Uh,Oh! That Time Again

Methinks I've had too much fun over the holidays!

Thinking of both Canada and the US - travel news isn't terrific these days.

Ha,ha,ha!

Proclamation

I'd rather poke my eyes out with a dull paring knife than go to the mall on Boxing Day. (Son)

Merry Christmas

From our home to yours!

Car Wash Blues

Last week I decided to use the automated car wash for the first time in my life. All was well, punched my code in, slowly moved ahead to the "wash station", got watered, soaped and then nothing! Waited a bit and finally, at dark, (just kidding) decided to phone someone to call the attendant to spring me!

He hosed the car off and gave me a free code for another try. Thanks, but maybe I'll wait til spring and just do the soap and bucket thing:)

'Flu Shots

"If you bump me one more time with your body, I'm going to take you down."

Actually, don't worry, didn't say it but sure thought it! I was standing in line about 15 minutes, damp and chilled. Everyone was cold so we were all in the same boat.

This little old lady continued to bump me with her body - where was I to go? Would I move ahead more quickly if I bumped the couple ahead of me?!

Anyway, finally we got to the paper work people and darned if she didn't get ahead of me!

As we stood in line, she smiled and commented that the wait wasn't too long. I barely squeaked out an answer - my arms were sore later - this isn't nice but I hope hers were too:)

Word Verification

For awhile it seemed one would never get a "real" word. Now my eyes pop open when I get one!

I had verification set up for a bit but discontinued it.

It's a Scary World - - -

Having been following the story of the university gal who left a concert and then could not get back in - subsequently has never been seen again.

This is something which should be changed. Last week we paid for a dinner (pre-concert) and asked if we could leave to go out as there was 90 minutes til concert time. A supervisor was called and she assured us that we could return although normally they don't allow it. Her explanation was that people go out and drink and then return.

I guess looking at us, she thought, "No way." and let us out.

Well, what a time trying to get back in. "Sorry, your ticket has been scanned already, can't come in!"

We motioned to where the supervisor stood, (of course she was on a break). They absolutely refused us entry until an officer who heard our earlier conversation vouched for it.

So, lesson learned for us. Sadly, the young lady wasn't so fortunate and is missing.

(Someone in law enforcement said it takes 20 seconds to abduct an adult female - scary stuff)

Creature of Habit

I'm protesting CNN's new format - I do not like it!!!

Actually, it is nice, crisp and well organized but I like the old format - sigh -

I guess this is why my living room furniture is never moved about.

Spaghetti Squash

Ah, spaghetti squash. I find the quickest way to cook it is: punch holes in squash with sharp knife. Microwave 2 or 3 minutes. Slice in half. Cook each half in the microwave 3 minutes. Let it cool. Using a fork, rake the squash to yield spaghetti-like strands.

This is delicious itself but I "hide" it in spaghetti sauce, stews, soups, etc.

I Need a Goat, Soon an Ark

We've had heavy rain all week - the grass has never been greener. My neighbor cuts our front lawns but the back yard is like a fertilized hay field.

Winter is coming, grass needs to be cut or it will be a royal mess come spring. Right now, I need sunshine or a goat.

Anyone have a goat to loan me?

Robins

Yesterday, I saw several robins in the yard. Now i haven't seen robins since July so wonder if these one are on a "late" migration. Does any birder know?

Driving home today I saw this sign:

Don't sweat the petty stuff

And don't pet the sweaty stuff

Repulsively humorous -

I made scalloped potatoes yesterday - 10 pounds of potatoes and 2 pounds of onions.

Acck! They cooked in 2 hours! Usually my big roaster full takes 4 hours. Timing is everything with a meal and my timing went to pieces:)

Does anyone know if cream would speed up the cooking process due to the fat? I slipped 2 cups of half 'n half cream into my liquid mixture. Yum.

After coming home from holidays, I charged my cell.

A couple days later, time to charge. Tore the house apart and could not find the charger. It was very upsetting as I knew it had been used after returning.

I was just ready to drive 30 minutes to my sister's house to use hers, when the light bulb came on.

To solve my perpetual problem of losing the charger, I had plugged it into the power bar with the laptop! There's no hope for me.

Afternoon rest - - -

This elderly gentleman caught my eye while passing on a bus tour.

He was dressed so nicely, 3 piece suit, white haired, cane and hat resting on his knee.

It touched me that he had nodded off in the sunshine - maybe hoping someone would stop to visit.

