Alberta has been hit with a huge catrastophe!! A HUGE forest fire ( as if this morning it is 156 000 hectares and is expected to grow, doubling in size today). Over 88 000 people were evacuated safely. The largest Canadian evacuation on record. So far, no one has been killed or injured during the evacuation. There were two fatalities on a secondary highway because of a motor vehicle crash.
All communities in Alberta are rising to the emergencies, with fund raising, emergency accommodations, food, toiletries. Many of our families at school have multiple families living with them. There is no break in sight. No one knows when people will be able to return, 1600+ structures have been obliterated. The only thing that will stop this fire is the weather.
All levels of government are doing their part. The military is up there, firefighters from all over Canada are fighting the fires. We are strong, we are pulling together.......and some of the right wing have even calmed down their rhetoric. People who have no idea how emergency procedures must follow certain guidelines are being shut down. I wonder about the stupidity of people who think the Federal Government should have sent the military in immediately -- not understanding the logistics of a command centre, medical etc. A State of Emergency was called too early during the Slave Lake fire which caused chaos ! Fortunately the Provincial Government had learned from those mistakes and did it correctly this time.
The fire is growing as much as 100 km an hour !! Man cannot battle that. The fire jumped the river which is a kilometre wide ! The fire is 6 hours a way and we can smell it down here. Hubby cannot work outside as his breathing deteriorates. YS is going to go shopping with me as it has been at least 3 weeks since I've done a big shop. The temperature is going up to 29*C today so I am not sure how much we'll get done outside. The weeds grow fast no matter what the other plants and grass do.
I'm up to 1390 hexagons so far. I'm even planning on bringing them into school one day next week as I have to invigilate a PAT. It'll give me something to do as I sit in a room with a child for 2 + hours.
There is no rain in the forecast. This is one May that I wouldn't mind some snow. We do not need a thunderstorm with the possibility of more lightening strikes. There is a provincial fire ban and a ban on off road vehicles.
Devestation, but people are strong.
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Sunday, May 1, 2016
It's May Already !!
It's May already !! This week especially has just flown by ! and we're back with the warm/hot weather with no rain at all.
Sunday dinner was very nice. Hubby had steak although he didn't like the mashed parsnip baked in a red pepper. We brought his birthday dessert home, and I had my leftover chicken scaloppine for lunch the next day. On Wednesday I took a girlfriend to another restaurant and we had an absolutely fun time ! As we were early arriving we went to Value Village where she picked up two tops - originally around the $80 price range for $5 each. She was thrilled ! I picked up a pair of cargo pants for Hubby and a kilt in a blue tartan !!
Last night I took another girlfriend . We have been friends for over 34 years. She is going through a really rough time as her husband has Alzheimer's so it was wonderful for her to get out. Meanwhile at home, Hubby had all three grandchildren. Our eldest GS just loves coming here which he has remarked so often. He and his grandfather have such a special relationship. Listening to the t wo little ones while they plot who gets up first and whom they wake up is quite entertaining. At one point YGS said " What if grandpa is up first ? " GD said" Like that would ever happen ! " I guess I will be making waffles as EGS asked for them, again, last night !
Yesterday morning I w as out taking off more mulch off the front beds and weeding. Two hours is about all I can do. Then Hubby mowed the lawn and watered. This morning I can see a difference in the greening of the grass. Today YS will start to plant some potatoes and YGS gas said he'll help me weed as he loves to weed [ which is true]. We really should have gone grocery shopping this weekend, but as usual life and events happen. Yesterday was the first of YGS's baseball meeting. ES and YS are the coaches; they met the children and their parents. received their t shirts and had hotdogs ! So now every Tuesday and Thursday they have a game-- should be fun to watch.
All the 'salad fixings' I have planted are up. Hopefully this week Hubby can frame the garden so I can get potatoes in as well as more onion sets. So much gardening to do.
