From our house to yours....
Wishing you happiness, peace and prosperity in 2014.
Tuesday, 31 December 2013
Saturday, 28 December 2013
Winter whining
It is a nasty cold day, and since I don't have to go out, I'm not going to. I've a couple of lazy days so it is a good day to stay indoors and get some housework done.
At the moment, the third load of laundry is whizzing its way around in the washer, the dough for a batch of buns is rising in the kitchen, and I'm curled up in front of the television watching...what else at this time of year?...junior hockey. Okay maybe I'm still feeling lazy. :)
Have a great Saturday everyone!
Thursday, 26 December 2013
Happy Holidays
We had a wonderful Christmas Day just the kids and I. In fact, darn near perfect.
D and I were up reasonably early, about 7:30 or 8 a.m. while C slept in until noon. She and I got hungry so we mixed up a batch of mini-quiche (which he won't eat anyway!)
Note to self - if the recipe calls for 4 eggs, don't let your daughter convince you 6 would be better! They were yummy though.
When C finally his appearance and had a chance to grab his coffee, I woke D from her nap and we gathered around the tree to open gifts.
Santa was very good to all of us. I got the slippers I wanted and a new pair of pajamas. D and C also got pajamas, socks, underwear, and gift cards. We are nothing if not practical gift givers!
We had an early dinner as C had to be at work at 4 a.m. today, and he planned to be in bed by 8 p.m.
The stove top was covered with pots...which is
different for me. I'm normally a one-pot cook.
In the pots are potatoes, carrots, turnips, and stove top stuffing. Even though we had a roast beef, both of my children love the dressing so I make it anyway. (They actually prefer stove-top to homemade...and it's easier!)
Once the dressing was cooked I moved that pan to make the gravy.
The table was set with the Christmas dishes, which after a dust and a rinse were ready to be used.
As we ate, we reminisced about Christmas' past. When they were young, we went to my parent's home every year. While I miss Mom and Dad, I certainly don't miss travelling at Christmastime.
At one point I asked them if they felt they had missed out, not having a large family to spend the holidays with. They both responded with an emphatic, "NO". I guess I can put that bit of guilt I carry with me away for good!
It was good day, followed by a morning of Boxing Day sales for my daughter and I. We were at our first store at 7 a.m., and home by 10:30 a.m., even stopping for breakfast along the way. My big score was this silk poinsettia in a pot from Michaels. The original tag (which I think/hope was fake) read $179.99, and I paid $20 for it. Woohoo!
The cold weather even went away for a few days, we were at -2C (about 30F) this morning. It all makes for a happy holiday!
Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, however you chose to spend the day. Happy holidays!
D and I were up reasonably early, about 7:30 or 8 a.m. while C slept in until noon. She and I got hungry so we mixed up a batch of mini-quiche (which he won't eat anyway!)Note to self - if the recipe calls for 4 eggs, don't let your daughter convince you 6 would be better! They were yummy though.
Santa was very good to all of us. I got the slippers I wanted and a new pair of pajamas. D and C also got pajamas, socks, underwear, and gift cards. We are nothing if not practical gift givers!
We had an early dinner as C had to be at work at 4 a.m. today, and he planned to be in bed by 8 p.m.
different for me. I'm normally a one-pot cook.
In the pots are potatoes, carrots, turnips, and stove top stuffing. Even though we had a roast beef, both of my children love the dressing so I make it anyway. (They actually prefer stove-top to homemade...and it's easier!)
Once the dressing was cooked I moved that pan to make the gravy.
As we ate, we reminisced about Christmas' past. When they were young, we went to my parent's home every year. While I miss Mom and Dad, I certainly don't miss travelling at Christmastime.
At one point I asked them if they felt they had missed out, not having a large family to spend the holidays with. They both responded with an emphatic, "NO". I guess I can put that bit of guilt I carry with me away for good!
The cold weather even went away for a few days, we were at -2C (about 30F) this morning. It all makes for a happy holiday!
Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, however you chose to spend the day. Happy holidays!
Tuesday, 24 December 2013
Monday, 23 December 2013
That is NOT what I meant
When I said yesterday I'd take the cold over the freezing rain and ice pellets I meant it. But I didn't mean that I wanted it to get colder! But that's exactly what we got.
This morning I woke up the announcer on the radio saying it was -34C with windchills of -49C outside. Yep, that's right almost -50 below zero and at that point, Celcius or Fahrenheit it doesn't matter, it is all the same. It was OMG FREAKING BITTERLY COLD!!!
