Snail Mail

One of the advantages of living far away from your family and friends?  Snail mail. Who doesn’t love getting a letter or a package in the mail? Knowing the sender took time out of their day not only to write to you, but to look up your address in that pile of papers they call an address book, purchase a stamp, and proceed to put your letter in some inconveniently placed mailbox (or something along those lines), makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Now, don’t get me wrong, receiving an email from a loved one is always nice, and it’s a quick way to stay in touch- but a (1) in your inbox can never compare to the thrill of opening your mailbox to find an unsuspected parcel.

Although, I’ve never actually received anything as magnificent as this...

Getting mail still makes me feel like this...

I may never receive my Hogwarts acceptance letter, but ever since moving to Nova Scotia I have gotten lots of fun and thoughtful mail! My lovely G’ma has been very kind to send me her pre-loved Reader’s Digests for Graeme and I to read. I love getting mail from her because she always includes a charming letter and interesting clippings from newspapers and magazines. Her letters really make me feel like Graeme and I are in her thoughts, even though we haven’t seen each other for months.

A few weeks ago, Graeme and I received a letter in the mail from the Pollard family. I was excited to hear about how life was going in Ridgetown Ontario, but was pleasantly surprised to find the most adorable hand-drawn pictures from my 3 favourite rascals, Lynnly, Lola, and Georgia. Graeme and I couldn’t get over how thoughtful the drawings were and decided to post them on our fridge so we could look at them every day!

More recently, I received a large package in the mail from my best friend Anna. Knowing I was missing the back-to-school-buzz, Anna sent me a few of the basic back to school supplies that I didn’t have the chance to buy this year...seeing as I’m not in school anymore. I have to admit, this package was one of the most thoughtful gifts I had received because it made being at work (and not at school) just a little be easier. And it also came when I needed it most!

"Because no one is ever too old for back to school shopping"

Of course, I often get mail from my mom too. Sometimes it’s just a package with a short note and mail that ended up at her house, sometimes it’s a longer letter (I even got a note from Aidan one day!). Whatever the case, I love hearing from her and seeing her familiar handwriting makes home feel not so far away.

A dorky photo of mom and I (from G'ma)

I also try to send mail to those I love when I can! It is so rewarding to do something solely to make someone else’s day better. And I find it very therapeutic to sit down and actually write your thoughts and feelings, without the distraction of the computer and internet. So go ahead, show someone you care and send them a letter, you never know, you just might get one in return! 

Our move to Nova Scotia

                        

Learning to plan meals so they are perfectly timed and finished when Graeme gets home and changes out of his work clothes is...hard. But I’ve been getting quite a bit of practise. As of today I’ve officially been in Nova Scotia, with my fiancé, for 2 months! Graeme and I left Chatham June 19, at 2 in the morning. We arrived in Nova Scotia at about 11 that night and stayed at Jay’s house (Graeme’s friend and fellow paramedic from Ontario). The next day we moved into our new apartment and we’ve been loving life every since. So, for those family and friends who we have been out of touch with for the past couple months, here’s an update on how things have been going:

- Mom and Shawn’s trip out East was a great success. We loved having them here and can’t wait for them to visit again! (we also hope they loved it too, and have been telling you all about how amazing their trip was...so you’ll want to come visit us as well!)

- When we first arrived we spent most of our days shopping and looking for things for the apartment. We’ve furnished everything but the guest bedroom, but continue to look for more home touches to make the place our own. My favourite part of the apartment is the chaise lounge Graeme got me as a graduation present; his favourite thing is the antique chest we bought for a coffee table. See below for some pictures of 14-171 King Street.

- Fortunately, Graeme and I have had lots of time to explore the East coast. So far we have made ourselves familiar with not only Truro, but also the Northumberland shore area. We’ve also visited Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick to see the highest tides in the world! My favourite Nova Scotia tourist attraction has to be Sugar Moon Farm (and if you come to visit, I will be sure to take you there)!

- Last weekend my friend Carling, and her boyfriend Jordan, came to visit us for a few days. We were thrilled to have some company and enjoyed taking them to Halifax, Peggy’s cove and Gulf Shore Provincial Park (and yes, just like Mom and Shawn, Carling and Jordan were forced on a trip to Sugar Moon Farm).

- As of Friday, I will start my new job at the Holiday Inn in Truro. I will be working at the front desk and look forward to working on my interpersonal skills!

- Other than that, I spend most of my days (when Graeme is at work) cooking, cleaning, going to the library or for a walk, and doing girly stuff like painting my nails and planning our wedding (see our wedding website at http://www.theknot.com/wedding/Luby-and-Cheney)!

We hope everyone back in Ontario is having a terrific summer. We miss you all and can’t wait to come home soon!

Sending all our love from the East coast,

Alex and Graeme xo 

Mom and me. 

Cape D'or Lighthouse (http://www.capedor.ca/index.html)

Being silly with Mom and Shawn

Graeme's pride and joy

Our new car! 2010 Jeep Patriot

The living room (viewed from the bedroom)

A special thanks to Mom for the gorgeous table!

Finally, a new shower curtain (pictures do not do it justice!)

The view of our apartment from my chaise lounge

Graeme falling asleep while texting after a long day at work

Our latest project; a fabric covered bulletin board for the bedroom

Hopewell Rocks (http://www.thehopewellrocks.ca)

Graeme and I; Hopewell Rocks

Nope, he's not afraid to sport a pink backpack!

Graeme and Jay enjoying the view

Graeme and his favourite Pumphouse Blueberry Ale (brewed in Moncton, New Brunswick)

"Flower pot" rock

Getting dirty, but having fun

Hanging out at the Split Crow in downtown Truro 

Enjoying an early supper in Peggy's cove

Graeme shows off his photography skills at Peggy's Cove Lighthouse

Peggy's cove; the most idyllic Maritime village

Visiting the Swissair Memorial site while in Peggy's Cove

Saying goodbye to Carling and Jordan at the airport (and no we are not giving the Vulcan salute, this is our lobster impression)