Better Every Day

My cold seems to be improving each day. I think that has to be the worst one I have had in a very long time. I am glad to see it's departure - however slow! Sore muscles remain and occasional coughing for no good reason but I think the end is in sight - at least that is the prediction today!

My husband (who never gets sick) came down with the flu overnight and is coughing his insides-out this morning!  I just made soup 'n san for him and he is back to lying down for more sleep (hopefully). Men getting sick remind me of that commercial where the big fellow is lying on the bed and calls out in a weak voice to his wife 'Pam, can you call mom for me?' and she throws him the bottle of pills! Not that my hubby is like that at all. Really! He usually denies even being sick or feeling pain of any sort so when he said he was NOT going into work as he's not feeling very good - well....I know that means he definitely is NOT feeling very good!




I think the flu bug is around so much this year because of all the nice weather we have had. Instead of freezing cold and snow and miserable stuff, we have been enjoying warm and sunny and slush and the increase of germs everywhere!!! Just about everyone I know has been down with the flu or a cold this season. I guess there really is a good reason why the north country gets the cold weather and snow. In the long run, the cold weather kills off all those nasty little bugs so it really does pay off for most of us. Oh, I do get my regular cold every winter but never to the severity that I got this time round!



Ok, I hear we are expecting more snow and wind tomorrow. Of course we are, since I have my hair appointment on the north side of town. That means I am fighting the traffic and snow on the Yellowhead again. What else is new?!!

White Wonderland

They predicted 15+ cm in snowfall for today. We got that and more. It is still snowing lightly. From dry pavement to a foot of snow in the cul de sac ! It's back to winter in full swing!

Just yesterday it was melting on the grass and now the grass is below a foot of snow! Only in Alberta!

So I had a ladies brunch at 10 am this morning but snow did not hold us back. We still made it out of the cul de sac and onto the main streets which were graded (once) and will be needing it again very soon. After four hours of 'chatting and eating' we made our way home but the roads were in the same if not worse condition. It takes a while for the graders to clear everything.

Now that I am home, this is the kind of day you want to just snuggle up in a comfy chair and read a good book. Oh, by the way, a good book was handed out by the hostess of our brunch who was impersonating 'Oprah' with her 'favourite things' and gave us each a copy. It is called 'the Voice' which is the New Testament presented in a translation by 27 bible scholars, 51 writers, and 36 other contributors. Hundreds of engaging notes throughout with a topical index for easy use. It is intended for us to "hear God speaking to you in this fresh way of reading Scripture". I am looking forward to reading it as our friend is 'over the top' in exclamation about it! I will update you on how I like it over the next few weeks.

Ok, back to the snow...

Snow in Feb

Well, I can't keep talking about being sick so will ignore it for awhile and hopefully it will go away. The biggest news lately is that it snowed last night. It was like a spring storm as it came up out of the blue and although it was warm outside, it got dark and then it felt like we were in the middle of a windstorm. It didn't last long but it was a gentle reminder that we are still in winter and we do live in Canda! We have been blessed with a very mild winter and it was just a hint that we're not through it yet!

Of course we expected snow to come as one of our neighbors is away and we said we'd shovel IF it snowed!  Ha! It always snows when they go away! It is definitely pretty out there now that the new covering of snow covers all the leaves and twigs and sand that was on the road. The slush of winter has turned pretty again!  I noticed about 11 pm last night that one of our neighbors was out shovelling the main sidewalk! Thanks, Ken! John was up and doing everyone's at 6:30 am. Thanks John! That means, less work for me! haha  They say more snow for tonite but hey...we could use a little moisture.

Too early for Spring

Today it felt like spring - a cool spring day - it didn't know whether to snow or rain or be cloudy or sunny. It was a mixture of all of them. Strange for Feb 22. With no real snow on the ground at all, it does feel like an early spring. With the days ticking by, it would appear (touch wood) that we may get Spring before we know it! Then again, we have been known to have a lot of spring snow storms so we aren't out of the woods (or the snow) yet!!

I went to my ladies group today and made it through with my scratchy, croaky voice and only one real coughing session. Otherwise it was not too bad. I hope I did not 'pass on' the bug to anyone. I tried to nap this afternoon but couldn't fall asleep. I am tired but can't sleep.

I have a meeting tonite so will see how that goes. Likely I will be going to bed early when I return. Just talking for any period of time, gets me coughing.

I see the snow is coming again. Big fluffy snowflakes - wonder how long they will stay?

Progress

I'm happy to say that I appear to be getting better. Well, my voice is not there yet but I 'feel' alot better. What a difference a good night's sleep can do ya! Yesterday I thought I would die as I coughed so much and so hard that my ribs hurt today. I went to bed early last night, filled myself up with Tylenol, Hall's cough losenges and took a big swig of Buckley's cough mixture (it really does work)!! I woke up coughing twice but was able to go back to sleep. This morning, I decided I should go into work since I felt a little better, but only worked till 2 pm and came home to have another hour+ sleep.  So, now I am feeling better for our life team meeting tonite.

