A work in progress

I thought I would show you the lower level that is not developed yet. Plenty of ideas for it though. Sarah W from work tells me that this is a dream drywall job as it has straight edges so all I would have to do is start nailing the drywall to the studs. It is great that I won't have to worry about putting in the installation as it is already done for me. As you can tell by the top photo - I already have the makings of a third bedroom at the back of the room - fits a queen size bed. Behind the washing machine is the where the future 3-piece bath will be going. BTW - all those books and bookshelves are all my dad's stuff that is currently being stored at my house. 

Bed and Bath Rooms

This is my bathroom - the tub is nice and deep - have to hike into the tub for the shower


This is my spare room - I have a few heritage pieces like my grandmother (dad's side) when she was 21 and on her wedding day. Plus the two photos on the wall are of my mom when she was like 2-3 years of age and one with her baby brother Alan.


The master suite - it currently has my double bed and computer in the room. It has a nice large window (looking into the backyard and alley) so you get some nice breeze in the evening time especially. So happy these curtains go so well with the paint colour I choose too. Hey have you noticed a theme of my colours yet? The rooms have either green or blue in them. 

The Kitchen

This is the view of the kitchen as you come from the livingroom area. Once those patio doors can be opened there will be a great cross ventilation for the house - perfect for those summer hot days. I can't wait to get that deck built as I receive the northwestern sun (afternoon and evening) so I can just sit back and relax after a long day at work.


This is where I create my masterpieces - just kidding. I am sure that microwave sees more business in this kitchen though.


This a Valisee (sp?) dining room suite that was my parents. It is Montreal maple and is over 35 years old. I am just so synched that it fits in my kitchen nook - I was pretty worried. The dining room table has two more leaves too - for those future parties. So happy that the curtains, the dining suite and my cabinets go so well together and don't clash at all. 

The Livingroom

The next few entries are photos of the main floor decorated so far. Hope you enjoy them.

The wall unit with my doll collection and TV/DVD

The sectional came with me from the apt - it fits like a glove!!!

The fireplace for those cold winter nights, my Cherished Teddies Winter Theme and the bargin IKEA chair and stool I got at that garage sale this Spring.

This is where my photo albums, games and kids toys are located.

 

Meeting new family members

Definitely was a weekend of family visits. Today (Sunday), I met two of my cousins (my mom's first cousins) for the first time. Pat (left) and Lynda's (right) mom was my grandfather's sister. Pat and Lynda have another sister Betty-Ann who lives in the States. Betty Ann and I were introduced via the phone a few years back through my Aunt Dee. Betty Ann was doing her family tree and was re-connected to my Uncle Alan (mom's brother) who gave my name as I was doing our family tree as well. So since then with Christmas cards and emails we have stayed in touch. When I moved to Calgary, Betty Ann told her sisters in Edmonton that the next time they were in Calgary they should call me. I am so glad they did. I also met today Pat and Lynda's childhood friend Laurel who lives in Calgary too. I had brought a few photos of my family and filled in some blanks of who connects to whom and what they are doing now. It was a short visit, but I can see longer ones in the future. 

The First of Many Girls Nights!!!!

On Saturday, I had the first (of many I hope) girls nights at my house. We played the extended version of Settlers and Seafarers (for up to 6 players). We had plenty of laughs too. I am honoured to be an "adopted daughter" to the James clan - so let me introduce you to my James' sisters (l to r) Sara, Amy, Erin, Amanda and Kate. We introduced Kate James (she married Peter James in June) to the family game of Settlers. She was a quick learner (she had a great teacher too - Thanks Amanda for showing her the ropes). Our big winner of the night was Erin. Congratulations Erin!!!


Our other guest of the evening, was baby Solomon. He was awesome - slept almost through the whole game of Settlers. It is amazing each time I see him - how much he has grown and more smiles I seem to get too. Calgary has been going through a heatwave, so we were all trying to think cool to stay cool. Luckily I had a fan so that helped marginally anyway. Despite having only a 2 bedroom home, I had enough beds for everyone - 2 beds in the basement, one in the living room and the 2 rooms. My home has officially been christening for future girl night sleepovers. YEAH!!! They are so much fun. 

