It's a milder 7' to start off the morning and should climb to 13' later but it's raining very lightly and will continue raining right up until the weekend. The good news (let's hope ) is that Sunday is looking like 16' and sunny. Maybe we just might get out for a little spin on our bikes - at least to the school parking lot for our annual re-training ride!
It was a lovely day yesterday and I noticed on the way home that all the neighbours had cut their lawns. I really need to get mine done sometime soon (although the rain has fixed that for a few days). I still need to get the compressor out of the basement so Brenda's going to come over tonight and we'll see if the two of us can do it. I'm fairly certain that we can. The guys are just so busy since Bernie got back being as it's now official planting season, that it's not really first and foremost on their radar. But Brenda and I will give it our best shot first.
When I got home last night I dug out my bicycle. Unfortunately the tires are very low but I couldn't find the little hand pump that I know we own. It's around somewhere and I know as soon as I buy another one it will turn up. I picked up a shorter leash at the store yesterday because I want to see if Cooper will run along side the bike. So I attached it to the bike and just walked it out the lane and down the road a bit. He did really well at staying off to the side and keeping moving. I did get on the bike once on the way back just for a minute to see how that went. Unfortunately he thinks he needs to focus on the pedals going around and kept barking at them. I suppose that will pass once he gets used to it. Because of the tires I didn't ride for more than a few feet and I really wanted to see what he would do when you are pedaling. It just might work but it will need a little practice on both our parts first. It would be great if he can do this because he could get a really good workout and so could I. We live so close to the trails and I also have a rack for my car so I could take him and the bike anywhere I want. We'll see how it goes.
I did some searching online yesterday and found an article about Meghan, the girl from the restaurant. Her family will receive visitors at the St Peter’s United Church Friday May 11 from 4-6pm with a service to follow. A reception will be held at Cross Keys Bar and Grill following the service. It will be tight but I'll try to make it there before the service. I'll ask at work if I can leave a few minutes early so I can stop by the house and let the dog out, and still get there before 6:00. I doubt that will be a problem.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Tuesday, May 8th - a pretty quiet evening
It's a foggy 4' this morning but this afternoon we should reach a sunny 16' so that will be really nice. Even though it was sunny yesterday it was still cool. The really warm weather is taking it's time to get here. The rest of the week is predicted to be rainy and a little cooler so if anything is going to get done outside, today might be the day.
Pretty slow news day today. I picked up some veggies at the grocery store last night and made some guacamole (as avocados were on special) and also a pot of broccoli and cheddar soup. I'm still trying to keep up with the healthy eating. I've lost a couple of pounds so that's not too exciting but I'm feeling really good and that's really what it's all about. The remainder of the evening was spent catching up on some programs on-line. My internet reception is almost non-existent on the weekends so Monday evening has become my evening to watch what I missed last week before it's time to get this weeks programs.
So, I've been sitting here at the computer for 20 minutes and I have absolutely nothing to talk about this morning (as strange as that may seem) so we'll try again tomorrow. Have a great day, where ever you are.
Pretty slow news day today. I picked up some veggies at the grocery store last night and made some guacamole (as avocados were on special) and also a pot of broccoli and cheddar soup. I'm still trying to keep up with the healthy eating. I've lost a couple of pounds so that's not too exciting but I'm feeling really good and that's really what it's all about. The remainder of the evening was spent catching up on some programs on-line. My internet reception is almost non-existent on the weekends so Monday evening has become my evening to watch what I missed last week before it's time to get this weeks programs.
So, I've been sitting here at the computer for 20 minutes and I have absolutely nothing to talk about this morning (as strange as that may seem) so we'll try again tomorrow. Have a great day, where ever you are.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Monday, May 7th - it was an emotion filled weekend
Right now it's a drizzly 4' but should clear up and be a sunny 11' later this afternoon. The warming trend is set to continue for the remainder of the week although we will be getting some much needed rain. Night time lows are not so low this week either so that's nice as well. It's difficult to keep an even temperature this time of year.
Saturday morning was my video interview. I don't think I did as well as I probably could have. I was sitting down during the entire time and I feel like it was a little flat. But I don't know what they're looking for. Time will tell. I don't really think I'm crazy enough or such an unusual personality. They're interviewing 15 people and choosing 5 so we will see. It's over now and it was a really interesting experience. The gal who came out to do the interviewing and filming was a lot of fun and she indicated when she arrived that it would take approximately 2 hours but she was here almost 4. That's either a really good sign or a really bad one. Stay tuned for results in a few weeks. She's here on the island doing interview right up until Friday of this week. It was exciting but terrifying at the same time and I was exhausted once it was over. I went and had a cup of tea with Brenda right after then came home and had a 2 hour nap.
