Monday, August 31, 2009

Insomnia sucks

I didn't even drink coffee or Coke. Those are usually the culprits. Guess I just have a lot on my mind.

We had a super weekend. My cleaning partner got married. We didn't go, staying home to babysit Thing 1 and Thing 2 for Wonderful daughter so she could go with the Estrogen Crew.

JC refused to sleep over so she ended up coming to pick up both boys at midnight. Dome even wanted to go home but only because his nana was unhappy with him. We started off well, he even came to work with me Saturday afternoon.

His terms for coming to dust baseboards was one slurpee and one box of ice cream bars. That's a bit more than I pay my cleaning partner but he's so much cuter than she is, I readily agreed.
I ended up having heart palpatations at the end of the job so his treat was postponed a bit. But he did get his payment. The problems started when we ran the gift to the wedding reception and then took the boys to Mickey D's for dinner and the playplace.
Dom just wouldn't listen the way he usually does and I ended up telling him off for it. Usually he is very good and very obedient. So, for us to be at loggerheads was upsetting for us both.

The long and short of it was, when he heard JC was getting picked up, he decided to go home too.

Sunday we had a belated 29th wedding anniversary dinner at Moxie's. It was pretty good. they are not my favorite restaurant by any stretch of the imagination and I've actually boycotted the one by our home but they recently renovated so we decided to walk over. It's a 3 minute walk from our condo.

We had their bruschetta, wine, caesars (for moi) and I had the salmon and he had the vindaloo beef. We enjoyed the conversation and great service. It was a nice way to celebrate 29 years of putting up with each other and 4 years of wedded bliss. (I'm paraphrasing here). lol

Next year, we might have a little shindig since we ended up cancelling the plans for our 25th anniversary due to some family issues at the time. Ah, drama drama.

Anyways, I had more energy to get up and go this past weekend and my clothes are definitely looser. I love my Apidexin. Wait, did I already say that??

Goals for this week, besides getting to bed a t a decent hour include more water each day, keeping a food (calorie) journal and continuing to walk Mr Tikki every day. Oh yeah, and to clip the bad boy pink poodle too.

Sounds like a full week!

Friday, August 28, 2009

Just Call Me Mrs. Big - Shot.


Well, well, well. Interesting tidbit of news today.

Yesterday we got a call from a company developing a new show for Global. It will be all about women's issues. Childcare, office politics, cosmetic surgery, ageing, health issues, weight loss, leisure time, relationships and... house cleaning.

For some reason, they have chosen us as a company to possibly do a segment on their show. Apparently we come across as having good customer service and professionalism. I can't help but wonder which one of our obviously deluded or drunken customers told them that?

It's all very up in the air at the moment but don't worry, when I know, you'll know. Wonderful Daughter and I have some logistics to work out. They would also want to film on location and since the office is my living room, that would entail having a client approve us in their home.

Right now we're just examining the information package they sent over yesterday.

WD is jazzed and full speed ahead.

I must admit, I'm terrified. If we got an influx of business, we DO NOT have the staff to handle it. Heck, I can't even schedule jobs in a competent manner. I don't want us to look like buffoons...

Eeeek!

In other late breaking developements, the shampooing of the bedroom carpets has now been completed. You can now return to your regularly scheduled program.

Have a great weekend.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Same, Same on Me

Weigh In day: Same, no loss, but...more importantly, no gain.

Slowly getting my act together this morning, then heading up to Wonderful Daughter's so she can finish our taxes for the quarter.

How exciting!

At least there's no bear tracks causing excitement in my life...

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Wednesday Hump Day

Tikki and I got lost on the way to a new client's home today. That wouldn't be so bad but our new employee was following in her van.

Oh well, that's what I get for letting a poodle drive. They are so busy looking over the cute puppies in other cars they don't watch the road signs. That and the fact the city road map showed roads that don't link up to each other.


Another friend is in the hospital, this time for a gall bladder attack. We went this evening to visit but she had just gone into surgery. I went to the greenhouse today and had them make a succulent plant bowl with plants I was able to pick out myself. It was so nice and such a good price, compared to cut flowers, I don't think I'll ever take flowers again.

Our friend's hospital room was so full already, they asked us to take the plant home until she's discharged. If they only knew how tough it's going to be to get it back from me...
Except, I have a black thumb and it's too pretty to die a cruel and unusual death on my countertop.

I've accidentally triple booked us for tomorrow. I've made some calls to try and rebook, offering a free hour of cleaning if they will take us up on it. Should be interesting.

Wonderful Daughter is going to kill me. Someday I'll learn to use our scheduling software, I swear!

We took her and the boys out to dinner tonight. The food was horrible, cold, heat-lamp baked and WD's meat was raw in the center. We sent back our two meals and after everyone else ate, we walked to a nearby Vietnamese place and got take out for the two of us.

I love living on the "Red Mile" everything is so close by.

WD's kids were cute at dinner. JC has no indoor volume on his voice and Dom talks non-stop careening from subject to subject so fast you can't keep up. The adults exchange amused glances over their heads and treasure up the cute stuff they say.

Yesterday JC was supposed to be taking a nap. He'd been laying down about an hour when Dom said something too loudly in the hallway outside his bedroom.
Suddenly JC yelled, "Quiet Dom! Jacey pleeping in heour!!"

WD had lots of compliments for me tonight. Apparently, my upper arms are looking smaller as well as my upper back. No word on Shirley dwindling down to nothing...yet.

Tomorrow is weigh in day.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Day Off Part Two


The best laid plans of mice and men oft go awry, or so they say.

The three of us, Tikki and I and the man I am married to (who does NOT want to be mentioned in my blog!!) walked to a trendy little yuppie cafe and sat out on the patio. We enjoyed a muffin and a tea for me. OJ and muffin for that man. Total price $10.00, Crazy, eh? Tikki enjoyed a quarter of my pumpkin muffin and that man had the other quarter. I just have no appetite with the Apidexin.

I had vacuumed before we left in preparation to shampoo carpets and steam the hardwood when we returned but then we decided to go for a drive first.

We dropped off Tikki and went to run a couple errands while we debated checking out the new Crossirons Mills mall in Balzac. I hate walking around a mall, I think I'm on record as having said that before. Then I remembered that Bed Bath and Beyond is also in Chinook mall so we went there.

My memory is faulty as usual and there wasn't a BBB in Chinook but there was a Bath and Bodyworks where I scored 6 bottles of warm vanilla hand soap for only $25 (regular price $33) and some nice warm vanilla shower gel and body cream. That was on sale, buy two, get one free so I scored again! The man who shall remain nameless bought some special hand cream with parrafin since the skin over his knuckles cracks open from the dryness here on the prairies. He has tried all kinds of creams and has yet to find the magic formula. Unfortunately, the stuff he chose is scented so it probably won't be magic either.

