Toot ta la la! Goes like Snot!

What more needs to be said except that first & third are awfully close together!

Zipping around again

Joe got me some nice wheels...a VW. I haven't driven a VW standard since '76...sure felt weird. The gears are so much closer than my last 5 speed - SC1...and of course it has the famous VW reverse! I forgot about that until Joe reminded me. I only stalled her the 1 time so far...I had it in third, not first! Oops!

Thanks Joe, you're the bestest!

Where does the time go?

Thursday already...Heather & Jeff arrive tomorrow for their Value Drug Mart trade show. I hope that this year there are too unexpected surprises. The first year they barely made it due to snow & icy roads. The next year, they arrived to realize that they were missing a vital component of their display...that was a miscommunication between the 'partners'...so a quick trip back to the valley. Then last year, the year that was supposed to be smooth sailing, well didn't something go sideways with a major store prepping for their grand opening and Heather had to put in 8+ hours setting up product while Jeff worked the trade show! Maybe this year we will actually get time to visit with them!

Feel better soon Brenda!

It seems like the curse continues...the curse being gall bladder woes. Joe was so happy after he had his removed, he could eat almost anything and not be bothered with pains. He was lucky the doctor did the 4 small cuts...but then he also repaired a hernia which was a very slow recovery. Brenda, I hope you got the teeny weeny snips! Lucky you to have Nannie around to fuss over you!

Snafu today

I've been trying to post in my blog, but for some reason, it does not want to publish. So this is a mere test of the blogging network...please ignore!

Still no progress...what am I doing wrong?

Splish Splash

Saturday was cold, overcast and quite windy. We still managed some tub time but no-one wanted to get out of the hot water to take pictures! So we did them Sunday morning! What a surprise from Alex...he grew so much he can now stand on the bottom at keep his head above water. With this, comes new confidence! Our other little fish,Joey, was showing us his new swimming moves from class. He really enjoys the water.




I hate to say this but we did discuss briefly the possible need for a larger pool! But I think the boys will get a jungle gym for their backyard first! And I may have to take some swimming lessons just to keep up with the little ones! Now where is my swim boat?

You gotta love help in the office!

Alex had a few minutes and decided to help his Nannie...actually, he wanted to compute his allowance and instructed his Nannie to do your 'puter.... so here we are!

The town yard sale was mediocre...a month early and the weather didn't co-operate. Lunch was a hit...now to run these kids so they are in bed before midnight!

Thanks Bren!

I picked up Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson, MD at my library...I got the book on tape version and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Lots of good stuff to think and talk about...Basically it's about coming to cross roads and how you can handle it with less stress and enjoy life more. It should be added to the school curriculums.

We're showing our age & proud of it!

I just got the heads up on new concert tickets. Randy Bachman & Burton Cummings are coming to Edmonton for a small intimate musical affair at the Jubilee Auditorium June 14. Well now, that's the day after Joe's big 5-0 birthday. I do believe good seats are in order. So with the phones all charged up and the computer ready to roll, I will be busy tomorrow trying for some awesome seats cuz I have the secret code to get advance sales tickets. Now, I wonder if there will be a good deal price wise? If not, that's OK, because Joe is worth every nickel!

Love my Librarian!

I popped in last night to pick up Who Moved My Cheese. I noticed another book by PJ Parrish - The Unquiet Grave - so I picked that up also....well didn't my librarian recommend a couple other aurthors who have the same writing genre...Beverly Connor and Linda Fairstein. Just when I usually slow down my reading time so I can spend more time outside in the garden etc...I get more to read! Don't get me wrong...I'm not complaining...I'm bragging!

Dirt under my nails

I think that says it all....except
Remember that life's full of surprises....you never know just what might crop up next!

I must give credit to Heather for selecting this Portal card; it's one of my favorite Mother's Dad cards to date! I just wish I could remember the year! Oh well...see you in the Garden of Weedin!

Alex shoots, Joey scores!

I'm not sure if other grandparents have the same problem...what to gift the kids that won't give them a sugar rush! Both Joey and Alex like to run around, but running around outside is even better.

So after some research online, we hit the stores in search of some kid friendly soccer nets. We wanted something that wouldn't hurt the boys in case someone gets hip checked into the posts but also something that could be portable. This way, the game can go to the park, cottage or our house...and they wouldn't have to share with the dayhome kids.

Success! After a couple of stores we found some good nets, 1 for each, so no fighting and as they grow, they can have an actual match. We finished the gift with a nerf soccer ball each in different colours. We didn't get the nets outside while we were down, but the hallway made a good site for an impromptu match.

Road Trip!

Alex got to meet his great grandfather, Papa Johnston for the first time over the Easter weekend. I'm not sure why this took two and a half years, but it was worth the wait. Dad was quite impressed with the little fellows, even if he couldn't get names out. The smile of his face was quite genuine. Alex was a little shy of this new person, but Joey was all hugs when it was time to leave. He bonzai'd Papa J backinto his chair when he ran across the living room to give hiem a goodbye hug and kiss. Then Joey, being the sauve gentleman that he is, he ran over to a couple of the female residents and gave them a hug also! What great grandsons we have!

CHA-CHING!