I got some really bad news on Saturday as well. I'd heard via an email update from a local radio station that a woman had been killed early Saturday morning. It turns out it was the daughter of the owners of the restaurant where I work on Sunday mornings. She was also a server there. Apparently she lost control of the car and it rolled. She suffered severe head trauma and died in the car. The news reports I read later indicated that alcohol wasn't a factor nor was excessive speed, but some speed may have played a small part. I can't begin to imagine how her mother is feeling. I feel so badly for her. I remember many years ago receiving a call that Patti had been involved in an accident but all they would tell us was what hospital she was in. It was a blizzard outside so the drive to another town took what seemed like forever, and I had no idea what I'd find when we arrived. She had sustained some facial injuries and she looked so awful but she was released and she was going to recover. I will always remember that drive and how terrified I was. I can't begin to imagine what Dottie and Will are going through. My condolences to the entire family.
Sunday afternoon I attended an open house for my friend Donna. She recently underwent major surgery and it was touch and go whether or not she would make it, but she did. She turned 55 yesterday and her theme was "55 and still alive". I dropped in for a little visit as did a lot of other people. It was great to see her looking so well, but she still has a long recovery ahead of her, as she was just released from the hospital on Friday. But she's a fighter and has a positive attitude and from the crowd around yesterday, she's also surrounded by a great support system.
As I finish writing this, at 6:00 am. Brenda will have been on the road for a least 2 hours. She should be just about finished her first drop off of Tulips in New Brunswick. This is only a day trip but it will be a long day before she gets back tonight. Bernie heads out again on Wednesday for Nova Scotia. This will be a really busy trip with Mother's Day being this weekend. Safe driving guys.
Saturday morning was my video interview. I don't think I did as well as I probably could have. I was sitting down during the entire time and I feel like it was a little flat. But I don't know what they're looking for. Time will tell. I don't really think I'm crazy enough or such an unusual personality. They're interviewing 15 people and choosing 5 so we will see. It's over now and it was a really interesting experience. The gal who came out to do the interviewing and filming was a lot of fun and she indicated when she arrived that it would take approximately 2 hours but she was here almost 4. That's either a really good sign or a really bad one. Stay tuned for results in a few weeks. She's here on the island doing interview right up until Friday of this week. It was exciting but terrifying at the same time and I was exhausted once it was over. I went and had a cup of tea with Brenda right after then came home and had a 2 hour nap.
I got some really bad news on Saturday as well. I'd heard via an email update from a local radio station that a woman had been killed early Saturday morning. It turns out it was the daughter of the owners of the restaurant where I work on Sunday mornings. She was also a server there. Apparently she lost control of the car and it rolled. She suffered severe head trauma and died in the car. The news reports I read later indicated that alcohol wasn't a factor nor was excessive speed, but some speed may have played a small part. I can't begin to imagine how her mother is feeling. I feel so badly for her. I remember many years ago receiving a call that Patti had been involved in an accident but all they would tell us was what hospital she was in. It was a blizzard outside so the drive to another town took what seemed like forever, and I had no idea what I'd find when we arrived. She had sustained some facial injuries and she looked so awful but she was released and she was going to recover. I will always remember that drive and how terrified I was. I can't begin to imagine what Dottie and Will are going through. My condolences to the entire family.
Sunday afternoon I attended an open house for my friend Donna. She recently underwent major surgery and it was touch and go whether or not she would make it, but she did. She turned 55 yesterday and her theme was "55 and still alive". I dropped in for a little visit as did a lot of other people. It was great to see her looking so well, but she still has a long recovery ahead of her, as she was just released from the hospital on Friday. But she's a fighter and has a positive attitude and from the crowd around yesterday, she's also surrounded by a great support system.
As I finish writing this, at 6:00 am. Brenda will have been on the road for a least 2 hours. She should be just about finished her first drop off of Tulips in New Brunswick. This is only a day trip but it will be a long day before she gets back tonight. Bernie heads out again on Wednesday for Nova Scotia. This will be a really busy trip with Mother's Day being this weekend. Safe driving guys.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Friday, May 4th - One more sleep to showtime
It's a balmy 5' this morning and we should reach a sunny 12' later. Yesterday was mild enough but the wind was from the north and was quite chilly so it looked much nicer than it really was. I had an uneventful day yesterday although the highlight was a lengthy chat with Patti while I was at lunch. It was good to catch up a bit. I also chatted with my friend Donna, who's still not been released from the hospital but hopefully that will be soon. Her birthday is on Sunday and there's a get together for her at the Lorne Valley Community Centre from 2:00 till 4:00 so I'm going to go for a bit after work. I'll see if Brenda is interested in going with me. She'll know many more people there than I will. I picked up some things yesterday to assemble a gift basket for her. All I need to do today is pick up a bottle of wine to go in it, then wrap it in basket wrap and call it done.