I popped into Sephora and bought Wonderful Daughter some Cake products to celebrate her recent weight loss. No calories in that Cake, just yummy smelling shower gels and creams. I wish you all could see her, she really has worked hard and it shows.

Then, we drove back downtown to a men's wear store so he could get a few golf shirts on sale. While he was trying on his choices, I decided he could take me out for lunch to our favorite Mexican restaurant which was back down in the south end of the city again.

Imagine our surprise when we got there, only to discover it is under renovation and will be reopening in September as a Greek restaurant! We already have two favorite Greek restaurants, depending on what we want to spend. One has a patio and one doesn't, which is also important when making our selection.

I called WD to ask for a Mexican suggestion. When she and her soon-to-be-ex husband were together, they used to eat out a minimum of 3 times a week. She knows her restaurants and quickly gave me 3 suggestions. It was a good thing she was quick because my cell went dead before I got addresses. We ended up at a little hole in the wall place that had really great, authentic Mexican food and we enjoyed every bite. We'll be sure to go there again soon.

The man wanted to go out to Crossirons Mills and look at a Kitchen Aid stand mixer for WD but I was ready to come home since it was 4:30 by this time. Wonderful Daughter bakes all her own bread each week as well as buns, cinnamon buns, rolls and pizza crusts. She has my old stand mixer since I rarely bake in bulk like she does. But we think she really needs a professional model. My mixer just can't do the capacity she needs. So, we're checking out prices and models and features. It's going to be quite a process. Maybe they will go on sale by then. Or, I could cash in 53,000 Visa Reward Points. (I'd rather save them towards airfare for a much needed holiday though.)

So, no wild and crazy times shampooing carpets after all today. Just a nice day to rest and relax. I didn't even have to worry about making supper because we were both too stuffed from our nice lunch. I've been spoiled today. The man was concerned about my little episode last week and decided to take two days off to spend with me. I adore him, whoever he is...

I've heard it said, "Housework is what a woman does that nobody notices unless she hasn't done it." So, I'll try to get to the bedrooms later this week. The beauty of housework is that it can always wait.
Unless your in-laws are coming for a visit...

Day Off


Today I unexpectedly have the day off. Wonderful Daughter has hired someone new so she gets to take my jobs this week. My partner is off all week attending to last minute wedding details.
So I'm going to go all crazy wild and do something I haven't done in far too long. That's right, you guessed it! I'm going to shampoo the bedroom carpets. Outrageous, right?

I know, I like living on the edge. First though, I'm going to take Mr. Tikki for a walk to Tim Horton's for a coffee. Just one for me. he gets too wired on caffeine. He was playing possum while I was vacuuming. He wouldn't appear no matter how I coaxed or called. Finally I knocked on our front door and he gave a little woof so I knew where he had gone into hiding. Sure enough, he had a piece of saran wrap under there that he stole out of the garbage. Little brat!

More later. Let's just say, I'm feeling great today and the Apidexin is working again. My abdomen feels better and I feel smaller across my rib cage. Thursday will tell the story though.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Better Day

Wonderful Daughter and I had a productive day. We both had to go out and clean. Fortunately, the shock wasn't too much for her system and we got a huge move-out clean done in good time. We actually finished a few minutes early. It's been a long time since we have had to do a clean together but we got right back into the rhythm.

She used to be so funny when we first started working together. I was always on her case about walking down the stairs without carrying supplies or garbage or something. The funniest was always when I would come huffing and puffing into a room to find her calmly checking out a sales flyer or perusing the headlines on the newspaper. Then, words would be exchanged but I always had to laugh at her. I'd treat each job as a life or death challenge and she viewed it as an opportunity to see sales flyers she didn't get at her house.

It didn't take us long to decide to leaver her in the office manning the phones and dealing with the staff while I took a partner with me since I like to clean.

Since my health has deteriorated the past two years, she tries to limit my working days but I still sneak my partner and I onto the schedule when I can.

My partner gets married this weekend, which coincidentally is my 29th wedding anniversary too. After that, we'll see how much she wants to work.

All in all, I had a better day today and look forward to continuing improvement. Weigh in is on Thursday so I've got a good goal to work toward.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Sunday Offerings


Tikki, the Ice Breaker
We had a great day yesterday. If you're not on a diet that is...




Wonderful Daughter and I went to the dollar store and spent way too much on glow bracelets, sparklers and glow sticks. We were on our way to Movie in the Park again.




WD's Estrogen Crew came over for a steak dinner and then we headed over to the park. Too bad we didn't take the address with us, instead relying on my sketchy memory. After driving around for 20 minutes, we came back to the condo and got my laptop only to discover it was less than 8 blocks from my place and we had driven within a block of it twice.




Duh.




The bad news was, I didn't get a chance to visit with the friend I'd arranged to meet there. The good news was, it was dusky enough to hand out the glowing booty right away and the kids had a ball. In addition to WD's two boys, there were 3 more boys and one cute, chubby little baby girl. We were able to light up the kids and pass a few bracelets around to others (and dogs).


The sparklers wouldn't light again...sheesh. We only got two to light up so there were disappointed kids in that regard. I sent home the packages of sparklers with them, Hopefully they'll have more success.




The great news was, there was an indoor bathroom so no sanitizing wipes or flashlights were needed!




In addition to the 5 of us adults, Gordon and Penelope were there, their daughter in law, Kelly with her 2 kids, some new friends, Duane and Lisa and their 2. We had a ball.


Hopefully we can get to one more showing before it gets too cold to sit out there. My mother in law is is Saskatchewan right now, but I know she'd love to go again at least one more time.




In addition to special coffee for the adults, we had tiger brownies, mini eclairs, peach fuzzy navels, no wait, they were called fuzzy peaches, Kernels gourmet popcorn, diet Pepsi and lots of other goodies (baddies). I was pretty good. I split an eclair with Tikki and had one brownie.




Tikki was a big hit, since he is still dyed pink and the Breast Cancer folk were there doing some fund raising. Several of the ladies commented on his pink hair and wanted photos of him.
(Kelly won a nice prize basket from them.) I love taking my pink poodle out and about. He opens the door to very nice conversations with fellow dog lovers... Others steer clear of me, since I've clearly lost my marbles.




