Get To Know Your Blogger

It's hard to believe I've been blogging since 2018!  I really started blogging as a form of journaling...it is very therapeutic for one thing.  A place where I can share bits and pieces of our life.   I don't have paying ads....or sponsored posts, as some of the more well known blogs do...and I'm okay with that.  I don't share photos of my grandchildren...their faces are not intended to be shared with the world....

Today...I will share about me, my loves and losses.  I am not an Islander...neither born nor raised here.  Neither is Mr. Seventies.  We moved here to PEI for employment opportunities.  I was not thrilled to be coming...but I came with him.  The heart wants what the heart wants.  

We are both from southwestern New Brunswick...him from a small town...me from an even smaller village.  I adored my little village...when I grew up in the 60's...it had everything we ever needed for the most part.  It was a "railroad" village...most men worked for Canadian Pacific Railway, as my Dad did.  He was an engineer...he drove freight trains...mostly across Canada and into the U.S....he was not home much until I was in my teens.  My Mom....was a school teacher.  Ironically, she would have been my Grade 7 teacher...had her health not forced her to retire that year.....hmmmmm

This is my Mom...with our youngest daughter...eight months old at the time.   Little did I know five short weeks after this photo was taken,  I would lose her to a heart attack.  She had been in poor health for a number of years...even battled cancer (as did I at the same time)....and she was the centre of my world.  She died February 1, 1985 at the age of 62.  She had written me a letter on January 31st...(as we did in those days)...and it was sitting on the kitchen counter to be taken to the post office.   It never got mailed.  I still have it.  Not a day goes by I don't miss her terribly....still.

This is my Dad....on my wedding day to Mr. Seventies.  We were close he and I.   He had a very dry sense of humour.... his face was serious in this photo...he wasn't a man to smile much  I lost him in May of 1994......suddenly as well.  He was 73 at the time.  He is laid to rest next to my Mom in the village cemetery....

 

I am one of three children...my sister was six years older than me...then my brother was three years older than me....and I was the baby of the family.   I was around four years old when this photo was taken...I still remember the name of the doll my sister received that year....Jeannie.  Don't ask me why I remember her doll's name...and never any of my own....

And this is my beloved brother, Reid.  He had about 19 lives that boy did!  And he lived each one his way! He grew up....married a couple of times....divorced a couple of times....and sadly lost his battle with COPD in 2000 at the age of 43.  He had the most amazing sense of humour...we all got that from our Mom.  It was very difficult watching him suffer....but now in the arms of our parents.  He would be proud to know he has two grand sons...one who shares his name...Reid.  He was laid to rest next to my parents. 

I forgot to include this photo!!  Reid would chuckle about that!!  I can't remember what the event was we attended...but this was taken before he took sick...he looks so much like my Dad.  This is my favourite picture of the two of us!!

And my sister, Pat.  The sun rose and set on her...as far as I was concerned.  Her sense of humour knew no bounds!  She was a teacher to elementary children with special needs...it was her calling & a privilege she loved.   My world crashed again in February, 2016....when she lost her battle with lung cancer.  Coming to terms with her loss has been a continuous struggle.  This photo was taken at Halloween...when she was designated "Employee of the Month".....

We always knew what the other was thinking....without having to even speak!  Just a look is all it took!  She knew heartbreak as a new bride....her husband of barely three months was killed in a trucking accident.  Her wishes were to be laid to rest beside him..they are together again.  Next to him (his name was Kent) in their wedding photo are two of his brothers...and my brother Reid.  My cousin is next to Pat, then a university friend...and me...happy to be in this wedding at the age of 14?  Um no.  Such a brat I was.  And that sweet little flower girl...is Kent's sister.  When Pat died...the remaining members of Kent's family were with us every day...like the years had never melted away.  She and Kent were married on July 17....our Dad's birthday....350 guests attended the wedding!!

There's a lot of sadness here, isn't there?  It is said God will not give you more than you can handle...but again....my life came crashing down.  Also, in 2016....August to be exact... we lost my oldest daughter Ann Marie, to ovarian cancer...at the age of 42...after a five year struggle.  This is one story I hold close to my heart...so I'm just going to leave this precious photo of my girl when she was one year old....

I also lost my best friend, Christine to a brain bleed....losing her was hard.  She is looking down from heaven waiting for her daughter to deliver her first grand daughter in July.  I miss our conversations, our tea visits....and trips to the mainland.  I miss everything about her...and loved her dearly....

Someone suggested  I should be in grief counselling.  Honey....I could teach grief counselling....I've had my fair share...

