It's the last day of NOvember and Christmas is coming fast ! I've bought a few stocking stuffers, just have to pick up a few gift cards. The turkey is in ED's freezer and we'll figure out who is doing what and who is hosting.
This past weekend was Gray Cup weekend. ED had to work 4 days in Winnipeg as her university is a partner with the CFLPA. She had a ball as I knew she would. However she is totally exhausted; so tired she can't sleep !!
It was a long work week. We had PD day but honestly there is nothing new to 'learn'. The titles, naes and particular language has changed, but the behaviours and problems have not. If anything the behaviour and cognitive levels are worse. Society, bad parenting ? electronics ?
This weekend I started knitting a few mitts. Some for the grandkids and others will go to Syrian refugees.
Another 3 weeks and then we will start to see more of the sun.
Monday, November 30, 2015
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Two Years
Two years ago a mother dropped off a toothbrush, and some medication..........and walked out of her child's life.
After 32 days of no contact , my son had his son for 5 hours. I will never forget how hard it w as for him to 'give' him back to his mother. The next day [ apparently after a horrible night with the child screaming out for his daddy], she asked if my son would like him for the day, then it became for a sleepover. Of c ourse he said yes ! She sent him with 4 changes of clothing, some old toys and left........
Fast forward two years. He is doing exceptionally well in school. The teacher is amazed at how quickly he is picking up a second language[ Having worked in FI for 26 years I am amazed ! His understanding, use of words and his accent is quite unbelievable.]He is kind, loving and helpful ! Wow ! What qualities ! Mme Day is accelerating his learning as she fears he might become bored------as he already knows what she is teaching.
So now we have a child who is secure. There are no longer any tantrums. There is no loger a problem with constipation as he is fed a good , balanced diet. No longer do we have a 'grumpy' child for no reason who chose NOT to talk to people and at times was rude. We have a boy who comes into any situation with a smile on his face, who talks to everybody and adores each and every member of his family. He gets to spend time with his cousins, has sleepovers even with his maternal grandparents.
My ED has had a huge impact on his life. She opened her home to her brother and nephew. He has a loving home which is secure. She has disciplined, played, taught and listened to him even though her life is filled to bursting with work and completing her Master's Degree. He, along with his Dad, have learned a great deal abouat gardening from my daughter. He'll eat anything that they have grown. She takes time out of her studies to talk about school and teach him what he wants to learn - like making the letter Z.
Our home is his second home. We pick him up after school . Once home he'll eat - and he eats a lot ! - play , talk about school. Yesterday we spent an hour and a half writing words as he so desperately wants to read. And then off he goes home when it is time with his dad. However he usually tries to wrangle having supper here------ and sometimes it works !
So today we will celebrate two years of a new life for the boy. If all this turmoil, lawyers, court judgements hadn't happened, he would have been an unhappy, tantrum throwing brat. All that, and more if his mother had managed to take him. We have still not ever said a bad word about his mother although he knows " She took him to Superstore, my dad's car was in the parking lot. She gave me to him and then she left. I haven't seen her again ! " But now I am happy and I love my Dad so much ! this was said to his maternal grandmother.
November 25 2013 A New Life
After 32 days of no contact , my son had his son for 5 hours. I will never forget how hard it w as for him to 'give' him back to his mother. The next day [ apparently after a horrible night with the child screaming out for his daddy], she asked if my son would like him for the day, then it became for a sleepover. Of c ourse he said yes ! She sent him with 4 changes of clothing, some old toys and left........
Fast forward two years. He is doing exceptionally well in school. The teacher is amazed at how quickly he is picking up a second language[ Having worked in FI for 26 years I am amazed ! His understanding, use of words and his accent is quite unbelievable.]He is kind, loving and helpful ! Wow ! What qualities ! Mme Day is accelerating his learning as she fears he might become bored------as he already knows what she is teaching.
So now we have a child who is secure. There are no longer any tantrums. There is no loger a problem with constipation as he is fed a good , balanced diet. No longer do we have a 'grumpy' child for no reason who chose NOT to talk to people and at times was rude. We have a boy who comes into any situation with a smile on his face, who talks to everybody and adores each and every member of his family. He gets to spend time with his cousins, has sleepovers even with his maternal grandparents.
