living like a local: March 2023

Sunday, March 19, 2023

March and house pics

I can't believe it's already March... and almost April even! I really do feel that these days (and all the days) are long, but the years (and months) are short. Hendrik, Gramps and I went to watch McMaster play in the quarter-finals of Nationals (in Hamilton) on Friday night, and I ran into a friend whose kids were younger than ours the last time I saw her. Her two oldest are now playing university volleyball - !! I think about this all the time, especially when Jordan is climbing all over me and or is being extra needy, or when Hendrik or Alana want to talk or do something with me; these days are numbered.

And on the numbered days train of thought, hopefully our renovation days are numbered too! We've been at this for a lot longer than we thought we would be, but the end is in sight. Most of the work in the house is finished; stairs were stained this past week, the island got some much needed kick plates and trim, and we have sheers up! No more staring right into our neighbour's living room (she never ever closes her curtains). The addition is coming along - windows and insulation are in, and the fireplace and drywall happen this coming week (I think/hope). I was hoping to post a few pics of the progress, but I think it's sealed off so I can't get in there! Next blog post.

We're wrapping up March break here today with some time in the gym for a volleyball tourney here in London. Hendrik's team is playing and Steve is still in Hamilton for Nationals, so it's me and the other two kiddos hanging out and getting things ready for a full week of school and work and activities. We spent a few days in Bowmanville which was fantastic, as always! The kids love it there, and I do too. There was crafting, puzzling, bickering (I don't love this part), great meals, coffee with family, Wii games, outside play (despite the cold weather), and our outing to Hamilton on Friday night too. Alana, Hendrik and I hit the slopes at Boler mountain earlier in the week, which was awesome. Skiing has been a popular choice this winter, and I'm thinking that maybe I should get my own equipment for next season. I'm sort of dreaming about getting to a legit mountain... Boler is great, but the runs are pretty short. Now we just have to work on getting Jordan out there! What I'd really like to do is get out to Kelowna to see a friend I haven't seen in way too long, and then get some skiing in as well. Maybe this plan can work for next winter, but that seems so far away! Anyways, even though the weather has been a bit weird (not consistently cold), winter - with activities like skiing - hasn't been too bad.

I started this afternoon and will finish this post tonight - I have volleyball updates! Hendrik's team came fourth in their tourney, and that's competing in an older age division (his team is U13, tournament age was U14), so they have lots to be proud of. McMaster also had a successful evening in the gym, besting Alberta in straight sets to win bronze. It's likely that this will be the last year Steve helps out there; the longtime head coach Dave Preston is retiring, so I suppose Steve will have to see who is filling those shoes before he commits to another season. Until club volleyball wraps up, I'm sure we'll both stay busy enough with work and parenting - time to get ready for tomorrow!