Montreal:

Charmion! Orchids amongst the computers sounds great!

New modem: Netgear aircard is working SO much better than the old model which was driving me crazy. This one turns on an off in a moment so I hope it will be more efficient and less expensive, though I do not understand what it is that costs...

I visited the two possible home sites off Island - after car was finally repaired Thurs - with two new tires on front due to one having been destroyed by broken coil spring rubbing on it. After over $2000 in repairs there is the - maybe I should have gotten a new vehicle instead! But we never know. Well de-cluttered finances! And the thought of planning to be able to obtain a new car in the next year or so. R says, "wait until something goes wrong"! NO! I do not want to be at the mercy of a car dealer at the wrong time of year...

So I picked up the car in Chateauguay and started looking for these two houses by "instinct", for lack of a map. I found a marvellous treasure! Totally lost I ended up following signs for a "refuge faunatique" and found a beautiful facility - cafe and visitor's centre for the wildlife refuge which entails most of a large island between the Chateauguay River and the Saint Lawrence. Ile St. Bernard was a "nuns" island so it is historic, with a convent as well. I was vibrating with excitement; it was so wonderful. The nice man at the cafe gave me directions to one address - a small suburban house tucked between others but backing onto another huge nature preserve! The whole area is mainly swampy! What else can be done with it!!! It is half a block (west) of the Chateauguay R. as well. The pics on line look good; we have both looked at them thoroughly and find it OK. A big clean basement and a shed in back yard, 3 BRs (one for a library), and a decent K, back deck, etc.

Then I managed to find the other one which has a darkness to it. I have not bothered to show R. So, IF this house sells, it is possible we can buy something else. Whether or not R will go for the extra distance...? But I have not yet taken him to Ile St Bernard! He has seen the booklet and seen it on line - Beautiful, Maggie! To be five minutes away from real country - not agricultural!- and near two rivers!

The plot would be to spend more time with R so he eats better... Meanwhile, someone is coming tomorrow to see house and R has some de-cluttering to do!! This is an "as is" sale, if at all but a person has to be able to SEE it! I cleaned up some dust with a damp cloth and have a headache for my trouble. Back to Beaver on Monday for a couple weeks then back here in hopes of getting R to Beaver for Christmas.

It would be such a joy to have a decent home here and be able to spend safe time with R. AS we get older, this is becoming an issue - in my mind, at least. Driving still affects ankle and dust is my worst enemy!

My big job to day is to concoct something substantial for a potluck to night. Starting with beans (on stove), rice (next in line), veggies and seasoning. Ah, yes, ye useful onion, celery...