My ED has had a huge impact on his life. She opened her home to her brother and nephew. He has a loving home which is secure. She has disciplined, played, taught and listened to him even though her life is filled to bursting with work and completing her Master's Degree. He, along with his Dad, have learned a great deal abouat gardening from my daughter. He'll eat anything that they have grown. She takes time out of her studies to talk about school and teach him what he wants to learn - like making the letter Z.
Our home is his second home. We pick him up after school . Once home he'll eat - and he eats a lot ! - play , talk about school. Yesterday we spent an hour and a half writing words as he so desperately wants to read. And then off he goes home when it is time with his dad. However he usually tries to wrangle having supper here------ and sometimes it works !
So today we will celebrate two years of a new life for the boy. If all this turmoil, lawyers, court judgements hadn't happened, he would have been an unhappy, tantrum throwing brat. All that, and more if his mother had managed to take him. We have still not ever said a bad word about his mother although he knows " She took him to Superstore, my dad's car was in the parking lot. She gave me to him and then she left. I haven't seen her again ! " But now I am happy and I love my Dad so much ! this was said to his maternal grandmother.
November 25 2013 A New Life
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Busy Week, Busier Weekend !!
I'm sitting here quietly with the news on. It's the calm before the storm !! GD has a cheer competition this morning so I will wake her soon, get into her gear and try and do her hair. fortunately we just have to drop her off at her other auntie's and not drive her all the way into the city for a 5 minute performance . Her cousin will do her hair and make up - yes makeup for a 5 year old !
We'e had two children since Thursday after school, as well as the swimming club, piano lessons, cheer practice etc. Today GD had asked if I would make Shepherd's pie again as it was delicious ! I'll have her help me make it when she returns[ although I do not know what time that will be ] Friday YS who is looking after the animals, came into town and brought ES home for a night of movies, video games and junk food ! They had a really good time. EGS changed into pyjamas and decided he would stay in them for the weekend ! While the house was empty I washed floors and bathrooms. Today I hope to tackle the dusting.
WE changed our bed and put on fleece sheets. Our house is cool at night and as the temperatures are predicted to drop this week, it was time. The children thought the sheets were really cold on their beds so the other night I dug out hot water bottles. GD was thrilled that she had a heart shaped one !
EGS is really into Harry Potter now as he went to the School of Wizardry and Magic put on by the Science Department at the U of A. They had a movie marathon yesterday afternoon and evening. Good ole auntie has all the movies ! GD spent time cutting and colouring with a few tv shows thrown in. Auntie came over with the dog and they went in the hot tub.
Their Beer Advent 'Calendar' was assembled yesterday ! This year it looks like people bought wooden crates, or something similar to keep the 24 different bottles of beer in. My sons bought Christmas socks to 'wrap' their beer. Looks quite festive.
It's hard to believe that November is nearly finished. Report cards go out this week and then Parent Teacher Interviews. Friday is a PD day which are always very long .
104 weeks ago today, ES saw his son for the first time in 32 days ! It was both heart warming and heart breaking. If we had known the final outcome, that in 3 short days the two would be together and the egg donor would take off for Northern Ontario, it certainly would have been more joyous ! However everything turned out for the best although as we were going through the HELL, we couldn't have possible imagined that the outcome would be so good.
ED is off to the football game. Hopefully the home team will win and be off to the Gray Cup. Regardless she'll be at the final in Winnipeg
Time to wake our little tumbler up..
We'e had two children since Thursday after school, as well as the swimming club, piano lessons, cheer practice etc. Today GD had asked if I would make Shepherd's pie again as it was delicious ! I'll have her help me make it when she returns[ although I do not know what time that will be ] Friday YS who is looking after the animals, came into town and brought ES home for a night of movies, video games and junk food ! They had a really good time. EGS changed into pyjamas and decided he would stay in them for the weekend ! While the house was empty I washed floors and bathrooms. Today I hope to tackle the dusting.
WE changed our bed and put on fleece sheets. Our house is cool at night and as the temperatures are predicted to drop this week, it was time. The children thought the sheets were really cold on their beds so the other night I dug out hot water bottles. GD was thrilled that she had a heart shaped one !
EGS is really into Harry Potter now as he went to the School of Wizardry and Magic put on by the Science Department at the U of A. They had a movie marathon yesterday afternoon and evening. Good ole auntie has all the movies ! GD spent time cutting and colouring with a few tv shows thrown in. Auntie came over with the dog and they went in the hot tub.
