Spread your wings dearest Dad

My dad passed away peacefully yesterday at 4:30 in the morning with my mother at his side. He was such a kind and gentle man whose love of nature and all that went with it was passed on to his children and grandchildren. He was the type of father that brought me home a snake as a pet ( I had that snake for 3 years) , took me on long mushroom hunting walks and fiddlehead collecting excursions, made little crosses for the small critters I tried to save. I remember a camping trip when I forgot to bring any toys ( I was about 8 years old) and after the tent was set up he sat down and carved me some figures to play with and they became some of my most prized possesions (I still have a couple of them today!) I worked beside him during the building of our cottage, he was a true artist and took such pride in all that he undertook. He has passed on the joy of planting a seed, nurturing it, and having pleasure in its bloom. He loved me with such great warmth and openness, never making me feel like the "after thought" I was arriving 13 and 14 years after my brother and sister, instead that I was a gift. Well dearest Dad, spread your wings and fly, the greatest gift you gave us was you.

Busy, busy, busy!

Where do I begin, the last week of school was a hetic one! On the Tue. I drove part of Declan's class to their end of the year trip at Palm beach and we got to see the RCMP and the Natives launching their (really big) canoes, they were paddling all the way to Vancouver. It was quite a sight. Wed. was Caitlin's grad(from elementary school to middle school) and she had to say the farewell speach for the two classes. I'm proud to say she did a great job. Then on Thurs it was off to Savory Island with her class and the other grade 7 class for their end of the year party. It was a beautiful day and there was lots to eat(all the food left over from the grad was boated over) On the Friday it was up early for Caitlin, Stefan and I to catch the first ferry down to Barbs with a van full of goodies for her and Em and, of course, Aethan! It seems like so long since we had seen them but it has only been two months! That night we put Stefan on the bus to Van. to visit with his Big Bro Kieran for the weekend. Then it was off to Van. for all of us the next morning. We got to Gwens by about 10:30am and got right into her party preparations. Went shopping for food, made veggies and dip, helped Sean put together a BBQ(which we did foolishly in the blazing hot sun!!) At 4:30 the guests started to arrive, I think there were about 40 in all, little babys right up to older folk. After all the eating was done we were all paired up and played bocce ball and what a blast that was. I was paired with Sarah(who has the blog fredandtoots.com) and it was so much fun meeting (face to face) someone that I have left comments for on flickr, her little girl is priceless! Sunday we spent shopping (Old Navy, Michelles, Whole foods etc.) and relaxing in the garden. Monday it was the trip up to Barbs , getting Stefan from the bus then the drive home. Thurs we had a family from California come to visit and had a wonderful time showing them the town and going to the beach(Fred met the woman while chatting and playing scrabble on line) They left Friday afternoon. So I'd say the summer is off to a busy start!