It's not gone...but it's going!

Better Tomorrow!

Guess what? garlic & milk and cold fx did not work. The dreaded cough and runny nose still hit me with full force. How can you be fine one day and 'down' the next?!

I had hoped I would not succumb to this cold but it has 'taken me out'. I am glad I do not have to work tomorrow - family day - and that I get one more day to 'rest' and drink plenty of fluids and do all my coughing in the privacy of my own home!

I missed church this morning - who needs to cough on everyone. When it is quiet all around you while we are listening to the sermon - that's exactly when you have to cough or blow your nose! One little cough candy does not do the trick. It's almost a head game you play of trying NOT to cough only to make it worse! You're not listening anyway! Talking is another thing! Once I start talking (and you do at church) my voice starts to crack and then I start coughing. Best thing was to stay home and rest. I am listening to the sermons from the http://www.millwoodsassembly.com/  website we missed a few weeks ago when we were in Phoenix.

They are talking snow flurries this morning. Maybe it was good that I stayed home this morning. Hopefully it will be better tomorrow - as they say ....

http://youtu.be/5PzL8aL6jtI

Colds & Garlic

I have come down with a cold - another one. I developed a cough on New Years Eve and it never did develop into too much. Maybe this is the 'other half' of the same thing? Ha.

Fortunately I did not have it while I went to visit my mother in law on her 103rd birthday. I was feeling a bit tired but no flu or cough symptoms. They all arrived yesterday morning! By this morning, I was feeling pretty sick. I have been taking double doses of Cold FX and 1000 units of Vit C and just recently I heated some milk with 3 cloves of garlic. It is quite 'aromatic' in here right now and I must be smelling of garlic as I 'downed' the glass as I heard it was good for you. I am sure it will add a few pounds as I did not have any milk - only half and half, so it was quite creamy!

I do believe I am getting better though. A few more zzzz's and some more milk & garlic and I should be all fixed up! I will likely need to do a 'cleansing' though before I go out in public!

Happy 103rd - Feb 15th

It's my mother-in-law's 103rd birthday today so we drove up to Bonnyville to visit with her. She looked lovely.



Left holding the cake!





Squeezing in for a final picture!





Happy Birthday, mom! You are as beautiful inside as you are on the outside. We love you!

Home at last

From sun and sand  in the desert at 24+C  to -17 C and snow still on the ground....we made it home safe and sound. Our flite was delayed 15 minutes while the vice-president of the USA was landing. We eventually caught up to our original arrival time as we had a wind behind us which moved us along I guess. The hold up was at the arrival station and security clearance. Three or four flites arrived at the same time and there were long line ups. We were an extra hour waiting. Thankfully our ride had not parked at a carpark but was sitting at a gas station waiting for our call which came sometime after midnight. We made it to bed after 2 am!

However, we are up and at it and off to the RV Show at Northlands. No plans of buying - just looking!!

It's a beautiful day in the valley

Yesterday, we went to Superstition Mountain where we stopped at Apache Junction and then on to Tortillas Flats. The scenery there was fantastic. Breathtakeing. Who would imagine a big lake in the middle of the desert mountains? Well, it was something. Who would think cactus would look beautiful? I have not downloaded my pictures yet so can only talk about it for now. It was the hotest day so far. I think it was up to 24 C which is pretty warm - especially in the desert.

At Tortilla Flats we ate at the saloon which was the only eating place in town. It was a 45 minute wait but the time went by fast. They had a monopoly on the food there that's for sure! The food was good and it came fast. They had this silly ladies washroom where the doors are really low and they had painted dance hall girls on them. I took a picture of my sister in law as she stood up and was coming out and I would love to show it to you but I am sure she would not be pleased. I don't have it downloaded yet anyway - maybe later.

We've had a variety of suppers here - chicken, steak, stirfry, tortillas, ribs, and an amazing number of desserts as well. Tonite we had home made rice pudding. Ummmmmm  You can guess that we did not lose any weight here - I hate to weigh myself.

Anyway, a beautiful sunset - oh I wish I could show you - absolutely gorgeous. You know those big harvest moons? well, this was a harvest sun instead! Huge and bright and yellow. The whole sky was pink, orange and purple. Oh I wish I had my camera! It's in my mind though!

Pictures to follow. Back to the snow of Edmonton or at least the cooler temps. I hear it was -17 C this morning but warmed up to 0 and is supposed to be in the +'s tomorrow. Let's hope.

Touring around Phoenix

Today we did a trip to Cave Creek. I ended up buying a turquoise necklace at 60% off in Carefree - a little town next to it. We were looking for an ice cream parlour but never did find one. I ended up at Starbucks in Safeway to buy a regular coffee. I am the only coffee drinker here - well, after lunch anyway. John doesn't usually have coffee unless everyone is drinking coffee and socializing. I will finish the other half later tonite.

Yesterday we went to Jerome about 90 miles from here. It is a mining town (ghost town) actually. Quite interesting. We went to the Haunted House hamburger house. Excellent burgers. On our return to Phoenix we stopped at Sweet Tomatoes for supper. I love that place. Lots of salad, soup and a few light desserts. love it!

