Happy Birthday, Dad.

Today is a special day. My father's birthday. He passed away in 1992 at the age of 77. He would have been 96 today. Happy Birthday, Daddy. Love you always.


Dad in the uniform with me in his arms, 1950. My two brothers in the white shirts.



Julie/Julia

I was watching the movie as noted and enjoying it thoroughly when an overwhelming feeling of needing to do something that I enjoyed - something that was relevant to me and to mankind.Quite the opposite ends of the spectrum right? Anyway, it made me realize that I do not have a hobby - besides writing this blog - that makes me feel like I have a specialty of some sort.

Should I write a book?  ha Obviously that is not in my future but it does beg the question 'why not'? or what else could I do? Is that an age thing? You start thinking about mortality and wonder what you have accomplished? In the movie, Julie is 30, celebrating her birthday. I on the other hand, am 60, feeling like 30. I have 30 years less now than she does. I know, it's only a movie...but....

I will now spend some time (not much) but some time...to deciding what I can do to make myself relevant!

Ok, I have continued on with the movie and half way through, Julie has a fight with her husband who tells her the blogging and everyday account of her life has made their lives difficult (meaning his). She has been self-absorbed in her recipies and her count-down to do Julia's recipes. Oh dear, guess I need to stop being self-absorbed in my quest for something relevant in my life. Or ..... perhaps I should just continue what I am doing but with increased zest. Increase the fervor; yes, that's the answer!

I just heard Julie's mom say 'I'm Just Saying' which of course is a special saying of my own mother's . What is it about that expression ? Moms seem to love it - it covers so many different situations. It has become a special one of mine as well.

Well, the movie has now ended. Life is moving on, and so must I. As they say in the movie, Bon Appetit! (meaning to me, enjoy (whatever it is you do)).

God bless.

I Can't Believe I Said That

I am really disliking this warm weather! The roads are muddy, the cars are dirty, the windows are covered in streaks from the washer fluid and really not clear at all! Even though the sky is blue and the sun is out as it is +2 degrees, the roads are mucky and messy and so are we! All it takes is one car in front of you and your windshield is covered and I am sure everyone is wondering if they replenished their windshield washer fluid.

I went to WalMart at noon to pick up a few things. It was unbelievable! Doesn't anyboy work anymore? I had to park at the far end of the lot and walk (not that it hurt me at all but it is so messy outside). Anyway, once I was inside it was not that busy but there were still lots of people. The aisles are being filled with 'Christmas specials' already and there are 'deals' everywhere. It's still November! We haven't even had the Grey Cup yet. I shouldn't be surprised as it happens every year at this time but it always catches me off guard. Kissn' 104 started playing Christmas music today. Yikes!

I got my four things and headed home. It was just to 'busy' for me. Too many specials, too many sales and I am not in the mood for any of it right now.  Of course, when I go out to buy my gifts, the specials will be all gone. That is usually what happens to me.

So, I come home and what do I find? My husband and his buddy are busy shampooing our living room carpet. He purchased a new Bissell 'home cleaning unit' on sale and was happily showing me how good it works. Now, I can't argue with something like that. Can I? I am happy about the cleaning taking place and happier still that we have plans already to go 'out for supper' tonight so that I don't have to deal with it right now. Not that I have to deal with anything since he is the one doing all the work! The carpet that was cleaned so far, looks great!

I have turned the heat up in the house (even though it is +2 outside). I am hoping it will speed up the drying process.

All in all it was a good day. With Christmas music already being played, I guess I should get 'into the festive spirit' and leave my 'humbug' attitude behind.

How Much Does This Cost??

I'm feeling kind of 'down' today. Not sad - just 'blah'. My computer has been giving me the 'gears' and everytime I am on it, the little fella acts up. For some reason now I can't find the volume control on my task bar. It has disappeared. I have tried 'searching' for it but it does not want to be found. Also, the letters I am typing are not appearing right away, but rather just slowly moving onto the page after I have finished typing about six words - or more!! Not sure what is causing that either!  Computers! Bah! Humbug!

