Storm Days

Gleeful and attentive the whole family stands leaning towards the radio in the kitchen. Small town radio stations serve their purpose. And their purpose during the morning bustle on most days in the homes peopled with combinations of toddlers, school age kids and harried parents is to provide a hum. White noise - competing with the clammer of Dads looking for gym gear, kids yelling, Moms gently marshaling all - sing song DJ’s voices and overproduced machined pop-crap adding to and miraculously softening the din. Given the state of todays music, very, very occasionally said radio station will play an actual song, written by someone with talent and sung with feeling and backed by honest to goodness musicianship. During those rare moments families may sing along, or even, and hopefully, dance. But mostly it’s noise emanating from the mini stereo, Bose under-counter, or oddly shaped ghetto blaster that does radio duty in the kitchen. On days, however, in winter, when winds blow and snow falls, then local radio stations have a far greater purpose. They announce school and work storm closures.

Not sure what transpired in your varied worlds today weather-wise but we awoke to a full on Maritime winter blow. Wind whipping the snow blindingly across the road in front of the house was a good sign. Now all hope in the house rested on the weather forecast at 7 AM. Yup, worsening weather throughout the day deepened wishes and finally and triumphantly the announcement - Storm Day for all. Admittedly, this meant little to two young boys already on Christmas Break, but to a Dad still required at work and a Mom hoping for adult company, well this was a heraldic moment of great joy. An interesting thing about jigs even if you have never been taught how to dance one, certain occurrences bring ability, and a jig you will dance. Storms are two-edged swords in this instance (of course we are excepting outright storms in any way truly dangerous, or heaven forbid, mortal) in that they may leave you home, then lift, leaving the day to be enjoyed out of doors, or settle in and continue to pummel, locking all inside. The shack wacky inducing variety beset us today.

Lest we forget that good fortune befell our home today, being locked in is never a good thing for the Nicholson family. We are at our best outside and later, kinder and happier with rosy cheeks, warm, wasted and resting under blankets. This is true, but what is also true is that we are adaptable. So today blocks were stacked and recitals given, books read, naps had and Potter marathons begun. What a great and unexpected way to begin the holiday season. Nothing to do, really, nothing. No where to go. No email, no phone calls, no work commitments, no rinks and piano lessons. Nothing to do but rest and keep moderately busy. I hope all of you had or will have just such a day. Our world is a very busy, very bustle inducing world. Wheels spin constantly and the whir is enough to blind us to what is really important. Cuddles at 2 PM. Towers that reach to the sky. Brothers and sisters that laugh till they can’t breathe. These things matter as much as whether or not GM is rescued or if the credit markets loosen. Or at least they should. And today, locked in watching the world turn white, safe and sound, they did.

Love B

Happy Holidays and an Update...really

‘Goin’ down the road,’ now that’s a good movie and even better SCTV sketch. This classic movie, if you haven’t seen it -and it should be considered mandatory viewing as part of citizenship, is about two Caper Bretoner’s heading west to ‘Toranta’ to find work. Tragedy eventually ensues and much is learned about place and people in troubled times. Very soon my little family will be, ‘goin’ down the road,’ but in reverse and for far better reasons. Yet, and maybe it’s because we are again facing tough economic times, I find myself thinking about this seminal Canadian movie and the seemingly inherent pull of the road for Maritimers - the need to leave and the greater call to return home. In days we’ll be loading up our little Mazda with 2 adults, 3 kids, and enough stuff to clothe and entertain a small nation. Loaded to the gunnels, we’ll brave weather, cranky two year old out-bursts and fried food as we head home for Christmas spent with family.

I won’t bore you overly with a long essay about the year that is passing into night as I type. It’s been a big year. A monster of a global economic crisis and an American Election of no smaller import than one that may have just changed the world I offer up as evidence for, ‘the big year’ designation. Lots to talk about in our small personal world as well – as equally a big a year, using of course the accepted calculus of self-centered myopia. I should have updated this blog way back in April with a heartwarming tale of another road trip – this one to Boston. You should have already read about all of us traveling via borrowed van to Boston to watch Jennifer run the Boston Marathon. Well watch is kind of a sticking point, because we, in fact, didn’t get to watch her – long story involving overcrowded public transport and over crowded father brains. But, run she did, and amazingly well. I remain my gorgeous wife’s biggest fan. She won this year’s PEI marathon by running sub 3 hours if conquering Boston wasn’t enough for one year.

Our three kids continue to grow and dazzle. JT, nine now if you can believe it, is blazing through grade 4 French immersion, with only an occasional stumble around neatness, forgetfulness and organization – wonder who we can blame for that combo of traits. Otherwise he is well liked, and respected, and found by his teacher to be talented student. A true renaissance man he keeps very busy with hockey and piano and just recently purchased a guitar with his own money. Already he is playing cords and learning songs – truly remarkable. Matt is as strong a student as his big brother, and the consummate charmer. He actually can come home tired because of the demands of his being so well liked, as he deals with near constant demands for his time among his classmates. I detect his teacher may have actually fallen in love with him, which will surprise none of you. His brother is his hero and following in JT’s footsteps Matt is playing hockey and taking piano lessons. Lily is our ball of fire. What a force of nature. Already exhibiting her brother’s wonderful sense of humour, she is independent and single-minded. ‘Princess Lily,’ typically prevails in all matters at present. She’s just too damn cute for her own good. She’s my rink buddy every Saturday morning while Jennifer typically gets a run in and I cherish those moments.

Mom and Dad have settled into life in their new house in Kentville and travel over often to stay with us. Ang and Loc remain, for now, in Vietnam and we use Skype to video chat with them as often as we can. Jen’s Mom and Dad moved back to Halifax this year after many years in Sydney. It is nice to have them closer and renewed reason to visit my favorite city in the world. We will see both sets of grandparents and the Dill’s new abode in the coming days as we split Christmas between the families as per usual. We all can’t wait.

Sadness comes in all lives and this year Dad’s brother Shelby died after a battle with cancer and my maternal grandmother Hannah died. Hannah was my last living grandparent and she was special. She had been my roommate for a short time after university and I will always remember my time spent with her in her Sydney Mines’ apartment overlooking the Brown St. ball field. And very recently our second dog, Willow, got very sick, unexpectedly, and died as well. She was such a great little dog. Perfect really. But life soldiers on. And for every moment of forehead rubbing as I contemplate how to pay the next oil bill or prepare to head away again for extra Northern work, for every one of those stress filled moments there are ten of pure joy. Through hard work and the love and support of family, the bills all seem to get paid and only a fool would become so rapped up in the tiny day-to-day struggles that they miss living the life they’ve been blessed with. And I am blessed. Jennifer is the best person I know, a wonderful mother, devoted and caring friend, loving sister and daughter – drop dead beautiful to boot. My kids are perfect – I know many of us say it – but I mean it, perfect, lights of my light. Our extended families thoughtful and generous, we couldn’t ask for better. We all have close friends that brighten our days and enhance our lives. As we get ready to head off on our Christmas 08 excursion we wish you health and happiness in the coming year. Drop back for a trip report and who knows I may even keep this damn thing active all year in 09.

Love

B