It's the kind of cold where your car seat is a solid block of ice. One of the truck manufactures used to have a slogan, ``like a rock``. That was my car this morning, but thankfully with the block heater the engine turned over and 15 minutes later the car was, if not comfortable, at least the windows were clear and I could drive to work. Of course, the tires were a little square to start off with.
It`s the kind of cold when your outer clothing, no matter what fabric it is made of, becomes parchment paper. It crackles as you walk, as you scrape the car windows, and as you get into the vehicle. And yet, it doesn't break....which always surprises me.
It's the kind of cold that truly takes your breath away. You want to move as quickly as you can to get from car to office but you know in doing so, you're likely to breathe deeply and that will hurt! So you walk as fast as you dare, holding the hood of your jacket as close to your face as you can to avoid any cold air getting in. Because you know that's gonna hurt!
It's the kind of cold that makes you grateful for central heating, double and triple pane windows, a vehicle that has a good battery and blockheater, and your down filled full length jacket.
Thank goodness we're getting a break from this weather for the next few days. I'm not sure I could handle the cold much longer...if it didn't snap I might have!
Stay warm and safe everyone!
This morning I woke up the announcer on the radio saying it was -34C with windchills of -49C outside. Yep, that's right almost -50 below zero and at that point, Celcius or Fahrenheit it doesn't matter, it is all the same. It was OMG FREAKING BITTERLY COLD!!!
It's the kind of cold where your car seat is a solid block of ice. One of the truck manufactures used to have a slogan, ``like a rock``. That was my car this morning, but thankfully with the block heater the engine turned over and 15 minutes later the car was, if not comfortable, at least the windows were clear and I could drive to work. Of course, the tires were a little square to start off with.
It`s the kind of cold when your outer clothing, no matter what fabric it is made of, becomes parchment paper. It crackles as you walk, as you scrape the car windows, and as you get into the vehicle. And yet, it doesn't break....which always surprises me.
It's the kind of cold that truly takes your breath away. You want to move as quickly as you can to get from car to office but you know in doing so, you're likely to breathe deeply and that will hurt! So you walk as fast as you dare, holding the hood of your jacket as close to your face as you can to avoid any cold air getting in. Because you know that's gonna hurt!
It's the kind of cold that makes you grateful for central heating, double and triple pane windows, a vehicle that has a good battery and blockheater, and your down filled full length jacket.
Thank goodness we're getting a break from this weather for the next few days. I'm not sure I could handle the cold much longer...if it didn't snap I might have!
Stay warm and safe everyone!
Sunday, 22 December 2013
This week's recap
It's Saskatchewan, it's winter, and it's cold. -26C this morning with wind chills of -32C and this is simply one more day in a stretch of three or four weeks of bitterly cold weather. We've had a couple of breaks, a day or so where the temps reach highs in the minus single digits. Those days feel almost balmy.
But as much as I complain about our weather, I'll take the cold over the storm that is currently hammering central and Atlantic Canada. Although the Canadian news service isn't covering it, I assume parts of the U.S. are also affected. According to the article, there are numerous power outages, and many won't have power again for 72 hours. I can't imagine being without electricity for that long in the winter and at Christmas it would be even worse.
Kim, if you are reading this (and I hope you have power so you can), I hope you and the boys came through the storm unscathed. Stay safe and warm!
*******
It's a busy week at work and at home, mostly due to my own procrastination. I started my annual Christmas letters before I went to Saskatoon. I finally got them done on Thursday, cards written and mailed yesterday. What should have taken a few hours I managed to complete in days. I finished the Christmas shopping last weekend and even though I've got most everything wrapped there are still a couple left to go. That's what Christmas eve is for, right?
Last Monday evening, I had Deniece and Denephew visit while their parents went to a Christmas dinner. I made dinner for us, we watched a movie and just hung out.
Deniece saw me pick up the camera and got out of range...little minx, while her brother tried to get his hand up. Love the head band - it's mine but I never thought he'd put it on!
Yesterday I made a trip to the grocery store to make sure we had everything we need for Christmas. Not surprisingly it was the mall parking lot and the store were busy. I was in line behind a couple, the wife wandered off to get something while the husband unloaded the cart. I was amazed as I watched him place the items on the checkout conveyor in no particular order. When I was a kid, my mom taught us to put the heaviest items on first so they can loaded in the bottom of the cart, on down to the lightest items (eggs, bread, etc.) so they don't get broken or squashed. I always assumed everyone did that but apparently not.
