It's a couple hours early here...but it's midnight somewhere, right?
Happy New Year to all who stop by, whether by choice or circumstance. I hope 2012 brings happiness, contentment, and joy to all!
Saturday, 31 December 2011
Coming soon...
It's a couple hours early here...but it's midnight somewhere, right?
Happy New Year to all who stop by, whether by choice or circumstance. I hope 2012 brings happiness, contentment, and joy to all!
Friday, 30 December 2011
The countdown begins in earnest
To 2012 - 25 hours 35 minutes 
That's exciting on it's own merits...but what's even better is:
To my vacation 12 days 7 hours 15 minutes (until my flight leaves Regina to Miami)
I bought my traveller's cheques today at CAA and picked up a travel book as well. It's just about time to start thinking about packing!
Can you tell I'm getting excited???
That's exciting on it's own merits...but what's even better is:
To my vacation 12 days 7 hours 15 minutes (until my flight leaves Regina to Miami)
I bought my traveller's cheques today at CAA and picked up a travel book as well. It's just about time to start thinking about packing!
Thursday, 29 December 2011
Tired Thursday
Too tired to think, so not much of a post...just a cute picture of Sasha under the tree
Less than a minute later, Saku came along and chased him away, brat!
Less than a minute later, Saku came along and chased him away, brat!
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
Someone's going to get what for!
Check out this link at Youtube.com
Apparently someone in the City of Montreal decided it would be a good idea to have the operators of the sidewalk snow clearing crew practice in advance of a possible storm. The news article I read suggested they were salting the sidewalks at the same time but the clip doesn't seem to indicate this.
I'm just shaking my head, we fight to get our residential streets cleared, even twice a year, and in Montreal they practice? Apparently, based on comments on CBC news this isn't an unusual situation in many cities across Canada. All, I can say is at least they aren't using the street plows and trucks to clear the imaginary snow!
Apparently someone in the City of Montreal decided it would be a good idea to have the operators of the sidewalk snow clearing crew practice in advance of a possible storm. The news article I read suggested they were salting the sidewalks at the same time but the clip doesn't seem to indicate this.
I'm just shaking my head, we fight to get our residential streets cleared, even twice a year, and in Montreal they practice? Apparently, based on comments on CBC news this isn't an unusual situation in many cities across Canada. All, I can say is at least they aren't using the street plows and trucks to clear the imaginary snow!
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
It couldn't last
It's just after lunchtime and this is the view from my front window
I'd hope we'd not get snow until I left on my holiday, wishful thinking and not very kind of me! Thankfully the forecast is for less than 1 centimeter today with a couple more expected later in the week. I can live with that!
Saku has also decided that Christmas is officially over
Without gifts under the tree he was able to pull the skirt out from under it, it's now in the middle of the living room and makes a great spot to curl up.
The house is no longer tidy...I'm feeling lazy and it shows. I ran the dishwasher this morning and there are still dishes in the sink. I got one load of laundry done yesterday, then pfftt! But the cats are still cute; here's Sasha and Sami sharing a spot on the couch.
Tomorrow I'm back to work, back to my routine, and back to counting down the days to my holiday! Just 16 more sleeps!!!
I'd hope we'd not get snow until I left on my holiday, wishful thinking and not very kind of me! Thankfully the forecast is for less than 1 centimeter today with a couple more expected later in the week. I can live with that!
Saku has also decided that Christmas is officially over
Without gifts under the tree he was able to pull the skirt out from under it, it's now in the middle of the living room and makes a great spot to curl up.
The house is no longer tidy...I'm feeling lazy and it shows. I ran the dishwasher this morning and there are still dishes in the sink. I got one load of laundry done yesterday, then pfftt! But the cats are still cute; here's Sasha and Sami sharing a spot on the couch.
Tomorrow I'm back to work, back to my routine, and back to counting down the days to my holiday! Just 16 more sleeps!!!
Monday, 26 December 2011
Boxing Day madness (or not)
Boxing Day sales in Canada are supposedly similar to Black Friday in the States. The last few years, my daughter and I have taken advantage of being in the city to do some post Christmas shopping. We've done well in previous years; just two years ago I got a 42" Sony Bravia HD television for $800 (prices have dropped since then but it was a great deal at the time!) Normally, however our puchases range from household items (toilet paper), entertainment (DVD's), clothing, and Christmas ornaments, bags, and wrapping paper. We expected more of the same this year.
We got away from the house just before 7 a.m. and headed to our local Walmart. It wasn't opened yet! And there was a line up of 50 people or so waiting outside. We decided to head to the larger super Walmart store in another part of town. We were very disappointed in the so-called sales. Last year was great, cat food, cat litter, Christmas items, electronics were all on sale. This year there were only a few Christmas items,some electronic items (and not the SD cards I needed for my camera) and grocery items.
We went for breakfast then, filled the car with gasoline, and then headed to a nearby mall. We were a little early as the stores didn't open for about 15 minutes but that gave us time to wander though the mall window shopping. Again, the sales weren't as good as last year. My daughter found some delicates at La Senza and we both bought some clothes at Ricki's. I did really well, as everything I bought was 70% off - I got two pairs of dress slacks, a pair of capris, a t-shirt and a sleeveless satin top for $75!
Our last stop was Chapters. I'm stocking up on books for my holiday, with the criteria of cheap and lightweight. Cheap, so that if I leave it behind that's okay, and lightweight so it doesn't take up too much room in my luggage. I have thought about getting a Kindle or a Kobo but my worry is that I might leave it behind accidentally and then there is the need to keep it charged. Plus, I'm still a page turner...I like the feel of a book in my hand. Besides 'm always several years behind the next newest thing - why change now?
Anyway, we were home by 11, well before the malls and stores get incredibly busy. I'm settled into my easy chair watching Law and Order re-runs, while doing laundry, drinking coffee, and enjoying the rest of the day. Life is good!
Saturday, 24 December 2011
Twas the night before Christmas
Not very original but it's the best I can do! The day has been great - it started out with sleeping in. None (that's right), none of the cats woke me up to feed them breakfast so that when I woke at 8:30 a.m. they were still curled up on the bed sleeping. After feeding them, I started a pot of coffee and headed back to bed to read my book. It was wonderful!
After a lazy morning, I made mini-quiche for tomorrow's breakfast and cooked up macaroni for tonight. Our tradition for Christmas Eve dinner over the past few years is homemade mac & cheese and cocktail weiners. It's not very fancy but it's something my adult children ask for year after year. My daughter and I just ate, my son is working until later (he's works retail) so I'll warm up a plate for him when he gets home.
I hadn't planned to do any shopping today, but when my daughter asked me to help her wrap her brother's gifts today, it dawned on me he probably hadn't gotten her anything. So it was back to the stores, which, as it turns out weren't nearly as busy as I thought they might be. I managed to keep the gifts hidden until I could get them wrapped and put them in my son's bedroom for tomorrow morning. He owes me big!
Now I sit here with a glass of wine on the end table beside me, a Christmas movie on the television, and cat curled up on my lap. My life is truly blessed!
Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and all the best of come here by choice or circumstance. I hope that Christmas 2011 is the best ever for all.
After a lazy morning, I made mini-quiche for tomorrow's breakfast and cooked up macaroni for tonight. Our tradition for Christmas Eve dinner over the past few years is homemade mac & cheese and cocktail weiners. It's not very fancy but it's something my adult children ask for year after year. My daughter and I just ate, my son is working until later (he's works retail) so I'll warm up a plate for him when he gets home.
Now I sit here with a glass of wine on the end table beside me, a Christmas movie on the television, and cat curled up on my lap. My life is truly blessed!
Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and all the best of come here by choice or circumstance. I hope that Christmas 2011 is the best ever for all.
Friday, 23 December 2011
Best laid plans
What is that saying? Life is what happens when you're making plans...or something to that effect. You could say that is what has happened over the last week.
As I've mentioned several times in the past few months, my friend K and I are planning a winter holiday. In fact, we're scheduled to leave for Florida in less than 3 weeks. Well, that is to say, we were scheduled to leave.
I need to back up a little so bear with me. Last January, K and her partner J were on a bicycling trip in Cuba. Two days before their trip ended, K hit a pothole on her way down a hill and was thrown from her bicycle. She spent the remainder of the trip in a great deal of pain, her arm in a sling and suffering from major road rash.
Upon returning home, K was admitted to hospital for surgery to insert a piece (sorry, I don't the medical term and she calls it her radial arm) in her shattered elbow. Less than a week after surgery, she and I were on our way to Ft. Lauderdale for our 14 day Southern Caribbean cruise.
As K said, she could recuperate as well on board ship as she could at home. I will tell you, the Princess personnel truly did provide superb service, and met every need. Our waiter Alan even cut up her meat for her every evening!
For the past eleven months she's been going to physio in order to gain mobility in her arm. She was able to start golfing again in September, and went skiing earlier this month. Things seemed to be going very well until last week.
She had a dental appointment on Monday, nothing unusual, but when she woke up on Tuesday morning her arm was swollen to twice it's normal size. She wasn't able to get in to see her doctor so waited until her physio appointment on Thursday. The therapist took one look at her and told her to get to the emergency room.
It was quickly determined that she had an infection, as a result of reaction to the plastic piece in her arm, and required immediate surgery to remove it. They kept her in the hospital over the weekend and early this week she saw the doctor for infectious diseases. He informed her she had gotten a blood infection and needed to have a PICC line placed so she can get daily antibiotics intravenously.
She asked him how long she would need to get the antibiotics as she was leaving for Saint Lucia on January 12th. His response, "No you're not". She called me later that day to let me know of the change in plans. Frankly, my immediate reaction was stunned silence. So many thoughts went through my mind, shock, dismay, disappointment, and then a realization that although she can't travel, I still can.