More drama at school. So much fun when one is not involved at all. Of course it was my nemesis. She was trying to cadge a ride to a supper meeting but expected the driver to travel 32 Km out of their way for her. She would not meet them at a meeting point; in fact she was so rude and the others got their backs up because she never asked politely nor did she even say please ! Eventually one of them caved, reluctantly and then ---- she left school early in the afternoon and didn't show up the next day ! Oh people are ticked !! So now she will not be talking to less people. There is also some confusion as to when she will retire. One person said it will be next year which is ridiculous. I think she'll retire on her birthday in May or June- but finish out the year and claim salary for another month. We'll see. There is no way you fill out papers over a year in advance of retirement, tell people on FB that you're retired and bed to go to ' your last EA supper meeting". Time will tell.
I was very lazy this week doing my hexagons - that and I've been out so much. I should be able to get some done today... oops the two little ones are up !
Sunday dinner was very nice. Hubby had steak although he didn't like the mashed parsnip baked in a red pepper. We brought his birthday dessert home, and I had my leftover chicken scaloppine for lunch the next day. On Wednesday I took a girlfriend to another restaurant and we had an absolutely fun time ! As we were early arriving we went to Value Village where she picked up two tops - originally around the $80 price range for $5 each. She was thrilled ! I picked up a pair of cargo pants for Hubby and a kilt in a blue tartan !!
Last night I took another girlfriend . We have been friends for over 34 years. She is going through a really rough time as her husband has Alzheimer's so it was wonderful for her to get out. Meanwhile at home, Hubby had all three grandchildren. Our eldest GS just loves coming here which he has remarked so often. He and his grandfather have such a special relationship. Listening to the t wo little ones while they plot who gets up first and whom they wake up is quite entertaining. At one point YGS said " What if grandpa is up first ? " GD said" Like that would ever happen ! " I guess I will be making waffles as EGS asked for them, again, last night !
Yesterday morning I w as out taking off more mulch off the front beds and weeding. Two hours is about all I can do. Then Hubby mowed the lawn and watered. This morning I can see a difference in the greening of the grass. Today YS will start to plant some potatoes and YGS gas said he'll help me weed as he loves to weed [ which is true]. We really should have gone grocery shopping this weekend, but as usual life and events happen. Yesterday was the first of YGS's baseball meeting. ES and YS are the coaches; they met the children and their parents. received their t shirts and had hotdogs ! So now every Tuesday and Thursday they have a game-- should be fun to watch.
All the 'salad fixings' I have planted are up. Hopefully this week Hubby can frame the garden so I can get potatoes in as well as more onion sets. So much gardening to do.
More drama at school. So much fun when one is not involved at all. Of course it was my nemesis. She was trying to cadge a ride to a supper meeting but expected the driver to travel 32 Km out of their way for her. She would not meet them at a meeting point; in fact she was so rude and the others got their backs up because she never asked politely nor did she even say please ! Eventually one of them caved, reluctantly and then ---- she left school early in the afternoon and didn't show up the next day ! Oh people are ticked !! So now she will not be talking to less people. There is also some confusion as to when she will retire. One person said it will be next year which is ridiculous. I think she'll retire on her birthday in May or June- but finish out the year and claim salary for another month. We'll see. There is no way you fill out papers over a year in advance of retirement, tell people on FB that you're retired and bed to go to ' your last EA supper meeting". Time will tell.
I was very lazy this week doing my hexagons - that and I've been out so much. I should be able to get some done today... oops the two little ones are up !
Sunday, April 24, 2016
What Happened To Our Spring ??
There was snow in the air when I woke up this morning ! Some areas south of the city got a fair bit. We only had a sprinkling of rain; certainly not the amount that was forecast.We're going from one extreme to another !! The birds had left us this week. Someone at work said that with the worn weather bugs were in abundance so they didn't need to come to the feeders. We haven't had to fill the feeders for over a week which is quite a change from daily refills.
Work was ordinary which is good. More and more is this one class acting up and trying to pull a Lot of stuff. More and more I feel vindicated. Even the classroom teacher was shocked ! But the best news is that my nemisis is retiring. What she will live on, I don't know as she has a big mortgage, has already claimed her CPP early so that will be quite small and is too young for OAS. However she has screwed the systems so well over the past 20 years I am sure she will survive. One colleaque made the comment that it was about time as she isn't doing the kids any favors this year. She hates the school, hates the kids, hates the teachers' ( who are lovely people) and hates her assignment. For the first time in over 20 years she has had to work-- no longer taking an hour and a half for morning and afternoon breaks - we are only entitled to one 15 min in the morning. Neither can she take 90 min lunch hours as opposed to the 38 min we get ! SStill comes late and leaves early.
