Fortuosity

Landmarks

2010-08-06T21:30:00.006-04:00

Scence: RJ and I are on the phone. RJ in Vancouver me at home.

RJ: Have you decided on your route to The Lake?
K: I've Googled it and it says to go through Montreal.
RJ: There could be traffic or construction. Why don't you go the other way through Hawksbury.
K: I don't know that way very well and I've never driven it by myself.
RJ: You'll be fine. You'll know it when you see it.
K: I don't know. I don't think we've ever taken the same way twice.
RJ: You'll be fine. At that one point there is a McDonalds and a golf course on the one side.
K: What?
RJ: You know were we turn.
K: You're giving me 'RJ' type landmarks and not 'Karen' type.
RJ. Oh come on. There is that intersection that we get to and you always say "Turn left here, I know where I am now."
K: You're kidding me?? I can't use those directions, I'll get lost for sure.
RJ sighs : Go through Montreal then.
K: We are so different.

Can't be bought in a store

2010-08-04T14:21:00.001-04:00

My best friend Jenn's tumour has shrunk from 5x4cm to 3x3cm with only 3 chemo treatments.

She's kickin' cancer's butt!

I couldn't have asked for a better birthday gift.

Wanted: DJ that likes music

2010-07-31T19:57:00.001-04:00

Scene: Wedding in Chicago, I have been selected to give the DJ our table's song request

K: Hi! are you taking requests?
DJ: Yup
K: We'd like to hear B52's Love Shack

The DJ grimaces as thought I've just pulled out 3 nose hairs

K: What? Did someone already request it? Do you not have the song?
DJ: I'd rather shoot myself than play that song.

Isn't Love Shack on the wedding reception top 25 list? It's not like I asked for the Chicken Dance! It's him not me right?

Wedding 2 Photos - Chicago, IL

2010-07-26T19:29:00.001-04:00

We drove to Chicago. In holy matrimony, Joanna and Todd.Bob, father of the bride, and his little girl.
My entourage of glasses.These two let loose on the dance floor.

With the beautiful bride.

Repitition

2010-07-20T08:41:00.003-04:00

Scene: Entering our friends NY beach house to meet their two kids.

6 yr old: Excuse me RJ.....Do you like OJ?

RJ: Yes, I do.

6 yr old and 4 yr old together -giggle giggle giggle giggle-

Parents: They have been practicing that question all week.

Grandparents: ALL week.

RJ and the OJ Gang.

Wedding 1 Photos - Long Island, NY

2010-07-19T20:44:00.000-04:00

Off to JFK.

In love, Sue and James.

Lookin' good! Mike, James, RJ. Relaxing at our friends Beach House. A walk to the shore. Looking for sea glass. And away we go. Minus RJ's Wallet. But that's another story.

Wedding Weekend Warriors

2010-07-16T18:39:00.000-04:00

Back to back weddings starting this weekend. Good times!

Celebrity Lunch: Political

2010-06-25T20:26:00.000-04:00

Thankful Thursday

2010-06-24T18:33:00.001-04:00

He love me.....

RJ, thank you for being so supportive and understanding this past month. It's been a tough one and you've been great.

Celebrity Lunch: World Cup

2010-06-18T20:19:00.003-04:00

Mischief

2010-06-16T20:59:00.004-04:00

This is what happens when I talk on the phone too long
and leave the camera

on the table. Too cute, right?

Soaking it up

2010-06-05T12:01:00.004-04:00

K: Well the ads are up on Kijiji, now we have to wait for a response. But everyone is outside in the nice weather so it won't be until later tonight maybe tomorrow we'll get some reaction.

RJ: It's like crab fishing Karen. You have to set the pots and let them soak.

K: You are watching way too much Deadliest Catch.

B's B'day

2010-06-01T21:38:00.001-04:00

We've all hheard that 1 dog year is equal to 7 human years. I read somewhere that the first year of a dogs life can be equal to 2 human years because of the physical changes that happen.

