Tuesday, 9 October 2012

Passionate as Sin

I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart; I will enter His courts with praise!

Just back to school from a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! Sergio and I headed back to Truro Friday afternoon to spend the three days with my family. I cannot express how much I love going home, especially when I get to take Sergio back with me. I'm surrounded by the people I love most in the world, and there's no drama. It's just a dream come true.

Mom and I spent Saturday morning shopping in downtown Truro. I appreciate my mother so much more now than I ever did when I lived with her. Funny how that changes.

Abby's new kitten was just adorable. She doesn't have a name yet. I doubt she ever will. Mom just calls her Miss Kitty. However, we did find out that Sergio might very potentially have a cat allergy!



We had a very lazy weekend. Sergio, Courtney, and I did go out one night to see Pitch Perfect. It was hilarious, and I absolutely love music movies. Courtney did an impromptu photo shoot of Sergio and me too. The pictures were pretty cute. Courtney's really good at photographing nature and animals, but she hasn't done much with people. We had fun being her dummies.





We had Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday morning after church with my sisters and brother-in-law, Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma, and Grammy. My first Thanksgiving with Sergio!

We celebrated Abby's 13th birthday that day too, even though her real birthday is today. I cannot believe my baby sister is 13!


On Monday, Grammy asked us to come to Thanksgiving dinner at her house, so Sergio and I went there before heading back to Acadia. She had all my aunts, uncles, and cousins from Nova Scotia. Sergio has officially met all my Jones family, and he's only missing one cousin on my mom's side who lives in Montreal. Heck, I've barely met that cousin.

I'm on a bit of a Taylor high. She's releasing a new song from her album every Monday until the album comes out. I love getting new Taylor music.


Tuesday, 25 September 2012

Back to Where it All Began

I got to spend this last weekend at home with my hurting sister.
Life is rough, especially life in high school.
Mom left for Bermuda on Sunday morning, and Courtney needed company. I'll always feel for the brokenhearted.
Farmer's Market Purchase
I wasn't going to just sit around and let her mope though! Our weekend was filled with cookie baking, movie watching, Sims playing, and church going (a little homework thrown in there too).


Courtney and I also spent a bit of time searching for her perfect prom dress! So exciting! The first of any of us Jones girls to go to prom. But I'm not jealous or anything..
My most recent project is working on my family tree. It started off pretty small. I could only get back to one of my great grandmothers - the one I knew. But I mentioned the project to my grandmother, and she brought me down a whole bunch of information. I'm picking away at it still, but it's currently dating right back to 1767! It's extremely interesting to see where your family has been. Did you know that if my great great grandmother had had any daughters (she had five sons), there is a chance that I would've been colour blind? Of course, you didn't. But now you do. :)
Game Night in Rojo
Cranium
Last night, Grammy came down to Wolfville. She sat down with me for awhile and went through the family book with me, then she took Kirsten, Jared, Sergio, and I out for dinner at the Lib Pub. So happy to introduce Grammy to the Lib Pub Burger! She nearly finished it too! Impressive!
School is picking up work wise this week, but I'm trying not to think about it too much. My philosophy with school has always been to just do it instead of think about it. I've saved myself so much stress.
Sergio is gone to the job fair in Halifax today. He's looking for a job in Halifax for the summer, just in case we decide to spend the summer up there instead of Wolfville. No plans yet though.
Surprise from Serg :)
I missed EC Song Night but Sergio saved me some roses
Also, Taylor Swift's newest, Begin Again:


Author of my Faith

Looking back over the last 20 years of my life (actually, let's just go with my 12 years of my Christian life), I've gone through a lot of rough patches. As a child, my most quoted verse was definitely Hebrews 13:5, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Fear has always been a big one for me.
There's been a lot of times, especially in high school, that I felt I had absolutely no where to turn to for comfort - except to Jesus. It wasn't until I was in university that I formed close relationships with people who didn't consider Jesus their primary source of comfort. The differences in comforting someone who believes in Jesus and someone who doesn't are immense. I still cannot comprehend how people get through rough patches without Jesus by their side. However, as a Christian, I know that every depth of despair is God challenging my faith and calling me to reach out to Him.
Throughout my walk with Jesus, I've learned so many verses of Scripture, but I often have trouble recalling them when I need them the most.
During heartaches, I often grab my Bible and locate the verses of comfort and strength - the ones that remind me of the greater plan God has for me.

Here's some good comfort, God-knows-the-plan verses:

Psalm 34:18
The LORD is near to the broken hearted and saves the crushed in spirit. 

Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 

II Corinthians 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight. 

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 

I Peter 5:7
Cast all your cares on the Lord, for He cares for you. 

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall make straight your paths. 

Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 

Jeremiah 17:7
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is in the Lord. 

Psalm 18:2
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 

John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. 

I know that I am, without a doubt, no where near finished growing as a Christian. I'll be growing in Christ for the rest of my life, but it's encouraging to know that I do rely on Jesus for comfort. He's my Rock.

This past little while I've found my faith being challenged - not through rough circumstances though, just through the discussions I've been having with other Christians. For some reason, this last week has been filled with discussions of the importance of sharing faith with non believers, prayer, and relying on God's perfect plan. Maybe I'm missing some sort of giant hint, but I think we're in for something good.





Sunday, 16 September 2012

10,000 Reasons

Classes are off to a roaring start, and I'm just loving my course load!
This semester I'm taking Sociology of Deviance, Social Movements, Contemporary Social Theory, Feminist Theory, and Introductory Spanish. My favourite would definitely have to be feminist theory. It's just so many things about gender socialization that I never have considered. I also think I'll love intro Spanish, but so far, I've known everything they've taught because of my impromptu Spanish lessons from Sergio.
Cooking is going a bit better. I made my mama's chicken pot pie last week, and that lasted me the whole week!
Last weekend Sergio and I headed back to Truro. We went to Lynn's visitation on Friday night. Hard. That's my only word. You know what was neat though? When I saw Lynn's body, I was just overcome with certain knowledge that he wasn't there. Not only did the body not even look like the Lynn I knew, it was just an overwhelming realization about how real Heaven is because that's exactly where Lynn is.
We had a family movie night on Friday night, then headed to bed.
Saturday morning, Mom and I did manicures and pedicures before everyone got up. Courtney curled my hair, and we got all dressed up for the funeral/wedding.
The funeral was a joyful celebration of a man who was definitely a man after God's own heart. Our hearts break for his family, but we are so encouraged by the life he led.


 We left the funeral early to make it to Jessica and Justin's wedding. They had a small, intimate backyard wedding and reception. There was definitely lots of family for Sergio to meet, and he had to experience the craziness of my aunts on the dancefloor. But that was bound to happen at some point. 




















I loved dancing away the night with him and my sisters and parents and extended family. We all had an amazing night.

Sergio and I had to leave Truro early on Sunday morning to make it back for Sergio to get to work.
There's so much I could say about this last week. I'm really excited for how the school year is starting out, and I hope that means I'm in for a fabulous semester!



Thursday, 6 September 2012

A Time for Everything

My, that was a big blog break. But, I always turn to writing to work through my mind, and, right now, my mind has a lot to work through.

Obviously since I last posted, I got Sergio back from Guatemala. That was a very exciting day! It was almost surreal to have him back. But I'm getting back into the normal swing of things now.

I finished up work the last week of August. That was terribly sad. The people I worked with blessed me in countless ways. They made me promise to come back and visit them. They even talked about pooling their money to pay my salary so they could keep me. They just melt my heart. I have a copy of their September calendar though, so I will go down one or two afternoons this month.

I had many good times with Lindsay once she was down in Wolfville. Our "friendship retreat" was a fun couple of days catching up with each other. You've gotta love the friends you can always jump right back to where you left off with.
Zeller's Date!

Zeller's Milkshakes
Virgin Strawberry Daiquiris

Tully T. Thursday
I had a lot of fun creeping on frosh week from the sidelines this year. It was very weird to not be participating, but you've got to move on at some point. I did get the chance to get to know the EC RAs and house council pretty well though. My heart will always belong to Tully though.
Tully Mock Olympics
Creeping on Rose Ceremony

The main reason I felt like blogging was because of the big blow I received earlier this week. It was one of those moments when I was waiting for someone to start laughing and say it was a big joke. But that didn't happen. Lynn Erskine, the worship pastor at my church and my piano teacher from high school, died suddenly on Sunday night. He had been running on a regular basis to train for his team "Run From Hunger" that would be running later in September. But on Sunday, he had a heart failure and died that night in the Truro hospital. At 31, he left behind his beautiful wife, Natasha, and their two daughters, Roya (4) and Alea (2).
Lynn, Natasha, Roya, and Alea

Roya and Alea
Here's a tidbit of his inspirational words:
"Please, with everything in you, chase after Jesus with everything in you. Don't give up because you're tired. Don't give up because you hear the enemy of your soul roaring. Jesus is so powerful, loving, caring, challenging, and perfect. He's transparent and humble. He's welcoming and personal. He's great and mighty. He's more than all these things, and you know you want to know Him. Don't judge Him by me or by any other person who says they know Him. Get to know Him very well and go from there."