And the moral to the story is, Don't be afraid to ask for what you want! Now the question for those of you who have forgotten about our big oops! The 9 year stale dated cheque...YES, They replaced it with a brand new one! So now I must run to the bank and deposit this sucker before it disappears.

He's finally gone to work!

Joe doesn't do well without meaningful employment. He mopes around the house, half asleep, low or no energy. But today is his first day in the office! Joe was so pumped up about the prospect, he decided to start talking to me at 4:15 this morning! Go to sleep, it's not Christmas morning yet!

Have fun, play nice with the others and for heaven's sake, don't volunteer!

Opportunity knocked and I had to answer...

Well now where do I start... at the TOP...

I am now the Logistics Manager for Travers Aramark, out of Edmonton. We do the same thing as PTI.

I already knew the Senior managers there having worked for and with them over the years. This is a newly created position managing the warehouse, transportation fleet, purchasing and operations. If it sounds like a lot. It is! But I have a large staff to choreograph. I am sure there will be a lot of growing pains but it will keep me busy until the summer vacation...I did negotiate my time off for the trip east.

The Departure From PTI- Timing is everything, I figured I would give 2 weeks notice. When they found out I was going to work for the competition I was escorted out to the parking lot. Hey! What the heck, I told them I already smuggled out the cadbury secrets and if they wanted to pay me off...all the better.

And did it come with a raise? Tee Hee Hee.. enough said.

House flies already!

I was surprised to find a couple inside yesterday...and then I found a bunch of creepy crawlers coming down the dungeon walls from the basement window. I'm not sure if they have always found their way inside and I just didn't see them against the genuine imitation plastic wood panelling! They sure show up against the mudded drywall...maybe a couple of coats of paint will help. HINT HINT! Joe got escorted out of his previous place of employment yesterday...and has some time off this afternoon. Wish me luck!

Changes in the air!

Spring has sprung and so has Joe! After 5.5 years with his second employer he has made the big announcement that he is leaving for a new challenge. Oh, it's with the competition!

Joe was feeling more than a little discouraged when we were down east the last time. Then a new opportunity presented itself via cell phone in Aunt Mina's living room! So Joe transferred over to International and did that for 2 years until the jobs were completed just before Christmas. After going back over to the other side, Joe just didn't get that warm fuzzy feeling and knew it was time to make a choice.

After the last of many interviews, Joe was offered Logistics manager and happily accepted. Now the big question, do they make Joe work his notice out or cut him loose with a cheque?! Stay tuned for an official start date across the road!

Joe, it's so nice to see that spark in your eyes, knowing work will be fun again!

I love this blogging thing!

I got the bestest email over the weekend, from my friend Brenda. The way she writes, you would swear she was right there with you, having a cup of tea or a glass of wine! I loved reading about her antics at school, and the kids, how much they have grown.

But the bonus was her blog address! Jackpot! When I have a few minutes, I read some of her archieved entries. Brenda always liked an adventure and I think she is finally living it! Now for me to get my *ss in gear!

What was I thinking????

That I'm 12? I did my Curves routine first thing this morning and felt like a million bucks! Joe dropped me off on the way to work, so I was walking home. No problem, right.

Well the next thing you know, I'm walking faster and faster and then I break into a little jog! At my fittest, I have never RUN except to first base in slow pitch! Duh! Well I ran a whole block, then walked across the street and ran another block. I felt pretty good, not winded, so my cardio must be paying off. I had to slow down to a brisk walk after that - ice still on the north walks and the grass was too slushy. For a split second I wanted to try running like Phoebe, but I held back....too conservative for my own good.

OK, I think I may be ready for Joseph Thomas. A couple of summers ago, we were walking to the park, when he decided to run almost the whole way. Lesley had Alex in the backpack, so I had to try and keep up with Joey. I thought I would die! My heart was in my throat pounding like crazy. But now, bring it on Joey!!!!

It's one of those days!

I got 'the call' from Joe just as I was laying down for a nap...instead I'm driving into the city to pick him up.

I arrive at work only to find someone strange to me inside the compound, playing under the hood of a 4x4. Hello for locking the doors. joe showed up shortly, all muddy and bed raggled! I'm so glad he didn't park that thing in our driveway!

Got home ~ 1am, I cut Joe's Q-Tip hair...he has a big meeting today...and he went for a shower while I just went to bed! I so don't want to be up, but here I am, what more do you want?! Now that's SASS!

Did someone mention tulips?

I drove into St Albert and seen a few along the way. I still have lots of snow!

I sure wish my bulbs were close to poking through that white stuff!

A wonderful surprise!

These I will print off for Dad's photo album. I like to add a comment/journalling with each photo so Dad's aids know some details about the picture. It helps prod Dad's memory along and eases some of the frustration when he just can't pull the words out.

So if you have some old shots like these, I would love to get them. You just never know what may spark the next great debate at Cottage C!

Name the year!

About a month ago, I received an email from Steven with these pictures. He mainly sent them because there were 2 photos of my Mom and Dad, same setting.

It was obviously chicken round up time, these ones had lost the battle. Looks like all sinks were being used, even the bathroom.

All in all I don't see great changes in either Cheryl & Paul (nice hat), maybe a little greyer but that's all!

Hmmmm...chicken dinner!