It's a chilly -7' this morning but we're going to warm up to *7' later, however the 90 km winds may add a bit of a wind chill! It's crazy weather for the next few days. Some are predicting lots of snow on the weekend and some are not so who knows. It is what it is.
I see this morning that a visitor has been her from Nashville, Tennessee - that can only be the Van Gaals. Glad to see that you made it safe and sound to your destination. You picked a good time to go south, with the cold weather we were having, but at least that cold snap is over by the time you get back. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Nashville! Lloyd's just reading your face book page about the tornados and it appears those people don't really know wind - they should stand on our bridge some time in a storm!
It's been a quiet few days with not much going on. I guess the only big news is the fact that yesterday (Tuesday) was Coopers 6th birthday. It's pretty quiet when the dogs birthday is the highlight of the day!
We've been looking at vacation destinations for using our time share. We were thinking of perhaps going to Napa Valley at some point as it's a place we've long wanted to visit. Then on the weekend I came up with a brilliant idea - why not go there in June 2014 to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. Unfortunately it's a very popular spot and there is nothing available when we want to go. Napa will have to wait for another trip. Last night we sat down and researched what might be available at that time. Apparently that's a popular time of year to travel because we looked at various destinations around the world and everywhere we thought we might like to go was already booked. We did consider a vacancy in the Canary Islands but in the end it looks like it might be Sedona, Arizona instead. We've stayed in Sedona only for one night a few years ago and we said at that time that it was a place we'd love to come back to, so it might be our anniversary destination. We'll think about it for a day or two before making our final decision.
Today I have a 'meet and greet' appointment with my new family doctor. Maybe he can come up with an idea to finally get rid of this pesky cough that's still lingering from my Christmas cold. It's almost February - enough already!
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
Monday, January 28th - a little more seasonable this morning
It's still a chilly -14' that feels like -21'. It's a little more seasonable but that may all change by midweek. Wednesday is being predicted as a high of +4' and Thursday is saying +9'. Back to the roller coaster temperatures. At least we don't have to worry about it melting all the snow because we have very little on the ground.
Friday was a great evening. Brenda and Bernie came over and we enjoyed some snacks and a beverage or two before they headed out to Tennessee early Saturday morning. I'll be watching for visitors from the south throughout the week!
Saturday was a pretty ordinary day. I worked, then came home. Nothing going on, just a quiet evening. Our new to us sofa and chair were delivered on Saturday so we sat in our respective recliners and watched TV for the evening.
Sunday was still cold and we were expecting company for supper. I had originally hoped to do some BBQ steaks but it was too cold even in the garage. So instead I went with a baked chicken dish and the same potatoes we had last weekend. We even had the same dessert because I had some of the orange icing left. It was simple to pull together another chocolate orange cake. Sorry Brenda, I'm pretty sure it will all be gone again by the end of the day.
My friend Donna, her daughter and her fella Roy came over. I haven't seen Donna since the summer so it was nice to get together. Her new guy is very nice and he and Lloyd really hit it off. He fishes lobster, grows blueberries and cultivates oysters - just the kind of islander you like to have as a friend. They brought a bag of plump, juicy oysters that we thoroughly enjoyed before our meal. I'm sure there will be lots more get togethers as they got engaged before Christmas. They plan to go away somewhere to get married instead of doing something here so I guess I won't get to make a cake but her daughter Carly and I are already plotting to host a shower so she can help me with a cake, something she's been wanting to do for quite some time. We'll get it in there one way or another!
I got some photos from Patti last night. They've finished redecorating their dining room and it looks wonderful. They've also installed a tile backsplash in the kitchen and it looks great. I just can't believe the pictures of the kitchen counters with nothing on them but a toaster! Haven't seen that for a REALLY long time!!! ha ha. But the tile looks really good - can't wait to see all the changes when I go up there in June.
Friday was a great evening. Brenda and Bernie came over and we enjoyed some snacks and a beverage or two before they headed out to Tennessee early Saturday morning. I'll be watching for visitors from the south throughout the week!
Saturday was a pretty ordinary day. I worked, then came home. Nothing going on, just a quiet evening. Our new to us sofa and chair were delivered on Saturday so we sat in our respective recliners and watched TV for the evening.
