31.10.14

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!


Astwood Park transformed into a pumpkin patch in advance of Halloween. It was just like the pumpkin patches we visited outside Toronto where you roam the field looking for that perfect pumpkin and hop on a wagon for a tractor ride. Here are a few photos from our pumpkin-picking trip ...







Happy Halloween!


30.10.14

WORK & PLAY: FALL

I am still wearing shorts and t-shirts and as Monkey says, it is hot, hot, hot! I love the Fall season in Ontario with its crisp days that are perfect for wearing cozy layers and wool sweaters. This is my covet list for work attire and play gear if I still lived in the land of changing and falling leaves ...

Miu Miu sweater, Alice + Olivia pants, Cole Haan tote, Cole Haan shoes, Gold cuff
Sweater / Pants / Heels / Tote / Cuff

T by Alexander Wang sweater, IRO.Jeans, Baggu Duckbag, Minnetonka moccasins, Yarnz scarf
Sweater / Jeans / Moccasins / Scarf / Tote

28.10.14

A MORNING AT THE DOCKYARD


The Royal Naval Dockyard is located on the westernmost tip of Bermuda. It ceased to be an active naval base for the British Navy in 1957, and is now the landing spot for cruise ships and ferry boats. With the Bermuda Maritime Museum, shops, restaurants and recreational activities, the Dockyard (as it is known locally) is becoming a tourist hub. Efforts are also underway to restore the old navy buildings, some of which were built in 1813.

We spent a morning at the Dockyard checking out the museum, watching the dolphins, climbing the new playground and savouring treats at the local cafe. Here are a few pictures from our morning ...








25.10.14

OUR BOOK LIST

These are the books that are sitting on our bedside tables and are in heavy rotation with Monkey and Little Bean ...

Stewart O'Nan, Stephen King, Virginia Lee Burton, Sandra Boynton, Tad Hills

Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O'Nan
The Dark Tower II: The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton
Barnyard Dance! by Sandra Boynton
Rocket Writes a Story by Tad Hills

21.10.14

THE STORMS


We've now survived two hurricanes. First, Tropical Storm-turned-Hurricane Fay pummeled Bermuda leaving fallen trees, blocked roads and widespread power outages in its wake. One week later, Hurricane Gonzalo ripped across the island causing more damage and devastation. That was the scariest night of my life as intense winds and heavy rain battered our house. The eye of the hurricane -- the very centre of the storm -- passed directly over the island, which was an unnerving experience. The destructive winds came to an abrupt stop and everything was eerily quiet before the second half of the hurricane came at us with full force. The calm lasted for just over an hour, but it felt like eternity as we waited, huddled together, for the storm to continue.

Our Bermuda house withstood the wind and the rain with only minor damage. The same cannot be said for many of the homes that dot the landscape with blue tarps marking missing roofs and crumbled structures.

The last hurricane of this magnitude struck in 2003 and left a great deal more destruction, so for that we are thankful. With any luck, we will not see a storm like this again for a long, long time.

15.10.14

THE BIRTHDAY GIRL


This little lady turned one year old today. With a grin that lights up your whole face and goofy antics, you brighten our days and make us smile. We love and adore you.

Happy Birthday Little Bean!

6.10.14

OUR BERMUDA HOUSE


The picturesque landscape of Bermuda is dotted with pastel houses and white roofs. Our house is peach with green shutters and white trim. Very Bermudian. It is made of cement blocks and reinforced steel beams in order to withstand hurricanes. The roof is functional too. It is designed to collect rain water and funnel it to an underground water tank (a cement bunker of sorts). There is no source of fresh water on the island so each house relies on this water for everything from drinking and cooking to cleaning and bathing. Water conservation is vital.

Why are all the roofs on the island painted bright white? It's actually required by law to have a roof that is whitewashed with a special paint that helps sanitize the rain water as it is collected.

And that, dear reader, is a brief lesson in Bermuda housing!

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...