I would have but we didn't have that luxury being on a tour.

Visualize his coming to this very bench daily - - -

Friday Fats - - -

I just ate 5 Nanaimo bars - FYI - I'm sick but what a way to go.

At 10pm we settled in to bed, cat at his feet - all was well in our world.

I was just nodding off when Buddy flew to the top of the dresser - no mean feat for a 16 pound porker. He was doing an aerial dance and really meaning business.

Putting the ceiling light on, I saw the reason. A moth! I hate moths, especially at 10 pm in the bedroom. Tried to lure it to the hall bath by turning all the lights off except that one. No way.

Wayne, in typical man style, "it's only a moth", covered his head and went to sleep. Buddy and I were left to do battle. thought it was a good hint when Buddy sat staring into the ensuite. After checking everywhere, couldn't find the moth so I left a hall light on, covered my head and went to bed.

No sign of it this morn. Probably it will come out of hiding tonight again.

Yum!

Last night our fireman neighbor brought over two smoked salmon fillets which he had just done.

Talk about wonderful and mellow. We had eaten dinner but grabbed some crackers and pigged out!

Spring Cleaning - for 2003 or some year - - -

Sadly, I do not do spring or fall cleaning - it's just perpetual motion all year long.

Anyway, yesterday I "did" the back entry which connects garage to kitchen and laundry room.

By the time I finished washing everything, it consumed my morning. By the way, the garage side of the metal fire door was the dirtiest of all areas - and you couldn't see that. When I looked at my cloth it was black, similar to soil you find on the car windows. What's with that?

Monday sounds like a good day to tackle the laundry room. I have never painted but may give a try in there - if necessary, I can get someone to re-do it.

Potential for Danger - - -

We were standing in line at Tim Horton's, a father and his 2 young daughters and a son ahead of us. The one daughter, about 10, kept bugging her father to go to their car.

Finally, after several whiny requests, he gave up in frustration and said, "Ok, ***, you may go to the car."

Now this is 8 pm and darkness is falling. He did not look back but I sure did. I stood there ready in a moment to run toward her if someone should bother her.

It's a sad commentary of our world but after reading yesterday how Jaycee was abducted outside her home, father right there seeing it all, I got chills.

We sat at a table and the family sat down elsewhere, totally out of view of the car. Maybe that's why my tummy is always upset, I worry ~ ~ ~

Coats, coats, coats and more coats!

So how many coats do you have? I'm too embarrassed to give my number but darn, I love each one.

I never buy anything unless it's just "so perfect I can't do without it". See my problem? There have been a lot of perfect coats in my life.

Today I spent working on my clothes. Have a large size garbage bag to donate, and other to give to my Sis' friend and one for the garbage.

Have decided to keep only one ski jacket, which one? I don't ski anymore but I still need a ski jacket. I have two, yes two, parkas. One is midnight blue and the other chocolate brown. What to do, what to do?

Don't get me started on fleece type jackets. I'm tired just thinking about it.

Anyway, I am washing everything washable. Will line everything up and it they had better talk nice to me cause I'll be ruthless - sadly not one is afraid of the cut!

Unspeakable Loss

Another hero has sacrificed his life to save lives. A helicopter pilot water bucketing in a canyon, crashed.

A fellow flyer saw him in the water and tried to rescue him to no avail. Perhaps the strong current and maybe hypothermia had set in. No details given.

We salute you for "giving your all" and send love and prayers to your family and friends.

Thank you.

Burglars Offended - Thank Goodness!

Seems it's Ok in their mind to break into homes and steal personal effects as long as these effects don't have por*n on them - and thank goodness these burglars have "morals".

Anyway, some guys stole a laptop, discovered child po*rn on it and turned it over to police - I wonder if anonymously!!! Anyway, the robbery victim received a 3.5 year term in jail and rightly so.

No mention is made of the burglar's end result - this happened in England.

Buddy, the pacifist

Buddy is very good at seeking out a bug or spider - - - then he just sits there, fascinated. I know he has "prey" when over time, his head swivels and he crouches lower and lower to get a good look at it.

If I have anything to say, I grab it and it's immediately promoted to "bug heaven".

Now, house flies are another story. He will leap and pirouette, smacking the window with his sizable paws til he wins.
I try to get the fly before Buddy does - he eats them. They don't go down easy and he chokes and gags his way til he's successful. I sit choking and gagging watching - mercy!