Sunday was still cold and we were expecting company for supper. I had originally hoped to do some BBQ steaks but it was too cold even in the garage. So instead I went with a baked chicken dish and the same potatoes we had last weekend. We even had the same dessert because I had some of the orange icing left. It was simple to pull together another chocolate orange cake. Sorry Brenda, I'm pretty sure it will all be gone again by the end of the day.
My friend Donna, her daughter and her fella Roy came over. I haven't seen Donna since the summer so it was nice to get together. Her new guy is very nice and he and Lloyd really hit it off. He fishes lobster, grows blueberries and cultivates oysters - just the kind of islander you like to have as a friend. They brought a bag of plump, juicy oysters that we thoroughly enjoyed before our meal. I'm sure there will be lots more get togethers as they got engaged before Christmas. They plan to go away somewhere to get married instead of doing something here so I guess I won't get to make a cake but her daughter Carly and I are already plotting to host a shower so she can help me with a cake, something she's been wanting to do for quite some time. We'll get it in there one way or another!
I got some photos from Patti last night. They've finished redecorating their dining room and it looks wonderful. They've also installed a tile backsplash in the kitchen and it looks great. I just can't believe the pictures of the kitchen counters with nothing on them but a toaster! Haven't seen that for a REALLY long time!!! ha ha. But the tile looks really good - can't wait to see all the changes when I go up there in June.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Friday, January 25th - and the deep freeze continues
Holy, moly it's cold! Yesterday morning when I went out to start the car, the temperature gauge in the car read -21' but the wind chill was -35' and other than warming up to -18', it was pretty much that all day long. This morning is an exact repeat. The only difference is we'll warm up to -15' today that will only feel like -26'. The good news is this is just about the end of the cold snap. Looking ahead to next week we MAY reach a high of -2' on Wednesday and +1' on Thursday. The only down side of those mild temperatures is the 15cm of snow that we might get with it. Not that it's a bad thing - we would like to get some skiing in this year, but I have enjoyed the clear dry roads for traveling on. Guess we can't have it all.
Last night, we went to North Rustico for supper with a couple we really don't know. Sounds weird but we had an absolutely lovely evening. How did this come about you ask? Well, a couple of weeks before Christmas, a customer was in the dealership getting some work done on his truck. I don't remember exactly how the conversation got started but it turns out he and his wife moved here last spring from Guelph. Needless to say, we had a bit to chat about. He was in a couple of times after Christmas and always made a point of coming over and saying hello, while he waited for his car. On Wednesday, he was in with his wife. They both came over and we had quite a lengthy chat, and when it was time for them to leave, as their vehicle was ready, we still had lots to talk about. So they suggested that Lloyd and I come to their house for supper on Thursday evening as they were making cabbage rolls. Food ? I knew Lloyd would be all over that. So I agreed, got the address and phone number and the date was set for supper with Charles and Laura.
Lloyd met me in town after work and we drove up to North Rustico. It turns out they have another couple that they've become friends with, who are also from Guelph. He was away so she also joined us for supper. We had a lovely evening getting to know each other a little better. I know Brenda will just shake her head at more Ontarions coming here to live the dream! They had planned to move here in 5 years but after returning from a visit, they re-evaluated things and asked themselves "just what are we waiting for?" So they packed up, rented a house until, like us, they found their little piece of paradise! They're moving into a place they bought in Wheatley River at the end of March. There's a house and 50 acres. They plan to raise chickens, sell eggs, raise some sheep, grow a garden and pretty much a lot of the same ideas we have. He's also been researching bee keeping, something Lloyd is also planning so needless to say there was lots of shared hopes. Whether or not any or all of our collective ideas take shape or not it's fun to plan and imagine what if. We learned a long time ago, you have to have a goal or life it pretty boring.
Their friend, Geraldine, who is also from Guelph, has been here approximately the same amount of time as me. They have chickens and sell eggs as well and also have other plans as well. She is an artist and paints, as well as weaves so we also had lots to talk about. It turns out she and her husband used to own a small concert venue in Guelph that Lloyd and I had visited a number of years ago when they still owned it. She is also a member of the weavers guild and enjoys her Tuesdays at the convent weaving. Once we got talking and I mentioned that I used to drop in from time to time when I was driving the shuttle she remembered me coming in.
It's such a small world.
