Seems as a grandmother, my name has evolved as the grandchildren have grown.
This past weekend, my eldest grandson (5) asked if he could call me Alberta. I said 'Yes' as this is my name. This conversation was just between the 2 of us...I think the guys were out for a bike ride.
Later that afternoon, Joey was outside in the back yard, I was in the kitchen getting cool drinks. Joey seen me through the open window and called me Alberta and then proceeded with a small request. Papa was within hearing distance and was somewhat surprised. He asked Joey why he was calling me Alberta. Joey's reply...'because I like the name!'
Well as the weekend unfolded, my name went from Nannie to Alberta to just 'Nan'! Aren't these great times!
Somber anniversary
20 years ago today, July 31, 1987, Edmonton was devastated by a F4 hurricane which left 27 dead, many others injured and millions of dollars in property damage. A memorial service is scheduled for this morning at site of the largest number of casualties, the Evergreen Mobile Home Park.We had just left Alberta for British Columbia and so have no personal view point. It does drive home to power of Mother Nature. Be aware and stay safe.
Photo courtesy of the Edmonton Journal.
All alone!
Dear Joseph & Alex
Thanks for coming up and visiting with Nannie & Papa. We had a lot of fun, especially the golf game this morning.
I looked for Whitten today but could not find him. He must have gone to his friend's to play while it was hot outside.
I did find a new friend, a little tiny frog! He was hiding under my rose bush! I'm going to move my toad house that your Mommy gave me over to that garden and see if he wants to move in! If he does, you can see him the next time you visit.
I hope you have fun with Jonathan tonight and all the other kids tomorrow!
Love Nannie
xoxo xoxo
Thanks for coming up and visiting with Nannie & Papa. We had a lot of fun, especially the golf game this morning.
I looked for Whitten today but could not find him. He must have gone to his friend's to play while it was hot outside.
I did find a new friend, a little tiny frog! He was hiding under my rose bush! I'm going to move my toad house that your Mommy gave me over to that garden and see if he wants to move in! If he does, you can see him the next time you visit.
I hope you have fun with Jonathan tonight and all the other kids tomorrow!
Love Nannie
xoxo xoxo
101 in 1001 update
Today in Day 133 in this and I have 13 things checked off. 88 to go! For those tracking me I have until Dec 9,2009 to do these.
Since the last update I have listened to all my CD's (#69)...I have some new favorites and DUH...I found 6 duplicate discs! Some were from when I was driving back and forth to work as was Joe along with all his travel. The good news, I have donated the doubles to our local library.
I repainted our front door white (#82). Not very exciting but it works with the salmon stucco and red brick. I have to ask my neighbour what the original house colour was when it had siding. My bet is white because it also had a red roof! Not a good choice with salmon. Anyways, I've been researching painting the stucco. I don't dislike the salmon, but after 16 years, it's starting to show more hairline cracks and a good product will bridge those before water can get behind it. We are leaning towards a gray green shade...my neighbours have a beige, a yellow (they are also going to change...will ask to what) white and a dark brown. I'd love to go white but stucco holds the dust and dirt and looks dirty unless freshly pressure washed. The house painting will have to wait...for plants to go dormant as well as waiting for that money tree to re-bloom!
Surprise, surprise...I wrote my fan letter (#93). Can you guess the recipient? None other than Rick Mercer. He's not your usual 'star' but I do think he's an amazing thinker as anyone who has read his blog or watched his rants. Also, he's been quick to do the right thing by visiting our troops when they go and put their lives on the line.
A few weeks ago, the heat just wasted me totally so I had an afternoon nap (#59). I felt a bit out of kilter but more energized. Last but not least...#99 has been checked off. Don't think you need the details, it's about my sleeping arrangements....just know that power surges are not fun!
Join me with this 101 in 1001!
Addendum - #3 - buy a new chair...well I found a nice one but it's a bit costly right now...maybe closer to Christmas...hint hint! But Joe did bring me home a new to me office chair. They're redecorating at work and had a bunch of surplus...even the thirft stores don't want them! But I like it a lot. Thanks Joe!