When it was my turn I sorted the items, then watched in amazement as the clerk bagged the items, putting the cleaning supplies in with the meat, and cans into the bag containing bread. I didn't say anything though I probably ought to, instead I spent time sorting and repacking the bags in the trunk of the car. I have to wonder, is this a lost art? Do you sort your groceries by weight...or am I an oddball?
Today I've been cleaning house, vacuuming, cleaning cat litter, washing floors, while my daughter does laundry and some baking. But she's run out of canola oil for her carrot cake muffins...I love carrot cake muffins so I'm off to Walmart to pick up a few items I forget or couldn't get yesterday. I expect it will be crazy busy...wish me luck.
Have a wonderful Sunday, everyone!
But as much as I complain about our weather, I'll take the cold over the storm that is currently hammering central and Atlantic Canada. Although the Canadian news service isn't covering it, I assume parts of the U.S. are also affected. According to the article, there are numerous power outages, and many won't have power again for 72 hours. I can't imagine being without electricity for that long in the winter and at Christmas it would be even worse.
Kim, if you are reading this (and I hope you have power so you can), I hope you and the boys came through the storm unscathed. Stay safe and warm!
*******
It's a busy week at work and at home, mostly due to my own procrastination. I started my annual Christmas letters before I went to Saskatoon. I finally got them done on Thursday, cards written and mailed yesterday. What should have taken a few hours I managed to complete in days. I finished the Christmas shopping last weekend and even though I've got most everything wrapped there are still a couple left to go. That's what Christmas eve is for, right?
Last Monday evening, I had Deniece and Denephew visit while their parents went to a Christmas dinner. I made dinner for us, we watched a movie and just hung out. Deniece saw me pick up the camera and got out of range...little minx, while her brother tried to get his hand up. Love the head band - it's mine but I never thought he'd put it on!
Yesterday I made a trip to the grocery store to make sure we had everything we need for Christmas. Not surprisingly it was the mall parking lot and the store were busy. I was in line behind a couple, the wife wandered off to get something while the husband unloaded the cart. I was amazed as I watched him place the items on the checkout conveyor in no particular order. When I was a kid, my mom taught us to put the heaviest items on first so they can loaded in the bottom of the cart, on down to the lightest items (eggs, bread, etc.) so they don't get broken or squashed. I always assumed everyone did that but apparently not.
When it was my turn I sorted the items, then watched in amazement as the clerk bagged the items, putting the cleaning supplies in with the meat, and cans into the bag containing bread. I didn't say anything though I probably ought to, instead I spent time sorting and repacking the bags in the trunk of the car. I have to wonder, is this a lost art? Do you sort your groceries by weight...or am I an oddball?
Today I've been cleaning house, vacuuming, cleaning cat litter, washing floors, while my daughter does laundry and some baking. But she's run out of canola oil for her carrot cake muffins...I love carrot cake muffins so I'm off to Walmart to pick up a few items I forget or couldn't get yesterday. I expect it will be crazy busy...wish me luck.
Have a wonderful Sunday, everyone!
Friday, 20 December 2013
Monday, 16 December 2013
In the blink of an eye
Today marks the tenth anniversary of my Mom's death - it seems to have passed in moments rather than years. Last year I wrote her a letter, today I'm going to share some of her story. At least the little that I know.
Mom was on Christmas Day in 1928 to John W. and Mary Stewart (Grandpa and Nan as I knew them). Grandpa always complained the year mom was born he only got a turkey sandwich for his Christmas dinner. Maybe that is why Mom usually hosted Christmas dinner when we were children...she was still making it up to her dad.
When she was still a young child, she moved with our parents to the town where I grew up. They built a large home, in which Nan operated a rooming house, while Grandpa worked wherever he could. It was the thirties and things were not easy. Nan and Grandpa had three more children after mom, my aunts E and A, and uncle B.
As a young woman, Mom was quite the athlete (I didn't get that gene from her!). She did track and field, figure skated and played baseball. She played catcher, and had the misfortune of being hit in the face in one game, breaking her glasses. She was fortunate in the glass didn't end up in her eye but she apparently had quite the shiner.
Mom told me once when she finished high school she wanted to be a journalist and travel the world. But when she graduated, Grandpa wasn't working so she felt she had to get a job to help her family. She went to teacher's college for two years and began teaching at rural schools.
Somewhere along the line (and this is where things get fuzzy for me), Mom married, moved to Ontario and had a child, my older brother M. The marriage didn`t work out so mom returned to Saskatchewan, went back to teaching, while Nan and Grandpa carried for M.
