Fall News

It always amazes me how quickly time moves forward, almost as if we are in one of those time warp speeds that Spock is always telling Captain Kirk to move into. I can't believe that it has been well over a month since my last entry. For a girl without a job I sure manage to fill the days.

We have had the most wonderful time since moving here. We've blended in so well that it seems we've always been part of everyone's lives. Gregg said the other day, "What did we do without you?" What a nice compliment and it's a nice thing to know that if the Universe is willing they won't have to try finding out!

Pete has been busy with work, Real Estate, and his projects around the house. He just had his first job review and they are really pleased with his work. He has closed two house deals since moving here and he is now looking for new listings. As well, we are trying to get ready for the winter by insulating and drywalling the garage. It's ready for some primer and paint and a heater. We have been debating the different types and sizes of heaters and still haven't made up our minds. We are also wondering if we shouldn't invest in a generator. From reading articles in the paper it seems that Ottawa is as bad as areas up North for losing power during storms. An inconvenience in the summer to be sure but much more of a hassle in the winter. We've had our first real fire in our fireplace. It has an airtight insert with heatilator fans and I hadn't realized how much I'd missed burning wood as opposed to flicking a switch on a gas fireplace. It's a warmer heat and the smell and crackling of burning wood is so very comforting on a cold, grey day. I expect that we will be going through a fair bit of wood this winter. We have also laid out plans for a shed but don't know if we will build it this fall or next spring as we are starting to run out of time.

We had a brilliant weekend weather-wise for Thanksgiving. On Saturday the entire family, including Uncle Matt, went to Proulx's Farm. There is so much for the kids to do; wagon rides, hay bale towers to climb, slides, corn mazes, live theatre and magic shows, and of course, a haunted barn. We all had a blast! The kids all chose pumpkins that came back to house for craft time on Sunday. Sunday everyone started to arrive before lunch. The kids and I decorated pumpkins with paints, curly hair, googly eyes and stickers. The guys manned the BBQ where we were roasting the turkey and the girls helped out with the veggies, and the roast. Leaves were raked, pictures taken, the nature trail was explored, and a grand time was had by all. Please take a moment to check out Sarah and Steve's family website as they have many wonderful pictures of the family and the weekend.
http://lacroixzone.spaces.live.com/

Ethan has started playing hockey and last Thursday we were thrilled to watch his Timbits team play at the Scotia Place (formerly the Corel Stadium). We laughed so hard watching these little ones chase after the punk on this huge piece of ice! The goalies were a hoot! They virtually disappeared beneath all the padding and the poor things could barely get back up when knocked down. It was so professionally done; the music, the camera, the announcer, just like the real games. The players were so proud whenever their names were called - too cute, when a goal was made the entire team on the ice at the time were named for the assists. Ethan had a blast. Gregg, Pete, myself, Sarah, Steve, Grandpa Brent and Uncle Keith from Penetang and Paul were all there to cheer him on. Again, check out the Lawley/Lacroix zone for the pictures.

This past weekend we entertained Dave and Tracey and the family (even the dogs). Dave had a demolition derby in Rockland which is about 15 minutes from here. He wasn't driving in this one but was asked by a promoter to be the mechanic for another driver. It turns out it was Rick Mercer. He had decided to try his hand at driving in a derby, had a car made for him, and was filming it for the Rick Mercer Report. Dave is supposed to let us know when it will be on TV - there's a good chance you'll see Dave on TV too!- but watch for it anyway in case he doesn't find out in time. Tracey and the kids were busy visiting, she has friends and family in Orleans. I met her Aunt Jackie and her nephew Tim. It was great getting to spend time with them and having them be able to visit with the cousins and the kids. Sarah, Steve, Matt, Matt's buddy Jesse, and Pete all went to the derby and got to watch Dave in action. There were more than impressed. Our Mr. Tink is well respected in this field - congratulations Dave!

I guess that's all for now. We are busy planning for Liam's 2nd birthday party which we are having here at the house on Saturday. We are hoping for good weather to that 12 little people can go outside and run off some of their lunch! Just in case it rains, we've planned a dance contest (Syd's idea), a colouring contest, and pin the tale on Winnie the Pooh. Wish us luck!

Au revoir for now. Keep checking for the lastest breaking news from the eastern part of the Provence! Be well, keep warm, and have a safe Halloween. Hugs, Deb