We had a ball, the movie "Up" was great for all ages and I was left much more encouraged.
I have a great group of friends.
WD's E.Crew are the greatest gals ever and she is blessed to have them in her life. They spoil her boys rotten. They need some spoiling after everything they've been through with the divorce and all.




It came out during dinner conversation when WD puts the boys to bed, the E. Crew goes to where ever in the house they can hear the giggling the clearest and have fits of giggles themselves. Then, they make friendly bets with each other as to how long until WD comes in the bedroom to threaten separation, spankings, bodily injury and other dire consequences if the boys don't quiet down and go to sleep.




The boys know, other than separation, it just ain't gonna happen so the giggling starts as soon as WD walks back down the hall. The Estrogen Crew find this all hilarious. ...Did I mention they are childless?




I love that they enjoy the little guys so much. It's such a good arrangement all around. I feel like I have two new daughters. Who are definitely less sassy than WD!




So, I feel I'm pulled right out of the latest funk. I need to focus on my hand-made family and stop giving the biological misfits any space in my head.




How`s your weekend going?










Friday, August 21, 2009

Rejoining the Human Race

Okay, I went to bed for awhile (6 hours) and am a bit more human now. Thanks for the kind comments.

I'll be back to being my usual self in tomorrow's post.

Backsliding


The problem with over eating is that you do it for the dumbest reasons. Some people can't eat when they are stressed. Some people can't eat when they are overly tired.


I, unfortunately can eat anytime. Upset, pass me a sweet. Unhappy, let's load up some carbs. having a wonderful time, add in alcohol and clean those plates off.


Yesterday started out well and then went South. Actually waaaay south. To Hell in the proverbial handbasket.
So, I fixed them all I tells ya! I ate. And ate. And ate. And...well, you get the picture.
I don't know if there is enough Apidexin in the whole world to fix this.
I walk a pretty fine chemical line with my anti-depressants. I forgot to take them Wednesday and slept at Wonderful daughter's last night without my pills (or C-pap machine) so I was out of sorts.
Add in a few outside pressures and boom. Calorie-fest.
Last night, after the BBQ, I was questioned about the "Fifth Sparrow" moniker I have adopted. It's pretty tough to explain that, because you have to continually remind yourself that you are of value, you relate to that 5th little bird. Dredges up some serious crud I tells ya!
I think it's not totally me, it's the chemical imbalance in my brain but wow-ee some days are hard.
Dawn asked how my relationship with my mother and sister is these days. I can tell you in one word.
Non-existent.
I have an older sister, a half sister who is 6 years younger and a half brother who is 8 years younger. None of them want anything to do with me.
They have taken my inventory, found me sadly lacking and cast me aside. We don't speak.
The second last time I saw my mother, she assaulted me with intent. She clawed up my throat as she tried to choke me and gouge my eyes with her thumbs.
I don't recall the last time I saw my older sister. Hmmmm, no clue. It's been a lot of years. She skipped my beloved great grandmother's funeral. And I only find out when other family passes away if I read the obituaries for our small hometown. No one calls to tell me.
My younger sister came to my home approximately 10 years ago to pick up a car I gave her in exchange for a dollar.
No clue when I saw my brother last.
I have never met 1 of my 2 nephews or 2 of my 3 nieces. When I celebrated Christmas, they wouldn't invite us or, if they did, there would be no presents for my children although there was an avalanche of gifts for my niece.
I read about families. I see families. How dysfunctional they are. All the fighting and drama. All the turmoil. They fight, they make up. They laugh and cry. They talk about each other, they choose sides, they work out their weird dynamic.
I see my friend's families. How they do all that and work it out, somehow, eventually. My siblings and mom do that. Just not with me.
I'm not even worth that to my family. They do not want me. Period.
I made my choice. I went to BC at age 12 and lived with my dad. I abandoned them and for that, I was cast out.
And, like I said. It was worth it. Like Groucho Marx said, "I don't want to join a club that would have me as a member."
Seriously, that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt sometimes.
So, I struggle. With chemicals, with emotions, with life.
Once, years ago, when I was crying over it, I rhetorically asked WD, "What is wrong with me, that my own mother doesn`t love me?!"
And her wise answer, at age 12, "What's wrong with you? What the heck is wrong with a mother who can't love her own child?"
This sounds like a pity party but it's not. I have a great group of friends. They are my family. Handpicked and cherished.
And I have my marriage of 29 years, Wonderful Daughter, her boys and my son, his wife and now, a new granddaughter.
So I have it all, really!
I don't know if this post even makes sense but, hey, you should be used to me by now!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Let me go on the record to say...

Many might wonder "Why the Fifth Sparrow?"

Simply, the price for four sparrows to offer as sacrifice was set.

Then, a fifth sparrow was thrown in for free, as though it was of no value. However, we know, not even a sparrow falls to the ground that God is not aware of.

This blog is not political or religious in nature. It is simply my struggle with weight loss, depression and self-esteem.

For your enjoyment.

Weighty Thoughts

Hey you all! Okay, the 2 or 3 of you who have yet to get a life...seriously, I'm even boring to myself.

With trepidation I approached the scale this morning. Recalling those cinnamon buns Wonderful Daughter tried to send home with me. "For Dad. You don't have to eat them!"

I "forgot" them.

He went and picked them up.

Can I really blame him? If I wasn't dieting I'd drive across town for her baking too.

So, I only had one. One Big one. The girl makes each bun the size of a salad plate. It's very unfair.

Don't get me started on the loaves of homemade bread she sends home with him each week.

But, I digress. So without further ado....I lost 2 whole pounds. That's PDG* for me!

I was so happy, I leaped off the scale and did the dance of joy which apparently is poodle code for Attack your Master.

I'm at WD's now. She has kept me prisoner today while we clean her house. Thank goodness she moved to a much smaller place and thank goodness Thing 1 and Thing 2 are getting better about cleaning up after themselves.

Jace thinks I'm a miserable old bag. I gave him a cloth and set him to work cleaning up after himself. After the obligatory initial resistance, he got into it.
"Lookit Mom-ee-ah, Jace wash walls all bedder. Washa lye-ens offa walls. Washa cay-on."

Heh, it worked to get my two kids to stop making murals. Although Wonderful Daughter used lipstick, not crayon. Glamour girl, even at 3. I have confidence today's generation can grasp the idea as well.

Off to a school BBQ with Wonderful Daughter and Crew. I shall watch what I eat and behave myself beautifully. Not just because there won't be any alcohol served. They hold off on that until junior high.


*PDQ = Pretty Dang Good!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Apidexin, I Love You.

