This morning was Husband's yard-cleaning day... meaning, it was weed-mowing day! Remember how I said we have more dandelions, than grass? Well, Husband decided to just mow it all over. Someday, eventually, years down the line, we will re-seed the entire lawn, or lay down new grass... But until then, the plan is to just mow them down, and/or pluck them out if we felt like doing some extra back-aching work.
Anyway, while in the shed, Husband found a dead rat. Wonderful. We decided it was best to bury it (deeply) in an unused corner of our yard. The only worry is that the neighbourhood bears might smell the rotting carcass and dig it up for fun. But we can deal with that another time, if it happens.
So how did this lovely rat die? We don't know, but I'm glad it is dead. Apparently there were no visible signs of trauma, so my not-so-educated guess is that it ingested some rat poison, and crawled into our shed to die. Or maybe the neighbourhood bears found it and wanted to play with it, and the rat found refuge in our shed to die quietly. But like I said, there were no obvious signs of trauma or open wounds.
So about those pesky bears... yes I am now speaking in the plural form. There are at least two bears in the neighbourhood. A mama and a cub, spotted by two of our neighbours, now. They are regular visitors to our backyard, as noted by 4 more piles of bear pooh. They are also regular visitors to our neighbours, as noted by eyewitness accounts. Anecdote tells me that trail-building near a mid-sized park has been disturbing the bears, causing them to explore and wander outside their usual haunts. The trail-building includes activities such as digging and cutting down trees. Conservation officers are aware of the bear visits, but so long as they do not act aggressive, nothing will be done about them (which is fine by me, because if "something" were to be done, it would more than likely involve something lethal to mama and cub). So what do we do now? We just keep an eye out, mornings and evenings, and just keep reporting them, if seen.
On a happier-wildlife-note, in the last month, we've seen a Heron fly over our neighbour's house at least twice now (very majestic to see). I also catch glimpses of jays and robins, and other small birds (finches and/or sparrows?) while looking out our windows. They like to perch on our trees and hide in our bushes, and they peck away at the insects in our yard. Some birds are kind of squawky, while others whistle or sing! These little creatures are not a worry. My concern is mostly that the bears have decided that our yard makes a good bathroom, for them! Eww!
Showing posts with label Coquitlam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Coquitlam. Show all posts
October 04, 2015
April 30, 2014
Garage Sales
It's garage sale season again. Every year, the city holds a Garage Sale Day, in which all households in the city are encouraged to hold a sale, or go shopping at the many houses in the various neighbourhoods. Since moving to this city, we've gone shopping on Garage Sale Day every year. We choose our neighbourhoods, make a list of the houses we will be visiting, pack the car with the kids and various snacks and drinks, and make a full morning/afternoon out of it. We've developed our own strategies and methods for this annual event!
In most of our previous years, we've purchased kid books and games, toys, kid clothes, CD's, DVD's, a shelf, etc.. Since starting a family of our own, we've realized how quickly babies and toddlers grow out of their toys and clothes. Buying new at full retail prices is a waste of well-earned money, and so long as the used item can be washed or cleaned, Husband and I are in complete agreement that buying used is the way to go.
I know there are some people who get icked-out from buying used, but there really should be no problem in buying used if the item can be cleaned or washed. I also see it as a boost to healthy environmental practices. If more people purchased used, then it would be less of a toll on our landfills - something that our city recognizes.
I'm sure I've posted about this many times before, so to re-iterate the "fun" of garage sale shopping, I'll list a few items that we've purchased in the past:
We've also contemplated on used chairs/couches, barbecues, camping gear, exercise equipment, bags/purses, kitchen items, etc.. I always feel like a Prospector, when shopping on Garage Sale Day. :D
In most of our previous years, we've purchased kid books and games, toys, kid clothes, CD's, DVD's, a shelf, etc.. Since starting a family of our own, we've realized how quickly babies and toddlers grow out of their toys and clothes. Buying new at full retail prices is a waste of well-earned money, and so long as the used item can be washed or cleaned, Husband and I are in complete agreement that buying used is the way to go.