If you agree with this theory than Bauer and I are the same age today and I've got to tell you he's living the good life.

He's healthy and athletic.
He's happy and calm.
He's got a fulfilling job (get the ball, get the ball).
He's friendly and playful
and he's living in the moment.

I should follow his example more often.

Happy Birthday B, we love ya.

Celebrity Lunch

2010-05-30T18:48:00.004-04:00

On Fridays my friend 'A' and I place an on-line order for sandwiches from Vincenzo's. It is a very popular place to get lunch so we like to preorder. The on-line ordering system allows you to enter a name for each sandwich. Normally you would enter your own name, but this week we decided to get a little creative.

I hope the person who hand wrote 'Cher' and 'Sonny' got a little laugh from it.

So, what should our next sandwich duo be? Suggestions.....

Where's the Rewind Button?

2010-05-27T20:40:00.000-04:00

A few weekends ago I felt a bit under the weather so I took the opportunity to crash on the couch and watch all the recorded episodes of Flash Forward on the PVR.

5 hours later I was all caught up and very in to the story line.

While driving to work Monday morning I heard on the radio that Flash Forward had been cancelled. Darn.

Rolling with it

2010-05-09T20:55:00.000-04:00

I hope to have an important role in our Finnymac's life.
My current role is chew toy. I'm okay with that, until his teeth come in.

H & K

2010-05-01T21:19:00.001-04:00

After a little break.....we're back!

ROTFL

2010-04-23T19:12:00.000-04:00

Scene: RJ and I at the dinner table

K: J from work says the Scientist Girl from LOST reminds him of Liz Lemon.

RJ chewing his food.

K: I can see that. Those glasses and the shoulder length wavy brown hair. But she has a different accent than LL.

RJ: Your guy is a Smoke Monster, that's a deal breaker!

K pauses and then starts laughing. Loudly.

It's not often RJ is that quick with the witty comments that I laugh out loud....for hours. But that one... I'm still laughing now.

The Good in Everyone

2010-04-21T20:33:00.002-04:00

I came across this flickr group after I saw this video "All Eddie needs is a hug" posted on YouTube. (Dont worry the video has a happy ending.)

Eldad Hagar is part of Hope For Paws, a non-profit animal rescue in California.

The rescue videos and pictures of these dogs and cats are heart breaking and heart warming.

Something I wanted to share. Good people doing good things.

Someone is Jolly in their Jumper

2010-04-18T15:12:00.001-04:00

Dysfunctional Wedding Crashers

2010-04-15T20:59:00.005-04:00

We are attending RJ's cousin J's wedding this summer. Today we received a link to their wedding website. After reading through it we were encouraged to sign the guest book and include any songs that we wanted put on their play list.

I started typing a standard 'we're happy for you' message when I asked RJ what song we should request. We decided on 'The Final Countdown' by Europe. We wanted to make an entrance into the wedding like G.O.B. from Arrested Development. Then we thought, why should we sign the guest book, instead G.O.B. should do it! J and her family are huge Arrested Development fans, they would love the joke. So we signed the guest book:

"Like the guy with the $4,000 watch is going to sign your guest book. Come on! Seriously though I'm looking forward to The Big Day. I'd like to hear my entrance music 'The Final Countdown' by Europe."

And we brainstormed a long list of other Arrested Development characters that we are going to add to the guest book over the next few months.

Maybe they'll think it's us, maybe they won't. However if it turns out really well we do want the credit for it!! Come on!

p.s. If you have any ideas for Arrested Development guest book entries feel free to leave a comment. Thanks!

WWWinner

2010-04-13T08:46:00.000-04:00

Afterlife

2010-04-11T19:05:00.004-04:00

While driving on the highway a big bug hit my windshield. Unfortunately I was out of wiper fluid, so I pulled over at the next gas station to fill up. When I looked at the bright yellow debris I thought it looked a little like a smile and I thanked that bug for brightening my day.

