fear not

I wanted to assure everyone that things have not been boring around here.  Don’t worry.  Just in case you were in the least concerned that there is a current dearth of events, happenings and outings, I am here to let you all know that that has not been the case.  I am not bored.  Repeat.  NOT.

Dec. 1:  The Christmas tree was delivered.

Dec. 2:  The ever-so-slightly-miniature kransekage was iced after I discovered that I forgot to make a couple of the layers.

Dec. 3:  Managed to trip twice at work.  Fell into a Christmas tree both times.  They are surprisingly cushy.  Went to the Danish Christmas dinner only slightly bruised.

Dec. 4:  Went carolling with the girls and the Sunday School.  We were pulled around town on a flat bed trailer with hay bales.  Awesome fun time!  Cold, too!

Dec. 5:  (A.M.)  Spent most of the morning Christmas shopping in my bathrobe.  Came to the realization that for most of the presents, I would have to get dressed and leave the house.  (P.M.) Dog ate the Christmas tree star.  It was not on the tree at the time.

Dec. 6:  That’s tomorrow!

working saturday

I’m working Saturdays at the garden centre for the month of November, and spent most of today rearranging the showroom for Christmas.  Not something I’m good at, unfortunately; I’m just not a decorator at heart.  But quite a bit was accomplished, which left me with a good feeling. 

I also answered the phones, sold some birch trees, bagged some soil, and phoned my dad to remind him that it’s my brother’s birthday today.  I’ll have to call him again in two weeks to remind him that it’s mine.

 

happy day

I’m still on a high from yesterday, where I accomplished a big clean up with the help of two great people that I work with.  It solved a problem that was bugging me, and made the shop look better in the process.  I love getting a two-for-one!  (And since I was lifting bags full of stones, a workout, too!)  Then, of course, I get to feel extra awesome about myself because I figured out what was bothering me and actually did something about it…which is contrary to my ostrich-with-head-stuck-in-the-sand technique, which makes me hope that I actually might be growing up!

 

highs and lows

Life never stays still, yes?  The famous quote comes to mind:  And this too shall pass.

On the upside, I am very, very pleased that I have finished my first sock and have started the second one.  I am now a big fan of Nancy Bush.  I am not sure why I have heard that once the first sock is done, the second is a drag to complete.  I’m really looking forward to the pair, and making the second one even better than the first.  Also on the upside, we pick Elena up from church camp tomorrow.  Sonja will be happy, because she hasn’t enjoyed this week all to herself.  Lonely and feeling a bit out of sorts.  And I understand completely.  It’s not the same with out both my girls.  And, because I planned it this way a very long time ago, Sonja will be heading out to camp on Sunday!  Hopefully, by the time they are both back under the same roof, they will be so pleased to be in each other’s company, that peace will reign in the Rempel household!

The garden is doing what it can, the tomatoes are still good and the corn is coming along.  The cabbage is almost ready, and there is still plenty of kale.  I have discovered that I love kale.  Raw, with just olive oil and salt, or with Chadd’s amazing balsamic dressing.  There has been no rain this summer, so I am happy with what we are able to harvest.  The beets and carrots are still growing as well, but I should start cleaning up soon.

I biked home from work yesterday and it was wonderful (I had a tail wind!)

And now for the downside.

I’m processing the passing of a friend of mine.  He and I worked together at the shop for a few years.  He was such a good guy, helpful and thoughtful and nice.  He had gone swimming at the lake Sunday morning, and never came back.  They found his body yesterday.  He was young and free-spirited and I’m not asking WHY, because I know it just IS; but still, the process is hard and I’m still quite upset and out of sorts.  This life of ours, we live it.  We just do.  Sometimes we smile, and sometimes…

a day on the job

Crazy wildlife filled day at work today…

A red squirrel sat in the maple tree by the front parking lot.
A groundhog ran into the gift shop.
A bird had to be rescued from the inside of the window.
A monarch soared past to find some yarrow.
A bug flew into my mouth as I sneezed.

the other side of me

I spend my days with the flowers, baskets, dirt, water hoses, shrubs, customers, and trees.  It’s really busy this time of year, and on some days it feels like a second home.

orange

I had a older couple come into the garden centre yesterday, looking for advice about annuals.  The husband was very interested in our hanging impatiens bags, and asked his wife what her colour preference would be.  She most decidedly did not want red and white, but was against the idea of an impatiens bag in any event.

He wanted that hanging bag, and he picked orange, “because I used to drive a truck that exact colour,” he told me.  (I told him orange was the hot new colour.  He looked at me funny.)

His wife was still against it, and tried to talk him out of it.  I shook my head, smiled and said, “If a man wants to buy flowers, let him.  If he has an opinion, even better.  My husband will only come to the green house twice a year…once in the spring and once at Christmas.  You’re lucky that he actually enjoys coming here!”

“Hummph…Men,”  she said; but she smiled.  And off they went to the cash desk, with the hanging bag of orange impatiens.