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After a Half Year of Housesitting…

November 15th snuck up on us so quickly and it is hard to believe that half of our time house sitting is already up. With each month passing, we feel more and more grateful to have this experience and to be able to live with such ease.

October brought an early record breaking snowfall  and we hosted another family guest. I was amazed that it took my 76 year old mother visiting for me to finally set up the miniPong table inside.

We had some fun!

This 2 minute video captures some of the October snow, a little miniPong and some action at our neighbourhood pub, The Last Straw. The wonderfully talented Tim Tamashiro sings as he hosted an annual fundraiser for the Calgary Food Bank.

November provided warm weather and travel for us. Although we were out of the house for half of the month, it made coming home to this sanctuary that much more special. Travelling gave us a refresher and put new perspective into our day to day.

December has brought snow, play, family, friends, and food! Now that January is just around the corner, we are finally actually starting to think about “what’s next” when people ask us. But it is still too soon to know for sure!

We are excited to see what the new year will bring!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

renee & tony

 

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Summer Has Come And Gone

And just like that, the summer is gone. Already September and a third through our time here. But boy did we take advantage of it! So many hikes were had and mountains touched. We did a bunch of camping in the forest and along lakes. There was a bountiful harvest of vegetables to be picked (and counting) and hot, sunny BBQ days enjoyed on the balcony with friends. Everything you could ask for in a summer. Not a moment to spare.

Bill and Keoma even joined us for some of it! It was wonderful to reunite once again and hear in person the stories and experiences they have had. Tony and I laugh with glee in excitement of how traveling is changing their perspectives of the world and of themselves! What an adventure! Tony remembers fondly offering to Bill, “Make yourself at home, in your own home.”

As Fall approaches here in Calgary (a bit too soon) we look forward to cozying up in front of the fireplace and enjoying the house in ways we haven’t yet.

The above video chronicles a few months of house-sitting in Tuscany, Calgary. As you will see, the garden is the star of the show and we even got a couple visits from the home owners, Keoma and Bill.

renee & tony

 

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The Kegger

What better way to celebrate moving into a beautiful home for the next year, paying no rent, and indulging in the life of suburbia then by throwing a housewarming party! While it took some time to adjust, I can now say it feels like our home. Having our friends over was an important step in acknowledging the adventure we have taken on, and it was time to share it with the people we love. The little finishing touches are coming together around the house as well which is making it feel like home.

(Disclosure: This is an inside joke. No kegger was actually had. Though don’t kid yourself, alcohol was involved.)

However, there is one little (big) detail I cannot get past which has brought me more stress than needed. WHITE. CARPET. That’s right. Now I don’t know if this was part of the house when purchased – which I’m assuming it was – but who in their right mind puts in white carpet? I mean, you’re just asking for it. Everyday, I come home from work (landscaping) usually covered in dirt and I dread walking over that carpet to get to the shower. And, when throwing a party…let’s just say I was a bit paranoid during the evening.

But all was well and joyous. Friends left giddy (and maybe a bit jealous), carpets remained white, and two housesitters were content and happy.

renee