Ted had commented (back in January) that he might tackle our guest-room bathroom Reno .... and I replied "I'll believe it when I see it" (we've only been living here for 25 years").
I'm not sure if that spurred him on -- but, yahoo -- the Bathroom Reno happened!!
Ted did a beautiful job on the bathroom (with some help from both Spencer & I)!
After painting the bathroom - I decided to update the attached bedroom with a fresh coat of paint too.
Ted designed a nice wood cabinet that could be installed into the wall of the Bedroom - and our talented friend, Neal, built it for us.
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I was pleased to find "Jasper" the bear :)
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Staying 'distanced'
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This pandemic has been tough for many people. We sure felt badly for mom & dad - alone at the farm. My sister & brother took turns bringing them groceries.
Mom and Dad just tried to stay put. Back in February they had toured a lovely assisted-living facility is St. Albert. . . acknowledging that it might be a good time for them to move off of the farm. But then Covid hit & they were not sure they would ever want to move.
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We had a long, cold Spring this year (again?)... On Mother's Day - several of us met at the farm - to have our first 'outside - distancing' visit with mom & dad.
It was so nice to see mom & dad - even if we had to keep our distance. At least that seemed to be the start of visiting once again.
Whereas I used to go for a farm visit and spend the night, before returning home - this year I just would go for "day trips."
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Cycling near Home
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Staying in our Bubbles
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In June and July, as the weather improved, we spent quite a bit of time outside... water activities - cycling - yard work. Lots of good fun!
Suddenly it was "August" ...! Wow, Laura & Frances' wedding day was fast approaching :)
I headed down to Calgary a few days ahead of the Big Day (bringing with me a couple of large potted Palms.... and filled the van with other assorted items).
The girls were sure organized -- lots of work to be done .... even for an small, intimate wedding.
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The weather was beautiful .... as were all of the many plants that they had nurtured to help decorate the rooftop venue.
Frances' auntie Carmen was a huge help - organizing and "teaching" us how to prepare the flowers for the big day.
"Distancing" was a big part of the plans - as they did not want their wedding to be a 'super-spreader event' and wanted to ensure everyone stayed healthy.
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Auntie Carmen helping with Flowers for the Wedding
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Good job, Frances!
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For the rehearsal dinner we gathered at the beautiful Confederation Park - most of the bridal party arrived on e-scooters! ...and following their picture-perfect wedding & brunch .... we met back up at another park (Prince's Island Park).
Ted and I hopped on e-scooters to get to and from the park from our hotel.
So much fun! (I'm looking forward to our next scooter adventure ;)
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September brought our focus back to the Farm. Earlier in the Year, Mom and Dad had made the decision that they couldn't stay on the farm for another winter, and had retained Ritchie Brothers to sell it by auction.
The auctioneers had planned a couple of Open Houses... the first one was near the end of September.
It was very tough - knowing it was the "end of an era." Around that time, I remembered a quote I had come across a couple of years ago..... "Don't Cry Because it's Over -- Smile because it Happened"
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Our 1st Distancing Visit with the Girls
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Paddle, Paddle, Paddle
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How lucky for us that dad & mom chose to make the Farm their home..... What wonderful memories.
Some of the family gathered once again at the farm for a 'distancing' Thanksgiving. I got to don my mask and gloves ... and be the one to 'serve up' the plates and then hand them out (so that everyone wasn't touching everything) and the individual families ate together in their bubbles.
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September, October & November included many trips to the farm. At the end of October the farm sold via an on-line Auction - and then last month Mom & Dad made the move to St. Albert.
Unfortunately, they have been in lockdown pretty much entirely since they moved in. Both my sister & I have offered to host them in our homes - but at this point they are wanting to stay put. We will see what the New Year brings. We are looking forward to the Covid vaccines - hoping they will help.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and all the best in 2021! (Keep scrolling down, to see more photos :)
Louise
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Christmas 2019 - Calgary!
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...with the Brides....
Lauren Hamm Photography
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My wedding 'Mask'
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Wedding fun!
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Bridesmaids!
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Spence & Laura - getting ready
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Excellent 'pins' created by Jerod!
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In the hotel lobby.
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Ready to head out!
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e-Scooter
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Laura & Rosy
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Visiting with Jocelyn & Lynn
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Drive-by Parade for former students.
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Great way to cool off!
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Smooth...
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Wind Wing
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Trial Run
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Ominous cloud formation.
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Spencer took down two huge trees for me :)
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Wedding Day!
Lauren Hamm Photography
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