Bench 2.0 (for those eagerly waiting)

Here are some images of Bench 2.0 completed. Perhaps once it gets an unpronounceable-yet-marketable name we can start taking orders. Seats two!

Egg Painting & Hunting

Yesterday was the official Egg Painting & Hunting Party. This year Gavin got to be part of the action and once he realized chocolate was involved he was all smiles! Sophie had fun painting, hunting (with her special green, collecting bag), and then hiding some eggs for daddy & uncle (thanks Sophie, you know my favorite kinds!)

Here are a few photos from the painting, hunting, and hiding.

Bench 2.0

I enjoy snooping through design + architecture magazines and, for some reason, have a growing affection for benches. When I was in the Dominican I acquired a great, great slab of wood that was just the piece of wood to get the bench-idea into an actual sit-able bench. I enjoyed this bench--let's call it Bench 1.0--for some time but have since said my good-byes and trust it is being used and enjoyed. (Until I can devise a way to ship it up to Canada. As I said, an affection.)

Well, with the help of my turning-ideas-into-action-father, I am moving forward (in the memory of Bench 1.0) as Bench 2.0 is underway. My affection for benches and emerging affection for laminated wood came together this week. Here are some images from the project which, after tomorrow's routing, sanding & varnishing, will be sit-able.

(Please excuse any overly affectionate talk related to furniture)

King's Fold Retreat & Renewal Centre

There is a great retreat and renewal centre about 40 minutes from my house called King's Fold. It has a rich history, is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and has become a special place to volunteer for my parents---and this weekend was my turn. Cutting, peeling, washing, mixing, scrubbing, fire-making, recycling, vacuuming, serving, pouring, table-setting, and of course time to enjoy the scenery outdoors and indoors (great library!)

Here are a few photos from a short hike this past weekend (there are many more scenes and special spots to be seen & discovered). If you have been looking for a place of retreat--either for a day or extended time--I encourage you to consider time at King's Fold.