Short & sweet . . . I got this parting note on an email from Jerry . . .
Those who jump off a bridge in Paris are in Seine Stay on the sidewalks!
It's snowing! Yippee !!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Dad's Birthday
November 28, 1914 is my dad's birthday. He passed away on June 10, 1992 and that seems like a long time ago now but in fact, it feels like yesterday. Amazing.
He would be 97 and I don't think he would be a 'happy camper' if he was alive, especially if his health was not good. He mellowed a lot after his first stroke in March of 1984 when he was only 69 but rallied and started watching his diet and exercised every day. In May of 1992 when he had his 2nd stroke, he tried hard but there was too much damage. He did not make it to his 78th birthday. He did make it to his 50th wedding anniversary which was a great thing for all of us. We even had the celebration earlier in May on the long weekend so all the kids could get together for it. The actual date was May 31, 1992. We had family pictures taken and a good time with everyone so that was a blessing! His stroke came on the Tuesday after the long weekend. No one was expecting it.
Anyway, he was a great dad and I loved him bunches! Happy Birthday, daddy!
He would be 97 and I don't think he would be a 'happy camper' if he was alive, especially if his health was not good. He mellowed a lot after his first stroke in March of 1984 when he was only 69 but rallied and started watching his diet and exercised every day. In May of 1992 when he had his 2nd stroke, he tried hard but there was too much damage. He did not make it to his 78th birthday. He did make it to his 50th wedding anniversary which was a great thing for all of us. We even had the celebration earlier in May on the long weekend so all the kids could get together for it. The actual date was May 31, 1992. We had family pictures taken and a good time with everyone so that was a blessing! His stroke came on the Tuesday after the long weekend. No one was expecting it.
Anyway, he was a great dad and I loved him bunches! Happy Birthday, daddy!
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| Dad (in uniform) with mom and my Uncle August; L-R, my brother David, my cousin Donnie, my brother Ken; me in my dad's arms |
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Black Friday
Black Friday? I see my brothers who live in the U.S.A. have posted what they did on Black Friday but I can't say that we observed it in any specific way. I did 'luck in' on Bowering's Appreciation Day (20%) (maybe that's another way of saying Black Friday sales). They had a regular sale going on of up to 50% off (I didn't see anything that I wanted or needed that they had on for 50% off) but I did find a few gifts on sale for those office parties that I needed to get. The extra 20% sure helped. So, if that was Black Friday specials....I got them here in Canada too! I love that store whether there is a sale or not! One lady bought 4 beautiful wine glasses at 50% off for her daughter as a gift. It was a great deal as they were beautiful. I felt pretty good too as she wanted to get the same purchases that I had but they were all gone.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Sparkling Clean
There is something to be said of a job well done. I am referring to my china cabinet. I took out all my china, crystal and other nicknacks and washed them all and dusted the shelves. They look sparkling clean. I went so far as to take my chandelier apart and wash the glass as well. Everything is sparkling. That feels good.
However, you know what happens when you put something new with the old...and I am not referring to 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue...but more the real facts of life...everything else looks even older!! Well, in this case, everything else looks even dustier! One good thing out of it all is that I have removed some of the crystal and glass and will be giving it away. At least it moved from the cabinet and is sitting on my kitchen island. I am hoping to take it to Care Closet or Sally Ann. I will need to do that today or else I KNOW I will be putting it BACK to get it out of the way and it will be there again until the next spring cleaning!
Why is it so difficult to part with some 'thing'? Each piece reminds me of something and has it's own particular use. Will I even notice once it's gone? Likely not but that does not make my giving it away any easier. I really do have empathy for hoarders. I know where they are coming from. In my own special way, I too am one of them!
I have done some Christmas wrapping for two parties we are attending. We will be exchanging gifts. We each bring a wrapped gift valued at $10. A gag gift (but a nice one) or a functional, practical gift for the same value. Then you draw names and the first person picks the gift they want. It's always based on the appearance, right? The next person can choose a new gift or take the gift from the first person. And so it goes. The person who actually gets what they want is the last one to be selected. That being said, most people end up with the gift of their choice but the last person certainly gets the best choice. It's amazing what people can find for $10.
Well, I have to go clean the hallway lights. I am noticing dust everywhere now. I like the feeling of a job well done but....
However, you know what happens when you put something new with the old...and I am not referring to 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue...but more the real facts of life...everything else looks even older!! Well, in this case, everything else looks even dustier! One good thing out of it all is that I have removed some of the crystal and glass and will be giving it away. At least it moved from the cabinet and is sitting on my kitchen island. I am hoping to take it to Care Closet or Sally Ann. I will need to do that today or else I KNOW I will be putting it BACK to get it out of the way and it will be there again until the next spring cleaning!