When I found my voice, and expressed, K told me that was exactly her thoughts...I was not to cancel my holiday. I've a few days to get used to the idea of travelling solo and done some research on the 'net about Saint Lucia and the resort I'll be visiting. There are certainly some feelings of nervousness but they are overwhelmed by excitement. This is going to be an interesting trip, a time for reflection, relaxation, and an opportunity to meet and make new friends!
As I've mentioned several times in the past few months, my friend K and I are planning a winter holiday. In fact, we're scheduled to leave for Florida in less than 3 weeks. Well, that is to say, we were scheduled to leave.
I need to back up a little so bear with me. Last January, K and her partner J were on a bicycling trip in Cuba. Two days before their trip ended, K hit a pothole on her way down a hill and was thrown from her bicycle. She spent the remainder of the trip in a great deal of pain, her arm in a sling and suffering from major road rash.
Upon returning home, K was admitted to hospital for surgery to insert a piece (sorry, I don't the medical term and she calls it her radial arm) in her shattered elbow. Less than a week after surgery, she and I were on our way to Ft. Lauderdale for our 14 day Southern Caribbean cruise.
For the past eleven months she's been going to physio in order to gain mobility in her arm. She was able to start golfing again in September, and went skiing earlier this month. Things seemed to be going very well until last week.
She had a dental appointment on Monday, nothing unusual, but when she woke up on Tuesday morning her arm was swollen to twice it's normal size. She wasn't able to get in to see her doctor so waited until her physio appointment on Thursday. The therapist took one look at her and told her to get to the emergency room.
It was quickly determined that she had an infection, as a result of reaction to the plastic piece in her arm, and required immediate surgery to remove it. They kept her in the hospital over the weekend and early this week she saw the doctor for infectious diseases. He informed her she had gotten a blood infection and needed to have a PICC line placed so she can get daily antibiotics intravenously.
She asked him how long she would need to get the antibiotics as she was leaving for Saint Lucia on January 12th. His response, "No you're not". She called me later that day to let me know of the change in plans. Frankly, my immediate reaction was stunned silence. So many thoughts went through my mind, shock, dismay, disappointment, and then a realization that although she can't travel, I still can.
When I found my voice, and expressed, K told me that was exactly her thoughts...I was not to cancel my holiday. I've a few days to get used to the idea of travelling solo and done some research on the 'net about Saint Lucia and the resort I'll be visiting. There are certainly some feelings of nervousness but they are overwhelmed by excitement. This is going to be an interesting trip, a time for reflection, relaxation, and an opportunity to meet and make new friends!
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Christmas, thy name is exhaustion
Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas! I love the decorations, the tree, the music, the smell of roasting turkey, cookies baking, the joy and excitement in the eyes of small children, and the time I get to spend with family and friends. I can't even say that the season is too short because it seems to start shortly after Rememberance Day (in my home) and the week before Halloween (in the stores).
But somehow, for some reason, all of the events that are a part of Christmas seem to get crammed into the week or two prior. All the school Christmas concerts, Christmas parties at work, or family get togethers (all of which I enjoy) are packed into a short time frame. Perhaps if I were younger it would show less, but I'm not and it does, so I'm grateful that this year Christmas falls on a weekend. I plan on sleeping in on Christmas Eve as late as the cats will allow! My workplace will be closed until December 28 so I'll have 4 straight days off...total bliss!
Tomorrow I have a late lunch planned with my peers, then it's home to prepare dinner for my brother and his family. They'll be here after deNiece's dance class around 7:30 p.m. I'm taking the easy route having bought a family sized lasagna from M&M Meat shops...they make entertaining a lot easier! With garlic bread and a salad and homemade cookies for dessert we're set.
Tonight I had Saku's help setting up the table
My daughter ran the vacuum and we did some picking up to make things look less lived in. As my mother used to say, "Don't mind the mess, it usually looks worse!"
Finally, I have a success to report. I wrote earlier that I needed a slipcover for the couch because Saku had trashed the back of it. After messing up my first order - I got a loveseat slipcover, not the couch - I got the right size. Doesn't it look nice?
Between the new slipcover and the wave cat scratcher he's been leaving the couch alone, hurray!
In case I don't get back here before Christmas, I want to wish those who visit here a very Merry Christmas! I hope Santa brings every joy and happiness to each and everyone!
But somehow, for some reason, all of the events that are a part of Christmas seem to get crammed into the week or two prior. All the school Christmas concerts, Christmas parties at work, or family get togethers (all of which I enjoy) are packed into a short time frame. Perhaps if I were younger it would show less, but I'm not and it does, so I'm grateful that this year Christmas falls on a weekend. I plan on sleeping in on Christmas Eve as late as the cats will allow! My workplace will be closed until December 28 so I'll have 4 straight days off...total bliss!
Tomorrow I have a late lunch planned with my peers, then it's home to prepare dinner for my brother and his family. They'll be here after deNiece's dance class around 7:30 p.m. I'm taking the easy route having bought a family sized lasagna from M&M Meat shops...they make entertaining a lot easier! With garlic bread and a salad and homemade cookies for dessert we're set.
Tonight I had Saku's help setting up the table
Finally, I have a success to report. I wrote earlier that I needed a slipcover for the couch because Saku had trashed the back of it. After messing up my first order - I got a loveseat slipcover, not the couch - I got the right size. Doesn't it look nice?
In case I don't get back here before Christmas, I want to wish those who visit here a very Merry Christmas! I hope Santa brings every joy and happiness to each and everyone!
Saturday, 17 December 2011
I'm dreaming of a...
Brown Christmas...unlike the ones I used to know. In the part of the world I live in, we would normally have significant snowfall by Christmas. This year we got our first real snow in early November but since then, we've merely had a few flakes here and then.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining! We've had one other brown Christmas within the past 10-15 years. That year it was so warm the golfers were out on the links between Christmas and New Years. Totally unheard of here!
The forecast for the upcoming week is for more of the same. No major snow storms and temperatures slightly above normal. For Christmas Eve and Christmas Day we should see highs of around -5C (23F) and lows around -10C (14F). Though there will be no golfing, it will seem positively balmy!
Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining! We've had one other brown Christmas within the past 10-15 years. That year it was so warm the golfers were out on the links between Christmas and New Years. Totally unheard of here!
The forecast for the upcoming week is for more of the same. No major snow storms and temperatures slightly above normal. For Christmas Eve and Christmas Day we should see highs of around -5C (23F) and lows around -10C (14F). Though there will be no golfing, it will seem positively balmy!
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Countdown
To Christmas 10 days
To my winter holiday 28 days
To my retirement 7 years, 112 days
The first two events are coming up so quickly, and the way time flies by as I get older, so is the last event!
To my winter holiday 28 days
To my retirement 7 years, 112 days
The first two events are coming up so quickly, and the way time flies by as I get older, so is the last event!
Almost Wordless Wednesday
I found one, an ess..like the one at Katnip Lounge...maybe this will keep Saku from scratching the couch! Thanks Trish for the suggestion.
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Perfect Christmas gift for the recently divorced woman in your life
No lie...this is available on Amazon.com. Not only that, but it comes in 7 different colors! There truly are people in the world with a sense of humor more sick than my own!
I cannot tell you how happy knowing this makes me feel!
Thanks to Dr Grumpy for sharing this find.
Thanks to Dr Grumpy for sharing this find.
Monday, 12 December 2011
Guess who's on the naughty list?
Nope, not me, at least not this time. This comes from a story on CBC news:
Writing an obituary for one's mother would be, for most people, a heart-breaking task - but for one U.S. man, it seemed a quick ticket to time off work.
Police say Scott Bennett, 45, submitted a phony death notice about his mother to the Jeffersonian Democrat newspaper in Brookville, Penn., in an attempt to secure paid bereavement leave.
His gig was up when his mother, quite alive, paid a visit to the paper to correct the mistake.
Sometimes I just don't understand people (especially this kind of people). What on earth could have been so important that he would fake his mother's death in order to get some time off work? What did his mom say to him when she found out what he'd done?
Now he's facing charges for disorderly conduct, his reputation at work has take a huge shot, and if I were his mom, well...let's just say he'd have to come up with a kick-ass Christmas gift!
At the very least, I suspect this guy will find his stocking is full of coal this year!!!
Writing an obituary for one's mother would be, for most people, a heart-breaking task - but for one U.S. man, it seemed a quick ticket to time off work.
Police say Scott Bennett, 45, submitted a phony death notice about his mother to the Jeffersonian Democrat newspaper in Brookville, Penn., in an attempt to secure paid bereavement leave.
His gig was up when his mother, quite alive, paid a visit to the paper to correct the mistake.
Sometimes I just don't understand people (especially this kind of people). What on earth could have been so important that he would fake his mother's death in order to get some time off work? What did his mom say to him when she found out what he'd done?
At the very least, I suspect this guy will find his stocking is full of coal this year!!!
Sunday, 11 December 2011
My boring life
I know I shouldn't say that...because every time I do all heck breaks out. But I had a truly relaxing day, didn't get the vacuuming done but the house looks good, and I'll finish the last few tasks in the next couple of evenings.
What did I do today instead? Well, I did get my Christmas presents wrapped and under the tree. Had a little help from Saku as you can see,
While that task was underway I watched a couple of Christmas movies. The one I would recommend is Santa Baby. I'm sure it's been around for years but I'd never seen it. (Oh, and by the way, there weren't that many gifts to wrap, I just took my time!)
I think Saku has the right idea...it's time to just hang out and enjoy the Christmas tree. Oh, and watch more Christmas movies too!
What did I do today instead? Well, I did get my Christmas presents wrapped and under the tree. Had a little help from Saku as you can see,
While that task was underway I watched a couple of Christmas movies. The one I would recommend is Santa Baby. I'm sure it's been around for years but I'd never seen it. (Oh, and by the way, there weren't that many gifts to wrap, I just took my time!)