While I won't know for a while if I have a job next year or not, I will have outlasted her.
This week we had to do the ' food audit' of Sorrentino's restaurants in the city. The contact person had lost ED's phone number and so we had to do 6 restaurants in 7 days. Way too much and we had not negotiated the payment as of yet. $50 is not enough for a dinner for 2 people. Once we get this all done, we will change things-- or it won't get done. So tonight Hubby and I are going out for supper. He is such a particular eater-- should be fun ! Then I'm taking a girlfriend out and one son another night. ED took YD out last night so if we do continue, ES will be the next !! Good thing I tuck some money away !
I have now done over 1 000 hexagons. More and more ideas have been floating around in my head ! Since I've already washed floors and dusted ( ! ) I can continue adding to the total before I get dressed for dinner. I was going to plant out some potatoes. YD brought me some blue potatoes, but it is too cold and miserable out to play in dirt.
We have an early reservation so we can be home for Outlander (me ) and Game of Thrones (him )
ONly another 46 or 47 days left in the school year. Oops - even one less- I have a Masters' ceremony to attend and my PD day to take !
Work was ordinary which is good. More and more is this one class acting up and trying to pull a Lot of stuff. More and more I feel vindicated. Even the classroom teacher was shocked ! But the best news is that my nemisis is retiring. What she will live on, I don't know as she has a big mortgage, has already claimed her CPP early so that will be quite small and is too young for OAS. However she has screwed the systems so well over the past 20 years I am sure she will survive. One colleaque made the comment that it was about time as she isn't doing the kids any favors this year. She hates the school, hates the kids, hates the teachers' ( who are lovely people) and hates her assignment. For the first time in over 20 years she has had to work-- no longer taking an hour and a half for morning and afternoon breaks - we are only entitled to one 15 min in the morning. Neither can she take 90 min lunch hours as opposed to the 38 min we get ! SStill comes late and leaves early.
While I won't know for a while if I have a job next year or not, I will have outlasted her.
This week we had to do the ' food audit' of Sorrentino's restaurants in the city. The contact person had lost ED's phone number and so we had to do 6 restaurants in 7 days. Way too much and we had not negotiated the payment as of yet. $50 is not enough for a dinner for 2 people. Once we get this all done, we will change things-- or it won't get done. So tonight Hubby and I are going out for supper. He is such a particular eater-- should be fun ! Then I'm taking a girlfriend out and one son another night. ED took YD out last night so if we do continue, ES will be the next !! Good thing I tuck some money away !
I have now done over 1 000 hexagons. More and more ideas have been floating around in my head ! Since I've already washed floors and dusted ( ! ) I can continue adding to the total before I get dressed for dinner. I was going to plant out some potatoes. YD brought me some blue potatoes, but it is too cold and miserable out to play in dirt.
We have an early reservation so we can be home for Outlander (me ) and Game of Thrones (him )
ONly another 46 or 47 days left in the school year. Oops - even one less- I have a Masters' ceremony to attend and my PD day to take !
Sunday, April 17, 2016
A Lovely Spring Day in the Forecast
The sun is brightly shining and there is very little wind. The temperatures the next few days are predicted to be quite high so we will have to water some of the plants. The Mayday tree is leafing out ncely. Although I dislike the tree ( too many purple berries ) I do appreciate the privacy it gives us.
Hallelujah I found the plastic for the polytunnel. I knew it was in that room somewhere ! So neatly packaged away I didn't spot it til this morning ! It will be put to ouse this afternoon when I get out and start to plant ! We could easily be hit by frost or even snow - after all this is Alberta ! But I'll take the risk.
I have almost finished crossing over winter and summer wardrobes. Just taking a break at the moment as my back was sore bending over . Looking at the clothes, I haven't bought anything new for summer for 5-7 years ! It's looking kinda tired and dated. Oh well... I'll treat myself if I hear I'll have a job next year.