Since the last update I have listened to all my CD's (#69)...I have some new favorites and DUH...I found 6 duplicate discs! Some were from when I was driving back and forth to work as was Joe along with all his travel. The good news, I have donated the doubles to our local library.
I repainted our front door white (#82). Not very exciting but it works with the salmon stucco and red brick. I have to ask my neighbour what the original house colour was when it had siding. My bet is white because it also had a red roof! Not a good choice with salmon. Anyways, I've been researching painting the stucco. I don't dislike the salmon, but after 16 years, it's starting to show more hairline cracks and a good product will bridge those before water can get behind it. We are leaning towards a gray green shade...my neighbours have a beige, a yellow (they are also going to change...will ask to what) white and a dark brown. I'd love to go white but stucco holds the dust and dirt and looks dirty unless freshly pressure washed. The house painting will have to wait...for plants to go dormant as well as waiting for that money tree to re-bloom!
Surprise, surprise...I wrote my fan letter (#93). Can you guess the recipient? None other than Rick Mercer. He's not your usual 'star' but I do think he's an amazing thinker as anyone who has read his blog or watched his rants. Also, he's been quick to do the right thing by visiting our troops when they go and put their lives on the line.
A few weeks ago, the heat just wasted me totally so I had an afternoon nap (#59). I felt a bit out of kilter but more energized. Last but not least...#99 has been checked off. Don't think you need the details, it's about my sleeping arrangements....just know that power surges are not fun!
Join me with this 101 in 1001!
Addendum - #3 - buy a new chair...well I found a nice one but it's a bit costly right now...maybe closer to Christmas...hint hint! But Joe did bring me home a new to me office chair. They're redecorating at work and had a bunch of surplus...even the thirft stores don't want them! But I like it a lot. Thanks Joe!
They never cease to amaze me!
I'm referring to our 2 eldest grandchildren. They may have the same parents, but their personalities are so different.
The youngest brother is as sharp as a tack, can outwit many at the tender age of 3! He frightens me sometimes! His energy rivals that of the Ev*ready Bunny. One of the last mornings here, he was wide awake and ready to face what was ahead. Feeling that his grandfather should also be awake, he went up to his sleeping grandfather, almost nose to nose and yelled in his big voice "Papa, wake up, it's morning time!" Needless to say, there was no gong back to sleep after that wake up call.
Our eldest grandson,5, loves to draw, colour, sketch and is just getting into a lot of imaginative play. He currently loves his 'magic' collectors cards, carries them almost everywhere he can! He recently came into a new card collection and developed a game of sorts to play with his father. While his father was watching a tv program, DGS 1 passed Daddy a note...not much in the way of words...just his name printed at the top, but the message was crystal clear. Daddy was challenged to do a card battle!
I can hardly wait for our third grandson to grow and develop into his own being! Maybe he'll play the drums just like his Dad! Kids, don't you just love 'em?!
The youngest brother is as sharp as a tack, can outwit many at the tender age of 3! He frightens me sometimes! His energy rivals that of the Ev*ready Bunny. One of the last mornings here, he was wide awake and ready to face what was ahead. Feeling that his grandfather should also be awake, he went up to his sleeping grandfather, almost nose to nose and yelled in his big voice "Papa, wake up, it's morning time!" Needless to say, there was no gong back to sleep after that wake up call.
Our eldest grandson,5, loves to draw, colour, sketch and is just getting into a lot of imaginative play. He currently loves his 'magic' collectors cards, carries them almost everywhere he can! He recently came into a new card collection and developed a game of sorts to play with his father. While his father was watching a tv program, DGS 1 passed Daddy a note...not much in the way of words...just his name printed at the top, but the message was crystal clear. Daddy was challenged to do a card battle!
I can hardly wait for our third grandson to grow and develop into his own being! Maybe he'll play the drums just like his Dad! Kids, don't you just love 'em?!
