Gobble, gobble

So a few days ago I went to Merle Norman studios to have my makeup "done" and supposedly learn how to transform my face. (Insert chuckle here)

The young lady was gracious and instead of noting my eyelids now rest on my nose, referred to my "deep set eyes". After several times it wore a bit thin but the truth hurts:)

When I paid for my purchases she told me that the studio was offering a gift bag with purchase. Inside were lovely items such as lipstick, blush, mascara and "neck and face" cream. I guess it was to treat my turkey neck which is close to the deep set eyes:)

Anyway, it was a generous size sample product so I applied it generously every morn and evening - it works! Still have the wrinkly turkey neck but I no longer gobble.

Thank you, Merle Norman!

Dumb and Dumber

I drive 2 - 4 hours per day except one day a week when Sis and BIL visit Wayne. Most drivers are great but today took the cake!

Driver #1 Big, big fire truck is plowing thru intersection, lights, horns, sirens.Loud, loud. Lady in old '65 Plymouth pulls out in front of them totally oblivious to their presence. They managed to avoid her, how I'll never know.

Driver #2 This driver is making a right turn - he feels it's his right and it would be other than an ambulance is screeching thru a left turn immediately behind said driver. That offence is bad enough but now the car stops to let a passenger out!!! The passenger takes his sweet time and the ambulance driver is now honking and probably saying a few choice words. Idiot driver sloooowly pulls out in front of ambulance til they honked like crazy and he kind of pulled over. (Btw, the passenger also crossed the street against the light causing various gestures by various drivers:)

My Pneumonia Story

So, Sunday October 17th I woke up with a sore throat. thought a cold is coming on so bought sore throat lozenges and cold caps. After 5 days, condition doesn't improve and the caps seem to not be working. Feel ill and it's a very different ill.

Saturday I decide to go to a walk-in medical clinic as I'm coughing rather badly.Doc is kind and says you may have a touch of pneumonia, go to hospital for X-rays and blood tests - see us tomorrow.

Returning Sunday, new Doc says he sees an area on lower left lung and prescribes codeine cough syrup and an antibiotic. After several more days I felt calmly ill and wondered if this is what it's like to die peacefully - I'm not exaggerating.

Six more days and I feel much better. Pills worked! Go out to see friends and got so ill, could barely breathe, thought I'd die, seriously. Rushed to our local hospital emergency. What a bunch of angels, the RN's and the physician.

"Have you ever had a breathing tube inserted,Jean?" I freaked inside for Wayne's sake - my biggest fear has been to get really ill or die before he does.

After 2 hours, magically helped by staff, I am ready to go home. Very afraid but the Doc said get right back here if there's any hint of trouble. Appreciated that.

The KICKER was that the 2nd walk-in Doc prescribed one antibiotic per day and it should have been two according the the emerg Doc. I also visited my own Doc and he had a locum on who gave me another Rx for 1 pill a day. So, I guess over the 6 days, the bacteria got hold and wouldn't let go!

Tonight I'm still coughing but it's manageable and I'm no longer afraid for my life.

Hair Shock:)

Yesterday I booked for highlights and a haircut - well, about 2 hours later I was lighter in color and hair length. Had about 4" off. Guess what, my hair is curly like a perm!

Told my stylist, "I guess that's the easiest perm you ever did!"

Always have had natural waves but this is crazy. Anyway, maybe get someone to take a pic - or I may try.

Eeek!

So I was working in Wayne's shop the other day, gathering stuff for recycling, etc. Luckily the shop door was open when I picked up a rather large box with 3 live mice running around in it.

For a millisecond I froze, then grabbed the box and ran out the door, tossing the box rather violently on the lawn. Two mice were ejected and I could still hear one frantically running in the box, caught under the folds of the lid - maybe it was I running frantically. Anyway, the 2 mice wouldn't run. Foolishly I said, "Shoo, shoo." They don't understand English. Anyway, with visions of a mouse running up my sleeve, I ran again with the box and the mouse and tossed it under large evergreens at the back of the yard.

Finally the other 2 were no where to be seen - probably back in the shop!

Anyway, I set traps to no avail so maybe that's it but I'll keep the traps loaded. I'll have to ask my neighbor to dump them as even a dead mouse creeps me out.

A Modern Miracle

So, I finally bought inserts for my shoes. Within 24 hours, most of the pain was gone. So "what does she do?" - wears other shoes, did not transfer inserts and I'm back at square one! But, they work wonders.

