A Barbeau Christmas!!

Ghislaine, Gilles' mom, had one wish for Christmas: have everyone together on the 24th for a great celebration. It was a bit iffy, but at the last minute everyone was able to make it.
While everyone had been sad with the loss of Raymond, Gilles' dad, it was as if on Christmas Eve, everyone was given permission to have fun and let loose. Although everyone was tired from the previous days, there was plenty of tears of laughter and lots of fun. Unfortunately, I was incredibly tired from the previous days and lack of sleep that by dessert time, I called it quits ad headed up for bed. The rest of the gang was full of beans. It was funny to see the pictures and videos of all that I missed.
Here are a few pics of the calm before dinner and the craziness that ensued:

For more crazy pics, click on the link

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).

Winter in the Sutton area

I took a drive yesterday around the Sutton area. I went as far Dunham and Frelighsburg and even West Brome. It is not a long drive and it is filled with such beauty. I shared some of my pictures on facebook, but I thought I should share them here too for those that don't have access to my pictures. I hope you enjoy them!

Building walls around me

View of bedroom wall and bathroom in the background

This week Gilles has been working hard on erecting the interior walls upstairs. As per his schedule, he should be finished with the upstairs today. There are 2 types of interior walls. First, there are the interior walls that are part of the insulation system. Then, there are the walls that divide the space. For, I am getting very excited to see the divisions. It gives a great idea of what the living space will be like. I am loving the results. In my mind, it is as if I am already living there. The more time I spend there, the more I love the feeling, the openness and the proximity to nature.

Shower stall and bathroom view

So far, the bathroom has been enclosed. The shower base is in place. There will be a glass door and 3 sides will have ceramic. On the right of it will be the stackable washer and dryer. Overall, the bathroom is on the West side of the house. The bathtub will be below the window for extra light and to be able to enjoy the view of the outdoors. There will be 2 pocket doors: one accessible from the bedroom and one just as you go up the stairs.

Straight ahead you can see the bedroom wall. On one side we will have our bed against the wall with our bedroom lights. There will only be 2 walls dividing the space. In front of the bed, we will be able to lay in bed and view the beautiful outdoors with all the windows. On the North side, we will have a large armoire divide the space between the bedroom and the crafting room (sewing, knitting, etc). When the bathroom is not in use, we can leave the pocket door open for maximum light and outdoor exposure.



Tomorrow, Gilles will start working on the downstairs. Lots more to do, but it is feeling more and more like a home everyday. There are a few deadlines looming: in early January, they will come and measure for the kitchen cabinets and at the end of January, Steve will come back for a repeat of habitat for Sutton.

Calling all birds!!!

  I built my house beside the wood
So I could hear you singing
And it was sweet and it was good
And love was all beginning

             -Leonard Cohen

Today was a beautiful and cold sunny day in Sutton. We took advantage of the great conditions to take care of some very important business. First off, Gilles installed the bird feeders that he made with leftover aluminum from the roof. We are so excited. They are strategically placed in front of the patio doors in full view from the indoors. We are hoping to see lots of birds including: chickadees, blue jays, gros becs, scitelle and any others that want to stop by and visit with us.

 While Gilles was busy with the bird feeders, I was busy hauling wood. You might recall the pics of all the wood piles I took a while ago. Well, I was tasked with making a pile on the porch to make it easier to bring in. It was hard work I tell you and there was no easy way to go about it. That's life in the country. There always seems to be something to do, but it can also be a good excuse to spend time outdoors on a sunny day.

 Later, I cleaned up the second floor. Gilles has one more interior wall to do before he gets to work on the downstairs. It is looking pretty good and I am getting excited!

No little birds came today, but I figure it only takes one before the word gets out. One bird feeder has plenty of peanuts for the blue jays and the other one has sunflower seeds for the others. Next up, start studying which birds are likely to come calling and what they like to eat. I hope they start coming soon!!

Rest in Peace Raymond!

This morning we woke up to the news that Gilles' dad passed away overnight. He is no longer suffering from cancer.  I spoke with him on Saturday. His voice was weak and frail. It did not sound like him at all. We all knew the end was near and no one wanted him to suffer, yet the news is not any easier. we can be thankful for several things: his suffering did not last long, he died at home in the house he built and loved so much and he died surrounded by love.

My heart goes out to Gilles, Michel,  Richard, Suzanne,  Sara and Ghislaine.  I am especially thinking of Odette as well who was by his side until the end. I wish there was something I could do to help, but only time will heal.

Not knowing what to say, I decided to look up some pictures of the family with Raymond and have included them in this post. Most are a bit old but they depict a bit of his life, his travels to Vancouver and time spent with family. I remember fondly having a beer with him at the Cochon Dingue in Quebec City when I spent my first summer in Canada. He was charming and interested in so many things. I loved how welcoming he was with me. He was not perfect and even politically incorrect  at times, but he was Gilles' loving dad.  He was thrilled to hear about our house building adventures. I often would try to catch him on skype to show him the most recent pictures. He was eager to come visit. Unfortunately, he was not able to make the trip to Sutton. I am sure he will be with Gilles in spirit as Gilles carries forward with the house.

I am thankful we moved to be closer to family. Life is to short to not enjoy all these precious moments. Hopefully, we can spend time together over the holidays and be thankful to have one another!