Memories of Chicken Fingers

2010-04-09T18:20:00.006-04:00

Today in the cafeteria at my 'new job' it was chicken fingers and fries day. It immediately reminded me of being at University. Chicken Finger and Fries day was the prize meal of the food plan at Vanier Hall. The line up for CF&F would be out the door and around the corner so you had to get there early. And if you know me at all, you know I'm always early and that I really like chicken fingers and fries.

After lunch I started reminiscing about first year University and all the good times. I realized that there are many similarities between the 'new job' and my first year at University.

1) The office building I work in is large and confusing just like campus was at the beginning.
2) The new employee program is called Head Start just like the new student program at the University I went to.
3) I only know the people in my department just like the people in my dorm.
4) There is only one person I knew before I started just like the one person who lived in my dorm from my hometown.
5) I'm trying to register for my benefits and the computer system isn't working just like registering for new classes at the registrar's office.
6) I feel nervous that no one will like me just like in first year.

Actually I'm not all that nervous. Unlike back then, I'm pretty comfortable with who I am now and don't have the need to fit in like most 18 years old away from home for the first time do.

But still it's a little eerie how similar the two experiences are.

I wonder what's planned for Frosh Week?

That Corner I Shouldn't Know

2010-04-08T18:40:00.006-04:00

Scene: Watching the first round of The Masters. The commentators are talking about Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicholas and their careers highlights.

K: Why are they showing us the tops of trees against the sky?
RJ: It's not very interesting.
K: I think they are missing some sort of statistic or graph.
RJ: Maybe.

The screen now shows a golf hole on the course.

RJ: Well that more scenic.
K: That's the 12th hole part of Amen Corner. The one with the bridge.

Silence

K: Did I just say that? Did I get that right?
RJ: You got it right.
K: Oh no. What's happening to me?
RJ: Give in to the Golf Side Karen.
K: Oh geez no. I even know that holes 11, 12 and 13 make up Amen Corner.
RJ: Oh yeah, you're in now.
K: ah, but I don't want to 'be in'.

Can-tastic Castle

2010-04-06T20:30:00.001-04:00

This was my favorite contestant at the Canstruction exhibit for the The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. The moat with Sea Creature chasing after the Kool-aid Tabasco sauce knights in a sea of egg noddle was so cute.But my favorite part was the Kool-aid Tabasco knights and their Noodle Bowl catapult. Who wouldn`t want Terry`s Orange chocolate balls thrown their way?

2010-04-05T08:31:00.000-04:00

You are so much sunshine to the square inch.
~ Walt Whitman

Hippity Hoppity

2010-04-04T07:38:00.001-04:00

Happy Easter Everyone!

Phone a friend?

2010-04-03T18:50:00.005-04:00

During a game at a co-ed bridal shower I was asked what one item RJ would bring with him to a deserted island.

I initially thought 'his golf clubs' but there is a lot of sand on an island and I didn't think he was that good in sand traps, so I said 'his blackberry'.

Lucky for us he also said his blackberry and we tied for first place.

Afterwards RJ complimented me on the big laughs his family had for my witty answer, however I don't think he was impressed with my assessment of his golf skills. The car ride home was chilly to say the least.

7 years of marriage and I'm still learning.

The first of thirty

2010-04-01T21:31:00.004-04:00

Okay, so I'm going to blog everyday for the month of April. This shouldn't be too hard as I've been building up material during the month of March. Yes, that's exactly why I haven't been posting!!! :o)

So get ready for a some 'karen' this month.

BTW this is not an April Fools Day joke.
I'm serious, I'm going to blog everyday.
Everyday.
Seriously!

Adjective

2010-03-17T11:51:00.001-04:00

Busy
1) Engaged in activity, as work; occupied.
2) Sustaining much activity.
3) Meddlesome.
4) Being in use, as a telephone line.
5) Cluttered with detail to the point of being distracting.

