Such Things

A Last Summer Project

It's amazing what a little paint can do.  The kids are back to school, but not organized into their classes yet.  I thought I would post on that in a bit, but in the meantime, I want to throw in one last summer post.

I have been working on transforming the front porch at our beach house to improve curb appeal and make it look cozy and welcoming, rather than cluttered with sand buckets, towels, tools and old worn-out chairs.  We finished painting the house a "blue denim" over quite a dark brown. 

Next, I thought I would take the plunge with this very comfortable and well-used, but dated and faded chair and table combo set.

A little white paint,

and some new cushions, and we have a whole new deck set that almost made it to the local dump. 

I must say, we are very happy with our newly finished chair set,

And we look forward to next summer to make further transformations...

Hope your new school year is off to a great start!!

We Got Worms

Not a typical gift for an eight year old, but she loved it!

Miranda calls the worms her "pets".

She's very protective of them and is reading her worm composting book from cover to cover.

She told us that the worms need to stay out of the sun and she wanted to bring them into the house.  She'd probably be happy with them right next to her bed.  We compromised by putting them in the shed.

I'm going to be learning a lot about worm composting as well.  Do you have a worm compost?  Any tips or advice?

Sweet eight-year old girl.  Lovely in every way.  Thoughtful, kind, intelligent with a great imagination and lots of laughter.  You love to make up jokes,  learn about animals, to paint, to dance and to read.  We love you so much and cherish you each day. 

Hornby: Artists and Envirionment

Tucked away amongst the trees, is this lovely event called the "Hornby Farmer's Market".
 
Most of the vendors were actually artists selling all varieties of crafts.

It was a sensation to walk through and see the jewlery, pottery, paintings,



and other treasures.


there was also food, including frozen mango on a stick.
  

Another inspiring site, was the Hornby recycling center at the dump.  It is the most complete recycling place I've ever seen.  It takes anything, including plastic bags, tin foil and tetra packs.

The kids had fun sorting and depositing the trash here.  It really made me think again about how much we can recycle and compost, leaving only a small bit of trash to throw out.

The arts are most certainly alive on Hornby.

Urban Source

We had a few errands to run in Vancouver today and we thought we'd have a peek at a "Springliving Fair" held at the Heritage Hall on Main Street. The fair was highlighing eco-friendly products. 

Of course a trip along Main to the local shops was in order as well.  I love to do anything that even slightly resembles traveling.  The kids had a blast puttering about in all of the shops, and one of their favourites was a store that I've been looking forward to seeing for a long time. 

A number of teachers I know shop at Urban Source for craft supplies. 

It's a shop that collects and sells mostly recycled items (collected from local industries) that are tactile and unique.

You can buy them individually or in bulk!

This stylishly dressed man entered the shop and Megan said loudly, "Look, a cowboy's in here!"

The kids happily filled their baskets.

Then we checked out,

and headed out for a $15 sushi lunch, yes, for all of us! (recommended by Martina).  By the time we were leaving, it was snowing and time for a cozy afternoon at home. 

Hope you had a fantastic weekend too!

Summer Spirit

Thank you for the emails and comments about the fireworks.  I scanned for an explanation, and found only this blog post about it.  I think the second barge was just not visible from English Bay. 

We soothed ourselves today with a lovely day of no plans, but our own plans. 

There was a family at the school where I taught that I just loved.  Their kids were intelligent, creative, well read and had great character.  I remember their mom saying that she loved summer holidays, because she adored having her kids at home to do activities together and to go places.  I cherished her comments and agree whole-heartedly.

We create our own rhythms, the kids, Mark and me (as he is also a teacher and works less in the summer).  Today we hung out at home in the morning.  The girls enjoy dress-up and at one point Myles came around the corner with this bee costume.  I'm guessing it was not him that put it on.

Miranda has been very keen about recycling, so on the way to the beach today, we brought in a lot of bottles.  Apparently the sorting process is "patented" and no photos are allowed to be taken at this location (Changes).  Interesting, eh?

Each of the girls bought an Aero chocolate bar and a ride on the horsey at the store with the $1.50 that they earned from recycling.  Miranda put the Aero bar in her purse "to save and eat after dinner" and Megan chose to eat hers right away.  It was a little bit melty...

Then off to the beach.  We went to White Pine Beach, otherwise known as Sasamat and bumped into our friends Evan and Marcel and their three lovely girls. 

This is the life.  Warm water, sand, relaxing, playing and eating Subway sandwiches for dinner.

The cutest thing of all, is that Myles made a friend. 

I love summer.  I wish it could go on and on and on...