Our New Guest

We were sitting on the front steps tonight when we heard his call.
For several days he has been camped out, living in the nice protective area of our flower urns.

Soon as we oohed and aah'd, he quit talking to us. It's very hot here, in the 30's, so I hope he survives the heat. I was going to put a saucer of water on the step but don't want mosquitoes breeding - then again, dinner for the little toad.

Pack Rat

First to admit it, I'm a pack rat. Luckily, smirk.

The care homes often don't send his hangers back with his laundry. When ironing today, I'm way too short of hangers.

"I just know I have a box of hangers secreted away somewhere". Victory is opening a box wisely marked, "Hangers" and there they were, nice and clean, tied with elastic bands in a recycle bag and then in their box!

Some days it pays to pack rat - - -

Happy Birthday, Gerald!

Best wishes today to a fine man and family friend. Hope your day and the whole year is wonderful!

Thrifty, Oh, Yes!

Does anyone else enjoy browsing thru thrift stores? I love it, especially if I get a good deal.

Today I bought a London Fog, full length trench coat for $3.00 It's washable but will dry clean it. Looks new but may have been worn.

We have a little circuit route of stores we check out in the "big smoke". I'm getting very selective and won't buy anything unless it's a really terrific deal and I don't have "one" already.

Medicine Chest and Vanity

Why do I collect so many toiletry items! Spent an hour going thru products, tossing many.

I vow to not buy anything until this stuff is used.

Of course, I couldn't toss the pretty (empty) perfume bottles - maybe someday. They hold special memories for me.

After I get my "computer fix" time, I'll start on the towel closet in the bathroom. Again, too many towels. Probably I use about the same 10 towels over and over.

I think over the years, it became an obsession to "save" everything for a rainy day. I am 64 this year so didn't live thru the Great Depression but my mentality stores it's stories.

Happy July 4th

Ice made a good comment to remember
them as everyone enjoys their celebrations.
Happy July 4th to all.

I'm taking down the post about eating fruit first in a meal. Thanks for your comments, though.

In Honor of Them - - -

"The Longest Day: June 6, 1944"

Happy Birthday, Neil

So, baby brother turned 59 today! I really do remember his birth as Dad took Shirl and I to buy a gift for "the baby". We peered thru a glass in the general store and settled on a wee cushion. It was blue satin and said "Baby" on it. I believe Neil still has it.

All the best to a great all round brother. Only love and happiness!

So Buddy, the cat, turns 6 years of age on May 27th.

Normally I wouldn't announce our cat's BD but he's a special cat for Wayne. We bought him at the SPCA in Nov. 03 as company for Wayne during the long days.

He has been so special I've wondered if he's an angel in disguise - a big, fat, black, hairy angel but an angel nevertheless:)

Anyway, on his BD, I'm making him a "cupcake" out of cat food and buying 2 cupcakes for us. We'll lite a candle on our cc's and make a wish in "cat speak".

A smile - - -

Girls' Night Out - - -

So my sister and I attended Stars on Ice last Tuesday.

She's the real fan but I loved watching the skaters in person. Naturally, got lost trying to find our seats after intermission - asked an usher who pointed us in the wrong direction - nice.

Anyway, if the show comes your way, I think it's great value for the buck!
(Yes, that is me in the picture:)

Happy Mothers Day

Remembering You, Mom.

We once had a German Shepherd - why obedience train a dog - this is so much more helpful.

"Good Boy."

Twisted

So, just reading about the lady who had $800,000. tucked away in a bank safety deposit box.

The bank calls the home and "releases" this information to her husband. Now, she is suing the bank.

Good grief, I hope so. (There are a lot of issues in this case re: their marriage, her secrecy, etc.)

What I find ironic is the bank's employee even dealing with the issue by phone and also, his releasing it like, "Oh, by the way, your wife has a dental appt. Monday at 2:30 pm"

Yesterday, I called our gas company to change the name on the account to my name. "Do you have Power of Attorney?" I do.

"Ok, send it to us and we'll change the name."

"I can't risk mailing the original."

After much discussion, they agreed to a photocopy. I understand they need proof but think of the difference on the handling of these two situations. BTW, they have no local office and I'm paying a bill and have been their customer since January 1974 - but, I also understand their need to protect Wayne who set the account up.

Please visit - - -

Granan10.blogspot.com for the most touching picture of the year!

