Sunday, July 29, 2007

About 1958 - 59?


I think I was about 14 and Bro about 9 here.
We would visit Grandma and Grandpa - Bro thinks we were just leaving for the train ride home. They had a box or two of vegs tied up for Mom and Dad. Grandpa put the box in the over head rack.I was so humiliated to sit under a box with carrot tops gently swaying to the rock of the train. BUT - we bought Mom and Dad a red handled corn broom as a gift!!!! Now, tell me we weren't cool!

Couldn't Resist This One!

Friday, July 27, 2007

Happy Birthday, Elaine!


Everyone in Bloggyville is wishing you the best birthday ever! We know you'll have lots of friends and family to enjoy your special day. So, from all the Wacky Women (and men), "Happy Birthday."

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

My Grandma and Grandpa

"A Flashlight, Their Cell"

Remember staying at their house - he used to work midnight shift at the coal mine. She would wait at the window with her flashlight. Once he had safely climbed to the top of the tipple, he would blink his flashlight and she would answer back with hers. I would peer into the blackness til I "found" the twinkling little light. She'd say something to the effect, "There's Grandpa, he's safe". Then she would go to bed.
A sweet memory of them.

Sunday, July 22, 2007

RAK Day at the Connector


We pulled up to the toll booth, $10.00 in hand. "You're paid" she said. We were perplexed. She explained, "That little truck up ahead paid your toll."

It's amazing how our hearts swelled - we were overwhelmed. Some stranger had done his "Random Act of Kindness"

Although RAK day was over, we paid the toll for the guy behind us when we headed home.

Such a small, HUGE thing!

Family Dinner About 1955???


So this is part of the group at family dinner. DingDong Grandma is sitting under the clock - little did she know how fitting that chair would become! Our Mom (DD's daughter) is to the far right and AuntieMaime (Shirl) is at the far left - va,va,voom! My Bro (who sends all the wonderful pics) is by Mom.
As usual, click on the pic- some great details

Cookies, Candy and Beef Buns

There's not much to eat at the Halifax airport - especially at 5:30 am. We departed Halifax at 7 am so were very hungry once on board. I think we bought muffins or something. Not very filling.

Anyway, got chatting with a nice young fellow who told us he had attended his uncle's funeral and was headed home now. Wife couldn't come along due to the expense. He kept rustling around in a paper bag and offered to share his cookies and candy. Hmmm - anyway, see the food cart headed our way and asked if he wanted a bun or something. Westjet charges but that's Ok. He said he was Ok as had "leftovers" from the funeral luncheon - those cookies and candies, I suspected.

I ordered 3 beef buns and silently handed him one - he devoured it while mumbling a grateful "thanks" - So glad I did that cause you never know if you'll offend.

Friday, July 20, 2007

The Doc and Mary Poppins


Laughing about an incident that happened after lunch at the office. Doc flips after realizing he used "Mary Poppins" toothbrush. He freaks and she's totally indignant. I stood there killing myself laughing - "See, Doc, this is why my brush is kept secreted far away from the others". (Which, I might add, you used to kid me about.)

I chuckled to myself all day and when our eyes met, it was all I could do to not burst out laughing.

At 5pm, he and I were waiting for the traffic light. He murmured to himself/me, "Now I'll have what every guy in in town has." This was too much - I was in hysterics inside. Sympathetically, I patted him on the back. "Have a good evening, Doc." He nodded in misery.

Waved as we headed separate ways to our cars. Couldn't resist calling out, "All's not lost - remember, you can write prescriptions." I chuckled all the way to my car bearing the looks of freaked out passers by. Still laughing.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Split Cherry Crop - - -


Had a driving rain storm this morn which is death for cherry orchardists - the cherries tend to split. So, the orchardists have to hire helicopters to blow the rain off the cherries - can't be much profit in that unless you're huge.

Anyway, our house is on a ridge with huge cherries orchards all around - heard noise and looked out. I thought a copter was in distress and about to hit our neighbor's house - one level lower. Talk about freaky - I actually ducked - a lot of good that would have done.