I thought we could all learn something while I apologize to my 6+ readers for not posting in weeks. I use to do a 'blog-a-day' in March, but this is the anti March because...

1) I don't have much spare time this March.
2) It's beautiful outside, not usual for March.
3) Not much interesting has happened. Well, actually, that's the same.

A quick catch-up in case I don't blog again until April..
1) I got a new job.
2) Spring Fever has hit me hard with this beautiful weather.
3) My house is a mess-in-progress because of #1 and #2.

The 'job' part of my life is all consuming. Preparing my resume, worrying about phone interviews, worrying about interviews, negotiating the job offer, worrying about leaving, outlining duties for a new person (not hired yet), starting new job (soon) and clothes shopping.

It's been a big mental workout for me to accept change as a positive and not an unknown prepare for the worst negative. Successful people embrace change and I've been preparing myself along the way to make the transistion smoother.

My 2010 motto is in full force right now.
Be strong, check.
Forgive yourself, working on it.
Move on, looking forward to it.

Hope March has been/will be good to you all.

What's that smell?

2010-03-01T16:33:00.001-05:00

RJ: We need to give Bauer a bath.
K: Really? Why?
RJ: He smells like a snowbank.

I wonder how that happened.

I Like the Nightlife, I Like to Curl

2010-02-26T21:00:00.002-05:00

It's 9:00pm on a Friday night and we are watching the Canadian Women's Curling Finals heat it up in overtime.
And I don't think we are alone in this.

I'm Lost

2010-02-23T22:03:00.002-05:00

I just have one thing to say:
Did we know that Jack had a son?
Discuss.

**Updated** Thanks to my friend Jen for the 'alternate flash sideways timeline' analysis. Some things are different in the past when Jacob doesn't interfere. And somethings remain the same. It's like looking through The Looking Glass.

Can't wait for next week!!

And Ben as a fussy European history teacher is the best.

The Games

2010-02-22T12:43:00.005-05:00

Hi all! Still here, just caught up in the 2 week Olympic Madness. I can't believe how much time we spend watching, taping and catching up on the Games. It's mind numbing!

Watching people hurl themselves down mountains at break neck speeds, I know I've said " Well that's just super crazy!!" more than a hundred times.

Are you becoming addicted to curling too? Seems like every other person I know is.

Have you hugged your Canadian Hockey Fanatic today? They need a little TLC.

Hope everyone is enjoying them as much as we are. I'm looking forward to the Dance Figure Skating finals tonight, Virtue and Moir 'Going for Gold'!

Corduroy Chronicles

2010-02-10T10:13:00.001-05:00

I don't think I can let this corduroy coincidence go. Last week we had the embarrassing tea soaking incident. This week a potentially embarrassing incident that I did my best to diffuse. Here it is - My boss and I wore the same outfit.

Fact - My boss is a guy, so that was bad.
Fact - I work with all guys. Pro - they regularly don't notice things like this. Con - If they do notice its 'humiliations galore'
Fact - I only noticed halfway through the day, when we were standing side by side at a table reviewing marketing material. And when I noticed it was the longest 4 minute marketing discussion ever.

Now the outfits weren't identical but they were close enough to garner the normal childhood question "Did the two of you call each other this morning to discuss what you were going to wear?"

So what do you think, coincidence? Are my cords cursed? Should I bravely test the theory a third week? Should I stop living vicariously through my cords and get a life?

Boy this winter cabin fever is getting to me.

Good Morning!!

2010-02-03T08:32:00.005-05:00

My pants and parts of my sweater are covered in spilt tea.

I will give myself huge props for swatting at the coffee mug and throwing myself into the spill instead of letting it damage my keyboard, again.

But now, minutes later, I am second guessing my choice of corduroy pants today.

PRO: Corduroy soaks up tea.
CON: Corduroy retains a lot of tea.