Dinner with Friends

On Friday, my girlfriend Lorna and her husband Jide from Ottawa came for dinner as they were in town on vacation. They just came in from Whitehorse, Yukon which they told me I should add to my "Places to Visit" list. The scenery was absolutely gorgeous they said. My dad has been staying with me this past month as he re-settles into becoming an "Albertan" too. He is now off on his travels to BC. It was great seeing Lorna again - it's been a couple of years since seeing her. It was great too - we had even teams so Lorna and I took advantage of catching up while the guys chatted it up on politics and etc. I received Lorna's stamp of approval on the house too (haha) 

Sitting and Relaxing

I took this photo of Ethan while Sara and Sierra were on the Sky Ride. He looks so cute with his black cowboy hat on too. Your a good-looking cowboy there Ethan.


Ahhh!! That feels so good on my feet. Sara found this foot massage machine for 25 cents by the kids area of the Stampede. Sara and John both had a turn and said it felt really good on their feet afterwards. Here Sierra is looking at the foot machine. Sierra is a beautiful cowgirl dressed in her pinks today. 

Ethan and his car

Ethan went on a car merry-go-round. Good driving Ethan - looking over your shoulder before making your move.


Howdy Ma and Pa!! Ethan is giving us a wave to let us know everything is a-okay.

 

A wild ride!

The last ride that Sierra and Ethan went on was a tugboat ride. It went in every direction. Sea-sick anyone?? Sierra and Ethan are definitely sea-worth - they had no problem on this ride.

Sierra and Ethan on the Two-Seater Motorcycle

Sierra and Ethan went on a two-seater motorcycle ride. They both really enjoyed this ride. It actually went around pretty quick too. Sierra seems to have a good handle on the motorcycle. Maybe one day she can ask her Uncle Jon to take a spin on his motorcycle.




 

Sierra and Ethan on their Bubblebee Ride

Here are a few photos of Sierra and Ethan on the Bubblebee Ride. They seem to be enjoying it. Now with Ethan expression (the above photo), one couldn't quite tell - but when you asked him if he liked the ride - he nodded a yes. He just didn't want to smile to either Sara and I when it came to our cameras. 

Patersons enjoying the rides

With my fear of heights, majority of the rides are out for me, so I stayed with our belongings and were able to capture a few photos of the Sara, John, Sierra and Ethan going on the rides together. They all seem to be having fun.

Going on the Fairswheel

The top of the Carpet Ride - both Sierra and Ethan loved that ride.

Sara and Sierra on the Sky Ride which gives you a great view of the Stampede grounds. Plus it is a great way to get to one end of the grounds to the other. Sierra enjoyed the ride. John, Ethan and myself were finishing up our yummy stogies and mini-donuts near Auntie Amanda's booth. There was some great music nearby too - John figures it is a South America native (near Peru).

 

Calgary Stampede

Went with the Patersons to take in the Calgary Stampede 2006. It was fun seeing Sierra and Ethan enjoying the rides. Went to Auntie Amanda's hot dog booth for lunch and ate some of those yummy mini-donuts for dessert. It was quite hot and I have a great sunburn on my arms too. Just as we entered the Stampede grounds a gentleman approached Sara and Sierra and gave Sierra the dog he won. He wasn't going to need it and he thought Sierra would. How nice of that man to do that.


I am ready for my pose - this really is my best profile. Don't I look particular handsome with my new wooden-chip coat? As we were leaving we saw this Llama with it's owner.


Do you like my new do? I just got clipped. This is an Alpaca - related to the Llama. My sister inlaw has alpaca woolen mittens and have been told they are quite warm. Good thing for our cold winter days.


Llama and her date. The owner was showing how domesticated the Llamas are and got this man to put some food in his mouth and let the Llama take it from him. The guy ended with a Llama kiss too.