A Year Gone By

I can't believe a whole year has passed by since we last posted a blog entry.  Everything was still new to us, so we should have had material to write about.  Perhaps, no matter where you go, one slips into a realm of mediocrity and routine and then feels that they have nothing to write home about.  Although, I think it has more to do with the fact that we were slated to return to the West months ago, and for whatever reason...we're still here.

In this past year, we've tried to experience life as islanders to the fullest.  We haven't taken in any celidhs, nor have we traveled far away from the island as much as we thought we would have, but the soft sand beaches were never far away, and we felt a need to enjoy the local oceanic landscapes as much as we could.  We have covered the island from tip to tip, to tip (PEI is shaped a little weird)...and put all the kilometers on the F150 which should make all the oil & gas barons out West happy.  There is so much to see though, one would have to live a lifetime out here to see it all.

We've attempted to become part of our community by buying local food, firewood, and other wares that may be handcrafted using techniques that have been passed down through generations.  Over the last year we've quite enjoyed being part of a local organic veggie program, which has provided us with a bounty of wonderful produce and free range and grass or grain fed meats. 

We have met many of our neighbors, some immigrated many years ago, and some have never called anywhere else home.  Most of the people we have talked to have an interesting story of traveling from some part of the world to this island gem.  A few had even went through our experience of having just come here temporarily, but ended up moving here permanently.  I can't say for sure if that is our outlook, but the temptation is certainly there. 



We've all had birthdays here now.  Our cheeky gal is 17 months at the time of writing this.  She is such a blessing in our family.  Liam just turned four and has actually had two birthdays out here now!  He's happy to play in the yard, or ride his bike in the basement...and can always be found doting on his sister.  They are both headed into ages where they will enjoy each others company and actually like playing with one another.  Shan is lonely for home...and in some ways we all are.  We just came back from a visit to the West and it was truly hard to leave family and friends behind again.  The big cities, however, we could easily leave that behind.  We have made many friends here, but it's tough to make family out here! :D

All said, life on the island takes you back in time.  A past era that was simplified, perhaps more along the lines of how we were intended to live.  No booms, no busts...just a living and what seems to be a pleasant one.  We are staying another winter, convinced that we can endure it by the size of the firewood pile outside.  Where we go from here, it is anyone's guess.