Of Birds and Men

I've been observing the mating "calls" and rituals of the birds in our yard.

Why, yes, Life is boring - - -

Anyway, I could merrily strangle the crazy, lovestruck flicker which has chosen out chimney flashing as his "text" centre! About 5am he starts and drives the cat and us to distraction.

(Course, Buddy doesn't mind too much for he starts "working" on me to get up and feed him.)

Then there's the robins - now they are something else. I guess they have already "found " their mate and spend hours flying in tandem, dizzy swirls toward the ground - then away they go again.

Last year, a pair had "eyes only for each other" and crashed into our neighbor's window. Well, they died happy, at least.

This year, Daddy robin is guarding his territory while Mommy works like mad hauling nesting materials. Buddy, the cat, is going nuts for now the male has seen Buddy and sits on the deck, mere inches from Buddy's nose - or he perches on the handle of the BBQ which is about 6' away.

I'm really glad God didn't mix up Man and bird when he made them. Can't you just see men walking down the street banging their heads on store faces? Oh, I guess he did mess up a bit. Women still do the work while Daddy watches - just kidding, just kidding:)

Uses For Coffee Filters - - -

Blogging posts are getting desperate when I resort to hints! Anyway, hope one of these makes your life easier.

(1) Cut slit in filter and poke Popsicle stick thru - catches messy drips.

(2) Spray your glass cleaner on surface, wipe with a dry, unused filter - no streaks.

(3) Prevent your cast iron pans from rusting by putting filters between them.

(4) Strain soup stock in a colander lined with a filter.

(5) Put several between plates, etc. as a buffer.

Now I'll go to bed and dream up a real post. Sleep tight, Everyone.

Backup - Big Bang

So Computer Son set up a cool back up system for me last week.
Several years ago, I typed a lot of recipes in and the computer blew its stack, spewing my hard typed recipes into blogland - or somewhere.

He was able to recover quite a few and luckily I had kept the paper copies.

Long story short, I have binders of recipes, many recipe books and clippings. Decided for the sake of convenience, I'd scan all of them and then do the big "toss out".

Kind of funny (well, to me), last week he got it all set up, magic plug in place. I grab the laptop and the plug pulls out - mid program. It really was the plug's fault, not mine.

Felt like a kid calling his parent to fess up as to what I did. He raised one eye brow - which is very effective - - - Anyway, I have a yellow post it note on the main bath mirror to remind me to plug in the precious device so it can do it's magic at 1 a.m. Sunday.

Wish me luck, hope I don't mess up cause he's holidaying in the good ol' US of A with his Mrs. and probably wouldn't appreciate a call from his (computer illiterate) Mom.

Easter

Da Pole Lady - - -

So Sis took up pole walking - a very noble idea.

Today, we're driving home and see her poling down the road - one pole in right hand, cell on her shoulder and left hand/arm/pole at a 45 degree angle. thought she was trying to get better reception on her radio - no, just gesturing wildly as she poled, walked, listened and carried on a conversation.

I've heard of multi tasking but this is getting crazy. Anyway, go Sis go. Good luck on your walks.

Happy Birthday, Mark!

Birthday wishes to our son, a source of love, comfort, humor and support. We are delighted to have you home on your special day. Love Dad and Mom!

Happy Birthday, Shirl!

So our sister, Shirl, is a year younger today.

Happy birthday, dear sister. thanks for all the support over the past years. I hope 09 is just one of the best for you.

Attended an art show last evening - it's been ages since I've been to one. Very interesting meeting some of the talented people who submitted their works.

A nice mix of young and old. One teen spontaneously stood at an old piano and did a marvelous job entertaining us. There was lots of food and drink - I didn't partake, I have visions of stumbling into a piece with food in hand!

A highlight was running into 2 patients - we could have talked forever. I miss them.

So I'm buying large bags now - seemed like I was always running out. Not sure if it's working but the cat has started licking my ankles so I have a feeling - - -

Anyway, I read it's "prudent" to add skim milk powder to the bath - they promised it would help!

Milk Bath Recipe

1 60 - some body
1 tub warm water
1 rounded cup skim milk powder
(It's rounded to match the said body)

Stir water and milk gently with a clean facecloth, slip body into tub til done - or relaxed.

Hotel Theft, Etc.