I think Saku has the right idea...it's time to just hang out and enjoy the Christmas tree. Oh, and watch more Christmas movies too!
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Hi ho, hi ho
Another busy day, it's only just past 7 p.m. and I'm ready for bed. That won't be happening as there are four dozen cookies yet to be baked. Plus I plan to get some presents wrapped this evening. I'm willing to exhaust myself now in order to have a few days of peace before Christmas arrives.
I started off the day with an apppointment with my esthetician to get my nails done. L has been taking care of my nails for over two years now, and today, she was able to convince me to do something special. Each of my nails has a tiny little star in the corner and the polish has sparkly bits through it. It's very subtle, which I appreciate, and I love the look since it adds a bit of Christmas sparkle.
After the appointment, I did a little shopping, first to Sears to return to a sofa slipcover I'd ordered on line. At least I thought it was a sofa slipcover but it turned out to be a loveseat cover. So I took it back and ordered again, this time making sure I had the right SKU number. I need to slipcover the couch because Saku has taken a fancy to the back and it looks like this:
It was either a slipcover or new furniture and until I break him of the habit of scratching it. I tried that anti-scratch spray and all it did was encourage him even more. Any ideas from the cat folk out there?
Once I got home, I got busy in the kitchen. I made a meat loaf, put a roast in the slow cooker, baked 4 1/2 dozen shortbread cookies, cut up a toffee bar square, made sugar cookie dough, and mixed up a batch of buns. At about 3 p.m. I sat down for a cup of coffee and realized I had a tanning session booked for 4! Somehow with everything going on, I picked the perfect time to take a break, as the buns were ready to go into the oven when I go home.
There's something good about a busy day. I'm tired, yes, and glad the day is getting closer to an end so I can crawl into my bed and relax. But I feel a sense of accomplishment and that's a good thing!
The buzzer just went off for the second last tray of cookies so I'm almost done. Now if those presents would just wrap themselves!!!
I started off the day with an apppointment with my esthetician to get my nails done. L has been taking care of my nails for over two years now, and today, she was able to convince me to do something special. Each of my nails has a tiny little star in the corner and the polish has sparkly bits through it. It's very subtle, which I appreciate, and I love the look since it adds a bit of Christmas sparkle.
After the appointment, I did a little shopping, first to Sears to return to a sofa slipcover I'd ordered on line. At least I thought it was a sofa slipcover but it turned out to be a loveseat cover. So I took it back and ordered again, this time making sure I had the right SKU number. I need to slipcover the couch because Saku has taken a fancy to the back and it looks like this:
Once I got home, I got busy in the kitchen. I made a meat loaf, put a roast in the slow cooker, baked 4 1/2 dozen shortbread cookies, cut up a toffee bar square, made sugar cookie dough, and mixed up a batch of buns. At about 3 p.m. I sat down for a cup of coffee and realized I had a tanning session booked for 4! Somehow with everything going on, I picked the perfect time to take a break, as the buns were ready to go into the oven when I go home.
There's something good about a busy day. I'm tired, yes, and glad the day is getting closer to an end so I can crawl into my bed and relax. But I feel a sense of accomplishment and that's a good thing!
The buzzer just went off for the second last tray of cookies so I'm almost done. Now if those presents would just wrap themselves!!!
Friday, 9 December 2011
Time flies.....
Whether you're having fun or not! I had a miserable day yesterday, therefore no post as I wasn't wanting to pass my crankiness on. I won't get into what was going on as it won't mean much to anyone who doesn't work with me. Plus a day later it doesn't seem to matter quite so much.
I had a much better day today. Even though I wasn't going to work I was out of bed by 6:30 a.m. In fact, I had woken at five and wasn't able to get back to sleep. I put a pot of coffee on and then relaxed and watched the news and weather.
By 8 a.m. I had the dough ready for a large batch of cookies (almond crescents). Several of us are having a cookies exchange next week so I needed to make 10 dozen cookies. I rarely make a batch that large because I like to try different recipes. However by the end of next Wednesday, I'll have 9 other types of cookies or squares to share with family and friends. It's a great idea even if it's a lot of work!
It took until lunchtime to finish shaping, baking, and cooling time to get the cookies done. After lunch, I put together another recipe of Dundee cake. This recipe turned out amazing. These cakes are basically a lighter version of a fruit cake and although I've never made a fruit cake, I assume this is easier. I made the mini cakes in the muffin tin as the recipe suggests though my bake time was about 5-10 minutes longer. I had to do a taste test (is there any wonder I look as I do?) so I had a mini-cake for dessert this evening. It was great! I know my friend K will enjoy them; now I just need to finish a batch of shortbread for her partner J.
Tomorrow should be the final baking day. After that I have gifts to wrap, a little more decorating to do, and the house to clean. I also have an appointment to get my nails done and a tanning session. Wanna bet I don't get everything done?
I had a much better day today. Even though I wasn't going to work I was out of bed by 6:30 a.m. In fact, I had woken at five and wasn't able to get back to sleep. I put a pot of coffee on and then relaxed and watched the news and weather.
By 8 a.m. I had the dough ready for a large batch of cookies (almond crescents). Several of us are having a cookies exchange next week so I needed to make 10 dozen cookies. I rarely make a batch that large because I like to try different recipes. However by the end of next Wednesday, I'll have 9 other types of cookies or squares to share with family and friends. It's a great idea even if it's a lot of work!
It took until lunchtime to finish shaping, baking, and cooling time to get the cookies done. After lunch, I put together another recipe of Dundee cake. This recipe turned out amazing. These cakes are basically a lighter version of a fruit cake and although I've never made a fruit cake, I assume this is easier. I made the mini cakes in the muffin tin as the recipe suggests though my bake time was about 5-10 minutes longer. I had to do a taste test (is there any wonder I look as I do?) so I had a mini-cake for dessert this evening. It was great! I know my friend K will enjoy them; now I just need to finish a batch of shortbread for her partner J.
Tomorrow should be the final baking day. After that I have gifts to wrap, a little more decorating to do, and the house to clean. I also have an appointment to get my nails done and a tanning session. Wanna bet I don't get everything done?
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
Monday, 5 December 2011
Happy Birthday baby
Today marks my daughter D's 30th birthday! How quickly time has passed; it certainly doesn't feel like 30 years since I held her for the first time. I'm sure my memories are no longer as clear, but I can recall feeling pride and fear at the same time in those first few moments.
I was only 22 years old, a single mom (by choice and circumstances) and about to embark on the biggest adventure of my life thus far. Come to think of it, after her birth, the changes I experienced were mostly a piece of cake.
She changed my life for the better. This morning we were talking about the milestone she has reached and she mentioned that she hasn't achieved some of her goals nor is she where she thought she might be at this age. I told her, in my experience, life is what happens to you while you're making plans. My advice is not to live with regrets but appreciate what brought you to where you are now. Although my life is far different from my expectations when I was young, I wouldn't have it any other way.
My only question is, why is it, that although it's her birthday, I feel older?
I was only 22 years old, a single mom (by choice and circumstances) and about to embark on the biggest adventure of my life thus far. Come to think of it, after her birth, the changes I experienced were mostly a piece of cake.
She changed my life for the better. This morning we were talking about the milestone she has reached and she mentioned that she hasn't achieved some of her goals nor is she where she thought she might be at this age. I told her, in my experience, life is what happens to you while you're making plans. My advice is not to live with regrets but appreciate what brought you to where you are now. Although my life is far different from my expectations when I was young, I wouldn't have it any other way.
My only question is, why is it, that although it's her birthday, I feel older?
Sunday, 4 December 2011
MIA
I think this is the longest I've gone between posts except when I've been away. I haven't been anywhere but I've been busy!
Christmas truly arrived at our house this weekend.
I haven't found the tree skirt yet, but I know it's in one of the tubs in the basement. I'll have to find it soon so the cats have a place to sleep under the tree!
Sami is enjoying her favorite spot on the couch and paying no attention to the Christmas decorations around her.
Saku enjoys the special Christmas pillow!
Sasha enjoyed a nap on Mom's bed but wasn't getting too close to the Christmas Teddy...he's new.
I learned something this weekend...clean the house AFTER you put up the Christmas decorations and do more Christmas baking, not before!
Christmas truly arrived at our house this weekend.
I learned something this weekend...clean the house AFTER you put up the Christmas decorations and do more Christmas baking, not before!
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Be prepared
Tonight I attended the annual general meeting for our union sub-group. There weren't many people in attendance, only 21 but apparently that was an improvement over last year. The minutes for that meeting indicated only 14 attended the 2010 AGM. I know I didn't make it to last year's meeting and only went this year because we're in the process of negotiating our contract and I was hoping to hear more about the proposals from both sides.
By the way, we're a small sub-group, there are actually about 5,000 members nationally, so we're negotiating from a position of some influence. Our speaker this evening is our regional representative on the negotiating team. I had high expectations for his presentation; unfortunately I was seriously disappointed.
Perhaps it's just me, but when I know I need to speak in front of a group, regardless of the size, I prepare what I will say and attempt to anticipate the questions that might come as a result. I make myself notes to ensure I don't forget anything I think is particularly important. I've even been known to give myself specific directions to pause for a moment or to ask if there are questions. It's a bit over the top I suppose, but it works for me.
I never had a sense that this man had put any effort into preparing for the presentation. In fact, our local president had to remind him of the topics to be covered because he couldn't find the e-mail he'd earlier received on his Blackberry. He was asked to keep his talk to approximately 20 minutes....50 minutes later he was repeating himself for the umpteenth time and several of us were nodding off. (We had turkey for dinner - it should been expected!)
He was unable to address questions specifically as he wasn't prepared. He wasn't open to other's thoughts or opinions because he's looking at the process from his own position and not those of all the members he represents. His speech (for lack of a better word) made me appreciate I had not voted for him previously. I met him when he was campaigning outside our office one chilly morning (no union business is generally permitted within our offices) and I was not impressed when he was unable to tell me why I should vote for him. His platform then was as as weak as his presentation tonight.