I was looking at a Blackberry ad this afternoon when some advertisements came in the mail. Before you know it, you will be spending all your time looking at this little box in your hand. Your life will be in your hand. Come on....really....!!! It would appear that we don't even think about the COST  increase in our monthly bill to have that little unit. We just think "WE HAVE TO HAVE IT (everyone else does) or so it seems!! Nope! Not me!! I like my 'hard copy' of names in my address book - I still send out hard copy birthday cards, anniversary cards, Christmas cards. I admit...I am slowing down and I do also send email cards but...in general...I am still old fashioned about words and cards (for now)!!

I wonder if we realize how much more $$ is spent for telephones, cell phones, internet, blackberries, voice messaging, HD tv, optic tv, etc, etc, etc. Ok, ok, I hear myself. I guess these are now all needs of the day. I'm just saying...

I took out hamburger for supper tonite (last minute thought). It is sitting in cold water thawing s-l-o-w-l-y. My hubby came home to tell me he had gone out with a friend for a buffet at lunch. He is telling me now that "he really isn't that hungary'! In my mind I am thinking "what about me?"  Oh I know that he doesn't want me to starve but remember....it's the 'mood' I am in that is talking now!!

So, here I am back on my computer 'typing' instead of cooking; emailing or blogging instead of texting! I guess I am just as bad as everyone else! 

More Changes

I got caught up in the changes you can make to your blog face. It is almost like writing a blog as there are so many things to choose from (or say)! I have not perfected it yet (obviously) or else I just can't stay with the one pattern. I would like each blog day to have a different colour and pattern but, once you change it, all of them revert to this same pattern.

So, I will just do it for ME, MYSELF and I and see how it goes. It is a bit of work to make all the changes so I can see myself eventually saying....'it's ok the way it is' and leaving it alone for awhile.

I will just enjoy the scenery when I feel the urge for a change.

Sunny and bright out, no clouds (except for car exhaust) as it is -27 with a windchill but it looks sooooo nice out anyway!

Brrrrrrr

It's -31 C and it is cold. With the wind chill tonite it will be -40 C. Too cold too soon in the season but thankfully, we are headed for a warming spell by the weekend. Should be 0 and sunny. All this snow will likely melt and we will start it all over again.

One thing is nice - the hoar frost on the trees and the crystals in the air make the sunsets beautiful!

Emptiness

I was at Sears on Sat afternoon for an hour. They were having a big sale (another one!). The only thing I was interested in were the gloves which were 50% off. I bought two pair - one purple (my fav color) and one black. Both different styles. That was my BIG purchase and I love them! 

I went upstairs to the Christmas decorations and found lots of reindeer, chestnuts, colorful balls, trees, lights, candy and Santa Claus. No nativity scenes, plaques with Christ is Born, O Holy Night, or the like! Christmas is just like every other 'holiday' now. Not Merry Christmas but Happy Holidays! It makes me wonder why we even have the 'day' anymore. Guess it is just for the same reason we have Family Day in February. Some people take advantage of it as a time to be together with family. Perhaps most just enjoy it as their own time or time to get errands done - or sleep in!

I left the store without any bangles or baubles but more of an emptiness. The happy holidays music was playing but my spirit was not lifted. A good reminder to me that I need to share the Spirit within myself in more concrete ways with others. Perhaps that is the good in it all.

Luke 2: 11 For unto you is born this day, in the City of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

Playing with Colour

I'd really like to find a winter wonderland look for my blog. I think I am somewhat limited though. Lots of colour but not the design I would like. I guess there is a way to do my own thing but I have not figured that out yet.

I only have to look up from my computer though and I see my own 'winter wonderland' out the window. It has begun to snow so we are now officially into winter. The thermometer shows -14 celius but does not show the windchill.  That definitely makes a big difference. The furnace is running steadily since I turned it on as I had turned it down when we went to church at 8 am this morning. We ended up staying for both services and then for the Newcomers Lunch as well. We were hosting.  Anyway, the house was cold when we got home. Thus the idea for changing my blog to a 'winter' mode.