Over the years, we have heard stories of people stealing towels, etc. from their hotel room. I don't know about you but (1) it's theft, pure and simple, (2) if I did it, my bag would burst open in the lobby, at the feet of the concierge - during a police convention, (3) do you really want to look at the stolen items day after day!
Anyway, I have a personal embarrassment to relate. you know the little (exorbitantly priced!) bar fridges in rooms? Well, ours was beautiful in design, thought it was another chest for our clothes, opened it and voila! Anything one could hope for in food and drink. My eyes drank it all in and then I just had to pick up a bottle of juice - it's lovely label beckoned to me.

"Thank you, Ma'am, your purchase has just been recorded by computer and added to your room tab."
I set juice back, closed up the fridge with it's fancy brass handle and carried on.

Check out time comes and brought bill up on the TV - they have the MC number already so they are not worried but I am! $4.75 for the "purchased" juice. Little did I know, there are sensors under each item - you lift it, you've bought it. Nice.

The icing on the cake was a charge to the room for purchases from the hotel pharmacy. I say pharmacy loosely as it was more if a beauty boutique but I digress. Anyway, thought I'd let the juice thing go cause I messed with their bounty but protested the pharmacy charges.

The desk very kindly removed the pharmacy charge, then asked if there was anything else they could do for me.

"Well, now that you mention it, I didn't use any bar items and there is a charge."

Desk: "Ah, Madame Peasant, you lift item, you pay. But we will credit that, also."

I really want to go back to that hotel cause it's so out of my league - wonder what will happen next?

Forever Loved and Missed - - -

It's been eleven years today - I guess it's the value of a Mother to be so missed, so much, so long.

The raw pain has eased but a day doesn't pass that you aren't mentioned.

Much love, Mom.

Baby Girl Names

So, Yahoo had a list of most popular names for babies. I love the wonderful ideas but I'm sicking with: Chloe, Hanna, Madison, Mya, Lauren, Brooke, Jasmine and Paige.

Now that's for 8 girls so imagine I'll have to pare it down a bit.

The boys names are great, also, but I have my boys (men) and wouldn't change them for the world so, no boys' names.

How about you?

(Oh, don't make excite, I'm just living in a "what if" world:)

Asparagus is no longer a King's ransom - if you want a nice, quick meal of it try this:

Rinse asparagus and snap off the tough ends. Lay in a single layer on an oiled pan. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and bake 20 minutes (or so) at 350.

Delicious.

Blogging Mom

Was just sitting here thinking about Mom. She passed away March 28/98 but I miss her as much as day one. The raw pain has eased but not the loss of her personality and wisdom and laughter.

Mom was game for anything and would have blogged like no other woman! She used to call people on the phone all over the world - and this was before cheap rates!

I can see her now, on Facebook, blogging and seeking out all her buddies of yesteryear.

Anyway, Mom, here's to you! What a character you were!!!

Spring Has Sprung

Our newspaper box has been snowed in for months.

Today I thought we hadn't had paper delivery only to discover he can now put it in the box. Yeah for spring.

Tonight we walked and it was +10 - a real treat.

Hope spring has arrived in your corner.

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.

Kitchen Reorganization

Last evening I decided to start stripping my kitchen down and sorting. Every drawer was scrubbed, every item in drawer run thru the dishwasher. Then, I decided to "keep or discard".

I have so, so much stuff and hope to have a very pared down situation soon.

It's a big job, duplicate everything. This will be a tremendous help if/when I move.

How Twins Are Made - - -

An Embarrassment

Have been working out on the treadmill for 30 minutes a day since August 08. That in combination with eating less, has resulted in a 32 pound weight loss.

Every once in a real long while, I decide to add floor exercises. Today, I set my Weider mat out in the dining room, lay down in the sun and did side leg raises. Next thing I know, I have fallen asleep with Buddy, the cat, lying beside me in the sun.

You go, Jean.

Driving to an appointment, deep in thought.

As I approached the "End of School Zone" sign, I freaked inside. Had been traveling the regular speed all thru the zone.

Deserved a ticket, "But Officer, I always obey it, just was daydreaming." ($180.00 fine)

Anyway, I think it was a first.

I looked out the window hoping it were gone - 6" of new snow - aaack! I hate shoveling. Actually, don't mind the work, it's the boredom.

Our drive is 3 cars wide and 3 or 4 deep so using a shovel 18" wide - sob! Anyway, I usually plan my grocery list, a menu or my next weight loss regimen.

Luckily, neighbors stop by to chat as I slave away (bring your shovel next time:) - so, I lean on my shovel, visit and don't get work done.