Their friend, Geraldine, who is also from Guelph, has been here approximately the same amount of time as me. They have chickens and sell eggs as well and also have other plans as well. She is an artist and paints, as well as weaves so we also had lots to talk about. It turns out she and her husband used to own a small concert venue in Guelph that Lloyd and I had visited a number of years ago when they still owned it. She is also a member of the weavers guild and enjoys her Tuesdays at the convent weaving. Once we got talking and I mentioned that I used to drop in from time to time when I was driving the shuttle she remembered me coming in.
It's such a small world.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Wednesday, January 23rd - the deep freeze continues
It's a really cold 19' this morning with a wind chill of -26'. Later this afternoon the temperature will move up to -18' but the wind chill will become -30'. BRRRRRRRRRR!
It's very cold but with it staying that way it's easier to get used to, than the extreme up and down temperatures we've been having the past few weeks. We usually have about a week of this really cold weather and then we're done for the season. Hopefully that's the case again this year and we'll soon be over it.
Monday evening Brenda and I went our for supper and then to a lecture at historic Beaconsfield House in town. It was about Dalvay by the Sea and it was really interesting. We've gotten quite the bit of culture in the past week - first the organ recital on Friday and then this. There is never a shortage of things to do here if you're willing to expand your horizons a little. Meghan (2) has seen all the Anne of Green Gables movies so I know she'll recognize Dalvay as having played the part of the White Sands Hotel in the movies. I'm going to have to take her there the next time she comes down here and we'll have afternoon tea. I know she would love that. I think James would also enjoy it if he knew a little of the history of the place and the family that built it. But I think I'd take them individually because they would be two very different experiences.
Yesterday was Lloyd's birthday so Happy Birthday Lloyd. It was a pretty uneventful day for him as I was late getting home from work. I stopped in at the clinic as I'm still dealing with a sore throat and cough. I was given an inhaler to use for the next two weeks that is supposed to clear things up once and for all. Let's hope so. Enough already! He could have had a left over piece of his birthday cake on the actual but he ate the rest on Monday. I saw it on the counter Monday morning and I almost said to him "save me a tiny piece of cake' but I thought, there's quite a sizable piece left so it shouldn't be a problem - wrong. When I got home he confessed that it was all gone. Apparently every time he walked past the counter, the cake would call out his name. Just as well, I really didn't need it anyway.
He does love his food but sometimes that backfires on him. One day a week or so ago, he came upon a small packet of what appeared to be healthy snacks - some sort of pumpkin and cranberry treats. He thought he would give them a try as the packet looked every so appetizing. He tried them and thought, these must be really healthy because they really don't have much taste. In fact they were rather bland. It was only then that a closer inspection of the package revealed that they were dog treats! Patti had brought a bunch of gourmet dog treats down with her at Christmas. Just goes to show how important it is to read the labels on our food!!!
And finally, on the weekend when we were cleaning up for company, I finally hung up the clock that Meg made for me for Christmas. Right now it's hanging in the kitchen but eventually it will proudly hand in my craft studio when it's finished.
It's very cold but with it staying that way it's easier to get used to, than the extreme up and down temperatures we've been having the past few weeks. We usually have about a week of this really cold weather and then we're done for the season. Hopefully that's the case again this year and we'll soon be over it.
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| His Chocolate Orange Birthday Cake |
He does love his food but sometimes that backfires on him. One day a week or so ago, he came upon a small packet of what appeared to be healthy snacks - some sort of pumpkin and cranberry treats. He thought he would give them a try as the packet looked every so appetizing. He tried them and thought, these must be really healthy because they really don't have much taste. In fact they were rather bland. It was only then that a closer inspection of the package revealed that they were dog treats! Patti had brought a bunch of gourmet dog treats down with her at Christmas. Just goes to show how important it is to read the labels on our food!!!
And finally, on the weekend when we were cleaning up for company, I finally hung up the clock that Meg made for me for Christmas. Right now it's hanging in the kitchen but eventually it will proudly hand in my craft studio when it's finished.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Monday, January 21st - it's been a dark and windy night
It's very cold this morning with howling winds. I can hardly wait to go outside to start the car (not). I feel for Brenda on these mornings because it's near impossible to warm up the vast inside of a school bus until sometime after it's on the road.
It was a busy weekend for a change. Friday Bernie, Brenda and Lloyd met me in town after work and we had supper at the Old Dublin Pub. When we were done we walked over to the Basilica for an evening organ recital. There has been a very old organ from a church in Quebec that was moved in, restored and refurbished in the fall. The church is huge inside and it was packed to standing room only. It was quite an enjoyable evening and certainly a unique experience. It was first played on Christmas Eve and I can only imagine how beautiful Christmas music must have been played on it.