When my brother was 4 years old, she met and married my Dad. From mom I learned the first years of their marriage were not easy. Dad was eighteen years older than mom, a man of 44 to her 26 years. He was a bit spoiled by his mom and sister with whom he still loved, and a bit set in his ways. She said he insisted that she keep track of every penny she spent. I didn`t truly believe her until we found the old ledgers when we were clearing out the house.
Eventually they had three more children, I was first, followed in rapid succession by my younger sister and brother. Although they waited five years after their marriage, mom had the three of us over a period of 35 months. I`m sure she was certain she`d never see the end of diapers!
Mom was a gardener extraordinaire. She grew a huge vegetable garden, fruit trees, and flower beds galore. Every fall she canned and froze vegetables, made jars of pickles, jams, and jellies. Her only failure was when she tried to keep chickens, between the owl and the fox, there weren`t many left in the fall for butchering.
Eventually we grew up and Mom went back to work. When I was a teenager she worked in a local hardware store, mostly over the Christmas season. I suspect her working was to help pay for the Christmas bills as she usually didn't work outside the home any other time of the year. Later, when I'd left home she got a job driving truck for a local fertilizer company through the spring months.
When Dad retired from farming, they moved to a house in town. Mom became more involved in her local church and volunteered at the hospital canteen. She had Dad work up a huge garden spot for her and three flower beds were also added. She loved to dig in the dirt (this I did inherit from her).
Mom had her first stroke on Christmas Eve 1994. (Christmas dinner that year sucked...it was the first time the rest of us tried to cook a turkey without Mom supervising, While I complain I suspect the day was worse for her). She lost some mobility on her left side, though eventually regained most of it. Unfortunately she continued to have small strokes the rest of her life and each one took a little more out of her.
The last year of her life was especially hard for her. Mom lost a lot of weight, had difficulty eating, and was in obvious discomfort. Although she was never diagnosed (she refused to have the tests) it became clear to everyone she likely had cancer. Despite her pain, she kept up her garden (with Dad's help) and in the weeks before she was hospitalized she purchased Christmas gifts for her family.
In late November 2003, she told her doctor she needed to be hospitalized or moved to a nursing home. Dr K. agreed and she was admitted to the hospital for the last time. Less than a month later, she passed away with my brother R and I by her side. She was nine days short of her 75th birthday.
Mom was an incredibly strong woman, with strong opinions and frequently a sharp tongue. She loved her family, but had difficulty showing it, hugs and kisses were not easy to give or receive. Instead she demonstrated her love in her baking, her cooking and her (often unsolicited) advice. She could be sarcastic and had a quick wit. I recall her telling me once, that I was growing faster east-west than I was north-south.
Her life was not easy, she put aside her own dreams to help her parents and her children, and often put her own needs last. Mom was my role model and although I didn't necessarily appreciate her at the time, I wish she were still here telling me what to do and how to do it!
I miss you Mom, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you and wish we had had more time together.
Mom was on Christmas Day in 1928 to John W. and Mary Stewart (Grandpa and Nan as I knew them). Grandpa always complained the year mom was born he only got a turkey sandwich for his Christmas dinner. Maybe that is why Mom usually hosted Christmas dinner when we were children...she was still making it up to her dad.
When she was still a young child, she moved with our parents to the town where I grew up. They built a large home, in which Nan operated a rooming house, while Grandpa worked wherever he could. It was the thirties and things were not easy. Nan and Grandpa had three more children after mom, my aunts E and A, and uncle B.
As a young woman, Mom was quite the athlete (I didn't get that gene from her!). She did track and field, figure skated and played baseball. She played catcher, and had the misfortune of being hit in the face in one game, breaking her glasses. She was fortunate in the glass didn't end up in her eye but she apparently had quite the shiner.
Mom told me once when she finished high school she wanted to be a journalist and travel the world. But when she graduated, Grandpa wasn't working so she felt she had to get a job to help her family. She went to teacher's college for two years and began teaching at rural schools.
Somewhere along the line (and this is where things get fuzzy for me), Mom married, moved to Ontario and had a child, my older brother M. The marriage didn`t work out so mom returned to Saskatchewan, went back to teaching, while Nan and Grandpa carried for M.
When my brother was 4 years old, she met and married my Dad. From mom I learned the first years of their marriage were not easy. Dad was eighteen years older than mom, a man of 44 to her 26 years. He was a bit spoiled by his mom and sister with whom he still loved, and a bit set in his ways. She said he insisted that she keep track of every penny she spent. I didn`t truly believe her until we found the old ledgers when we were clearing out the house.