Well, tomorrow is weigh in day but I'm already noticing a difference. I wore an elastic waisted skirt yesterday and it was turning around on its own. I kept noticing the seams were out of place but being the clever sort, it took me until evening to figure it out. My sweat pants need to be hiked up more often. No plumbers crack here! All in all, I've noticed a difference.

Even if the scale isn't nice to me tomorrow, I feel positive. I have more energy and a definite zippity in my doo-dah.

Not much cardio today... my cleaning partner and I didn't do as many houses as we should have because somehow we lost, erm, I mean mislaid a key for that particular client. It will turn up eventually, but in the meantime, what a pain. Now, tomorrow, we have to run downtown, get a spare key from his receptionist, go clean the home and then run the key right back to him. Then we'll go do our regular houses for the day. Partner is getting married next weekend so she needs more time off to do the last minute stuff. Today when we were locked out, we went shopping for bow ties. Tomorrow should be interesting. She's a little stressed...

We picked up a new client today. She's a referral from her mom who has been an infrequent client. Her house was untidy but not dirty and she worked along with us, putting stuff away as we cleaned. It was great and we got lots accomplished. Usually clients who want to work along are underfoot and in your face but she was great. We wish we were going in more regularly than once per month but it will be great to get her home into the shape she will enjoy.
Today was a surprise for her husband. I hope he noticed everything. She was so excited about her house when we left.

One of my favorite things about this job is meeting nice people who appreciate our efforts. So, I'm looking forward to going back soon. I also can't stop thinking about a bachelor we got last week. He got custody of the cats in the divorce and he needed our services desperately. It will be interesting to go back next week and see how it looks.

Enough about my boring job.

Looking forward to weigh in Thursday tomorrow! Stay tuned.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Sucked In

Today I spent the day with JC and Wonderful Daughter since Dom is in school.

JC is having some issues with his full-time playmate being gone all day. No to mention Dom gets to go into the building where the fabulous playground is located. It's all extremely unfair in JC's eyes. I can relate. I had sibling envy too.

WD and I miss Dom too but his enthusiasm about being back in school is contagious. We're happy for him. He has already made a best friend although he can't remember his name...

So, we had errands to run and at first JC didn't want to come, he was on the prod. Then, once he was talked into coming he would only ride with Nana. "Wide wif Nana. Naaana. Naaaana."

WD came down the alley in her car since we needed to drop it off at my place so Dar could use it. As soon as JC saw his mother he started up with me. "Go see mom-ee-ah,! Jay-cee need go see mommy. Need see mom-ee-ah Nana, Need See MOMMY!!!"

He's an adorable kid but when he wants something his needle gets stuck in the broken record. He gets louder and louder as he repeats variations on his current theme. Bear in mind, he's three. I have to keep reminding myself too.

So, as we drive along he whines and carries on about his mother. He must have his mommy. He wants out, he wants her to wave, he wants to ride with her. Finally as we pull up to the first traffic light, I turn and ask, "JC do you want to go ride with mommy? I can take you to mommy's car."

Emphatically, "No Nana, no see momm-ee-ah. Ride Tikki. See moofee (movie)."

Okay, I think, problem solved, I called his bluff, now he'll settle down. And he does, riding along quite happily. Until I get onto the busiest street of our commute. Suddenly he starts screaming something new he needs and I can't understand the kid.

"Need Nee-No? (his pet name for Dom)"
screams- "No!"

"Need water?"
screams - "No!"

"What? What do you need JC?" (Nana needs a tylenol)
more screams- "No! No!"

Understanding and dread dawn at the same time, "Need tomach, tomach bwoken!"

I risk a glance backwards and see him clutching his stomach. Oh no, the kid is gonna hurl and we just detailed the van after the gallon of milk leaked everywhere last week.

I frantically try to get WD's attention but she's passed me in traffic. I unroll the windows hoping a bit of fresh air will revive him.

"How's that honey? Are you feeling better?"

Forlornly, "No nana, no beddaw, tomach hurt. Tomach bwoken."

WD is now long gone, lost in traffic. She probably made a break for it, leaving me with a sick kid to barf in my van.

I turn on the A/C full blast, hoping a little cold air will help.

"JC, we're almost at Nana's. Just hold on for a minute okay?"

Tiny, little sick voice, "Okay Nana"

Oh no, he's fading fast, he's got the swine flu, he's got food poisoning, he's got meningitis. No wonder he was screaming. No wonder he wanted his mother.

I draw attention to Tikki, trying to distract him. "Look, Tikki wants to sit on my lap. Do you think a dog knows how to drive JC? Isn`t that silly?"

He doesn't bother to answer.

I glance back. His colour looks okay but he's still clutching his stomach. Moments later we pull into my underground parking. Wonderful Daughter is there, thank goodness. Parked in my stall. Now I get to navigate into her stall on a lower level when time is of the essence.

"Look JC, there's mommy. Mommy is here honey. We'll get you upstairs. You're okay."

Weakly, disbelievingly, "Mommy?" Then, he brightens and screams, "Mommy!"

As I hit the unlock switch, he rolls open his door and runs up the ramp yelling, "Mommy! Mommy! Tikki dwive Nana van!"

I meet her on the ramp and start to explain her youngest son had a near death experience. Sceptically she looks over to where he and Tikki are running laps around the pillars and pronounces him cured.

Sure enough, the rest of the afternoon passed uneventfully. All he needed was the medicine that is his Mom-ee-ah.

Monday, August 17, 2009

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Crone Woman!!

When I was 18, my dad died.

He had been (mis)diagnosed with MS when he was only 19 or 20. So, there he was with 2 little kids, a pretty little wife and what amounted to a death sentence. If he lived very long, he would be wheelchair bound. A "burden to society", having "his butt wiped" for him. This was a man who locked the bathroom door before taking out his bridgework. He found the prospects of nursing care and a permanent disability terrifying.

He had lost his own mother when he was less than 3 years old to an ovarian tumour. Understandably, he freaked out and went a little off the rails upon getting this diagnosis. As a result of his behaviour, he and my mother divorced when I was 18 months old.

At least, this is how I think the story goes. At that time in my personal history, I was busy with potty training and sticking small toys in the dog's ear so my memories are a little hazy.

My mother went off to nursing school and my sister and I lived with my dad's grandparents until she remarried and came back for us when I was 5. Funnily enough, she married one of my dad's best friends and everyone got along great. There was none of the bickering and hatred between them that most divorcing couples experience. I was also young enough to never remember them together.

However, as soon as I was given a chance , I went to live with my dad. That was age 12. I left the ranch we lived on, the small town I'd been raised in, my beloved great grandparents and my siblings to go live in the Okanagan with my dad.