They are still flying tonight so I'd hate to guess what that bill will be.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Panning for Diamonds


Really wish I had bought my metal detector when I was thinking about it - my diamond ring went missing a couple days ago - set it on the glass lamp table - went back for it and gone! Buddy looked suspiciously guilty to me but he always does. It was his unusual "ack!!" sound that piqued my interest. Ring stuck in throat? I looked at him and wondered if I could "shake" it out of him. Put that idea aside and decided to feed him mega meals to get the process going and therefore the recovery of my ring.

The vet is not going to like your weight, Cat.

The cat blissfully ate his offerings wondering why she was being so generous - but who's to question that?! I watched him eat - imagining my ring on it's journey! Soon we were both bored and I sat down by the glass table to decide how I would approach the recovery.

Picked my hair clip up and there was my ring, caught in the teeth of the comb! Happy, happy. Well, I am - the cat's back on regular rations.

Remembering "Ding Dong" Grandma


I was mortified when Spark referred to her as "DingDong" Grandma - mercy!

He very casually explained something to me and called my mom Grandma and her Mom, DingDong Grandma.

Mom and Dad lived in DingDong's suite so he had to find a way to differentiate between the 2 grandmas, I guess. Life's confusing enough for a child. It was, of course, her mantle's chiming clock he used as reference. Brilliant.

Not sure if DingDong Grandma ever heard herself referred to as such. Kind of doubt it. Maybe once - - -

Anyway, she would have been celebrating her birthday today.

Uh, Happy Birthday, Ding Dong Grandma!

Saturday, July 14, 2007

That Would Be My Luck!

BOHEMIA, N.Y. (AP) - There were flashing lights atop his SUV and what appeared to be a police badge in his hand, but it was the man he tried to pull over who was the real police detective.

Robert Lane, 25, was arrested Tuesday on charges of criminal impersonation and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, Suffolk County police said.

Lane was driving an SUV fitted with flashing lights when he tried to stop the off-duty New York police detective on a highway on Long Island, Suffolk police said. They said Lane told investigators the detective had cut him off.

The detective got suspicious when Lane drove up alongside him, identified himself as an officer and flashed a small police badge, Suffolk police said.

The detective showed his own police ID and ordered Lane to pull over, then followed him when he didn't and called in local police to arrest him, authorities said.

Friday, July 13, 2007

So it's the 13th - ahem

Casually chatting with Bro when he announces it Friday the 13th - thanks a lot! Set Hon's calendar this morn and turned the wheelies: Friday July 13 - done. Carry on with my day. Didn't even think about it. Til now - - -

This brought me to memories of Dad - he loved telling us about the superstitions various hockey players had - especially the goalies. He loved goalies and knew it was his job (defense) to protect them. Back then they didn't have masks or equipment like now.

He would laugh and say you had to be crazy to be goalie and you "needed" these rituals and superstitions to survive a game.

Well, happy 13th Everyone and thanks for reminding me, Bro!

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Got Some Things Done


Today was very productive. I cleaned the 3 sides of our entry (siding) and partway over the garage. Then scrubbed garage door. It's still filthy - it's wood and overdue for a paint job. Maybe when it's a bit cooler.
Hung clothes out and got the rest of the apples off the tree except one- there's always one! It's too high so will get my Hon to take a whack at it.
Now we're are going out to gather the apples in bags - have to dispose of them. It would be so much easier if I could toss them in the compost. The branches I cut off the other day have to be tied in bundles and hauled away.
Here condo, condo. Ha,ha.

Wishy Washy Ol' Me


Getting a late start to the day but good morning! This red hot poker plant kind of describes our weather! (As usual, photo credit to bro)

Spent a little time getting caught up on the news with Auntie Maime. It's very hot again and the pool lawn has to be mowed today -

Which brings me to the boring subject of move: don't move!! Good grief I think I'll write a list of the pros and cons and try to make sense of it.

Our neighbors are having a BBQ party Saturday night. They need to borrow lawn chairs so that will get my fanny going. I have to wipe them down(the chairs!) and get the cushions from the storage room. Got the lawns cut yesterday except the pool one so the yard is "presentable".

Have a nice, sunny day where ever you are - opened email to find ones from Mark, MiHwa and Trish. They are all early birds - well, I think I'm just a late old bird!

