I know, I know, it's been two weeks since I've been "home again" and no post till now. Sorry (Trav). I don't like posting until I have pictures, and I couldn't take pictures until I unpacked, and I couldn't unpack until... you get the picture (he he he). Settle in for a long one folks. Grab a coffee. No, really. Got it?
The trip here was terrible, I'm not even going to go into it, if you want to know, call my mom, she'll give you the rundown, and in much more descriptive language as well. We did get here though, with a lot of help from God, and a few downright miracles, and are settled in and in love with our new place. It took a little while for us to want to touch anything in here, it's all so new and nice, it was a lot to get used to at first. We got over it though.
This is the view from the ferry at the end of a very long two days. A lot about moving here has been harder than I ever expected it would be, but at the same time, we've had little hints from God that this is where we're supposed to be, and that it's all going to be okay.
This is me sitting in front of the TV with a dumb look on my face. But it does show the fireplace, which looks awesome with our big picture hanging above it. We're actually getting a living room area rug from my parents when they move, that's the same colors as the painting, so I think it should all look great together.
Our bedroom. It's so big, and the ceilings are all vaulted, so it all feels even bigger. They did a darker laminate in this room than is in the living area, and it matches our bed perfectly. It's weird how much of our stuff looks great in this place. Everyone says it's like we've always lived there. It's like we designed it. I really wouldn't change anything about it. It's perfect.
This is at the foot of our bed, just because we needed something to fill up the space, and I've wanted a place to show off my cool lamp that I got for my wedding and finally have it. We kind of like red if you hadn't noticed. If you look at the tall lamp in the background you can kind of get a feel for how big the ceilings are.
Dining room table. This is kind of behind the couch, which is a little strange but seems to work fine. The back of the couch kind of splits the room. I recently destroyed the top of our beautiful table by trying to refinish it, so it's covered with a curtain that I had. Apparently the table is not actual wood. Note to self: Never try to strip, sand, stain or seal a table that is not actually wood. Note to table makers: Could you kindly let us know on the bottom of a table, the material used to make said table? Had I known it was laminate, I may have held off on my ambitious project. Note to Kmart: Nice curtain. Makes a great tablecloth.
One day, I will again have to cook on an electic stove. On that day, I will begin eating out every meal of the week. When making a cup of tea, I actually can't figure out if it's faster to microwave the water, or boil it. Water boils in about three minutes on this stove. And I don't have to pay the gas bill. And I can clean it in about a minute and a half. I could live in a refrigerator box with this stove and be happy.
This is the best spot in the house. I open the patio door behind it, curl up in a blanket and turn on the fireplace and read. You can actually hear the ocean from our patio and I can't wait for a good stormy day where all I have to do is sit there and listen to the rain. I'm sure we'll get a few this winter.
Okay, could my box house include this washer too? This picture is taken standing by my fridge, and when the washing machine is running, you really have to strain to hear it. It's almost silent. It's also "environmentaly conscious" so to do a full load of laundry, it uses about four cups of water and about two tablespoons of detergent. My clothes come out beautifully clean and I don't feel bad about wasting water, or detergent which is so expensive. The toilet and dishwasher are the same. They're all highly efficient and use as little water and as possible. I love doing laundry here. I really do.
This is also a permanent part of the house, though she may stop dropping by if she sees that I posted this picture. Robyn lives about a ten minute walk away from us, and comes over all the time to bring me diet coke in exchange for whatever leftovers may be in the fridge. It's a good system, and she brings Luke along, and occasionally her laundry and it's great having her nearby, and to be able to spend time with her and "baby lou".
Luke and Peter get along famously. They watch TV together, or Peter shows him sports stats online and they hang out and make me want to get pregnant. We think Luke is so fascinated with Peter because Peter has facial hair. Usually Peter picks him up and Luke puts his hands of Peter's face, rubs it and makes these funny cooing noises. It's hillarious.
It doesn't seem to matter what Peter is doing, Luke is enthralled. It's so cute to watch them together. This day, though you can't see it, their shirts were actually the same material. It's actually really weird how much Luke looks like Peter.
I love this picture of me and Luke. My dad's got a better one, but I can't believe that somehow I lived five months without seeing sweet little Luke. I miss him if Robyn doesn't bring him by for two days. I'm really happy to be home. Sorry for the insane length of this blog, if you're still reading. Hope you liked the pictures. More later.
1:36 AM
yay!!! a new post... congrats on getting settled in... your place looks awesome.... almost enough to make me consider moving out there... but alas... that means i would be another 21 hours of driving, plus the 9 that already exist, from my perfect niece... but who knows... maybe once i'm an rcmp i'll take a post out there... we'll see... maybe when i get old and close to retirement... and then live off my pension and buy a big boat and go fishing every day.... that would be cool... yeah... maybe that's what i'll do
6:32 AM
You've been home for two weeks and I still haven't been to your place. More shameful than that is Robyn has been in her own place for at least 2 months (if not three) and I haven't been to her place either. I think on my next trip to Nanaimo I will have to correct both of those.
I love your long post and your home.
7:58 AM
you place looks awesome. congrats on being home and near the people you love.
12:09 PM
Hey Margaret, ditto for me. Let me know,and maybe we can visit together.
Mel and Peter, glad you are back HOME. Your place looks wonderful, and hopefully you can put the horrific trip in the past.
8:35 PM
Aww! Welcome home! You finally made it. Your place is amazing, I am so happy for you two. You both truly deserve it. It's also great that you are way closer to the ones you love.
We should get together sometime, Naima would love to see you, as would I.
God has truly blessed you. Take care.
9:12 AM
Snazzy. I wish I lived close enough to Ang that she could pop in and eat my food anytime. Oh yeah, and she could babysit. I'm so jealous.
10:03 AM
Yeppo. I tease her about it, when she comes by at 10:30am and stays until 9pm, but I'm home alone today, and I don't think she'll drop by, and I'm a little sad. I love having her and Luke around. Peter said the other day that he liked having them both around a lot too, things get too quiet with just us.
4:41 PM
Nice place Mel... I really miss having a gas stove... it's what I learned on, and I miss it. You suck ;) Great job moving in.... we've been here for a month almost and we have a long way to go still... though we tore things out, repainted alot, etc... Can't wait to see you guys and your new place. Luke is so cute, as always... haven't seen Robyn's place either... Take care, and see ya later. Enjoy your new place.
5:01 PM
Yeah well now I just feel wierd commenting on your blog when I see you all the time now. Hmmmmm.....nice pictures. I love the one of Peter and Luke watching TV. :)
8:53 PM
Wow, you're place looks even better with all of your stuff in it! I agree, everything just seems to fit, it looks perfect! And I'm very jealous of your washer and dryer. We do a lot of laundry, and FREAK is laundry soap expensive! And soo much water. I also haven't seen your place, nor Robyn's. I think I'll have to come out with my Mom and Auntie Margaret. Or Kyle and I will have to visit one time. And you guys also need to see our place, as you didn't get to last time you were out.
9:17 AM
Your place looks awesome. I wish I lived only a few hours away and then...I would come visit. We could probably visit for a whole day or more, since it has been so long since we've seen eachother. So happy for you that you can live near your family.