Yesterday Lloyd emailed me the pictures from his meal at Ruby Wachco's in Toronto. He called me later and said it was probably the best meal he's ever eaten. That's pretty high praise, as we've had some very nice dinners in some pretty fancy places. The next time we're both in Toronto we'll have to try it. Apparently he as some pictures on facebook as well, but I don't do facebook so hence the emailed version.
I forgot to mention a few days ago, how very lucky I was. The fellow at work who got married in China last summer, brought me in some fresh made Chinese dumplings that Willow had made. Anyone who knows me is well is aware that they are probably my favorite food and these were divine. She says she will teach me how to make them. I know they're a lot of work but they freeze well and the fresh ones are absolutely wonderful (at least I think so!) Can't wait for that lesson.
I found out yesterday that Katy reads the blog on a regular basis. I got this one from her:
What's in a name?
Do you remember the famous Olympic skier Picabo Street (pronounced Pee-Ka-Boo) Well, Picabo is not just an athlete. She is now a nurse currently working at an Intensive Care Unit of a large metropolitan hospital. She is not permitted to answer the hospital telephones any longer. It caused too much confusion when she would answer the phone and say, Picabo, I.C.U.
A good clean joke is hard to find these days - pass it on!
I emailed her back to let her know I like it and I got this response back - I'm pleased that she's keeping in touch by reading sometimes:
Hi Sandy; I maybe made you laugh at the morning chuckle but I laughed so loud this morning at Bernie's beard that I woke up our dog and cat both at the same time.
So thank you Bernie, for being so entertaining!
Tonight the final push to tidy the house will be on because the TV person will be here at 10:00 tomorrow morning, so wish me luck! I'll let you know on Monday how it went.
Yesterday Lloyd emailed me the pictures from his meal at Ruby Wachco's in Toronto. He called me later and said it was probably the best meal he's ever eaten. That's pretty high praise, as we've had some very nice dinners in some pretty fancy places. The next time we're both in Toronto we'll have to try it. Apparently he as some pictures on facebook as well, but I don't do facebook so hence the emailed version.
I forgot to mention a few days ago, how very lucky I was. The fellow at work who got married in China last summer, brought me in some fresh made Chinese dumplings that Willow had made. Anyone who knows me is well is aware that they are probably my favorite food and these were divine. She says she will teach me how to make them. I know they're a lot of work but they freeze well and the fresh ones are absolutely wonderful (at least I think so!) Can't wait for that lesson.
I found out yesterday that Katy reads the blog on a regular basis. I got this one from her:
What's in a name?
Do you remember the famous Olympic skier Picabo Street (pronounced Pee-Ka-Boo) Well, Picabo is not just an athlete. She is now a nurse currently working at an Intensive Care Unit of a large metropolitan hospital. She is not permitted to answer the hospital telephones any longer. It caused too much confusion when she would answer the phone and say, Picabo, I.C.U.
A good clean joke is hard to find these days - pass it on!
I emailed her back to let her know I like it and I got this response back - I'm pleased that she's keeping in touch by reading sometimes:
Hi Sandy; I maybe made you laugh at the morning chuckle but I laughed so loud this morning at Bernie's beard that I woke up our dog and cat both at the same time.
So thank you Bernie, for being so entertaining!
Tonight the final push to tidy the house will be on because the TV person will be here at 10:00 tomorrow morning, so wish me luck! I'll let you know on Monday how it went.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Thursday, May 3 - I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it
It's a brisk -1' this morning and I broke down and lit the fire. It's a bit chilly in the house this morning although it should warm up a little this afternoon. We're heading for a sunny 9'.
Well, the bikers arrived home yesterday afternoon. I received a text message from Brenda advising that Bernie had a surprise for her as well. I asked what it was but she wouldn't say. After work, when I got home I spent a bit of time outside then went inside to make some Roasted Red Pepper Hummus and cut up some veggies. I planned to take them to work for lunch but I also intended to take some over to Brenda to take on her trip this morning to Nova Scotia. As I was cutting up veggies, she called and asked what I was doing. She suggested that I really needed to come over and see 'this', I told her I planned to anyway and when she asked if I'd eaten supper yet, it all worked. She was just putting on potatoes and was cooking some fish so the timing was perfect. When I got finished chopping I headed over. I drove into the yard and didn't see anything too out of the ordinary. The truck and trailer were there, the bike was beside the trailer and all looked well. So I went inside. Brenda was busy in the kitchen and I started in helping. I heard footsteps coming from the living room and Bernie came around the corner into the kitchen.