Sisters
Sisters are 2 different flowers from the same garden.
How could I possibly pick just one to show you? I am just so grateful to have any left standing after last night's horrific thunder & lightening storm. The action started around 8 pm and was still going strong at 1:08 am when the power went out. How did I know the exact time? With the driving winds, we had the windows closed and I just had to get up, turn on the fan and have a drink of water. Except for some leaves blown about and a few bent stalks, the garden is looking very pretty today.
Thanks for visiting me today!
What have I gotten myself into?
One of my 101 things to do in 1001 days was 1 10km walk for me and one for charity. Well Lesley and Aaron are joining the underwear run for cancers below the waist and have issued THE CHALLENGE! So now the big decision - do I really challenge myself and go for the 10 km run or play it safe and sign up for the 5 km walk?
I can do the 5 km walk now, not much extra effort. I could try and do a personal best. But the idea of the run is needling me in the back on my noggin!
OK, I'lve talked myself into upping my workouts and if my back holds up, I'm going for the run! Watch out for more details about pledging etc...
BTW - the teams are encouraged to dress for the occasion...for those who seen me in my borrowed thong last August ( even OVER my jeans!)...no fears, there won't be a repeat showing!
I can do the 5 km walk now, not much extra effort. I could try and do a personal best. But the idea of the run is needling me in the back on my noggin!
OK, I'lve talked myself into upping my workouts and if my back holds up, I'm going for the run! Watch out for more details about pledging etc...
BTW - the teams are encouraged to dress for the occasion...for those who seen me in my borrowed thong last August ( even OVER my jeans!)...no fears, there won't be a repeat showing!
Is this a good thing, Martha?
I'm a Nissan 350Z!
You're not the fastest or the most agile, but you have style and power. You believe in looking good and moving quickly -- without breaking the bank.
"Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.
It's the heat, right?
Yesterday I was one of the first in bed, shortly after Jonathan! I can't be getting old or something? Can I? Today isn't much better. I'm tired just from watching the boys have their water gun fight! Lesley will hopefully post pics, I was too busy laughing and staying out of the line of fire. I say this with some trepidation because I was the first water casualty. There I was, sitting quietly by myself having a cup of tea and relaxing when out came the first water gun, loaded, which was passed to grandson #1, who turned and gave me a direct hit! Like the girl I am, I run!
Jonathan & his Mommy went home, after a successful visit. I'm sure that despite posting frequent photos, his Daddy missed them both terribly.
Jonathan & his Mommy went home, after a successful visit. I'm sure that despite posting frequent photos, his Daddy missed them both terribly.
Jonathan's second wedding this summer
And he's only 7 months old! Soon he' ll qualify as a wedding planner.
It was a beautiful wedding, the bride was stunning, the groom handsome...but it was hot.
We were lucky enough to find a corner to sit at...which allowed us room to set up Jonathan's play pen. He could play around in some relative coolness and not get stepped on!
Can it get any hotter?
The weather dude said today was day 1 of a 5 day heat wave! Silly me, I thought it was day 2!
The tub is set @ 96', the fans are going, the frig is filled with cool drinks and supper is on the BBQ! All we are missing is Jeff & Aaron! Stay cool guys!
Have a great weekend all!
The tub is set @ 96', the fans are going, the frig is filled with cool drinks and supper is on the BBQ! All we are missing is Jeff & Aaron! Stay cool guys!
Have a great weekend all!
Truth, Duty,Valour and so much more
This is the motto for the Royal Military College in Kingston ON. Joe had the pleasure of spending 2 tours there. 1977 - 1982 and again in 1991 - 1993. It was during the latter period that Joe got to meet an outstanding cadet by the name of Phil Dawe. Years have past and the name slipped into the back of our memories only to be thrust to the forefront by that deadly Afghanistan blast. Phil's brother Capt Matt Dawe was one of the 6 casualties.So as we celebrate the sacred union of Andrea & Charles this Saturday, they will be saying a final goodbye. Capt Dawe leaves a young widow and son behind.
