Eight months and counting...

Still awaiting the report of the conservation authority. Can't do any interior work until we know. Workers have been paid a retainer, but there's nothing they can do yet. We had gone ahead and found them because the conservation authority had said the process would take about three months, but we're at eight months now and no end in sight. Tradespeople are booking months in advance. I despair of being able to insulate before winter, in which case we'll have to just close it up until spring, because $800 a month for propane isn't an option. This is rapidly turning from frustrating to ludicrous. Do they want us to be part of their community or not? Do they want us joining their tax base or not? Do they want this building to sit empty and become derelict or not? Difficult to be patient.

Well, THIS doesn't happen in the city!

We were in the laundry room, plotting out where to put things to turn it into a bathroom, and I looked up to see a pig out the window.

Yup.

We went outside to take a closer look, and it was indeed still a pig. It wasn't large, about the size of a pitbull, with black and white markings and a very waggy tail. It was rooting up the neighbour's lawn, munching things, kicking up its heels, rolling in the grass like a happy puppy. We waved a neighbour over to ask if they knew whose pig it was. There isn't a complete fence around the yard, and I was concerned it -- he -- would wander onto the road. 

The neighbour waved over a few more neighbours, and we tried to corral the pig into a fenced area with a gate, but he wasn't interested. Then we bribed and enticed him with vegetables (he liked peas and cucumber but not carrot), but he was wise to what we were trying to do and wouldn't go near the gate, turning and running every time we got him close.

Brio thought it all very exciting and touched noses with the pig through the chain link fence. The pig was very friendly and followed people cheerfully and companionably until the gate became the obvious target, and then he'd be off again, kicking up his heels.

Finally the owner came home and tossed bagel slices like frisbees in a line in front of the pig, drawing him back to his pen. The pig (his name is Blackie) good-naturedly followed the trail of bagels into his enclosure. Ta da! Adventure over. The owner was apologetic, but we all assured him it had been the highlight of the week.

And now, of course, I want a pig...

Progress on the Book Nook

This week we raided the Habitat for Humanity Restore in Sarnia for some furniture for the Book Nook. It isn't complete yet, but it's a beginning. I love the Restore -- so many things that spark ideas and projects! Antiques, retro stuff, entire kitchens and shower stalls...There's really no reason to have to buy anything new. I plan to add more book space and a children's bench, and maybe a low table.

The chairs we got were inexpensive and fit the age of the building fairly well. I also think the colours go well with the stained glass windows and the rug. We plan one day to build some custom shelves for the room, but in the meantime we'll get started with these. I'm culling my collection to provide books to start off with.

People are welcome to come in, hang up their jacket, sit and relax, read, and walk away with a book if they want to in exchange for another book or a small donation so we can keep the shelves stocked. At some point we'll also offer herbals teas and snacks. Just a little cozy corner to share. A retreat for the shelf-absorbed.