Update

So with great dread I hopped on the scale - aren't you to have a stiff one first to brace yourself? - Anyway, it read a 1.5 pound gain - then remembered I had earrings on, my lungs were full of air and I had a comb in my hair!

Also, 2 oranges and one brownie (I know, I know!) were being weighed and being I had just eaten them, their weight should be deducted:)

How sad a post but! It sure should have been so much higher considering all the "junk" I ate.

Blew the dust off my treadmill in preparation for the reality check. Isn't Christmas wonderful? I control myself so well for about 360 days and then it's like releasing a penned up animal - It's not my fault I have Nanaimo bars, brownies, crab mousse (courtesy of Sis), every possible snack in the store and 4 boxes of cinnamon rolls - Ok, only 2 now:)

It's snowing like crazy and I'm sipping coffee, tree lights on, my eyes on the cinnamon buns. There's something about "after Christmas" that I love - especially cause there's food all over - begging to be eaten.

Hope everyone I know had a great holiday - we sure did. One son and his wife were here for 6 days. I was spoiled so much. Coffee was ready in the morn, wood was hauled and fire started before I got up, driveway was always snow blowed! As I look back, that was the best Christmas gift for me.

Dispatcher: 9-1-1 What's the nature of your emergency?
Caller: My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only two minutes apart
Dispatcher: Is this her first child?
Caller: No, you idiot! This is her husband!

What to do, What to do???

So I have thought the situation thru very well - the only answer is to bring the treadmill upstairs, get on it, and eat my Christmas goodies as I run - the house is full of forbidden fruit, nuts and other baddies but goodies.

So chew, chew, run, run.
Chew, chew, run, run.

I thought the Garfield cartoon was very fitting. Cheers to All.

When I commented to Bro how large and massive the mountain looked, he said it is. His house is miles from it, clear across the city.

Hee, hee, hee - Vancouver Today

Deterioration - - -

So, my hand writing has deteriorated to the point people make games of my notes, letters and grocery lists. I am not impressed - but neither are they as they try to decipher my evil code.

Today our power was off from 10:30am to 3:30pm and again for 10 minutes at 7pm. We look like Goodyear Blim* - all bundled up in hooded sweats etc. But, I digress:)

Couldn't really do anything without power - then it hit me! I can write my Christmas cards - yeah, I'm just a bit late - - -

So, if anyone calls asking an explanation if they can't read my writing, at least this year I have a valid excuse, "I loved you all so much I persevered and wrote by candle light" - which is true - and it may fly that this year as I have a reason for my poor writing.

I wrote 4 cards before the power came back on - - - and no, I'll never tell which ones were by candle. Actually, I think they were better than the rest!

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

"For Your Smiling Pleasure"

Got these two in an email a couple days ago.

The freezers are bulging and burping like I do after Christmas dinner - they, too, are stuffed with (uncooked) Christmas dinner.

Amazing how much food we buy for the big week. We are delighted to have guests December 22 thru the 29th. How wonderful is that!

This year promises to be a great Christmas. Having so many people around is a huge help for me.

Bring on Christmas! We're ready!

One should always label freezer items - no need, "I'll never forget the - - - - --

Anyway, I grabbed the gravy I had frozen a few weeks ago, took it to the kitchen, proud of myself.

Let it thaw in the fridge, meal is ready and we have CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM ! Never forget to label your frozen stuff:)

Remembering Dad - - -

My Dad played major/junior in Ontario, carded to the Boston Bruins.

Anyway, this cartoon really reminded me of Dad's power and strength. He was only 5'10 1/2" but solid muscle. When he checked someone, they kind of ended up like the cartoon.

Seriously, Dad said he'd stop in his tracks and let a player hit him rather than flatten the guy - especially if the other player were of a slighter build.

One time someone asked if he knew "such and such" an NHL player - Dad smiled and said he'd run into him once in a while - they didn't get the pun.

According to BIL, my Mom watched her first game and said, "I married a monster."

I wish to clarify, Dad did not play dirty, he played tough. He coached in later years and every time a fellow was hit, skating with his head down, Dad would say, "He'll keep his head up next time."

