Well, Halloween tonight - I have to say the older I get, the less enthused! We usually have 80 - 100 kids so I have lots of treats on hand.

We'll turn off the lights about 8:30pm - it's a long 4 hours of screaming:)

Usually we watch a movie or just some TV afterwards.

No decorating or dressing up this year - which I'll miss - too much going on the do that.

Happy Halloween.

Finally a Few Pics

These just show the floors torn up and the place at the stairs to the dining room where we removed some really horrible spindles (IMHO).

The bookcase which is now in my laundry room, was made by my man in 1990. The men are going to build a matching one for me.

Will post more as the rooms are completed and the furniture back in place.

Sorry I was so long in doing it.

3 More Pics

Procrastination = Icicles

For all of September I vowed to wash windows - so guess what? I did them today. It's only 10 and a decent wind blowing. My hands were so cold.

Actually, it's been so chilly the last week that I didn't know if I'd get them done.

The outside of the back entry door also needed a good scrub. It was disgusting. Even the locks and handle were dirty.

Why, yes, I should receive (bad) housekeeper of the year award ~

What chores have you postponed or are you all set for fall?

Rocky Mountain High - - -

Ouch, no Rocky Mountain High in Denver last night - for a bit I thought they would teach Boston a lesson.

Those announcer have stats that blow my mind - no team has ever won if the manager sneezed twice before the 4th inning - Ok, maybe I exaggerate a bit.

We sat propped up on the bed, eating supper and enjoying the game.

Wise old one that I am, when the pitcher for Boston came up, I announced pitchers aren't good batters so - bam!!!!!!!!!Before I could spew forth my wisdom, he was on base.

After that I just watched the game in silence:)

Dark and Dangerous

So our floors are dark walnut and our cat is black/chocolate brown.

It's mighty dangerous being Buddy since we did the floors. He blends right in.

We were laughing last night that we may have to paint a white stripe on him for his sake. (Of course, just joking:)

So I've been getting new floors, etc. with the idea in mind that we may have to move in a couple years. It's so beautiful that I may have to stay!

Passports

We received our new passports 4 weeks after applying. That's just awesome. Last time it took over 4 months but sadly it was due to 9/11.

W said if they let us in with these pics, they're crazy - we do look like Ma and Pa Barker.

It never fails that I get my pic taken with long hair and then chop off 4". Last time my hair was 3" long for the pic and then I presented with it grown long enough to rest on my shoulders. Oh, well, I guess they scrutinize our beady eyes.

Remote Cordless Doorbell

So we finally have a cordless, remote doorbell. With Hallowe'en coming up, I can't think of a more perfect time to install one - they can scream their heads off with "trick or treat" and it won't bother us like the incessant chiming of a bell.

My Guy loves, loves, the little kids - especially when they are dressed up. He chats a bit with each one and waves to the parents.

Hopefully this year will see fewer and fewer coming around - we still bought 250 chocolate bars - good diet control for me as I made sure they had peanuts - I'm allergic. Between my man and the workers sampling, we are down a bit. I expect about 80 children. Once the 15 years olds who stand taller than I start arriving, lights out for sure. Seems that happens around 8pm. "Parents, do you know where your kids are?"

If I ever learn how to size pics I'll post some from Halloweens past. Both of us used to dress up. I have scary eyeglasses that light up and I love to knock the soxs off sassy kids (about 13 years of age). I peek thru the blinds and flash the glasses - they scream and then when I open the door, they are all macho and ask how I did that! Fun, fun.

BTW, if you need a very quick costume, dress in black and wrap battery mini lights around yourself. It's fun to open the door dressed all in black and flick the "on" switch to surprise them.

Ha,ha,ha. Thought I'd test you guys with this pic of fresh donuts - we walked by the little bakery today and the aroma was nothing short of sinful - but I resisted.

Remember years ago when we would eat several after school and chase them down with Co*e or whatever. Never gained an ounce - sigh.

Happy Birthday, Petra!

Birthday wishes being sent your way today. We hope you have a lovely birthday and are spoiled way too much!

Beware - This Post is a Rant!

So we initially subscribed in January 1974. Last week I canceled my subscription. My gripe is that I asked the paper be put in the pail on our step. No mail box but a 5 gallon pail I take in come morning and put out at bedtime! (Another annoyance but it's ugly) So, every 2000th paper, the carrier deems important enough to toss in the magic pail, the rest are "where ever". I'm sick of it and canceled.

When I inquired, they said we are rural so carriers don't deliver to the step. Well, for Heaven sake, my driveway in town plus our front sidewalk was 3' shorter than here. And your point is?

I didn't get into all that - the aggravation isn't worth it. Plus, I've read the news on the internet 2 days before our paper prints it. Gotta say that I do miss the comics and "the routine" but since W is never up to share coffee and the paper anymore it doesn't mean much to me.

Told her I will resubscribe if they get a carrier willing to walk the extra 3 feet:)

End of rant.

I Smell a Rat - - -

So, I booked Buddy into the cat hotel aka luxury villa for a few days. Wouldn't mind staying there myself, to be honest. She'd just have to get a larger post for me to crouch on!

Floors are being started tomorrow and felt it best he wasn't here for his sake and ours. Anyway, cat's giving me the cold shoulder and loving my Man up - not my fault I had to make the phone call, you know!

Anyway, cat goes in at 4pm today and I then have to get home and move the last stuff out of the way for our renovator. He said he'd be here at 10am Tuesday.

I will post pics. Right now we have vinyl in the kitchen and parquet (which I hate) in the entry. The dining room, kitchen, back and front entries and halls will be dark walnut laminate. The living room will be carpet but I'm not sure I can get it done by Christmas - mostly cause I can't choose it!