On the other hand, the meal was great with turkey and all the trimmings. I even won a door prize! The three hours wasn't totally wasted.
By the way, we're a small sub-group, there are actually about 5,000 members nationally, so we're negotiating from a position of some influence. Our speaker this evening is our regional representative on the negotiating team. I had high expectations for his presentation; unfortunately I was seriously disappointed.
Perhaps it's just me, but when I know I need to speak in front of a group, regardless of the size, I prepare what I will say and attempt to anticipate the questions that might come as a result. I make myself notes to ensure I don't forget anything I think is particularly important. I've even been known to give myself specific directions to pause for a moment or to ask if there are questions. It's a bit over the top I suppose, but it works for me.
I never had a sense that this man had put any effort into preparing for the presentation. In fact, our local president had to remind him of the topics to be covered because he couldn't find the e-mail he'd earlier received on his Blackberry. He was asked to keep his talk to approximately 20 minutes....50 minutes later he was repeating himself for the umpteenth time and several of us were nodding off. (We had turkey for dinner - it should been expected!)
He was unable to address questions specifically as he wasn't prepared. He wasn't open to other's thoughts or opinions because he's looking at the process from his own position and not those of all the members he represents. His speech (for lack of a better word) made me appreciate I had not voted for him previously. I met him when he was campaigning outside our office one chilly morning (no union business is generally permitted within our offices) and I was not impressed when he was unable to tell me why I should vote for him. His platform then was as as weak as his presentation tonight.
On the other hand, the meal was great with turkey and all the trimmings. I even won a door prize! The three hours wasn't totally wasted.
Monday, 28 November 2011
Call me old fashioned
Christmas has always been a special holiday in my life, especially because my Mom's birthday was Christmas Day. When my parents were alive I never missed a Christmas "at home". Mom passed away in December 2003 and Christmas has never been quite the same. I still got together with my Dad, but when he moved into the nursing home in 2006, the visits were short and I was usually there on my own. He passed away in 2008 and now Christmas as home has come to mean at "my home".
Since my children are both living at home, Christmas is spent quietly. And I mean quiet, really quiet, because they both tend to sleep in until at least noon! There are no excited children scrambling into my bed at 4 a.m. asking if Santa has come anymore. For us, the traditional turkey dinner has become a roast beef because there's too many leftovers with even a small bird.
During the holidays we will get together with my younger brother and his family to exchange gifts and share a meal. For a few years we went out to their farm, but now since we've moved to this house, and have more room we have our celebration here. It also means we're all together, since my anti-social son tended to stay home while my daughter and I went to visit. In fact, last year when my niece asked me if C ever left the basement. I laughed and said, "only when he's hungry!"
Our traditions have changed as the years past by, as the children grew up, and my family has gone their separate ways. It's not the same as when I was young, but is still very special, both for the memories of past Christmas' and the new memories we make each year.
You can call me old-fashioned because I cannot for the life of me imagine
having a family picture with Santa like these folks.
family poses with Santa and assorted weapons at the Scottsdale Gun Club in Arizona. (Scottsdale Gun Club/Facebook)
Despite the commercialization of Christmas, guns and Santa just don't mix for me!
Since my children are both living at home, Christmas is spent quietly. And I mean quiet, really quiet, because they both tend to sleep in until at least noon! There are no excited children scrambling into my bed at 4 a.m. asking if Santa has come anymore. For us, the traditional turkey dinner has become a roast beef because there's too many leftovers with even a small bird.
During the holidays we will get together with my younger brother and his family to exchange gifts and share a meal. For a few years we went out to their farm, but now since we've moved to this house, and have more room we have our celebration here. It also means we're all together, since my anti-social son tended to stay home while my daughter and I went to visit. In fact, last year when my niece asked me if C ever left the basement. I laughed and said, "only when he's hungry!"
Our traditions have changed as the years past by, as the children grew up, and my family has gone their separate ways. It's not the same as when I was young, but is still very special, both for the memories of past Christmas' and the new memories we make each year.
You can call me old-fashioned because I cannot for the life of me imagine
having a family picture with Santa like these folks.
Despite the commercialization of Christmas, guns and Santa just don't mix for me!
Sunday, 27 November 2011
I'm a machine!
The alarm went off at 8:15 this morning (on a Sunday!) And since I always keep my alarm 20 minutes fast...because I'm that stupid in the morning...it was really 7:55 a.m. After feeding the cats, getting dressed in a cool outfit (as in temperature, not fashion), and starting a pot of coffee I got busy!
It's about 2:15 p.m. and so far I've made this:
Chocolate marshmallow roll
and this
Red velvet cupcakes (still need to be iced and decorated)
and this
Dundee cake (a simpler version of a fruit cake)
At the moment, the dough for the chocolate peppermint cookies is in the fridge chilling, and the lemon squares are in the oven. I'll get the sugar dough going after those are done.
Oh, and last night I made a new recipe, one I've never tried before. It's starts with a graham wafer crust, with topping comprised of a can of condensed milk, chocolate and white chocolate chips, cranberries, and coconut. It's definitely a keeper. Here's it is:
I usually bake only at Christmas time and as you can see, I tend to go crazy with it! Good thing for bake sales, Christmas parties, and family and friends or I'd weigh twice what I do!
It's about 2:15 p.m. and so far I've made this:
and this
and this
At the moment, the dough for the chocolate peppermint cookies is in the fridge chilling, and the lemon squares are in the oven. I'll get the sugar dough going after those are done.
Oh, and last night I made a new recipe, one I've never tried before. It's starts with a graham wafer crust, with topping comprised of a can of condensed milk, chocolate and white chocolate chips, cranberries, and coconut. It's definitely a keeper. Here's it is:
I usually bake only at Christmas time and as you can see, I tend to go crazy with it! Good thing for bake sales, Christmas parties, and family and friends or I'd weigh twice what I do!
Friday, 25 November 2011
Wiped right out
After yesterday, I had high hopes of getting a good night's sleep. One thing I forgot to mention in the last post was that I MC'd the event. I actually enjoy public speaking but I find it very tiring. When all the focus is on me, I feel the need to be consistenly upbeat, and I put a lot of pressure on myself.
A few days before, I wrote myself a script (not just a speech). I actually put in directions to ensue I didn' miss saying or doing something. For example, I needed to bring together the volunteers who would be flipping the signs to reveal the grand total a few minutes in advance so I made a note to do so. It went without too many hiccups and there was lot of positive comments that the event was fun and entertaining.
By the time I got home last night, I was exhausted, and looking forward to crawling into bed.
And that's pretty much what I did. Unfortunately it was nearly one a.m. the last time I looked at the clock before I finally got some rest. When my son left for work about 5:30 this morning, I phoned my boss and told him I wouldn't be in today. I was just too tired and wiped out! After that I was able to sleep until nearly 9:30 and took an hour nap this afternoon as well.
I've felt like I have been running on adrenaline and coffee the past few weeks. Hopefully today's rest will be enough to get me back to normal. I've got way too much to do, now that it's nearly December!
A few days before, I wrote myself a script (not just a speech). I actually put in directions to ensue I didn' miss saying or doing something. For example, I needed to bring together the volunteers who would be flipping the signs to reveal the grand total a few minutes in advance so I made a note to do so. It went without too many hiccups and there was lot of positive comments that the event was fun and entertaining.
By the time I got home last night, I was exhausted, and looking forward to crawling into bed.
I've felt like I have been running on adrenaline and coffee the past few weeks. Hopefully today's rest will be enough to get me back to normal. I've got way too much to do, now that it's nearly December!
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Wowsa!
Today was the windup for our charitable campaign at our office. Our goal this year was to collect $40,000 for chairity with a 50% participation rate from our 285 employees. In the past we've gejerally managed to reach our monetary goal but not the participation rate. This year was no different except we blew our monetary goal out of the water!
We raised over $50,000 this year with a participation rate of 40%. For those doing the math, that's about 120 donors with an average donation of nearly $400, so we have really generous employees.
I'm not sure why others don't take up the opportunity to make their donations to the charities of their choice through the campaign. We make it easy, donations can be made by payroll deduction (as little as $2 a payperiod), by cash, cheque, or credit card. If they opt for payroll, the donation amount is reported on the T4 slip at the end of the year, without the hassle of retaining donation receipts for tax purposes.
It was terrific wrap-up, starting with the draws for various including luggage, tickets to a concert, parking, $25 Visa cards, and even an autographed Saskatchewan Roughrider football. With the exception of the Visa cards and the football, the prizes were donated by our employees. After the prize draws we had a catered lunch for nearly 120 people (not necessarily the donors - it just happened that the numbers were about the same).
One of our employees had agreed to get a new hairdo if we were able to exceed our original goal. If we raised $2500 more he'd get a Mohawk, $5000, he'd get a mullet or something similar, $7500 we'd dye his hair, and $10,000 more we'd shave him bald. Up to this point, he had no idea what we would be doing to him as the total was a surprise to everyone but a few of the committee members.
We announced the results and had a hairdresser standing by to do the honors. He went from having shoulder length hair to bald in about 10 minutes. He look sooooo much better and we bought him a toque to keep his head warm this winter. He went from this (sort of)
to this
His mother will be proud!
I'm hoping our success this year will translate into more donors next year. But even if it doesn't, I'm proud of the people I work with, they truly are awesome and their contributions will make an impact in our community.
We raised over $50,000 this year with a participation rate of 40%. For those doing the math, that's about 120 donors with an average donation of nearly $400, so we have really generous employees.
I'm not sure why others don't take up the opportunity to make their donations to the charities of their choice through the campaign. We make it easy, donations can be made by payroll deduction (as little as $2 a payperiod), by cash, cheque, or credit card. If they opt for payroll, the donation amount is reported on the T4 slip at the end of the year, without the hassle of retaining donation receipts for tax purposes.
