More Floor Restoration

We've abandoned the use of the wooden spatulas in favour of a 1-inch chisel for scraping up the oft clinging dried out foam pad. Then we found a very coarse scotch-brite pad that works with a yellow plastic grip handle that is easier on the hands and removes another layer of green stuff. Then a quick buff with a less coarse pad. Finally, a wipe with a solvent that we found at our little corner hardware store. It's called Natura, is soy-based, odourless, and non-toxic. Another major thing for us is not to work until we drop. We definitely have to pace ourselves for this difficult job else we lose heart. "Inch by inch, life's a cinch!"

Progress Report

We have resumed carpet removal again, after taking a long break from the project for the holidays. This picture was taken a week ago, and we made good progress throughout the week. We hope to complete the living room this week. On my next update I'll explain some new techniques we have begun that speed up the process and aren't as energy draining.

Good Reminder!

I'm so glad I took this picture last week on one of our walks around the block! A few days later, it warmed up a bit, we had a good rain, and most of the snow is gone. I like the snow. So do a lot of kids, I read in the Chatham Daily News the other day. They want to build snowmen, snow forts, and make snow angels. Well, winter is not over yet. Some winters are mild, and many adults like it that way because the driving conditions are better. I guess I must be in my second childhood because I'd really like to be able to make a good snowman or maybe even a snow angel!

Winter Gardening

Winter in Ontario is a time of rest for the garden as well as the gardner. But that does not mean a lack of beauty in the landscape. Nor does it mean the heart of a gardener is asleep. The Cardinal Redosier Dogwood provides a bit of perkiness in the garden when it's leaves have taken leave for the season. A few of the deep red branches can be snipped off and tucked in a vase, a few yarn pom poms added, and we can enjoy a winter bouquet.

Snow Day!

I'd call this a good snow day! We had a doctor appointment today, so we had to leave our cave for a bit. Martin got to use our new snow shovel for the first time on the driveway. The snowplow was on the job quite early this morning on the church parking lot behind us, creating a tall snow bank up the the fence in our backyard. It has been snowing steadily all day. It's quite lovely.

California Snowman

This is all about Linda Gooch's art again. Linda, multi-talented, made this cute snowman for us several years ago. Of course, knowing us like she does, she had the snowman sipping on a little cup of tea (made from an acorn). The pen & ink drawing in the frame is also a Gooch piece. Linda, along with a few other Lompoc artists, did some illustrations for our writing group's first (& only!) book called Mantel Pieces, a collection of short stories. This one, called "Mississippi Mantel" illustrated a story I wrote by that name. This mantel is still in our old tearoom, Penelope's, in Lompoc. The antique sofa was sold. I used to buy and sell antiques through the tearoom. I've always loved the way Linda drew this scene. It makes me feel cozy and makes me want to have a nice cuppa and read a good story. It never snowed in Lompoc during the 10 years we lived there. We haven't seen much snow in our part of Canada yet this year, but they say it's coming tonight! If so, I'll have pictures of it tomorrow.

Home Cookin' in the Pines

Today was the day for our anniversary outing. Our destination was about an hours drive from Chatham near the town of Aylmer. It's called Pinecroft, and includes a B&B, tearoom, gift shop, and a pottery studio, among other attractions. We hope to return sometime and explore the area further. We had a very enjoyable lunch in the Green Frog Tearoom. Mart had mushroom soup, a great roast beef sandwich, and Caesar salad. I had chicken & dumplings, cole slaw, and a roll. Everything was homemade, even the bread for the sandwich! We only have one puzzlement, and so far it seems to be consistent. Why do the tearooms in Ontario not serve real tea (loose) prepared in a real teapot?! What's with the hot water and a tea bag? There, I've got that off my chest. I had to say it.