My sons are out practicing as their first baseball game is tomorrow night.ED is taking care of YGS. Hubby is going to go to EGS's swim meet this afternoon. Then my sons have a coaching clinic as they are going to coach YGS's baseball team. And so it begins
Once I have finished all my chores, I'll shower and pamper myself a bit before I settle down to watch the best night of tv of the week.
Radishes, Mesclun Mix( lettuce) and green onions planted in the Vertical Planter. Onions, spinach and radishes in the poly tunnel. Hubby was screening dirt to remove rocks and spruce needles at the far end of the now extinct pond. So nice to get things crossed off and accomplished.
Hallelujah I found the plastic for the polytunnel. I knew it was in that room somewhere ! So neatly packaged away I didn't spot it til this morning ! It will be put to ouse this afternoon when I get out and start to plant ! We could easily be hit by frost or even snow - after all this is Alberta ! But I'll take the risk.
I have almost finished crossing over winter and summer wardrobes. Just taking a break at the moment as my back was sore bending over . Looking at the clothes, I haven't bought anything new for summer for 5-7 years ! It's looking kinda tired and dated. Oh well... I'll treat myself if I hear I'll have a job next year.
My sons are out practicing as their first baseball game is tomorrow night.ED is taking care of YGS. Hubby is going to go to EGS's swim meet this afternoon. Then my sons have a coaching clinic as they are going to coach YGS's baseball team. And so it begins
Once I have finished all my chores, I'll shower and pamper myself a bit before I settle down to watch the best night of tv of the week.
Radishes, Mesclun Mix( lettuce) and green onions planted in the Vertical Planter. Onions, spinach and radishes in the poly tunnel. Hubby was screening dirt to remove rocks and spruce needles at the far end of the now extinct pond. So nice to get things crossed off and accomplished.
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Nothing Much Going On
This week seemed to drag on forever ! Too many subs in the school and the kids were not at their best behaviour. After all these decades in education I would not advise anyone to get into teaching. the demands put on teachers is horrendous and with the way society is going, I cannot see it getting better for years. Just too stressful !
I have now done 675 hexagons !! I aim for 20 a night and it's a bonus if I do more ! I'm still not sure what I'm going to make and how the pattern is going to go. I am sure the 'material' will speak to me when I am ready.
Today the laundry has been done. Grocery shopping done by 9am and everything put away. Meals for the week have been planned. Today I am going to paint the vertical planter. The vegetable garden has been turned once. I still cannot find the plastic for my little polytunnel, Grrr. Many more leaves were taken off the garden beds, although there is more to be done. We've run out of room in the composter. Still no rain.
ED and ES are doing their taxes today and then I'll do ours. We take turns buying the tax program. So I guess I'll be doing that tonight while ED is at her Wine Club. Tomorrow I must get some summer clothes out as it is going up into the mid 20's this week. I also want to start planting some 'salad' veggies. then we'll need to water.
Taxes are done, and the ertical planter has been stained !! It was HOT out there ! Tomorrow I can start planting 'salad' vegetables. Now to relax....
I have now done 675 hexagons !! I aim for 20 a night and it's a bonus if I do more ! I'm still not sure what I'm going to make and how the pattern is going to go. I am sure the 'material' will speak to me when I am ready.
Today the laundry has been done. Grocery shopping done by 9am and everything put away. Meals for the week have been planned. Today I am going to paint the vertical planter. The vegetable garden has been turned once. I still cannot find the plastic for my little polytunnel, Grrr. Many more leaves were taken off the garden beds, although there is more to be done. We've run out of room in the composter. Still no rain.
ED and ES are doing their taxes today and then I'll do ours. We take turns buying the tax program. So I guess I'll be doing that tonight while ED is at her Wine Club. Tomorrow I must get some summer clothes out as it is going up into the mid 20's this week. I also want to start planting some 'salad' veggies. then we'll need to water.
Taxes are done, and the ertical planter has been stained !! It was HOT out there ! Tomorrow I can start planting 'salad' vegetables. Now to relax....