Along with all the sadness....there have been many, many happy times.  Like the day Mr. Seventies and I married!  It was a snotty, rainy snowy day...as it usually is in late October.  But it didn't ruin our day...we were married in St. Paul's United Church....the church I attended, was baptized and grew up in....

Prior to marrying Mr. Seventies....I was a divorced mother of two girls....so we became an instant family!  This face, belonging to daughter Sarah Catherine...rocks my world.  She was three years old when I met Mr. Seventies....and although not her biological father...(now deceased).....he is and always has been her Dad...in every sense of the word...

She is a divorced mother of three daughters.....my grand daughters.  A hard working animal lover...spending long hours working in an animal shelter in Nova Scotia....

A happier woman...you will never find...she lives every moment of every day.  The good ones and the bad ones.  See that adorable scar on her nose?  She was mauled by a dog when she was two years old...and bears the scars.  It was not our dog...she snuck into a neighbour's yard...when my back was turned for all of two seconds!!  Thankfully, a few stitches later and an overnight hospital stay....she is still an animal lover...

And this is Sarah's UK significant other!  This photo says it all....a real life Superman.  He is a great guy...and the girls love him to bits.  There are rumours of nuptials...this six year engagement is beginning to drag on a bit.  Right, Steve?  As long as they are happy...that is all that matters....

And this is the baby of our family!  The most beautiful soul...with her Dad on her wedding day.....

And with her beloved husband Nathan...who has been with her every step of the way....enduring birthing a Covid baby.....and  months of hospital visits and stays until their little one had open heart surgery at the age of 12 weeks....(she is fully recovered and a busy, busy toddler!).

My life has been anything but boring...it saddens me my extended family are gone...but having Mr. Seventies, my girls and grand daughters...I am very blessed.  I came across this photo of our seventies split not long after we purchased it.  Let's be real...it was the only thing we could afford...with three children...and both of us working full time.  I remember the day we dug up those ugly shrubs...I swear the roots descended almost into China!!  Took us all day to dig them out.  There was a dilapidated car port on the left side....the roof leaked like crazy and co workers used to take bets when it would fall off.  Mr. Seventies tore it down...it served no purpose as it was...

And now....currently....(before I began painting the lamp post)....

So that's a bit of my life story, in a nutshell!  And I've left a lot out.  My mother-in-law used to say I should write a book about my life!  I don't think anyone would find it that interesting!  If I did write one...I would title it "Life Behind the Gates".... as I've spent so many years with dachshunds....who couldn't do stairs...and we needed a gazillion gates to keep them corralled.  We've currently have five to keep Liesel in check!

Til next time folks...if you haven't nodded off already!

Let's Catch Up

Another busy weekend come and gone!  It was hot and windy yesterday....turned on the cooling system for the first time....now today...we have heat on!  It's still very windy - gotta love weather in PEI!!  There are forest fires burning in New Brunswick....where three cousins and their families have been evacuated.  And in Nova Scotia...Mr. Seventies brother & wife and their son & wife and dog have all been safely evacuated...with homes in their subdivision lost!  Our thoughts and prayers are with them, as they keep us updated.  And Liz...if you're reading this...know we love & are thinking of you all!

The pool is officially opened...this wind is blowing so much dirt and debris around!  But it is time to get the water circulating and cleaned up.  Today I will drop a water sample off for testing, pick up what I need to get the water balanced and begin the weekly maintenance for the next three months...

And Mr. Seventies completed the privacy wall on the small deck!  Seems like every person here was in Home Depot over the weekend...the store was a complete zoo!  We are fortunate to have two hardware stores within 3 kilometres from our home though...

The beginning.....removing the existing posts and decorative lattice pieces....

Everything looks kind of gross right now... a work in progress...these posts were removed & new ones put in their place...sounds easy...but time consuming...

New, higher posts to accommodate the higher wall pieces....identicial to the pool deck walls...

And the final product...keep in mind...this is pressure treated lumber (along with a couple of re-used pieces)...which can't be stained until next year (it is treated to prevent rot and protection from the elements)...it needs a full season to cure.  This small deck was built in 1995...and in all that time...only one floor board has required replacing.  The steps were replaced...but the deck is pretty much original decking....

I know...she's in her ugly stage...but once stained...and a couple of outdoor decor pieces hung...she will "pretty up".  The wicker love seat will sit in front of the wall as well...

Now that construction is completed...once we get suitable weather...we will begin staining both decks and steps...along with touching up a few spots of the previously stained walls....

And my gorgeous wreath arrived!!  I didn't have the heart to put this beauty on the front door...in the elements...it will get ruined!  The heat from the sun alone will fade it terribly...and I just can't let that happen.  So...I hung it in the front entry...