Their Beer Advent 'Calendar' was assembled yesterday ! This year it looks like people bought wooden crates, or something similar to keep the 24 different bottles of beer in. My sons bought Christmas socks to 'wrap' their beer. Looks quite festive.
It's hard to believe that November is nearly finished. Report cards go out this week and then Parent Teacher Interviews. Friday is a PD day which are always very long .
104 weeks ago today, ES saw his son for the first time in 32 days ! It was both heart warming and heart breaking. If we had known the final outcome, that in 3 short days the two would be together and the egg donor would take off for Northern Ontario, it certainly would have been more joyous ! However everything turned out for the best although as we were going through the HELL, we couldn't have possible imagined that the outcome would be so good.
ED is off to the football game. Hopefully the home team will win and be off to the Gray Cup. Regardless she'll be at the final in Winnipeg
Time to wake our little tumbler up..
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Fall Break
Today is the last day of our Fall Break. It has been very relaxing which is what I needed. A few things have been accomplished, but not much ! I pulled a few more plants. Surprisingly I still have some plants flowering . Imagine that flowering in November in Northern Alberta ! I tidied my jewelry and mended some earrings and necklaces. I've stared at my pile of wool and still have done nothing. Cooked and did some cleaning.
Friday ED who is on vacation and doing research for her Thesis, called to ask if I wanted to go to Value Village. We had just come back from grocery shopping [ finally picked up pepper for work ! ] and the groceries had been put away. I picked up four tops , a leather purse and a pair of jeans for ES for his birthday. My old purse's lining had started to fray so after I transferred over to the new purse, I mended it.
Yesterday the two oldest grandchildren were dropped off as they were going to have a sleepover at YGS's house. However as the 16th is ES's birthday, he went out with his brother and friend to a batting cage for 2 hours ! YGS was droped off by his other grandparents and then the mayhem began !! It is delightful to see how well they all play together. I made a Shepherd's pie, well really cottage pie, fleshed out with lentils for supper. Shortly after 7 they were all picked up and the house was so silent !
Today we'll be having a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings and I will shortly start making a cake for ES's birthday dinner. Such a difference from two years ago.
Two years ago we did not celebrate ES's birthday. He had not seen his son for 25 days and that is all he wanted. We were in the middle of lawyers, courts and judgements. It was a sad day. When I mentioned that it was just 2 years ago, ES remarked that it seemed a lifetime ago. And it does !
The other grandmother told me yesterday that she had found my cookbooks under a crawl space as well as the eggdonor's old purse in which was HER triple strand gold necklace that was a 25th Anniversary gift. She is guessing that because the clasp was broken, her daughter hadn't been able to wear it or sell it. Very angry that she stole it, but so happy to have found it. She thought she'd never see it again. She'd also like to have lunch with me once a month or so.YGS also told me he helped choose a birthday gift and card for his Dad.
The neighbourhood is so quiet. When I get up, there are no lights on anywhere now that the old neighbours are gone. they kept lights on all the time 24/7. The landlord has been working in that rental house for 5 weeks, painting, new bathroom, all new flooring. He has reduced the rent by $100 a month, It is still too high for the economic climate in our province. When I was putting out the garbage I noticed a couple in the backyard. They were peering through the windows of the house and garage. The woman thought the view from the deck was wonderful ! LOL I suppose it all depends where they are currently living ! I suppose they were just checking it ut as the landlord was not there. There have been only 2 other viewings that we have noticed and as he renewed the listing I'm guessing they didn't want to pay $1 700/month plus utilities !
Our sad neighbour across the street seems to be going through a tough time. I am quite sure that someone has died, but who is the question -- her ex ? a family member ? She has never had people coming to her house, nor does she go out except to work. How she met her boyfriend is a mystery ! However a couple came over a couple of evenings ago and she cried and hugged the woman for a long time before they went in to talk. the man just stood there. Long goodbyes after a couple of hours. It was strange. The boyfriend has even been over during the evenings, usually it's before 7:30 in the am or right at 3;30 when she finishes a shift. Flowers were delivered yesterday. I suppose if we never see the drunk pull up again, we'll presume it was him.
Another neighbour had a new furnace put in. Fortunately for them it was not -30*C weather as it was when we had ours put in ! There are two cars parked in front of the house and YD said the BMW had two rear flats. Hmm Haven't seen anyone at the car so maybe today we'll phone to ensure they are not stolen cars.