Sunday, April 10, 2016
An Intense Week
The first week back after a break is always busy and this past week was no exception.We found out that one of our very good French Immersion Science teacheers is leaving to go to another school board to be nearer her children. Good move for her, not for us ! Were madly trying to work out and test a child who does not belong in the program but the mother cannot see that. It has been my job to do these tests before this coming Tuesday. As well, in Math, trying to get through to those stubborn students who can not see the value of working each step in math problems. Oh if they'd only trust us that we actually know what is coming ahead and it is absolutely necessary . I had a couple of confrontations one of which did not go well at all.
We had the two oldest grandchildren on Tuesday, and then the oldest again on Wednesday. EGS had swimming both days. Since he has noved up to Bronze he had two hours of practice. GD had cheer practice on the Wednesday. YGS has been over everyday to go in the hot tub.
Hubby emptied the hot tub Friday night and this tine he used the wet/dry vacuum to emty the last bits. We made sure to use the water to water all the flower beds that we could. It was filled Saturday morning and able for use by 6 pm ! There are always bathing suits in my house.
I made a ham and lentil soup which every one enjoyed YGS hadn't eaten much on Friday and when he was at this other grandmother's he asked to come home. He wanted more Liam / Dady time. We found out he ha eaten cotton candy and fruit snacks. Too much sugar really does upset his stomach.EGS and Hunny had made plans to go to Dufflebag Theatre, but there were only 3 seats left and they were widely separated; so the they went to see if there was aa movie; and ended up getting a new game for the Wii.YGS came over and they played the game.GD was sad that she had to stay home so Hubby will have to plan a day with her.
Today the little greenhouse will go up. I've allready rearranged the dining area. Still cannot find the clear plastic for the little polytunnel. Oh well. Many of the seeds have germinated so that was a surprise.YS will assemble it and then I'll be able to get the seed trays in it and off the table. the kids had to eat their supper sitting on the floor one night ! "they thought it was great.
The hexagons are growing ! Yesterday I did 100 !! I photocopied the hexaagons at school and even cut a lot out while I had quiet times in the back of a classroom. I should be able to get a lot done tonight as I have 5 shows on tv that I love !! Finally Outlander is back ! LOL My friend who helped me get started quilting 10 years ago, had no idea what English Paper piecing was alathough she tried to pretend she did. She made a couple of comments so I actualy had to bring soe in to show her that she was wrong. I do worry about her; whether there is something organic going on or mentally, she is not the person she was.
The oatcakes are nearly gone. Today I'll made a couple of banana breads, maybe some fruit bars. I'll shove the turkey in so all is ready before 5 ! Cause at 5 I'm ploking myself down in front of the tv !
We had the two oldest grandchildren on Tuesday, and then the oldest again on Wednesday. EGS had swimming both days. Since he has noved up to Bronze he had two hours of practice. GD had cheer practice on the Wednesday. YGS has been over everyday to go in the hot tub.
Hubby emptied the hot tub Friday night and this tine he used the wet/dry vacuum to emty the last bits. We made sure to use the water to water all the flower beds that we could. It was filled Saturday morning and able for use by 6 pm ! There are always bathing suits in my house.
I made a ham and lentil soup which every one enjoyed YGS hadn't eaten much on Friday and when he was at this other grandmother's he asked to come home. He wanted more Liam / Dady time. We found out he ha eaten cotton candy and fruit snacks. Too much sugar really does upset his stomach.EGS and Hunny had made plans to go to Dufflebag Theatre, but there were only 3 seats left and they were widely separated; so the they went to see if there was aa movie; and ended up getting a new game for the Wii.YGS came over and they played the game.GD was sad that she had to stay home so Hubby will have to plan a day with her.
Today the little greenhouse will go up. I've allready rearranged the dining area. Still cannot find the clear plastic for the little polytunnel. Oh well. Many of the seeds have germinated so that was a surprise.YS will assemble it and then I'll be able to get the seed trays in it and off the table. the kids had to eat their supper sitting on the floor one night ! "they thought it was great.
