Author: Administration

Building a House

November 18, 2017 — Leave a comment

Journalizing the Build

Oct 28 to Nov 17, 2017

It’s been awhile since I posted pictures of the build as we have been quite busy with other activities. Jim is playing hockey now here twice a week and golfing and I have joined two artist groups and have been participating is some workshops. We are also taking in some of the events and activities on the island along with choosing and purchasing materials for the house. I have compiled some pictures of the progression of the build into a slide show.

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I have also put together some random pictures from around the site. It’s all coming together fairly quick even though we have had a bit of rain.

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Halloween and Markets on the Island

November 5, 2017 — 2 Comments

 

 

 

Halloween on the island is a pretty big thing. There are so many events you can take in during the few weeks before Halloween.  The markets had halloween costume contests, pumpkins and decorations. On Halloween night everyone celebrates with bonfires and fireworks!  I of course decorated the window of my suite with a few decorations which I smuggled in my suitcase to the coast (sorry Jim!). My decor was not up to my usual standards but that’s okay. We didn’t have a single trick or treater which is well down from the 150 or more I was used to getting! We had a nice night anyway Jim bought me a cheesecake coffin (so sweet) which we took over to our new neighbour friends (Christal and Bob) to share and have a few laughs. We had an excellent time!

 

 

Goats on the roof market. The last time we drove by here (years ago) to was a very small store. It’s now a mall! It a nice place to shop with lots of artistic products and local food to purchase. It was raining and the tourist season is winding down so there weren’t too many people around and some of the shops where closed for the season. It was a nice stop but unfortunately no goats could be seen on the the grassy roof. I guess it was too rainy for them.

 

 

Oct 27, 2017

We attended a book launch at the Vancouver Island University. The author was Shanon Sinn and he discussed his book  The Haunting of Vancouver Island and read excerpts from it. The room was filled with about 100 people and was decorated in a halloween theme. Pizza, drinks and of course Halloween candy was there for all. I had been hearing about this writer since I came to the island and have been trying to find his book so when I heard he was having a book launch at VIU I wanted to go. I also contacted Jim’s cousin Linda and she came with us to the launch. We ended the night going out for a curry in Nanaimo. It was an great night! Thanks for sharing this with us Linda!

A ghost on Vancouver Island.

Even ghosts have to contend with the rain here!

Furniture Arrived!/Building a Basement

November 4, 2017 — Leave a comment

Oct 20, 2017 – Furniture and stuff has arrived!

Two sea-cans made it to the Island safe and sound. Thanks again to everyone who helped us pack back in Regina. We couldn’t have done this without you.

We thought we has everything organized, packing the things we needed to use at the suite by the doors of the sea-can, however it wasn’t so easy getting things out (especially when we were trying to sort things in the rain). It’s all okay as we where able to pull out enough stuff to get by.

 

Oct 22, 2017 – Rainy days!

The rain for the first few days would come and go but we were still out and about. Jax hated his doggie rain jacket so it may be the last time he wears it. When we first put it on he wouldn’t move from the couch and was very confused. I think he prefers to be wet.

On what must have been the rainiest day of the week Jim decides we should go register for our BC medical cards and I agreed. What I didn’t know is that we were also going to apply for our licence too which of course needed photos (didn’t tell me we were getting our drivers too). Anyway the result is that on both our medical and driver licence cards pictures (which have a 5 year expiry) we look like a drowned rats, thanks Jim!

There is a park in town called Askew park. It’s almost like a little rainforest in the city limits. The fall colours here are so beautiful and have lasted at least 2 and 1/2 weeks. As soon as the rain let up we took Jax for a walk through the park and he loved it. All the new sights and smells for him he was a pretty happy boy.

 

Oct 24, 2017

 

The rain cleared up and our builder Dan got an amazing amount of work done.  The  basement forms were removed, weeping tile and services rough in installed and then the site was backfilled. It’s really moving along!  Walked over from the suite to check out the build and witnessed this beautiful sunset. Pictures really can’t do it justice.

Fall Colours on the Island

October 19, 2017 — Leave a comment

I took a few photos around the neighbourhood to share the beautiful fall colours I am seeing here. We are taking Jax on walks most days and he loves the new scenery.  Already meeting some of our new neighbours, having coffee with a very nice couple today. I think we will see much more of them in the future.