Closer to home, Jeff lost his dear grandmother Lillian tonight. I never had the chance to meet her, but Heather was always excited about a trip to see her, especially once Jonathan arrived. She sounded like a person I would have enjoyed knowing. We are fortunate though to have a photo of Grandma Lillian along with three generations of her descendants...Bob, Jeff and Jonathan!
Closer to home, Jeff lost his dear grandmother Lillian tonight. I never had the chance to meet her, but Heather was always excited about a trip to see her, especially once Jonathan arrived. She sounded like a person I would have enjoyed knowing. We are fortunate though to have a photo of Grandma Lillian along with three generations of her descendants...Bob, Jeff and Jonathan!
I hope that this will be the last obituary I have to put in the family Bible this month...Art Godin, Capt. Matt Dawe and now Grandma Lillian. Gone but not forgotten.
Double or nothing!
In my personal challenge with Joe, at the 1 month mark, he soundly beat me 11.5 points to 2!!!! So, like the intelligent woman that I am...I challenged him for another month @ double or 0! He took the bait....now to get my wide *ss in gear and move it move it move it! I really am trying, it isn't just a cheap ploy to get someone off the couch! Or is it? Tune in next month to see how this turns out!
Another passing
Joe & I wish to pass along our deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Art Godin who recently passed away. Joe found out the sad news via the CF cook's website.
I don't bounce back like I used to!
Gary & Trevor's visit just wore me out. I made the mistake of laying on the couch while watching an episode of 24. Then Joe surfed around, found Bird on a Wire, which we love because we know which shots were done in Victoria while we were living there.
Long story short, I am moving like Fred Sanford today! Not pretty, but the meds are starting to kick in!
We hit the St A farmer's market Saturday morning with the boys. Joe scouted out some tasty green tomatoes which we fried up at Jo's house for supper, along with BBQ steak & shrimp and foccaica! Tasty treats before the UFC fights. We even managed a trip to the local zoo for a meat draw - won twice!
Sunday we headed to the Castrol Raceway to watch John Dampf. ~ 15 minutes before we got there, Shawn called to say John jumped the light and was eliminated! Too bad, but we enjoyed the others racing and the close and personal walk about the cars in the pits.
So my aches and pains can be called self inflicted. That'll teach me for trying to do it all! Now to get better before my road trip and our weekend company. Oh yeah...we are on vacation next week, too! Wish me luck or at least have some sympathy for me!
Long story short, I am moving like Fred Sanford today! Not pretty, but the meds are starting to kick in!
We hit the St A farmer's market Saturday morning with the boys. Joe scouted out some tasty green tomatoes which we fried up at Jo's house for supper, along with BBQ steak & shrimp and foccaica! Tasty treats before the UFC fights. We even managed a trip to the local zoo for a meat draw - won twice!
Sunday we headed to the Castrol Raceway to watch John Dampf. ~ 15 minutes before we got there, Shawn called to say John jumped the light and was eliminated! Too bad, but we enjoyed the others racing and the close and personal walk about the cars in the pits.
So my aches and pains can be called self inflicted. That'll teach me for trying to do it all! Now to get better before my road trip and our weekend company. Oh yeah...we are on vacation next week, too! Wish me luck or at least have some sympathy for me!
Will the heat be unkind to my garden?
It was +18'C @ 5:40 am...it's going to be a scorcher, on our way to +33'C. The hot tub will now be a cooling tub, with water temp of ~90'F.
The garden is slowly coming to life, some disappointments, but hey, it's all a learning curve. Enjoy!
Lupins and memories of PEI
Mom's hosta - obviously happy at my home
Morden Blush rose
Snow on the Mountain
Bachelor Buttons
Bleeding Heart
Manitoba native Grapes
Iris
Lemon Gem marigold
The garden is slowly coming to life, some disappointments, but hey, it's all a learning curve. Enjoy!