For all of those who never had the blessing of meeting Lynn, it might be difficult to understand his legacy, but anyone who did know him was greatly blessed because of it. He was passionate about Jesus and adored his family the way a man should. He was incredibly musically gifted.

He's the reason I fell in love with music again in high school. He understood why I was playing and Who I was playing for. He encouraged me in that. I'll never forget the first time I played the piano during offering at church. Lynn introduced me to the church and told them, as I had confided in him in a previous lesson, that before I played for people, I would pray that God would use my music to work in people's hearts and that He would be truly glorified through me.

Lynn believed in my musical talents. He took me under his wing and taught me not based on any sort of lesson plan, just out of what he felt God wanted me to try. He taught me the most beautiful pieces. He never discouraged me when I asked for some lessons from my Taylor Swift book, and he teased me about that right up to the last time I talked to him.

One piece we always talked about learning was "Waterfall" by one of our favourite composers, Jon Schmidt. Lynn's not here anymore to help me work through it, but I know he left me with enough knowledge and confidence to learn it myself. Now, more than ever, I'm inspired to crack down and learn.




He and Natasha partnered with me as prayer support when I went to Bolivia during high school. They supported me as I graduated high school and left for Acadia (Lynn had been an Acadia graduate). Lynn told me names of music professors to look up for more lessons when I got here, something I never bothered to take him up on.

The way he so obviously cherished his wife and girls made it clear to me how I wanted to be cherished by my husband. He was an amazing example.

A Love to Strive For
My heart breaks for Natasha, his girls, and the rest of his family during this time. Living off his income poses issues for his wife. Being the generous soul she is, she never thought to bring money into her own pocket during this time, but it was decided by his family, that the best way to honour his memory is to support his loved ones. A fund has been set up. The goal is to raise $60,000 for Natasha, Roya, and Alea. Keep the family in your prayers, and, if God lays it on your heart, make a donation.

The great comfort we have is knowing that Lynn is now with his Saviour singing his heart out to the Lord. Every time I picture him up there, I think of him and King David hanging out with Jesus playing on the David's harp singing glorious songs to the Lord. I rest knowing he's happy and complete.

Even when we don't have the answers, we can rely on the One who does.




Monday, 20 August 2012

The Home Stretch - 18 Down 5 To Go

Turns out, I did have a pretty exciting weekend after all!
Adrianna had moved to Moncton on Friday, and her mom was leaving on Saturday afternoon. So, I headed up to Moncton on Saturday morning to spend the day with her! Her new apartment is so cute. We hit up The Bay (which was having its closing sale - 70% off everything), Champlain Place Mall, and Winners. I actually bought like nothing. Stuff for Sergio's birthday and some new yarn. I'm very exciting.
I took Adrianna to a cafe in Moncton that has the best dessert crepes. Cara and I went there a lot when I would visit her in Moncton.

I drove home around dinner time and spent the evening with my sisters.
Sunday morning, my family was awful and didn't go to church. But only because Mom, Dad, Courtney, and Abby were heading to Maine that morning and wanted to get a head start on the road. I hate when they all leave without me. Nothing was worse than the time they randomly decided to go to Disney World one morning, but I had exams the next day and couldn't go. But this is still pretty annoying.
They didn't get out as early as they wanted to because Dad had to catch up on some mowing at the golf course before he left it, so they ended up taking me out for lunch at Saltscapes.
After lunch, I headed to Halifax and spent the afternoon shopping at Mic Mac Mall. I hung out at Grammy Jones' house, but she wasn't home. I just watched Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. I wasn't feeling too well, so it was kind of nice to do nothing.
Eventually, I called Grammy to figure out where she was. She was babysitting my cousins so I drove over there and visited with her too.
When she got off duty, we went back to her place, and I spent the night there.
I woke up super early this morning and drove to work in Berwick. And now, here I am. I'm just in Tully (using my secret illegal key since Sergio forgot to leave me his). I've only got five more sleeps until Sergio comes home, and I am so excited! I got a little sneak peek tonight about what's coming home for me! EEEK!
This week should be a lot better than last because Lindsay is going to be popping in and out and Ryan has moved into Christofer as well so that gives me another person to hang out with.
I'm anxiously awaiting the return of my beloved. Sigh.