Eventually they had three more children, I was first, followed in rapid succession by my younger sister and brother. Although they waited five years after their marriage, mom had the three of us over a period of 35 months. I`m sure she was certain she`d never see the end of diapers!
Mom was a gardener extraordinaire. She grew a huge vegetable garden, fruit trees, and flower beds galore. Every fall she canned and froze vegetables, made jars of pickles, jams, and jellies. Her only failure was when she tried to keep chickens, between the owl and the fox, there weren`t many left in the fall for butchering.
Eventually we grew up and Mom went back to work. When I was a teenager she worked in a local hardware store, mostly over the Christmas season. I suspect her working was to help pay for the Christmas bills as she usually didn't work outside the home any other time of the year. Later, when I'd left home she got a job driving truck for a local fertilizer company through the spring months.
When Dad retired from farming, they moved to a house in town. Mom became more involved in her local church and volunteered at the hospital canteen. She had Dad work up a huge garden spot for her and three flower beds were also added. She loved to dig in the dirt (this I did inherit from her).
Mom had her first stroke on Christmas Eve 1994. (Christmas dinner that year sucked...it was the first time the rest of us tried to cook a turkey without Mom supervising, While I complain I suspect the day was worse for her). She lost some mobility on her left side, though eventually regained most of it. Unfortunately she continued to have small strokes the rest of her life and each one took a little more out of her.
The last year of her life was especially hard for her. Mom lost a lot of weight, had difficulty eating, and was in obvious discomfort. Although she was never diagnosed (she refused to have the tests) it became clear to everyone she likely had cancer. Despite her pain, she kept up her garden (with Dad's help) and in the weeks before she was hospitalized she purchased Christmas gifts for her family.
In late November 2003, she told her doctor she needed to be hospitalized or moved to a nursing home. Dr K. agreed and she was admitted to the hospital for the last time. Less than a month later, she passed away with my brother R and I by her side. She was nine days short of her 75th birthday.
Mom was an incredibly strong woman, with strong opinions and frequently a sharp tongue. She loved her family, but had difficulty showing it, hugs and kisses were not easy to give or receive. Instead she demonstrated her love in her baking, her cooking and her (often unsolicited) advice. She could be sarcastic and had a quick wit. I recall her telling me once, that I was growing faster east-west than I was north-south.
Her life was not easy, she put aside her own dreams to help her parents and her children, and often put her own needs last. Mom was my role model and although I didn't necessarily appreciate her at the time, I wish she were still here telling me what to do and how to do it!
I miss you Mom, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you and wish we had had more time together.
Sunday, 15 December 2013
Snowy Sunday
The entire province of Saskatchewan has been in the deep freeze all week. Temperatures have remained in the minus high twenties and low thirties with wind chills making it feel ten degrees or more colder for what feels like forever but was really about 10 days. Have I said recently how much I hate winter?
There is a general assumption that it won't snow when it is cold. I can prove that incorrect because we got snow and a fair amount of it. I shoveled the driveway yesterday but we got more snow overnight and with the wind blowing it around I looked out the front door to this view early this morning.
Sigh...
The wind blows the snow off the room and it forms a ridge beside the walkway. I don't bother trying to clear out the walkway around the side of the house because I can't keep it clear and the ridge hardens to a rock like consistency.
Another drift always blows in right in front of the garage. After my efforts, the drift is now on the next door neighbours lawn. (About two feet of the lawn edge is on my property)
The front walk still needs a bit of clearing though I'll wait until the afternoon when the temperature is supposed to reach a balmy -6C (21F).
The temperature is still cold, at -16C or about 0F.
Though after the past week's wind chills I was comfortable out there. Of course, I had on lots of layers and was getting my workout!
The snow has some benefits as it covers my spruce tree and provides a shelter for the rabbits. I'd be happy if this were the last of it, but I'm afraid even though winter doesn't officially arrive until next weekend, winter weather is here to stay for at least five months.
Sigh...
Oh well, at least it is Sunday and I can stay indoors for the rest of the day if I choose! Have a great day everyday everyone.
There is a general assumption that it won't snow when it is cold. I can prove that incorrect because we got snow and a fair amount of it. I shoveled the driveway yesterday but we got more snow overnight and with the wind blowing it around I looked out the front door to this view early this morning.Sigh...
The wind blows the snow off the room and it forms a ridge beside the walkway. I don't bother trying to clear out the walkway around the side of the house because I can't keep it clear and the ridge hardens to a rock like consistency.