As the entry is narrow in this Seventies Split...it's difficult to get decent photos...unless I hang from the ceiling!  But I got the best I could...isn't it gorgeous??  Quality workmanship is amazing ...and it arrived within a few days...I'll be ordering again for sure!!  The seller plans to make poppy wreaths for Remembrance Day...and I've been wanting one...and a fall wreath...and a Christmas one....and so on....

I hung this little wreath on the front door for the time being....and placed a large lantern on the steps.  I attempted to find wired ribbon to make a bow for the lantern...and Michael's had not one roll of pretty, summer ribbon!!  I guess I could have used mesh ribbon...but I'll keep looking and hope to find something I like.  As I mentioned before, summer is not my favourite decor season...

I near fainted in Home Depot from sticker shock at the prices of spray paint!!  Rustoleum spray...which used to sell for approximately $11.99 a can (and even then it was over priced)....now is a whopping $22.99 a can!!  I stood with my mouth open....I was dumbfounded!!  I certainly wasn't going to pay that inflated price...so opted for a couple of cheaper cans for $9.99 each.  Still Rustoleum paint...but without the trigger type sprayer.  

Even with the winds....I gave the lamp post a couple coats of paint...and will do another when the temps warm up and the winds subside.  This is how it is currently looking.......cheaper than replacing it.  It works fine...we seldom have it on...so until it quits working...I'll continue to give it a fresh look every couple of years.  A work in progress....

We enjoyed an evening at the movies...our theatre has been closed since the storm last fall.  Damages were massive...but now it's all brand new and beautiful!  It was nice to enjoy an evening out! Later in the week we have a retirement party at a local pub to attend and I have a number of errands to run!

And since it's Monday...my favourite day....join us at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday.

I love checking out what other bloggers are up to....I hope you do as well!

A huge thank you for spending some time with me today!    Until next time friends....

Small Addition to Pool Deck Wall

When we were paw-rents to three little dachshunds....outside ramps were necessary to shuttle them in and out.  The ramp leading from the small deck was removed a while back....and now the one from the pool deck to the back yard has been removed.  Mr. Seventies originally built the ramps to assist our dogs (who all suffered back issues and surgeries back then) to make it easier for them (and us) to get them in and out of the house.

With it came time to do maintenance to the remaining ramp...we decided it was no longer required.  We carry 13 pound Liesel up and down the steps...with arthritis in her front legs...it was a challenge for her to scurry up the ramp anyways....

Removing the ramp....meant Mr. Seventies had to close the opening where the ramp led to the back yard....(these photos are not pretty by any means....but necessary renovations)...please pardon the chipped deck and steps from winter wear.  I'm picking up stain today so we'll be ready to get them looking fresh and clean....and will be spray painting the stars.  Mr. Seventies is going to construct a new gate to close off the steps for safety & privacy and another at the end of the ped way to keep Liesel from gaining access to the pool deck during the summer months.

The floor gets too hot for her paws....and she is never outside without us.  Hurricane Fiona you may recall ripped off one of the pool deck doors...so it's a perfect time to construct new ones....and they won't need to be as wide...

Since this is pressure treated lumber (for outdoor use)....it needs to "cure" for one season before we can stain it.  That has been the general rule....but I'm going to inquire at the hardware store if that is still the case....

And this end area of the small deck...will be taken off....and a privacy wall (exactly like the pool deck walls) will be built.  There are three new houses off to the left of the photo as well...and the empty field...including where the trees go up a slope....will all be developed in time.  Weather permitting, getting started on the wall is Mr. Seventies next project...once the pool is opened (likely next week) and we get the deck & step staining done there...   

These are photos of the window boxes with a couple of fresh coats of paint.  This is the actual, true colour...

Yet, when the back door received two coats of the exact same paint...it casts a different shade.  The photo was taken later in the day....I think lighting is why it looks different.  I'm still in love with the colour...

And my new obsession?  These storage containers found on Amazon!  They are amazing...and come nine in a pack.  With labels that you can re-use!  I have them filled already with nuts, flax seed, oatmeal, almonds, raisins & dried cranberries....along with baking soda and powder.  I'm considering ordering another set.  I love to shop at Bulk Barn, where goods are sold by weight and I can scoop as much or as little as I need!  And rather than have bags with twist ties in the cupboard....I have everything stored and at my fingertips....(photo from Amazon site)....

And since I passed on my sunflower cushion covers to daughter....these one are arriving today.  I ordered them 20"x20" even though the cushions are 18"x18".  I prefer a little bit of give to plump up my feather cushions...we'll see if it works out for me.  These ones, in ivory were described as being a very soft, velour type fabric...

