Flowers outside the front door

Angela walking down the alleyway across the street

What houses need to be like

"We gravitate toward spaces that offer 'prospect and refuge—that is, we like 'a big, bright space that has a broad interesting view,' but we also like refuges, 'snug protected haven[s].' Ideally, homes incorporate both. " "We have beautiful, comfortable homes so that we might welcome guests." (Lauren Winner)

"The problem with the typical suburban house is that it is boring without being restful, and this is because it is designed with too much symmetry, smoothness, and regularity. Texture—that is, some irregularity or variation in a surface—creates a sense of shelter. Texture can come from above, through variation in ceiling height; from below, through variation in floor type; or from the sides, through the addition of trim, woodwork, and alcoves to otherwise flat walls. The construction of small spaces within a large space generates that sense of security that makes us feel at home. Similarly, the repetition of forms, particularly archetypal shapes like circles or squares, is comforting and unifying. On the other hand, a well-designed house must be more than a womb; it should also rouse us to explore the world. This need for stimulation is met through the use of asymmetry, through the placement of tiles or furniture on the diagonal, and through the design of long, unobstructed views, both within the house and from the inside to the outside." (Andrea Nagy)

A gift of labour

We had some problems with water seeping into our basement during rainstorms. With advice from several friends, Angela's father has spent his last few days with us working on the window well. We all hope this will solve the problem! A big, big thank you for this labour of love.

Gideon at 40 (4)

Some birthday party guests grew weary as the night grew old. (Note the comfy red couch again.)

Gideon at 40 (3)

Gideon really liked his gifts this year.

Gideon at 40 (2)

In the evening, Gideon was completely taken by surprise - Angela has organized a birthday party! There were guests from near and far, including some friends (and relatives!--to quote Angela's grandmother--Angela's dear parents have been staying with us for some time) from South Africa, and Sarnia (Ontario).




















Not all the guests were from far away - some descended from their garret in the attic.




















Angela and our dear friend Sean Purcell lit the candles on the cake, Gideon with some difficulty blew them all out, and much fun was had by all.

Gideon at 40 (1)

On October 11 Gideon turned forty.

There was the customary waking-up-with-song-and-gifts. The calfskin-bound ESV journaling Bible was right up there among Gideon's favourite gifts. Below it is open at one of Gideon's favourite passages, Job 27-28 (part of which has been made into song).

More 40th birthday pictures

My dear friend and colleague Dan Postma (whose birthday it is today - Happy Birthday, Dan!) has posted a couple of photographs from my birthday.

Concert evening

Hannah has posted some photographs on her personal blog of the women of the family on their way to a concert by Susanne Hou, the daughter of Hannah's violin teacher.

Tala's new haircut

Tala has posted a few pictures of herself with her new haircut on her personal blog.