Shower Preview

It's finally looking more like a shower than a construction zone.  It will look a lot better after grout.  So far, of the 9 surfaces in the shower plus curb, the ceiling and floor are the only two that have been grouted.  I did all the baseboard around the room with the same tile as on the curb too which also needs grout. So now it's down to grouting, sealing, and installing the fixtures and then maybe consider a shower door, for now a simple rod will do. 

This project was much more work than I ever imagined and plan to detail most of the main steps another time.

My Dearest Amber....

I thought long and hard about whether I should write this or not. Eventually I decided that although it may bring tears to my eyes to write this now, I felt I should let you know how fantastic your grandma (my mother) really was. 

At the Aquarium in Maui

 Your Grandma was taken from us far too soon and even though you only knew her for a short 17 months, you were so fortunate to have been able to spend many weeks and weekends with her. Over the years I know I am going to tell you many great stories about her, but I also wanted you to have this to look back on to remember the top five ways your Grandma was so exceptional.

Reason #5: Loving

Your Grandma loved you (and her whole family) so much. I seem to have endless photos of her snugging you and you definitely loved it. Any time Grandma was around you would instantly stick your arms straight out in the air and demand that Grandma snuggle you instead of mom.

When you were very little, I often didn't know how to get you to sleep as well as Grandma did. So most of the time when we were visiting Grandma she snuggled you to sleep. She had the "magic touch" with you. Eventually it became a ritual and you basically demanded Grandma snuggle you to sleep whenever she was nearby. Fortunately Grandma was more than happy to oblige.

Let's take a quick trip down Snuggle Lane.....

The day after you were born (first to arrive to see you!)

3 generations

8 month snuggles

1st birthday snooze in Grandma's arms

Reason #4: Beautiful

Your Grandma was beautiful inside and out. She always went out of her way to make sure all of those around her were happy and she never once asked for anything in return. In terms of outer beauty, I believe the word "stunning" sums it up.

My very favorite picture of your Grandma

Reason #3: Generous

I can't even begin to explain how generous Grandma was. You were constantly showered with gifts "just because" and you and I even got to go to Maui when you were just 3 months old!

Having a snuggly snooze in Maui

Reason #2: Smart

One of the most accomplished realtors on the Coast, Grandma proved that she could win big in a 'man's world'. She was (and is) an inspiration to me and part of the reason I chose the career path I did.

....and the #1 Reason your Grandma was so exceptional...

She was my best friend.

There is a common saying that "we all eventually grow up and turn into our parents". I'd say that even if this only half comes true we are both pretty lucky.

Mt Biking

We have been spending a ton of time up in Sechelt this year.  Twist my rubber arm - trailside accomodation with great family and friends, and a hot tub to come back to after you ride yourself into the ground.

The trail network up there is expanding rapidly.  Every time I've gone for the last few months, I find some new trail that I explore as far as is practical, and then go back to it next time to incorporate it into the loop.  The best part is that most of the trails can be ridden up or down and my goal has been to optimize the ratio of singletrack to total kms ridden.  A few years ago I knew of a few trails that I would do and link them together with sometimes long monotonous stretches of logging roads.  Not anymore.  Here's a gps shot of a 25 km ride where easily 20 of it was sweet loamy singletrack.

That particular day, like 90% of the days this spring, was raining.  I didn't let it stop me and took off anyways.  I actually really like being in the forest on these cooler days with the mist of the clouds and rain.  Anyways, on this day I came across a place (on a trail) that was almost magical.  It is a brutal climb along a treed ridgeline where you can see the steep cross slope (in some places) on both sides of the trail.  The forest floor is covered in a yellow-green moss as thick as the thickest 70's carpet you've ever seen.  I was riding along a trail so new that this moss-carpet had hardly even been cut through by the biting treads of rolling bike wheels when I came upon this amazing little clearing.  In this spot the trail becomes lined with inuksuk statues around an S-turn.  Perhaps one of those "you had to be there" moments, but that is the whole point of trying to explain it on a blog, that is part of mountain biking.  Sometimes you just emerge onto some of the most amazing forest scenes.  I just had to stop and appreciate this place.

Because it was such a wet day I only had my crappy phone-camera with me so here are many photos that do not do this place justice.  Next time we go up I'm going to ride this trail again and bring the better camera and a mini-tripod.

 

 

Too Soon For Words

Canada Day this year unfortunately marked the one month loss of an amazing mother, grandmother, wife, and friend to many . In the month that has passed both Kristy and I have abandoned numerous attempts at making a post about it.  That will come with a bit more time and here is a reproduction of her obituary and some photos of a memorial garden that we built on the day she passed as well as a few from the memorial.  As was the theme that weekend, the innocent and blissful ignorance of the situation that the children had, pulled all the rest of us through.

Jenny McCourt

February 22, 1948 - June 1, 2012

Jenny passed away in the early morning of Friday, June 1, 2012, after a courageous three year battle with breast cancer.  She was 64.  Jenny devoted her life to the ones she loved and was the foundation of her immediate family.  Jenny always gave her time, effort, and love without any expectation of reciprocation.

Born in China and raised in Vancouver, Jenny came to Sechelt in 1974 and married Steve in 1976.  On the Coast, she worked for St. Mary's hospital, was one of the top realtors on the Sunshine Coast and was a Land Management and Leasing Officer for the federal government.

Jenny is survived her loving husband Steve, son Rick (Tracy), daughter Kristy (Tim), sister Jen (Robert) and grandchildren Naomi, Keira, and Amber.

We will miss your ever-caring heart, your always listening ear, your immensely wise words and your endless loving soul.  In your final days, it was a privilege for us, your family, to serve and take care of you for a change...

(as printed in the Coast Reporter)