaped the pictures are in place and furniture organized so we can relax and enjoy.

This week we have or smallest member of the family visiting. Her family have gone camping but I convinced her parents that she would be happier here with Grandma and Grandpa. Fun to have little people around. We are loving every minute.

Don,s shed arrives tomorrow. Also cement for the base. Hope Abby wakes us up early -- the crew is set to arrive at 7:30.,

Other additions to our outside projects include a sun shade.
Sadly I can,t seem to make this Apple mini add more than 1 picture.

Life is good.
Love our new location-- close to the city -- almost in the country. The best of both worlds.

Make each day count.
Enjoy your day whatever it brings.

Getting Settled

OK --- moving is a drag, but it is behind us now. The boxes are unpacked (mostly) Pictures are starting to find new homes. We have a Murphy bed assembled and ready for company and closets are somewhat organized so we can find things. This is a small house ----- kind of like a 2 bedroom apartment with a garage and small yard (with tons of potential). Keeping down the clutter and having things in their place is essential for ones sanity because you can't get away from it ---- all space is used.

Todays tasks included finding and ordering shower doors and a small shed for storage --- Don likes the garage for his car. Next it was off to Lowes for cupboard organizers and blinds for the basement windows.Tomorrow will be busy!

Before supper we cut the grass for the first time --- a mere 15 minute job-- quite a treat after the 3/4 acres we used to cut.

After dinner we rewarded ourselves with a long walk along the canal.

This path stretches 23 miles from Port Weller where we live to Port Colborne. It is great for walking or cycling --- flat and paved . Like the Rhine River in Germany transportation options line the canal --- boats – walking paths and auto route all side by side. The far side of the road is boarded by lucky homeowners who have positioned their patios under shady trees to watch the river traffic ----- awesome!

The far side of the canal is lined with cherry trees which are loaded with fruit at present. The trees glitter with streamers and guns are sounded regularly to keep birds away. (reminds me of picking blueberries years ago)

The locals are friendly. We stopped to chat with a cyclist who noticed a beaver swimming in the canal. Sadly we weren't able to spot it but we will keep watch in future.

Last stop was a snack break for Don. Two girls were sharing a pizza and were more than happy to share once Don did his sit up and beg routine (kidding --- we asked if they were eating the best pizza around and they insisted Don try it and make his own decision). You can be sure he will be looking for these two next time we walk --- it was good pizza.

More jobs ahead tomorrow but we have decided from now on each day must include some outdoor activity ----- after all August is approaching and we have to be able to keep up with the grandkids when we hit the hills in Europe .

The adventure continues!