It was terrific wrap-up, starting with the draws for various including luggage, tickets to a concert, parking, $25 Visa cards, and even an autographed Saskatchewan Roughrider football. With the exception of the Visa cards and the football, the prizes were donated by our employees. After the prize draws we had a catered lunch for nearly 120 people (not necessarily the donors - it just happened that the numbers were about the same).
One of our employees had agreed to get a new hairdo if we were able to exceed our original goal. If we raised $2500 more he'd get a Mohawk, $5000, he'd get a mullet or something similar, $7500 we'd dye his hair, and $10,000 more we'd shave him bald. Up to this point, he had no idea what we would be doing to him as the total was a surprise to everyone but a few of the committee members.
We announced the results and had a hairdresser standing by to do the honors. He went from having shoulder length hair to bald in about 10 minutes. He look sooooo much better and we bought him a toque to keep his head warm this winter. He went from this (sort of)
His mother will be proud!
I'm hoping our success this year will translate into more donors next year. But even if it doesn't, I'm proud of the people I work with, they truly are awesome and their contributions will make an impact in our community.
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Time for a change
First off, let me say, I'm not very technically savvy. I refused to allow the internet in my home for many years and now I can't imagine life without it. The one thing I could live without, though, is the need to have a multitude of passwords for the numerous sites I visit. Some need both upper and lower case letters as well as numbers, and others require certain special characters (and not all sites use the same special characters). It's all a little overwhelming for this menopause memory of mine!
Today CBC News carried a story in the Technology and Science section about the Top 25 worst passwords. You can read the complete story here.
If you don't have time for that, here's the Top 25:
password
123456
12345678
qwerty
abc123
monkey
1234567
letmein
trustno1
dragon
baseball 111111
iloveyou
master
sunshine
ashley
bailey
passw0rd
shadow
123123
654321
superman
qazwsx
michael
football
I feel a little smug as I've never used a single one of these options....I did use a swear word once when I was really cranky but I've moved past that! Today I try to make my passwords stronger, but I apparently have a way to go. Here are some tips for creating stronger passwords:
Make them eight characters or more, with a mix of characters, e.g., letters, numbers, symbols.
One way to create longer, easy-to-remember passwords is to separate short words with spaces or other characters, e.g., "eat cake at 8!"
Don't use the same username/password combination for multiple websites.
Use a password manager if you have trouble remembering your passwords. SplashData makes one called SplashID Safe.
Source: SplashData Inc.
Another suggestion is to save passwords in a secure file on your computer if you use an encryption program. Sounds like a great idea, but if I ever forgot that password, all hope would be lost.
With all the concerns about computer security maybe my reluctance to join the "interweb" wasn't totally off-base!
Today CBC News carried a story in the Technology and Science section about the Top 25 worst passwords. You can read the complete story here.
If you don't have time for that, here's the Top 25:
password
123456
12345678
qwerty
abc123
monkey
1234567
letmein
dragon
baseball 111111
iloveyou
master
sunshine
ashley
bailey
passw0rd
shadow
123123
654321
superman
qazwsx
michael
football
I feel a little smug as I've never used a single one of these options....I did use a swear word once when I was really cranky but I've moved past that! Today I try to make my passwords stronger, but I apparently have a way to go. Here are some tips for creating stronger passwords:
Make them eight characters or more, with a mix of characters, e.g., letters, numbers, symbols.
One way to create longer, easy-to-remember passwords is to separate short words with spaces or other characters, e.g., "eat cake at 8!"
Don't use the same username/password combination for multiple websites.
Use a password manager if you have trouble remembering your passwords. SplashData makes one called SplashID Safe.
Source: SplashData Inc.
Another suggestion is to save passwords in a secure file on your computer if you use an encryption program. Sounds like a great idea, but if I ever forgot that password, all hope would be lost.
With all the concerns about computer security maybe my reluctance to join the "interweb" wasn't totally off-base!
Sunday, 20 November 2011
It's beginning to smell like
Christmas baking! I'd have taken pictures but my batteries died and I have no spares.
Having a three day weekend meant I had time to houseclean on Friday, and then time to mess up the kitchen with my baking on Saturday and Sunday! I started with my kids' favorite - Scottish shortbread. It's a recipe I've been making for over thirty year because not only is it simple but it tastes fantastic as well. It has only three ingredients, butter, sugar and flour. It has to be real butter; although I've made it with margarine it doesn't taste right. My daugther D says my shortbread "tastes like Christmas".
Next I made a batch of monster cookies - which is basically a drop cookie with M&M candy instead of chocolate chips. This isn't a Christmas recipe but I thought it would keep my kids out of the rest of the Christmas baking - it seems to be working thus far.
This morning I made a pan of brownies for our potluck at work tomorrow. I went through a number of magazines and cookbooks, and researching on the recipe websites, looking for a recipe. Most every one called for mega amounts of butter and chocolate which I was trying to avoid. In the end, I went back to an old favorite, from the Canadian Cookbook by Nellie Pattison. I received this cookbook from my parents as a graduation gift in 1977. My copy is in tatters, with the spine broken, and pages loosened, and spills decorating many of the pages.
I finally got around to some real Christmas baking this afternoon making a batch of mocha crackle cookies. Unfortunately I couldn't fnd the recipe I normally use, so I spent more time looking for another recipe. The one I found is available here. My cookies didn't crackle as much as Karen's, but the crisp cookie with it's blend of coffee and chocolate with a dusting of sugar is one I just love. Not only did I find a great new recipe but a new blog to follow too!
While I truly didn't get a lot of Christmas baking done I did get a lot accomplished. The house is reasonably tidy (I'm not a Suzy Homemaker by any stretch of the imagination) and the smell of home baking permeates the entire house. Next weekend will be more baking and decorating too!
Having a three day weekend meant I had time to houseclean on Friday, and then time to mess up the kitchen with my baking on Saturday and Sunday! I started with my kids' favorite - Scottish shortbread. It's a recipe I've been making for over thirty year because not only is it simple but it tastes fantastic as well. It has only three ingredients, butter, sugar and flour. It has to be real butter; although I've made it with margarine it doesn't taste right. My daugther D says my shortbread "tastes like Christmas".
Next I made a batch of monster cookies - which is basically a drop cookie with M&M candy instead of chocolate chips. This isn't a Christmas recipe but I thought it would keep my kids out of the rest of the Christmas baking - it seems to be working thus far.
This morning I made a pan of brownies for our potluck at work tomorrow. I went through a number of magazines and cookbooks, and researching on the recipe websites, looking for a recipe. Most every one called for mega amounts of butter and chocolate which I was trying to avoid. In the end, I went back to an old favorite, from the Canadian Cookbook by Nellie Pattison. I received this cookbook from my parents as a graduation gift in 1977. My copy is in tatters, with the spine broken, and pages loosened, and spills decorating many of the pages.
I finally got around to some real Christmas baking this afternoon making a batch of mocha crackle cookies. Unfortunately I couldn't fnd the recipe I normally use, so I spent more time looking for another recipe. The one I found is available here. My cookies didn't crackle as much as Karen's, but the crisp cookie with it's blend of coffee and chocolate with a dusting of sugar is one I just love. Not only did I find a great new recipe but a new blog to follow too!
While I truly didn't get a lot of Christmas baking done I did get a lot accomplished. The house is reasonably tidy (I'm not a Suzy Homemaker by any stretch of the imagination) and the smell of home baking permeates the entire house. Next weekend will be more baking and decorating too!
Friday, 18 November 2011
It's beginning to look a lot like...
Winter is apparently here to stay, much to my chagrin. We got another 5 centimeters of snow in the last 24 hours (about 2 inches). The storm has moved on but behind it is the cold air from the Artic. As I write this, the temperature is -17C (1F) but with the windchill it feels more like -22C (about 3F). And it's going to get colder yet tonight.
I've got my car plugged in for the first time. For any readers who have no idea what I'm talking about, I do not have an electric car. In actuality, it is the block heater I am plugging in. The block heater keeps the fluids fluid, the battery from freeaing, and generally ensures that the engine is warm enough to start. Without a block heater, my car would become a frozen block of plastic and metal.
My house has a two-car garage which is great except that we have three cars. (It's still way better than the old house because we had a single car garage and it was full to the rafters). Last winter, my son wasn't working so his car stayed on the driveway. Even though it stayed plugged in for much of the winter, and even with running the engine everyday, there were times his car wouldn't start.
He's working this year and in an effort to encourage him to continue, I've agreed he can park his car in the garage. My daughter takes the other spot in the garage - I guess because she parked there last winter. So this year, I'm the one parking on the driveway, cleaning my car of snow and frost, and plugging it in every time the temperature dips below -20C.
If I ever want to park in the garage again, maybe it's time to increase their rent!
I've got my car plugged in for the first time. For any readers who have no idea what I'm talking about, I do not have an electric car. In actuality, it is the block heater I am plugging in. The block heater keeps the fluids fluid, the battery from freeaing, and generally ensures that the engine is warm enough to start. Without a block heater, my car would become a frozen block of plastic and metal.
My house has a two-car garage which is great except that we have three cars. (It's still way better than the old house because we had a single car garage and it was full to the rafters). Last winter, my son wasn't working so his car stayed on the driveway. Even though it stayed plugged in for much of the winter, and even with running the engine everyday, there were times his car wouldn't start.
He's working this year and in an effort to encourage him to continue, I've agreed he can park his car in the garage. My daughter takes the other spot in the garage - I guess because she parked there last winter. So this year, I'm the one parking on the driveway, cleaning my car of snow and frost, and plugging it in every time the temperature dips below -20C.
If I ever want to park in the garage again, maybe it's time to increase their rent!
