We cratered!

After 4 days of soup, and even more soup, I had to make a big choice. Strange things have been happening to me, some probably due to this cleansing effect and the other due to my sensitivity to tomatoes! I've developed a dry red rash on my neck that has crept up to my chin. Nothing seems to ease the discomfort. Then I noticed pimples popping up in the weirdest places, the only one I will mention is the one on the end of my toe, making wearing footwear very uncomfortable. So end result, I had some chicken, sauce and fries last night and Joe didn't want me to suffer through that by myself. Thanks Dear!

Martha Stewart or Lisa Douglas?!

I've been busy planting my seed trays for my upcoming garden. No pressure, just stuff for me, Heather Lee & Lesley! Strange how they can all start at the same place, but the environment makes a huge difference in the final performance.

I don't quite understand seed pricing...some packs are sold by weight and others by eaches - usually 25. The first pic is snapdragons, and the second is lavender. I guess the smaller the more expensive. In that case I thank Debra for that envelope full of poppy seeds! It must be worth a fortune. I just hope that I have a few of the yellow plants grow - they were my favorite the last time we were at the cottage.

Slip Sliding Away!

Yesterday didn't start out great for someone, when the scales only reflected a 2 lb loss. Well look who ate the canary this morning...down 7 lbs! To celebrate, he had a bowl of All Bran w/skim milk and a sliced banana! I'm so proud of him for sticking to it and in turn inspiring me. Good health and feeling great are good motivators BUT I think Aaron has been the biggest cheerleader in Joe's corner. Oh did I mention, there is a new tattoo on the line!

GAME ON GENTLEMEN!

A Day of Reckoning

Well Monday went well, we were both excited about this new challenge. We started Tuesday with confidence and then...the wall! Joe had a salesman bring in trays of desserts to sample...hoping to get a contract. Poor Joe was tempted by some tiramisu...but he didn't cave. But he told me about it! I almost reached for some pudding at the point. It was awful, food was all I thought about for the rest of the day/night. But this morning, we are -2 and -4lbs. Yeah...more soup! Those bananas are going to taste good tomorrow. Survivor and bananas...no nachos...pout.

We do relax the odd time

We seem to be always 'doing' something, mostly on the house,yard, helping neighbour's, visiting kids, grandkids, and parents. This is just to show you we do other stuff too! Joe finally cracked open his model from Christmas 04! He had to read the instructions before starting - it has been that long since he made a model. Lo & behold we realized he still needs purple paint for his HEMI. The next model is a huge 3 foot USS Missouri! The mighty Mo! Joe has stories about that in action.

The needlepoint is one my sister Lynn gave Lesley as a thank you for hosting her. Lesley tried but couldn't quite get the time to get the technique...so I've finally put my rickety stand together and got it started. The only snag is I have to work on it sideways and sometimes I'm not sure what it's supposed to look like. Sorry the pictures aren't in order...my head can't handle much more than this!

Up and almost running at 100%

I had a technical problem with the transfer of internet service. I hate calling for help, but I'm glad I did because it was something I couldn't have done w/o help. The wait wasn't that bad either.

So now to get email addresses updated etc....slowly I will get it done. No big rush as long as I have reliable contact with the family and Helen who is my right hand for Dad.

So if you don't hear from me, drop a line and wake me up!

Yes, I was told several times!

The message...loosen the purse strings and get into this century computer wise! Well I did, are you happy now? The work to transfer files etc is a slow and somewhat painful one. Between the old dinosaur freezing up, drop down menus disappearing and so forth...it's frustrating to say the least. Then I found out I have to make my own recovery discs...no problem until I found out I need 16 cds...I only have 14 left! I think someone special will pick me up some dvd's...only need to keep 2 in a safe place! Hopefully I will be online avec the cute toy later this evening or tomorrow. Until then I will keep the defillibrator close at hand and hope for the best!

Work then drink or is it the other way around?

Well this is how Joe's day went and it may be a good indicator of what is to come next week. Spring is trying to sprung and the winter camps are starting to prep for shut downs. It seems that equipment and staff aren't quite on the same page - YET!