We met some new people at church this morning. Very nice and hopefully we will connect with them next week too. I will keep my 'eyes open' to spot them. They admitted to 'coming and going' like the wind! Perhaps next week they will stay and we can visit over a coffee. We'll see. I'm on the Info Desk so I hope I can catch them.

There's something about the start of the cold season that makes a person want to just stay home, keep warm and watch tv or read. There are a bunch of sales on this weekend, but who really cares? What do I really 'need'? Nothing. So, I will stay home and relax. Save my $$ for another day.

So, back to my blog design. I opted for the black and white swirls for today. I recognize that ALL the blog changes when I make my daily change of colour etc so my other creations are lost but I guess that is the way it has to be. Tomorrow is another day!

Winter Wonderland

Yes, winter is definitely here. A high of -12 with snowfall. I am thankful that the streets now have snow on them and that they have been plowed so there is a nice white surface. Not really THAT slippery but you have to watch at the intersections.  What's with all these people who continue to drive as it if was sunny, warm and good pavement?? dahhhhh

I went to Toys R Us this morning and picked up our gifts for our grandkids' birthdays which are coming up in the next week or two. It was the last day for the big sale! Of course, the gifts I was buying were not the 'big specials'!! I did get a good break on one gift though so that will cover the cost of mailing this parcel now!!

I have my Christmas music on and John is playing with his snowblower (snow everywhere) so it is definitely (everyone sing....) 'beginning to look a lot like Christmas....."

Safe & Sound

Well we made it home from our vacation, safe and sound. On arriving we found no snow but very cool temperatures. However, the following morning, it was snowing. "Welcome home" was the message I was hearing in the snowflakes. It's that time of the year. What more can you expect? Just over a month till Christmas so we need the snow!  Too bad we didn't get our lights up BEFORE we left though as it is going to be chilly putting them up in the cold and snow.

We got to bed about 1:30 am and of course we both had work the next day. Wouldn't you know it! Not good planning on our part. I made it on time but I am sure glad I start at 9 am and not 8 am.  In the afternoon I took a few hours off work to attend a funeral for a lady I know. She had breast cancer which spread and after three years of treatment and suffering - she finally succumbed. She had the loudest laugh of anyone I know - and I know a few, loud laughers - but she made people around her feel better - she seldom complained (not that I heard anyway) and was more intent on making others smile.

Yesterday was busy at work. Occupied the whole day with something or other. It was nice to stay home and be inside today. I was supposed to meet someone at 8:45 this morning but oops...didn't make it. (Note to self:  Never make plans two weeks in advance without writing it down! Good thing to remember for the future.)

So, time to start pulling out the decorations or at least thinking about them. I am also thinking about birthday gifts for our two grandchildren with birthdays coming up on Nov 25 and Dec 6. Have to pick up gifts and mail them off. Sure wish those rates were a bit lower. Oh well...

Snowing again (lightly) but snowing nevertheless. Will try to do all my 'indoor' activities tomorrow and stay inside nice and warm!

Nearing the End

We had a great day today. Drove to Tombstone, Arizona. It is about 75 miles from Tuscon where we are staying.  We first went into the Court House. $5 each to walk around the place. Everywhere you went, it was $5 per person. Even to watch a 'shoot out'. They had them on every street corner it seemed  but you had to pay to watch. We didn't bother. Who likes blood anyway? Actually, overall, it was a very neat town but we think they did ' nickle & dime' you too much. We finally stopped for lunch in a 'saloon' - food was decent - old fashioned sasparella (root beer) and pepsi - but the singer was a bit course - kept saying this was a 'bar' so if you didn't like it, you could leave.  We left.

Tried to see the Kartchner Caverns near Benson but they were all booked up. It was 1 pm and they said nothing was available until 4:45 and that was only for 2 people, not 4. So...we headed home. We had an hour or two before our game at the U of Arizona to watch SCU against UofA (actually that is U of Arizona, not University of Alberta for those who live in Canada)!

The game started at 6 pm so we were headed there for 5 pm to catch the pre-game festivities. Unfortunately we did not win the game. But..it was a great thrill just to be watching the sunset from the high seats!!!! It was a good night - a little on the cool side. I wish I had one more jacket or pullover to wear as the wind was cool. Still, I only had on a t-shirt, long sleeve pulloveer, a v-neck long sleeve sweater and hoodie. So I didn't freeze, but it would have been nice to have one more layer!!