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Hurting
I nearly had a serious fall at work today as I was rushing down the stairs to pick up some printing. My foot slipped on one of the stairs and I felt myself falling. The envelope I was carrying flew over the railing and down the stairwell, while I grabbed onto the railing to stop my freefall. Although I wrenched my arm I managed to keep from falling more than a few steps.
Once I came to a full stop I sat on the stairs for a few minutes doing the mental check list. My right ankle hurt the worst at the time and I thought perhaps I'd sprained it. The rest of the aches and pains seemed minor so after a few minutes I got up and carried on with my day.
By evening though I realized my left leg took the brunt of the fall. My knee cap is bruised and swollen and I have a nasty bruise just above my ankle. I suspect I hit the edge of the step as I turned to grab the railing. It's a little hard to see in this picture, but this is my knee. It hurts tonight, but I suspect tomorrow will be even worse.
My mom used to have a saying, "The hurried I go, the behinder I get". I have to try to remember that next time I'm in a rush to get something done.
Once I came to a full stop I sat on the stairs for a few minutes doing the mental check list. My right ankle hurt the worst at the time and I thought perhaps I'd sprained it. The rest of the aches and pains seemed minor so after a few minutes I got up and carried on with my day.
By evening though I realized my left leg took the brunt of the fall. My knee cap is bruised and swollen and I have a nasty bruise just above my ankle. I suspect I hit the edge of the step as I turned to grab the railing. It's a little hard to see in this picture, but this is my knee. It hurts tonight, but I suspect tomorrow will be even worse.
My mom used to have a saying, "The hurried I go, the behinder I get". I have to try to remember that next time I'm in a rush to get something done.
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
Wow, it's big!
I got home yesterday from my mini-vacation in Minneapolis. I'd like to say I saw more of the city than the airport, my hotel, and the Mall of America, but that would be lying! I did go to Ikea and TGIFriday across from the Mall but that's as far afield as I ventured. There's just so much to do at and see that I spent two and a half days and didn't see or do everything I could have.
A piece of trivia for you - according to the Mall of America information, if you were to spend just 10 minutes in every store, it would take 86 hours to complete the task. Since I didn't have that much time I was a little more selective in my choices of stores to browse. Those were generally ones we don't have here at home.
I also had to be careful with the size of my purchases (and the cost) as I was limited both by the Customs allowable limits and the size of my luggage. I had packed a duffle bag into my back pack for the trip down so I had two pieces of luggage coming home. I got some terrific bargains on clothing, love end season sale racks, and some awesome Christmas gifts. I can't share pictures of them because someone might see what they're getting!
Another fast fact for you, walking the entire mall averages 4.3 miles. I'm pretty sure I did more than that each day as I meandered around (and got confused a few times) and I have the blisters to prove it!
I was travelling with two friends, we'd meet for meals, but for shopping we went our own way. Every so often we'd run into each other but generally we'd arrange a meeting time and location. We went out for dinner each evening, TGIFriday on Friday (of course), Bubba Gump's on Saturday, and the Outback Steakhouse on Sunday. After shopping and walking all day when we finished dinner we would head back to the hotel to relax and unwind. It was so nice to chill out with a hot bath, a book, and peace and quiet.
Sunday I went to the aquarium in the mall. If you haven't been there, it's great, but keep an eye out for coupons. Admission for an adult is $19.99 but I had a coupon for $9.99 and I would say that it was worth the lower price but I'd have been disappointed had I paid any more. In the afternoon we met at the theatre and saw the new Footloose movie. I really enjoyed the movie and the dancing was phenomenal.
I got home yesterday afternoon, and while it was nice to come home, the snow and cold are apparently here to stay. :>( Oh well, I guess I can start the countdown to the next holiday in January!
A piece of trivia for you - according to the Mall of America information, if you were to spend just 10 minutes in every store, it would take 86 hours to complete the task. Since I didn't have that much time I was a little more selective in my choices of stores to browse. Those were generally ones we don't have here at home.
I also had to be careful with the size of my purchases (and the cost) as I was limited both by the Customs allowable limits and the size of my luggage. I had packed a duffle bag into my back pack for the trip down so I had two pieces of luggage coming home. I got some terrific bargains on clothing, love end season sale racks, and some awesome Christmas gifts. I can't share pictures of them because someone might see what they're getting!
Another fast fact for you, walking the entire mall averages 4.3 miles. I'm pretty sure I did more than that each day as I meandered around (and got confused a few times) and I have the blisters to prove it!
I was travelling with two friends, we'd meet for meals, but for shopping we went our own way. Every so often we'd run into each other but generally we'd arrange a meeting time and location. We went out for dinner each evening, TGIFriday on Friday (of course), Bubba Gump's on Saturday, and the Outback Steakhouse on Sunday. After shopping and walking all day when we finished dinner we would head back to the hotel to relax and unwind. It was so nice to chill out with a hot bath, a book, and peace and quiet.
Sunday I went to the aquarium in the mall. If you haven't been there, it's great, but keep an eye out for coupons. Admission for an adult is $19.99 but I had a coupon for $9.99 and I would say that it was worth the lower price but I'd have been disappointed had I paid any more. In the afternoon we met at the theatre and saw the new Footloose movie. I really enjoyed the movie and the dancing was phenomenal.
I got home yesterday afternoon, and while it was nice to come home, the snow and cold are apparently here to stay. :>( Oh well, I guess I can start the countdown to the next holiday in January!
Thursday, 10 November 2011
Leaving...on a jet plane
I won't be back until Monday - and it's time to get to bed so I can get up at 5:00 a.m. (ughh) so I'll leave you with a picture of two of my favorite kitties.
Mall of America...here I come!
Mall of America...here I come!
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
Be forewarned - rant to follow!
Passwords...I hate passwords!!! It seems that everything I do on-line requires a password and to be secure they need to have capital letters, special characters and numbers. It was okay when I could use a proper noun with a series of numbers but these freaking special characters are enough to send me around the bend.
Some sites allow you to use the ambersand, &, others the at symbol, @, or the pound symbol, #, and some permit the use of the underscore, _, but there is no consistency, or at least none that I can decipher. As a result a password I can remember that works on several sites has to be modified for another.
My memory, being as it is, is insufficient to recall all of the possible permutations. But to ensure my security I'm not supposed to write them down anywhere, especially at work.
Bloody &#%^@#*&%%$!
Some sites allow you to use the ambersand, &, others the at symbol, @, or the pound symbol, #, and some permit the use of the underscore, _, but there is no consistency, or at least none that I can decipher. As a result a password I can remember that works on several sites has to be modified for another.
My memory, being as it is, is insufficient to recall all of the possible permutations. But to ensure my security I'm not supposed to write them down anywhere, especially at work.
Bloody &#%^@#*&%%$!
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Making a list and checking it twice
If you thought the title referred to Christmas, you wouldn't be quite right. It's certainly looking like Christmas here (see my post of two days ago...sigh) and I am going shopping in Minneapolis this weekend (hurray!) but my title refers instead to my increasing memory lapses.
I'd like to blame it on the fact that I have too many things to remember but it's more likely the effects of menopause and age. An article I recently read here suggests the lower levels of estrogen can manifest in many ways including both physical and mental. As I read through the symptoms of the syndrome identified by the writer, I couldn't help but compare myself to the list.
Symptom:
Forgetting what you came into a room to get more than in the past
Me:
Yesterday, I turned away from my computer for a moment to get my credit card, intending to check on the balance to make a payment. In that split second, I forgot what I intended to do. I didn't even have to go into another room!
Symptom:
Blinking social attention when interested and interacting: listening but not always attending
Me:
My kids would tell you that's my normal state. I tend to really focus on whatever I'm doing and havebeen tricked into agreeing agreed to things without realizing what I've agreed to.
Symptom:
Forgetting briefly how to do things long known, such as where to turn on the computer
Me:
This happened to me the other day, I was about to do something I'd done hundreds of times but I couldn't recall how to do it. Don't laugh, but I remember it happening but now I can't remember what it was I was trying to do!
Symptom:
Forgetting appointments more or not anticipating events of personal importance with the same accuracy as in the past
Me:
I've always prided myself on my ability to recall appointments, lately if it wasn't for my pocket calendar I'd be lost. And even that doesn't work all the time. Case in point, I get my nails done regularly and had an appointment for 4:15 p.m. October 14. I usually book my appointments ahead of time and had another appointment booked for a couple of weeks later at 4:45 p.m. Guess what time I arrived on the 14th? Yep, I got there at 4:45 because I was sure it was the 29th already. Luckily the consultant was running late so I was right on time and we had a good laugh at my bad memory!
Today it happened again. I stopped at the drycleaners to pick up a jacket and drop one off. I paid for my cleaning, walked out to the car and drove over to the grocery store. When I got home my daughter informed me the drycleaners had called, I'd left my jacket there. I'll just leave it there until I pick up the other one too...assuming I remember to do so!
I'd like to blame it on the fact that I have too many things to remember but it's more likely the effects of menopause and age. An article I recently read here suggests the lower levels of estrogen can manifest in many ways including both physical and mental. As I read through the symptoms of the syndrome identified by the writer, I couldn't help but compare myself to the list.
Symptom:
Forgetting what you came into a room to get more than in the past
Me:
Yesterday, I turned away from my computer for a moment to get my credit card, intending to check on the balance to make a payment. In that split second, I forgot what I intended to do. I didn't even have to go into another room!
Symptom:
Blinking social attention when interested and interacting: listening but not always attending
Me:
My kids would tell you that's my normal state. I tend to really focus on whatever I'm doing and have
Symptom:
Forgetting briefly how to do things long known, such as where to turn on the computer
Me:
This happened to me the other day, I was about to do something I'd done hundreds of times but I couldn't recall how to do it. Don't laugh, but I remember it happening but now I can't remember what it was I was trying to do!
