PDQ

As we age, it happens faster. Despite promises of good things ahead, this year has been a pretty tough one so far. Then again many things have happened that, in the long run, have been life changers for us. That is in part why we get to posting here on such an infrequent basis. Health is the biggie for us. This year has been the biggest upheaval in our lives. Changes forced upon us by a medical system that is both corrupt and incompetent have turned our world upside down but that can also be a revelation of good news too!  The 12 is moving ahead with the property boundary now surveyed and some fences needing alignment. Nothing major. We have been renting our present abode for the last 6 years. That's mostly because it worked so well for us. The kids are now in good jobs or at university, so again our needs have changed. It's time to move on. As winter approaches we are still trying to get moved out to the 12 before the snow hits the ground but it won't happen. Winter is the wasted half of our lives. It's when nothing construction related can happen without hellish expense and tripled effort. Just the same, we are committed to a winter of work at the 12 if only to prove our resolve to ourselves.

The pic of the house here shows the scope of the project ahead. It was totally overgrown with trees and at 60 years old, this house needs love. Most around Alberta have been torn down long ago but this little house, abandoned in the 60's has weathered away, escaping the strike of a match for all those years and may yet shelter another family. What a joy that will be! The immediate objective is to get it closed in and snow proof but the swallows are not pleased with the agenda although they will soon be heading south. Supporting the house whilst repairs to the foundations are made will the priority before freeze up. The rest can wait until spring. Building our winter camp will take all our efforts as there is nowhere for us to live out there at present. No power, water, gas or phone either. It's going to be tough but it's not the first time we've tackled such odds. So perhaps age will work in our favour and the things we have learnt over all these years will stand us in better stead. As a matter of fact, once the feelings of dread abate, we're rather looking forward to it!