There will never be another first week of our first year. We had this thought the week before school began and once it was said,  this idea took on a life force of its own. It became our mantra for the week, weaving though every moment of every day.  We wanted to cherish these new beginnings….Continue reading →

Kate, Heidi and I had a lot of fun setting up for the picnic as we tested our skills hanging Kate’s homemade (and beautiful I might add!) flags over the ever so prickly blackberry bushes that brushed up against the tree we used as support. As usual, our antics sent us into several laughing fits, thereby…Continue reading →

The crew has been working hard, really hard. And, really carefully.  Kate and I have gone by almost daily to chat with the crew and see the progress ( and maybe bring them a cookie or two). In speaking with them, it became apparent that these skilled carpenters really care about their work. They are interested in…Continue reading →

A Cottage restoration update–the foundation is complete and the Cottage is back on solid ground! Kate and I popped by many times, checking on its progress and little by little, all the work to build the proper foundation was done with care and precision. I am always in awe of the expertise it takes to…Continue reading →

The idea behind our family planting day was simple– we envisioned a gathering of children and adults participating in a healthy activity in the beautiful outdoors! We also hoped to begin to create a sense of community; a slow process that takes time, commitment and trust. Kate, Ian and I planned out the day to include refreshing…Continue reading →

As part of the building restoration, the foundation needs to be re-done and although we had been anticipating this stage for the past while, the moment of viewing the Cottage on ‘stilts’ was nothing short of extraordinary.Many thoughts flashed through my mind at that moment and when Kate and I chatted about it, it was…Continue reading →

In recognition of Earth Day, the Thompson Community Centre team, in partnership with the City of Richmond, organized a tree planting day. The trees were planted along the newly constructed Railway Avenue Corridor. The Railway Greenway path has gained lots of popularity as children and parents can walk and bike along an otherwise busy street. I myself…Continue reading →

With much anticipation, the work has begun on the Edwardian Cottage. In order to prepare to lift the house so the foundation can be re-done, some shrubs were cleared and the land around the house was excavated.  These are the beginning stages of the renovation and although they are not extraordinary in any particular way, they…Continue reading →

The construction crew from Vancouver Island has been hard at work installing the equipment. The cedar is looking outstandingly beautiful! Here are a few photos from some of the main play areas. The Zipline The Climber The Swing What lies ahead? Stay tuned for more pictures later this week! Emily

A cliche– there is a first for everything. I had a moment the other day when I started to think about the many firsts I have experienced in my life. Many I can remember with clarity and certainty; defining moments. But there are many that have just faded into a normal state of being or…Continue reading →