Symptom:
Forgetting appointments more or not anticipating events of personal importance with the same accuracy as in the past
Me:
I've always prided myself on my ability to recall appointments, lately if it wasn't for my pocket calendar I'd be lost. And even that doesn't work all the time. Case in point, I get my nails done regularly and had an appointment for 4:15 p.m. October 14. I usually book my appointments ahead of time and had another appointment booked for a couple of weeks later at 4:45 p.m. Guess what time I arrived on the 14th? Yep, I got there at 4:45 because I was sure it was the 29th already. Luckily the consultant was running late so I was right on time and we had a good laugh at my bad memory!
Today it happened again. I stopped at the drycleaners to pick up a jacket and drop one off. I paid for my cleaning, walked out to the car and drove over to the grocery store. When I got home my daughter informed me the drycleaners had called, I'd left my jacket there. I'll just leave it there until I pick up the other one too...assuming I remember to do so!
Monday, 7 November 2011
It's election day here in Saskatchewan. The pollsters are suggesting that the current incumbents (Saskatchewan Party) are likely to come away with an even larger majority than they previously held. Given that the past four years have been good for this province, unlike the rest of the world, such a result would not be surprising.
Whether you call it luck, or possibly good fortune, the past few years have been good because of our reliance on natural resources and in particular, potash. For those who do not know, potash is a key ingredient in the production of fertilizer. With the continually increasing demand to feed the growing world population, potash is a valuable resource.
In their second year in power, the Saskatchewan Party made a critical error in the budget process, relying on the royalties from potash revenues to fund the spending priorities. However, due to an world economic downturn, those revenues decreased significantly and the budget surplus became a deficit. It was a time when the opposition party, the New Democrats were vocal in their disdain for the Sask Party's ability to forecast the revenues.
Despite this moment in history, the New Democratic Party (NDP) have run on a platform of increasing resource royalties to fund government spending. Apparently, they have short memories and haven't been watching or reading the news in the last few months. It's pretty clear the world economy is about to take another nosedive, especially if Greece, Italy and other European countries cannot find a bailout for their financial crisis. To rely so heavily on one source of income is foolish to say the least.
The other two parties, the Liberal and the Green parties, are unlikely to have much of an impact on the results of the election. At best they'll split the vote in some ridings, at worst, they'll split the vote in some ridings.
As I write this, we're merely 20 minutes since the close of the polling stations and the moderators have announced that the Saskatchewan Party have won a majority goverment. It's rather interesting in that only 2% of the polls have actually been counted.
If it wasn't a bit of a foregone conclusion I'd have to wonder if the pundits weren't getting ahead of themselves as happened in the 1948 election in the USA. However with the technology currently available I'm sure the newspapers will get it correct this time around.
I guess I'll be able to go to bed early tonight...no surprises here!
Whether you call it luck, or possibly good fortune, the past few years have been good because of our reliance on natural resources and in particular, potash. For those who do not know, potash is a key ingredient in the production of fertilizer. With the continually increasing demand to feed the growing world population, potash is a valuable resource.
In their second year in power, the Saskatchewan Party made a critical error in the budget process, relying on the royalties from potash revenues to fund the spending priorities. However, due to an world economic downturn, those revenues decreased significantly and the budget surplus became a deficit. It was a time when the opposition party, the New Democrats were vocal in their disdain for the Sask Party's ability to forecast the revenues.
Despite this moment in history, the New Democratic Party (NDP) have run on a platform of increasing resource royalties to fund government spending. Apparently, they have short memories and haven't been watching or reading the news in the last few months. It's pretty clear the world economy is about to take another nosedive, especially if Greece, Italy and other European countries cannot find a bailout for their financial crisis. To rely so heavily on one source of income is foolish to say the least.
The other two parties, the Liberal and the Green parties, are unlikely to have much of an impact on the results of the election. At best they'll split the vote in some ridings, at worst, they'll split the vote in some ridings.
As I write this, we're merely 20 minutes since the close of the polling stations and the moderators have announced that the Saskatchewan Party have won a majority goverment. It's rather interesting in that only 2% of the polls have actually been counted.
If it wasn't a bit of a foregone conclusion I'd have to wonder if the pundits weren't getting ahead of themselves as happened in the 1948 election in the USA. However with the technology currently available I'm sure the newspapers will get it correct this time around.
I guess I'll be able to go to bed early tonight...no surprises here!
Sunday, 6 November 2011
Rude awakening
Here's what I saw this morning out my front window,
The weatherman says the snow is due to a Colorado low.
I say, Colorado can keep it!
The weatherman says the snow is due to a Colorado low.
I say, Colorado can keep it!
Saturday, 5 November 2011
Counting sleeps
I spent the past week in Ottawa for another week of training. I took my camera with me and took absolutely no pictures. My only excuse is that it got dark early so by the time I had dinner and went for a walk I wouldn't have gotten any decent photos. (I know it's not much of an excuse...but it's the best I've got!)
I like Ottawa, it's a government town like the city I live in, so it seems familiar. There's lots to do within walking distance of downtown, and as a result, even coming back to the hotel later in the evening feels safe with so many people still walking around. One of my favorite areas is the Byward Market with its many shops and restaurants. Then there are Bank and Elgin Streets with their many pubs and restaurants - there are always lots of people on these streets. I never feel out of place having a meal on my own; rather I enjoy watching the people all around me.
While I was there I was able to get a visit with two of my good friends. My friend T was actually out in Calgary at the beginning of the week but arrived back in time that we were able to get together Thursday evening. On Friday, LJ and I met for lunch. It was great to see both of them, we got caught up on the happenings in each other's lives, had some laughs and a few gripes! Unfortunately I'm done with the training offered there now, so I suspect my next visit won't be happening soon.
It might be part of growing older, but as much as I enjoy travelling , I always look forward to coming home. By Wednesday I was counting down the sleeps (corny, I know!) to departure day. I'll admit part of that was the fact the training wasn't very well pesented or useful. In any event, by the time I got home last night I was excited to see my cats and my children, and looking forward to a good night sleep in my own bed.
Spending some time away from home reminds me of how much I appreciate it. The house wasn't as clean as I would have liked to have found it, but I am reminded that home is more about the people and the pets who live with me than it is the material things. I'm grateful for the opportunity to get away from the stresses of home but glad to be home to appreciate the blessings.
Besides, if the stress gets to be too much, I leave next Friday for a short shopping vacation in Minneapolis. Six more sleeps and then Mall of America, here I come!!!
I like Ottawa, it's a government town like the city I live in, so it seems familiar. There's lots to do within walking distance of downtown, and as a result, even coming back to the hotel later in the evening feels safe with so many people still walking around. One of my favorite areas is the Byward Market with its many shops and restaurants. Then there are Bank and Elgin Streets with their many pubs and restaurants - there are always lots of people on these streets. I never feel out of place having a meal on my own; rather I enjoy watching the people all around me.
While I was there I was able to get a visit with two of my good friends. My friend T was actually out in Calgary at the beginning of the week but arrived back in time that we were able to get together Thursday evening. On Friday, LJ and I met for lunch. It was great to see both of them, we got caught up on the happenings in each other's lives, had some laughs and a few gripes! Unfortunately I'm done with the training offered there now, so I suspect my next visit won't be happening soon.
It might be part of growing older, but as much as I enjoy travelling , I always look forward to coming home. By Wednesday I was counting down the sleeps (corny, I know!) to departure day. I'll admit part of that was the fact the training wasn't very well pesented or useful. In any event, by the time I got home last night I was excited to see my cats and my children, and looking forward to a good night sleep in my own bed.
Spending some time away from home reminds me of how much I appreciate it. The house wasn't as clean as I would have liked to have found it, but I am reminded that home is more about the people and the pets who live with me than it is the material things. I'm grateful for the opportunity to get away from the stresses of home but glad to be home to appreciate the blessings.
Besides, if the stress gets to be too much, I leave next Friday for a short shopping vacation in Minneapolis. Six more sleeps and then Mall of America, here I come!!!
Saturday, 29 October 2011
Flying away
I'm off again tomorrow on my second work related trip in the past three weeks. You would think that having packed my suitcase just a couple of weeks ago, it would be a snap. Ha! You'd be wrong...I leave most of my dress shoes at work because I don't wear them anywhere else. Well, I left the office on Friday without the shoes I intended to take with me on this trip. I did have one pair I could use and luckily my daughter D and I wear the same size so I borrowed a pair of her flats.
I checked the weather channel and it won't be any better in Ottawa than it will be here. It's not really cold but definitely getting there. I was really hoping for a few more days of nice weather to enjoy as I'll be walking to dinner most evenings. There is a restaurant in the hotel I'm staying in, but I've eaten there once and was not impressed. $15 for a bowl of soup is just a little too much for me. I was one of only a handful of people in the restaurant, and then a group came in with several small children. Guess who they sat them next to....that's right, me! Don't get me wrong, I generally like children, just not tired and cranky children in a restaurant with no kid's menu. I probably won't eat there again.
To get to my course is easy, there is an underground walkway from the hotel to the building where the training room is located, with a Tim Horton's on the way. I generally grab breakfast there, read the newspaper, and watch the line up grow as people stop in their way to work. It's amazing how quickly the orders get processed while the line-up keeps going. I can think of a few places that could learn a lesson in efficiency from the staff at this location.
I've decided not to take my laptop with me. I took my work laptop on my trip to Calgary; it was a nuisance taking it through security and I never did get my wifi to work. I'm pretty sure I'd be able to get internet with my personal laptop but it's one more thing to carry. Instead I'll take my crocheting - it's been sadly neglected for a month or better. If I spent as much time working on my projects as I do playing on the 'net they woudd be complete!
My blog will be quiet until I get back. I'll take my camera, will share some pictures as I expect the fall colors will be in full force there.
Have a great week!