Why is it so difficult to part with some 'thing'? Each piece reminds me of something and has it's own particular use. Will I even notice once it's gone? Likely not but that does not make my giving it away any easier. I really do have empathy for hoarders. I know where they are coming from. In my own special way, I too am one of them!
I have done some Christmas wrapping for two parties we are attending. We will be exchanging gifts. We each bring a wrapped gift valued at $10. A gag gift (but a nice one) or a functional, practical gift for the same value. Then you draw names and the first person picks the gift they want. It's always based on the appearance, right? The next person can choose a new gift or take the gift from the first person. And so it goes. The person who actually gets what they want is the last one to be selected. That being said, most people end up with the gift of their choice but the last person certainly gets the best choice. It's amazing what people can find for $10.
Well, I have to go clean the hallway lights. I am noticing dust everywhere now. I like the feeling of a job well done but....
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Heat Wave
We're experiencing a heat wave - well - at least it is above 0 - currently 1 at 4:30 pm. You know that what goes along with a heat wave when it has just snowed is a lot of slush and muck and dirty cars and windows. You definitely need your washer filled to the brim this week. It is supposed to remain nice until mid next week so the snow we have will likely melt. Of course, the City was out already with their promise of blading to pavement the snowfall and I am sure that has cost us $1000s of our tax dollars already. They could have just waited a day or two.Guess you just never know. Personally, I don't like the change in weather. I prefer cold and keep it that way until spring. Too many colds happen in this kind of weather.
As I sit here, I am looking at my china cabinet and realize it's time to dust! All those glasses and china need to be cleaned up for Christmas. Oh boy...another job. Better get started before it all has to happen at one time. Guess I know what is on tomorrow's 'to do' list now.
My Christmas cactus is just starting to bud. I can see the tips with the tiny little pink bud on them. By the end of this month and the middle of next it will be in full bloom. One day I will have to move it into a larger pot but for now, it seems to be doing just fine.
As I sit here, I am looking at my china cabinet and realize it's time to dust! All those glasses and china need to be cleaned up for Christmas. Oh boy...another job. Better get started before it all has to happen at one time. Guess I know what is on tomorrow's 'to do' list now.
My Christmas cactus is just starting to bud. I can see the tips with the tiny little pink bud on them. By the end of this month and the middle of next it will be in full bloom. One day I will have to move it into a larger pot but for now, it seems to be doing just fine.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Acts of Love
So I ventured out today to visit a friend with Alzheimer's. She does not know me but is willing to go with me - for a walk inside or outside or just to the washroom. She's trusting. She holds my hand and looks at me with a questioning stare. I ask her if she knows me, and she always says 'no'.
Today she was more talkative than usual. She told me that she has lost her voice because she hasn't been talking to people. I told her she needs to talk more, perhaps even sing. So...we began to sing. It's funny when you need to 'pull up a song' they don't come as fast to the mind as they used to! I did remember 'Twinkle, Twinkle' and she sang along with me too. I don't think she could do it on her own but if I sang it, she sang with me. Later, we sang 'Jingle Bells' and she was quite pleased with herself as she sang along. It was only a quick visit of about an hour plus but she did say 'thank you for coming'. How can you not? She's a friend of 35 years. I can't see her every day but I try to go at least once a week.
When it was time for me to leave, she did not want to let go of my hand. She stood her ground and held on. I encouraged her to lead the way to the two other people who had joined our little group. She told me she didn't think she could and I replied with a positive 'yes you can'. I had to untangle myself from her which left me feeling bad for her (and me). She did turn and head down the hall. I was feeling pretty low when I left as she was looking confused and lost. The staff can't be with each of them all the time so I know she would be left alone for awhile before supper. I can only hope and pray that she was fine. As my mood had changed and I was feeling sorry for her and a bit for me for whatever reason, I read the poster on the nearby church which read something like "An act of love does not go in vain." I hope that's right.
Today she was more talkative than usual. She told me that she has lost her voice because she hasn't been talking to people. I told her she needs to talk more, perhaps even sing. So...we began to sing. It's funny when you need to 'pull up a song' they don't come as fast to the mind as they used to! I did remember 'Twinkle, Twinkle' and she sang along with me too. I don't think she could do it on her own but if I sang it, she sang with me. Later, we sang 'Jingle Bells' and she was quite pleased with herself as she sang along. It was only a quick visit of about an hour plus but she did say 'thank you for coming'. How can you not? She's a friend of 35 years. I can't see her every day but I try to go at least once a week.
When it was time for me to leave, she did not want to let go of my hand. She stood her ground and held on. I encouraged her to lead the way to the two other people who had joined our little group. She told me she didn't think she could and I replied with a positive 'yes you can'. I had to untangle myself from her which left me feeling bad for her (and me). She did turn and head down the hall. I was feeling pretty low when I left as she was looking confused and lost. The staff can't be with each of them all the time so I know she would be left alone for awhile before supper. I can only hope and pray that she was fine. As my mood had changed and I was feeling sorry for her and a bit for me for whatever reason, I read the poster on the nearby church which read something like "An act of love does not go in vain." I hope that's right.