Saturday, 18 August 2012

Red


My co-op advisor came in to do my work place review this past week. She came in to ADP and had a meeting with me then a meeting with my supervisors. She told me my supervisors couldn't think of anything they would want me to improve in and that I was the best student they had ever had. They were impressed with how easily I had been able to establish relationships with the clients. But it's not hard when you see how adorable and longing for love they are. I was very encouraged to hear that though. One of my supervisors is working on getting me another position (though not with VON, something along the lines of children) for January, but that's all just a big question mark right now.
We've also been having a volunteer music therapist come in to work with the seniors for the past two months. I never realized how powerful music is. It passes through every single cortex in the brain. It's worked wonders with the clients. The difference in personalities when the music therapist is working with them is unbelievable. I wish I could explain it, but I don't want to get into confidentiality stuff.
I had a pretty boring week outside of work. I went shopping in New Minas on Thursday for a little bit. That's super exciting...
My internet bundle never came. It was supposed to set up by August 1. So, I called them and just canceled it. I've lasted two weeks without it; another won't kill me.
After work yesterday, I headed home for the weekend. Mom and I spent lots of time researching flights to Guatemala for Christmas! The issue is that Christmas Day falls awkwardly in the middle of the break, and my family wants me here and Sergio wants me there. Talk about torn. So we were trying to find a flight that would allow me to spend Christmas morning here then that night in Guatemala. Difficult? Impossible. The other issue is that if we wait until after Christmas, my time there would be pretty short unless Sergio could get out of winter RA training, which may be a possibility. So, we looked into flying out on December 23th (not the 24th because I don't want something to happen weather wise where I spend Christmas in an airport). And that's possible. But it would break my mom's heart, and I don't know if I could handle doing that to her. So the most likely option is to head our first thing in the morning on the 26th. We figure we can probably get 10-11 days out of that. Of course, I'll be going back though so we don't have to squeeze everything into this one trip, but I can't wait to see where Sergio is from.
Now, I'm cuddled up in Abby's comfy bed. I have no idea where she slept. She has issues with sharing her double bed. I'll probably do something with Courtney and Abby in Truro today. It is nice not to have set plans though.
Just two more weeks of work! I've got a 15 minute presentation to prepare about my work term that I have to develop to the faculty of the sociology department. YIKES!
AND one week from today I'm picking up Sergio at the airport!!!!
Also, if you have not already, please listen to Taylor Swift's new single "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together". It's her first single from the new album Red which will be released on October 22nd. It features 16 songs with many collaborations including Ed Sheeran ("A Team". Needless to say, I'm excited! 

Thursday, 16 August 2012

Ten More Days


I spent the short work week in Wolfville. I swear I was going crazy. I was the most unproductive I’ve ever been. It was just awful. But thankfully, Friday came. After work on Friday, I booked it off to Truro for the weekend.
It's been rainy here in the evenings. Seems appropriate.

I stayed home with my family on Friday night. My mom had made her amazing chicken pot pie!

Saturday morning, Courtney, Mom, Abby, and I got in the car and headed to the city. We spent an hour or more in the Christian book store in Bedford. Ithink we bought a combined total of ten books. We love that place.

We met up with Kelsey for lunch at Montana’s. It’s so rare that I spend time with all my sisters together at the same time.
Abby with her kid's menu item

After lunch, we went to Costco and MicMac for a little bit.This whole trip was supposed to be so Mom could get me new clothes for the fall, but it didn’t work out since all my sisters came too. I did get new jeans and underwear, but our shopping is far from over.

Kelsey came back home with us so Saturday evening, I got to be with my entire family – well, minus Zach. My entire original family. That’s even more rare than seeing all my sisters at once! We got to have a lovely dinner together before heading out for the evening.  

I was supposed to be camping out at the Blaauwendraat’s that night, but Ryan was an idiot and changed his plans. So I headed out to Adrianna and Lydia’s.We had a great night together. There was the three of us plus Jeremy and Joseph plus two guys I didn’t know. We headed out to a bar in Elmsdale, but, little did we know, it was redneck night… good times, good times. We got back to theTenNapel’s and went to bed around 3am.
Blurry
My first time playing

In the morning, I drove home to meet my family for church.Grammy Jones came down for the day as well. After church, we had corn on the cob for lunch, and I took it easy for the rest of the day. I skyped Sergio for awhile, then I skyped Patty-Sue for awhile.

