2010 in Theresa and Geoff's world

On the home front, we continued the renovation saga. Installed the rest of the windows, after they had matured for a year in the garage. Geoff got really going on the basement and the year ended on a high note with the living room and kitchen all drywalled. Thank you guests. Speaking of renos Tim got a lot done on his house; it is so close to being finished. I went to Kelowna to help with Mom's new place; in case anyone missed it, I painted all the ceilings plus some walls. In November I took Geoff back with me and we (mostly Geoff) installed all new light fixtures for her, which improved the house even more.


There was an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico; who would have thought that would change our lives? BP sold most of its holdings in Alberta including the Ricinus plant and Geoff ended up taking a severence package and early retirement at the end of October. It still hasn't really sunk in that he is done work forever. It's still kind of like an extended vacation. I must say I appreciate coming home to supper and having someone to do all those errands that I had to do at lunch time. Plus it is very nice to have Geoff around lots. We still get along.

We didn't travel as much this year as 2009. That year we went to Ontario, Scotland, Barkerville. This year, apart from Edmonton, Kelowna and houseboating, we just went to Costa Rica with Jude. It was a wonderful relaxing two weeks. Since we had what seemed like 3 weeks of summer here, we were glad we got some warm sunshine, even if we had to travel far to find it. It's always good travelling with Jude. The three of us still get along.
Our houseboating vacation was good although cooler than usual. Jovita came along and fit right in. She got us addicted to a new game, Bananagrams. We met up with the Uncle Fred Robins family for part of the time, they are always fun. And got to see salmon spawning!

We have adapted quite well to not having kids around, but are always glad to see them. Grace was the only one home this summer as Sam worked at an accounting firm for the co-op component of his course. Although Will was here for a month after he was done in Sri Lanka. That was great because we could hear lots about his time there as he slowly debriefed. Tim is around of course. He didn't have the greatest year health-wise, spent a week in the hospital getting his colitis under control and had some stressful days waiting to see if his medical plan would pay for treatment. But in the end they did and he feels much better. We got to see Anne in the summer houseboating and again at Christmas time. It's exciting to think about her spending a few months at Yale.

Spiritually things are fine at church. Geoff is on vestry and we both have various jobs for the Sunday service. Occasionally I sing with the music team. We have our house church group that meets every other week. I worked on a Cursillo weekend this fall. After I agreed to help I began regretting my decision, but am so glad I carried on anyway. It was a wonderful weekend. I recommend Cursillo.

Got to see lots of the sisters. We met at Jude's to make Jim's 50th birthday quilt (still not done, I confess regretfully), plus got to see Dave Alvin. Stayed at Jude's again for Folkfest; what a hostess she is, in the hospital for cancer surgery and still is OK with company. Lisa came for ff and we had a nice visit with Uncle George and Auntie Kay. And went to the city for various other concerts etc. It's nice having our pied a terre there.

Found out through the grapevine about Grace's boyfriend CJ and had to confront her to get her to admit it. Will is seeing Maryann in Vancouver; she came out for a short visit in August and passed inspection quite handily. We also got to inspect Del, Anne's guy from the UK, who passed as well. He was here during the Olympics and it was fun watching hockey with him. If Sam and Tim are seeing anyone it is still a secret from us.

Geoff has really got into reading. It's like he is insatiable. I quite often point out how he used to get annoyed with me always having my nose in a book. To his credit, he appears to regret his former attitude.

And the icing on a good year was Christmas. All the kids home with Jude, Allison, Lisa and Richard, and Mom as well. It was such a good visit and a good time playing games, visiting, eating, laughing. We love our family.

Now on to 2011.