I'm going to broach the idea of starting to redo the basement. It is such a mess and it is valuable space that we need to use ! It would have been lovely to shove the kids down there yesterday ! LOL And it's warm. I think that this is the latest that we have NOT put the fleece sheets on the bed.
This week will be very busy for us. We ave the two eldest grandchildren for 4 days as their parents are in Las Vegas for a race. We have swimming lessons, cheer and cheer competitions, piano lessons and school ! Oh my ! I'm too old for this ! LOL Making lunches blech ! Getting everyone dressed and out the door by 7:45 !!! But how lucky we are to be able to do this, to have our grandchildren be such a big part of our lives.
Friday ED who is on vacation and doing research for her Thesis, called to ask if I wanted to go to Value Village. We had just come back from grocery shopping [ finally picked up pepper for work ! ] and the groceries had been put away. I picked up four tops , a leather purse and a pair of jeans for ES for his birthday. My old purse's lining had started to fray so after I transferred over to the new purse, I mended it.
Yesterday the two oldest grandchildren were dropped off as they were going to have a sleepover at YGS's house. However as the 16th is ES's birthday, he went out with his brother and friend to a batting cage for 2 hours ! YGS was droped off by his other grandparents and then the mayhem began !! It is delightful to see how well they all play together. I made a Shepherd's pie, well really cottage pie, fleshed out with lentils for supper. Shortly after 7 they were all picked up and the house was so silent !
Today we'll be having a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings and I will shortly start making a cake for ES's birthday dinner. Such a difference from two years ago.
Two years ago we did not celebrate ES's birthday. He had not seen his son for 25 days and that is all he wanted. We were in the middle of lawyers, courts and judgements. It was a sad day. When I mentioned that it was just 2 years ago, ES remarked that it seemed a lifetime ago. And it does !
The other grandmother told me yesterday that she had found my cookbooks under a crawl space as well as the eggdonor's old purse in which was HER triple strand gold necklace that was a 25th Anniversary gift. She is guessing that because the clasp was broken, her daughter hadn't been able to wear it or sell it. Very angry that she stole it, but so happy to have found it. She thought she'd never see it again. She'd also like to have lunch with me once a month or so.YGS also told me he helped choose a birthday gift and card for his Dad.
The neighbourhood is so quiet. When I get up, there are no lights on anywhere now that the old neighbours are gone. they kept lights on all the time 24/7. The landlord has been working in that rental house for 5 weeks, painting, new bathroom, all new flooring. He has reduced the rent by $100 a month, It is still too high for the economic climate in our province. When I was putting out the garbage I noticed a couple in the backyard. They were peering through the windows of the house and garage. The woman thought the view from the deck was wonderful ! LOL I suppose it all depends where they are currently living ! I suppose they were just checking it ut as the landlord was not there. There have been only 2 other viewings that we have noticed and as he renewed the listing I'm guessing they didn't want to pay $1 700/month plus utilities !
Our sad neighbour across the street seems to be going through a tough time. I am quite sure that someone has died, but who is the question -- her ex ? a family member ? She has never had people coming to her house, nor does she go out except to work. How she met her boyfriend is a mystery ! However a couple came over a couple of evenings ago and she cried and hugged the woman for a long time before they went in to talk. the man just stood there. Long goodbyes after a couple of hours. It was strange. The boyfriend has even been over during the evenings, usually it's before 7:30 in the am or right at 3;30 when she finishes a shift. Flowers were delivered yesterday. I suppose if we never see the drunk pull up again, we'll presume it was him.
Another neighbour had a new furnace put in. Fortunately for them it was not -30*C weather as it was when we had ours put in ! There are two cars parked in front of the house and YD said the BMW had two rear flats. Hmm Haven't seen anyone at the car so maybe today we'll phone to ensure they are not stolen cars.
I'm going to broach the idea of starting to redo the basement. It is such a mess and it is valuable space that we need to use ! It would have been lovely to shove the kids down there yesterday ! LOL And it's warm. I think that this is the latest that we have NOT put the fleece sheets on the bed.
