Sometimes I don't like snow.....

Can you see  our civic sign down at the end of our driveway and to the right? The storm that wasn't supposed to reach us on January 12th was bearing down as nightfall approached. Hubs had gone out to clear the driveway in an effort to stay ahead of what the county's snow plough pushes across the driveway's entrance. There was maybe a foot and a half of snow to clear at about 10 pm that evening. The snow ploughs were to call it a night until 5 am or whatever early hour before the morning's work commute. It was anybody's guess as to what we would wake up to after the ploughs had their way with our driveway.

The side of the house reminds me of that nasty 70's popcorn ceiling. You know, that stuff they sprayed on the ceilings that's a nightmare to remove? The only time I ever took a liking to it was when I was living in an apt. where they added glitter. I was 18 years old. I thought that anything that sparkled was pretty. 

OK, I wasn't overly excited to get out and take photos of all the snow dumped at the end of the driveway upon waking in the aftermath of the storm. I couldn't tell you how much snow actually fell, but I can tell you that much of what was in the farmland northeast of us made it's way through our property and across our driveway. The civic sign is buried now. I was tempted to take a shot of hubs out with the snow plough but declined. I'll just tell you that it was mid-thigh to hip deep. We've learned it's always best to blow the snow to the west (to the right as you're seeing the photo).

The neighbours across the street might see a couple of feet. The plough goes by on their side and a bit of clumpy snow gets left behind. No big deal for them. I do take some comfort in the fact that our neighbours to the west of us get some of what we get. We do like to share the motherload, after all.

Nor Easters and a New Year

I'm tired. I feel deflated. Alone (but I know, by faith, that I'm not alone). I battle things that I have no control over... things that involve other people. People that I love. Control... big word. I control how I choose to react to things. I control what time I should go to bed. I control those kinds of things regarding me. But I don't control how others behave, how they perceive me, my life or my choices in life. They see through their own way of seeing things. I cannot make them understand that which even I cannot understand regarding my day to day life. 


But one thing is for sure. I have made it clear where I stand. Whether other loved ones understand that or not is neither here nor there. My 'stand' is not easy, not even understood by me at times but I have declared it to be so... I am loyal to that which I am committed to.


To those loved ones who cannot accept or understand my loyalties, I bid you adieu. It's futile for me to even try to get them to understand. I have tried and either I have failed in my deliveries or they have failed in their ability to really 'hear' or accept what I'm so desperate to have them understand. At the end of this, I just want them to accept what I tell them.. not to have everything understood. That's just not possible.


My heart is saddened by this loss.


New Year's resolutions are so over-rated. Much like Christmas. For me, the best Christmas I could ever have would be to give someone without hope a taste of what the reason for the season really means.


I recall one Christmas many years ago when my brother spent a Christmas with me and my Mom and mentioned this man he met that was staying in some kind of boarding house, lonely and in the company of some young rowdy men. He had called him and the poor soul was just spending the day in bed... best option regarding his situation. I told my brother to go fetch him to join us for a turkey dinner. My Mom, who had suffered a stroke some years back, had not played her guitar or sang because it just didn't come out on key. Well... that night it was different. Her and our special guest played guitar and sang... it was such a joy to see her sing again (and on key!)... the best Christmas I ever had. Never saw that man again. Maybe he was put in our lives for a specific reason. Maybe vice-versa.

Nor easter

This is the first day of winter in eastern New Brunswick. Normally, it's a winter wonderland by this time but this is not a normal year. I hate nor easters. Big time!

The above video is a couple hours before high tide. The water would cover more of the road and as nightfall approached and right now there are utility vehicles posted at either side of the flooded road. I guess they'll be there for the night with those orange lights flashing, flashing, flashing. At least they'll not be flashing in my bedroom window but I do have blinds.

And this is across the street. You can see where my neighbour put up a 'snow' fence after cleaning up a lot of debris from the last storm. Isn't that kinda like sticking your finger in a leaky dam? Resistance is futile. You can see his shingles flapping away... just hanging in there (last I looked, anyway). We have the same thing happening on the north side of our roof. Changes coming this spring and some much needed exterior work will take place. I'm so done with stressing with each storm. Our poor east wall and attached garage will get a complete revamp. Also time for new windows and siding. It's just become so necessary and we'll have some great and much needed help.


This is not a major river. It's rather shallow and in summer, when the tide is out, we can walk across with the water only being about 4 feet or so deep. Today, it's flexing some muscle. I'd hate to be near the ocean right now. Storm surge, full moon, high tides... yuk. 

The Be Good Tanyas - Scattered Leaves

A Delightful Place to Visit.....

There's a little shop along the New Brunswick coastline just beyond the Bouctouche Dunes that I love to visit. I discovered it shortly after moving here as I was getting to know the area. The shop owners are a delightful and quirky pair (quirky is a good term to me... unique and interesting). He is called the "Woodchuck" and his carvings are of a primitive style... each one telling a story. She is the Woodchip, having her own store filled with wonderful things. I can spend an hour there and I'll be heard frequently saying "Oh! I didn't see that! It's gorgeous." 


He's built an addition to his shop. Rather interesting and full of a different kind of 'collectible'. Her shop is a tiny little building filled with lovely treasures, more appealing to feminine tastes. I'll just let the pictures tell the story.

My Hands Aren't Broken... I'm Still Here

Seems the exercise of blogging is something that has escaped me lately.


I have every good intention of displaying my recent finds in the near future. There are several new goodies but I've been firmly told to curb my appetite. So, with that being said, I'm thinking of gathering a number of items that might be of interest to others and selling some off, thus making room for more lovely finds. I just need to figure out what venue... eBay, Etsy or what?


I think the thrill of the finding a vintage item is greater than having the item. It's the great price I got it for, knowing full well that city prices are much higher. It's almost like a challenge. I've also gotten my sister-in-law hooked. She and I are currently in withdrawal as she's in a similar situation where there's just no room to put all her newly found treasures. They're renting for now, looking for land and will build. Maybe by then, I will have purged some items so I can make room for more and she will have lots of new empty places to fill. 


On a side note, I'm saddened as Colby Blind Guy's 'good' eye has clouded over. We've always felt he had a bit of vision through that eye as he could dodge some objects without a verbal "watch out". He seems to be adapting, though and is loving the time outdoors fetching his ball. Bad weather hinders that time and it's so hard trying to entertain him indoors. He's so full of energy.

Blind Dog Colby Can Fetch

This is what my Blind Guy, Colby lives for... stimulus is so necessary for this breed of dog. If the weather isn't cooperating, then he has plenty of indoor toys that he'll bring to me where I have to comply, interacting with him and getting majorly goobered. If I try ignoring him, he'll see to it that he's not going anywhere and will always get his way but it's all good. He always makes us laugh.


As you can see, he loses track of where you are when bringing the ball back so we have to clap or talk to him and then he has no problem.


And, hey! that music track is by my talented brother, Guy who played and recorded this in his studio and sent to me. Whoo hoo! Great guitar player.