Now that's one dedicated Harley owner. Of course it's permanent - or at least until he shaves it off. I can only imagine the looks he must have gotten on the rest of the trip. I suppose that's one of the advantages of a white beard - you can easily change it to any colour.
He also bought another motorcycle while he was down there - a bright red Indian. It's quite a nice looking bike, but we don't know how long it will take for it to get here.
After we had supper we all collected around the computer to view the pictures he had taken. It looks like they had quite a trip. Being later in the year, more things were open along historic Route 66, than when we were there a few years ago. There also wasn't any snow in the Grand Canyon, either. Although they did drive through some mountains and there was considerable snow along the sides of the roads, although the roads themselves appeared to be clear and dry. But I can only imagine how cold it must have been. They made it all the way to the California border, crossed over, took a photo, then turned around and headed for home. By all accounts they appear to have had a great time.
Last night Lloyd was going to dine at a restaurant in Toronto that he's been whining about now for a while. So he invited someone from work and they were going last night. I expect to hear all about it later today. I would have liked to join him but I did remind him that we have to put up with eating fresh from the sea lobster every night of the week for the next two months (of course, only if we choose) . It's a tough life but we are a hearty bunch down here.
Well, the bikers arrived home yesterday afternoon. I received a text message from Brenda advising that Bernie had a surprise for her as well. I asked what it was but she wouldn't say. After work, when I got home I spent a bit of time outside then went inside to make some Roasted Red Pepper Hummus and cut up some veggies. I planned to take them to work for lunch but I also intended to take some over to Brenda to take on her trip this morning to Nova Scotia. As I was cutting up veggies, she called and asked what I was doing. She suggested that I really needed to come over and see 'this', I told her I planned to anyway and when she asked if I'd eaten supper yet, it all worked. She was just putting on potatoes and was cooking some fish so the timing was perfect. When I got finished chopping I headed over. I drove into the yard and didn't see anything too out of the ordinary. The truck and trailer were there, the bike was beside the trailer and all looked well. So I went inside. Brenda was busy in the kitchen and I started in helping. I heard footsteps coming from the living room and Bernie came around the corner into the kitchen.
Now that's one dedicated Harley owner. Of course it's permanent - or at least until he shaves it off. I can only imagine the looks he must have gotten on the rest of the trip. I suppose that's one of the advantages of a white beard - you can easily change it to any colour.
He also bought another motorcycle while he was down there - a bright red Indian. It's quite a nice looking bike, but we don't know how long it will take for it to get here.
After we had supper we all collected around the computer to view the pictures he had taken. It looks like they had quite a trip. Being later in the year, more things were open along historic Route 66, than when we were there a few years ago. There also wasn't any snow in the Grand Canyon, either. Although they did drive through some mountains and there was considerable snow along the sides of the roads, although the roads themselves appeared to be clear and dry. But I can only imagine how cold it must have been. They made it all the way to the California border, crossed over, took a photo, then turned around and headed for home. By all accounts they appear to have had a great time.
Last night Lloyd was going to dine at a restaurant in Toronto that he's been whining about now for a while. So he invited someone from work and they were going last night. I expect to hear all about it later today. I would have liked to join him but I did remind him that we have to put up with eating fresh from the sea lobster every night of the week for the next two months (of course, only if we choose) . It's a tough life but we are a hearty bunch down here.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Wednesday, May 10th - not so frosty this morning
This morning it's +3' instead of the -3' it was yesterday morning. But it was sunny and much milder in the afternoon yesterday so hopefully it will be the same today. We should reach 10' again today.
It's a slow news day today. I had good intentions of getting outside and doing all kinds of things last night but I ended up on the phone for over an hour with our satellite company to clear up a billing error. In the end I may have come out the winner. (or at least they made me feel like I had, and that's what it's all about, isn't it)
So when I finally got off the phone, I pulled my push mower out of the shed to see if I could get it to start. By some stroke of luck, it started on the first pull. This enables me to just cut the grass around the back and side of the house. It's not really in great need of cutting but some spots are a little longer so I just want to even it out before Saturday. Then I decided to try starting the BBQ. I had dragged it out a week or so ago but hadn't actually started it. Same thing, started right away. Needless to say, I was quite pleased. I had taken a small piece of pork tenderloin out of the freezer in the morning and marinated it in some Hoisin sauce for the day, so on to the grill it went. The first BBQ of the season has officially taken place!