Another drift always blows in right in front of the garage. After my efforts, the drift is now on the next door neighbours lawn. (About two feet of the lawn edge is on my property)
Though after the past week's wind chills I was comfortable out there. Of course, I had on lots of layers and was getting my workout!
The snow has some benefits as it covers my spruce tree and provides a shelter for the rabbits. I'd be happy if this were the last of it, but I'm afraid even though winter doesn't officially arrive until next weekend, winter weather is here to stay for at least five months.
Sigh...
Oh well, at least it is Sunday and I can stay indoors for the rest of the day if I choose! Have a great day everyday everyone.
Tuesday, 10 December 2013
What fun!
My Deniece spent Saturday night with us and we had great time. We spent the evening putting up the Christmas tree, having Chinese food, and watching curling.At one point she turned to me and said, "Aunty are we really going to put all of these decorations on the tree?" She told their tree at home is quite different as it covered in her and her brother's homemade ornaments, pictures, ribbons, and the like.
My daughter assured her that one time our tree had similar items (except ribbons...the cats tend to eat them) but as they grew up the ornaments became more prevalent.
We were all tired (well...she wouldn't admit she was) so were in bed early, by 10 p.m. Shortly after 6:30 a.m. I heard her stirring but I knew she had books to keep her entertained so I went back to sleep. By 7 though she was up and at 'em. I came out to the kitchen to find her taking plates, forks and knives out to set the table.
I made a pot of coffee, got dressed, and sent her off to her room to dress as well. My daughter D got up at the same time, and we soon had pancakes and bacon on the table. I normally don't eat until I've been awake for an hour or so, thus was surprised to realize I was hungry. In any event, she wasn't waiting!
The table was cleared and I brought out the sewing machine. L immediately sat down, but I explained to her there is more to sewing than using the machine. I had her We ironed the material, trace the pattern, cut it out. pin it to the material and cut out her pieces. The first pieces were a mess as she was in a hurry (no surprise, I know she was excited) so she was off on the cutting lines. After another attempt she got the hang of it.I found that was the case with throughout the process. I`d show her what was needed, she`d try and struggle a bit, but the next time round she did really well. What a quick study! I showed how to thread the machine, replace the bobbin, and re-thread the machine again. It was much easier for her with her little fingers and better eyesight!
\
After we cleared away the sewing machine and all the craft supplies, she and my daughter mixed up a batch of butter tarts. While those were baking L wrapped a few gifts for my daughter.
When her mom came to pick her up at noon, I was exhausted and she was still going strong! I'm pretty certain she had fun, as I've had an e-mail from my brother asking me if I'll watch the two children on December 16 while their parents go out to dinner. I've said yes....I bet I can get all my gifts wrapped before their parents pick them up!
(I doubt my Denephew will help - I have Lego for him)
It's been a long time since I've had a young person in the house. It was a fun evening/morning and I'm looking forward to spending time with L. She's a pretty special girl!
Saturday, 7 December 2013
Baby, it's cold out there!
We're under a wind chill warning since yesterday, with no relief in sight for at least a couple of days. When temperatures are this cold, my winter coat crackles, my car is "like a rock", and I dread even spending a few minutes outside.
But I've got appointments that have to be kept, Christmas gifts to pick up, and my niece is coming to spend the night and I'll pick her up from dance later this afternoon. We'll have dinner brought in (to celebrate D's birthday), put up the Christmas tree, and maybe even wrap some gifts.
Tomorrow morning, we'll be tackling the sewing machine so she can learn some basics. I'm forward to our time together. She's a character, witty and funny, and at the age where you're never quite sure what they'll say. She's eleven, going on seven or seventeen depending on the moment. It's going to fun!
Hope everyone has a warm and fun weekend!
Friday, 6 December 2013
Thursday, 5 December 2013
Happy Birthday Baby
Thirty two years ago today I gave birth to my daughter D. (Crazy...how can it possibly be 32 years ago already?) I was only 22 years old, single, scared and yet excited beyond belief. If I knew then what I know now...I'd have been even more afraid.
My labor started two days earlier and by the time they wheeled me to the operating room I was screaming at the doctors to get her out. (27 hours of "hard labor" will do that to you). I recall one of the friendly nurses said to me at one point when I said I couldn't take it anymore "you should have thought of that nine months ago".
But when I met my girl a few hours later, it all didn't matter any more. When they handed me the bundle containing the pink little girl with blonde hair and blue eyes I fell in love. I think that happens on purpose because by the time you figure out what parenting really means you're too invested to give it up.