Cheers to all my friends.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Word of the Week "Decisions"

snide dice

Heat is Taking It's Toll


Just talked to my bro' - he said this plant is now a crumpled heap - it's well watered but can't take the heat - 99 in Vancouver.

A Seedy Solution


I may have the solution for staying in this house for a bit. My problem is we are on .28 acre and it's too much for me - so, my solution is to grass in 2/3 of the garden and just keep a patch for a few plants. That way I could get a teen to mow the lawns, if necessary.

Any thoughts?

Make Work Project - - -


My Hon has an extensive book collection - which grows by the week, I might add.

Anyway, he has a nice little office/den downstairs where he built lovely bookshelves. They were filled to over flowing.

Beside his bed, nice big bookcase - filled to overflowing. About a year ago, we moved his favorites upstairs to the "beside the bed bookcase". Filled to the hilt.

I thought the solution was wonderful - but some days he remembers his bookshelves in the den. He will go down and bring up several books several times a day --- as there is no room left in his bookcase, our headboard and chiffonier and dresser get stacks of books on them.

So, I have my personal "make work project" courtesy of my Hon. He hauls them up and I take them down. A never ending process.

Why am I not skinny as a twig:)

Monday, July 9, 2007

For Dan!

Couldn't let your Birthday go by without some balloons! xx oo

Happy Birthday, Dan!!!


Oh, so many years a baby boy was born who made his parents very proud.

Birthday wishes are sent to a fine man who we hold dear in our family and in our hearts.

Wish we were with you to celebrate! All the best to a wonderful brother - in - law! Happy, happy, and more happiness to you.

Love from us!

Tagged by Laura



8 Random Facts About Me

(1) Love to cook and entertain -

(2) Can be super organized - I was when I worked!

(3) My family is 100% important to me.

(4) Enjoy reading, gardening, cooking and shopping.

(5) Drive a Civic and a (hot) little 1/4 ton truck:)

(6) Have met the most incredible people thru blogging.

(7) Married to a wonderful guy who happened to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's way too early in life.

(8) Truly believe that 99% of the people in the world have the same aspirations we all do -

Dolphins - Vancouver

There's something about dolphins - I want to hug them! Hope you enjoy. (photo by Mark)

Sunday, July 8, 2007


This tomato dish was excellent tasting. (I used Feta cheese in it.)

For the veg dish, I made my own combo of vegs but the recipe attached sounds good. I use lots of black pepper, Italian seasoning and garlic. Also, I marinate about 40 minutes in Italian dressing. Delicious!

Saturday, July 7, 2007

Heat + Company = BBQ!


So I just took a break from my BBQ plans for this evening . We invited for 7pm as it's just too hot outside and who wants to sit inside??

Every offering will be a new recipe - except the steak, ha,ha. Actually, the "fixings" for the steak will be new, too.

Love to fly by the seat of my pants, so to speak. There's a certain thrill wondering how it will turn out. Always warn my guests that they are in for a "new" treat. If it bombs there's always cereal - just kidding.

I have to choose an "outfit" cause guess I'm dressing these days. Hee, hee. Who thought up that silly idea?

Friday, July 6, 2007

Grief Presents for Many Reasons


The loss of a loved one to death causes agonizing grief. I have experienced that several times in my life.
At first raw grief is almost physical pain. Thankfully, the immediate pain slowly eases a bit over the months that follow. In order to try to put my loss in perspective, I would hear of others' losses. This helped me to accept mine.

Grief follows loss of pets. We vowed never to have another pet after our first one died but eventually knew we could offer lots of love and vice versa. So down the same road we traveled with subsequent pets.

Loss of jobs, engagements, marriages, friends - grief has to be dealt with.

The past several years I have grieved the loss of my Hon to Alzheimer's disease. The blessing is that I still have him physically with me. It was interesting in that I asked our MD for medication - for me - to make the pain go away. His answer - you are grieving. You need to grieve and work it out. He was right but I wanted an instant "fix". So far I am dealing with our situation without meds for me!

Someone commented they liked seeing the angel on the side bar: "On the wings of time, grief flies away" Said it helped to read it. Me, too, thanks!