The neighborhood dog streaks by with a grin on his face, "If she's so lazy, I'll pee on her light pole." And he does - with impunity.

Life is hard - sigh - - - - -

He said the nurses and all staff were so nice - we decided 80 Timb*ts would be a nice gesture of thanks. Bought a card, the TB's and off to the hospital we went. While there, planned to pick up his health care card, deposit and pay for his stay.

The staff was so chatty and friendly were forgot to pay our bill - yeah, that's an original one, Jean.

Anyway, tomorrow I'll try again.

Walked into the ladies room at the airport Monday - as another lady and I were washing our hands, a custodian came in, "What's that beautiful smell? Did someone spray a bathroom deodorizer?"

We both remained silent for a few moments and then she zeroed in on me, "It's you, your cologne. It wonderful." She came up to me and sniffed. "May I see the bottle? I want to buy some."

I told her it was Jean - Louis Scherrer but, sorry, I don't carry it on me. Her face fell when I told her she could get it online or for sure in the States. Holt Renfrew (in our city) no longer carries it.

I walked away smiling, deodorizer or cologne? No matter, she liked it:)

Late - - -

A lovely award the other day and sorry to be late acknowledging it. Thanks again, mevely317

Bloggers absolutely do lift one another up! So, may I award it to each of you folks who support us with comments on this blog and over on the mountain!

Lost is Found

Don't you hate it when you lose something? Takes forever to find some of the things.

I was lying on my back thinking about the day ahead. My hand found a barrette in bed, then a pen on top the bed! What else? Oh, yes, after 3 years, I found my hipbones!!!

Oh happy day - they have been missing for a long while - - -

Dear God,

I realize we need water for the summer - couldn't You just dump a bunch in the lakes and rivers and reservoirs? Then we would have "instant" water and I wouldn't need to "shovel the water" first.

Although, maybe You looked at my hips and decided shoveling was in order - - -

Did You realize we had 6" today and it's only 5:30pm? I see another shovel job coming up around 9 pm if it continues.

Sincerely,
Jean

Happy Birthday, Brian!

Chef's birthday is today.

Happy birthday, Brian. You are a gentle spirit and kind soul. I love how your smile lights up the room.

Only love and good wishes from Dad and I - thanks for always being there for us. Your input is appreciated more than I can say.

We hope your day is nothing short of wonderful! xx oo

Spring is on the way, ha,ha,ha - - -

Thought you may enjoy our rainbow picture from last year. It's -5 today so looking forward to the sunshine. Taken from our back deck last year.

Yogurt Treatment

Read that plain yogurt, applied to your feet, allowed to dry, then washed off, beautifies.

The wheels started turning - why only my feet? Was planning to make a cake - why not make Jean beautiful:) Got the yogurt out, hair band in my hair and I'm ready to go.

Doing my back was difficult until I used masking tape to attach a sponge to a bath brush. I looked like a mime. Buddy always likes to check out my bathroom activities - I cracked the door open a bit, he peaked in and his fur stood up on his back. Serves you right, peeping Buddy.

Anyway, it was rather interesting to stand there smeared in yogurt, wishing it would dry faster. Jumped in the shower and scrubbed it off. Yes, helped a bit but not as promised:)

Buddy and the Rabbit (Fur)

So I found my red leather gloves lined with rabbit fur - they've been tucked away for years. It's not politically correct to display fur so I wore them to drive the car - only. Left them inside when I shopped.

Got home, tossed them on the bench while I hung my coat - Pounce! The great hunter cat grabbed one and shook it almost to death. Acckkk, my perfect leather gloves. I wrestled with Buddy and saved the glove's life.

(This from a cat which sits placidly at his Master's feet all day - so unexpected to see him move.

My Humble Little Car is Back - - -

So a very lovely lady rear ended us in December. She was nice, I didn't get all upset - it was kind of a social thing as we traded insurance info. I held back a chuckle when she said she usually doesn't hit car, just curbs - ???

Anyway, there was a bit of damage to the bumper of our elite Hond* Civi* so it was repaired yesterday. They handed me the keys to a full size (monster) in a beautiful charcoal, steely gray. I felt like a was driving a ghost car of the local RCM* - but I digress. (Although, wish I had ticketing authority - man, people blow stop signs and speed and whatever)

One doesn't realize how you take Ol' Faithful for granted - jump in and hit my arm on a very large, awkward storage thing between the seats. Then the lights are wacko compared to my Hond*, can't find the thingy to unlock the gas only to discover it doesn't have a locking door - I could go on and on. But it was pretty and I pretended to be a plains clothes officer and scowled my best scowls at poor drivers:)

They called us today to get our "baby" back - I jumped into our car, was appreciative all the way home - could find the lights, wipe switches and I could run them.