 

 

October 15, 2017

On our way to Vancouver Island

October 16, 2017 — Leave a comment

October 12, 2017

After a short visit in Airdrie AB with John we once again packed up our pets and headed out on the last leg of our journey to Vancouver Island. I wasn’t too keen on driving thru the mountains (and the city of Vancouver at night) so John graciously helped us out by driving my car. The trip was long and it was good I was not driving as it freed me up to navigate. We caught the 8:15 ferry at Tsawwassen arriving at Duke Point just 15 minutes north of Chemainus at 10:15.  We were all pretty happy to reach our destination.

 

October 13, 2017

We started the day visiting the building site and giving John the opportunity to meet our builder Dan and check out the new neighbourhood.  We then took John on a whirlwind tour of the area. We ended the evening with supper, some laughs and a few brews at the Saltair Pub which is an old English style pub nearby.

On October 14 we said goodbye to John at the Nanaimo Airport.  I am so glad John was with us to witness the arrival to our new home, this made it even more special! Thanks John for being there with us and we can’t wait until you can come back to spend a bit more time on the Island.

Building a Basement/Trip to the Coast

October 10, 2017 — 1 Comment

Journalizing the Build

Week of October 1 to 9, 2017

This week basement work continued on the site, the forms should be finished next week with the concrete poured Friday or the following Monday.

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Saturday October 7, 2017

Said goodbye to Regina, packed up both cars with luggage and pets and headed for Airdrie AB. The drive was long as we made a few more stops for the pets. Both the cat and dog travelled very well, in fact I think Kitty actually enjoyed it! When we got to John’s she settled right in like it was home.

 

Sunday October 9, 2017

Happy Thanksgiving!
What a great Thanksgiving this year! Thanks for an amazing evening and delicious roast beef supper with Kyla, Andre and his Mom Joanne on Friday, and lunch along with multiple visits with Matthew. Then off to Airdrie for supper (and a stay over) with John and Caleb. Thanks to John for making the best turkey I have ever tasted. Thanks also to Sheila Melnyk for the tasty cabbage roll dish and Kim for the beautiful pie. Jim and I are so thankful (and lucky) to have such a wonderful family!

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BC Ferries

October 10, 2017 — Leave a comment

 

To get to the Vancouver Island from the mainland you have a few choices.

  1. Vancouver – Nanaimo (Tsawwassen-Duke Point) 
  2. West Van – Nanaimo (Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay)
  3. Vancouver – Victoria (Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay)

Landing at Nanaimo (Duke Point, Departure Bay) you are only about a 20 minute drive to our house in Chemainus. From Victoria (Swartz Bay) is about 1.5 hour drive to Chemainus.

For current fares check out the following link:

Current BC Ferrie Fares Index

Hotel Living

October 6, 2017 — Leave a comment

The last two days we spent in a hotel in Regina (which is really kind of weird to stay in a hotel in our own hometown). The pets thoroughly enjoyed hotel living. Jax got a little weirded out by the activity in the hallways but quickly got used to it.  Nikki loved looking out the window at the activity in the swimming area below.

 

Living the life of Riley.
Lunch with Matt, visiting the pets before we leave.
Nikki loves watching the activity in the pool area.
Jax and Nikki hanging out in the hotel room.
A cuddle with Nikki turns into a snooze

Jax has gone on trips with us before and is a pretty good traveller but Nikki not so much. Surprisingly she has been doing pretty good so far but the long trip to Airdrie will really  be the test.

 

Leaving the Old House

October 5, 2017 — Leave a comment

Sept 28, 2017

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Twenty five years is a long time living in one house. So many good memories, family gatherings, picnics with the kids on the deck, Christmas, crazy halloween parties! It was a good house filled with family, friends and lots of love.

Sad to see it go but it will be a great home for the new young family to enjoy and build  memories in too.

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The Big Move

October 3, 2017 — Leave a comment

September 25 to 27, 2017

Packed up and ready to go, but so much work! Thanks to everyone who helped us with this massive three day job!

Brian Otten, Darren Konanz, Rod, Wendy and Taylor Wirll, Matthew Fraser, Kyla Fraser & Andre Longtin. You guys are amazing, Jim and I wouldn’t have got this done without you! As promised I am sharing some pictures of the big move. Glad that part is over!

 

 

Building a Basement/Fall @ Sask Beach

October 2, 2017 — Leave a comment

Journalizing the Build

Week of Sept 24 to 30, 2017

The basement forms are going up. It’s interesting to see how the forms are built around the existing rock on the lot. The weather has been good on the Island so the work is moving right along.

Back in Regina we are moved out of the house! So much family stuff packed and loaded for the cross country trek from the prairies to the island. It was a big job but we had a lot of family help. Thanks to everyone!