I was planning on going back to Wolfville that night since Iworked Monday morning, but I was too exhausted and had no desire to go back toa lonely apartment. I made the executive decision to stay home one more night.

That was great until 5am rolled around, and I had to get ready for work.

The valley’s been fine this week. I’m starting to get a little sad about finishing up with my seniors, but I knew this was going to come. But more than anything I’m excited for Sergio to come home in 11 days!

Speaking of Sergio, big shout out for his 21stbirthday which is today! I’m so mad I’m not there with him, but I got him a cake to celebrate tonight. Even if I’m celebrating alone, that’s okay. More cake for me! We’ve decided to celebrate his birthday together when he comes home. That gives me a week and a half to plan… ;)


This is posted two days late.

Tuesday, 7 August 2012

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

What an emotional roller coaster of a week..
Monday night, Sergio and I met up with my supervisor and her two children who are university age for Scotskins at Joe’s. We’re discussing the possibility of teaming up to start a new young adult’s group in Port Williams. We all agree that the one at Acadia is too hard to integrate into and doesn’t do a very good job at ministering to those who don’t know Jesus. So instead of just complaining about it, we’re going to do something about it. Everything is still in the works, but Sergio and I have been praying about it a lot and are trusting God will work things out just the way He wants them.
From Tuesday until Thursday, I was getting up before the sun, so that I could put in my office hours early and go home early to spend my last couple days with Sergio. I was exhausted. Sergio spent those days packing everything – everything! He has to be out of Tully the day he comes back, so he had to move everything to Eaton’s storage room before he left and what he couldn’t store there, he had to move up to my apartment. It was just a tiring week. We went for a couple walks through Wolfville and managed to get out to Boston Pizza for desserts one night. I think I cried at some point every day that week. Even though I didn’t want it to, Thursday night came.

Boston Pizza desserts
Thursday after work, we did all the actual moving. That took forever! We left Wolfville three hours after we had planned. But Sergio put up my canopy and curtains for my bedroom. He moved up his fans to keep the place nice and cool and left me his TV and speakers with the cord to connect it to my laptop so I can watch movies in my room on the TV. So, at the very least, I’ve got some new additions to my room!
We left Wolfville Thursday night, and Sergio took me out to dinner at Swiss Chalet in Bedford. I splurged and got dessert….
After dinner, we drove out to Kelsey and Zach’s. Zach and Sergio went out to walk the dog, Ricki, which allowed Kelsey and me to have a nice sister chat. I miss my sisters so much. It breaks my heart to think we’ll never get to be back in that farmhouse where we grew up all together.
Sergio and I headed to bed pretty early since we had to get up at five to head to the airport. Friday morning was easily my least favourite time period of the summer. We left the Withrow’s at 5:30 and had a sleepy breakfast at Tim’s. Then we drove to the airport. Gosh, it was hard. I tried to be as strong as I could be because I knew it wasn’t easy for him either. Needless to say, it was a tearful goodbye.