PRO: If I brush my hand over the wet area I can change the grain/colour of the corduroy to make it look dry. (in case I have to leave my office)
CON: My pants are really wet and I'm getting chilly. How long does corduroy take to dry?

PRO: My pants are a chocolate brown colour.
CON: This will be soooo embarrassing if someone notices.

Another morning adventure in the clutzy life of moi!

***Update*** I stole a small heater from a vacant cubicle. Let the speed drying begin!

LOST - Answers?!

2010-02-02T12:38:00.002-05:00

For those of you who are struggling with LOST's unanswered questions. You're not the only one. Enjoy!

User Friendly Stew

2010-01-31T12:42:00.003-05:00

Scene: RJ and I are sitting down to dinner. We are having a crock-pot beef stew from SupperWorks. I pushed dinner back a 1/2 hour and turned the crock-pot on high to make sure that the beef was cooked. I'm a little paranoid about crock-pot cooking.

RJ is sifting through his stew with his spoon.
RJ: For the life of me I can't find any meat.
K pause......gasp!!
RJ: What, do you have all the meat?
K gasp, gasp gasp!! hands covering face.
K: No, there is no meat!!
RJ: What?
K: I forgot to defrost the second bag that had the meat in it.
RJ: What? Why?
K: Because I forgot it was in two bags!! I thought there were two stews in the bag.
RJ: So all we have is vegetables with gravy?
K: Looks like.
RJ: Good thing we added the potatoes.

Minutes later
RJ: The potatoes are nicely done, not overcooked or mushy.
K: Oh be quiet!!

p.s. In case you got the impression that SupperWorks meals are hard to prepare, I want to reassure you that they aren't. They are totally user friendly. As long as that user (me) is using their head!

He fluffs, a lot!

2010-01-25T15:08:00.009-05:00

I don't think there is any question as to what FinnyMac is doing in these pictures (I'll give you a hint, it's not eating or sleeping...) You got it, Pooping! His Aunt Kiki bring out, well, everything in him. I do hope one day I will be able to hold him without all the poop, but I don't think that's going to be for a while. What a cutie eh?

Words to think by

2010-01-21T10:32:00.002-05:00

Quote from Notebook Doodles

If you want to know where your heart is,
look where your mind goes when it wanders.

I've been wandering more, what about you?

Mantra 2010

2010-01-13T12:31:00.007-05:00

I've been off to a slow start this year with my posts. There is this crash period after the holidays where I'm drawn to the calm and quiet nights by the fire. I love the chaos of the holidays, seeing everyone, making big dinners and having so many days off in a row that you forget what day of the week it is. And then there is the calm after the storm and with that there there isn't much to post. I've been keeping busy with the Daily Photo Blog and drafting the planning stages of another one. I'm still using this blog as a Memory Keeper but it may slow down for a little while. It's all part of my new mantra for 2010.

Be strong.
Forgive yourself.
Move on.

I'm the best at self-guilt, my own worst critic. To get out of that I'm going to *try* and go with the flow. Post when I can and *try* not feel guilty about it. This will also help keep up my momentum for other projects in the works.

Have a great day! Talk soon!

Our Photoblog

2010-01-08T12:41:00.002-05:00

My friend Helen and I have started a daily photoblog. Check it out here.

2010

2010-01-04T16:36:00.004-05:00

Okay, I'm back at it. Happy New Year, I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays as much as I did.

So 2010, what are we going to do with you? Currently I feel a little overwhelmed with the possibilities that are before us. I think a weekend of list making is in order!

We made a list last weekend of work we want to do around the house. A Wish List really. We kept ourselves grounded as RJ kept repeating "We can't get all of this done this year." Very true but it's nice to have a physical list to refer to, not something rattling up in my head, something I can hold and cross things off of when we are done (that's really the most exciting thing about making a list making right?).

Here's to Wish Lists and all we can accomplish in 2010.