SCU & UofA

Tomorrow we head home. Don't leave until 8 pm so we have a late check out here and a leisurely drive. Might try to drive out to the Airport Graveyard outside of town about 10 am. Should be interesting. A leisurely lunch at Cheesecake Cafe, checkout and head back to Phoenix. All in all, a pretty nice week.

Change of Location

We had a great hike yesterday on Remembrance Day. Pinnacle Peak in Fountain Hills area. SE Phoenix.  I have to admit I did not make it all the way. Yes, it was a good but it was hard too - especially for those of us who don't excercise everyday - especially on holidays! I have been walking but again...not as much as I should.

Nevertheless it was a good time. Later in the evening we went to a Dinner Theatre event called '42 Street'. It was pretty good too. So, that was a full day. Got to bed finally about 11:45 pm.

Sometime in the middle of the night I woke up sick. Have finally gotten over 'whatever' it was but the stomach is still tender. We headed out to Tuscon this morning. Got a good look at the countryside and entered into the city to walk around the university campus. Bought tickets to go to see the University of Arizona Wildcats against the  University of Southern California for tomorrow night.  Decent seats. Should be fun - but likely a little on the cool side. It is not as warm here as we would like but still around 73 during the day.

We are at the Westward Ho which is a beautiful resort. Very nice. Enjoying every minute.

It's a New Day

It may be a little late to do this but I thought since we were in the desert I should change my blog to reflect the sun, sun, sun we are experiencing. A nice bright yellow would have been nice but I couldn't get a background I liked so this orange will have to do for a few days.  I definitely like my pinks and purples but orange is kinda nice too.

Today is our last day in Phoenix and then we are headed to Tuscon for a few days before we head 'home' (Oh, that hurts!). Not that I don't like home but right now it reminds me of work, obligations, schedules, etc. I am still in the mood for fun, fun, fun or at least rest, rest, rest, or even new, new, new! Usually, I find that when you stay in one place for the week it seems longer than if you were moving around to different locations and packing your bags every few days. This time, however, we are moving once which I think will take on an 'extended' feel to this 10 days+ vacation. We are looking forward to the change. We have been to Phoenix a few times now and although it is always a great place to come, we are getting familiar with it. A new 'change of pace' is in store.  We will make the most of today and then we will be OFF to a new adventure location. 

To much 'hot' stuff!

Speaking of short of sleep, that's me.  John was driving our friends to the golf course this morning for 7 am and he was awake early - as if he would ever be late. About 3:30 a.m. he wondered if it was ok if he turned the light on to read - hopefully to fall back to sleep. I said 'wait a bit'. About 4:30 he was up to the washroom and asked again. I finally said ok as I was almost awake (I had to go there myself)! At 6 am, I heard the coffee drippping (slow torture if you are trying to sleep). He was out the front door to pick up the paper (click, clank of the door lock, shuffle, shuffle, shuffle with the paper and then quiet as he sits down to read). Oops, there goes the light - it is amazing the amount of light that is shed when you are trying to sleep. Last night I remember sitting there beside the lamp and wondering what the wattage was as it seemed dim! It wasn't too much longer before the computer was on and the blue light from it covered the whole room. Oh what the heck, maybe it's time to get up!

After deciding I couldn't stand it (or lie there) any longer (the smell of coffee was arousing my taste buds) I finally got up. I decided to have a shower after my coffee and I was all set to 'make my day' by 8:15 a.m. Just needed to have my breakfast and then John & I were off to visit his brother-in-law, Wayne, at their new place in Fountain Hills.

A half hour trip and we were there. Beautiful community as well. Of course, wherever you go in the Phoenix area it seems pristine and picturesque. A beautiful place to visit. I still like Hawaii though. I prefer the moisture in the air to the dryness. Don't get me wrong...dry and hot is good too especially when I think of the -30 C weather ahead for us at home. But we all have our 'druthers' and I would 'druther' be in Hawaii.