This week will be very busy for us. We ave the two eldest grandchildren for 4 days as their parents are in Las Vegas for a race. We have swimming lessons, cheer and cheer competitions, piano lessons and school ! Oh my ! I'm too old for this ! LOL Making lunches blech ! Getting everyone dressed and out the door by 7:45 !!! But how lucky we are to be able to do this, to have our grandchildren be such a big part of our lives.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month 1918
Remembrance Day
I have not experienced war, my children have not exerienced war. Those who came before us fought so we would have peace and security and freedom. How fortunate we Canadians are in 2015.
As a child in Quebec, we , as Brownies, Guides and and then Rangers, marched every November 11th to our Cenotaph and stood in all kinds of weather for a Remembrance Day ceremony . I remember always watching the soldiers at the Cenotaph; they never moved. Their hands would be raw red and their noses dripping; but they never moved. How easy it is for us to stand still for 2 minutes compared to the horrendous conditions our armed forces, indeed the all our allied forces, endured.
My father in law was born in 1915, on November 11th. In Flanders' Fields is also 100 years old today. Our school choir does the most haunting, beautiful rendition of the poem. There are many versions of the song, but the one they do is my favourite and always makes me cry. Our schools do a tremendous job of teaching the young about the reason for Remembrance Day, the sacrifices of the young men and women, and yes even the horrors of war depending on their ages. Yesterday was definitely the best we have had in 26 years. The students were silent, both entering the gym and leaving. There was no talking or clapping. Some years there had been spontaneous clapping after some of the music selections by our award winning choir. This year, there was silence.
My YGS is in Kindergarden and they had a visit from a child's father who happens to be a soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces.He spoke to the children at their level. My five year old knows why we wear a poppy and what the soldiers sacrificed. He also told me, oh so proudly, how he sat cross legged on the floor and kept silent, being very impressed with the Colour party.
They shall not grow old
As we who are left grow old
Age shall not weary them
nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
We will remember them
I have not experienced war, my children have not exerienced war. Those who came before us fought so we would have peace and security and freedom. How fortunate we Canadians are in 2015.
As a child in Quebec, we , as Brownies, Guides and and then Rangers, marched every November 11th to our Cenotaph and stood in all kinds of weather for a Remembrance Day ceremony . I remember always watching the soldiers at the Cenotaph; they never moved. Their hands would be raw red and their noses dripping; but they never moved. How easy it is for us to stand still for 2 minutes compared to the horrendous conditions our armed forces, indeed the all our allied forces, endured.
My father in law was born in 1915, on November 11th. In Flanders' Fields is also 100 years old today. Our school choir does the most haunting, beautiful rendition of the poem. There are many versions of the song, but the one they do is my favourite and always makes me cry. Our schools do a tremendous job of teaching the young about the reason for Remembrance Day, the sacrifices of the young men and women, and yes even the horrors of war depending on their ages. Yesterday was definitely the best we have had in 26 years. The students were silent, both entering the gym and leaving. There was no talking or clapping. Some years there had been spontaneous clapping after some of the music selections by our award winning choir. This year, there was silence.
My YGS is in Kindergarden and they had a visit from a child's father who happens to be a soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces.He spoke to the children at their level. My five year old knows why we wear a poppy and what the soldiers sacrificed. He also told me, oh so proudly, how he sat cross legged on the floor and kept silent, being very impressed with the Colour party.
They shall not grow old
As we who are left grow old
Age shall not weary them
nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
We will remember them
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Glorious Sunny Day
Here it is November 7th and the temperature is going to hit 10*C, There are still the odd perennials that are flowering even though we've had a couple of hard frosts. Our here in Alberta the weather can change in an instant but we are sure enjoying the weather we are having. Maybe today I take down my hanging pots ?? In fact I may just leave the computer and do that now while I think of it ! Done !
Monday we headed to the grocery store after school. Beef was on sale so we bought two huge roasts. I cut 8 servings of steaks, roughly 24 individual steaks and was left with two good size roasts, one of which we will have to celebrate ES's birthday on the 15th. Two years ago we did not celebrate his birthday as he hadn't seen his son for 23 days and he was fighting in the courts for access. We celebrated it a week later when he finally got to have his son for a day...and two days later he had full custody of his son [ as she left the province and hasn't bothered with them since.] The courts gave him full custody officially in the following May after several court appearances allowing her to 'plea' her case. She never responded or showed up.So we feel that November 25th is a 'birthday' for YGS as his new life started then ! Anyway his birthday is actually the 16th but I'd rather make a big meal on the Sunday as I am wiped after a day at school.