I will be posting a compilation of 2009 moments. I've enjoyed reviewing all the photos from this year and remembering what a year it was.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T07:40:00.004-05:00

It's better to give than to retrieve.Merry Christmas from Karen, RJ and Bauer.

Gingerbread Houses

2009-12-24T19:20:00.004-05:00

About a month ago I suggested to RJ a gingerbread house contest. Our friends Cam and Amy had one last year and it seemed like a fun activity to try. I thought we would both start out with the same store bought gingerbread house and the challenge would be in the decorating as I didn't think RJ would be to focused on the task for too long. But then I mentioned that I would post pictures of each house on the blog and get readers to vote for which on they liked best. Then he said "Karen, if it's going on the blog, it's an all in competition, design and decorating." The gloves were off.
This afternoon we sat down with our graham crackers, candies, royal icing and Christmas Music and without any plans what-so-ever, dove right in.In the true spirit of an unbiased competition I will not reveal who designed each house. (But I think it's fairly obvious...)Design #1 has a traditional cottage feel, with Christmas lights and a stone walkway. Don't miss the outdoor Christmas tree and candy cane hearts on the roof. Design # 2 has a contemporary 'Fort Awesome' feel, with it's two storey elegance, double car garage and personal helicopter pad.

Please let us know which house you prefer in the comments. Bauer seems to be quite interested in both, if the drool droplets on the floor around the kitchen table are any indication.

The Gift

2009-12-22T15:42:00.001-05:00

I found, what I think, is the perfect gift for RJ. I've been building it up a little this past week as the gift of the decade! And although I ordered it well in advance it didn't arrive until today. Needless to say, I'm relieved.

Can you guess what it is honey? No worries, you'll know soon enough!

Mailing It In

2009-12-21T16:47:00.003-05:00

It was a busy weekend and it wasn't until late Sunday night I remembered our company potluck was the next day. With me already in my pj's I wondered down to the kitchen to see what I could make. After a quick search I found the 4 ingredients needed for Rice Krispie Squares. As I was finishing RJ came up behind me and said in his best Homer Simpson voice "Rice Krispie Squares. Really? Way to mail it in Mrs. Wiggins." I wonder how long he's had that line in the holster for.

The Wee One

2009-12-15T13:55:00.022-05:00

We had a chance to meet our nephew Finn this weekend. He is a wee thing right now so sleeping is his favorite thing. He does wake up now and again to flash his little baby blues. But you've got to be entertaining or he starts to lose interest.

And then the stretch and yawn comes and then.......
he's down for the count. Again. But look at the size of those hands. You know the saying, a puppy will grow into his paws? We'll we've got a big basketball player here. But what do you do with them when you sleep? Cross them pretty?

Use them as pillows? But then you end up with a 'dumb arm' full of pins and needles that just flops all over the place.
But after a full day of family visits little Finn nodded off and started dreaming, moving those eyes and little lips of his. Is this a smile? A half smile? Who really knows, but that's what I'll say it is.

Advent Doom

2009-12-13T12:09:00.001-05:00

Is it considered bad luck to open an advent calendar door before its proper day?Like flipping the page in a calendar before the month starts. I know it shows a lack of my will power and self restraint but is there bad karma that comes with eating that little tin solider two days before I'm suppose to? Let's hope not or else I'm doomed.

Oh Laura Secord, you make such tasty chocolates but next year we are getting (or going to try) a 'no sweets' advent calendar.

What kind of advent calendar do you have?

An Addition to the Ornament Collection

2009-12-10T14:05:00.002-05:00

The Glass Pickle.

I added this ornament to reflect the German influence in the Kitchener/Waterloo area. I liked this idea better than an Onkel Hans on the tree.

The legend says that an ornament shaped like a pickle is a sign of good luck. Dating back to Germany, the pickle ornament was always the last one to be placed on the tree on Christmas Eve. Parents would hang the glass ornament inside the boughs of a fir tree, hidden amongst other ornaments. The first child to find the pickle would receive a special gift and the first adult would have a lucky year.