Saturday was just a usual day, work in the morning, shopping on the way home. But this time Brenda and I had a meeting with the Rec Centre. Our IAAP group is planning a conference in 2014 and I'm in charge of planning one of the events. It's like planning a party for 200 hundred of your closest friends! It's a little daunting but I'm really looking forward to providing my cross country friends with a little taste of what my life is now. If it goes as I imagine, it will be a great time.
Sunday we had the Van Gaal's and Anderson's over for supper. Being as Lloyd's birthday is tomorrow, we decided to have his birthday supper early. We spent the day preparing and I think it was a success. Our first course was a puff pastry round topped with thin slices of tomatoes and them baked. When they came out of the oven a round of breaded and fried goat cheese was placed on top. It's an interesting combination of textures and flavours and never fails to please. Our main course was Beer Braised Lamb Shanks with a new recipe for potatoes that I tried, cooked with onions and celery, mashed and mixed with copious amounts of Asiago Cheese and them topped with more cheese and placed in the oven. They were quite good. On the side were sauteed baby carrots, cherry tomatoes and pearl onions. Lloyd's favorite flavour combination is chocolate and orange. So I made a chocolate layer cake infused with finely grated orange zest. The icing was a white cream cheese icing that I also added orange zest to. The combination worked really well and seems to have been enjoyed by all. A big thanks to Brenda for all her help in pulling it all together at the last minute.
We hadn't seen Richard and Darelen for quite a while to it was nice to have everyone all together again.
I did take a picture of the cake but I'm having some technical difficulties this morning and since I slept in a bit I've no time to see what's wrong. Perhaps I'll have some later in the week.
It was a busy weekend for a change. Friday Bernie, Brenda and Lloyd met me in town after work and we had supper at the Old Dublin Pub. When we were done we walked over to the Basilica for an evening organ recital. There has been a very old organ from a church in Quebec that was moved in, restored and refurbished in the fall. The church is huge inside and it was packed to standing room only. It was quite an enjoyable evening and certainly a unique experience. It was first played on Christmas Eve and I can only imagine how beautiful Christmas music must have been played on it.
Saturday was just a usual day, work in the morning, shopping on the way home. But this time Brenda and I had a meeting with the Rec Centre. Our IAAP group is planning a conference in 2014 and I'm in charge of planning one of the events. It's like planning a party for 200 hundred of your closest friends! It's a little daunting but I'm really looking forward to providing my cross country friends with a little taste of what my life is now. If it goes as I imagine, it will be a great time.
Sunday we had the Van Gaal's and Anderson's over for supper. Being as Lloyd's birthday is tomorrow, we decided to have his birthday supper early. We spent the day preparing and I think it was a success. Our first course was a puff pastry round topped with thin slices of tomatoes and them baked. When they came out of the oven a round of breaded and fried goat cheese was placed on top. It's an interesting combination of textures and flavours and never fails to please. Our main course was Beer Braised Lamb Shanks with a new recipe for potatoes that I tried, cooked with onions and celery, mashed and mixed with copious amounts of Asiago Cheese and them topped with more cheese and placed in the oven. They were quite good. On the side were sauteed baby carrots, cherry tomatoes and pearl onions. Lloyd's favorite flavour combination is chocolate and orange. So I made a chocolate layer cake infused with finely grated orange zest. The icing was a white cream cheese icing that I also added orange zest to. The combination worked really well and seems to have been enjoyed by all. A big thanks to Brenda for all her help in pulling it all together at the last minute.
We hadn't seen Richard and Darelen for quite a while to it was nice to have everyone all together again.
I did take a picture of the cake but I'm having some technical difficulties this morning and since I slept in a bit I've no time to see what's wrong. Perhaps I'll have some later in the week.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Friday, January 18th - it's a very chilly one this morning!
It's a very cold -15' this morning but feels more like -22' and that's pretty much where it will stay all day. Guess our spring thaw is officially over! We may even see some snow in the next few days as well. Let's hope that's true so we can get out on the ski trails again.
He's still managing to find time to make delicious suppers. Tuesday evening it was baked fish and a yummy saffron risotto, Wednesday was garlic mashed potatoes, turnip and carrots and meat loaf. Thursday was a simple fare as he put it - just soup and sandwiches. But he didn't say it was homemade French Onion Soup and a delicious wrap with ham, freshly made hummus, cheese and veggies. Much more than simply soup and a sandwich. I know all this can't last but I'm really enjoying it and truly appreciate it at the end of the day.