Tuesday we had the other two grandchildren . EGS went swimming and GD and I made some cinnamon buns. She loves to 'cook'. They both downed their chili especially EGS as he is starved after swimming. Every last bun was eaten, the last two as they headed out the door to drive home. On Wednesday we had EGS after school as he had swimming practice again. He is loving the sport and had won 4 races the previous Friday. GD had cheer and tumbling practice in the city.
Tuesday I had my interview with the principal to go over my 'goals' for the year. Heavens I am at the end of my career and just want to be able to last the school year ! So glad that was over as we all hate writing them up and discussing them. The school year seems to be going okay and we'll see how I feel at the end of the year whether I try and work another year.
Wednesday was the day our new Prime Minister took office. It was lovely to to see the joy and enthusiasm of our new ministers... and the start of an open government. Our new PM has a huge job of him, a great deal of it undoing the dictatorship of our previous PM.
Friday night we ended up with most of the family here for homemade pizza. Hubby made the pizza dough and then everyone put on their own toppings. All I had to do was make the sauce and cut up the meat, veggies and cheese. ED is on the home stretch for her Masters and is getting stressed. It was a good little break for her last night and we had some of my cherry liqueur.
I really have no ideea what I'll do today. Usually I have at least one big thing I want to get done in the house, but not today. Net week we only have school for 2 days and then we are on fall Break. Many people go away, but we'll just stay at home and relax... I hope ! ED is on a week's vacation and she hopes to get the firt draft of her thesis done as she has to be in Winnipeg for 6 or 7 days for the Gray Cup. Her University works with the CFL to promote long distance learning. She should have fun ! Maybe next week I'll have the time to figure out exactly how to get pictures on this blog. Might even look around for some Christmas gifts !
Monday we headed to the grocery store after school. Beef was on sale so we bought two huge roasts. I cut 8 servings of steaks, roughly 24 individual steaks and was left with two good size roasts, one of which we will have to celebrate ES's birthday on the 15th. Two years ago we did not celebrate his birthday as he hadn't seen his son for 23 days and he was fighting in the courts for access. We celebrated it a week later when he finally got to have his son for a day...and two days later he had full custody of his son [ as she left the province and hasn't bothered with them since.] The courts gave him full custody officially in the following May after several court appearances allowing her to 'plea' her case. She never responded or showed up.So we feel that November 25th is a 'birthday' for YGS as his new life started then ! Anyway his birthday is actually the 16th but I'd rather make a big meal on the Sunday as I am wiped after a day at school.
Tuesday we had the other two grandchildren . EGS went swimming and GD and I made some cinnamon buns. She loves to 'cook'. They both downed their chili especially EGS as he is starved after swimming. Every last bun was eaten, the last two as they headed out the door to drive home. On Wednesday we had EGS after school as he had swimming practice again. He is loving the sport and had won 4 races the previous Friday. GD had cheer and tumbling practice in the city.
Tuesday I had my interview with the principal to go over my 'goals' for the year. Heavens I am at the end of my career and just want to be able to last the school year ! So glad that was over as we all hate writing them up and discussing them. The school year seems to be going okay and we'll see how I feel at the end of the year whether I try and work another year.
Wednesday was the day our new Prime Minister took office. It was lovely to to see the joy and enthusiasm of our new ministers... and the start of an open government. Our new PM has a huge job of him, a great deal of it undoing the dictatorship of our previous PM.
Friday night we ended up with most of the family here for homemade pizza. Hubby made the pizza dough and then everyone put on their own toppings. All I had to do was make the sauce and cut up the meat, veggies and cheese. ED is on the home stretch for her Masters and is getting stressed. It was a good little break for her last night and we had some of my cherry liqueur.
I really have no ideea what I'll do today. Usually I have at least one big thing I want to get done in the house, but not today. Net week we only have school for 2 days and then we are on fall Break. Many people go away, but we'll just stay at home and relax... I hope ! ED is on a week's vacation and she hopes to get the firt draft of her thesis done as she has to be in Winnipeg for 6 or 7 days for the Gray Cup. Her University works with the CFL to promote long distance learning. She should have fun ! Maybe next week I'll have the time to figure out exactly how to get pictures on this blog. Might even look around for some Christmas gifts !