Turning a New Leaf - - -


So I've decided to turn my life around and start "dressing up" - yuck! Actually, I love to dress up but over the years I became used to uniforms all day and very casual wear for the evenings and weekends.

So - - -after going thru the closets, it's really crazy to have tons of stuff just sitting in garment bags.

If we go to the hotel for Christmas I'll be belle of the ball - whatever, ha. Anyway, I will "practice" this weekend for our BBQ. May actually wear a patio dress. That will bowl them over.

How about you?

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Patio Lights


I'm looking for unique patio lights. Saw lovely ones in the states which were little red/white/blue stars. Very patriotic. Silly me - didn't grab them and then forgot.

We had the old stand by cylindrical red, green and yellow ones. Tossed those years ago.

"Word of the Week" Fireworks!



Wednesday, July 4, 2007

FYI

Special occasions

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY GIFTS

Year Traditional Modern
1st Paper Clock
2nd Cotton China
3rd Leather Crystal, Glass
4th Books Electrical Appliances
5th Wood Silverware
6th Sugar, Candy Wood
7th Wool, Copper Desk Sets
8th Bronze, Pottery Linens, Laces
9th Pottery, Willow Leather
10th Tin, Aluminum Diamond Jewelry
11th Steel Fashion Jewelry
12th Silk, Linen Pearls
13th Lace Textiles, Fur
14th Ivory Gold Jewelry
15th Crystal Watches
20th China Platinum
25th Silver Sterling Silver
30th Pearl Diamond
35th Coral Jade
40th Ruby Ruby
45th Sapphire Sapphire
50th Gold Gold
55th Emerald Emerald
60th Diamond Diamond
75th Diamond Diamond

30 = 90


So it was 30 here today. A bit too warm for me. Local regulations make us strip our apple tree (if we not commercial growers - even tho we get everything professionally sprayed). Long story short, our tree has a lot of green baby apples (Red Delicious). They are about 2" so give you a pretty good wake up if one hits you. And many hit me - hey, I have an excuse now.

Mowed the front and side lawns. With about 3 "swipes" left, I turned mower off. Too tired to finish. Rob, our neighbor came out and finished it. What a dear. The back lawn and the pool lawn has to be cut but I think a goat is in order.

Hope all my USA friends had a great day.

Pond From Bro's 3rd Floor Windows


Gunnera is huge - gives the fish nice protection.

Happy July 4th!


Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Sail Along Silvery Moon - - -


Our room was bathed in shimmery silver moonlight last night. Uh, you're right, we didn't have the window covered. Looked over at my Hon and he's blissfully sleeping with bright moonlight on his face. My first thought was that our new neighbors had installed a cursed motion detector aimed at our house. Sorry. Anyway, walked over to the window and the "culprit" was so beautiful.

I think tonight we'll enjoy it on the deck and cover the window.

Am marinating boneless pork chops to BBQ for this evening.

Hope everyone's day has gone well.

Monday, July 2, 2007

http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/conditions/07/02/alzheimers.smell.ap/index.html


Years ago, I was cooking turkey dinner. My Hon arrived home and I asked about the wonderful aroma. He said he didn't smell anything. Bells (of some sort) went off but I didn't know.

All's Quiet at Our House

Today I decided to sort the walk-in closet! Oh, what a job. Being my Hon is no longer working, I made "ruthless" (ha,ha) decisions.

Wow, he has room galore now. Upper rods are all short sleeve summer and the lower rods fall/winter. The T- shirts are on shelves. Shoes polished and in holders.

The gazillion belts are now a manageable number, too.

Confession time: my closet is next! (And I'm warning myself, I hate to part with anything!)

Sunday, July 1, 2007


We've been going thru very difficult days the past week - I had a heavy heart and couldn't write. At the same time, I realize we are luckier than a lot of folks. That gets me thru.

With the help of our sons, I had to make difficult decisions. Thanks, Guys. It appears the vale has a few hills which we are now climbing - one at a time. I guess I couldn't expect the way to be level.

Anyway, doing the best we can with a lot of moral support. Many thanks to everyone.