And finally, Lloyd received this little tidbit from one of his friends - is seems our generation were sending all the wrong message to our kids when reading them bedtime stories - case in point - Winnie the Pooh - one of Patti's long time favorites.
Poor Bear has an eating disorder
Piglet has anxiety
Eeyore has depression
Rabbit has OCD
Tigger has ADHD
And we parents wonder why our kids are so messed up!!!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Wednesday, January 16th - back to winter
This morning it's a more seasonable -8' and we'll get up to -4 later on. We've enjoyed the past few mild and sunny days but it's really not right. We should get a bit of snow as well over the next few days.
Now that the holidays are over, things have settled back to normal - whatever that may be. Work is busy but not the crazy busy it's been the past few weeks. By now, most people have their snow tires on so it's not the mad panic it was before Christmas.
Last night Brenda came over and we started back into our scrapbooking. We did one night a week last winter and we accomplished some, and it was all still where we left off. No magic fairies came in and finished our books for us over the summer, so we will have to get down to work. It takes a while to get your mind back into the groove and thinking about ideas for pages but we'll get there. When we were done for the evening, Lloyd made tea and put out a plate of sweets for us, while we both sat at the island and watched. We're both loving being spoiled like that!
Lloyd and I are both looking forward to our little getaway in February. The weekend we arrive, there's a fundraiser for the Liverpool Fire Department that's being held at the resort. It's called "On the Rocks" and it features 75 purveyors of beer, wines and spirits for sampling along with appetizers. Sound like our kind of evening. I called the Lodge yesterday and reserved two tickets as they expect to sell out fast. Should be a fun time. Last night Brenda advised that there's a winter lobster season in Nova Scotia so fresh lobster might just be in our dinner plans one night as well. It's a tough life but someone has to do it.
Last summer Patti's friend Katie and her family stayed here for a few days as they were traveling throughout the Maritimes. She brought me a beautiful orchid. I've never had one of those before and anyone who knows me well, knows that I do not have a green thumb and I'm really not good with plants. I do have to admit though, that I have a few that I've managed to keep alive now for quite some time. The orchid, which was given to me in early July was loaded with blooms. I didn't realize how long they last. The last flower fell off in early October. So I just kept watering it as directed - 1/4 cup of water once a week. Well wasn't I surprised on Sunday to realize that there was a new shoot with buds on it under one of the leaves. I pinned it to the sticks that the previous ones were on and I'm ever so hopeful that it's going to bloom once again. If it does, it will be some kind of miracle!
One last thing - I realized I missed wishing Caitlin Van Gaal a happy birthday on January 4th. I was off sick then and not at my best and never even gave it a thought. So a very happy belated birthday to you Caitlin. Hope you had a great time out there in Edmonton.
Now that the holidays are over, things have settled back to normal - whatever that may be. Work is busy but not the crazy busy it's been the past few weeks. By now, most people have their snow tires on so it's not the mad panic it was before Christmas.
Last night Brenda came over and we started back into our scrapbooking. We did one night a week last winter and we accomplished some, and it was all still where we left off. No magic fairies came in and finished our books for us over the summer, so we will have to get down to work. It takes a while to get your mind back into the groove and thinking about ideas for pages but we'll get there. When we were done for the evening, Lloyd made tea and put out a plate of sweets for us, while we both sat at the island and watched. We're both loving being spoiled like that!
Lloyd and I are both looking forward to our little getaway in February. The weekend we arrive, there's a fundraiser for the Liverpool Fire Department that's being held at the resort. It's called "On the Rocks" and it features 75 purveyors of beer, wines and spirits for sampling along with appetizers. Sound like our kind of evening. I called the Lodge yesterday and reserved two tickets as they expect to sell out fast. Should be a fun time. Last night Brenda advised that there's a winter lobster season in Nova Scotia so fresh lobster might just be in our dinner plans one night as well. It's a tough life but someone has to do it.
