"Another week to kill..."

We have been in the house for 8 weeks (tomorrow), and it feels more like home than almost anywhere in the UK. Still, the amount of work we have done here in that time has been unsurpassed, but there's still more to be done! Even though we have been in the country for only 3 1/2 months, each day that dawns, makes it feel like we were meant to be in this property. I know, sounds like silly-pseudo-babbling-b.s., but there's no other way to try to explain it.
The amount of stress we are NOT feeling is absolutely phenomenal... almost perfect. Almost. Even the boys seem not to fight and squabble so much, or the intensity of each 'scrap' is less than back in England.
Although CJ is working, we're still both looking for some kind of second income. Hopefully a 'work-from-home-using the-internet' kind of thing. But how do you sort the wheat from the chaff?, there's so much out there...

The holiday cabins have taken a bit of space on the back burner at the moment, but we are researching the possibility of buying either a cabin, or some land lakeside, somewhere. Hopefully this can kickstart a campsite / cabins for us, as it would be more appealing for the 'locals' (Canadians and Americans). Would also give me the perfect chance to do a bit of hunting, as having my own 'refuge' in the winter would save loads on accomodation when out!



sorry ladies, a little boring, but the adjoined garage is huge, I'm quite happy with my work bench, as all of the materials used have been recycled, or salvaged from elsewhere on the land.



'The Pimp Mobile' is CJ's work/runaround car. A 1990 Mercury Topaz, 17 years old but does the job, and wouldn't look too out of place with 'Huggy Bear' behind the wheel. As long as it's still running next spring, doesn't really matter.



The Family Car. Was quite excited to get this, as these are much sort after in the UK, but 'caravans' over here are as common as the flatbed trucks. This one needs to be with us for a couple more years, but we both love her, and she's a great car. Very versatile, and the rear seating can be arranged in several ways...

Carla went to see George's teacher on Friday, and was 'blown away' by what was said. George is reading at almost 2 levels higher than his peers, and is pushing firmly ahead with his maths. His school work is excellent, and he is integrating with kids of all ages. He plays well, and is considerate towards others. His teacher has suggested that they explore the possibility of him moving up a grade, and attending school full-time! Pride is one of the seven deadly sins, but quite frankly my friends, I couldn't give a damn...

The repair to the garage roof didn't take as long as previously thought, as the damaged area was not that large. Both rooves need replacing next spring, so I might just undertake this myself, saving a few thousand dollars in the process!!

Saturday evening we went to see the annual Santa parade in Brandon, and even though it was 7 below freezing, there was quite a good turn out. The emergency services were well represented, and the floats were engineered with plenty of imagination. As is tradition, we were made to wait for Santa's appearance, must be quite tired with all these public appearances in malls and parades etc.


My favourite of the evening.



CJ and Daniel, well wrapped against the elements.



Brandon's finest.



A true Christmas message, one long forgotten.



We had a little snow Sunday, about 1/4", but this lasted only a few hours, and even though the temperature hovers around zero, the sun, as is happening now, comes blazing through. Well, maybe not blazing, but it is very bright, and the sky is perfectly blue!

Hard luck to the New England Revolution, they lost 2-1 to Houston Dynamos yesterday, in the MLS Cup Final. Not too bad a game, but silly defensive errors cost the Boston team. They have now lost the last 3 finals, and 4 out of the last 6..!
Happier times are still to be seen in Boston though, the 'Pats are still rampaging on, beating the Buffalo Bills, to make it a 10-0 winning start to the NFL season. Hot on their heals are the Celtics basketball team, who are currently unbeaten after 8 games in the NBA...
Stevie Mac and the boys were lucky on Saturday, as Israel beat the Ruskies AND Croatia lost... All down to Wednesday now boys... and as expected, we are the only home nations team to offer any chance of qualifying for a major tournament (again).

Oh, have I mentioned that we beat the blose 2-1 at the temple of doom?, well just in case, BCFC 1-2 mighty Villa... hehehe


Saint and Sinner. But give liam a knighthood, thanks for his services.




God Save The Queen

God Bless Canada