Happy Friday!

After the past few weeks, life is finally settling into a new rhythm again. Hubby was on vacation, and we kept things simple—mostly resting and spinning a few LPs. On Tuesday, with the weather absolutely perfect, we wandered down to the waterfront to see the Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam docked in the Harbour. I never get tired of watching these ships and imagining what it must feel like to be out in the middle of the Atlantic on one of them.

Downtown was packed, full of people and energy, the kind of lively bustle that only cruise‑ship days bring. It’s always amazing to see.

Happy 30th Wedding Anniversary!

Tomorrow marks our 30th Wedding Anniversary, and I can’t help but feel excited for it. I get to dress up and go out for dinner with my hubby tomorrow evening, something simple but meaningful after everything these past months have brought. Since I haven’t had time to shop, we’re heading out today to pick up something for our apartment—something we’ve wanted for a long time. It feels like the perfect way to mark the occasion. I’m curious to see what we end up choosing.

Financial Issues

Managing an estate after someone passes isn’t just emotionally exhausting — it’s financially draining too. Over the past two months, the process has wiped out our savings, and last week’s house clean‑out finished off what was left. On Tuesday morning, I posted a few of the coins I found in the house online, just hoping to bring in a little breathing room. I had no idea there was such a demand for them. The Canada Mint Maple coins — .9999 pure silver — sold within an hour, and that one bit of effort brought in $645 CAD. It was a relief. I still have a few coins left and will hold onto them in case we get stuck again, but this is pay week, so we’re steady for now. Silver prices have gone up, which I noticed at the perfect time.

On Wednesday, we dropped off the house key, officially closing that chapter. Then we went to the bank to sign another form so they can release her funds into the trust account that was set up last week. There are still a few things pending, but it’s mostly paperwork now. Once the funds are transferred, we can reimburse ourselves for what we’ve spent and cover the bills she left behind. It won’t be much longer before the estate is finally finished.

If there’s one thing this entire process has taught me, it’s this: Make a Will. It makes everything so much easier for the people left behind.

Album Collection

I’ve been slowly working my way through the albums — there must be around 400 here between the LPs and the 45s — and there are quite a few oldies in the mix. Every now and then I come across something I used to own when I was younger, especially in the mixed‑group compilations. It’s like little pieces of my past tucked into someone else’s collection.

Yesterday I found something completely unexpected: a 78‑speed record from 1910, meant for a phonograph. Our record player actually goes to 78, so I tried it, and to my surprise it still plays. All band music, full of that warm, old‑world sound. This record is 116 years old and still holding on. Moments like that make this whole sorting process feel a bit magical.

Then there is the Elvis collection! We listened to so many of them yesterday, and they all still sound great. There are Kenny Rogers, Charlie Pride, Styx, The Eagles, Bee Gees, and the Beach Boys!

We even found the Beatles and the Beatlemania album! Yes, there are more Beatles here too!

We now have nine shopping bags full of records, plus two boxes, and every time I go through a few more, I find something unexpected. Yesterday I came across a couple that were mixed up, a few empty sleeves, and even some LPs tucked into the wrong covers. It’s going to take time to sort it all properly, so I’ve decided it will be a Fall project: go through every album, make a full list with photos, and finally get the whole collection organized.

There are a few I plan on keeping, but most will be sold. If any album collectors are looking for something specific, let me know — I just might have it.

And yes, the War of the Worlds LP is here, in great shape. There are Archie comic albums, Cabbage Patch Kids, Flash Gordon — all kinds of surprises tucked into this collection. I’ll share the full list once I get it together.

Jewelry

My next plan is to go through all the jewelry that’s here. I need to take photos, look up values, and start posting pieces for sale. There are so many watches — some expensive, some not — but all interesting in their own way. The Timex watches are quite old, including a 1977 Timex automatic that still works, even though it no longer has a strap. Then there are the Gucci, Mercury, and Bolivia watches, each with their own style and history.

I also have about twenty‑five watches still in their original cases, including a few Peanuts and Disney designs. It’s going to take time to sort through everything properly, but I’m looking forward to seeing what each piece turns out to be worth.

I’m really looking forward to learning more about all these pieces, especially the bone china cup with Cabot Tower on the front and that unique watch with the Canadian provincial flags instead of numbers. The Newfoundland & Labrador flag sits at the eleven position in the photo below, which makes the design even more charming. Every item seems to have its own little story, and I’m enjoying uncovering them one by one.

Sometimes it really does feel like I’m on a treasure hunt with all of this. I never know what I’m going to uncover next or how any of it will turn out, but it’s a project I’m genuinely looking forward to. Every piece has its own little story, and discovering them one by one has become its own kind of adventure.

Today!

Right now, I’m off to get ready for the day. It’s going to be a scorcher here, climbing into the high 20s Celsius, and after all the rain yesterday, I want to soak up as much sunshine as I can. Hubby and I are heading all over the City today to do some shopping, and I’m really looking forward to it. We might even find a quiet spot to sit for a bit and enjoy the warmth.

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend. Stay hopeful!