This winter has been the best yet, not just because we got set up early (winter tires, dry firewood, lots of books to read), but because we discovered the mind-saving genius of the overnight trip to the city. B was always a little skeptical of Halifax’s charms, though I liked it from the get-go. Of course, he never really got a chance to explore it in our early days as Nova Scotians, since he would be in meetings all day long with web clients, while I would be off exploring. Starting last November, we realized we could separate the cats (our house is handy for that, what with all the doors), fill their feed dishes to the brim, and leave them for a night. Then we zip off to the city hotel, get Thai takeout for dinner, wander the freezing-cold but pretty streets of downtown, and take in the bright and bustling Saturday morning market. We have our favourite places to eat, our favourite shops, and these short ventures into a citified existence keep us from going stir-crazy.

We’re off for another overnighter sometime soon, and we’re thinking of keeping it up throughout the summer. But we’ll see. Neither of us feels the need to leave the Valley in the summer, when the beautiful weather leaves us wanting nothing more than to hang out in our own backyard. I have often said that living here makes me feel like I’m on permanent vacation, and that’s never more true than in summertime.

But before I completely forget about the past three months (I do take my time between blog posts), I thought I should record some of it for posterity. Hopefully I’ll be back to make some springtime posts before we’re deep in the heat of August.

Mom, these are the books you got me for Christmas. Thanks again!

Monkey staring out the window…

…at this deer in our neighbour’s garden. There were three.

Our beautiful felted Christmas Fairy tree-topper, made by Erin.

Our cats like their (medium-size dog) carriers quite a lot, and treat them like bedrooms.

Me, blurry and happy and holding a plate of Thai food.

Susie’s Classics, Red Velvets, and Black & Whites from the cupcake shop.

We looked after Griffin for a few hours while Lauren taught a yoga class. Lesson learned: eat your own dinner before trying to feed a baby, or you’ll end up with stewed prunes and baby socks in your mashed potatoes.

One of the 6 cardinals that stayed with us all winter long.

A painting Sarah (Reesor) traded with Brandon, in exchange for web work. I like how I get to benefit from these trades, even though I did none of the work!

Any random winter evening in our kitchen.

Any random winter workday in my office.

Eve conducts the waves at Hampton Beach.

Jonah amongst the (sea)weeds at Hampton.

Brandon and Derick at Mavillette Beach.

Chloe, Erin, and Sunna playing in the soft Mavillette sand.

Chloe and Griffin dogpile on Lauren, Jonah dogpiles on Beach Dog.

Group shot with Beach Dog, a stranger (but not stray) dog who followed us around all day and was partial to the kiddies. Maybe we should call her ‘Nana’, like from Peter Pan. Such a good doggy.

As you can tell from the last seven photos being beach scenes, we’re all ready for warmer weather. Any day now! (It’s snowing as I type this.)