Randomness about There and Back

I went to Halifax, Cape Breton, PEI.  I saw beautiful reds in the leaves and in the earth.  I heard the ocean, felt the wind, got wet in the rain.  Enjoyed the best mommy-vacation possible for now (Neve the nurser came too) .  No complaints though - 1 is easier than 3!  Plus wonderful Auntie Andrea to help with the 1!

Leaves on Lover's Lane at Green Gables

Farm on Cape Breton

a misty view of a Cape Breton village

Cape Breton view again :)  On our way to Celtic Colours!

first view of PEI from ferry

PEI

Halifax

I did miss the hugs and kisses from the big kids.  I didn't miss the fussing, whinning, the requests, the bedtime busyness, the mealtime chaos.  Neve travelled like a pro and I truly felt relaxed, rested, and peaceful.

We ate good food. Lots of good food.  Like the scallops at jane's on the common or the seafood chowder at The Red Shoe Pub. 

Andrea at the Red Shoe Pub

Undoubtedly the best meal was at Cape d'Or.  The freshest lobster ever.  We were given a rock to help us eat it :)  Such a fun experience.  I may be back to the mountains of boring laundry now, but I smiled while throwing in the jeans drizzled with the lobster juice!

If I could have changed the weather just one time on the trip, it would have been while we were at Cape d'Or.  The wind was CRAZY the night we arrived.  I found the windows rattling from the wind off the ocean relaxing and fun in the cozy guest house, until I wanted to fall asleep.  Then it seemed to get louder.  I hoped and prayed for nice weather to grace us the next morning for some exploring, but it was rainy, rainy.  I got to snap a few pictures in the misty, drizzly morning before the real hard rain came.  Though disappointed as we headed off, I could only choose joy, because really what could be better?  I was being driven along the coast in Nova Scotia, enjoying beautiful scenery (knitting some, of course) and Neve continued her usual good-in-the-car sleep in the backseat.
 
Today I wish I could find some of the peaceful quiet I experienced on the trip.  Oh, my.  Sick kids.  Fussy kids.  A bored kid.  Baby needs.  So easy to get frustrated again.  I can't seem to achieve much.  Definately not any coherant thoughts here.  I have sat down here at least 30 times, only to be called away within minutes.  Sometimes only seconds.  Its a little harder to chose joy now.  Especially with the crazy sleep disruption and deprivation.  I thought I would quickly make a copy of the pictures to send to Andrea and blog.  Then, move onto the other 30 things I would like to have done.  One beginning goal for the day and still not accomplished as we near the end of the afternoon.
 
But really, today I have 3 beautiful children, a comfortable house to raise them in (minus the dirt and mess, oh, I shouldn't even mention it though, because that's ruining the point), and a husband who gets off work at a decent time, and who comes home and helps with the craziness.  I should see joy and thankfulness for so many things. Everything.  Simple things.  A washer and dryer to deal with mountains of laundry with ease.  The best cheese sandwiches ever (mmm, fenugreek gouda from Nova Scotia) and yummy tomato and avocado salad.  The choice I made that day on Cape d'Or I can make right now, to look past what I wish were different and choose to see the good. Oh, I am trying.
 
And, it always helps to remember the little bits of goodness that I find everywhere (if I'm looking!)

Cuteness on the ferry to PEI

beautiful b&b - Victoria, PEI

giggling at trying to enjoy sunset on super windy evening

sheep on Cape Breton farm where I bought my wool blanket *happiness* 

tour of Belfast Mills on PEI - yes, I love wool *grin*

picking wild raspberries

picnic at a Cavendish beach

happiness in the newly finished puple sweater

and more happy sweetness

learning history at Pier 21

acorn love! oh, the uses I have in mind for these treasures
like hats on felt animals, mmm, yes fun!

What a disorganized whirlwind recap that was.  Just a glimpse into some of the joys of the trip.  Which I will recall as needed, in the chaotic moments around here, which will only increase - did I mention we officially have a new crawler in the house?!