Since that day, my love for her remains, but occasionally I don't particularly like her very much and often don't understand her. We probably wouldn't be friends if we weren't related because although we share many things, we differ in some really significant ways. She's very opinionated (sort of like her mother), she gotten a stubborn streak a mile wide (much like her mother), and she's a definite drama queen (I'm pretty sure she gets that from her father).
One of our major differences is our expectations of birthdays. To me it is another day, I don't like a fuss, and would prefer it be kept low key or, even better, forgotten. D, on the other hand, is an attention seeking missile. This year, she decided since we don't make enough of a production of her birthday, she will. For the past two days she has been cooking, making appetizers, veggie trays, sandwiches, and baking desserts. All of this to take to work with her to share with her co-workers.
I don't get it.
When she was little, I did the whole birthday party thing, inviting her little friends over for hot dogs, cake and presents. I decorated, made treat bags for her friends to take home with them, and sometimes I even planned games for them to play (what? four year olds can't amuse themselves?). As she got older, we went to a local fast food restaurant, where the staff would entertain the children, and the weary moms could hang out together, drink coffee, and be grateful for someone else watching our kids for an hour or so. Still later, she had sleepovers for her birthday, though no one got much sleep, with three to four girls starting off giggling, but by morning someone was always in tears, overtired and overstimulated.
Maybe it's my fault. Oh yeah, it's always the mom's fault.
Despite our differences, I love my girl. She's bright, creative, capable, interesting, and sometimes the most annoying person I know. I may not understand her...but she's mine...and after 32 years I guess I'll keep her.
Happy birthday D!
My labor started two days earlier and by the time they wheeled me to the operating room I was screaming at the doctors to get her out. (27 hours of "hard labor" will do that to you). I recall one of the friendly nurses said to me at one point when I said I couldn't take it anymore "you should have thought of that nine months ago".
But when I met my girl a few hours later, it all didn't matter any more. When they handed me the bundle containing the pink little girl with blonde hair and blue eyes I fell in love. I think that happens on purpose because by the time you figure out what parenting really means you're too invested to give it up.
Since that day, my love for her remains, but occasionally I don't particularly like her very much and often don't understand her. We probably wouldn't be friends if we weren't related because although we share many things, we differ in some really significant ways. She's very opinionated (sort of like her mother), she gotten a stubborn streak a mile wide (much like her mother), and she's a definite drama queen (I'm pretty sure she gets that from her father).
One of our major differences is our expectations of birthdays. To me it is another day, I don't like a fuss, and would prefer it be kept low key or, even better, forgotten. D, on the other hand, is an attention seeking missile. This year, she decided since we don't make enough of a production of her birthday, she will. For the past two days she has been cooking, making appetizers, veggie trays, sandwiches, and baking desserts. All of this to take to work with her to share with her co-workers.
I don't get it.
When she was little, I did the whole birthday party thing, inviting her little friends over for hot dogs, cake and presents. I decorated, made treat bags for her friends to take home with them, and sometimes I even planned games for them to play (what? four year olds can't amuse themselves?). As she got older, we went to a local fast food restaurant, where the staff would entertain the children, and the weary moms could hang out together, drink coffee, and be grateful for someone else watching our kids for an hour or so. Still later, she had sleepovers for her birthday, though no one got much sleep, with three to four girls starting off giggling, but by morning someone was always in tears, overtired and overstimulated.
Maybe it's my fault. Oh yeah, it's always the mom's fault.
Despite our differences, I love my girl. She's bright, creative, capable, interesting, and sometimes the most annoying person I know. I may not understand her...but she's mine...and after 32 years I guess I'll keep her.
Happy birthday D!
Sunday, 1 December 2013
Jamaica!
I'm so far behind, I'm not sure I'll ever get caught up. Although I got back from my vacation on Monday it's been a busy week, both at work and at home.
Did you know it is December? Silly me...I go on vacation in November and for some reason I didn't make that link. Only when I saw the countdown to Christmas (on a whiteboard at work) did I realize how quickly the month had passed.
So between work, the union annual meeting, laundry, housework, shopping for groceries, more housework, starting the Christmas shopping, and more housework, I've had limited time to be on the computer. Today I hope to rectify this...between baking, curling games, and snow shoveling ...and more housework. I love my kids, but they sure don't keep the house up to my standards. To be honest, I don't always either but the cleaning bug has bit me the last few days. Weird, I know.
Anyway, rather than babbling on I'll share some of the photos from my week in Jamaica.