It was worth every sacrifice. He showed me I was of value, I was lovable, funny and I made him happy. My step mother Shirley, was no treat to live with and my step-siblings were weird but it was still worth it. Growing up with such a great guy was worth every price I paid.

Because my mother didn't handle my rejection, defection or my new, happier disposition well, I became permanently estranged from my mom, sister, half sister and brother and it was still worth it.

Unfortunately, the MS that had semi-paralysed him down one side to be a brain tumour after all those years and when he was 39, it killed him.

As of this week, I will have out lived him by 9 years.

The point of this little dissertation, if there is a point is that I'm getting old. Dad never wanted to grow old. He was too afraid of what his future held. But here I am, 48, officially closing on 50 years OLD.

And I love it!

I'll happily turn into a Crone if it means grandsons daily (almost) and a granddaughter a couple hours away.
If it means having an adult daughter to be your partner in crime, grime and everything in between.
(deleted due to Someone's rampant paranoia)
If it means cherished friendships of 20 years and longer.
If it means just getting to this place in time with everything I have and everything I have experienced.

Bring it!!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

I am so Smart! S-M-R-T!!

Well now, I finally took the time to figure out how to post pictures.
A couple years ago, I used to have to type in a special HTML code. Now, in these progressive blogging times, you just click on the photos icon.
What will they think of next? Can putting a man on the moon be far behind?!

Now, I just have to get permission from Wonderful Daughter to put the boys on here. And get a shot of me I'm happy with.

In the meantime... I'll leave you with this.





(Deleted due to the Witness Protection Program)
Me, April 2009. Self portrait I think... the memory fades as we age y'know!






Saturday, August 15, 2009

Update....Because I'm just so dang facinating...

We went out and got a couple of wine kits. A Raspberry Zinfandel for Wonderful Daughter and her Estrogen Crew. Then, a "Bergamais something" for us old folk. Can you tell we're true connoisseurs?!

Then, off to the farmer's market for saffron and tahini. And longing, soulful, drool-y gazes at the Buttercream Bakery booth and the Greek kiosk.
I didn't succumb though. Nor did I pick up any veggies Bag Lady. I'm still working on the pluots, etc.

My big news is, Tikki and I hopped out of the van at a red light a mile from home and walked back. He was so excited to be out walking he was jumping up around my waist. Which, according to our friendly neighborhood guest blogger is 18 inches off the ground...

I think he was happy to be back in my good books again. Yesterday, I came home from a terrible day's work (we walked out of one house because it was a urine-abomination) to discover he had learned to jump onto my bed. Once up there, he helped himself to my latest replacement C-pap mask and ate it. When I take it off in the morning, I stuff it behind the headboard since he's proven if it's on the floor or night table he will chew it up. So, another $150 mask to replace. He must have really worked to haul it out from behind my headboard. Why didn't I get another stoopid, in-bred Samoyed?? I'm weary of having a poodle who outsmarts me at every turn. But, all was forgiven by today.

The rain had cleared up and we had a great walk back. I'm encouraged I was able to get some much needed exercise. Plus I didn't have to haul any of our purchases up from the van. heh. heh.

And, I'm one whole mile closer to the Miami airport.

Whoo Hoo !

Saturday, in the Park...(ahem) in the Drizzle

Blah, Blah, Blah

That's how I feel today. It's overcast and miserable.

Cousin was halfway here when he saw the weather was cruddy so he turned his bee-yoo-tee-ful motorcycle around in Red Deer and went back home. Man, sensible people bug me!

Actually, I'm glad he decided not to freeze to death to get here. Last visit, when he went home I worried about him riding in the rain.
But, we were really looking forward to seeing him. He's such a great guy. Hopefully he'll make it for a visit before the month is over.

In my opinion, this summer is pretty much over. Dom starts Grade Two on Monday, the 17th. How sick is that? A) that he's old enough for grade 2 B) that he starts school a week earlier than the rest of the city C) that this curtails mid-week outings.

The weather has been the pits this year. It has ruined the summer. Once again we didn't go to the Okanagan for a holiday, choosing instead to stay local and support Wonderful Daughter. That's a-okay with me since I would be seriously choked to be spending money for a holiday in this weather.

We (okay, I) really want spend any holiday money by booking a winter cruise to the Caribbean or somewhere warm. The last (first and only) time we went on one was when W.D. was expecting Dom. So, a looooong time ago. We are due.
W.D. has lost serious weight in the past month. She wisely has done it by eating right and exercising her butt off, literally. She'll look good in a bathing suit on a cruise. I hope to be right beside her, giving dirty looks to non-parent approved men. She is still not rid of the last one.

Heyyyyy, I "just had an epiphany! Lightning just struck my brain... (that must have hurt)". I'm setting myself another goal. I had decided to copy off Dawn at Fixing Myself Thinner and get in 5 hours of exercise this week, not eat after dinner and drink 3 -4 liters of water each day.

New long term goal: I will walk the equivalent of miles to the airport. In Miami.

Oh wow, according to Google maps, that is 4,849 miles. I think my talking pedometer will cuss me out.

oh...wow.

I'm gonna need another ticker. And possibly my head examined.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Day 4 Apidexin - Alice in One derland

Weigh in day today: 199. Whoo hoo!

That’s a pretty significant loss considering I haven’t really exercised or changed my eating habits. I will have to though, or once the pills are gone, the weight will come back.

My stomach is still pretty bloated. Looks gross and doesn’t feel great. The 3 day detox is taking 6 days because I’m only taking it in the morning. That’s probably the source of my tummy troubles.

Cousin is coming down for the weekend and wants to go to the zoo.

Off to work now. Only 2 houses today.

Try to behave while I’m gone...and No Fighting.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Thursday, Day 3 Apidexin

Well, I missed a day of blogging because Wonderful Daughter and I made a trade. Did you miss me?

I left her my laptop and Tikki. In return I took Thing 1 and Thing 2 for a "pleep-over" as JC calls it. I think I made the best deal. The boys spent nearly an hour playing in the tub. They took the tall cups I used to wash their hair and made sodas. They filled up the cup with bath water and topped it with bubbles. It was tons of fun until Dom convinced JC to drink the soda. Then there were tears. Plenty of tears.
I have to admit I chuckled a little. I remember my sister convincing me the pretty bath oil beads were special gum balls. That brat! Not to mention the time she convinced me chewing tobacco was beef jerky. Is it any wonder I have food issues to this day?!