I know there are some people who get icked-out from buying used, but there really should be no problem in buying used if the item can be cleaned or washed. I also see it as a boost to healthy environmental practices. If more people purchased used, then it would be less of a toll on our landfills - something that our city recognizes.
I'm sure I've posted about this many times before, so to re-iterate the "fun" of garage sale shopping, I'll list a few items that we've purchased in the past:
- Record player
- Shelf (for storage under our stairs)
- Toddler slide
- Peg Perego stroller
- Play-pen
- Kiddie Pool
- Toddler chalkboard
- Outdoor play-kitchen
- Numerous Kid DVD's, and books
We've also contemplated on used chairs/couches, barbecues, camping gear, exercise equipment, bags/purses, kitchen items, etc.. I always feel like a Prospector, when shopping on Garage Sale Day. :D
July 14, 2013
Waiting for the Wading Pool
Yesterday, we discovered a kiddie wading pool, 2 feet deep at Blue Mountain Park in Coquitlam, BC. We've been wanting to take our toddler swimming, but couldn't agree on whether we would take her to the community centre, or outside pool, and at what depth. This 2 feet deep wading pool is perfect for our 3 year old.
We went for a sight-visit, to scope out the pool and park, and after a little coaxing, Little B decided she wanted to come back in her swim suit, to try out the pool. Before leaving, however, Little B played with the musical playground (yes musical), and she sat on the big-kid swing for a few minutes.
We finished our day with take-out sushi dinner, sitting outside under our tent-gazebo in the cool evening sun. Little B went to bed with thoughts of swimming today.
Unfortunately, this morning, Little B woke up super-cranky and hot. She is running a fever, and is definitely not swimming today. It's been difficult coaxing her to drink liquids, and to eat something, as all she wants to do is lie down.
I've got congee cooking on the stove, and soon I'll have some chinese soup brewing as well. With a bit of acetimenophen, lots of rest and liquids, and some home-made comfort food, I hope Little B's energy will be back tomorrow, if not fairly soon. And perhaps next weekend, she will play in the wading pool!
We went for a sight-visit, to scope out the pool and park, and after a little coaxing, Little B decided she wanted to come back in her swim suit, to try out the pool. Before leaving, however, Little B played with the musical playground (yes musical), and she sat on the big-kid swing for a few minutes.
We finished our day with take-out sushi dinner, sitting outside under our tent-gazebo in the cool evening sun. Little B went to bed with thoughts of swimming today.
Unfortunately, this morning, Little B woke up super-cranky and hot. She is running a fever, and is definitely not swimming today. It's been difficult coaxing her to drink liquids, and to eat something, as all she wants to do is lie down.
I've got congee cooking on the stove, and soon I'll have some chinese soup brewing as well. With a bit of acetimenophen, lots of rest and liquids, and some home-made comfort food, I hope Little B's energy will be back tomorrow, if not fairly soon. And perhaps next weekend, she will play in the wading pool!
March 05, 2012
Bargain Bins
Bargain shopping is one of my favourite things to do.
Last weekend, I spent only $23 and purchased for my little girl a boardgame, 3 sets of flash cards, 2 dresses, 2 shirts, 2 books, and a camp chair. The only thing I was really hoping to find, which I couldn't, were size 7 toddler shoes - not that she really needs them now, though. But it would have been nice to find some toddler shoes for her next size up.
I love bargains, especially for baby/toddler/kids things. Babies grow up so quickly, and you could easily be saving hundreds of dollars each year if you buy used, or take hand-me-downs.
