Getting ready

We're getting ready for Halloween tonight.  I started cleaning out the pumpkin...but it turns out I"m more squeamish than I realized.  Ew, ick, the innards are slimy!

So C took over, under the watchful gaze of Saku.

I love Halloween, especially when the littlest ghosts and goblins come to the door squeaking trick or treat! (Or more often, twick or tweat).

I dislike Halloween, when the young parents arrive at the door, with a babe wrapped up in the stroller.  It's pretty obvious who the candy is for.

I love the inventive costumes (sometimes even store bought ones).  I appreciate the neighbours who decorate their yards and homes.  I'm just not there yet.

I also love the candy...and it loves my thighs.

And I especially love my son, whose creativity is leaps and bounds above my own.  If you had seen the face I drew on this pumpkin for him to carve, you would certainly have laughed.

\

Have a safe Halloween however you choose to spend it!

Big bad Sandy

Already the reports indicate one life has been lost, and one person is missing after the HMS Bounty sank off the coast off Cape Hatteras.

I've been watching the New York Harbor webcam  and amazed to see people wandering up to the waterfront to take pictures.  ARE people nuts?  There's a storm out there, with wicked winds and torrential rains.

It makes me realize I'll take the snow and cold over that type of storm, any day!  If you are, or have family and friends in the area of the storm front in Canada or U.S., I hope everyone is able to weather the storm in a warm, dry place.

It's just coincidence!

Here's what I saw from my front window this afternoon.

I went shopping this afternoon for items for our charitable campaign.  For the Rider fan package to be given away, I bought winter gloves, a scarf and toque.  Driving home the snow started falling, the blowing wind swirling it across the highway, and I saw the temperature dropping on the car thermometer.  The roads were even a little slick.

This is the first year I've ever put my snow tires on my car BEFORE the snow started to fall.  But there's no way it's my fault winter is coming early.  Nah, we'll just blame it on Halloween.

You know you are from Saskatchewan when....you buy your child's Halloween costume based on how well it will fit over the snowsuit. :>)

Oh well, it's supposed to warm up (at least it will be above freezing) later in the week. So the snow should be gone.  Have a good week everyone!!!

Random Saturday

Oh my god, I'm tired.  Last night I napped on the couch for an hour, was in bed by 10:30 and slept until nearly 9 this morning.  (Not counting several bathroom visits, and annoying loving middle of the night cat rubs!)  If I hadn't needed to use the facilities again I think I would have slept even longer. 

Work has been absolutely stupid busy.  When I get home, all I want to do is have something to eat and veg in front of the television, not necessarily in that order.  Sigh, next week isn't looking any less busy.  But I have a short trip to Bismarck planned for the November long weekend, so there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

We've had snow this week, but thankfully, it hasn't stayed.  There are areas where it hasn't melted, like the neighbour's front yard, however we didn't see the dump places to the north of us saw.

I've seen Mr. Jack Bunny running around again, so I assume he'll be around for the winter. Of course, I don't if it's the same bunny.

Check out the driveway across the street.  They re-did this summer with an aggregate in two colors.  It looks really sharp - time to do something with the 80's finish on the exterior though. (At least I would want to change it)

My kitchen remains unfinished.  Tiling is scheduled for next Thursday, but the door repair isn't likely to happen for at least another week or so.  And I'm still not happy with Rona...as the door handles are still NOT available.  Oh well, it should be done by Christmas, right?

Today is the final regular football game for our local team.  They had to win one of the last three games to ensure a place in the playoffs.  Or alternatively, hope one of the other teams lost a game.  Well, they lost the last two games, so today would have been do or die.  However, Hamilton lost their game last week on a botched field goal kick placement by....one of our former players.   Coincidence?  Probably not, since they were playing Calgary in the snow and it was slippery and wet.  I was amused by the regular snowblower clearing of side and yard line markings.  I'm sure the fans on both sides were less amused!

 All the cats are miffed about losing access to the sunroom. But I open the door, they all head the other....it's just too cold out there. 

But as you can tell, they`ve all found cozy places to get over it!

Sasha, likes the arm of my chair.

Sami, prefers the back of the couch.

Sorry, didn`t mean to interupt your bath, Sami.

And Saku, finds the lonely spot of sunshine on my unmade bed the best place to spend a Saturday.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Friday Funny

I've been MIA as the result of being slammed at work.  I'm starting to think I'm so behind I'm going to catch up with myself!

I've no plans for the weekend, but rest and relax,(and the inevitable housework thing) so I'll have time to read and catch up with everyone.  

In the meantime here's an old joke to enjoy!

A man runs into the vet's office carrying his dog, screaming for help. The vet rushes him back to an examination room and has him put his dog down on the examination table. The vet examines the still, limp body and after a few moments, tells the man that his dog, regrettably, is dead. The man, clearly agitated and not willing to accept this, demands a second opinion.

The vet goes into the back room and comes out with a cat and puts the cat down next to the dog's body. The cat sniffs the body, walks from head to tail, poking and sniffing the dog's body and finally looks at the vet and meows.

