Long time away

This is a test.
Been offline for a while.

One Size Fits All?

OK - in the past we have been bombarded with products listed  --- one size fits all. I have seen everything from pantie hose to stretchy pants to shirts --- really!
We went shopping this week for a no slam toilet seat. Don't know what the hype is about these but this was on my other half's must have list.
So off to Home Depot.
This is what we bought ......

Note the dual seat. Small butt... Big butt? A mystery??

I have to say I have never had issues falling through the toilet seat so I knew which size I needed.

When in doubt ----- read the instructions.

Wow I realize this is a parents or grandparent toilet seat ..... made to accommodate little people.

What a great idea!

Now when my little people visit I won't have to worry about them falling in.
They will be happy --- I will be happy.

OH ---- anyone visiting is welcome to try both sizes.


Anyway .... we have a no slam toilet seat geared for all sizes.

Never stop exploring.
Always try new things.
Enjoy every day.

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!

All Settled In?

I know it has been a while. It is true ... Time flies!
We are slowly getting settled in our new home. The appliances are hooked up, the boxes are unpacked and the pictures are slowly finding a new perch.
I am trying very hard to tick off the jobs to be done 1 at a time. Problem is in this household we run on 2 speeds --- mine and Don,s. I am working on tomorrow .... He is trying to catch up on yesterday. Together we will have this place feeling like home in no time.
Our main project this week was assembling a Murphy Bed. We bought it from Costco and it came in pieces. The bed part is now complete and we just have the side shelves to assemble. Anyone contemplating this project should have some carpentry experience and have at least 1 assistant --- this can,t be assembled by 1 person. We are happy with our project so far. We purchased a nice firm mattress from Sears so our guests should sleep well when they visit.
We did take time off this week while our daughter visited from California. We had a wonderful few days exploring the area so alive with vineyards , fruit farms and busy marinas. It is a treat to walk the canal (just minutes from our house by foot) and see the freighters pass by. Niagara-on the Lake is just a 10 minute drive past lush farms of peaches and cherries. Hard to get back to work now with so much to see and do.
Moving has its ups and downs. Everything is new but it takes time to make new friends and feel part of a community. People however are friendly here so we look forward to soon sharing a glass of wine or local adventure with the locals nearby.
We also hope friends and family will make time to share this new location with us.
Till then I will keep wine chilled and the BBQ primed.
Days are made for sharing.
Always new adventures awaiting.

A Cottage Essential

OK ----- who recognizes this ----

Found this in the cupboard here. No one knew what it was! Everyone thought it a fire hazard. To me it is one of those items every  "real" cottage has.
If you know what this is you have given away your age.
It is in great shape and ready for action. Yup --- I can smell the toast burning at breakfast already. Can't wait.




Simon was in charge of the morning entertainment.

The kids ran up and down the hill outside the cottage trying to keep up with Simon's new toy. They chased it! It chased them. Can you see it?

This little car provided  hours of fun. So glad you brought it Simon.

We spent most of today at the boathouse. If I had a cottage this building is all I would need.
 There are 3 very stable kyaks available for our use. Life jackets are available for every size. The kids enjoyed being paddled around the lake.
Animal sightings have been few here. Squirrels and chipmunks seem to be the main residents although a family of Canadian Geese did pay a visit today.

Tomorrow there is promise of fresh fish ........!!!!
A photo shoot is being planned........
Cottage uniforms are being  created .........

Never a dull movement.

This is the best!!