Obviously our life is very dull when a courtesy car is my blog post:)

Remembering a Friend

We had know one another for many years - our sons grew up together, best friends.

Every time I passed by her home as I drove to town I'd say a silent hi or call to say hello.

Now I drive by and it's different, flag still flies, can see her large mirror on the living room wall and life goes on. But F is not home, she's gone Home.

Godspeed, my friend.

Irons and Exercise Mats

The use of either is rather foreign in my domain - the cat totally freaks when I set the ironing board up (due to the noise) although Wayne thinks it's because I use it so seldom it scares Buddy.

Anyway, last night I decided floor exercises were a good idea. I began my work out feeling someone or something was "looking at me" - I glanced around and saw Buddy staring at me. Our floors are dark walnut and he's black so tough to see him.

Anyway, next thing I see, cat is on his back, chin up and hind legs stretched out as long as he could stretch them. Too funny - if only I had the camera.

Still don't know if he were in shock from my exercising or just joining in.

Sorry, back soon. I think I'll be full of ideas tomorrow - - -

Operation Suspended

Does anyone else do this? I stripped the trees, decorations all over the place and then I stopped!

Last night we sat looking at an 8' green "house plant" which is much more attractive decorated. Anyway, today I'm getting serious about it . I think it's the idea of wrestling them back in their boxes makes me grab my computer and check blogs - much easier and definitely more fun.

Was visiting Sis, watching her take ornaments off. "You may as well not, Christmas is only 11 months away." I got a withered look in reply.

Kidney Stone vs Baby

Uh, I'm not doubting her story but mercy! If I had pregnancies where Baby didn't cause morning sickness or kick me all the time, I'd have had 4 more children. Oh, yeah, what about the heartburn and lack of air because Babe decided to push way up toward my lungs? It's still clear in my memory, lying in the bath tub, a plate on my kidney stone, eating away while I soaked.

This lady's babe was 7 lb. 12oz. so where did it hide? At 4 months, I woke up not able to close my "normal" slacks. "Hon, hand me 3 or 4 of those safety pins to make an extender - give me some space til I get to the store."

Anyway, God help her, this is definitely a case of "ignorance is bliss".

Kelly, Our Shepherd #3

He built a door on my garden shop - a frame fitted with chicken wire. It was made to sit equidistant from the top and bottom of frame. I requested this so air would flow freely and also to look "softer".

We came home to the very distinct odor of fish and our noses led us from the garage to the back yard to the garden shop to Kelly - lapping up the last of a full 1 gallon jug of fish fertilizer. (She had "reached" under the lower part of the door and dragged the jug out.)

I panicked and phoned the vet expecting to be told to rush her to him - he laughed, "Uh, just be sure she sleeps outside tonight."

Anyway, I arose in the morning expecting to see an interesting yard - nothing - she didn't ever even have diarrhea. He couldn't believe it. But stink! Our yard was terrible for a few days. And Kelly's breath!

Bless her dear heart - she had guts of steel, I guess.

Remembering Dad - - -

Canada won the World Junior hockey - Dad would have been so happy. I'd watch games with him.
Nice to have that memory now.
Way to go, Guys.

***One time Dad and I were watching a hockey game. I phoned my Sis and said for her to call Dad and comment that "whatever team" just scored a touchdown. After he got over his shock and her lack of hockey smarts, he had a good laugh.

Splat! Hi to you, too!

So, I am a wee bit weird in that I wave to the recycle guy, the garbage guy but never again to the snow plow guy.

It's a beautiful, sunny day, no snow to plow to speak of. I hear his truck rumbling about a block away and thought I better be far away from his blade - which will be in the "up" position as there is no snow to plow!!!

In the twinkling of an eye, he's upon me. No where to run and no time to run - and ha,ha, Jean - his blade is down.

I had just raised my hand in a neighborly way, when, splat! Snow, sand, gravel and probably lots of dog anointment got me square in the face, front of parka, etc. No more waves for you. I wiped one lens of my glasses to see if he were laughing - he was.