I checked the weather channel and it won't be any better in Ottawa than it will be here. It's not really cold but definitely getting there. I was really hoping for a few more days of nice weather to enjoy as I'll be walking to dinner most evenings. There is a restaurant in the hotel I'm staying in, but I've eaten there once and was not impressed. $15 for a bowl of soup is just a little too much for me. I was one of only a handful of people in the restaurant, and then a group came in with several small children. Guess who they sat them next to....that's right, me! Don't get me wrong, I generally like children, just not tired and cranky children in a restaurant with no kid's menu. I probably won't eat there again.
To get to my course is easy, there is an underground walkway from the hotel to the building where the training room is located, with a Tim Horton's on the way. I generally grab breakfast there, read the newspaper, and watch the line up grow as people stop in their way to work. It's amazing how quickly the orders get processed while the line-up keeps going. I can think of a few places that could learn a lesson in efficiency from the staff at this location.
I've decided not to take my laptop with me. I took my work laptop on my trip to Calgary; it was a nuisance taking it through security and I never did get my wifi to work. I'm pretty sure I'd be able to get internet with my personal laptop but it's one more thing to carry. Instead I'll take my crocheting - it's been sadly neglected for a month or better. If I spent as much time working on my projects as I do playing on the 'net they woudd be complete!
My blog will be quiet until I get back. I'll take my camera, will share some pictures as I expect the fall colors will be in full force there.
Have a great week!
Friday, 28 October 2011
Winter is coming whether I want it to or not.
It's late October, Halloween is Monday, so we can expect snow in the next few weeks if not days. So far the long range isn't showing any major precipitation but I won't be surprised to see it happen on Halloween.
I can't remember the number of times when I was young, and then when my children were growing up, going out trick or treating with costumes on top of snow suits or winter coats. I suppose there was some benefit to that because the costumes fit for a couple of years! Though I don't remember ever convincing one of my kids to wear a costume two years in a row.
This year, I'll be in Ottawa for Halloween. I leave early Sunday morning, like really freaking early, at 6 a.m. I don't what I was thinking when I booked the flight. However, I'll be in Ottawa by early afternoon so will be able to get a good night's rest. This is another trip for work, the last of a series of courses I need for my current position and one I've been wanting for some time.
This session is the human resources module and when you manage a group of people, the personnel issues arise almost daily. I really don't understand why they leave this module to last. This past week I've been completing my performance review discussions with staff who were part of my team this year. There have been some issues throughout the year (and continuing) that require a knowledge of human resource and labour relation policies. And I'm working on two competitive processes. If nothing else I hope this session reinforces the decisions I've made.
I'm looking forward to the trip as well because it will give me an opportunity to get together with a number of friends who have moved to Ottawa over the past few years. I probably won't get to visit very often from now on, since this will be the last trip paid for by my employer. If I'm paying for the trip, I'm more likely to go somewhere warm!
And now with winter coming I'm even more grateful we booked our winter holiday early. Just 74 more sleeps to go!
It's late October, Halloween is Monday, so we can expect snow in the next few weeks if not days. So far the long range isn't showing any major precipitation but I won't be surprised to see it happen on Halloween.
I can't remember the number of times when I was young, and then when my children were growing up, going out trick or treating with costumes on top of snow suits or winter coats. I suppose there was some benefit to that because the costumes fit for a couple of years! Though I don't remember ever convincing one of my kids to wear a costume two years in a row.
This year, I'll be in Ottawa for Halloween. I leave early Sunday morning, like really freaking early, at 6 a.m. I don't what I was thinking when I booked the flight. However, I'll be in Ottawa by early afternoon so will be able to get a good night's rest. This is another trip for work, the last of a series of courses I need for my current position and one I've been wanting for some time.
This session is the human resources module and when you manage a group of people, the personnel issues arise almost daily. I really don't understand why they leave this module to last. This past week I've been completing my performance review discussions with staff who were part of my team this year. There have been some issues throughout the year (and continuing) that require a knowledge of human resource and labour relation policies. And I'm working on two competitive processes. If nothing else I hope this session reinforces the decisions I've made.
I'm looking forward to the trip as well because it will give me an opportunity to get together with a number of friends who have moved to Ottawa over the past few years. I probably won't get to visit very often from now on, since this will be the last trip paid for by my employer. If I'm paying for the trip, I'm more likely to go somewhere warm!
And now with winter coming I'm even more grateful we booked our winter holiday early. Just 74 more sleeps to go!
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Soft kitty, warm kitty
I love the television show, Big Bang Theory. The humor is a little bit highschool nerd trying to fit into the modern world. It makes me laugh.
If you haven't seen the show, one of the truly memorable characters, Sheldon is a highly intelligent physicist who turns into a little boy when he feels ill. At those times he asks Penny (she lives across the hall) to sing to him this ditty.
"Soft kitty, warm kitty, little ball of fur
Happy kitty, sleepy kitty, purr, purr, purr"
I was uploading some pictures from my camera tonight while I was watching the latest episode and even though it wasn't of tonight's show the song kept running through my head.
Here's my soft kitty, Sami hanging out in the sunroom
Sleeping Sasha likes to cuddle in my chair with me
Saku prefers to have the chair to himself
My beautiful Silas was happiest on my lap
Missing my boy, and treasuring the last few photos I have of him.
If you haven't seen the show, one of the truly memorable characters, Sheldon is a highly intelligent physicist who turns into a little boy when he feels ill. At those times he asks Penny (she lives across the hall) to sing to him this ditty.
"Soft kitty, warm kitty, little ball of fur
Happy kitty, sleepy kitty, purr, purr, purr"
I was uploading some pictures from my camera tonight while I was watching the latest episode and even though it wasn't of tonight's show the song kept running through my head.
Here's my soft kitty, Sami hanging out in the sunroom
Sleeping Sasha likes to cuddle in my chair with me
Saku prefers to have the chair to himself
My beautiful Silas was happiest on my lap
Missing my boy, and treasuring the last few photos I have of him.
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Don't promise me the moon and stars
We are currently in the midst of a provincial election. Fortunately the campaign is limited to about 30 days which is short enough we won't have to listen to the politicians make promises they have no intention of keeping. Oh they will keep a few, the ones that cost the least and are most visible to the voting public, while the rest of the promises are defeated in the legislature. (It's really not difficult process, the government members just don't show up for a vote, and *poof* there goes that promise!)
If somehow I could send a message to the politicians it would be this:
As you make your promises to the electorate, I'd ask you to remember who will be responsible to pay for these promises. Please recall that ultimately ever penny government spends come from the pockets of the taxpayers. I'm one of the few who don't mind paying taxes (at least most of the time) because I see the benefits everytime I drive on one of our roads, take a flight from an airport, or go to a hospital or a school.
But when you promise us the moon and the stars I get angry.
You MUST realize we simply cannot afford to provide free housing or education or medical care to every person in this province. So much of our tax revenues rely on the natural resources and the businesses that spin-off these industries. Those natural resources are not infinite and we, all of us, have a responsibiity to the generations to follow to preserve and maintain these resources for as long as possible.
We give you the trust to make the best decisions for our province. We want you to promote our products and services across the globe, to provide services that the private sector is unwilling or unable to provide, to safeguard the natural resources, and to care for the less fortunate in our communities. It's not an easy job.
So please don't patronize us in the waning days of the campaign. Spend your time instead of considering how you might best meet the goals and expectations of the province's people. Give us something real and believable to base our decision. Frankly, this moon and star stuff isn't fooling anyone! Maybe I'll vote for the Rhinocerus party...are they running this year?
From a frustrated and undecided voter!
If somehow I could send a message to the politicians it would be this:
As you make your promises to the electorate, I'd ask you to remember who will be responsible to pay for these promises. Please recall that ultimately ever penny government spends come from the pockets of the taxpayers. I'm one of the few who don't mind paying taxes (at least most of the time) because I see the benefits everytime I drive on one of our roads, take a flight from an airport, or go to a hospital or a school.
But when you promise us the moon and the stars I get angry.
We give you the trust to make the best decisions for our province. We want you to promote our products and services across the globe, to provide services that the private sector is unwilling or unable to provide, to safeguard the natural resources, and to care for the less fortunate in our communities. It's not an easy job.
So please don't patronize us in the waning days of the campaign. Spend your time instead of considering how you might best meet the goals and expectations of the province's people. Give us something real and believable to base our decision. Frankly, this moon and star stuff isn't fooling anyone! Maybe I'll vote for the Rhinocerus party...are they running this year?
From a frustrated and undecided voter!
Monday, 24 October 2011
Too tired to post
So I'll share a picture from my last Caribbean cruise...just 79 more sleeps to my next winter getaway.
This picture was taken from a narrow gauge railway train on St. Kitt's. We spent an afternoon touring the island, it was beautiful!
This picture was taken from a narrow gauge railway train on St. Kitt's. We spent an afternoon touring the island, it was beautiful!
Sunday, 23 October 2011
Gratitude
Thank you Trish and Dawn for your lovely comments to my last post. I cannot tell you how much it means to me to hear from you, it's so good to know I'm not alone in this moment.
I've realized that no matter how difficult it is to let go of Silas, (or for that matter, anyone we love), I would never wish that he had not been part of my life. He asked so little of me and gave so much; I will be forever grateful.
I'm grateful too, that you are part of my life as well. How fortunate I am to know that there are others outside the realm of my everyday who demonstrate empathy towards me. Thank you for your friendship through the web.
I was surfing the net last night and came across this little picture. It made me laugh and thought I'd share it here. I hope you enjoy it too!
I've realized that no matter how difficult it is to let go of Silas, (or for that matter, anyone we love), I would never wish that he had not been part of my life. He asked so little of me and gave so much; I will be forever grateful.
I'm grateful too, that you are part of my life as well. How fortunate I am to know that there are others outside the realm of my everyday who demonstrate empathy towards me. Thank you for your friendship through the web.
I was surfing the net last night and came across this little picture. It made me laugh and thought I'd share it here. I hope you enjoy it too!
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