A huge house should be full of love and laughter and, in my book, nothing can quite complete the picture without little ones running around; distributing hugs and kisses to grandparents and auntie and uncles; discovering new places to hide, and yes, getting into some tussling and light mischief as little ones tend to do. After reading that long sentence, I don’t have to tell you my daughter-in-law’s birthday was a fun-time yesterday. In spite of the rain, the BBQ happened, thanks to a covered gallery and my youngest son, our ‘Chef’, who is also the daddy of our three young entertainers. Um – we’ll make that two entertainers; the baby is only 10 weeks old, so the kisses were bestowed, but his running around has not yet begun. Then again, his cooing and gurgling smiles are not to be discounted; so it is three entertainers after all.
My oldest son and his wife arrived early, determined to miss the traffic occasioned by construction on the bridges to and from the city. One of his army buddies was with them. The two men, using the back-hoe (much to the doggies’ delight), worked on building stone steps to access my basement apartment. Men and dogs were soaked by the time they stopped, but the result is very well done and pleasing to the eye indeed!
Yoshiko, my son’s wife, helped me prepare the potato salad, then ran last minute errands before the rest of the family showed up. Then it was chatting, and teasing, and giggling, as we filled our faces. My oldest grandson stopped in for awhile before leaving to play hockey, and my soon-to-be 18 year old granddaughter brought a pretty young friend with her. It didn’t take the uncles long to realize that the pretty friend and the grandson had something going on, so the teasing went up a notch. Young Bali, our energizer-powered 3 year old, helped his mom blow out the candles on her chocolate birthday cake, then immediately thrust his chubby little finger deep into the icing before M’mère could whip it out of reach, LOL!
My daughter and Yo gathered up and did most of the dishes; the youngest of the clan was being nursed by the birthday mommy; my granddaughter and pretty friend watched over the little lads who were playing in the Jacuzzi. It’s how we end most of our family gatherings here at home. I bagged and distributed the remainder of fresh corn from the huge sack, then the three doggies and I stood and threw airy kisses and waved as they drove down the driveway and away.
It’s evident that I relish the days spent surrounded by my family. I really can’t think of anything better. I bask in the glow of it all until it’s time for the next gathering, which will happily be more often with the arrival of fall (most of my grandchildren have birthdays then), then the Christmas holiday season.
The only blight yesterday was Bud being very, very sore after all his playing. I was up more than once during the night, giving him medication and cuddling to diminish the pain. We finally fell to sleep around 4:30 AM. It would probably be easier to keep him quiet by shutting him away from all the excitement, but I know he would absolutely HATE that. I wouldn’t want anyone to do it to me if I was in his condition, so I sure won’t do it to him.
I have a major clean-up to do now, so will get to it. It’s still raining outside, which makes it easier to stay in, turn up the music, and get the work done.
I hope you are all having a nice weekend. I’m rounding off my good time by sending you a cheerful SMILE – one soaked in the love and delight left over from a wonderful day with my family. I’m sure you’ll feel the warmth – it travels in cyber space!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
THE INSPECTION...AND LOVE
The real estate agent was already at the house when I arrived, and the inspector showed up shortly after. I made the introductions. The agent seemed satisfied that he wasn’t wasting his time when M. disclosed that he worked for the provincial association responsible for home inspections. We went over the house room by room, M. armed with a camera, and myself jotting down any remarks he made about renovations needed. One of the elderly residents was sitting in his room watching television, and kindly agreed, for a second time, to let us come in to look around. I introduced myself to him as the men inspected the pipes under the sink, the ceiling, etc.
“Are you thinking of buying the place?” he asked. I answered that yes, it was quite possible. He then told me that he had his own house in the small town close by, but that his children and family didn’t like him staying alone. He repeated, “But I do have my own house.” So the agent was right, I thought silently. They are worried about having to move.
Aloud I reassured him, “That’s okay, Mr D…. If we buy here, you can just stay on with us if you wish.” I smiled at him. “You’ll be our first official client, and you can show us the ropes!!” Relief was evident in the smile he returned, as he answered “Thank you, that’s nice to know.”
Two hours later, M. and I were sitting at the local Tim Horton’s, sipping coffee while he gave me the lowdown. It was much as I’d thought. Although he agreed that the century old house was beautiful, and would be a gem for any contractor able to do all the repairs himself, it would require substantial expense before even opening for business. This could, of course, be figured into the purchase offer. However, it would delay start-up by at least two months, if not more. He then agreed to come with us next Tuesday evening to see another of the four places we have been considering. I offered payment for his time, which he adamantly refused.