A view across the valley of 'J' Jerome



A.t

A little cool first thing in the morning: I was wearing my fleece and my quilted vest with my jacket!



It was a long walk up the steps but great hamburgers

A view at 6500' leaving Jerome

Today as I said, we were at Cave Creek. We went mexican with food at this neat little restaurant. Very enjoyable

Lunch in Cave Creek on Wed

Tomorrow we are thinking of what we can do. Only tomorrow and Friday left as we leave Friday night. It's been a fast week. Weather is getting warmer and we are now going home. Wouldn't you know it. Oh well.

Another Day in the Valley

We watched the Superbowl last night. Disappointed that 'our' team did not make it but a good game nevertheless. In the morning, we had a great pancake breakfast and then we were off to church. Went to Highlands Baptist church in the morning and really enjoyed their service. After that we went for lunch and picked up a few groceries and then home to relax and enjoy another great supper during the half-time show! Great stir fry and pasta with a super dessert - strawberries in a hot sauce on ice cream. Mmmmmmmmm

Saturday, Wayne got us all tickets to the hockey game - the Sharks and Coyotes were playing. The Coyotes won! It was an excellent game and wouldn't you know it -- John met someone he knew! That guy knows everyone. The guy was sitting two rows in front of us. He had turned around to say something to the guy behind him and spotted John. They had a nice little chat during 2nd period intermission. Small world!  Now we have been to a basketball game, a football game, a hockey game and ladies baseball tournament. We are quite the athletes!! haha

Today is our relax day, as Wayne is running today and Nida is working (volunteering) at the library. We will do a bit of shopping later on and then tomorrow we are going for a drive to Jerome. Something to do. Looking forward to that. We have certainly been enjoying great food here. Hopefully I don't put on too many pounds that I can't take off with a little concentrated effort. I have been happy with myself since I lost a few pounds - don't want them back on me again! However, it is hard to say no here!

Day 2

Friday we spent a relaxing morning having conversation over breakfast and next thing you know we were dressed and ready to go on a few hikes. The first one turned out to be a leisurely walk through one of the ravines in the town. It showed us the variety of plant life around and only took about 40 minutes with very little strain on the body. We then drove to the 'fountain' and parked the car and did a 40 minute walk around the town through the ravines. It was a little more strenuous and it was warmer so it turned out to be a bit of a workout! Enjoyable because right after that we decided it was lunchtime! We went to Phil's and it was good food. I had soup & 1/2 sandwich - clam chowder & ham with tomato/lettuce/mayo. Very good.

We headed home for an hour or so rest and then we headed to Mesa for the movie we planned to see - Iron Lady - about Margaret Thatcher. It was very good. They did present the negative side of her administration but it still showed her character. Made me want to 'google' her for more information.

We came home for supper - pizza and salad - then just relaxed and talked. To bed after "Blue Bloods" and day 2 was done - only 7 left!

I have to read my camera instructions so I can post some pics. I got a new camera for Christmas and although I am using it and I like it - I only downloaded once. I need to do it again. A picture is worth a thousand words.....next time!

Safe on Ground Again

Arrived safe and sound in Phoenix (Fountain Hills). The weather high turned out to be 68 F. Sunny and quite nice. No snow (ha ha). I was wearing a light jacket with 3/4 sleeves and I was comfortable. The locals say it is cool but we found it to be enjoyable. It is cooler 'inside' the condo as it faces north - beautiful view but not direct sunlight. Great in the summer months. The kitchen has those heavy glass block windows at the ceiling which let in the sunlight but not the heat. Adds to the look and the light!

We did a little walk yesterday. About 2 miles. Nothing strenuous. Enjoyed a great meal of ribs, salad, baked potatoes and asparagus. Finished it off with carrot cake cheesecake. A nice evening. Today we are heading for another short walk around the fountain in the center of town, followed by a ravine walk and then off to a cute restaurant for lunch. We are planning to take in a movie tonite (4 pm) and enjoy another nice supper - our treat out at a restaurant. Tomorrow we are going to the hockey game - Coyotes vs San Jose. Looking forward to that.

Well, this is kinda like a diary for the next few days. We are here for 9 days so expect some boring details of my life - but then again - this is about my life so....

Just Yesterday

What a difference a day makes. Mon nite after I came home from work, my neighbor said to give him my laptop and he would take it into work and have one of his techies look at it. I ran around trying to find my disks and backup system. I had nicely 'put them somewhere' and was having difficulty remembering 'just where' they were securely placed!  However, I found them and one day later he was knocking on my door with my new & improved laptop. He did a clean up for me and it is noticeable! My laptop does not have a lot of space, nor do I need a lot, but somehow it works a lot faster. About the same speed as when I first got it without any documents, pictures or other programs. So.....I am VERY happy.  Even when it is taking awhile, at least it shows me it is doing something.

That's the biggest news of the day! At least in my day!