The strange thing about returning to a house that we lived in before is that after the first day it felt like we had just returned from vacation. We were back home after a LONG holiday. I keep wandering into the living room and shocking myself asking: Where is my furniture? and where did this mess come from? All I want to do is flop down on my couch and pick up a magazine and relax...I am so tired.
After the craziness that was June (and May for that matter) with writing essays and exams, getting rid of stuff, packing and then loading the trailer (and then unloading and reloading...don't ask) driving across Canada was somewhat relaxing. Except for the heatwave that followed us across country...and me without my air conditioning.
I drove over 5500 km.
Myself.
I have never driven farther than the Okanagan to Vancouver on my own. That is only about 5 hours. This was over ten times as long.
The trip was good and fairly uneventful...other than celebrating my baby's sixth birthday in Kenora, Ontario. We went out for Kalamari and spent the evening talking with a couple of fishermen at the end of the pier. The kids were quite taken with the one-eyed Newfoundlander...he offered them many pieces of advice and may well be the highlight of the trip. (Other than the big curly slide at the hotel in Brandon, Manitoba of course).
I was happy to arrive home. Happy and tired. I have spent the past week doing all the fun things...like unpacking, trying to get our utilities in order and getting oil changes on our vehicles. And then staring at all the boxes of books that currently have no shelves.
Last Saturday...before I started in on all the fun stuff...we took a day off and went to the beach.
After all the time in the car the kids needed to have some space...
The boys were really excited about being at a beach with creatures to collect and look at again ... they never did learn to love the lakes of the Okanagan.
They had such a good time collecting crabs and snails and jellyfish...
The day was a scorcher with record temperatures over 30C very hot for Nova Scotia. It was so nice to be able to go down to the beach and cool off.
While it was a regular hot summer day for us... for many it was unbearably hot and the beaches were PACKED!
I love Nova Scotia. The boys didn't even realize how busy the beach was.
After the beach we decided to splurge on our favourite post-beach treat...
Nothing is easier after a day at the beach than throwing a bunch of lobsters in a pot for dinner. I love that we can do that here. It feels so luxurious...and tastes so good!
The rest of the week has been fairly uneventful.
Although, we did go strawberry picking.
Moving when we did we get a very extended strawberry season. We were able to experience a good portion of the season in the Okanagan and then arrive in Nova Scotia for the beginning of the season here. No one in our house is complaining!
My favourite moment was when my youngest came over to where I was picking..."mommy I found one just for you". He had the sweetest look on his face...
that of course disappeared as soon as I lifted up my camera.
Our days have been busy but we have been enjoying the little bits of exploring we have been doing.
We are making the most of our summer while trying to organize the house. We have had a few walks around the neighbourhood and trips to the park. We'll be able to do more when the hubby finishes teaching his class at the end of the month. For now, I think the boys are happy just to be out of the car...
and I am happy to be home and finally settling down... at least a little.