Too much spicy food the past three days and my stomach is finally acting up. I like mildly spicy if there is such a thing. I don't think that is what I have been having though. Today, my stomach shut down and said 'not another thing'! So, I am drinking more water which is a good thing.

We are going to 'take it easy' tonite. I guess if you are on holidays you can do that too.

Outlet City!

We had a good solid breakfast this morning. Coffee, bacon & eggs and toast. Then we were OFF to the Outlet stores! I did not find a lot but did buy a sweater which I needed. It is cool in the evenings here. I also bought a Star Wars shirt for our grandson who loves Star Wars. There are sales everywhere but about the same price as in Canada so why bother, eh?  That's sooooo Canadian!

We ended up having lunch there and then were we off to enjoy 'house hunting' with our friends who were being led around by a local real estate agent. Some beautiful homes! We of course were just part of the troops and made our comments. We have NOOOOOO intention of buying here. I think IF we were to buy, I would want some place in Hawaii, maybe. I guess Phoenix is a lot closer and easier to get to... but still....

Ended up (after the full afternoon of checking out homes) by having supper at Cheescake Cafe. What a place. Way too much food so we had to bring some home. Looks like I will be having 'Bang Bang Chicken' tomorrow too!

Starting to get some work to do over the internet now through my emails so I am thinking it will be time to go home pretty soon. There is only so much you can do by email. However, I am going to stop checking them so often and maybe they can wait till I do get home on Sunday night. I should enjoy the sunshine, the location and the people we are with while I can. There is ALWAYS work at home to do!

Another Day in the Valley

It was a good day. John and I went on a long hike around the park area and into the residential streets. Not as many houses for sale this year as we had seen a few years ago. The weather is great as usual - although a bit cooler today. The sky started out blue, blue blue but turned cloudy by noon. The sun was still shining but we did not see the totally blue blue sky as we had in the past. Hopefully tomorrow is sunny and blue again.

We just totally relaxed today. John is a real crossword puzzle guy and I got a book too and have been trying my hand at it. Not so good! This will take work and I don't like it all! Too much like work. I did get a few so I was spurred on to do more. John can get them - one after the other. Words I have never heard of. However, I guess it is good for me so I will keep at it! They say it is good for the mind.

Tomorrow we are off to the outlets for a bit of shopping. We are not shoppers but we will be up to looking around. There is nothing we really need. I bought the backings to my earrings at the mall today so I am pretty well done for now!

Enjoying these plush accommodations and being pampered.

Sunday Church

We had a good church service this morning. We went to Christ's Church in the Valley (CCV). Interesting, as many of the cars had CCV stickers on their back window. Cool. They also refer to themselves in church as 'here at CCV'. Another 'hmmm ... interesting'. I would prefer to say 'here at Christ's church" but ... each to his own.

They have 5 services on the weekend. Three on Sunday. We went to the 10:30 service. It was packed. I would guess 2500 people give or take a hundred. They can sure do that 'open' style as there is so much land and parking for cars. Definitely a 'campus' (as they refer to it). Kids Campus, Adults, Youth. You can walk a very long way.  Lots of 'hello's from the hundreds of volunteers you see everywhere! Amazing.

Anyway, we had lunch at Joey Tomatoes again. Great place for all you can eat salads! We are stuffed. Once my tummy goes down a bit I am headed to the pool to soak in some rays. This week will go by pretty fast!! On Friday, we are headed to Tuscson for a few days before we head home. Maybe we should have made this for 2 weeks!

Oh well, must go...I hear the pool calling....splish splash!

Safe 'n Sound

What a quick trip it was from Edmonton to Phoenix. Especially when you fly 'direct'. We each had our earphones with us so we could watch tv which always makes 'time fly' literally!! haha get it? oh, never mind.

Found our way around the terminal, off to the car rental location and to our place. Very easy (only since we have done it a few times already). This city is so big! Thankfully, we know our way around a bit. We got settled and then went to Joey Tomatoes for supper at 8:45 pm  What a great meal. It's 'do it yourself salads' with some choice of soups, pizza and breads. A few desserts. What more could you want? Home to our rooms and a little more chat and before you know it...it's bedtime.

