4 days...

I thought I should make one last post before the days arrive when I have no free time before the big day, and then no access to internet for two weeks after as we go travelling.

This past week has been a crazy one filled with running errands and putting together final details. As of this morning, however, everything has been finalized with the baker, caterer, florist, and decorations, the favours are all made and in boxes ready to go, the ceremony programs are finished, the seating chart is ready, and I can't really think of any other major details that still need to be sorted out, aside from hoping nothing goes wrong with the tux rentals, which come in either tonight or tomorrow morning. I think today will be a day of working on a quilt I'm making and doing some packing for our honeymoon road trip.

Tomorrow, my cousin arrives and the fun begins. I'm looking forward to being able to relax and enjoy the last few days. Hopefully the remaining details are happy to sort themselves out. :)

Brucedale Gardens

Since all my photos were taken from before the days of digital cameras, I borrowed a few from my cousin Jolien - I hope she doesn't mind, as they're great pictures!

On July 1, members of my extended family gathered for the annual "Koole Day". Sadly, I was not one of them. It has been a number of years since I've been out to Ontario and I miss it - especially the thunderstorms! - as well as all the family out there.

On impulse, my dad and I almost booked flights out for the weekend this year, but the long weekend and lack of any seat sales worked against us and thwarted our plans. Why did we want to go this year, above all other years? Because we wanted to say farewell to the family farm. Brucedale Gardens has been in the family for 44 years, but this summer marks a change in ownership as they have decided to move on. I know this is an exciting time for those who made this decision, and I'm happy for them, but it is with a sad heart that I write this. Brucedale will always hold a special place in my heart. It is where my cousins and I would run and play in the years when we were small, and where we spent many hours sweating and working as we got older. I spent two summers out there living with relatives, working and having fun in my high school years and have great memories of those Ontario days.

It is sad that I was not able to say a proper goodbye. Things will be different next time I visit, and I won't get to show my husband-to-be around my childhood playground.

Farewell, Brucedale! You served us well and will be missed.