Other than that, I watched a couple of programs on line, then was just doing up some dishes when Brenda happened by. She was on her way somewhere and happened to be in the neighbourhood. So we had a cup of tea and the last two Stroopwafels that were still in my cupboard. She has a busy few days ahead - bus driving today and tulip truck driving tomorrow and Friday. I had stopped by her house on my way home to see when the sticker on my bike runs out. It turns out it's good until July. I was going to suggest we meet somewhere for coffee before she heads to Nova Scotia until she told me she has to leave at 3:30 in the morning, so I decided that coffee could wait till some other time. That's a little TOO early, even for me, a morning person.
She talked to Bernie yesterday and they had left Toronto but still had a stop to make in Ottawa. It would be late in the day by the time they hit the road. If they push right through, like she expects they will, they should be home later today sometime or more likely this evening.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Tuesday, May 1 - Happy May Day!
The calendar says May but the temperature sure doesn't. Yesterday our high was 4' although it was sunny. It looked nice from the inside at least. Now this morning it's -3' and we're only going up to 7' (although yesterday they told us it would be 10' today!). Hopefully it will be a little warmer later in the week. I need to get outside and pick up more branches. I had picked a lot of them up last week but the high winds we had at the end of the week brought down more again and it looks like I never touched them. But it was supposed to rain on Saturday when the TV people come but now they've moved that to Sunday. Just our luck to rain on the only day we have to do anything fun outside.
Brenda and I were talking last night and we're going to add a bicycle ride or two each week into our mix. It's a little better exercise than the motorcycles. We both have bikes and we have these great trails to bike on so we really have no excuse. We discussed maybe starting tonight but she's got a busy week planned. The hairy bikers will be back, most likely on Wednesday night. They were back in Canada yesterday and had reached London. The bikes are now stored safely in the trailer and they're on the road once again in the truck. They had a good trip but are glad to be off the bikes. It's a long haul when you're riding 9 or 10 hours a day. They have a stop to make in Toronto to see Meghan and one in Ottawa to see Caitlin and then they'll head back east.
But in Bernie's absence, it seems the tulip people are quite missing him, so Brenda will be driving the tulip truck this week to make deliveries in Halifax and various other locations around Nova Scotia. She leaves on Thursday morning and won't be back till Friday night. I swear that woman can do anything.
Other than that, not much to report this morning. I'm polishing and cleaning to prepare for Saturday as well as planning the menu. I'll let you know on Monday how it all went.
I got a text message from Patti this morning. The kids are as busy as usual. James has his first baseball game on Monday. I'm assuming it's one that he'll be umpiring for. He's also just started taking the Lifeguard Course at swimming and Patti says it's really a lot of work. Meghan is busy preparing for her dance recital. She's quite excited because she gets to perform a total of 10 times over the three days - 3 numbers on Thursday, 4 on Friday and 3 on Saturday. As Patti says, at least she'll get her money's worth out of the cost of the dance costumes. She's been pretty busy with some other family stuff herself and I have no idea how she does it. These are the times I wish I were there to help out or there was something I could do. But maybe having a quiet, distant place for her to retreat to once in a while is a help - I hope so.
Brenda and I were talking last night and we're going to add a bicycle ride or two each week into our mix. It's a little better exercise than the motorcycles. We both have bikes and we have these great trails to bike on so we really have no excuse. We discussed maybe starting tonight but she's got a busy week planned. The hairy bikers will be back, most likely on Wednesday night. They were back in Canada yesterday and had reached London. The bikes are now stored safely in the trailer and they're on the road once again in the truck. They had a good trip but are glad to be off the bikes. It's a long haul when you're riding 9 or 10 hours a day. They have a stop to make in Toronto to see Meghan and one in Ottawa to see Caitlin and then they'll head back east.
Other than that, not much to report this morning. I'm polishing and cleaning to prepare for Saturday as well as planning the menu. I'll let you know on Monday how it all went.
I got a text message from Patti this morning. The kids are as busy as usual. James has his first baseball game on Monday. I'm assuming it's one that he'll be umpiring for. He's also just started taking the Lifeguard Course at swimming and Patti says it's really a lot of work. Meghan is busy preparing for her dance recital. She's quite excited because she gets to perform a total of 10 times over the three days - 3 numbers on Thursday, 4 on Friday and 3 on Saturday. As Patti says, at least she'll get her money's worth out of the cost of the dance costumes. She's been pretty busy with some other family stuff herself and I have no idea how she does it. These are the times I wish I were there to help out or there was something I could do. But maybe having a quiet, distant place for her to retreat to once in a while is a help - I hope so.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)