The carpets in the bedrooms will remain for now but I'll probably laminate the master and use existing in the guest as it's good.

Phew! Anyway, if I'm not my usual gabby self in the next few days it's only because I won't be able to reach my computer.

Busy Bees

We worked hard today - winter's coming, folks:) He split wood and I stacked it, did laundry, changed beds, cut 3 lawns. It's the first day dry enough to cut lawns.

He's still full of energy - I'm beat.

First fire of the season tonight - watched our beloved Canucks womp Edmonton. Sweet.

Anyway, nice to have a whole load of wood for our winter ahead. We love our wood stove and hide out by it til spring:)

Flu Shots

Femail doc was discussing 'flu shots today. Brought back a great memory of Dad. When his home care RN came to visit one nice fall day, she suggested a 'flu shot. He was wary (afraid of needles!) and said to bring it next time. She countered that she had it in the car so would just do it now.

When I went to visit him later, he said he had to do it cause what if he caught he 'flu. They'd give him - - -.

People are so kind - - -

So we're sitting here after dinner and Rick, our painter calls. He told us he was thinking about our guest bathroom. Gave me some ideas to mull over for the next few days. He's coming Tuesday to do some more painting and offered to jazz up the bath:)

Everyone is so good to us. Took the Honda in for winter tires and blah, blah, blah. We were held up for 4 hours - phoned my sis and her husband. "Come on over." So we passed the afternoon there. We ordered Subway and had yummy cookies and coffee.

Hope you all had a good one. I'm tired now but too early to go to bed at 8pm!

Lucky Beyond Lucky

Yesterday was very busy starting at 8am and finally ending at 6:30pm.

So my story begins putting the garbage out while waiting for an important call. Set the cell and land phone on the trunk of the car. My neighbor chatted for a moment and then I drove down to buy extra garbage tags at our little city hall.

Came home to thank her for the reminder and it nearly fainted - the phones! Ran to the garage and the cell was still clinging to the hinge area on the trunk. Can you believe that?

Jumped in the car and drove my route and found the land phone in pieces (whole) in a ditch.

So, never, never, never set anything on your car - you're sure to forget it. I was just incredibly lucky!

Our Sunday (Monday) Drive

Remember years go when our parents would take us for Sunday drives? Kind of a nice memory.

Yesterday we "took a drive". Just drove thru new neighborhoods and old. We chose houses we'd definitely like and those we didn't. A new development in our little city will have 2400 homes - a small town once it's complete. Seems like some lots are not stable as the houses sit on fill over a steep incline - hopefully they are safe.

After having lived in this small city since April 1999, I was surprised at all the areas we have missed seeing. Suppose it had something to do with working long days.

Life doesn't get much more exciting than this, does it?

We lived in a French Canadian community when the boys were small. Definitely the minority, it was interesting. My best friend spoke English but her 6 children did not.

Occasionally she babysat for me. Was interesting for the 8 children to play with the language differences. No barrier. Our sons picked up French and got very confused. When they spoke English at home, sometimes used French grammar. We had some really humorous sentences happening in those early days.

BTW, bless your heart, Germaine! Love you. A friend after all these years.

Courtesy my Bro'

Weather Report

Just a gorgeous sunny day here with blue skies. I bundled up, poured a coffee and will sit on the step.

Still have a bit of yard work to do so if the weather holds, I may get the garden cleared.

So happy to have a house full for Christmas. My mind has been whirling. Last night I dreamed we all went skiing - as we used to do years ago. Good memories.

Have a great Saturday, Everyone, and enjoy this gorgeous fall weather.

Not My Fault I'm Weird

Very busy around here these days so I made a batch of spaghetti. A big batch. Then I thought, no protein, we'll be hungry. So added a piece of meatloaf. When I got the meatloaf, I saw the chili. So supper was spaghetti, a small pc. of meatloaf a la chili.

Had a small salad and we're set for a bit:)

Does anyone else mix it up like that - well, I know it won't be quite that mixed!

Merry Christmas!

MiHwa just emailed that she and Mark will be home for Christmas! Neil and Dan booked to fly in so we just have to get Brian home - somehow:)

Dad and I are so happy!

Changing Styles

So when I put the house back together I'm thinking of streamling it. Not exactly minimalist but for me, it would be.

When our sons come home, I'll let them pick over stuff but they probably already have all they want.

The work is not done so I can think and plan:)

What kind of house do you live in? Minimalist or what style?

Thanksgiving Weekend in Canada

May get busy in the next few days so sending wishes near and far. Somehow I can't see me too busy to blog but I suppose it could happen!

I have a list of things I'm thankful for - family and friends rate first. Could write lots on my list.
Invited to Shirl's and Robin's for dinner Sunday - look forward to that.

Does anyone have hints or ideas regarding buying an area rug? All I know is that it should be large enough to "contain" the furniture.

Any other hints?

This house re-doing stuff is like buying a new dress - then you need matching shoes, hand bag, etc.!

Thanks in advance.

October 2nd?! Everyone I know says the time flew by this year but is it because we are getting old?
This month is so busy with the floors and a few other updates. Still haven't my garden completely cleared and I have to collect leaves. They are late falling (no pun intended). I was thinking could use my mighty Chevy 1/4 ton to haul lots this year - the insurance is off Oct. 8.

The pots on the front entry still look acceptable so I'm leaving them - all too soon it will be bare. But we do decorate the entry for Christmas so that will happen in November. I like things up early and down early.

The sky is a charcoal blanket over head - looks very angry. Still hoping for a few crisp days of blue skies and sunshine.

Happy Tuesday - and yes, my garbage is out on the correct day:)

Opal Memories

I was touched to read opal was the stone for October.

Years ago our brother brought opal earrings home for us from Australian mines.