The landscaper just dropped off their plans for all the plantings. It incorporates a living rock (bubbling rock) to the left of the driveway, fire-pit, deck, and a pond/waterfall area outside our living room window etc. Martha wants to check out some of the pond installations they have made before approving any plans. For a first draft of the design click here… 1st landscape draft (popup 700×570)

The more we do, the more things I see need replacing. All the cement is poured now and yesterday I decided it was time to find the one leak in our roof. During the rains last week, Martha noticed one spot in the kitchen that dripped about 10 drops during a major downpour. I got up on the roof to apply some repair tar and got my shock of the week. All the shingles are brittle and crumbling and there is no way the roof will make it to the spring without leaking in other spots.
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Today they started on the courtyard and sidewalk construction Martha and I wanted done this fall. They are digging up parts of the cement driveway and entrance today, then re-grading and forming up for a small courtyard out front with a sweeping bow shaped sidewalk down the west side of the house. This is Stage 1 of our landscaping project that should have started 20+ years ago. We also have to replace the windows on the west side of the garage. I’ll post some pictures as they progress here.

Saturday’s weather was great so Martha and I took off in the convertible for a leisurely drive. No destination in mind just back roads and sunshine. My only regret was I didn’t bring a camera for pictures (doh!) As we were driving along we passed through a village and noticed all the parked cars and discovered it was…
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As most of you know, my parents George and Louise Gibson, lost their home in the Kelowna forest fire. It’s always tough when bad things happen to good people, but good people have family and friends to get them through it. All your thoughts and kindness is appreciated more than you can know.
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We got to George and Louise Gibson’s home today. Had a nice visit but the smoke in the atmosphere ruined the view when we took the Mission Winery tour. The radio is now advising us to be prepared to evaquate the area as the forest fire is only a few KM’s away. The sky is lit up orange with a huge plumb of gray smoke and everyone is gathering up personal affects. I would post some pictures but this computer is old enough to not have a USB port. I’m not sure if I’ll have a chance to post any more details tomorrow but this should be a trip that Laura will never forget.