i've an evening to sit by the little electric fake fireplace i put in my condo in the city, with a glass of northern alberta honey wine close to hand, and my feet up, catching up on friends in blogland.  the fireplace is fake electric because the condo assoc won't let a real one near the place, it being an old building.... and i like the house cool, but my poor skinny little granddaughter turns blue before long when she comes to visit.  so, as i don't want to discourage visits from the apple of my eye, i found a cute little corner thingy that looks pretty realistic, if you don't look too closely.  i turn it on when she comes over, so there's a warm corner for her, and the darlin' girl loves it.   sits herself down in front of it to do whatever it is she's doing on a given day, with a happy smile.   life is good.

and busy!   living in the city, and teaching violin for the local college's music conservatory in my (hysterical laughter) spare time, there are all sorts of musical opportunities popping up like mushrooms.  this photo was taken by a professional photographer friend, for me to include in my portfolio.  haven't even sent it out, and already i have numerous harp gigs booked over the coming year, on top of the usual ones with the Irish band.  we just had the faculty and conservatory recital last night, which was filled to capacity.  a little daunting, following after folks with Master's Degrees in Music with my celtic fiddling, but it seemed well enough received.  and no one so full of themselves that they look down their noses at the rest of us.  

the ReStore is doing well, picking up nicely after the expected lull over the dark of winter. the sun is stronger each day - the worst of the dreary season over..... and our Habitat for Humanity affiliate is planning our 2010 build!  we've been approached by the city with an offer to purchase a property they got through a mortgage default, that they've been renting out for years.  it's in very sad shape, but structurally sound.  AND a local builder has offered to frame and sheet a duplex for us, billing us only for his cost, for us to finish.  if it all comes to pass, we could be building, not one, not two, but THREE homes for local families this year.   As our average since 1996 has been one home every two years, this possibility is THRILLING!!  i'm enjoying being in the thick of it.... which means a lot of time spent away from the ReStore.  Fortunately i've managed to snag a very excellent employee, who i've just promoted to Floor Manager, as the affiliate has suggested changing my job description/title to include that of affiliate Executive Director.  it's a big vote of confidence, and very gratifying - and exciting. they may be sending me to the national AGM in that capacity in April, if i can convince them that i can be trusted not to loose my passport again....  here's hoping!

spring blessings 

so that's what's been happening.  hardly been home to do more than eat, sleep and wash my dainties.