Stay Inside or Venture Out?
Sunday and the sun is shining but it is cold - 17 C with no wind. It looks beautiful from the INSIDE out! Lots of sparkles on the snow and shadows from the trees. Really pretty.
Met a number of new people this morning at church. Really interesting how lives intersect. I think a few of these women could turn out to be very good friends. I hope they will return next week and we can connect once more. New to the church and to the city. I need to be diligent about this and invite them out for coffee or over for supper sometime.
I am in the midst of cleaning up the spare room. Why is it that everything seems to end up in there? books, papers, magazines, Christmas gifts, parcels, shoes, clothes, kids toys, colouring books, crayons, small cars.....
I am trying to downsize but it is hard. It is VERY hard when you are a HOARDER. I think I have finally come to that realization. I'm not saying that is a bad thing, it just takes up space. I love everything I have and don't want to get rid of it. However, you know you are hoarding when you run across something and say 'oh, that's where it is'. You would think if it has been missing that long that you wouldn't need it but no....now I have found it again, I want to keep it. Dahhhhhh
Anyway, guess I should go visit my friend who never gets out. It is not the kind of day you want to venture out but...it's the right thing to do.
Met a number of new people this morning at church. Really interesting how lives intersect. I think a few of these women could turn out to be very good friends. I hope they will return next week and we can connect once more. New to the church and to the city. I need to be diligent about this and invite them out for coffee or over for supper sometime.
I am in the midst of cleaning up the spare room. Why is it that everything seems to end up in there? books, papers, magazines, Christmas gifts, parcels, shoes, clothes, kids toys, colouring books, crayons, small cars.....
I am trying to downsize but it is hard. It is VERY hard when you are a HOARDER. I think I have finally come to that realization. I'm not saying that is a bad thing, it just takes up space. I love everything I have and don't want to get rid of it. However, you know you are hoarding when you run across something and say 'oh, that's where it is'. You would think if it has been missing that long that you wouldn't need it but no....now I have found it again, I want to keep it. Dahhhhhh
Anyway, guess I should go visit my friend who never gets out. It is not the kind of day you want to venture out but...it's the right thing to do.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Winter has arrived!
We got the dreaded snowstorm yesterday but it was not as bad as was predicted. Thankfully. The outside Christmas lights are up and looking good. It's never too early for Christmas!!!
John was out early shovelling all the snow that fell overnight. Our neighbor had done the driveway last night but you couldn't tell that this morning. John did ours, next doors, and the neighbor to the south. Yesterday I was awakened at 6:35 am with John shovelling snow. This morning, he started at the other end and I slept in till 6:50 am!!
After finishing, he is off to Tim's for a hot coffee with the 'guys'!
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| Shovelling done; lights on! |
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| Finishing off our sidewalk |
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| A quick pose for the camera |
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| Off to Timmy's with the boys! This weather is a far cry from what we were getting in Las Vegas last week. Our last day there we went to the Mandalay where we went through the Shark Tank. Here's a few pics. |
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| Didn't like his picture being taken I guess! |
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| Love the sharks! |
As we left the lovely city of Las Vegas, we could see the beautiful skyline. Lots of buildings - unbelievable in size and decor - quite the place! However, we likely won't be back again for another 20 years! Viva Las Vegas!!
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| Bye! Bye! |
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Home Again
It's hard to believe that we have gone and returned from our one week vacation already! Where did that time go? Seems like I was just 'talking' about our plans and now it is all in the past!
Got home before midnight last night and had to change the clocks, reset everything, go through the mail, the voicemails, the emails and then unpack (a little) and now I am looking at laundry. First things first...I have to go get groceries. However, it is the kind of day you want to stay inside as it is only 2 C, cool, windy and there is snow on the ground. That arrived Fri nite/Sat morning. Most of it did not stay but the grass somehow holds onto the white stuff. After 69-70 F and now down to 2 C, it is quite the change. I think I will settle in a bit first before heading out for grits!
Had a great time checking out all the beautiful buildings in Las Vegas. They are huge. The best thing we saw though was the water display at Bellagio's each evening. Every half hour. Pretty impressive. There were likely different ones at different hotels, but Bellagio's is outstanding. I was watching it and then at (almost) the last moment, I thought I should video it so did not get a lot of it but enough to show you how good it was. Not sure if this will show it but will try it.
We went back to see it a couple of times and each time it played a different song. This clip was take at one end of the park but we did watch it later on at the half-way point and you could see it better from the middle. I did not do a video of that viewpoint though.