We are staying with Kyla and Andre and I am so happy to spending some time here with them out at Saskatchewan Beach. The fall colours are amazing! Brian and Matthew visited us yesterday for supper and the night ended with bonfire. Today Jim and Andre are in Regina and I am here alone in the beautiful cabin. As I write I am sitting beside the dining room window enjoying the fall views.

 

On the front deck at Kyla and Andre’s
Enjoying the view at Kyla and Andre’s.
Outside my window at Kyla and Andre’s
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Misty morning at Kyla and Andre’s.

We will be leaving for John’s place in Airdrie on October 7 and are looking forward to  spending some time with the family there.

 

Sept 29, 2017

The forms are going up! Looks complicated!

 

 

 

 

 

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Folk Lore and Haunted Tales on Vancouver Island

October 1, 2017 — Leave a comment

The leaves are changing and fall is upon us. I love autumn, especially on the island with the colours and smells of the harvest season. Beautiful orange pumpkins, colourful gourds and ornamental corn adorn the farmers markets reminding us that summer is over and winter is drawing near. But before winter settles in with its rolling mist and the sound of foghorns echoing from the harbour, we celebrate halloween and to me it is a big part of the seasonal transition from fall to winter.

In celebration of halloween I have found a webpage called Living Library – Haunted Locations on Vancouver Island .  This page has plenty of stories steeped in the history of the island.  From indigenous folklore to haunted tales of untimely deaths and wandering souls. Whether your a believer or a skeptic this site offers up some interesting story telling which you may want to check out…just don’t do it after dark.

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Laying the Footings

September 24, 2017 — Leave a comment

Journalizing the Build

Week of Sept 17 to 23, 2017

The week had a bit of rain on the island but ended with the sun shining again. Our builder Dan built the footings over the first few days and then poured the concrete on Friday.  Now you can see the beginnings of a house! Next week we are expecting to see the basement forms go up. Fall is in the air both here and on the island, I can see the fall colours on the trees in the pictures that Dan is sending us. I hope we can get out there before they completely turn. I love the fall colours.

Back in Regina we are still plugging away – purging, packing, repeat. It’s amazing how much stuff a family accumulates over the years.  The kids should be happy that we did most of the purging so they won’t have to worry about doing so much years from now.  This is our last weekend in the house. As I am writing this we have a Big Steel Box on the street waiting for us to load a lifetime of things into.  Brian (Wanda’s brother in law) is coming tonight (Friday) and Sunday to help, then he and the rest of the crew (family) will be coming on Saturday. Will take pictures so I can share the fun and games with everyone; I will post them early next week.

 

Sept 19, 2017

A bit rainy but the footings are being built.

 

 

Sept 20, 2017 – Ready for concrete

The footings are completed and ready for concrete. A sunnier day for sure. It’s so clear you can see the Rocky mountains across the channel.

 

 

Sept 23, 2017 – Planet earth lives another day.

Yes it’s true, I woke up this morning (Sept 24th) to a room full of packed boxes and not in the fiery apocalyptic hell of a Nibiru planet impact with earth. I know we were all sure that the rumours around this doomsday event were true – but we will live to see another day 😉

Whew, that was close!

Nibiru

 

 

 

 

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Clearing the rock

September 17, 2017 — Leave a comment

Journalizing the Build

Week of Sept 10 to 16, 2017

This week was spent  blasting and getting rid of the rock at the back of the lot and it appeared to go smoothly. We are about three weeks or so away from actually being out there and we are getting pretty excited. By the time we arrive we are expecting that the forms will be up and possibly the basement will be poured.

 

Sept 12, 2017 – Finishing the blasting on the lot.

 

 

Sept 14, 2017 – Grading and site prep.

 

 

Sept 15, 2017 – Foundation grades completed. 32 loads of fill removed! Next compacting the ground for a bearing inspection.  Monday surveyors will be pinning the house so the footings can be started.

 

Fall on the Prairies

September 15, 2017 — Leave a comment

The move is not far away now, we are renting a sea can from Big Steel Box, it’s arriving Friday Sept 22nd (next weekend) and will be picked up again Monday Sept 25th. We have to be ready with everything packed and all the loose ends tied off! Jim and I are working frantically to accomplish this.

One of the things which we needed to do is take the Harley out to storage. It’s too late for Jim to ride it out to the island (we don’t have enough time and there is already snow in the mountains in BC) so we need to store it in Saskatchewan until next summer.

