Marine Treasures

A couple weeks ago, I came across a posting on the Bowen Forum for a free rowboat. Our beautiful boat has been dry-docked for the last year or so, as moorage over here is way too expensive, as well, with all the things to do on our house, we weren't giving the boat the time and attention it needed. We've been looking for something little that we can tow behind our truck and just scoot around Indian Arm, Bowen or maybe even Pitt Lake.

For most people the free boat would look like a not so free trip to the dump yard...unless, of course, you're Geoff. He has spent the last two weekends fibre glassing, sanding, repairing the back end, painting the underside, re-configuring/welding our trailer into a boat trailer and purchasing a little motor to mount to the back. This work would have cost the average joe more than the boat is worth, however, having a handy husband certainly pays off in these situations as we're only into it by $300.00. Not bad, considering it will be a lovely sky blue with deep red pin striping around the bottom, oiled teak benches and shiny white interior once it's all finished. Will post pictures soon!

Well, that rather large introduction, brings me to the fun little find I had this weekend. While looking for parts for the boat at a second hand marine store, I stumbled upon a bin filled with used floats. I know...big deal right?!? I'm guessing they were used for crab traps, hence the bright paint, and each one has the licensing numbers etched into the foam. The weathered paint adds an amazing depth and texture, as well, the carved numbers gives it a real graphic feel. And the best part - they were each no more than $8.00/piece. So yes - very big deal (to me at least) as I think they are GORGEOUS!

We have a shelf that runs the perimeter of our living room and kitchen. I've been searching for a repetitive element to display along the shelf and I think this may be it!

Garden + Gnome pt.2

Well, it looks as though the Gnome , which Logan has named 'Rock' has finished moving in. Over the last couple weeks, little tools, a table and plants have been appearing in his garden. We were waiting for his door to go in, and this morning there it was. He has finished moving. Welcome Rock!

We have also continued bringing up wheelbarrows of dirt and slowly building our garden. So far so good. AND we finally have grass - YAY! Everything is starting to take shape and fill in. Maybe that's why I'm popping Robaxacet like it's going out of style...

TINY OASIS

Good Morning Lovelies!! As I'm sure you can tell by the lack of posts this month, the weather has turned into glorious sun and I have found myself spending less times indoors and more out. I am attempting to tackle our 1/2 acre plot and am feeling incredibly overwhelmed. It seems that I've been raking, making rock gardens, shoveling and planting and barely making a dent. Oh well....baby steps.

During my morning visit to Etsy yesterday, I stumbled upon this article. I found it very inspiring and am thinking this may be how I start with my garden. A tiny oasis is better than no oasis at all!

Little Worlds

How much fun are these?!? Logan and I - okay more me than Logan - became addicted to making terrariums last spring. Unfortunately, they didn't do as well as I had hoped. So this time around, we decided to only use mosses and baby ferns, rather than all different kinds of plants. We also added little characters to our baby forests - our windowsill is lined with little worlds.

Adams Road

When we first decided to build on Adams Road, I have to admit, I was a little disappointed. Adams is located in the centre of the island and is the main road to get from the cove to the western points of Bowen. It's a busy street as far as island roads are concerned, and does not boast the ocean views as many other areas on the island do. Of course, with that being said, the price tag for those 'view' lots are probably more than our property and house combined and for our budget, Adams Road was a perfect fit.

Now that we have been in our new home for a little over a year, I am very happy to say, that I have discovered many lovely little hidden secrets on this road of ours. First off, almost every home along 'the ridge' has kids...lots and lots of kids. Secondly, there is an old logging road that runs behind the houses, that, hopefully, when Logan is older, will be a way of travel to and from his friends without having to navigate the main road. And third, we have discovered some great trail networks, that most islanders are not aware of, directly across the street from our house. And as if that isn't great enough, there is a small farm that has chickens, sheep, a donkey and a horse and a tiny bit further is another sheep farm and llamas!! This road of ours is definitely shaping up.

There's a gorgeous creek that runs through the trail with three bridges that cross at different sections. One area has a 'sandy' bank that we call our Forest Beach.

Image on left: salmon berry blooms. Spring is on it's way!

Beautiful Bowen Island

This little rock just off the coast of West Vancouver, British Columbia, is where I grew up. We moved from Bowen Island to Port Moody when I was twelve, and I knew that one day I would return to raise my own family. That is exactly what happened in May 2004. I commuted every day with my husband, and our dog, to Vancouver. This is how we met our core group of friends; our fellow commuters.

Evenings in the summers over here are lovely. The ocean has been warming up throughout the day to allow us evening swims up until 9:30 at night. Summer bed times are stretched a tad to allow us all to cool off before heading home.

Being a stay at home Mom on an island is fantastic (most of the time). Logan and I spend our days at the beach, going on nature walks, playing with friends and constantly discovering new little 'nooks' on our island.

The foliage on this island is lush for most of the year. This year in particular has been incredibly mild. My tulips and daffodils are already 8" high and my crocuses are in full bloom! The rain forest provides us with many amazing species of ferns, mosses, wild violets that cover the earth's floor in a kaleidescope of green. As well, there are several lakes, salmon bearing streams a fish hatchery, a lagoon and so many more beautiful places tucked into this hidden gem.

I haven't even touched on all the amazing restaurants , art galleries, shops, plays, festivals - that will have to wait for another post. This was just a sampling of the rock that I am proud to call my home.