Last summer Patti's friend Katie and her family stayed here for a few days as they were traveling throughout the Maritimes. She brought me a beautiful orchid. I've never had one of those before and anyone who knows me well, knows that I do not have a green thumb and I'm really not good with plants. I do have to admit though, that I have a few that I've managed to keep alive now for quite some time. The orchid, which was given to me in early July was loaded with blooms. I didn't realize how long they last. The last flower fell off in early October. So I just kept watering it as directed - 1/4 cup of water once a week. Well wasn't I surprised on Sunday to realize that there was a new shoot with buds on it under one of the leaves. I pinned it to the sticks that the previous ones were on and I'm ever so hopeful that it's going to bloom once again. If it does, it will be some kind of miracle!
One last thing - I realized I missed wishing Caitlin Van Gaal a happy birthday on January 4th. I was off sick then and not at my best and never even gave it a thought. So a very happy belated birthday to you Caitlin. Hope you had a great time out there in Edmonton.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Monday, January 14th - half way through January already!
It's a balmy 2' this morning as we head for a wet but mild 7' later. It appears we are in the midst of our 'January thaw' although there really isn't that much to thaw at the present time. We had a couple of mild days last week and it felt like spring - but we all know THAT'S not the case. I'm fairly certain more snow will soon be on the way.
I'm finally feeling almost up to snuff again so on Saturday afternoon Brenda and Lloyd and I met at the Globe to take in the afternoons offerings of food, beverage and music. When it was over we adjourned to Terre Rouge for coffe/tea and dessert. Unfortunately for Brenda she had made plans to meet Ethan for supper but needless to say, she just watched him eat as she had no room for another bite of food. But an entertaining afternoon was enjoyed by all.
Sunday morning I did manage to pack up the rest of the Christmas decor and Lloyd took it upstairs. My plan was to finish packing it away in storage in the afternoon. Brenda came over mid day and we went out the back lane on our skis. It was much better than we expected it might be so we had a little tour around the back field. When we returned we enjoyed a glass of wine while Lloyd made us something to eat - a potato and chick pea curry dish that was quite nice. I will post the recipe on the other blog very soon as I know Meghan(1) might really enjoy it.
I had great plans to accomplish wondrous things later in the afternoon but the weekend turned into a bit of a TV marathon. We've obtained copies of the first three seasons of Downton Abbey, which Patti and James had really enjoyed. We gave it a look earlier in the week and were hooked. The entire later afternoon and all evening were taken up with watching - 'just one more episode". It's somewhat like a good book - once you get into it you can't put it down. We have one episode left to watch before the upcoming new season starts, at which time we will be forced to watch only one per week.
So all in all it was a pretty relaxing weekend - just what the doctor ordered!
I'm finally feeling almost up to snuff again so on Saturday afternoon Brenda and Lloyd and I met at the Globe to take in the afternoons offerings of food, beverage and music. When it was over we adjourned to Terre Rouge for coffe/tea and dessert. Unfortunately for Brenda she had made plans to meet Ethan for supper but needless to say, she just watched him eat as she had no room for another bite of food. But an entertaining afternoon was enjoyed by all.
Sunday morning I did manage to pack up the rest of the Christmas decor and Lloyd took it upstairs. My plan was to finish packing it away in storage in the afternoon. Brenda came over mid day and we went out the back lane on our skis. It was much better than we expected it might be so we had a little tour around the back field. When we returned we enjoyed a glass of wine while Lloyd made us something to eat - a potato and chick pea curry dish that was quite nice. I will post the recipe on the other blog very soon as I know Meghan(1) might really enjoy it.
I had great plans to accomplish wondrous things later in the afternoon but the weekend turned into a bit of a TV marathon. We've obtained copies of the first three seasons of Downton Abbey, which Patti and James had really enjoyed. We gave it a look earlier in the week and were hooked. The entire later afternoon and all evening were taken up with watching - 'just one more episode". It's somewhat like a good book - once you get into it you can't put it down. We have one episode left to watch before the upcoming new season starts, at which time we will be forced to watch only one per week.
So all in all it was a pretty relaxing weekend - just what the doctor ordered!
Friday, January 11, 2013
Friday, January 11th - made it through the first week
It's -3 this morning and that's pretty much where it will stay. It's going to be sunny later but it's very windy right now. The last few days have been quite mild and lots of the snow we received has gone down. Not sure we'll be able to cross country ski yet.
It's been a long tiring week but we've just about made it through. I'm feeling much better but I'm very tired by the end of the day. But I really have nothing to complain about. With Lloyd not working right now, I come home to the smell of supper cooking. Then we eat a delicious home cooked meal while we watch the news and Lloyd cleans up the dishes in the morning - claims it's part of his morning routine. Needless to say, I'm very spoiled and feeling like a guest in my own home. I'd best not get too used to it because as soon as I do that a job will come along.