There are inserts for all sorts of problems but I needed help with my heel.Thank you, Dr. Scholl:)

Safe and Sound

Wayne bought a large floor safe in 1974 - it was to keep family documents, not money or jewelry - can't use a safe for that, the burglars would find them:)

Anyway, a few years ago I inquired about the combination, not wanting to use it, just "in case" it got locked accidentally. He rather sheepishly said he had misplaced it - no big deal, we never ever locked it.

After Wayne was admitted, I sorted through his desk and guess what popped up right away! So, I just made a file for it - for myself.

We each had our own office and I didn't have need to check his out. These little things are treasures to me.

Well, I maybe should have used the safe as I hid some jewelry and can't find it. It's not the Crown Jewels but of that much value to me. Last night I stayed up til 1am searching every single cabinet in the kitchen. you'd think it would have been in the Raisin Bran but not such luck!

Wish me luck as I continue - - -

So I got tired of braiding them, then pinning to the top of my head.
"Hello, Ms. Eyebrow Waxer? It's the braider, any time available for me?"

"You're booked til end of August. Ok, I'll perm them."

Anyway, it's been terrible trying to find a new esthetician, one who washes her hands - little things like that.

Sometimes I wonder about myself. Booked into a new place to have my brows waxed. It was a lovely new shop but as I closed my eyes dreaming about not having to braid my eyebrows for a while, she proceeds to apply the wax. No hand washing. No sink for Heaven's sake - saw that as I rolled of her table.

I paid her, tipped her (for being unsanitary) and will not go back. Help me understand why I'm such a wimp.

The big 65 - - -

So, family and friends surprised me with a 65th birthday party August 13th! Our younger son, Brian, phoned me from my sister's driveway in town (he lives 4 hours away)and said he's running late for work so, "A quick HB,Mom." I was in the pool so missed his call and phoned back apologizing. Little did I know all my kids were 10 minutes away, ready for a big surprise.

Mark and MiHwa and Brian drove up, booking time off work as did my brother and his partner. Dan's still working so had to book off. My sister and BIL helped as did long time friends.

I walked out to the patio expecting only my sis and BIL. Words can't explain the surprise. Your mind kind of blanks. Thanks everyone. xx 00

And happiness is - - -

Happiness is receiving good news from the provincial cancer agency saying things appear to be all clear from recent mammogram!

If you haven't gone for yours yet, go, go go!

Boomer, how could you!

 

So Boomer and his Master were on the road chatting with a neighbor - a neighbor in new leather cowboy boots.

The conversation was deep.Boomer's getting bored. He glances at his master and friend, "They'll never know!" With a wicked doggie grin, Boomer cocks his leg on neighbor's pants/cowboy boot. Neighbor is unaware as long pants muffle the sound and trickle or is that tinkle?

"One dry cleaning bill coming up! No treats for you, Boomer."

Closet

Today I continued to organize my walk in closet. I have too many clothes!!!

Wayne custom built shelves and extra rods so I have 4 rods for short items. There is a second closet in our bedroom which "houses" my dressy clothes and I use part of the guest room closet.

You see, I have a problem - I never buy an item unless I absolutely love it. Needless to say, I've loved a lot of clothes over the years. Smiled when I read somewhere that you have to give away one item for every new one. What??!!!

Actually, I think I'll try to get rid of some stuff but it's going to hurt:)

How about you? Are you a clothes junkie?

MiHwa and her MIL

We were in Vancouver for my bro's birthday. Happy 60th, Neil! Will post more pics/story after I ask permissions. This was taken of MiHwa and I at the BD dinner.

Thrifting

So, I love to go shopping in thrift stores. Yes, I can afford to buy off the rack new but the bargains await!

Yesterday I found a new Nygaard black cocktail jacket for $1.00 and brand new Tabi slacks for $.70! The store tag was still on, priced at $43.00

Today is the church yard sale and all you can stuff in a bag is $5.00 - see you later:)

Frost Warning - - -

So, tonight at about 7:30pm I planted two urns for the front entry, came in to hear a frost warning on TV - how about that?

They are Ok as in an entry but talk about timing. I put spikes in the center and used a color combo of light yellow, white, rose and purple. Think it's the first year I haven't added heliotrope to the pots.

Weeded the garden today - not planting anything so covering the beds with fabric then mulch. The pool bed will be the only one I have to take care of once the garden is covered. It has a nice mixture of weeds and perennials:)

Happy gardening, everyone.

What to choose - - -

So, Sis and I had our Mothers Day brunch on Monday - food and gifts, doesn't get any better. (Thanks, Shirl)

Anyway, after finding my way to the ladies' room, I chuckled to see two doors. One was marked WOMEN and the other LADIES.

At first I thought it may be a joke and one was for the men but after (very) careful consideration, saw a third door labelled MEN.