Nice tradition, right? Wrong. While there are a few flaws in the extended version of this legend the biggest problem is that "No one in Germany has ever heard of this tradition".

So, what new ornaments or fake traditions (!) are you adding this year?

Champagne Anniversary

2009-12-07T12:52:00.004-05:00

It is RJ's and my Champagne Anniversary, 7 years on the December 7th.

This year has tested us. 'For better or worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer'. It's been a challenge. I know we'll have better times and I know we'll have worse, but we'll get through it all together.

I love you honey.

p.s. I don't know if Champagne Anniversaries really exist, but in our house they do.

Our Finn

2009-12-04T16:32:00.004-05:00

Last night RJ and I took on two new roles, Uncle and Aunt.

Little Finn McCallum was born December 3rd at 5:38pm. Not too many more details are known right now as the new family is spending some quiet time together getting acquainted.

I've had some time to consider my new role and I've decided I want a cool Aunt name. Auntie K or Aunt KiKi. However, as with most nick names they are not something that can be predetermined. It's usually bestowed upon you during your 'not so finest' hour. I definitely have a lot of those. But I think I'll be happy as long as the words 'crazy' or 'loopy' don't make it in.

Congratulations James and Melanie. We look forward to meeting our nephew!
All the love in our hearts,
Karen, RJ and Bauer.

Our Christmas Tree

2009-12-02T12:50:00.006-05:00

The Tree is up. I forget every year just how long it takes to put it up. This year I think I have everything the way I want it. I purchased extra lights on Boxing Day that I wound around the center of the tree and I got an extra beaded garland so the final row of branches aren't bare.

I love that it's so colourful and bright. All the ornaments have a meaning, given and bought throughout the years. The Angel on top is the one from my youth. She's still in great condition (for over 30 years old) and although she not as modern as some of the tree toppers out there, she's the perfect one for this beautiful mismatched tree.

What's your tree like?

Tangents

2009-12-01T12:34:00.003-05:00

It's been a little crazy here. I'm not sure why everything is going off in all directions. I have a fondness for tangents but seriously, they have to stop and let me catch my breath.

My knee is just plain annoying. I'm in physio now but it feels like it's going to get worse before it gets better. Luckily I'm not in the Jingle Bell 5K like last year.

So it's now December and I'm hoping to blog every day because there is a lot going on and I want to capture all of it as it whizzes by.

Hope you're all ready for what's ahead this month in your part of the world. I'm definitely using the motto "Keep Calm and Carry On" more and more these days.

Hibernation

2009-11-13T18:43:00.002-05:00

During these last few weeks, as the sun sets earlier and earlier, I find myself going into hibernation mode. All I want to do at the end of the day is snuggle beneath a blanket on the couch with a cup of tea and my puppy at my feet. It's a cycle that I slip into every time this year.But I don't let it get at me for too long. I've got holiday activities and shopping and projects to complete (43 days until Christmas) so, next week it's full steam ahead. For tonight I'll curl up, enjoy the quiet moments and finish my book, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Have a great weekend!

Little Ladies

2009-11-13T09:14:00.006-05:00

Where are these lady bugs coming from? I've seen more of them in the past two weeks than all summer. I guess the recent warmer temperatures have brought them out. But why into my home? They face certain death from the resident Bug Squisher (RJ) and Bug Sniffer (Bauer).

I don't know what it is about the flyswatter that gets Bauer so excited. I can guess that it's the sudden slap of the swatter hitting a surface. Maybe it the aftermath of the insect falling to the ground that needs a thorough sniffing. Bauer gets his right into the action and luckily his nose hasn't be caught in the cross fire. Yet. I'm also glad that he only sniffs the corpse, he doesn't ingest it. Yuck.

