In October, we welcomed Brad, Anette and Magnus to our new home. We bought Magnus a bike to have on hand whenever he visited, and he quickly got the hang of it and happily cycled around the community. Brad and Anette went to Tofino with friends for the weekend, so we kept him busy and had a great time keeping up with a four year old.
We took Magnus to a store to fill up a Samaritan's Purse shoe box, explaining he would be buying gifts for a little boy who didn't have anything. It was a learning experience for him and touching to see him decide what to buy. There were, of course, cars chosen but also useful items like combs and toothbrushes.
Magnus loves going to see the Goats on the Roof market at Coombs, made even more fun by the opening of Billy Gruff's Donut Shop this year. He chose a peanut butter, jelly and chocolate one which he ate with great gusto!
 |
| He was in heaven |
When Brad and Anette returned from Tofino, they treated us to lunch at our favourite restaurant, Cuckoos.
Our last camping trip in late October was to Rathtrevor Beach in Parksville. As I took this picture we heard the tell tale "grunt" of nearby whales . Sure enough, we saw their blow spouts and saw them glide through the glass-like water. It doesn't get much better than that.
We also welcomed Kathy and Randy Cardon who spent a few days with us in late November. The weather wasn't ideal, but we still managed to take them to sights they hadn't seen on previous trips.
 |
| Englishman River Falls was roaring after all the rain |
We decided to host a Christmas Open House - our first since 2006. Roger set up the garage (or Man Cave) as the bar, and we welcomed 28 neighbours and enjoyed every minute.
We headed to Bothell, Washington to spend Christmas with Brad, Anette and Magnus. And what a magical time it was with Magnus in total Santa mode.
Roger and I were treated to an early Christmas present by being taken to a spectacular brunch at Fogo de Chao, a Brazilian restaurant close to Brad's office. If it is possible to have a food hang over --- well, we had one.
After brunch, we went to
Valve and toured the offices they just moved into. Holy Toledo. I remember working for a division of Dome Petroleum in the late 70s and being impressed when there were cookies provided in the coffee room.
 |
| Reception area |
 |
| Most floors have food stations including a sushi fridge, a smoothie bar on the Fitness floor, catered meals, and candy and healthy snack stations. |
 |
| The "Sulking Room" complete with Netflix, games, magazines and comfortable furniture to turn your frown upside down. |
 |
| Roger had never seen such an incredible fitness facility --- including individual rooms for personal trainers, massage therapists, yoga, and group classes. And the views are incredible. |
 |
| Every company provides these perks, right? |
 |
| Families are welcomed to come so there is this amazing play room, and a nursing room complete with everything I'm sure I wished I had 35 years ago. |
It was really wonderful seeing Brad's work environment and knowing how valued he and other employees are. At times like these, I'm always reminded of the conversation I had with Brad when he was in Grade 8 and said he wanted to be an animator. I asked him if he could make a living at it, and he said he thought he could. He certainly has and we love to exclaim, "BFA for the win!"
After a fun filled Christmas Day with a fabulous home cooked dinner, Brad and Anette headed on a 3 night getaway in a lodge near Leavenworth, Washington. They bought us tickets to a children's play, as well as time at a ceramic painting shop to keep us busy with Magnus.
 |
| We enjoyed seeing Mr. Popper's Penguins! |
 |
| The boys were very intent on their art projects! |
 |
| LEGO is one of Magnus' favourite past times, so RaRa was kept busy helping him build some of the sets. |
 |
It was a winter wonderland for Brad and Anette --- they tobogganed, went snowshoeing and had a relaxing time together.
I love this photo of them! |
We came home on December 30th in time to get ready for another new chapter in our lives. With the desire to stay closer to home and put uncertainty about visas and drilling contracts behind us, Roger sent a proposal to our strata to bundle all the contracts for landscaping and maintenance together - and he got the job!
So, starting January 1st, our home will also be "the office". No commute, active lifestyle, and the ability to actually make plans --- a first in nearly 40 years of marriage! Qualicum Landing is like the Idaho property - but on steroids. My money is on Roger in making this work and he is pumped about buying tractors and other equipment these days.
We both feel we're too young to fully retire, so we'll make it so it balances the work and a lifestyle we want. One of my first jobs out of high school was doing landscaping for a condo company in Calgary, and I used to mow the lawn in Idaho, so I've also been hired!
Pictures of Roger's new "office".....
Once again, not being afraid to make changes in our lives and thinking outside the box has led to the beginning of another new adventure. As usual, Roger had the idea and vision, but I've happily jumped on the bandwagon. We're excited -- energized --- and ready!
Our wish for those who stop by and read our blog is to have a healthy 2018, the spirit to take a different path and the love that makes everything possible.
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."
C.S. Lewis
No comments:
Post a Comment