So Apidexin Day 2 was good. A tiny amount of food was very filling. In fact my stomach was bloating just from the food I did eat. Or, that could be a side effect of the detox pills I'm to take the first 72 hours. Anyways, I drank lots of water and had a really good day. No shakes or other problems.



My only issue was difficulty sleeping. That could be because JC was crying for his mommy and ended up sleeping in our room while I bunked out on the couch. It was way too hot to sleep even though it wasn't hot outside. Of course I missed my sleep apnea C-pap as well, but the heat was the worst.
When I was 27 I was put into total menopause after surgery but I think I'm getting it again. With the night sweats and all the other assorted fun. Guess it's because I stopped the hormone replacement therapy a couple of years ago. It was great fun the first time, the second just seems so much better...or is that bitter?

Who ever said life was fair?

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Day 1 Apidexin

So, my long awaited pills finally came in the mail today. I’m not sure why I had to pay $16 shipping and then another $10 C.O.D. when they arrived. Pretty expensive delivery. If they work, I will be ordering larger quantities to make it more worthwhile next time.

I chose these pills because they have the most natural ingredients of any out there and are highly rated by all the diet sites. They have brown kelp which is supposed to be really good as well. Oh, and not much caffeine. Just by looking at me, you’d never guess I’m such a health nut. *snort*

At the best of times I shake like a wino due to my bad nerves, so I didn’t want anything that would make me twitch more. I worry that complete strangers would be trying to shove a popsicle stick between my teeth to protect me during what would be interpreted as a seizure. If I’m lucky it would just be a popsicle stick and not a branch off a nearby tree.

So, the Apidexin experiment:
I took one pill with a lot of water and then had breakfast about 40 minutes later. I couldn’t finish my cereal. I was just too full. Tikki was thrilled as the most he ever gets is one or two Cheerios.
At lunch time I had another pill, then 30 minutes later a bit of tuna and a pluot. As well as a lot of water. I was stuffed again. Dinner was 1 1/3 cup of pasta and 1 cup of Caesar salad. Not the best choice but Dar ordered it in while I was having a nap.

I wasn’t feeling the best. I think it’s the detox pills that came with the Apidexin. Wonderful Daughter and I had gone to run some errands this afternoon and I wasn’t feeling quite right so I laid down when I got back. Since I was able to fall right to sleep, (once Tikki was persuaded to stop barking at nothing) I don’t think there is much caffeine in these pills.

I didn’t get to the swimming pool. Again. Or out for a walk. Again.
But, I did watch what I ate and drank plenty of water. So, all in all, I consider it a good day. The only thing is, I feel weird. Stop it. I mean Weirder than usual. My skin feels like it’s in place but the flesh underneath feels like it is quivering, like gelatin.


Hopefully this feeling goes away soon. Along with the fat...

Monday, August 10, 2009

Weigh In Monday

I just want to go on record as wondering why the heck I made Mondays the weigh in day?
What was I thinking? What am I running around this place? The Marquis de Sade Weight Loss Clinic and Motivational Centre?

Usually the weekends are busy with friends and family and eating goes along with that. Monday is brutal to have to account for the debauchery* of the weekend.

The weigh in this morning was a non-event. No loss but of course, more importantly no gain. And, once again no pills in the mail, danggit,

I think my meds are out of whack since I felt really blah today and spent most the day in bed.
If I had a water bed I could have done a few laps and met my swimming goal. So, I took more meds and hope it all equals out soon. I hate feeling this way. And I'm sure it's no picnic for those around me.

Oh well, tomorrow is another day. I'm off again so will try to get the swimming in then.
TTFN


*By debauchery I of course mean sitting around, visiting and drinking cosmos and wine. Along with some quality grandson time.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Inspiration found

“Set Yourself Free” by Ralph Marston---"There is no outside force holding you back. You are holding you back and you are blaming it on someone or something else. The way you are able to continue holding yourself back is by maintaining the illusion that you're a victim. Once you realize that illusion, you will naturally and easily move forward. In fact, it is easier to fulfill your best possibilities than it is to avoid them. So let go of the blame and watch the limitations drop away. Certainly there will always be challenges that hold you back. For each challenge provides you with a pathway through which you can move toward fulfillment. It is your very nature to accomplish. Lovingly accept your destiny, and allow that accomplishment to be manifest through you. Set yourself free to follow your purpose. Set yourself free to truly live." Visit Mr. Marston at http://www.greatday.com/

I found that while surfing and it really spoke to me. Let go of the blame.
Often I feel I'm the scapegoat, the whipping boy. This negativity has to stop since I tend to console myself with food.

This is MY journey. I decide what to pack and carry on my back. I want to travel the pathway to fulfillment.

Today I walked 40 minutes with Tikki. Over 4,000 steps according to the pedometer. I was going to go out again this evening but fell into another funk so I didn't go.

Tomorrow is weigh in day and a new start. I signed up for an online program to track exercise and food intake. I need to decide what my caloric bank amount will be. I don't have work scheduled for tomorrow, I'm going to go swimming at least 30 minutes.

- exercise a minimum of 60 minutes
- drink a minimum of 1 gallon of water
-take my meds


Accountability.

Movie In The Park

Late post tonight...or is it morning? Just got home.



I was extremely good at the funeral luncheon. Everything looked delicious and the table must have been 30 feet long. It was crammed full of delicious appetizers, cold cut platters and veggie trays. Michelle made her sister promise not to let them serve little sandwiches if she ever had a funeral and there wasn't one sandwich there.



We had a chance to visit with old friends we hadn't seen in years and catch up on all the news. Thanks to my little pill, I got through the whole thing and only cried at appropriate moments. "Better living through chemistry" I always say. Michelle's mom read a poem she had written and it just tore your heart out. This was a very close family and they are taking it real hard. Not that death is ever easy, but she was only 42.



Tonight, Wonderful Daughter, MIL and I took the little boys to Movie in the Park to see Monsters versus Aliens. It's great family fun with a bounce house, miniature golf putting, temporary tattoo parlor, hula-hoop contests, guitar hero contests and a cheesy magician. It's always held near a playground and the kids have an absolute ball.

MIL and I hit the dollar store earlier this week and bought glow in the dark bracelets, necklaces and finger flashlights, I mean "lasers". We also bought a zillion sparklers with the intention of handing them out to all the kids who come to these things. Unfortunately, I accidentally packed the nearly empty BBQ lighter and we couldn't even get one of the sparklers lit.