Missing both you and Mom at this Christmas season. Love Jean

Wake Up Call

It sounded like someone punched a solid pillow - we were surprised when her car rear ended us. Kind of funny when she informed me that she rarely hits cars, just curbs. Anyway, we pulled over and exchanged info. Couldn't see damage on either car so told her not to worry, we'd both report it and that's it.

Today, the insurance company (after washing my bumper!), found the imprint of her license plate holder and 2 holes from it. Will be repaired in January.

We talked a few days after the accident. She thanked me for not flipping out on her. I replied, "Your welcome, maybe bump into you someday."

"Don't say that," she laughed. All is well.

We Welcomed Winter - - -

Did we ever get a snow storm overnight Friday. Got up to 10" of snow with drifts piled against our front door. The wind even drove snow so hard it covered our 9' wreath in the entry.

Scritch, scritch, scritch - our precious neighbor was out clearing our drive again. So, we both dressed and helped.

Weren't quite done when our guests arrived - so he helped with the last few scoops of snow - just looked out and guess what - we'll need to shovel this morn.

"TUAW Terminal Tips"

Well, thanks, finally a post I can understand! Being I plan to travel a bit once this part of our journey changes, seemed like a topic relevant to my life. Bless your dear heart, my son - cause, as you know, it's often "speak geek only" on your posts.

Aaacckk!! Nothing to do with travel unless you're on the geek freeway.

Another time - - - and if you do find some travel tip sites in your browsing, please send them Mom's way, Ok?

Merry Christmas

I have been thinking about my blogger friends - it's so wonderful a community - helpful in every way.

We are basically ready for the holidays - my sister and BIL are keeping W while I do last minute shopping next week.

Menus made up and groceries purchased. We have one (of 2) son visiting, one DIL, a sister, BIL and brother and partner. How nice is that!?

Anyway, I have to thank everyone for their gracious and helpful comments over the year. It truly feels as if I have come into your homes and met you. Please know we appreciate each of you.

Love Jean

I've Heard of Weak Coffee - - -

Ack! For once, I set the coffee up last night - for some reason I knew I'd need caffeine today - early! All is well, the aroma wafted into the bedroom, bright and early, as planned.

Poured my first cup - of hot "tea". Forgot to set up with new coffee grounds last night - so I filled the mug, redid the coffee pot properly, and sat down with my cup - was a good hand warmer on a chilly morn.

Happy, Monday, All.

Personal Taste

(click to enlarge)
This cartoon reminded me of some conversations a few years ago when we painted. Our main floor area is mocha (like D* ice cream). The master bedroom is a wonderful dusty green. Cream moldings in each room.
We love the colors chosen but it wasn't for everyone. It took me about a month to not crave ice cream after we painted - seriously.

Kelly, Our Shepherd #2

Kelly was a big, big dog. She would lie on the living room floor, on her back, hind legs in the air. We used to put my sandals on her hind feet (size 7) and she'd seem to love that.

One day, there is Kelly, on the floor waiting for her sandals. They no longer fit. I should have measured her feet!

Kelly is in Dog Heaven now but will never be forgotten.

Christmas Memories

Was talking to MiHwa, our DIL, today. We have plans to bake lots of cookies when she and Mark come to visit.

When the sons were young, we always baked sugar cookies and decorated them. One year I made a double batch of dough (lots!!!) so each would have lots to work with. We just started rolling the dough when friends called asking if they wanted to go tobogganing. Ok, Mom now made the cookies!

Also, think of Mom at Christmas. She would make an armies worth of cookies, cakes and squares. Each of her 3 got a loaded deli tray of goodies. Bless your heart, Mom!

We're Done!

Yeah, the Christmas decorating is done - this year I didn't do every room "due to circumstances beyond my control" but- it's done.

There's something about sitting by the tree, tea in hand, that just warms my soul - or maybe it was my hot bath:) Anyway, a few things to put away and that's it.

Tomorrow, we have a special guest coming for tea/coffee - I guess that starts our Christmas celebrating. On the weekend is a "live" manger put on by a large church - hopefully my man will agree to go.

Somewhere in the maze of days, I have to cook and bake! I love Christmas - but I need a maid!

Hope everyone had a good day.