Yoho ~ Men Out of Boys

The boys did it again.

Last month, they drove clear across our Province and 

settled themselves in the heart of bear country.

And, cougar country.  And, wildfire country.

It's a good thing I am unaware of the various dangers they come face to face

with until they are safe and sound in their own beds under our roof.

They are young and invincible.

Or, so it would seem.

I found out after the fact that helmets and rope were recommended

at some points along the trail.  Neither were used by our boys.

See what I mean?  Mamas are not welcome on trips like these.

By all reports, the trip was a success.

These are the experiences that help make men out of boys.

By God's grace, I won't stand in their way.

Thankfully, it will be nearly a year before I have to let them go again.

Little by little, the apron strings are being cut.  Little by little I let go.

But, as long as there is food involved, I think I can lure them back.

With Love,

Camille

**Photos in this post courtesy of Jonathan H. with the
exception of the panoramic image....it is Calvin's.
Thank you to you both!  :)

Fancy Date

Way back before Christmas, a great coupon deal for a local restaurant flashed

across my screen.  I snapped one up and wrapped it in a box

and put it under the tree for Howie.  It was one of his gifts from me.

(Of course, my intention was that we would use it together.)

We redeemed that coupon last week.

It was for Bridges Restaurant located on Granville Island.

The restaurant overlooks the water and is situated between two bridges...

hence, it's name.  :)  There are windows everywhere which reflect light, but,

these images still give a glimpse of the view.  Stunningly beautiful.

We stayed until the sun went down and the lights came up.

The food was amazing.  Just look at the dessert!  (We shared it.)

If you are in the area, Bridges is a wonderful spot for a fancy date.

But, make sure you have a coupon!  It's the only way to go.
Trust my advice on this...you'll be sorry if you don't.  :)

What's your favourite restaurant to go to on a date?
Or, do you prefer to go hiking or cycling or sightseeing with your Sweetie?
Please share your ideas in the comments...I'm all ears.  :)

Happy Wednesday Y'all!
With Love, Camille

Spreading Their Wings

It's inevitable.  It cannot be stopped.

Our children grow and change and become independent.
Or, they ought to.  And, we ought to facilitate it.
When and how is an individual family's decision.  Wisdom is required.

We are in the midst of these changes.  Right now.

Boys to men.  It's happening right before our eyes.
Our young men are spreading their wings.

~ Fraser and Calvin on the right ~

If it weren't for the fact that my boys have a Dad

who remembers what it was like to be a young man,

they would not be allowed to go on adventures like they do.

No sirree.  It would not be allowed.  Not at all.

But, that would not be good.  I know it wouldn't.
These really are good and necessary things.

At the beginning of August, Calvin and Fraser piled into a car

with two other young men and travelled clear across the Province.

Right into the mountains.  Out of cell phone reach.  Seven hours away.
Deep into the heart of Grizzly Country.  For real.
(They didn't see any bears, but, they were informed of their presence.)

They slept and ate and hiked.  Day after day.  For nearly a week.

This was the reason behind the trip Emma and I took.
A little distraction was a good thing for this Mama.
Poor Howie ~ he was holding the fort at home, and had
plenty of time to think about what it was that we had done.
(Maybe he began to second guess our decision to let them go?)

~ Fraser and Calvin on the left ~

When the boys returned, I had them unload everything into the laundry room.

They were under strict orders not to bring anything beyond its borders.
The report of "I didn't change anything but my socks for five days!" was
not music to my ears.  But, they survived.  And, are the better for it.

On a side note ~ white and camping do not mix.  Just sayin'.
Thankfully, I have a good supply of Oxi-Clean on hand.  It works wonders.

The socks that had been zipped closed in the Ziploc freezer bag,
however, were not salvageable.  Nope.  They were promptly ditched.
Wet socks sealed up for days on end produce nasty results.  Very nasty.
Thankfully, they were the only casualties of the entire experience.

Our young men survived and did it well.



The boys came home filled to the brim with stories and over 1000 images.
By all accounts, it was a wonderful experience for each one of them.
And, as a bonus, the friendships being forged are stronger because of it.
We are thankful for these opportunities for our young men.

But, I must admit ~ we are glad to have them home.
(It is a little messier and louder ~ but, it is good.)

Many Blessings,
Camille

**Photos in this post courtesy of Calvin ~ Thank you my love!  XO
(The first group shot was taken by a French hiker, the second shot was
taken by J.H., and the final group photo was taken using the self-timer.)

Loonies and Toonies

Loonies and Toonies ~

A guide to the Canadian currency.  
Just for the fun of it!  :)

For all those of you who may be curious,
and, even if you weren't, but now are ~

there was a time when we had *normal* money.

In my childhood, there were one and two dollar bills.

As time passes, things change; 

and our money has been no exception to this rule.

First, it was the one dollar bill.

The plan was to do away with it in favour of a coin.

Our one dollar coin quickly was dubbed the *Loonie*

due to the fact that a loon (the bird) was featured on one side.

The name has stuck.  

And, here we are with a Loonie instead of a Dollar.

Next up was the two dollar bill.

Since the coin would represent two dollars, 

and our one dollar coin was referred to as a Loonie,

the logical choice for its nickname was Toonie ~

A combination of the words *two* and *loonie*.

Is it all making sense now??

So often our colourful money is referred to as Monopoly Money.

In light of this, don't you think it fitting

that we have Loonies and Toonies in the mix? 

The latest change has been the discontinuation of the penny.
We now *round up* or *round down* accordingly.
Mostly, so far, it seems the trend is to *round up*.
Hmmm....is it a conspiracy?



If you deal in cash only,
your wallet may quickly be overtaken with change.
But, beware ~ all that loose change adds up.
Especially when there are Loonies and Toonies involved!
I believe it really is a conspiracy, after all.

Happy Weekend!  :)
Many Blessings, Camille