Lupins and memories of PEI
Mom's hosta - obviously happy at my home
Morden Blush rose
Snow on the Mountain
Bachelor Buttons
Bleeding Heart
Manitoba native Grapes
Iris
Lemon Gem marigold
Yes folks...this is our FIRST almost ripe tomato, still on the vine!!!! Yes we are in zone 2A! When you factor in the greenhouse price, this is one very expensive tomato! There better be more!
Fort Edmonton Park
We recently had a chance to step back in time and were pleasantly surprised. It's a self guided tour with characters interacting with visitors while maintaining their role's integrity.
We arrived at the fort itself after a brief train ride. This train had been featured in Brad Pitt's movie about Jesse James.
What a great looking clay oven...almost wish I had one in the back yard!
Joe, looking so small in the entrance door to the fort.
One of Joe's favorite rooms!
As we walked from display to display we found some treasures from our past! There before us were the very same headboards that now grace the grandkids bedroom in our home! Mom had found them while yard sailing in the Eastern Townships. It was a definite labour of love, because Mom had to scrape away layers of paint off those spindles. She only found the headboards, not the foot boards. Thank goodness!
I can remember growing up, always having 3 basics things in the medicine chest. They were Phillips Milk of Magnesia, Rawleigh's Antiseptic Salve - good for man or beast! and Minard'sLinimint! Didn't we find 2 of the 3 in the drug store display!
This is a fine carousel, boldly painted horses as well as various local scenes from early Edmonton around the top. Despite the worldliness of today's youngsters, it was nice to see so many lining up to ride their favorite steed!
We arrived at the fort itself after a brief train ride. This train had been featured in Brad Pitt's movie about Jesse James.
What a great looking clay oven...almost wish I had one in the back yard!
Joe, looking so small in the entrance door to the fort.
One of Joe's favorite rooms!As we walked from display to display we found some treasures from our past! There before us were the very same headboards that now grace the grandkids bedroom in our home! Mom had found them while yard sailing in the Eastern Townships. It was a definite labour of love, because Mom had to scrape away layers of paint off those spindles. She only found the headboards, not the foot boards. Thank goodness!
I can remember growing up, always having 3 basics things in the medicine chest. They were Phillips Milk of Magnesia, Rawleigh's Antiseptic Salve - good for man or beast! and Minard'sLinimint! Didn't we find 2 of the 3 in the drug store display!
This is a fine carousel, boldly painted horses as well as various local scenes from early Edmonton around the top. Despite the worldliness of today's youngsters, it was nice to see so many lining up to ride their favorite steed!
Now how did that happen?
Like many people, someone near and dear to me has multiple sized colthes hanging in the closets. Every month or so, we play dress up to see what fits now.
Yesterday was dress up day.
Hanging in our main closet where 2 pairs of pants, never worn. One pair of jeans that I hated but someone had to buy because of the price, the other ones that I loved the colour of but didn't quite fit well enough to zip & button. The latter ones would usually get tried on only to go back for another time in the future.
Well now could someone explain in basic English what happened?????? The expensive pants can now to PULLED up without the zip down and button undone! They are HUGE!!!! Way too big and somehow someone has missed that window of opportunity and now is TOO small for them.
I would like to comment that this is a gross misuse of hard earned money but it's more than that. Someone is standing a lot taller with a big funny grin on his face, the way a 2 year old is proud of their first dandelion bouquet! Well done Dear!
Yesterday was dress up day.
Hanging in our main closet where 2 pairs of pants, never worn. One pair of jeans that I hated but someone had to buy because of the price, the other ones that I loved the colour of but didn't quite fit well enough to zip & button. The latter ones would usually get tried on only to go back for another time in the future.
Well now could someone explain in basic English what happened?????? The expensive pants can now to PULLED up without the zip down and button undone! They are HUGE!!!! Way too big and somehow someone has missed that window of opportunity and now is TOO small for them.
I would like to comment that this is a gross misuse of hard earned money but it's more than that. Someone is standing a lot taller with a big funny grin on his face, the way a 2 year old is proud of their first dandelion bouquet! Well done Dear!
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