So we were talking the other night about our timeshare. We have a week that needs to be used before the end of April. We decided let's try to find somewhere we can drive to. So in February we are going to White Point Lodge in Nova Scotia for a week . They have a large lodge with rooms as well as individual cottages, all with fireplaces. It's right on the water and would be lovely in the summer but I think it will be a nice winter getaway as well. The main lodge was destroyed by fire in November of 2011 and has been rebuilt and reopened in November 2012. It's also a pet friendly place so we can take Cooper with us. We don't plan to do much but just relax, maybe some cross country skiing and lots of walks. We really haven't been away together since we went to Tucson in 2010. Lloyd used all his holidays coming down here from Ontario whenever he could. So that will break up the winter nicely.
Tomorrow we plan to take in the blues jam at a local watering hole, something that has become a familiar winter habit. Hot music and cold beer - a great way to spend a snowy afternoon. I finish work at 2:00 and it starts at 3:00 - perfect timing.
It's been a long tiring week but we've just about made it through. I'm feeling much better but I'm very tired by the end of the day. But I really have nothing to complain about. With Lloyd not working right now, I come home to the smell of supper cooking. Then we eat a delicious home cooked meal while we watch the news and Lloyd cleans up the dishes in the morning - claims it's part of his morning routine. Needless to say, I'm very spoiled and feeling like a guest in my own home. I'd best not get too used to it because as soon as I do that a job will come along.
So we were talking the other night about our timeshare. We have a week that needs to be used before the end of April. We decided let's try to find somewhere we can drive to. So in February we are going to White Point Lodge in Nova Scotia for a week . They have a large lodge with rooms as well as individual cottages, all with fireplaces. It's right on the water and would be lovely in the summer but I think it will be a nice winter getaway as well. The main lodge was destroyed by fire in November of 2011 and has been rebuilt and reopened in November 2012. It's also a pet friendly place so we can take Cooper with us. We don't plan to do much but just relax, maybe some cross country skiing and lots of walks. We really haven't been away together since we went to Tucson in 2010. Lloyd used all his holidays coming down here from Ontario whenever he could. So that will break up the winter nicely.
Tomorrow we plan to take in the blues jam at a local watering hole, something that has become a familiar winter habit. Hot music and cold beer - a great way to spend a snowy afternoon. I finish work at 2:00 and it starts at 3:00 - perfect timing.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Wednesday, January 9th
Well, it seems like the worst is finally behind me. I'm still coughing a lot, especially at night, so my sleep isn't what it should be, but I'm feeling much better. It's been quite a long haul and I'm glad to be on the up side of things again.
Not a lot going on this time of year. Everyone seems to be getting back into their usual routines. I got a quick call last night from James and Patti. They were on their way to his first Air Cadets meeting. He's ever so keen to go and could hardly wait till he turned 12 so he could join. I can't wait to see him in his little uniform. He'll be so proud. Almost as proud as he was when he cut down his first tree, all by himself.
It was really windy and cold that day but everyone was a trooper and we got the job done, hauling it home on our sled. The rest of the afternoon was spent decorating it, and can you believe it, I don't have a picture. Now that tells you just how poorly I was feeling over the holidays.
Fortunately we did have a quick trip to the beach, although it was very cold and windy that day as well.
Meadow has never actually been to the beach because the beaches they've gone to don't allow dogs on them at all. So she really enjoyed herself. Of course, being a lab, the first thing she did was head into the water but that didn't last long once she realized how cold it was. Cooper, on the other hand, doesn't particularly like the water so he stayed away.
Poor Meadow had such an awful time as the city dog visiting the country dog. Her first day out she got a large scratch on her face. The next day she ran into the same pieces of wire fence at the back of our lot and succeeded in getting a fairly deep puncture wound that bled for quite some time. Then before they left, they noticed she had another scratch on her belly. We all joked about her being such a 'city dog'. Meanwhile Cooper just plugs along and has never had an issue with any of the wire since we've been here. But fortunately she survived her visit with her country cousin! The dogs got along pretty well and one day they were even both asleep together on one of the beds.