I had to rush down to Berwick from the airport to get to work for 8:30. The road was little blurry, but I made it only fifteen minutes late. But they knew what I was doing that morning and were very understanding.
When I got off work on Friday afternoon, I popped over to Berwick Camp and visited with Grammy Jones, Aunt Suzanne, and her three kids. Berwick used to be so special to me, but now that all my friends are gone, it’s just a campground filled with memories. I can’t wait to have kids of my own to take them there, but, until then, it’s pretty dull. I did enjoy chatting with my grandma. I walked around camp with Lindsey for awhile and got to have a much needed nap. That evening, Lindsey and Jake were in the annual camp talent show! Lauren was supposed to be in it too, but she was sick with strep throat all week. Grammy and I went to watch the show. Jake got on the stage to do his break dancing routine, the music started, and he ran off. :) Oh, well. At least he’s cute. But Lindsey got on the stage and did two of her Irish dance routines. She looked adorable. She’s heading out to a competition in Niagara Falls this week.
Jake discovers Instagram
Jake before he ran off stage
Saturday morning was pirate themed
Lindsey's Irish dance hair piece
Lindsey and I playing hairdresser
I spent the night in the loft of the cottage which was my Berwick bedroom for many, many years. It was almost surreal sleeping up there again. When I was woken up in the morning by Jake’s friend singing about a snail outside the window, I packed my stuff and hit the road.
I made to my parents’ house in time for lunch on Saturday. I basically spent that day laying low. I was exhausted and emotionally drained. I was also working on Room, a book Patty-Sue had told me to read. It was very different from what I usually read, but interesting – a pretty quick read.
Saturday night, I drove out to Ryan Blaauwendraat’s farm and met up with a group of my friends from high school. It was me, Adrianna, Lydia, Ryan, Jeremy, and Matthew. We went swimming in the pool there and sat around a campfire for a few hours reminiscing about the good old days at CCA and catching up on each other’s lives now. I don’t know what it is about those friends, but every time I’m with them, I feel very loved and accepted. We all understand each other’s backgrounds and have the same basis of what’s important to us and, generally, the same goal for our lives. They are just very easy to be around. It makes me so sad that I don’t get to spend more time with them – especially with everyone spreading across North America at the end of this month. But I know that no matter where life takes us, those guys will always be my friends.
I didn’t get to bed until super late that night, because Sergio asked if he could talk to me when I got home. Three hour time difference means when it’s a late night for me, it’s a normal night for him. But I miss him dearly, so I don’t mind losing a bit of sleep.
On Sunday morning, my butthead sister Courtney didn’t wake Abby and I up for church so we missed church. But Courtney went. After lunch, Mom took Grandma McInnes, Abby, and I out to Grandpa’s house in Pictou to swim in his pool. We used to be out there all the time in the summer when I was little, but I couldn’t tell you the last time I had been out there to the pool. Abby and I had our own Olympics. But she’s a much better diver than me because she was on the swim team, and I kept losing my bottoms. We had a lot of fun though.
Abby
I got the chance to have a nice conversation with Grandpa. He’s lonely. He and Grandma are divorced, but they still love each other very much. They still go on dates and have sleepovers and kiss, but they just can’t stand to live together. He misses the company.
Mom and I headed over to Aunt Lynn and Uncle Jimmy’s house because they are Grandpa’s neighbours and we wanted to see their yard improvements. Their daughter (my cousin) Jessica is getting married in September, and she’s having a backyard wedding so they had lots of renovations to do. It looks great though! I’m really excited for her wedding.
Speaking of her wedding…
She left the invitation on her front door because no one was home. We didn’t see the invitation until my dad found it in the woods near our house. We figure Ralph saw his name wasn’t on the envelope, and he got mad. There was a bite mark right off the top!
Wedding Invitation
We stopped for ice cream on the way home.
Scotsburn <3
After dinner, Mom and I went to play a couple holes of golf. It was hilarious. We just walked out our back door and got in the golf cart then we drove down to the hole we wanted to start on and played from there. We only did three holes though because there were other people, and we both hate golfing when we have to wait for the people in front of us. When we were done, we just zipped back up to the house and parked the golf cart beside the back door.
Loading up the cart
Mom 
View from the fifth tee
Abby and I watched a movie on the home theatre that’s now fully installed in the loft with Apple TV and Netflix. Sergio thinks we shouldn’t bother going to the theatre anymore because we could just spend the ticket money on gas to get to Truro and watch a movie there. We’d get a meal and a night away out of it too!
Home Theatre
Monday morning I was so rudely awaken by the lawn mower outside the window. I headed over to Grandma McInnes’ because she was going to teach me how to quilt. A woman came in to my work a few weeks ago and did a quilting demonstration. I’ve always loved quilt work, and I’ve learned from my job that people lose the ability to do the things they are good at. So I figured if I want to learn, I had better do it now while I still have an able teacher. She got me started on a little quilted rose that I can frame. So, that’s my project for now. When I finish the quilting part, I’ll take it back to her for the next step. She was thrilled that I wanted to learn something that was so special to her and her mother.
Quilting
On Monday afternoon, I skyped Sergio for a bit. He’s enjoying being with his family, but he’s missing his Canada family. And I’d definitely have to say I notice his absence.
Mom and Dad took Abby and me out for dinner at Jack Astor’s. Courtney is working at camp for the week so she wasn’t with us. Funny how much more you appreciate your parents when you don’t get to be with them anymore.
Jack Astor's
I stayed Monday night at Grammy Jones’ house. We watched the Olympics together and continued our conversation from Berwick. She made me a batch of chocolate chip cookies to take home.
I hit the road early this morning and worked at the office in Kentville.
And now here I am – my first night alone in Wolfville. So far, not enjoying it too much. I’m making my dinner of chicken fingers. I only have three nights until I go home again though. And thankfully, Sergio and I both have iMessage so we can talk throughout the day. I’ve got an exciting weekend coming up though, and I’m just going to focus on that because it’s a lot closer than when he comes back.
Eighteen more days!