But, the glow in the dark stuff was handy for keeping an eye on the little guys. We made necklaces and put a finger flashlight on it so all we had to do was turn our head to see where they were instead of going over every few minutes. And it sure was nice to have a small light when visiting the porta potty. Would have been even nicer to have hand sanitizer but we'll be better prepared next time. We handed out a few bracelets and necklaces to children around us and even made a necklace for the cute little Shih Tzu beside us. His person was thrilled.

JC had a great time on the playground, particularly the slide. Wonderful Daughter and I played train with him going down the slide. Then, later he fell asleep on my lap. He's getting so big, it was bittersweet to hold him knowing this might be the last summer he does that.

Shortly after the movie began, there was a scene where the heroine is smacking the heck out of Dr. Cockroach. Suddenly there was a loud "Pop" which I thought was part of the movie. Just as I thought, "Wow, great sound quality" the screen deflated in on itself. It turns out, because there are small leaks in the inflatable screen, they have to reinflate it every 15 minutes or so.

This time, (to the relief of the rest of the crew) the boss was manning the pump and he didn't get back to turn off the pump quickly enough. It tore an 18 foot long hole in the top of the screen. Dom just started wailing when it happened and everyone turned to look at us. I guess overly emotional crying at inappropriate times runs in the family. Fortunately, the movie people had their storage place nearby so within 30 minutes they had a new screen up and the movie back on.

On the way home, we asked Dom what was the best part of the movie. He announced it was when the screen blew up.

I guess it's just a matter of perspective.

After a tough couple days, I'm going to get my rear in gear tomorrow. I've been working on changing my perspective too.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Blue Friday

Not much funny today. I was doing better right after work but have low energy now.

There's a reason I'm the fifth sparrow. Somedays I feel it.


Thanks Wonderful Daughter for coming to help clean my place tonight. It's like the shoe maker's kids going barefoot around here. The cleaning lady's house is a sty.
Katie, you rock the cash bar. And you're getting to be a skinny wench. Keep it up!


Refilled my prescriptions and got a little something so I can go to the funeral tomorrow. First one I'll attend in the past 5 years. Hope I can pull it off. The last 2 I went to, I became so distraught I think people thought I was the widow. And I was only there to support a good friend. I'd never laid eyes on the deceased... Embarrassing much?

Memories of Michelle today... when she moved here from back East, she wanted cleaning jobs so I gave her the name of an old client who always had to have a maid service since her home was 9,000 sq. ft. , Yup, that wasn't a typo. 9 freaking thousand square feet. There was a developed basement as well. With a dance floor. And Michelle did the house all on her own.

So, Michelle shows up for work one day after a few months of working at this house and the lady of the manor says, "Y'know we had a party here on the weekend and we couldn't help but notice, there was a layer of dust on the top of the chandelier in the dining room."

Now, Michelle doesn't miss a beat. She replies, "Wow, that must have been some exciting party!"

Heh. Heh. Heh. Spunky, Sassy and Classy.

I can't believe I'm gonna go bake cupcakes for her funeral now. This sucks.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Goal for today

I've decided to copy some of the things Dawn at Fixing Myself Thinner does. She has had amazing sucess.

So, today I am going to:

1) Wear my new pedometer
2) Measure 2 walking routes with the car
3) Drink at least a gallon of water
4) Stay close to the bathroom

More later.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Perspective

I need to lose weight now. Right freaking now!

I didn't mention it before but I went to my doctor about chest pains and I have stress tests booked for next month.

I came home from one of the worst days we have had cleaning and was going to rant about the $65 parking ticket I got and all the out of sequence red lights I hit adding valuable time to my commute across the city. And my back.

Then, I got home and checked my email. One of our friends we have kind of lost touch with has unexpectedly passed away. She went for a walk and never came back. They found her dead in a park, apparent heart attack.

She weighs about what I do.

She was quite a bit younger. I'm only 48.

No more putzing around. I owe it to my family.

I'm going to go hug my hubby, call Wonderful Daughter and the grandboys and then I'm gonna find an online eating plan.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Dangnabbit

Well, crud. I’m up 2 lbs. Back to 204.

I’m determined not to get down about this and go on a binge. Right now, I’m having a cup of green tea.

Hmmm, bright side, bright side...

I did get off the couch and walk more.

My back seems loads better so the torn muscle must be healing nicely.

I didn’t eat like an idiot and backslide even more.

I didn’t regain all 4 pounds I’d lost.

In fact, I’ll bet this is actually muscle!

Yeah, that’s it! I’m on my way to buffness.
Whoo Hoo!

On another note. It poured down rain all night long and it is still coming down steadily although the animals are no longer pairing up. When I got up, I quickly pulled on a skirt, tank top, flip flops and hubby’s rain jacket. As we walked down the busy road I live beside, I was too close to the roadway, lost in my own thoughts.

A cement truck hit a large puddle and soaked my legs, feet and pink poodle. I’ll bet that cracked up the motorists around me.
Hopefully it made someone’s day. I know I sure thought it was funny.

Tikki, not so much.

Monday, August 3, 2009

What, You're Still Reading This Stuff?

Well, I’m not ready for a serious update yet. But I will say I have tried hard to be more aware of what I am eating. And why.
Mindless consuming seems to be my biggest issue but bad food choices rank right up there too.

We were more active than usual thanks to Cousin’s visit. Tikki definitely benefited. We did take Cousin to Peter’s Drive In before he hopped on his motorcycle and rode back home. A trip to our fair city is not complete without a trip to Peter’s. But I didn't polish off the left-over french fries and onion rings. I threw them out.

Cousin froze on the way home but at least he beat the rainstorm that descended within a couple hours of his departure. Cold isn't great but soaking wet is miserable! Especially at 110 km per hour.

He plans to be back in 2 weeks so we’re all looking forward to that. Maybe I will even have a noticeable weight loss by then. We will even get some fun activities lined up. And the crap room cleaned up. And achieve world peace.

I always wonder what to say when a big person loses a small amount of weight. Let’s see, I started at 206, lost 4 lbs so now what do you say?

“You’re a rake, baby!”
“Careful you don’t lose too much!”
“As it turns out, you don’t have 'such a pretty face'.”


Anyhoo, I will weigh in tomorrow with real numbers. I also promise you, the whole world wide web, in addition to all my other pledges which, let's face it, may or may not come to fruition, this week I will learn to post photos. And edit my previous posts so they are all the same font and text size. And clean up the typos. And that world peace thingy too.

No, really, I will.


If my calculations are correct, my apidexin should be here by Aug. 8th.


Look Out Internet!
There's a skinny girl trapped in here, dying to get out. I should know, I'm the one who ate her.



Sunday, August 2, 2009

Driving Miss Nana – Crazy.