You see, subtle signs point to this venture being a success. M., who is an authentic building inspector, is one of my son’s best friends. He was one of the lads sharing an apartment with us for those years I lived in the city. Another of my partners has an artist friend whose talent is refurbishing walls and ceilings so that they blend in with original décor, and who is willing to help out at little cost too. Because of our existing agency, we have access to a bank of competent nursing home workers, and a third partner is herself a retired nurse, with invaluable experience in the field. Add to this the thought that our families are wholeheartedly supporting our idea, and the lack of adequate care for seniors throughout the province, and one can’t help but be enthusiastic.
Today, however, all that will be put aside while I take care of my own home. Laundry, floors, windows to wash are on the agenda. I also need to spend time with the doggies; I can tell they are lonesome and bored. They were shut up in the house alone while I worked longer hours last week, and yesterday the inspection, then my babysitting, kept me away from them again. Although pits are more independent than most breeds, they still need plenty of love and attention.
Isn’t it true that when you are surrounded by love, you, yourself, seem to have more of it to bestow? Yesterday, inspector M. caring enough to help out; the sweet cuddles from my little grandsons, and this morning already a call from my daughter just to say hi and giggle together; followed by another from my DIL, who got in touch to say thanks and continued to chat and laugh about the boys’ antics…..now two adoring doggies coming to put their heads on my knee, tails wagging in anticipation of spending time together. All of it genuine, all of it precious, and the glow starts in my heart then quickly spreads to keep me floating in its rosy haze.
The weather is fine, the music is rockin’, and life is good! If my SMILE was any bigger, I would need another face to hold it. I’m sending it out to you as I wish you a happy day; I’m confident you will pass it on…because love IS contagious!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
“Are you thinking of buying the place?” he asked. I answered that yes, it was quite possible. He then told me that he had his own house in the small town close by, but that his children and family didn’t like him staying alone. He repeated, “But I do have my own house.” So the agent was right, I thought silently. They are worried about having to move.
Aloud I reassured him, “That’s okay, Mr D…. If we buy here, you can just stay on with us if you wish.” I smiled at him. “You’ll be our first official client, and you can show us the ropes!!” Relief was evident in the smile he returned, as he answered “Thank you, that’s nice to know.”
Two hours later, M. and I were sitting at the local Tim Horton’s, sipping coffee while he gave me the lowdown. It was much as I’d thought. Although he agreed that the century old house was beautiful, and would be a gem for any contractor able to do all the repairs himself, it would require substantial expense before even opening for business. This could, of course, be figured into the purchase offer. However, it would delay start-up by at least two months, if not more. He then agreed to come with us next Tuesday evening to see another of the four places we have been considering. I offered payment for his time, which he adamantly refused.
You see, subtle signs point to this venture being a success. M., who is an authentic building inspector, is one of my son’s best friends. He was one of the lads sharing an apartment with us for those years I lived in the city. Another of my partners has an artist friend whose talent is refurbishing walls and ceilings so that they blend in with original décor, and who is willing to help out at little cost too. Because of our existing agency, we have access to a bank of competent nursing home workers, and a third partner is herself a retired nurse, with invaluable experience in the field. Add to this the thought that our families are wholeheartedly supporting our idea, and the lack of adequate care for seniors throughout the province, and one can’t help but be enthusiastic.
Today, however, all that will be put aside while I take care of my own home. Laundry, floors, windows to wash are on the agenda. I also need to spend time with the doggies; I can tell they are lonesome and bored. They were shut up in the house alone while I worked longer hours last week, and yesterday the inspection, then my babysitting, kept me away from them again. Although pits are more independent than most breeds, they still need plenty of love and attention.
Isn’t it true that when you are surrounded by love, you, yourself, seem to have more of it to bestow? Yesterday, inspector M. caring enough to help out; the sweet cuddles from my little grandsons, and this morning already a call from my daughter just to say hi and giggle together; followed by another from my DIL, who got in touch to say thanks and continued to chat and laugh about the boys’ antics…..now two adoring doggies coming to put their heads on my knee, tails wagging in anticipation of spending time together. All of it genuine, all of it precious, and the glow starts in my heart then quickly spreads to keep me floating in its rosy haze.
The weather is fine, the music is rockin’, and life is good! If my SMILE was any bigger, I would need another face to hold it. I’m sending it out to you as I wish you a happy day; I’m confident you will pass it on…because love IS contagious!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
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