Obviously it doesn't take much to entertain or confuse me:)

Scallops

I made scallops the other night. I have several recipes which are delicious but this time I just heated oil and butter til it was a bit golden.Tossed the scallops for about 2 or 3 minutes and seasoned with Montreal steak spice. (Chef son loved them so if it passes his palate, it's good!)

Rhubarb Season

Remember when you were a kid and pulled fresh rhubarb from the garden? We would chew it and screw our faces up if it were tart. Mom gave us a little sugar and we'd dip the stalk - yum!

Below is the best the loaf I've ever made using rhubarb. Not too sure where I got the recipe as it's written on a torn, discolored piece of paper - my regular filing system:)

Rhubarb Tea Bread


1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2/3 cup oil
1 egg

Mix: 1 cup sour milk
1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
2 cups chopped rhubarb
1 cup nuts, chopped

Topping: 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 Tablespoon butter

Mix sugar, oil and eggs together. Add sour milk/baking soda. Add remaining ingredients and blend well.

Pour into greased pan. (Recipe calls for 2 pans but I think the loaf is too small when made in 2 pans.)

Mix and sprinkle topping ingredients on loaf.

Bake 325 50 - 60 minutes.

Artichokes - - -

So, who cooks using artichokes? Lately I've been eating them when dining out and have come to enjoy.

Recently, I bought a jar of artichokes, tossed chicken pieces in BBQ sauce and spread over pizza crust. Yum's the word on that combo.

Also, artichokes are nice in chicken casseroles. Maybe I should Google them before writing my thoughts down:)

Thru a Child's Eyes - - -

He bounced around in the car, great anticipation - pumpkin is his favorite. We watched the top of Grandpa's head as he cruised thru the bakery and was now in the frozen food section. Horror! A frozen pumpkin pie!! "Oh, no, I think they are out of pie, I see the cream in his hand but no pie." (Luckily, it was tucked at his elbow)

When Grandpa emerged, pie in hand, the grandson cried out, "A box of happiness!"

Up or Down?

So, the debate rages - toilet seat up or down.

Seems to me the easist solution is for everyone to just close the lid - too simple:)

Cart Before the Horse - - -

So I bought a red hat the other day, thinking I'd join the Red Hat Club. When I researched the club, it appears to be a social only thing. That is good in its self but I thought maybe it were for charity.

Anyway, in my usual bumbling style, bought the hat ($19.99) and now will check out our local society.

Clarification

This little baby (8 week) pit bull was so absolutely darling. I have to admit that I recoiled in horror inside when his teenage owner told me his breed.

His coat was way more beautiful than my illustration and of course, his little tummy was bare of fur - so sweet.

The teen owner said he wanted him to give him all the love he fears other pb dogs do not receive.

Important to note that one of our sons was attacked by a pit bull at a business establishment. His knee is still numb after 12 years and the nightmares recur.

I guess I just wanted to be silly writing this post - we met the family at a tourist info centre.

Deuce

His velvety blue eyes met mine again. He seemed to have trouble focusing. Never have I seen such beautiful, silvery gray hair.

I looked away, trying to concentrate on my reading.

His magnetism drew me over, "You are so absolutely beautiful." I held his face, he froze a little until I rubbed his ears, moving my hands to cuddle his body, caressing his smooth tummy. He wiggled with pleasure, toes splayed.

Grandma wailed in the back ground, "I warned him to not get involved, it's always trouble." Voices murmured in agreement, looking our way.I ignored them, he needed a cuddle.

"What is your name?"

"Deuce, for the extra toe on each white back foot. He's a pit bull puppy."

Toilettes, etc.

- - - Or, I left my heart (read shoe) in San Francisco

I love establishments which have the auto flush toilets. I never touch the flush handle with bare hand so discovered using my foot is usually better.

One must remember to be wearing well fitted shoes, have good balance and not be rushed.Well, I had one of the three.

Long story short, my sandal fell into the bowl - luckily I was at a fair and just bought a really cheap replacement - course, those will never fall in the bowl - and no, I didn't fish it out. Kind of hung around for a scream or hysterical laugh but no one reacted to it. Heard of snakes rising up from the depths but never a shoe. Of course, I had removed my other shoe, I'm dorky enough without walking around in one sandal.

From my friend, Carole:)

Thought for the day:

Women are angels, and when someone breaks our wings,
we simply continue to fly...on a broomstick.

We are flexible.

Jeans

So, after many months of effort, I bought my jeans. Haven't worn jeans in several years and wanted to be an OK size before I tried some.

Turns out Gloria Vanderbilt (Amanda line) are the right ones for me. Yeah!

Cute Cops

Waiting for a prescription, a vote was taken on what to eat for dinner - like, what kind. Chinese, it will be then.