On Wednesday we took the bike out to our storage unit in Lumsden.  On the way decided to take in the fall views and stop by Lincoln Gardens Farmers Market.  Checking out the market is something we have done in the fall for years and we won’t get much opportunity to do it again before we leave for the coast. As usual it was a lovely day!

Sept 13, 2017

We picked up a few veggies and then on to the storage unit. I will miss this for sure. A nice day and now Jim’s bike is tucked in for the winter.

 

 

Blasting

September 9, 2017 — Leave a comment

Journalizing the Build

Week of Sept 3 to 9, 2017

There is a seam of rock near the back of the lot which needs to be removed and will be blasted with explosives.  Sounds pretty scary but I guess this is done quite often on the island.

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Tuesday and Wednesday were spent drilling and preparing to blast the rock.

 

 

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Thursday and Friday the blasting was being done. There may be a bit more to do on Monday.

Big Week!

September 4, 2017 — Leave a comment

Selling the House/Journalizing the Build

August 24 to September 2, 2017

This was a big week! A week of beginnings and a week of endings.

On Thursday August 25th (after a year or more of renos, packing and staging) we put the house on the market.  We had our first showing on Friday and an offer to purchase on Saturday which we accepted. By Sept 1, all the conditions were met, waived by the buyer and the sale finalized. We certainly did not expect to sell so quickly but are delighted that we did!

The house was purchased by a family with two boys under 6.  I’m so glad our home went to a young family who will hopefully bring with them as much love and happiness as we had during our time in the house on Maple Wood Crescent.

I understand the new family fell in love with the house. The couple’s mother who also visited the house was immediately drawn to my workroom upstairs. I guess she also has a small jewelry business. Apparently she and I met at one of the MacKenzie Art Gallery sales which we both attended as vendors. Small world!

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Excavation Begins!

Also on August 24th excavation began on the new house. Our builder has been sending us updates which I will try to share once a week.

There was a lot of fill on the property as it was being used as a dump site by other home builders in the subdivision. Our builder is very enterprising as he put the word out that free fill could be had to those who would be willing to pick it up. It worked! The fill was gone over a few days to other construction sites in the area. With little cost to us. Good job Dan!

 

Once the extra fill was removed the surveyors could come in and actual excavation for the house could begin. When we hit rock (a seam near the back of the lot) blasting techs were brought in to determine how much blasting will be required and of course the cost. The rock is quite shale like and they expect there will be no problems so here’s hoping!

The back wall in the small courtyard area will need a retaining wall but I am hoping that if there is enough natural rock there (and if it structurally sound) it can be used as a wall instead of using concrete. We’ll know more over the next week or so.

It’s all happening pretty fast. The next few weeks will be all about arranging for movers, packing and saying goodbye to the family home we’ve lived in for the past 25 years.

Animated Walk-Thru

June 10, 2017 — Leave a comment

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Posted by Wanda

We are finally done with the design so I have uploaded two final walk-thru animations showing the upper and lower level. The start date for the build is still August but it’s good to be done with the design phase.

 

Upper level animated walk-thru

Lower Level animated walk-thru

 

 

The Final Design

May 7, 2017 — Leave a comment

The design is finally coming together after months of emails, phone calls and a few meetings with the designer and builder.  Most of the bugs that needed to be ironed out were around ensuring compliance with the new earthquake codes.  We are pretty happy with the end result.

The next step – the designer will take it to working plans. At this point in time we are looking at starting the build in August with an anticipated move-in date sometime in February. It’s so good that it’s all starting to come together!

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Upper Level Floor Plan

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Lower Level Floor Plan

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Heading for the Island!

March 26, 2017 — 7 Comments

Posted by Wanda

Jim and I are flying out next Wednesday (March 29th) to Vancouver Island to meet with the builder and the designer. We have been working with the designer (long distance, via email) and we believe we are getting pretty close to nailing down the final design. I bought this amazing design software (which Kyla found online, thanks Kyla!) and have been able to send them fairly detailed and accurate plan ideas. I do however rely on the designer and builder to ensure they meet code, the island is in an earthquake zone so they have stringent building requirements.

Here’s what we have come up with so far. Included with the floor plan are just a few 3D screenshots, and yes I know there is no ceiling on them :).

 

Upstairs Floor plan.
Living dining area (front of house)
Sunroom off the master bedroom.
Master bedroom.
View of sunroom from master bedroom door.
Kitchen with pantry (sliding door, left wall).
Laundry room.