Life Does a 360...

What a week it has been. I apologize to everyone for not updating in a while, but life has thrown a curveball at us. Last Wednesday, PCL decided that Daryl and I "aren't a good fit" and we were both let go. Yes, on the same day. I was devastated. Daryl was really pissed. I thought about how we wouldn't be able to keep the house, the cars, the truck, that our life was just done. I didn't know what we were going to do. But we are surrounded with family and friends who have come out with guns-a-blazing to lend emotional and financial support. We can't thank you all enough for your kind words and advice in this very tough time.

Saturday saw the turning of a new leaf for me, as I turned 30. A surprise party at the house organized by Daryl and my parents was just what I needed to get my mind off "life" and see what an amazing support group I have all around. Another huge thank-you to everyone who came out and shared a laugh or two...or more!

Sunday was a day of rest and recovery as we had a picnic lunch on the beach down on the river. It was the first time my parents were on the boat, and I think that they really enjoyed themselves and saw how much we love having the boat.
I’ve had a few interviews and dropped my resume off with prospective employers, so everyone please keep your fingers crossed for us!

I promise to be more diligent with the updates, and keep everyone posted as to how we are all doing “in the Loops”

Chow...now known as

BLOG DOG!

Fletcher is so smart that he knows ducks need water! I am a proud mama!

Hi. I was roaming through cyber space and came across this really cool site...Still alot to see and do, but this is a pretty good start, considering I'm still NOT 30 YET!!!

Sheri & Mike

Let Sleeping Chows Lie...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KARINE!

It's a day late for us, 2 for those down-under, and half an hour past the hour in Newfoundland, but I wanted to wish my niece, Karine, a very Happy 18th Birthday! We were thinking of you on the 3rd, as we celebrated Daryl's birthday, hoping that you were having as much fun as we were! We miss you tonnes, and hope to see you soon!
Karine is in her final year of high-school and just had her formal. I think she is absolutely stunning! When Daryl and I were down-under in December/January, we were fortunate enough to meet her boyfriend Beau. Congratulations! And good luck with your exams! Planning on any trips around the world like your mom and sister did? You will always have a home in the Loops!

Last Summer Long Weekend!
Our amazing long weekend started off with a bang! Actually, a paff followed by some scraping noises as we drove down the highway, towing the boat, and only one wheel on the boat trailer! It seems that 30 year old lug nuts have a tendency to wear...right through the hub! Fortunately, we were only 20 minutes from town when this all started! So, back to Ukrainian Tire for two new wheels and rims for the trailer! It was 10pm by the time we got to Kelowna and went right to bed!

Saturday was a very busy day! Daryl, nephew Blake and a cousin went out wakeboarding on the lake, while Twyla and I hit the farmer's market. I bought so many wonderful things, seeing as Daryl wasn't there to say no! Twyla bought me a beautiful jar for my home-made salad dressing with gorgeous sunflowers painted on the side. Such a nice early Birthday present! The afternoon was a medley of getting all dolled up for our good friends Sheri & Mike's wedding. The ceremony and reception was held at the Harvest Golf Club in Kelowna, with the most beautiful views of the valley and lake beyond. The day was hot and sunny, and we were all happy to meander into the air conditioned building following the very intimate outdoor ceremony.

Sunday was a madhouse! We rushed around in the early morning visiting Shannon and family and their new home. They are in the midst of a complete internal renovation...they are brave soldiers! Shannon shared the fruits of her land, as we have a bag full of grapes for our trip to Blind Bay on the Shuswap. We met up with our neighbours for some more fun on the water by day, and eating & drinking by the campfire by night. It was Daryl's birthday so there was ice cream cake all 'round! A HUGE thank you to Ken & Carla, Natasha & Nathaniel & grand-ma for bringing that all the way from Kamloops for this celebration!

Monday saw more boating, eating & recovering! Daryl wanted to be up at 6am for an early morning pull, and Brian, Daryl and I made it out on the lake, but the boat wasn't cooperating that early. I guess it needed some more coffee! I learnt to play crib (count to 15 and 31!), was taught some new campfire songs, and found out that trying to make a pyramid with Daryl on a 3 person tube, moving at 30 mph in figure-eights is harder than first expected!

Needless to say, Fletcher is once again, exhausted!

Photos to follow...

I Bet the Mozzies Don't Faint!!!

Blood...It's In You To Give

So, Daryl convinced me, finally, to be a brave toaster and give blood. There was a clinic today in the Loops and we made our appointments and arrived on time, went through the routines and answered all their questions like good little soldiers. I was lying on the bed with my life juice being sucked out of me and WHAMO...fainted. When I came back around there were nurses and volunteers all around me, trying to get me to drink and eat these sugar candies and putting cold towels all over me. But where was Daryl you might ask? Lying in the next bed, finishing off his donation, laughing at me! How supportive! The nurses and volunteers told him that he had to baby and pamper me for the next while as I recover...I might milk this one for a while! The people at the Canadian Blood Services were amazing, and yes, I will be keeping my next appointment in 56 days!