Merry Christmas! Joyeux Noël! Feliz Navidad!!

 We began our adventure with the thought of being closer to family.  Now, during the holidays, we realize just how important it is for us to be closer. Last night, we had the big family dinner in Montreal. It was quite a change from our previous years in Vancouver. Our tradition had been a quiet dinner with seafood crêpes on the 24th and Christmas with friends on the 25th. This year, there was a full house filled with laughter, dancing, and boisterous conversation. It had been at least 13 years since were all gathered at Christmas which was much too long.
I remember Ghislaine, Gilles' mom, saying she wanted everyone gathered together on the 24th many months ago. For a while, it seemed like it might not happen. She made her delicious tortière. I would be happy to share her recipe, but like all great recipes, it is not written down.  I was eager to watch her make it but with the craziness of the holidays, that did not quite happen. Here is a recipe I found on the internet that looks pretty authentic:   Recette de la Tourtière du Lac St-Jean .


We have much to be thankful for this holiday season: supportive and loving family and friends both near and far, a home that is lovingly being built, a wallet that was lost but now found and so much more.

 I thought I would add a few pictures of the construction to put in perspective how far things have come.

July 31 - Gilles begins to clear the land

August 26 - permit posted

Sept 1 -Gilles starts works on the shed

Sept 7 - basement walls are up

Sept 24- the south wall goes up

Oct 5 - second floor walls go up with the help of Steve

Oct 11 - starting to look like a house

 

 

 

 

Nov 5 - windows and patio doors go in

Nov 10 - roofing is finished on the house and shed

The construction has come a long way. We have heat, electricity and insulation. What more can I ask for Christmas? For my birthday in Feb, I will be excited to get some plumbing, drywall, appliances and a kitchen (even if not exactly on time).