The vet looks at the man and says, "I'm sorry, but the cat thinks that your dog is dead, too."

The man, finally resigned to the diagnosis, thanks the vet and asks how much he owes. The vet answers, "$350."

"$350 to tell me my dog is dead?!" exclaims the man.

"Well," the vet replies, "I would only have charged you $50 for my initial diagnosis. The additional $300 was for the cat scan."

Tuxie Tocks on Tuesday

Okay I know this will make some of you in the cat blogosphere howl with laughter.  I FINALLY figured out what the "tocks" meant.  I know, I know, I'm a little slow on the uptake.  Blame it on the sheer exhaustion.

So here's my tribute to "tocks for October" combined with Tuxie Tuesday.  (Thanks Saku for being my willing participant!)

 

Missing my man-cat Monday

I'm horrible with dates, and I'm too lazy to check the blog, but it's been just around the year mark since Silas crossed the bridge.

In memory and honor of my big orange boy I share this picture with you.  He was so proud of himself when he was able to jump to the top of the island.  At his heaviest he weighed in close to 22 lbs. and jumping up on anything was near impossible.  It's just too bad it was the cancer that gave him the ability to reach new heights.

Missing you always my darlin'

Catch up time

Time sure flies whether you're having fun or not!  It's been a busy week, more so than normal, and I haven't even had a chance to do much checking in on the blogs I follow.  Frankly, I missed that most of all.

It started Wednesday, when K and I went to a dinner organized by the local university for their accounting students.  We were at different tables but both had similar experiences.  Each table had representatives from potential employers, mostly large accounting firms but a also some government like ourselves.  There were four students at my table and three at K's.  I asked each of the students what area of accounting (financial accounting, audit, finance, or taxation to name a few) they were most interested in.  NOT a single one of the students had any idea.

At K's table one of the accounting firm reps asked the students what made them decide to pursue accounting.  Two of the students professed a love for numbers.  I asked K if she asked which number they liked best. 

Were we ever that young?  Even one of the reps at my table, herself only 26 years old, was amazed at how young these students were.  Two of the students at our table spent almost the entire dinner texting and giggling.  I hope they weren't trying to impress anyone at the table.

Thursday I went for dinner with a co-worker.  She's currently in another office but may be returning to our office as a manager in the next few weeks.  I hope so, though there are those in our office who think otherwise. 

Friday was busy with errands.  I took my car to the tire shop early in the morning, to have my winter tires put on my car.  No, we don't have snow yet but it will be here sooner rather than later.  I picked up the car around lunch time, did some shopping, and then headed home to meet the plumber.  He spent just around an hour installing the new dishwasher.

See that empy space beside the dishwasher?  See that piece of wood (with a door attached on the counter?   Unfortunately the installer leaned against the door frame and the entire piece fell apart.  It's not really his fault, nor that of the contractor who did the work in the kitchen.  We discovered, at some point in the past few years, the piece had been knocked off and glued or siliconed back in place.  His weight on the door frame was enough to loosen the glue.  I've called the kitchen contractor to see if they can do the necessary repairs - I'm sure they can, it's just when that might happen!

We also learned that who installed the old dishwasher hadn't wired it properly as the wiring had evidence of overheating - it was nearly black in some places.  We hadn't used it much in the past two years, thankfully, because there could have been a fire.

 Today I met a friend for lunch at a new restaurant in town.  The food was good, and it was great to see her.  We live in the same city but if we generally only manage to see one another a couple of times a year.  After I left her, I went to a trade show where my cousin and his wife had their Electrolux booth set up.  I haven't seen the two of them for a least a year or better so it was wonderful to catch up.  While I was at their boith (and trying unobtrusive...they are there to sell a product) I recognized a woman who was looking at one of the vacuums.  She and I worked together at the local bank back in the mid-80`s and I haven`t seen her for at least 20 years. 

When I last saw her, she was expecting her third child, about two years after the birth of her twins.  She has since had two more children, and the baby she was having is now married.  It`s crazy how quickly time goes by.  I did learn I don't like her husband any more than I did then.  But I'm sure I can avoid him and keep in contact with his wife.

I think that catches you up on everything that's happened this week.  Hope you all had a wonderful week...now I'm going to go check in and see what's been happening in your lives!

Tuxie Tuesday

Hi all from Sasha, Sami, & Saku!  Mom says she's too busy to post so we took over for today. 

Check this out - we've got a new Cat in the Box!  (not the cat...just the box MOL)

And what a box it is - not only does it have a lid (for double cat occupancy) but it's got bubble wrap too.  If a cat sits just right it makes cool popping noises.

It's also a great place to hide elastic bands and other toys.  Or it's awesome for a cat nap on a sunny afternoon.  Speaking of naps....see ya all later!

Mancat Monday

By the time this posts, it will be Tuesday where some of my readers live...if the stats are correct :p
Better late than never, though especially when you see this handsome face.

This is Sasha doing his best armchair pose.  I love it when he comes and sits with me; a few minutes of his company and I feel the stresses of the day just fall away.

