November 29 - December 5

Day 1011 - 1017
What a difference a day can make! On Monday it was a beautiful fall day. We had a semi come for a load of barley, and it was actually a little sweaty in the bin. There were trucks and cement trucks, and bobcats and carpenters, and generally the yard was crowded. Our piles for the foundation were dug and filled that day, and there wasn't a hint of snow on the ground. But the next morning... wow... 8" of the stuff all over, and the temperature dropped like a stone. It was dramatic to say the least. We had canceled therapy because of the truck, and Glenn had been able to get out and watch some of the action on Monday, and a good thing too, because he has been stuck in the house since. I shoveled the front deck and ramp yesterday, you never know when you may have to leave, and now we are waiting to see if it will storm. It is supposed to go south , and not hit us, but stranger things have happened.
We have started drinking more tea since the 'flu hit us, and Glenn commented that he was able to "slurp" again. That means he is able to control what is going into his mouth a bit more. He was unable to drink really hot beverages because he couldn't just sip before. Amazing that things still are coming along. He stands more all the time because there is activity to the north of us, and he is curious to see what is happening. He also suggested that we set up a small shop in the new garage for him to putter around in, and I think that is a good idea. We'll let him design that as we go along. His posture is better, he can stand almost regularly, and does so with a fair bit more ease than before. If he is distracted and doesn't try too hard, he does well. I'm pretty encouraged by that.
On the housing front, Colin and Chelsey have a beam and the joists in place, but the floor isn't on yet. They have to build the stairway next, so the floor should go on next week. Our footings are starting to take shape. They poured the pilings first, then dug around them so the footing will surround them. We have a really big hole there now, and are wondering about the pile of dirt. We have a well in the yard that needs filling, but I don't think it will take all of it! It is too bad they couldn't do this in November when it was nice, but they don't seem concerned about the weather, so we are taking pictures as they progress.
Chelsey goes to Vancouver soon to defend her thesis. She is so ready to be done, and has had to fight the profs to even get this far. They are trying to put off doing their jobs, and she is paying the price. Anyway, she will finish, and then the house and the wedding will take up her time. She is so excited to see the building, and Colin just walks around smiling. It is good to watch them.
Christmas is fast approaching, and it occurs to us that this may be the last one in our present house. That is a bit jarring, there are lots of memories here. Change is constant, and we really didn't expect to be doing any of these things, but life is full of challenges and change, and a person needs to adapt and accept or get left behind.
'Til next time,
Louise