I had so many things I wanted to do with them but I just wasn't feeling up to it. I got a text from Patti yesterday and she said that I wasn't alone - the hospital there had been swamped with people with the same sort of thing. But I'm hopeful the kids had a good time in spite of my lack of participation. Thank goodness mother nature helped out with some snow to play in.
Not a lot going on this time of year. Everyone seems to be getting back into their usual routines. I got a quick call last night from James and Patti. They were on their way to his first Air Cadets meeting. He's ever so keen to go and could hardly wait till he turned 12 so he could join. I can't wait to see him in his little uniform. He'll be so proud. Almost as proud as he was when he cut down his first tree, all by himself.
It was really windy and cold that day but everyone was a trooper and we got the job done, hauling it home on our sled. The rest of the afternoon was spent decorating it, and can you believe it, I don't have a picture. Now that tells you just how poorly I was feeling over the holidays.
Fortunately we did have a quick trip to the beach, although it was very cold and windy that day as well.
Meadow has never actually been to the beach because the beaches they've gone to don't allow dogs on them at all. So she really enjoyed herself. Of course, being a lab, the first thing she did was head into the water but that didn't last long once she realized how cold it was. Cooper, on the other hand, doesn't particularly like the water so he stayed away.
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| A small patch of ice was fun for sliding |
I had so many things I wanted to do with them but I just wasn't feeling up to it. I got a text from Patti yesterday and she said that I wasn't alone - the hospital there had been swamped with people with the same sort of thing. But I'm hopeful the kids had a good time in spite of my lack of participation. Thank goodness mother nature helped out with some snow to play in.
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| Hanging out at the beach |
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Sunday, January 6th - Happy New Year everyone!
My apologies for the lack of posts (for the hand full of people who actually visit on a regular basis).
Shortly after I arrived in Guelph I came down with a cold. Unfortunately it just kept getting worse and worse. Long story short, I'm hoping to go back to work on Monday, after a round of antibiotics to clear up a bronchial infection. I'm still really tired and have very little energy but at least I'm beginning to feel like I've rounded that corner on the way back to health.
I was so looking forward to a full two weeks off and to have the kids here for the entire time but I feel instead like I spoiled everyone's holiday. I know the kids got to play outside in the snow some and they did enjoy that. We did manage to get to the beach one very cold day for a walk with the dogs but unfortunately there were lots of things I was planning to do with them that just didn't happen.
But it was still nice to have them here and I'm hoping it was a little relaxing for their mom and dad.
Everyone seemed happy with their gifts and I was given a beautiful clock that Meghan made for me in a pottery class. She really is quite the little artist.
Now that James is 12, he can fly by himself so I won't be at all surprised to see him arriving for a weekend visit when fishing season starts! We gave him a tackle box and some fishing stuff he was wanting for his birthday that I know he'll be anxious to try out with Papa.
We were fortunate to have good roads for our drive to the island and for the most part Patti had the same going back - except of course the roads here on the island the morning they left. But they made it safely so I was able to relax a bit once I knew they'd made it safely home.
I'll have a bit more later in the week but for now I'm going to close. See you on Wednesday.
Shortly after I arrived in Guelph I came down with a cold. Unfortunately it just kept getting worse and worse. Long story short, I'm hoping to go back to work on Monday, after a round of antibiotics to clear up a bronchial infection. I'm still really tired and have very little energy but at least I'm beginning to feel like I've rounded that corner on the way back to health.
I was so looking forward to a full two weeks off and to have the kids here for the entire time but I feel instead like I spoiled everyone's holiday. I know the kids got to play outside in the snow some and they did enjoy that. We did manage to get to the beach one very cold day for a walk with the dogs but unfortunately there were lots of things I was planning to do with them that just didn't happen.
But it was still nice to have them here and I'm hoping it was a little relaxing for their mom and dad.
Everyone seemed happy with their gifts and I was given a beautiful clock that Meghan made for me in a pottery class. She really is quite the little artist.
Now that James is 12, he can fly by himself so I won't be at all surprised to see him arriving for a weekend visit when fishing season starts! We gave him a tackle box and some fishing stuff he was wanting for his birthday that I know he'll be anxious to try out with Papa.
We were fortunate to have good roads for our drive to the island and for the most part Patti had the same going back - except of course the roads here on the island the morning they left. But they made it safely so I was able to relax a bit once I knew they'd made it safely home.
I'll have a bit more later in the week but for now I'm going to close. See you on Wednesday.
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