And went a bit funky on an additional set...that's the best part about using cushion covers...you don't actually have to buy the cushion!  I have about six sets of feather cushions...so I can play around as much as I want.  And with Amazon Prime...if I don't like them...I can send easily send them back!

I've mentioned how this is not my favourite time of year for home decor!  I popped into Home Sense on my way home from Bulk Barn the other day...and left with nothing.  Everything in the store is geared towards outdoor patio ware...ugly (in my opinion) outdoor cushions....and Asian or cottage inspired decor...everywhere!

Neither of which I am a particular fan of.  No offence to anyone that is...it's just not for me.  I've never understood the "coastal" vibe or look...unless you live by the coast or have a cottage!  Can you tell I'm not a beach person either...lol!!

Showers in the forecast for the next couple of days.  Good day to do some grocery shopping and putter around the house.  Mr. Seventies found portering at the hospital...too much for him.  Especially twelve hour back to back shifts and running non-stop to various locations in the hospital.  He enjoyed the people...but not being on his feet and on the run continually.  He still loves to work with our contractor & neighbour....and they are particular now about which jobs they take on...as they are not young pups any more!  Don't tell them I said that....

So until next time.....have an awesome rest of your day!!

Outside Painting & Yard Work

Mr. Seventies has been busy here the last few days....with the exception of yesterday when we had much needed rain fall...

With 2-3 days of amazing weather....my handyman (aka Mr. Seventies) was able to paint the shutters,  window boxes & the front door! And I'm loving the pops of colour!   So...the colour for the doors and window boxes was called Rhubarb.  After one coat was applied on the boxes...I was in panic mode - the colour was pink!!  And I mean pink!  Not rhubarb colour....but pink!!  Pinky pink!!

I knew additional coats was not going to darken the colour any.  I grabbed the gallon of paint and headed back to the hardware store...where the girls at the paint counter couldn't have been more understanding.  After a few unsuccessful attempts to darken down the Rhubarb colour...we decided to start fresh.  I don't remember what the actual colour name ended up being...Raspberry something....

And...no charge for the new gallon!  Shout out to Kent's Building Supply store....for their superior customer service....

I give you a sneak peek a the finished painting....there is still a lot of yard work to do....as about six yards of black mulch will be delivered for the flower beds...and the lamp post will be given a fresh coat of black or antique bronze paint.  I love where my dragon fly is hung this year...that was Mr. Seventies doing....even the bird house got a fresh couple of coats of paint....

Because we lost a number of trees last fall, there was quite a bit of topsoil and grass seed needed to fill in the spaces.  There was 4-5 yards delivered....and it took Mr. Seventies a full day to spread it where needed.  We shared some of the topsoil with our neighbour.....and while rolling his lawn...he rolled ours before the grass seed was spread....

The garden on the side lawn was also "squared off".... and numerous plants have been transplanted....along with a couple of new ones added to the gardens....like this red Azalea I was given for Mother's Day!  I cannot wait for it to bloom and grow....and the additional paw prints have been put into place.  This is one area the black mulch will be spread....

Everything looks a bit desolate here in the spring....but soon will be lush and beautiful. The front lawn required a bit of patching....when work crews came to cut trees or remove debris....most   lawns took a beating from their equipment.   There is still so much brush and debris everywhere on the Island.  We pray a forest fire never breaks out...

And with a pretty coloured front door...a beautiful wreath is required.  After checking local stores...to no avail....I turned to a favourite site I love to shop.  Check out ShopCreationsByMaria on Etsy!  She is a Canadian entrepreneur, who makes gorgeous wreaths (located in Ontario....love supporting Canadian sellers)....and the variety of wreaths she makes is unbelievable!  I will be ordering a new one for fall....and another for Christmas!!  In the meantime...this large 26" wreath is on its way to me!  (and did I mention free shipping is offered as well?)....love the colours and the cute frog sign is an added bonus!!  Be sure and check out her Etsy store and tell her I sent you!!  I'll share pics when my wreath arrives!!

The tulips are blooming like mad!  I was able to pick a beautiful bouquet...I'll be kept in tulips for a few weeks yes!!

And the new pool sign in hung in place!  We haven't opened the pool yet...still too cool...but hopefully within the next couple of weeks we will get it open.  Mr. Seventies also has the back doors to paint...and then construction and repairs to the back decks...and fresh coats of stain!  We love this time of year!

And before I forget....Happy Victoria Day!  Since it's a long weekend for daughter and family, we plan to visit today and spoil grand baby a bit!   Daughter and I attended a surprise birthday party for my friend on Saturday....it was such fun...her daughter and husband planned the whole celebration!  Lots of catching up and laughs....and it doesn't hurt that my friend looks about 15 years younger than she is!  But I love her anyway...!