Sleep did not come to me though. I was awake off and on all night. I started coughing too - thinking "oh, oh, here comes a cold" but this morning (although tired), I am in good spirits and good health. No cold.

We went for a VERY long walk and checked out some new condo developments (very nice) on the golf course. Something we could actually afford (if we sold our house AND cashed in all of our savings)!! Beautiful, nevertheless.

Stopped to have lunch at Kona Grill which sounds like it should be in Hawaii. Since the market in general is down it was not very busy in the shopping plaza/condominum establishment but the food was good and they said it was 1/2 price happy hour. Who ever heard of happy hour at 12 noon? But why argue? we enjoyed our food at half price.   A long walk back to our condo and we are now 'at rest'.  It is quite warm (for us) and we are resting. I was thinking (only thinking) of sitting at the pool but why when I am hot already! So, I thought I would do up this little blog and then read some.

Another lazy day in the valley...

And Awaaaaay We Goooooo!

What a beautiful sunrise this morning - even if it was 8:15 before I could actually see it. Fortunately it was clear so you could see the beautiful orange, red and pinks! thought you might appreciate it too.

Nov 5, 2010 Sunrise - 8:15 a.m.

I am sure my neighbors wonder when I take pictures out the window. They will be closing their blinds pretty soon!! Of course, the picture doesn't really capture the beauty of it all. Still...looks good.
 
We are packed and ready to go (almost). There is always something that we forget to take. I am hoping that I brought everything this time.
 
I stopped to visit a girl I know this morning after I picked up US funds from the bank. She is struggling with the loss of her mom in an accident. I can relate to how empty she feels without her mom there - especially since she lived with her. I only visited my mom every day and helped her where I could. The emptiness is the same though. I said I would give her a hand with getting to appointments etc. when I get back as she is not able to drive right now. Wow, I can't imagine not being able to drive when and where I wanted to go. Hopefully that will not be for long though.
 
Anyway, off into the wild blue yonder!

Same but Different

Oh yes, I forgot. I did get my hair cut. Not as short as I used to wear it but shorter and without the wedge cut to it. I think next week I will like it better than today. It does feel better and every once in a while I can actually see 'the old me' in the mirror. It's an amazing thing about getting older. We blame our aches and pains on it, and I am now blaming my appearance as well. Having said that, I guess we do change as we get older. I am developing my Aunt Margaret's jowels. I am sure she would chuckle at that!

Mixed Feelings

We are getting ready to go to Phoenix tomorrow. A pre-winter vacation of sorts. Unfortunately (or fortunately), the weather is so nice here in Edmonton right now. It is hard to leave, as we know we likely will be coming back to cooler temps. Winter WILL come whether we want it to or not. Actually I don't mind the snow at all or the cool temperatures. It is the 'transition' time that is a bother! Moving from fall jacket to winter jacket, open toes to boots, starting the car to warm it up before leaving work. Oh well. Them's the breaks for living in the Northern Hemisphere.

So, as I have indulged in the Halloween candy and been somewhat 'relaxed' after the summer, I am now 'paying for it' big time with 'what fits me'? Fortunately two pairs of capris and a few tops will be my wardrobe for Phoenix. I am hoping we are planning on relaxing and not 'doing the town in our finest' as I won't have any 'finest' to be wearing! As it is, I am trying to talk myself into going to the pool. Maybe I should go and just do 'lengths' for the first few days! Maybe then I will feel like 'shopping' in all the fine shops. It doesn't help when your friend is a 'slim trim' minnie. Oh well, I can always drape a towel over me!!

Decision Day

Today is the day! Yes, it is decision day.  Today I have to decide if I am getting my hair cut short or just trimmed. Now that it has grown out longer than usual, it will be hard to say 'cut it off' and yet that is exactly what I say every morning when I am doing my hair! Cut it off!!!! So....hopefullly...I will stick to my guns and not be intimidated by my hairdresser who always says...why not just trim it back a bit?  No...today...I am going back to my old hair style (I think).