Monday, November 2, 2015
Start of the Week
Snow is starting to fall !! This is fairly late in the year for us, but we always groan. There were 11 road fatalities in Alberta in 24 hours and the roads and weather were good. the older I get the more I dread driving in winter.
Yesterday was such a good day. I got the painting done that I wanted to, made the soup and the casserole, a banana bread, a pear and apple crisp, some homemade buns and dough put away for Tuesday to make some cinnamon buns with the kids. Fiddled around with some crocheting. Still not pleased so I'll play some more ! I had a nice long talk with my sister that lives in Ottawa.
Today we must go grocery shopping. It w as a rare day that Hubby didn't go to a store for something. We'll stop on the way home from school so as to use less gas. I have the two eldest grandchildren coming for supper Tuesday night so I must have chili made for them Last time I had spaghetti because YD sent sauce and EGS was disappointed as he likes my chili ! LOL
Only two more things to put away, a bag of compost and the rocking chair. oops -- need to take some hanging pots down.Then we're ready, well as ready as one can ever be.
Yesterday was such a good day. I got the painting done that I wanted to, made the soup and the casserole, a banana bread, a pear and apple crisp, some homemade buns and dough put away for Tuesday to make some cinnamon buns with the kids. Fiddled around with some crocheting. Still not pleased so I'll play some more ! I had a nice long talk with my sister that lives in Ottawa.
Today we must go grocery shopping. It w as a rare day that Hubby didn't go to a store for something. We'll stop on the way home from school so as to use less gas. I have the two eldest grandchildren coming for supper Tuesday night so I must have chili made for them Last time I had spaghetti because YD sent sauce and EGS was disappointed as he likes my chili ! LOL
Only two more things to put away, a bag of compost and the rocking chair. oops -- need to take some hanging pots down.Then we're ready, well as ready as one can ever be.
Sunday, November 1, 2015
November Already !
November Already - and onto the Dreaded Time Change !! It's time to get rid of it as all the research shows it causes more accidents, more suicides and we don't save any energy !! My friend who grew up on a dairy farm says the cows never changed to the new time and it caused them more grief ! WE didn't change the alarm clock so I had thought I actually 'slept' in -- 5 am is sleeping in for me. OOps it was really now 4 am.
A busy week that went quite quickly. YS broke his finger on Monday; not a bad break but it hampered his work the rest of the week.Car registration was done on Wednesday so that was out of the way. I'm not sure if YS did his. Must remind him today.
ON Friday our staff all dressed up as minions with the admin as Gru. It was fun although I couldn't stay for the photo as I had my doctor's appointment.Our family doctor is the best injectionist . You are barely aware that a needle has been poked into you ! I had my senior's Flu Shot and then had the growth behind my ear removed. The doctor also visits all his patients in two local nursing homes every Friday. I learnt this because he says that all the nurses, in both homes. were dressed as witches !!
Saturday was just spent vegging out. I find I need at least one day to do nothing. Guess I am getting old. I have lots of plans for today. Making bread, maybe some buns and cinnamon buns, a banana bread and do something with some ripe pears. I think a ham casserole for supper tonight and some ham, lentil soup for lunch. The paint has been found !! Now to get the oomph to get the little bit of painting I want done, done !
Later today I will write a letter to one of my former students who returned to Germany. The family split;Dad and older sister stayed here and Mom and Joel went back. I was so sad when he left . It will be good to correspond with him.
It was a busy Halloween with more kids here at this door than in other years. We went over to see ED's house. She had the best decorations ! A Butler[ Alfred] with a crow on his shoulder that spoke and moved. Benjamin - a skeleton that was crawling out from a tombstone and of course it was one of our old real tombstones ! LOL Apparently it even scared some dads ! YGS had a good time. He just loves the decorations and had to stop and examine all of them. He had spent the day with his other grandparents so was quite wound up. We left a bowl filled with candy on the front step. When we returned we could see that some had been taken. I refilled the bowl twice during the evening. As I was talking to YS I could hear bigger kids and went to the door. Not only had these boys taken all of the candy, but the bowl as well. I yelled at them- one was just by the step and was quite embarrassed- and eventually one brought back the bowl. Now the bowl was worth nothing, jut a cheap plastic $1 store one but it was the principle of the thing. I noticed this am that it is broken and will have to be thrown out. It just annoyed me that they were so greedy. But really, considering what has happened to other people on Halloween with vandalism, it was a minor thing.
