Another summer has been and gone and actually before I launch into this blog update I have a gripe. Since when does summer begin in August and end late September? Must do better next year I fear or my SAD syndrome may get the better of me.
So the rain is falling and the leaves are already laying their carpet across our acres and sending me a middle finger signal! The leaves can insult me all they like because this year I have a leaf blower / mulcher that is powerful enough to eat small children. Hurrah.
Jamie Franklin has just departed our shores having arrived in Vancouver on September 19th en route to Alaska September 22nd returning Vancouver for an overnight chez us, October 3rd. We had an excellent visit and if it is a sign of things to come when Manda and Cherie arrive on 22nd October then we are truly blessed.
He miraculously brought sunshine with him and our trips up Grouse Mountain and to Whistler were awesome. We love visitors and especially family because now being established rednecks and me with an Australian accent we can entertain in true local style. Apparently mixing English English with Canadian English results in Australian English. I must confess I sometimes hear myself being antipodean and I quite like the inflection.
Our barbecue has been in daily operation and our local hunting/fishing connections have been amazing. We had some beautiful fresh Sockeye Salmon which we cooked on soaked cedar boards using one of Kims amazing recipes. We had beer can chicken which is a terrific way to cook chicken, also on the barbecue but keeping the meat extremely moist. We finished Jamie's stay with fresh T-Bone Moose Steaks, all meals accompanied by garden produce and ably supported by ale, wine and cider as required. More of the same awaits Manda and Cherie.
Our children continue to stride through life and we couldn't be happier that they do so happy in heart. Samantha has now successfully completed her second year nursing exams in University and is already into her last year. Alexa is now at school and heading towards her 5th birthday next year. David is self employed and is the doting father to Mason who is now two. Heather is still in University at Prince George here in British Columbia and with grade scores averaging 4 she is being educated entirely by scholarships. She is thinking of a year out then studying law. Reece is now happily working hard and also very much connected with the lovely Emma in the relationships department. Marcus is throughly independent; a Chef, rugby player, canoeist and all round great person. At 19 and the youngest of the crop he carries the last flag of childhood into adult life where Kim and I are concerned. They all make us proud and contented. We would love them to be here more often but that is just not possible all the time. Once my working gets moving maybe that can change.
We are so loooking forward to getting home next year for a planned month to see everyone.
I spent some time in the Flayling Arms this morning (our winery come brewery in our basement cellar). Kim's Blackberry Wine is coming along very nicely and my new Ale is starting its fermentation in readiness for tasting once beloved sisters arrive. The Poacher (our hot tub) and our Fire pit are primed ready for action and we pray for clear days particularly when we take the Ferry to Vancouver Island. Venison is arriving shortly and there is the possibility of Elk sometime soon. Elk is apparently an amazing meat to eat. We'll see soon enough.
So as I watch another leaf fall past the window I sign off until another day. Bloody leaves!!!
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