Luis's 'Secret' Beach

The first month we arrived Luis bragged about his 'secret' beach, a small bit of paradise that he and Lola discovered.  They would go a couple times a week, run up and down the beach, frolic in the sea,  just the two of them.  He loved his beach and was always excited to show me.  I am not sure why, but it took till today for me to actually get there (and it is only 15 minutes away) only to learn that the beach is not so secret after all.

 There is now a small restaurant, umbrellas and chairs and a whole load of Italians.

 Lola is always on the hunt for crabs.  She now refuses to do anything else at the beach, no playing with sticks or in the waves, solely digging for and chasing crabs.

A beautiful spot which I am guessing is only 'secret' in the off season.  So we will have to wait until May to reclaim the beach.  

Trusted Pet Sitters

Back in Phuket after a long but surprisingly easy journey.  I had an amazing time in Canada and wish we were there longer.  But here we are, and I must say the beautiful weather is helping.  Luis is back at his tutoring jobs jet lag and all while I am preparing for our next guests.

We came back to a super happy and relaxed Lola after her two weeks of vacation with her Hungarian pet sitters.  Back in October we were put onto a web sit called Trusted Pet Sitters, people willing to take care of your pets in return for use of your house.  It has worked so perfectly, Jeno and Betti have thoroughly loved Phuket (even giving us loads of tips) and Lola ever had to leave her home.   A service we will definitely use again.

 On another note, we were so lucky to see so many wonderful friends in Canada.  Could not believe we saw Maria from Basel days and then look who we find at for our last lunch in Canada.

None other than wonderful Bip who made the effort to come and even treat us to lunch at the airport.  A great way to end our vacation.

 Lola's new friends.  She will be sad to see them go later today.

 The hand over.  Missed her terribly as always.  

Magical Christmas

We had such a lovely Christmas and I am definitely going to make sure it happens more often.  I am so lucky to have the fab five here who are just the most amazing bunch of girls in the world.  They go above and beyond all the time and I just love them all.  Then there is my father, possibly the worlds greatest man.  I am pretty sure he has never done an intentionally mean thing in his entire life and I am so proud to call him my father.  There is a reason the fab five go out of their way and I am sure it really has nothing to do with me but their love for my Dad.  I hate leaving and wish we were here much longer or I could just take him home with me.  But I am so thankful for the last ten days, we had the most amazing time.  Yesterday we opened lovely presents, ate lots of food, visited my Mums grave and played games (where I lost again!).

Now we embark on a two day journey back to Phuket.  The only thing I am looking forward to is seeing Lola, who I of course miss loads!

Christmas Eve 2016

It is so lovely to be in Canada for Christmas for the first time in fourteen years. It has actually been fairly emotional, which will not seem strange for close friends as I am slightly emotional anyways.  But it does bring back loads of memories and things I have not thought about in years.  In a nice way.  I also have the fabulous five here, the most special group of friends that I have ever been witness too and thankfully part of.  Over twenty-five years we have been the best of friends and now to spend time with all their wonderful kids is just so special.  Most of all though I have my wonderful Dad here.  I just do not think there are words that can describe how special and dear he is to me and pretty much everyone that comes into contact with him.

Anyways, enough sappy stuff, tomorrow is Christmas and I am sure I will have plenty more to say about that!

Today we had an amazing day, first we met Maria and Doug in Milton for breakfast.  Maria featured almost daily in my Basel blog posts and has a wonderful partner now from neighbouring town Milton.  She is such an amazing women who always makes me smile and it was wonderful to see her at this time. It is a small world.

Later today we went to Amy and Ryan's for sledging and Christmas Eve drinks and chilli.   I just feel so blessed to have the friends that I do, I wish we were here longer and as always will miss them terribly when we go.

I try not to take things for granted.  Today before I hit the hay in hopes of Father Christmas visiting tonight, I want to say how thankful I am for family,my husband,  the fabulous five and the other special friends I have across the world.  Happy Christmas Eve.

Skiing..Check!

This morning we checked off another winter sport and I must admit Luis took to it quite quickly.  It is a beautiful sunny morning and him, my Dad and our neighbour whizzed around the property.  We have tracked some deer and had a lovely time.  

We just need to find ski's for me!!  Think we have found our Christmas morning walk well ski!

Ice Skating Professionals

We are trying to get Luis to do as many winter activities as possible this holiday. He went snowmobiling last week (by all accounts he is fairly lucky to be alive) and yesterday we ticked off ice skating.  He is not new to ice skates, but new to the outside real winter ice skating.  On the way to the hospital on Tuesday we noticed an outside rink so borrowed some skates and we were off.

We spent the evening catching up with Mandy who took us to this amazing house.  You tuned the radio station and the lights played with the music, it was amazing.  Another good day checked off in the Great White North.

More Christmas

I have decided that only one day of Christmas is not good enough.  As we have limited time here in Campbellville we could as well make every day Christmas.  So today I decided to have another Christmas dinner (to be fair I only had to warm up left overs) with my two favourite men.  Luis even got to open an early Christmas present.  Dad and me refused as we like the thrill of having a few Christmas morning.  Luis got a game called 'Set' that Father Christmas delivered here ages ago.  In fact it was a game I loved as a child.  We have just finished playing a few hands, over a little pecan pie, Luis has won a few but that is the beginners luck factor of course.

 Day three of left overs and they still love it!

 Luis could not resist one present before the big day

 Set, an old time favourite. A terrific game.

After a long day of hospital, games and naps it is time for pumpkin pie and bed.

The Fab Five Christmas

We have been having such a great time in the Great White North.  My father has the house looking lovely and the snow and blue skies is just beautiful.  Saturday night we had pizza at Tracy's house and yesterday was the big Fab Five Christmas lunch here.

 Tracy's for pizza.  I almost forgot to take any photos! I could not believe it!

 Beautiful day yesterday (well until you went outside, it is freezing!)

 The kiddies playing

 Kiddie table lunch

 Filling up the plates

 Luis, Ryan and Dad

 A picture of the kids, I have another one from years ago, boy they have grown!

 The Fab Five

A delicious meal that we will be enjoying all week so much left overs!