The little house next door is being rented for $1 800 a month !! it is only 900 sq.ft although the basement is fully developed. We've seen one person being shown through so far. The house has been, or will be by November 15th, totally repainted and all new flooring as well as at least one bathroom having been redone. Grass was cut last week. I must check to see if he has pruned the suckers from the choke cherry tree. The owner was pacing the backyard one afternoon probably wondering why it was such a mess ! I wonder if he ever came by to check on the condition or just didn't bother as long as he had the rent check . It has cost him a lot of money to bring the house up to standard to rent out again.
UPDATE I am a morning person living with night people who ..gasp.. sleep in ! So instead of writing about what I planned to do - I actually left the computer, got out the paint and the baseboards have been done in the downstairs bathroom. The ham has been cut off for the casserole and the ham bone is simmering away for soup. Once Hubby is up I'll tackle the window frame in our bedroom. The blinds have worn away the paint so I'll smarten that up. Ii just need the margarine brought up from the freezer and this afternoon I can start to bake. There, feeling better all ready.
A busy week that went quite quickly. YS broke his finger on Monday; not a bad break but it hampered his work the rest of the week.Car registration was done on Wednesday so that was out of the way. I'm not sure if YS did his. Must remind him today.
ON Friday our staff all dressed up as minions with the admin as Gru. It was fun although I couldn't stay for the photo as I had my doctor's appointment.Our family doctor is the best injectionist . You are barely aware that a needle has been poked into you ! I had my senior's Flu Shot and then had the growth behind my ear removed. The doctor also visits all his patients in two local nursing homes every Friday. I learnt this because he says that all the nurses, in both homes. were dressed as witches !!
Saturday was just spent vegging out. I find I need at least one day to do nothing. Guess I am getting old. I have lots of plans for today. Making bread, maybe some buns and cinnamon buns, a banana bread and do something with some ripe pears. I think a ham casserole for supper tonight and some ham, lentil soup for lunch. The paint has been found !! Now to get the oomph to get the little bit of painting I want done, done !
Later today I will write a letter to one of my former students who returned to Germany. The family split;Dad and older sister stayed here and Mom and Joel went back. I was so sad when he left . It will be good to correspond with him.
It was a busy Halloween with more kids here at this door than in other years. We went over to see ED's house. She had the best decorations ! A Butler[ Alfred] with a crow on his shoulder that spoke and moved. Benjamin - a skeleton that was crawling out from a tombstone and of course it was one of our old real tombstones ! LOL Apparently it even scared some dads ! YGS had a good time. He just loves the decorations and had to stop and examine all of them. He had spent the day with his other grandparents so was quite wound up. We left a bowl filled with candy on the front step. When we returned we could see that some had been taken. I refilled the bowl twice during the evening. As I was talking to YS I could hear bigger kids and went to the door. Not only had these boys taken all of the candy, but the bowl as well. I yelled at them- one was just by the step and was quite embarrassed- and eventually one brought back the bowl. Now the bowl was worth nothing, jut a cheap plastic $1 store one but it was the principle of the thing. I noticed this am that it is broken and will have to be thrown out. It just annoyed me that they were so greedy. But really, considering what has happened to other people on Halloween with vandalism, it was a minor thing.
The little house next door is being rented for $1 800 a month !! it is only 900 sq.ft although the basement is fully developed. We've seen one person being shown through so far. The house has been, or will be by November 15th, totally repainted and all new flooring as well as at least one bathroom having been redone. Grass was cut last week. I must check to see if he has pruned the suckers from the choke cherry tree. The owner was pacing the backyard one afternoon probably wondering why it was such a mess ! I wonder if he ever came by to check on the condition or just didn't bother as long as he had the rent check . It has cost him a lot of money to bring the house up to standard to rent out again.
UPDATE I am a morning person living with night people who ..gasp.. sleep in ! So instead of writing about what I planned to do - I actually left the computer, got out the paint and the baseboards have been done in the downstairs bathroom. The ham has been cut off for the casserole and the ham bone is simmering away for soup. Once Hubby is up I'll tackle the window frame in our bedroom. The blinds have worn away the paint so I'll smarten that up. Ii just need the margarine brought up from the freezer and this afternoon I can start to bake. There, feeling better all ready.
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