Our Retirement Home Part Two (The Septic Field)

One scoop or two?

Moving septic tank

Tank in final resting place

Well finally! May is here and construction is under way! This month we began the job of moving the septic tank where it had been sitting all winter and repositioning it into a deeper hole and more in line with where the septic field will be located. The big equipment was brought in and with much gnashing of teeth and choice words we convinced the contractor where we wanted it. With bated breath we waited for him to drop it and smash it into a million pieces but all went well. He went home satisfied with his days accomplishments with many assurances that the field would be ready in time for the plumber to come and hook up everything next week.

The next day was hot and dry so I had a chance to clear some downed trees I had cut last year for firewood and bring down to the fire pit by the cabin. That morning before 6am I had stepped out to greet the sun and enjoyed the company of a chickadee who lighted on my head to look for potential nest materiel. Marie took a picture through the cabin window but you can still see my little bird friend in spite of the reflection. The birds here don't seem to fear us and keep us company during the day and very early in the mornings.

Satisfied that all would be well for the next stage – clearing the area for the septic field - we returned to Montreal for a beautiful hot long weekend – Patriots Day in Quebec – and Phil and Fer flashed up their BBQ for everyone – Christina and Patrick and his two girls and Lara and Jessie came over as well, partying into the wee hours of Sunday morning. Phil and Fer and Amy are off to Mexico this week so our thoughts will be with them as they travel. Early Monday we returned to the property to supervise the next phase...

Leveling sand for field

View of field initial stage 

Again the contractor seemed to be in a bit of a conundrum even with the ground plans in his hand showing the size and dimensions of the area in question. With two machines going at it, one bringing in sand and the other levelling the area, things seemed to be going well. Then I was called in to cut down some more trees – with more gnashing of teeth because I love my trees you understand. Yet this was soon followed by the shaking of heads and strange gurgling noises from the contractor and his sidekick and just like that resignation became the order of the day. Time to bring in the inspector to see if he could make a decision nobody else seemed capable of. At the time if this writing it is Wednesday and tomorrow the contractor is coming up to start the foundation. More gnashing of teeth from Marie...gws

  

Muffy's Life

We lost our dear little Muffy this past week and wish to remember her as the most faithful friend we could have ever asked for. I have selected some photographs taken over the past fourteen years showing her in many places across the country and in the US and somehow - always in someones arms! She was the type of dog that everyone loved at first sight and would always show her love in return. We could not have asked for more and she never let us down. We will miss you Muffy and will never forget you. gws

to be continued....

Amy & Muffy

As one life begins, another nears it end. Amy turned 3 months this week while Muffy is now in her 163rd month (14 years almost) and, although she still tries to do the things she has always done she knows her limits now and sleeps most of the day. It has been a year since she started to have mild seizures and fall but she takes Fortekor for heart failure and Furosemide to control the excessive fluid build up in her body twice a day now and this medicine seems to have stabilized the symtoms. Naturally we will all miss her when she is gone but for now she comes with us wherever we go - she especially enjoys her trips to the cabin. This weekend we were there and she appeared to be more lively and attentive than normal - funny though but it has the same effect on Marie and myself!  gws