UPDATE!
Well, here we are in July. There is lots to report so a brief summary follows. Move went well and we survived a wet, windy and draughty winter. Gardening is not going according to plan but we're on track for other projects. We were sidelined when Dad took over a mini-golf and renovated it to become an Internet Cafe. It's been great and is keeping me busy. We have chickens, cats and turkeys right now. Anyway, a detailed update will follow.

Best Wishes!

5 Weeks to go
Mood:  not sure
Hi. Sigh. It's been quite a week around here. Kim delivered a beautiful baby boy after the labour from hell and after a few hiccups along the road, they are at home and settling in nicely. He's such a handsome boy and mom and dad are totally in love with him already. I'm still a little tired but mostly due to staying up too late and then having to do papers after midnight which doesn't leave much time for sleeping.

Did I tell you we have a Japanese Home Stay student staying with us for a month? His name is Shin and he's from Osaka. We love him. He's helpful, polite and great with the kids. All of our children like him a lot. We've been swimming, to the zoo, out for dinner and to the movies. We're really enjoying his company.

5 weeks left until the big move and the house doesn't feel like it's really ahead by much. Still a disaster full of boxes so tonight I'm going to get some more cleaning and packing done if the girls ever give me a minute to think.

Brian, Shin and the boys are at a Football game watching the Calgary Stampeders. I'm sure they will have a good time. Beats watching Dora the Explorer or The Incredibles on DVD for the 100th time this week! Kate is obsessed, luckily it has to get returned soon to the video store. Phew!

Had a quick visit with dad today and took mum shopping.

I should go check on the girls and get some work started here.

Until next time! Liz

Why We're Starting This
Mood:  happy
So, here we are, getting ready to move. Here's the plan so far:

We are moving our family, mum, dad, 4 kids and 3 cats from the busy city of Calgary Alberta out to the country near Courtenay/Comox on Vancouver Island. Our parents have recently purchased 16 acres with the intention of becoming more self-sufficient and off the grid. They are going to build a cordwood home and we get the large mobile that is already there. Dad and I have already had this plan in the works for several years so the fact that it's actually happening now seems very odd.

Since I was a little girl I have loved a book of my dad's written by John Seymour named "The Complete Guide to Self-Sufficiency". It covers everything from making brushes, to plucking a chicken, to alternative fuels. It's really a terrific and practical overview of things you need to know. At least, we think so! I guess we'll find out for sure as we get going!

So, you're welcome to follow our progress and see all the joys and disasters, the laughs and the tears!

Right now we are packing and trying to de-junk the house, not an easy feat!! We have a Japanese exchange student coming on Tuesday for a month, I have a Doula client due to give birth, the boys are off to camp for a week, and it's generally very BUSY!!

All The Best! Elizabeth