Happy belated Monday everyone!

Simply random Sunday

Where did the weekend go?  It's already early evening* on Sunday and I'm not certain how I got here!  Someone tell me, wasn't it Friday a few hours ago?

Trying to think what I did and it wasn't a whole lot.  I did get most of the kitchen unpacked and back in the cupboards.  Anything that normally would live on the counter is still in the garage or on the table and will remain there until the tile is done.

I even did some reorganization.  With the changes to the cupboards and having everything out it made sense to move things around a bit.  As I put things away I tried to think where it was most practical to put the items.  AND of course the first thing I went looking for today wasn't were I expected it to be!

Today my daughter and I went to a craft sale.  I was supposed to go yesterday with a friend, but she was late getting back to the city and I wanted to watch the football game.  Sigh...we didn't win, so I should have gone then.

Apparently the things to sell at craft sales this year are jewellry and scented items.  Unfortunately I have a sensitivity to scents so by the time we left the show, I had a sore throat and my sinuses were aching.  I took some cold and sinus meds, and used a throat lozenge, it doesn't seem as bad but I still have the memory of the smell. 

I did find a cute little garden critter for my friend C for Christmas.  My daughter bought a couple of children's books direct from the author and she inscribed them for her.  And of course, we stopped at the fudge table and picked up four large pieces for a treat.   Yum!

It's been two really sunny days so the cats have been enjoying the sunroom,  Last night I had to go out about 8 to convince Saku to come in.  I guess with his fur coat he was fine!  They are all very happy not to be locked away in the bedroom.

That pretty much sums up my weekend, a little housework, a little shopping, and some relaxation too!

*With no hockey (which is quite alright by me), there was a Big Bang Theory marathon on television last night.  In one of the episodes Sheldon called early evening 'prevening'.  I like that...I think I'll use it from now on.

Have a great week everyone!

Ta da!

It's done - well, almost done.  There are still lots to be installed, tile, dishwasher, microwave, and door pulls, and all the cabinets need to be cleaned so everything can be put away. 

But the all the tools are out of my kitchen, I can see pretty much the entire floor, and I can start putting things away!!! It will be so nice to be able to get a bowl or spoon or a mug and not have to go searching for it in the garage or on the table or even in the living room.  I can't imagine how anyone manages with a complete kitchen renovation.  Two weeks of this was enough to last me for a very long time.

Without further ado, here's a few pictures (I promise these are the last until everything is installed and in place...you must be getting tired of this process too!)

Friday Funny

Things you can learn from your cat

Make the world your playground.

Whenever you miss the sandbox, cover it up. Dragging
a sock over it helps.

If you can't get your way, lay across the keyboard
until you do.

When you are hungry, meow loudly so they feed you
just to shut you up.

Always find a good patch of sun to nap in.

Nap often.

When in trouble, just purr and look cute.

Life is hard, and then you nap.

Curiosity never killed anything except maybe a few
hours.

When in doubt, cop an attitude.

Variety is the spice of Life. One day, ignore people;
the next day, annoy them.

Climb your way to the top, that's why the curtains
are there.

Make your mark in the world, or at least spray in each
corner.

Always give generously; a bird or rodent left on the
bed tells them, "I care."

When you have something important to say, try to say
it in the dead of night when you're SURE everyone's
sleeping. There's no better way to get the attention
you deserve.

Update on the renos

These were actually taken last night - hopefully by the time this posts on Thursday the contractor will have everything pretty much complete.  He said if he wasn't finished then, he'd be back for a couple of hours on Friday.  OMG I'm going to have my kitchen back soon!!!

Check it out - I have some door pulls! No drawer fronts yet though.

The rest of the pulls (32) are still on back order.  I stopped at the store last week to make sure they hadn't lost my order - they hadn't lost it but nothing had arrived yet.  Grrrrr...

The contractor did drill the holes so when the items finally come in, I'll be able to install them myself.

Can you see the moldings are installed as well?  The next picture is a better illustration.

The contractor will install the light above the sink tomorrow, and the plumber will be here to reinstall the sink.

He forgot his router at home, so the edges on the island aren't finished yet, hence the green tap with notes reminding to be careful.  

I love, love, love the crown molding.  Obviously I have a bit of touch up on the painting to do (where the old molding once was installed).


There are several paint cans in the garage from the old owner.  Here's hoping with a good shake and stir (and removal of any scum) the paint will match well enough that I don't have to paint the entire kitchen.  Because if I have to, it means painting the living room and the hall...yuck!

 

And just for fun, here's the before picture.  The mess aside, it sure looks different doesn't it?

  

There is still some work left to do, the new dishwasher and microwave need to be installed, and of course the tile backsplash won't be done for a couple of weeks yet. 

 

But it's so close...I'll scrub the inside of the cabinets on Friday afternoon and then we'll be able to put everything back where it belongs.  I am so looking forward to it!

 

Hope you all had a wonderful Thursday!!!



Almost Wordless Wednesday

Guess who was the first to check out the new counter tops?

Great place to hang out, isn't it Saku?