As we pulled up to the Chinese food establishment, we saw a police cruiser parked. The usual jokes about donuts, "Didn't know Chinese restaurants sold donuts." etc.

Two very muscled, burly officers stood in line, happily choosing their dishes. Actually I felt good thinking maybe little dweeb robbers would bypass this place for the time being, anyway.

Really didn't mean to eavesdrop but one couldn't help as table were close. My back was to the 2 fellows but it was a delight to listen. One had the most infectious laugh and the other played on it.

They finished their meals first and I hurriedly finished mine, protected yet by their presence:)

Upon opening my fortune cookie, was delighted to read, "You will feel protected today".

Happy Anniversary, M&M!

So, MiHwa and Mark celebrate their 3rd anniversary today. All the best, Love Dad and Mom!!! xxx ooo

Drunken Pilot U-Tube Vs Real Life

A friend sent a comedy video of a "drunken pilot" jumping in his plane and flying. Of course, his drunken flying was indeed very good stunt piloting. I held my breath several times.

In real life, Wayne and I lost a friend who chose to go up in a plane - drunk - awaiting the birth of his 5th child, I might add.

It's interesting how humor is humor unless it touches a nerve. Anyway, I hope this pilot flies safely for he surely is very talented.

Trauma 'n Tape

So we knew it was coming, just not sure when. The second day, thump - - - twang, boiing, boiiig, boiiiig.

The howling began - someone had run into the patio glass door:) Funny now but we expected to see a head severed and messing up the area rug.

Anyway, it was the concensus that something should be taped to the glass to warn others as the next victim may not be so fortunate.

If only we had some tape. Jumping up and down like a school girl I called out, "I do!" There was a touch of victory in my words. As we left home, I left only the kitchen sink. When I added Scotch tape to the ever growing pile, I was mocked and scorned, hee, hee.

So, now a rather glorious piece of foil adorns the glass - - -

Happy Birthday, Brian!!!

With love on your very special birthday. Love Mom and Dad xxx ooo

Knowledge is, well, embarrassing!

So, in my quest to not stagnate, I have made myself think of a word and Google it.

Interestingly, the childrens' sites seem to pop up first, as if Google knows who he is dealing with.

Yesterday I learned about stars. Oh, my! Those kids are just so smart. Anyway, in order to make myself feel better, I think I'll Google Nanaimo bars. Yum!

Toileting Troubles

I could imagine Grandma wringing her hands a she paced the short hallway, "Why did you, you didn't need to. It's just us here, why did you?"

"Well, Grandma, in hinds sight I wish I hadn't but it's a habit."


"But it's only us here," she wailed.

Besides a slight case of cluastrophobia, I also was worrying as our 8 plus hour journey ahead was getting delayed longer and longer as the guys tried to find a solution.

I sat on the edge of the tub, then on the toilet lid.

Finally someone had a brain wave, "Open the window and crawl out, we'll place a ladder under it."

Rescue in sight, I walked toward freedom only to find the escape was painted shut.

There was one solution left, the guys decided. "Stand away from the door, we're coming in!"

And so they leaned shoulders to the door and it fractured open.

"Sorry I locked the bathroom door, Grandma."

Double Trouble

We're on septic here and I had the tank pumped before Christmas.

Today the owner of the company called me to ask if the map for the tank location was still under the door mat. They came to pump it and wondered if I had changed my mind.

Poor guy has been ill and his record keeping needs updating.

Anyway, I told him I paid by cheque and gave him the number.

Just about pumped twice - I guess I'd not have been responsible for it???

Public Eye

One always wonders how people conduct themselves when no one is observing. I am disgusted how many ladies leave the public rest rooms without washing - would they wash if I were standing at the sink?
Should we have an electronic device which triggers a message with video, "This lady did not wash after using the toilet. Please return to the sink." ???

It's funny how everyone does the speed limit when RCMP are parked nearby or driving in a lane.
I check my speed, set cruise and feel smug - but I, too, should have had tickets for being 10 or more kilometers over the limit.

Creepy Coyotes

Last night the coyotes were howling forever! I was too creeped out to put the back deck light on but I think one may have been on or near the deck.

Their nighttime howls are particularily scary and remind me of the dangers other animals face.

So far I have not found any evidence of a hunt but certainly in our area, would not allow an animal outdoors.

Winter's Woes

So, on one of my journeys to town, a passing 1/2 ton truck threw a stone to my wind shield. Being it was dark, I didn't realize it left a spot right at eye level and exactly between my eyes!!!

I'm so anoyed and the only way I don't see the mark is to leave the glass rather spotted up - after my car wash experience a bit ago, easy choice:)