Last night, Tikki the Toy Poodle decided to push my buttons. ALL my buttons.

When you live in a teeny tiny condo, every inch of space is considered for storage. The electric frying pan is stored in the oven, every shelf has a decorative box o’crud, there are hooks and bins and I keep bringing home innovative ironing board hangers, organizing gizmos and plate stackers.

I can’t afford a Murphy bed so I`ve been diligently working with the grandsons to teach them to sleep in an upright position in the front closet when they come to stay over. Can you blame me? Otherwise I’d have to brave the horror, tidy and restack the cartons o’crud in the spare room so we could open the sofa bed.

The space under our bed is filled with clever Rubbermaid totes, more decorative boxes and some pictures I’ve been waiting to hang once the building settles.
So what if we’ve been here 5 years, it’s too soon to hang stuff up, I tell ya.


It`s been so long since I`ve gotten down to look under there I really don`t remember what is contained in those boxes or what the pictures are of. I only remember it is all Good Stuff I can’t live without. Forget the fact the antique Roadshow never comes to Canada and that none of it is even an antique. It is irreplaceable, valuable stuff and I. Must. Keep. It. All.

Last night when it had finally cooled off to 120 billion degrees, Tikki patiently waited until I had nearly fallen asleep before he implemented his plan to rid me of any vestiges of sanity I might have.


He wiggled a space between two underbed Rubbermaid containers, then delighted me with his Buddy Rich imitations in 20 minute sets. He mixed it up by drumming on first one, then the other, then playing the bottom of the box spring like cymbals.

He was right in the middle of the bed and I couldn’t reach him. And he’s too smart to fall for any amount of coaxing or bribing.

Me: (whispering ) Tikki, what the heck? Get out from under there!

(surprisingly, he does not obey)

Me: (stage whisper) Tikki, c’mon it’s 1:30 already. Get out here.

(more frenzied drumming)

Me: (sugary, wheedling tone ) Ti-key, C’mere sweetheart, c’mon. Who’s a good little guy? Huh, who is? You are, yessss you are. C’mon sweetie.

(box spring solo)

Me: (hissing angrily while peering under the bedskirt) Tikki, you miserable little mutt, get out here.

(predictably, a short intermission is called while the misunderstood poodle retreats further and sulks under the far side of the bed.)

Me: (approvingly) (foolishly) Good Boy!

42.3 seconds later the joyous frenzy of drumming begins again.

Me: (bedside light on) Aw, Tikki...come off it. C’mere. Let’s go to sleep. (snaps fingers in an encouraging manner.

Tikki: What?! Just because I am French she thinks she can click zee feen gares like so and I will be at her side like, like, you would summon a waitare? I am zee arteest and I must play !

Me: (attempting to lie on floor in spite of my broken buttocks and look under bed) Listen dog, or Snoop Dog or whoever you think you are. Knock it off. Come out here now mister

At one point, I even disconnected my C-pap mask and allowed the air to blow beside the bedskirt in an effort to lure him out. He loves playing with (destroying) my machine.

No dice.
Nothing worked and these scenes were repeated at varying intervals.
He’d stop for a few minutes, I’d relax and then he’d think of someone else to dedicate a number to.
I was considering homicide, suicide, pesticide...

Finally as 2:45 a.m. approached, I played my trump card. I engaged the ultimate weapon. It was desperate times, I took desperate measures.

I sicc’d the Wonderful Daughter on him.


Less than 3 minutes after I gently roused her from slumber by flicking on the overhead light in the spare room, she had him out from under the bed, the containers pushed back together to discourage any encores and the Artist Formerly Known as Tikki was confined to his kennel.


In the bathroom.

With the door shut.

And the exhaust fan on.

She is truly deserving of her pseudonym.


*edited to add*
Tikki wanted me to mention he is accepting bookings for weddings, graduations and bachelorette parties

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Saturday, In the Park


We had an unexpected call from one of our cousins late Friday evening. He was riding his motorcycle through the city, just a few kilometres from the southern city limits when he ran over a nail* and his rear tire blew out. He was travelling at 110 km per hour at the time. Fortunately, he was able to keep the bike up and stay on the road. He could have easily been killed.

Unfortunately, because it is a long weekend, every garage the tow truck driver took him to was locked up tight. Since we have a secured parking garage, he called to ask if they could bring the bike here.

We were delighted to hear from him and more than happy to have him come and visit. The only problem is, since we have him, we don’t want to let him go again. The bike is fixed and he would like to continue on to Waterton National Park to meet up with his friends. But, we are all enjoying his company so much we wish he would stay a few more days.


We might have reached a compromise and he will stop back in overnight on his way back. He is one of the few cousins who ever comes to visit and we just adore him. He is 4 months younger than Wonderful Daughter so they have loads in common. She happily dragged him around the mall for a few hours this afternoon. I was thrilled not to have to go shopping. He was less than thrilled to be taken into a lingerie store but, given enough time and some shock therapy I think he'll be just fine.

Tonight we went to have a BBQ with our oldest friends. Not that they are old, but we have been close friends for 21 years. They are both so hospitable and would happily give you the shirt right off their back. No question asked. However, we are all getting older, greyer and wrinkly so removing a shirt is not a request any of us would make lightly.

We were bottling a Piesporter wine Gordon had made. It turned out quite nice. I really liked it and found it very smooth.
I don’t have a fancy palate for wine but it’s fun to make and try the various kinds. I know hooch and the stuff we make is pretty good. We filter it before bottling and that seems to help.


Dinner was fantastic, as always. Penelope is a fabulous cook and it’s always a treat to sit at her table. I was a very good girl again and only had a small slice of her cheesecake. Even though it was, beyond a doubt the best cheesecake I've had in years. She made two desserts. She always incorporates fruit into at least one dessert. Penelope loves to eat healthy. I wanted to take her a flat of pluots but Costco, in a unprecedented attempt to make money, sold all their pluots to others before I got there. Cheeky!


While the guys bottled the wine, we ladies did everything we could to assist them by sitting at the kitchen table and playing Trivial Charades. It’s a new game we just made up tonight. Basically, you play Trivial Pursuit and if the other player doesn’t know the answer and cannot discern your clever clues, you then act it out. We laughed our fool heads off and got so silly we could hardly read the cards.
Before you jump to conclusions, we were drinking tea, tonic water, tap water or Diet Coke. It was a blast!


The weather has been very hot and we are just so happy to spend this Heritage Day weekend with family and friends. How has your weekend been?

*editied to add: apparently Cousin ran over 2 nails at seperate locations on the Deerfoot. Scary.