And the house is quiet again

What a busy few days we've had. First the Calgary gang arrived with a snowstorm. Saturday was shovel most of the morning and recuperate in the afternoon. The girls stayed with the young'ens...Joey was sick...the men went hunting for meat at The Zoo! I think Aaron won the bragging honours! Sunday was brunch out before we all hit the highway south.

We stopped in at Innisfail to pick up Minard and the others just kept on going. We left the house @ 1:30 this morning and made the mad dash to Cowtown for Minard's flight home...that could have been an ugly trip...travel wasn't advised but they never went as far as closing the road, so on we went. A few cars in the ditches,and we fishtailed a bit, but we got there in plenty of time. Joe managed to tip toe into the office about 10 minutes late, which is pretty good all things considered. Poor guy, he's working. I think I'll post this and go have a nap!

My day isn't as long as others!

What was supposed to be a relaxing weekend with friends and family is quickly evolving into 'who can drive the most or best'.

The QE2 between Calgary & Edmonton is a divided highway, relatively straight, no traffic lights for 3 hours.

Well Lesley just called to say they are crawling along, coming up to an area that was hit by a rogue whiteout in which ~ 8 cars crashed into each other. Now you have the rubber neckers slowing down to check things out instead of watching where they should be driving. So, we're not sure what time our guests will arrive and whether they will be white knuckling it the entire way.

At times like this you have to be happy you have an inboard video system for the kids. They should have had that when we got stuck on the 401 for 8 hours when we moved from Halifax to Kingston and I has 7 months pregnant. Not a pretty site, especially when you have to pee! Try hiding that!

See you when you get here!

A Happy Couple!

I'm trying to figure out my scanner, it's quite a bit more complex than the one I gave Lucie.

So why did I trade? Well with all of my paperwork, I really need a 3 in 1. I'll be able to get faxes, once I figure that out, but one thing at a time. I can make copies almost with my eyes closed!

So here is one of my first photos scanned.... Well after two tries, I think I have a keeper! Just for you Lucie! Maybe you could tell me what year this was, for my records...Thanks!

My head is spinning!

Seems that my Dad needs a new bed so now I have the big decision to make. He's in a hospital bed right now...so do I a) just try and get a new mattress for the old frame or b) get him a whole new bed...and figure out what to do with the old frame. I have a lead on a place that loans out hospital beds in Dad's area when needed. I think I will have to make some inquiries and those answers will point me in the right direction.

The bed issue may be the easy part...Dad also needs new clothes and shoes. It was almost impossible to fit him for his Clark's from 5 years ago...he doesn't like to try things on and he doesn't see anything wrong with the ones on his feet, even through he looked like Agador from The Birdcage! Oh well, I'll see if Joe wants to come along and be my backup support....maybe between the 2 of us we can get this done without too much fuss. Naw....probably not....it's going to be as difficult as the last time! But it wouldn't be Dad if it didn't go this way! Maybe I should live closer so that things like this wouldn't be such a big production.

Special note for someone special!

She is always commenting on the state of my silverware in the buffet. It's not that I don't like a freshly polished tea pot, it's just I can never find any Twinkle. That is the only way to go, easy on the hands and it does a great job. But I can't find any, anywhere! If anyone has a stash of Twinkle and is willing to share....I'd be interested.

In the meantime, I found a recipe online for silver cleaning...will let you know how it fares over the next few weeks. The ingredients are things you have in a pantry, baking soda, salt and aluminium foil. It did stink a bit and I'm not sure about the harshness on the silverware, but it looks pretty. Oh, did I mention it only took ~ 10 minutes for all the silver in my buffet!

Ta Da!

A full weekend with the Big Guy!

What a treat is was, having the better half home for the entire weekend, and no guests! Joe has been away for the past 2 weekends and we were in Cowtown to previous one...to drop off Lucie's scanner! And a visit with the family.

So what better way to start the weekend then with a 2 hour drive home for Joe, due to horrid roads, cars & trucks in the ditches in every direction. So we made the executive decision to have pizza & beer for supper.

Saturday we were out shovelling and snow blowing by 8:30. There was a close call, Brian next door thought he should shovel! WRONG! When there is enough snow to blow and Joe is home, he thinks it's his right to clear everyone's drive/walkways on our side of street. After that, he starts on the road itself...and does half way across, 3 houses long!

