Stay at Home Mom

Well, Tom went off to camp yesterday morning, leaving me at home with the "boys" until Thursday eve.  I feel like a stay at home mom!  I spent the first few hours of the day yesterday looking through cooking books since I will now have to fend for myself... yikes.

Photo cred: Tom
Bruce sucking up and posing for his close-up

This morning saw fresh breakfast muffins, a hike on Jill's property, and this eve has Caribbean Rice on the menu... I'll let you know if I burn down the place in the process.

Back to Jill's property for a moment; at the last minute she sent the dogs to the boarding kennels, as they were having major issues with their septic.  She said the septic field froze and backed up and the basement was dirty to say the least.  Ewww.  This all happened the day before they were to leave for their New Zealand trip!!  The problem was fixed but just in the case that it came back, she didn't want us to be stuck in a house with three pets and crap all around.
So now it's just the cat "Princess".  She is one of those cats that you can pet twice but if you go for the third pet you get a swat! I went to top up her food and let her outside this morning and took a nice long walk on the property.  Jill has 100 acres! So there's lots of forest to explore.

I had an update from Tom's first day, yesterday.  The guy that's training him is also from Ontario and has already invited us by to his place this weekend! They had a short day in the bush yesterday since they had to do the long drive out there first, but will be doing a long day today.  I feel guilty just hiking at Jill's and relaxing at home...   He loves the food at camp, just as I knew he would.  Camp is the best.  He had ribs, roasted potatoes, veggies, salad, the list goes on.  The guys even hung out to watch a movie together last night.  Seems like a pretty relaxed and fun crew.

I start work on the 6th and am looking forward to it.  I'm a little uncertain what the job will hold for me this time around, however.  My old position (Supervisor of Field Operations) has been filled and I was going to be on the field crew with my friend Kara until a higher-up position becomes available for me to apply to.  But Kara has gone back to Ontario and they can't send out a solo field crew member... so maybe I'll be going out to the bush with the new guy in my old position?  The little tidbit that I'm holding onto is that I have my professional affiliation with the ABCFP (Association of BC Forest Professionals) and this kid doesn't, yet.  So I have my fingers crossed that if a higher position presents itself, I'll have a better shot!  Or best case scenario would be if this guy decides he'd like to take another position and I get my old job back hee hee

In any case, I'm just thankful to have a job lined up and a paycheck in the foreseeable future.  Unfortunately when I am left to my own devices at home all day, I tend to daydream about things I'd like to invest in.... my latest obsession is the idea of dying my own yarn.  I have been watching tutorials online and it is possible to dye gorgeous yarns in your own kitchen! And then if you decide to sell your yarn, you can make a killing!!!  I think I will wait until spring, when I a) have a paycheck and b) could maybe set up something outside.  I just need an element or burner out there.... hmmmm.

The house is coming together.  Still just some random furniture and no couch to speak of, but it feels like home already.  And very cozy.  The cats have both settled in and have their routines down to an art.

Living room!  Pictures still need to be hung

QUEEN SIZED BED! Luxurious

Sniffing daffodils while I make tea

Kitchen... note: the cats' new favorite place.  Can you find Odin?

The weather has not been nearly snowy enough.  That is my only complaint. I'm hoping there is still time left in the season for another huge dump on the ski hill.  The season usually lasts way into April, but who knows what will happen this year.  Fingers crossed for another dump of powder and then bring on the spring skiing if you must.  Beers on the deck of the ski chalet are welcome : )

Tom and I hiked the mountain the other day.  Me on skis and him on snowshoes. It was wild up there - into the clouds we go!

Speaking of beers, before leaving Ontario I had been testing out the gluten-free life.  I like it! I have been able to find gluten-free beers and bake with "gf" flour.  I don't miss many things, and if something delicious comes my way that has gluten, I eat it.  I've really just cut back on the gluten, I guess.  I've been doing lots of reading into the subject, and gluten is an inflammatory food.  Unfortunately our flour and grains have been heavily modified since the old days, and now aren't really all that great... I've found that by cutting out/cutting back on gluten, I don't feel bloated or tired after eating like I used to, I have a clearer head and better concentration, and I even sleep better!! As long as you are making most of your own food at home, it really isn't hard to cut back on or cut out gluten.  I highly suggest giving it a shot for a week and seeing what you think!

Anywhos, sorry this post is a little heaving on the rambling.  Maybe I'll have some fun pictures after this weekend with Tom and his new buddies!

Take care and pray for snow!!!