On Remembrance Day we took at trip out into the dessert and went to Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Centre. Didn't realize it would be free because of the holiday. Definitely enjoyed the view. We were not equipped to go scaling the rocks or too much hiking but did take in a few sites and got these pics.
Well, more photos to show but it seems to be taking awhile to download them so will do more later. Need to get after the laundry and 'stuff'!
Got home before midnight last night and had to change the clocks, reset everything, go through the mail, the voicemails, the emails and then unpack (a little) and now I am looking at laundry. First things first...I have to go get groceries. However, it is the kind of day you want to stay inside as it is only 2 C, cool, windy and there is snow on the ground. That arrived Fri nite/Sat morning. Most of it did not stay but the grass somehow holds onto the white stuff. After 69-70 F and now down to 2 C, it is quite the change. I think I will settle in a bit first before heading out for grits!
Had a great time checking out all the beautiful buildings in Las Vegas. They are huge. The best thing we saw though was the water display at Bellagio's each evening. Every half hour. Pretty impressive. There were likely different ones at different hotels, but Bellagio's is outstanding. I was watching it and then at (almost) the last moment, I thought I should video it so did not get a lot of it but enough to show you how good it was. Not sure if this will show it but will try it.
We went back to see it a couple of times and each time it played a different song. This clip was take at one end of the park but we did watch it later on at the half-way point and you could see it better from the middle. I did not do a video of that viewpoint though.
On Remembrance Day we took at trip out into the dessert and went to Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Centre. Didn't realize it would be free because of the holiday. Definitely enjoyed the view. We were not equipped to go scaling the rocks or too much hiking but did take in a few sites and got these pics.
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| The Interpretive Centre but look at the formation of that cloud! |
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| John & I sitting on a flat rock formation - overcast but comfortable for walking |
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Las Vegas Trip
Another beautiful morning in Vegas. The sky is blue and the sun is shining. Today it is high cloud for the first time. Thankfully, no wind though. From our window, we have a fantastic view. 14th floor and looking out toward 'the Strip' with no other buildings in our way. There is a parking lot next door and likely someday that will be a skyscraper but right now it is totally open and the view is amazing.
We walked all day yesterday and today my feet and knees are complaining. That's a lot of concrete out there! Been through Bellagio, Caesar's Palace, Imperial, Treasure Island, Palazzo, MGM, NY,NY, Planet Hollywood, well, the list goes on. Lots of slots and lots of people there to throw their money away. The city that never sleeps. Can't know that for sure as we are the kind of people who get up early and go to bed early too so I am only assuming that what they say is true!
We went to see the Hoover Dam which was quite a sight. Enjoyed going on the tour and seeing the 'inners' of the dam and how it all works. It was a nice day so being outside walking across the bridge was great. My camera chose that time to stop working. I had put in new batteries but apparently they were old rechargeables and they did not work. So, all the pictures of the Hoover are in my mind except for the $12 one they took and sold us. Since we didn't have a picture we decided to buy this one. I can't put it on here but I have it for my scrapbook!
We are headed to Excalibur and Mandalay today to check them out. We want to see the aquarium with the sharks. It's $12 to get in but it is supposed to be amazing. There is usually a charge for everything here!
Well, off we go again. More pictures to follow!
We walked all day yesterday and today my feet and knees are complaining. That's a lot of concrete out there! Been through Bellagio, Caesar's Palace, Imperial, Treasure Island, Palazzo, MGM, NY,NY, Planet Hollywood, well, the list goes on. Lots of slots and lots of people there to throw their money away. The city that never sleeps. Can't know that for sure as we are the kind of people who get up early and go to bed early too so I am only assuming that what they say is true!
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| The golden arches (even here!) |
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| Sunrise from our window |
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| Even the 'lady' is in Vegas |
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| Big Bikes! |
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| The big MGM |
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| Even a roller coaster (we did NOT go on!) |
We are headed to Excalibur and Mandalay today to check them out. We want to see the aquarium with the sharks. It's $12 to get in but it is supposed to be amazing. There is usually a charge for everything here!
Well, off we go again. More pictures to follow!
Friday, November 4, 2011
It's That Time Again
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| Some work; some don't! |
I think this will be the year that we go to the 'after Christmas sales' to get the new, more economic (but still expensive) bulbs that save electricity and $$$$. I think I said that last year too. 'If it's not broke, why fix it?"
Of course, this morning it is -8 C and will be colder today than yesterday or any day this week. And....that is the day we decide to put up the lights. Since we removed our tall cedar trees that were on either side of our front window, we will now have to figure out something different for these lights. I think we will have to be 'up on the roof' and attaching them to the new soffits! I hope this goes ok. Guess the next picture I have will be of the lights attached outside and not on the living room floor!
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