Medieval Days (Part IV and finally final)

Today was a big day in Seb's life. After about 2 months or so, the "Council of Elders" finally met and decided to knight him. We (well, his parents) felt that his behaviour had come a long way from the gloomy days of June & July (not to mention January and April and...). As you might recall, the 4 key qualities of a "good" knight are: bravery (going to sleep alone), honesty (always telling the truth, playing fair, etc), cooperation (being a team member, having listening ears open), and respect (not hitting when one gets angry).

He must have wanted it badly because he agreed to the traditional bath that a page takes the night before he is knighted, as well as the traditional period of reflection that one has on the eve of the ceremony (his was only 5 minutes and he kept calling out that he had forgotten what he was supposed to be thinking about). He didn't have to swear undying loyalty to his parents; he does that already by solemnly telling me that he is never ever going to leave any of us. Very sweet; gives me a lump in my throat every time.

His full regalia is comprised of:


- silver foam sword


- silver helmet with visor (made by doting grandparents who spray-painted a firefighter's helmet and to which mum will add his insignia - see below)


- chain mail under-helmet (doting nana knit it)


- white & blue tunic (which should fit till he is 8!)


- Hi-ho Henry - his hobbyhorse


- forthcoming Canadian Shield (the master shieldmaker must make a Canadian version of the stunning purple & orange job that he did in France; Seb has yet to decide on his Canadian insignia - though horses, lions and "orks?" have been mentioned)

Plus, Zia Elena and Andras bought him a foam skull-basher (one of those ball with protruding nails that swings off a chain!) that he will get when next in France.



Seb was reflecting on how it all started with a paper suit of armour and helmet. He feels like he has come up in the world. He was a happy boy and wanted to show the sword to everyone. Sophie was pleasantly amused, and pleased to hear that she never has to play the fairy princess or damsel in distress roles.



So tonight it was "Nighty night, dear knight" and off to dreamland he went.

Our first pit stop: southern England

We were able to spend a lovely week in the UK en route home. M was around for the first few days before heading back to Canada to re-start work and get the sub-let apartment set up for us. We had lovely morning on Brighton beach with Babush and young Ben - looks like those pebbles make for a comfy bed. We saw my sis a couple of times; she had the terrific idea of taking Seb to the science museum which was very hands-on. We went up to Aldborough to see some of the family (separate post), including our newest 2nd cousin.

But some of the best moments were spent with my cousin's family, with whom we stayed in Brighton. Ever generous with their time and space, they just heaped attention on Sebbie and Sophie. Not many 14 year olds would be happy to have a 3 year old cuddle up on them while they watched the footie. Seb would camp outside the bathroom waiting for their 11 yr old daughter to finish her ablutions... We're hoping that our two will look and learn from two wonderful role models; M & I have been observing and learning from their parents for many years now.

Never met an apple I didn't like

One of my/our goals on the return to Canada was to make the most of this country's beautiful nature - and Saint John is well placed to do so: farmland, ocean, forests and the country's largest urban park. So weekend # 1 and we opted to go apple-picking. Through the extensive family network that living where my other 1/2's family grew up and remained provides, we were able to visit the small commercial orchard of the family's retired dentist. He and his wife have 600 trees and 23 varieties.

We thought we would just be left to pick till we got cold. Instead, we were offered a full-on tour and accompaniment that ended with feeding apples to their horse. Sadly, climate change is rearing its ugly head and this is their 2nd bad harvest in a row, plus apples not "sizing up" and coming too early/late. It's not even worth picking apples for apple cider since they are only paid a penny a pound. But we came home happy and with 2 buckets of beauties. Mike hadn't brought his sound equipment but wished that he had.

Sophie adored every apple tossed her way - check out the shark attack! Next week will likely be a visit to the pumpkin patch. Till then, it is apple sauce and cake and pie and just plain old raw!

Pit stop in Montreal

So we are back in Saint John and to its credit, the town now boasts a bookstore on the main street “uptown”. There are even 2 books in its window that I want to read. We landed back here on Monday to join Mike who was already back earning the tofu. Seb jumped straight into drama and daycare and tickets to Peter Pan and a sleep over at Gramps & Nana’s. He is very happy to be back and settling into life super fast as we had predicted.

Sophie is ever flexible and doesn’t seem to mind which bed she wakes up in. She loves the space of our temporary home (we have a sublet for 5 months). Unfortunately, she finally succumbed to the cold/virus that had Seb feverish/exhausted/hacking - take your pick - for 8 of the 12 days we were travelling. He is still hacking and she got a mild case of croup which seems to have passed. If anyone knows of anything we can do to ease the small chickenpox scars she has on her forehead, let me know. Sophie is waving and cheering on request. She stands unsteadily and loves to walk along holding your hand. She can go for hallways and hallways.

Montreal was terrific, made all the better by staying right in Old Montreal with its cobblestones and restaurants. The highlight for Seb was undoubtedly the caleche ride we took with my parents on the last day, though Westmount Park rated highly (where Seb commandeered a water gun and sprayed his Grandad). My highlight was welcoming 12 year old Norwan on her 2nd solo trip to see us. How grown up - and helpful - she is! We drank delicious hot chocolate in a trendy neighbourhood café, we went to a costume shop just around the corner, we visited with my friend Deb and her 2 boys aged same as our pair, we found a delightful independent bookshop, we “researched” a number of local delis, we rode the metro, and got the big -but manageable - city vibe.
We did a houseswap and the first part went well (our co-exchangers are going to Issigeac in 2 weeks). We had a gorgeous condo in one of Montreal's oldest residential buildings. The steep stairs up were a problem for all of us but we coped. Seb took over the dressing room as his little bedroom. I managed to baby-proof the place - tho Sophie loved dipping her hands into the soil of the potted plants.
I should get going to bed as the nights are often interrupted by coughing, but just wanted to post a note and some photos. (I actually put this up the next morning - after we were woken 3 times btw the 2 kids...).