Jane Lavery Leja
SInce the 25th reunion, Ted and I had a third child, Alexandra, who is now 17.
We moved to Belleville in 2001 as our son James was attending the Quinte Ballet School of Canada and was tired of boarding with another family. We initially bought a beautiful Victorian home, but it became too expensive for us and so last summer we moved into a smaller home that was originally a farmer's son's home to which previous owners added a huge addition 30 years ago. I spent the summer painting 12 rooms as the previous owners were smokers and the yellow ceilings wouldn't wash, nor would the walls.
Ted is retired and having fun with our three dogs, D'Artagnan, an old poodle, Kelly, a middle-aged black Lab, and Reese, an 8 month old chocolate Lab that we bought last summer to help Alexandra with the changes of moving and discontinuing her dancing. Needless to say, Ted and I care for the dog and Alexandra gives her hugs. But she did try at first and learned how much work a puppy is. The real world was not the same as her imagined world and as this is the teen-pregnancy capital of Canada, it was a good lesson to learn!!!!
I had a few challenges last year with a boss and am in the process of changing jobs. I also learned a new alternative form of therapy that I am enjoying working with—Bowen Therapy. The plan is to build up a small Bowen Therapy Practice and to do Home Care as a Physio. I have a treatment room and office in the new house and I quite like working from home. I am also on the Music staff of the Hastings and Prince Edward Children's Chorus. We are planning to sing in competition in Vienna this summer and to sing a mass in Salzburg.