So after a traditional Saturday lunch of hot dogs...you know it Alex, we started back in the dungeon...and pulled off all the remaining geniune artifical fake wood panelling! Good ridness. Now the dirty job of taping, mudding, sanding, repeat! Oh well, it's only been 7 years...no rush!

Except that we just found out OMO & FOOT are arrving Friday night...hide any weapons! Looking forward to the break!

Do we have a new record?

Just to set the situation up, I was looking through file folders, pulling out our medical receipts for this years' tax return. I reach into a folder and what comes out but a medical refund cheque for $242! What a shock...how could I not have cashed that as soon as we got it. I never put stuff like that out of sight, because everyone knows, out of sight out of mind! So I drafted a letter to the issuing company. I used the humour angle because how else could you explain you would like to have a new cheque! So, all we have to lose is a stamp and our pride...but for that kind of cash, I'm game. BTW...the cheque was dated 7 May 1997! Just 9 little years ago!

For Sale

This is EBay, I'm not sure if anyone is really interested in this position or they are pulling our leg! It wouldn't be the first time a government job has been bought.

The Rick Mercer Report Liberal Leadership KitIncludes strategic consult and printer time
Item number: 6042164599

Fair play in love & GOTCHA's!

Now here is a cute rendition of a clown...you should notice that the artist likes to use all the colours in the crayon box and for that extra touch...a sticker on the hat!
I do think the arms are on incorrectly, but this is the way I got it.
I wonder if I could make a few bucks on EBay with this masterpiece...or should I tuck it away for a few more years...it could may very be the next great Shrine Circus poster!
Can you name the artist?

Another Monet?

Look what I found among some old cards I was sorting through! This isn't dated but it is on the back of the insert for new markers from K-Mart...And I don't think Heather colours like that anymore!

New bathroom decor?!

Do you think the toilet paper would be replaced more often with this holder? I found this at Femail Creations...hmmmmm...I wonder if Joe would notice?

Yikes! Cyber-libel!

I just came across an article in the Globe & Mail about a Kingston woman who slammed her landlord on her blog. She is now being evicted.

Whatever the readership, libel lawyers and technology watchers say as more people use the Internet, the number of people getting in trouble for electronic words whether on websites and blogs, e-mails or electronic bulletin boards is also rising This is a direct quote from the article, so don't sue me, please!

They mention other instances of litigation, mostly from disgruntled employees. I guess we all have to remember that this is not just an electronic form of a personal diary...it's out there for all to see. With that in mind...

How YOU doin?

It's a conspiracy!

What is with all these disposable cleaning products? Are they really good ideas or just a waste of consumer's hard earned money? I am really p'd off with those 2 commercials where the Dad sprinkles good food etc on the floor, in front of the kids, just so he can clean it up with the latest gadget. How dumb can you be? And we wonder why the kids won't clean up their bedrooms!

How much do you spend on cleaning products? I'm trying real hard to cut back on paper towel use. I buy window cleaner, a creamy scrub product, bleach, a liquid general purpose cleaner and some scrubby pads. Along with dish soap, dishwasher detergent, HE laundry stuff, spray n wash, dryer sheets and sometimes liquid fabric softener...it all adds up! And it all comes scented!

Now the $64 question...do I need Febreeze?????

NO!!!!

Shhhh!

My computer is back up & running. Sorry Joseph, you don't get Nannie's old one this week. I think I am just fooling myself into thinking that yeah, I can fix it...it'll be OK....but I will check out the sale flyers over the next few weeks/months. Just in case....

Joe had to fly out to Fort Nelson, to sit on a camp that went sideways. The manager is away and yes, the workers want to play! Surprise! Look who's coming for dinner!

I'll be having a quiet weekend. I'll watch the Scott tournament wrap up. I'll shovel once the snow stops and then perhaps I'll get someone special's quilt started AGAIN! I had to stop because of my dizzy spells, and vision trouble. Then I got so sidetracked it was hard to see my way. But I see the light, Alex!

A special hello to my friend Buffy who re-located back in NB this past December. She almost knocked me off my chair when she told me how much 4 litres of milk costs! Ouch! I may have to drink my tea black this summer.

Maybe Henry and April would like a cow for their wedding gift! It's thoughts like this that should persuade you to register for some really nice gifts! Someone said that you may bend with enough family pressure! And what a nice family it is!