The Gran Bahia Principe resort was beautiful, the food was fantastic, and the company terrific. We were a group of 15 in total including the four children. We would see one another at meals and throughout the day at the pool or beach.
This is the view from our room. I think we had the best room in the entire resort as we were no more than 5-10 minutes from everything.
Our room was lovely inside as well as out. Unlike other resorts I've been to the bed was incredibly comfortable. I certainly got lots of sleep while I was there!
The beach views were breathtaking. This one was taken on the first afternoon we arrived down by the wedding gazebo.
The view from my sun lounger was very nice. The bay was man made, created when the resort was opened in 2007. The few waves you can see in the distance are where the ocean broke into the bay. We were able to walk out a long way before the water was over our heads.
On Thursday, we took a trip to Ocho Rios to the flea market, then to Coyaba Gardens, and then to Dunn's River Falls.
I wasn't able to take photos at the falls as my camera was not waterproof. I wasn't about to pay the $40 for the video showing our group climbing the falls. So I have no proof but I did make it all the way to the top. It was fantastic!
The garden was gorgeous. I could have spent an entire day there but we only had 45 minutes or so. These are just a few of the photos I took.
This tree's bark was like hardwood. It felt so smooth under my hand.
I could imagine relaxing by the stream for hours, enjoying the sounds of the water running, the birds calling, and just enjoying the lush greenery.
This was a variety of ginger lily. It was so beautiful....my photo does not do it justice!
November is the tail end of the rainy season in Jamaica. It usually rained during the night with the occasional shower during the day. One morning we woke to this beautiful rainbow.
The temperature ranged from a low of 27C to a high of 31C each day. It was perfect!
Because I love the absurd I have to share this with you. Apparently something was lost in the translation. It appears it is okay to inappropriately undress in the pool....
This final shot was take as I walked along the beach at 7 a.m. on our last day at the resort. The beach was quiet, there were only a few others out and no one was yet in the water. We'd had rain overnight and the clouds were just clearing out.
What a beautiful place!
I'm not so naive as to think this is indicative of the entire island. Our drive to and from the airport and on our excursion disclosed the level of poverty that exists. The resort, though, is paradise, a beautiful spot for a wedding, and a wonderful place to relax and unwind.
And on that note, it's time to got outside and shovel snow!
Did you know it is December? Silly me...I go on vacation in November and for some reason I didn't make that link. Only when I saw the countdown to Christmas (on a whiteboard at work) did I realize how quickly the month had passed.
So between work, the union annual meeting, laundry, housework, shopping for groceries, more housework, starting the Christmas shopping, and more housework, I've had limited time to be on the computer. Today I hope to rectify this...between baking, curling games, and snow shoveling ...and more housework. I love my kids, but they sure don't keep the house up to my standards. To be honest, I don't always either but the cleaning bug has bit me the last few days. Weird, I know.
Anyway, rather than babbling on I'll share some of the photos from my week in Jamaica.
The Gran Bahia Principe resort was beautiful, the food was fantastic, and the company terrific. We were a group of 15 in total including the four children. We would see one another at meals and throughout the day at the pool or beach.
This is the view from our room. I think we had the best room in the entire resort as we were no more than 5-10 minutes from everything.
The beach views were breathtaking. This one was taken on the first afternoon we arrived down by the wedding gazebo.
On Thursday, we took a trip to Ocho Rios to the flea market, then to Coyaba Gardens, and then to Dunn's River Falls.
I wasn't able to take photos at the falls as my camera was not waterproof. I wasn't about to pay the $40 for the video showing our group climbing the falls. So I have no proof but I did make it all the way to the top. It was fantastic!
This tree's bark was like hardwood. It felt so smooth under my hand.
I could imagine relaxing by the stream for hours, enjoying the sounds of the water running, the birds calling, and just enjoying the lush greenery.
The temperature ranged from a low of 27C to a high of 31C each day. It was perfect!
Because I love the absurd I have to share this with you. Apparently something was lost in the translation. It appears it is okay to inappropriately undress in the pool....
This final shot was take as I walked along the beach at 7 a.m. on our last day at the resort. The beach was quiet, there were only a few others out and no one was yet in the water. We'd had rain overnight and the clouds were just clearing out.
I'm not so naive as to think this is indicative of the entire island. Our drive to and from the airport and on our excursion disclosed the level of poverty that exists. The resort, though, is paradise, a beautiful spot for a wedding, and a wonderful place to relax and unwind.
And on that note, it's time to got outside and shovel snow!
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