Reflections, Labradors, and Glimpses of Little Miss

It is a cool morning in August and I (and my hair) are grateful the humidity has disappeared for at least today. School is starting in just a few days and it is the perfect time to reflect on this past summer.

Spring and summer in our little village is delightful, as are most little towns in Southern Ontario, filled with the sounds of cardinals and squirrels (much to the chagrin of our pup) and the smells of lilacs, roses and phlox. I can't help but think of my friend as I write this who dislikes flowery language in books and will close this link immediately.

But oh, I am feeling contemplative today.

Our son has turned into a labrador puppy this summer. No longer soft and cuddly, his hands and feet have grown so much, you can tell he has a growth spurt approaching.  And like the beloved canine, he trips and bangs into things, clumsy with his limbs.

Little Miss, forever the main character of my stories, has walked through a magical curtain. She astounds me with her beauty and self-confidence, neither of which I had at her age, although Mom would say otherwise, and I can't help but stop and study her.

Then, all of a sudden, I see a glimpse of my girl as the green panties she's chosen show through under her yellow lacy dress at her cousin's wedding.  Oh, how the sunshine was her nemesis that day, unbeknownst to her.  Her saving grace was the beautiful bride who drew all attention, as she should. Only her doting, studious Mother noticed and grinned.

Mr. Man, as ever, is his heroic self, taking emergency trips to the drugstore for his cyclical women, bringing home paper products and bars of chocolate.  He arrives, caped donned, with a small bead of sweat on his brow, holding the sweetie at arms length as not to get hurt in the distribution.

He and his trusty labrador descend to the safety of the basement, happy in the company of each other, for the next five to seven days...

Gone are the days of cake baking, food intolerances, and childish questions. Our summer was filled with babysitting courses, vacation bible school leadership, and scoffs at parents.  Gone are the cuddles on mom's lap, and candies as rewards. This summer I found myself looking up at them, chasing them for hugs, and giving money as rewards.  Oh, the heartbreak.

And so begins part two of my life with CrackerJacks and Nutters - the enormous need of humour and reflection as always... but with teenagers. 

Heaven help us all.

The Atlantic Canada Whirlwind Trip - Part 1

Grand Falls Gorge, Grand Falls, New Brunswick

We are in the midst of a 11-day whirlwind tour of Atlantic Canada.  Beautiful! Amazing! Exhausting!

Little Miss had received acceptance to the AVC's (Atlantic Veterinary College) summer camp for the middle of July, which is on Prince Edward Island, so we jumped at the chance to go as a family.  Unfortunately, Mr. Man could only get a few days off, so much of the trip has been zipping down the TransCanada Highway, racing the clock (time change and all) to get to a new province each day. We keep saying the two of us will come back another time after the kids are grown.

So far what we have learned:

1. Mr. Man wants to move to New Brunswick.
2. Many Ontarians move out East from the Toronto area and open bed and breakfasts.
3. Nova Scotians drive slowly.  And have fabulous accents.
4. UNESCO has taken over.
5. Islander Canadians apologize much, much more than Ontarians...
6. You can get around Atlantic Restaurants without eating shellfish (Mr. is allergic).
7. Speaking of driving: Nova Scotian drivers need signs on the highway stating "WRONG WAY" as they tend to merge in the wrong direction.
8. Cows Ice Cream IS indeed the best.
9. The ocean is a fascinating place.
10. Little Miss will develop a bruise for each province travelled: falling down stairs, tripping on rocks....why STEP into the ocean upon your first look when you can FALL in it while completely dressed??

More to come!

Erin