My city holds a city-wide garage-day sale, where residents can register their home with the city and hold a sale on a specified day/weekend. This is to help celebrate Earth Day, to promote the three R's - Reduce, Re-Use, and Recycle. I love this day, and I'm looking forward to more bargains. Like they say, one person's garbage is another person's treasure! And who doesn't like to go treasure hunting?? :)
Last weekend, I spent only $23 and purchased for my little girl a boardgame, 3 sets of flash cards, 2 dresses, 2 shirts, 2 books, and a camp chair. The only thing I was really hoping to find, which I couldn't, were size 7 toddler shoes - not that she really needs them now, though. But it would have been nice to find some toddler shoes for her next size up.
I love bargains, especially for baby/toddler/kids things. Babies grow up so quickly, and you could easily be saving hundreds of dollars each year if you buy used, or take hand-me-downs.
My city holds a city-wide garage-day sale, where residents can register their home with the city and hold a sale on a specified day/weekend. This is to help celebrate Earth Day, to promote the three R's - Reduce, Re-Use, and Recycle. I love this day, and I'm looking forward to more bargains. Like they say, one person's garbage is another person's treasure! And who doesn't like to go treasure hunting?? :)
June 01, 2011
Daycare
This week I've been introducing Little B to her daycare, with one hour per day.
The first day she was so excited and overwhelmed. She squealed and made her baby noises. She said "hi" in her baby way to all the other toddlers. She is the youngest one there, but soon there will be other little babies with her in September. Most of the little toddlers loved the introduction of a baby in the daycare. Many of them are still "babies"... they are all innocent, full of fun, and learning about the world. The other few toddlers didn't seem to take notice of the baby much, which is totally okay. Some kids love babies, other kids would rather pay attention to kids their own age. :)
In any case, this daycare will be converting from a family daycare to a baby daycare, so Little B will most likely not be the youngest there. Totally okay with that. The daycare will be for kids 3 years and younger.
The daycare seems to be very nice, very clean, well-maintained, and there is the daycare manager, and one other employee. The daycare still has several spaces starting September, so anyone living in the Coquitlam Riverview area check out this site: http://www.daycarebear.ca/daycare-center-preschool/3482-riverview-heights-infant-and-toddler-care.html
Little B seems to tire herself out during the one hour at daycare. She's such an active baby. For some reason, she really likes to follow the boys around and play with their cars/trucks. I think she is taking after her cousin Jared. We'll be going back again tomorrow, and she will have snack time with them, so the daycare folks can see how (and what) we feed the Little B'ster.
Maybe I'll report again soon.
PS. B's bump from her accident disappeared in 2 days. Babies are so resilient. However, she has baby eczema now so we are using a special lotion for her. :)
The first day she was so excited and overwhelmed. She squealed and made her baby noises. She said "hi" in her baby way to all the other toddlers. She is the youngest one there, but soon there will be other little babies with her in September. Most of the little toddlers loved the introduction of a baby in the daycare. Many of them are still "babies"... they are all innocent, full of fun, and learning about the world. The other few toddlers didn't seem to take notice of the baby much, which is totally okay. Some kids love babies, other kids would rather pay attention to kids their own age. :)
In any case, this daycare will be converting from a family daycare to a baby daycare, so Little B will most likely not be the youngest there. Totally okay with that. The daycare will be for kids 3 years and younger.
The daycare seems to be very nice, very clean, well-maintained, and there is the daycare manager, and one other employee. The daycare still has several spaces starting September, so anyone living in the Coquitlam Riverview area check out this site: http://www.daycarebear.ca/daycare-center-preschool/3482-riverview-heights-infant-and-toddler-care.html
Little B seems to tire herself out during the one hour at daycare. She's such an active baby. For some reason, she really likes to follow the boys around and play with their cars/trucks. I think she is taking after her cousin Jared. We'll be going back again tomorrow, and she will have snack time with them, so the daycare folks can see how (and what) we feed the Little B'ster.
Maybe I'll report again soon.
PS. B's bump from her accident disappeared in 2 days. Babies are so resilient. However, she has baby eczema now so we are using a special lotion for her. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)