The hexagons are growing ! Yesterday I did 100 !! I photocopied the hexaagons at school and even cut a lot out while I had quiet times in the back of a classroom. I should be able to get a lot done tonight as I have 5 shows on tv that I love !! Finally Outlander is back ! LOL My friend who helped me get started quilting 10 years ago, had no idea what English Paper piecing was alathough she tried to pretend she did. She made a couple of comments so I actualy had to bring soe in to show her that she was wrong. I do worry about her; whether there is something organic going on or mentally, she is not the person she was.
The oatcakes are nearly gone. Today I'll made a couple of banana breads, maybe some fruit bars. I'll shove the turkey in so all is ready before 5 ! Cause at 5 I'm ploking myself down in front of the tv !
Sunday, April 3, 2016
Last Day of Vacation
Last day of vacation ; it went far too quickly !! While I am sitting ere composing this, the three grandchildren are watching somesthing on tv. GD came down at 6:00 am ! I sent her up but the next thing you know she was back down with YGS to uses the bathroom; sent both of them up. The two monkeys stayed up for about 5 minutes but found it too boring to lay in bed, so back down they came ! Next thing you know, EGS was down !! Our day has begun !
We've had absolutely gorgeous weather. Yesterday was up over 21*C. Now we have to hope for some rain as parts of the garden beds are bone dry. The Lily of the Valley are poking throuogh, the Rhubarb is crowning and two of the newest rose bushes are beginning to bud out. A full month aahead of schedule. No more leaves have been raked as we have to room to put them. I must check to see if there is compost pick up this week. Rain is predicted for Monday afternoon so I may try today to get a few more leaves done and put into the garbage can.
I've sewn 195 hexagons so far.I suppose I could have sewn more but quickly read 3 books ! I couldn't put them down ! Haven't done that for a long time but I so enjoyed it. When I get back to school I will photocopy a sheet of hexagons so I do not have to keep tracing them out.
Hopefully ED will soon buy the income tax program and we can all get our taxes done. She has not been feeling well with the flu and now a cold. Yesterday she and ES went to the Beer Festival. She was saying she is glad she won the tickets as it was certainly not worth the price. YS has been to the physiotherapist and put in traction. He is slowly getting better but certainly not ready for work on Monday morning.
The latest saga for the armpit of NOrthern Ontario. The egg donor just suddenly showed up on Good Friday and dropped her daughter off at her father's house She walked into the house with a ' Hi Grandma" Thsi grandma was supposed to go to work at the nursing home but had to switch shifts with someone. The father who has legal custody is too busy out partying and all that goes with it. Poor little girl.
Time to get the waffles going. It has become a tradition with the grandkids and a sleepover.
We've had absolutely gorgeous weather. Yesterday was up over 21*C. Now we have to hope for some rain as parts of the garden beds are bone dry. The Lily of the Valley are poking throuogh, the Rhubarb is crowning and two of the newest rose bushes are beginning to bud out. A full month aahead of schedule. No more leaves have been raked as we have to room to put them. I must check to see if there is compost pick up this week. Rain is predicted for Monday afternoon so I may try today to get a few more leaves done and put into the garbage can.
I've sewn 195 hexagons so far.I suppose I could have sewn more but quickly read 3 books ! I couldn't put them down ! Haven't done that for a long time but I so enjoyed it. When I get back to school I will photocopy a sheet of hexagons so I do not have to keep tracing them out.
Hopefully ED will soon buy the income tax program and we can all get our taxes done. She has not been feeling well with the flu and now a cold. Yesterday she and ES went to the Beer Festival. She was saying she is glad she won the tickets as it was certainly not worth the price. YS has been to the physiotherapist and put in traction. He is slowly getting better but certainly not ready for work on Monday morning.
The latest saga for the armpit of NOrthern Ontario. The egg donor just suddenly showed up on Good Friday and dropped her daughter off at her father's house She walked into the house with a ' Hi Grandma" Thsi grandma was supposed to go to work at the nursing home but had to switch shifts with someone. The father who has legal custody is too busy out partying and all that goes with it. Poor little girl.
Time to get the waffles going. It has become a tradition with the grandkids and a sleepover.
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