Come hang out at Between Naps on the Porch with Susan and a host of amazing bloggers for Metamorphosis Monday.  

I love Mondays and link parties!!  Thanks so much for spending a bit of your time with me today!!  I so appreciate you stopping by!  Until next time....

Getting Things Done

We had a great afternoon at the greenhouse in Summerside earlier in the week.  Our trusty sidekick was on hand to oversee the whole event...

Mr. Seventies was happy to pick up six additional paw print pavers to extend the path through the front gardens...along with the purchase of a couple of new plants...

 How adorable is this bee settee?  It had a hefty price tag...but what doesn't these days?

A cute little planter in the gift shop...but again I am not much for summer decor....

This little planter melted my heart....

I'll take a moment here & share my nephew & his wife's newest arrival....cuteness overload or what??  Dozer (on the right) is a little over a year old....and now has a new brother  Harley (who arrived on Mother's Day...how fitting is that?)....both are French bulldogs.

After a hard day of play....they are two very much loved and well cared for little guys!!  They reside in Nova Scotia...and are getting settled into their brand new built home (which is stunningly gorgeous).  When we visit I hope to get photos as their Mom could be an interior designer!!  There is an in-ground pool going in this summer....along with a completely fenced yard....

And work has begun here...outside.  The day was beautiful....Mr. Seventies cleaned the outside of large family room window...and took down the shutters and window boxes for painting.  He has one coat on the shutters already....the exterior doors will have to wait until the temps really warm up.  Liesel & I were returning from our walk...and Mr. Seventies was removing the shutters and window box on the last window.  The pink birdhouse and lamp post will be painted as well...along with the front and back door...

So much to do outside each spring! The back decks & stairs need re-staining...and a couple of new gates t be built and installed...and a privacy wall built at the end of the small deck.  What used to be an empty field behind us....now has homes built.  I don't want to view them...anymore than they want to view us...so Mr. Seventies will construct a wall to add privacy.....

Cool and overcast here this morning...not sure how much outside work will get done today.  The weekend is looking to have more agreeable temperatures!

So happy you stopped by today...have an awesome day!!

Mother's Day Weekend

 I hope all Moms were treated like royalty on their special day!  We enjoyed a bar-b-cue...with ice cream pizza for dessert (grand baby's favourite).  Mr. Seventies gifted me a gorgeous red Azalea shrub...it is currently planted in the front yard.....look how beautiful the blossoms are going to be (in the photo below).   We currently have two purple Azalea shrubs planted....one in the side garden...the other in a garden towards the front of the house.  And a lovely card containing an Amazon gift card from Liesel!!  She is good to her Mama too!

Each Mother's Day we gift our daughter a shrub for her property....so we picked up an additional red Azalea for her....her Dad planted it in her front garden as well....

Since our daughter in Nova Scotia was working....we sent her a beautiful floral arrangement to honour her on her special day....and she sent some beautiful things to her Mama...firstly this adorable sign...Mr. Seventies already has it hung in the main bath....

And she spotted this adorable warmer...and thought it would be wonderful to use during the summer months...and I always love a cute tart warmer....

During the bar-b-cue...grand baby presented her Mimi with a beautiful bouquet of flowers of her own choice...along with a beautiful card containing another Amazon gift card!!

It was a wonderful Mother's Day...and I am truly blessed to have such a loving & caring family.  I also treated myself to this adorable butter dish....it's pumpkin shaped for fall....

I'm already looking ahead to fall!  The stores are full of summer decor.....and it's just not my thing.  I really am not a "cottage look" decor gal....I don't live in a cottage....and it's just not my thing.  And as far as outside summer decor...I know too well the climate we live in.  Having things sit outside...constantly require moving and care.  I'm not even going to put down outdoor rugs on the decks....nothing I dislike more than stepping out on a rug that has been rain soaked!  When we are not using the wicker deck furniture....it is covered...I don't want things that require a great deal of care!

This afternoon we are planning a trip to Kool Breeze greenhouse in Summerside!  Mr. Seventies is wanting a few more paw print pavers (six in total) for plans he has to use in the front gardens....and he'll want to scope out their supply flowers and shrubs. I'm sure the greenhouse and gift shop will be gorgeous and fully stocked....I'll be whipping out my iPhone for pics!

As always, I'll be hanging out over at Between Naps on the Porch for  Metamorphosis Monday.  Plan to join myself & other bloggers to see what everyone has been up to!

Thank you for hanging out with me today....until next time....