Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Back to School Mantle 2022


This is the last year that I have a kid in school. I can't quite believe it. I knew I really wanted to do a back to school mantle. The last time I did one in 2014, the boys pretty much hated it.  Here is the previous one:


I went to a bunch of antique stores back in late August to look for school related items but all that I found was a school bell. I was hoping to maybe find a lunch box or thermos but the ones I found were super expensive. 

Here are some close ups.





This mantle was received more positively by C this time around. I'll probably change it to a fall theme in October.




Pin It

Friday, September 16, 2022

Sunny September Visit


I visited my parents last weekend. It was earlier in September than I usually like to go but an opportunity came up to stay in the guest suite (and save a lot of money on lodging) so I grabbed it. Since my parents live in a small apartment and live in a very popular tourist destination, finding a place to stay is crucial.

I left on Thursday morning. I heard the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth on the radio while driving north. A momentous day.

No trouble at the border. about a 20 minute wait. I caught the 12 noon ferry and was the very last car on the ferry.  It was a smaller boat than usual. I had a salmon burger for lunch. White Spot salmon burgers are delicious. Actual salmon.

I sat outside on a bench to enjoy the scenery and the warm sunshine. 


I chatted with a lady from Calgary and we saw eye to eye on current events including our opinion of the Canadian prime minister's dictatorial actions. 

When I arrived at my parents' place I gave my Mom the pillow I had been working on. It matches the quilt that I gave her last Christmas.


Thursday night Dad and I had supper at the Royal Oak in Oak Bay neighbourhood. I think I would've preferred the Penny Farthing. A note for next time. 

On Friday I took Mom for a drive. Dallas Road is always good even though we couldn't see the Olympic mountains due to smoke from various fires.

We stopped at Willows Beach. The "tea room" was already closed for the day




We had tea at Oak Bay Marina in the cafe. I liked it. Mom had a lemon bar. I had iced tea. They had a huge pan of Nanaimo bars that I had to take a photo of.


Mom and I sat outside and enjoyed the sunshine. At the marina there used to be seals there that you could feed. Friday night Dad and I ate at the White Spot which we walked to.

Saturday morning I went to the Village Restaurant in Esteven Village - a neighbourhood near my parents' apartment. We've been going to that restaurant for years. I ate outside in the sunshine. It is very popular. 

French toast

Also on Saturday I went to Super Chance an antique/thrift store in James Bay. They have so much china for sale at low prices. I bought these plates.


I cut Dad's hair. That was a first for me. 

On Sunday I drove Dad to church. The Sunday that I was there was a Ministry Fair. There were tables set up all around the fellowship hall and the sanctuary for each of the various ministries. I enjoyed talking to the ladies at the Hug a Bear table.



The Sole Sisters is a good idea - a walking club. I said hello to the Prime Time table, missionary ladies table, and the Care Team table. I took notes of all the people I talked to (not just at ministry tables) so I could report back to Mom. I wish my church was just a little bit bigger so we could have more ministries. 

In the afternoon I helped my mom change over her clothes from summer to fall. When I visit my parents we like to go out for a special meal. Oak Bay Beach Hotel is the best place. We eat in The Snug which has a great view of the water. We celebrated both my Dad's birthday and my Mom's birthday.



Boat viewed through window






Monday I left at 8:05. I got to the ferry terminal at 8'45. I got on the 9 am ferry. That was a relief. In the past I've waited for over an hour for a ferry.

Very smoky on BC Lower Mainland. I couldn't see the Vancouver skyline. I stopped at Tsawwassen Mills Walmart to get chocolate for my kid.


The border wait was one hour and 20 minutes. I did some sewing while I sat in the car. 

No problem with border guard. I didn't have to go into the office like the last 2 times.

I noticed that the flags are at half mast in America in honour of the death of Queen Elizabeth.

I stopped in Bellingham to walk around a bit. Penny Lane Antique mall.

It is so good to be able to see my parents regularly and help out for a few days.




Pin It
Related Posts with Thumbnails