Stop the Press

2009-11-12T11:01:00.001-05:00

Over 900 new viewers have come to this blog in 48 hours. WOW! My normal daily hits are 5 (RJ, my mom, my brother, Nic from out west and Lyn from NY.

So where did all these viewers come from? Yesterday on Small Notebook Rachel linked to my "A Year in the Making" post. Obviously she has a very large following! Including moi! I visit her site regularly because Rachel has great tips on organization, gifts (my favorite one) and home&family life. It was her No Spend Month challenge made me a daily reader.

I'm just tickled pink that people like this project. (Here is the link to Year in the Making, posted April 2008) It was a lot of fun to do. Trying to keep it a secret was probably the hardest thing.

Remember

2009-11-11T08:01:00.004-05:00

I think there is nothing that I will do in my life time that can compare to what our veterans did for us. Their courage, bravery, dedication and honour will never be fully understood or repaid.

Thank you to those who fought and continue to fight for our freedom.
I am forever in your debt.

A Case of the Mondays

2009-11-09T16:17:00.009-05:00

The week isn't starting out well. I've hurt myself and I hardly ever hurt myself. Well not to the degree that I'm at the Urgent Care Center at 8am on Monday morning. I've done something to the back of my knee. That's as technical as I can get. After X-rays and examinations we are all still at a loss for the right words for my condition. "Well you did something" the Dr. said. Don't I know it.

How did this happen. It's quite the story so settle in. I got up off the couch. Yup, that's it. I stood up and I felt a twitch in the back of my knee. Like I'd tweaked something. It felt like that all day Saturday. But Sunday was another story. I couldn't walk on it. I couldn't climb stairs. I didn't realize that there are so many stairs in out house.

So to the Cambridge Urgent Care Clinic I went. And I have to say, it was so much easier (and nicer) than I thought it was going to be. My time line was as follows:

I arrived at 7:30am. Doors openned at 8am, I was 9th in line. Prescreening at 8:15am. In an office by 8:20am. Prescreen with nurse, consult with the Dr. 8:35am. Off for X-rays 8:45am. X-rays done by 9am back to clinic. Saw Dr. again 9:35am (this was the longest of my waits). Prescription filled at 9:50am. Got tea at Timmy's drive through and back to work by 10:14am.

My overall experience was a B+ (the pain brought it down from an A-) and I am very, very thankful for that. Now I'm resting and taking it slow. Maybe now I can catch-up on my blogging.

More than a dusting

2009-11-06T12:37:00.004-05:00

It's forecasted to be sunny and 14-18 degrees (Celsius) this weekend and into next week.

Mother Nature is a fickle woman sometimes.

I get that.

Halloween Humbug

2009-10-31T18:27:00.012-04:00

Halloween is not a well celebrated holiday at Dansbury. We have a pumpkin and candy but that's as far as it goes. I've always wanted to be a die hard Halloween party person, like Martha Stewart or my friend Helen, they do it up right! But this year, like the ones past, well plug in Mr. Jack O. Lantern and dish out candy to the trick-o-treaters. RJ will hand out two pieces and I'll start to worry that there won't be enough, so I'll start to give out one piece. Then around 8:30pm when things calm down there will be too much candy leftover! It happens every year, it's our dysfunctional Halloween tradition.

2 months and counting

2009-10-24T13:09:00.014-04:00

Look over at the calendar everyone, there are only two months until Christmas and it's going to go fast, so it's time to take a minute to think about your holiday plans.

I'm a little late this year with my Christmas planning. Going to the mall this Sunday was the big kick-in-the-pants I needed to get started. I do not love crowds.

So I've set the wheels of my brains (yes, both sides) into motion and with a some help from the very user friendly website Organized Christmas I'm on my way to conquering the holidays in 6 weeks of easy planning.

Giant Book Sale

2009-10-18T11:25:00.018-04:00

On our drive back from Oktoberfest we past by the Kitchener Public Library where their sign declared "Annual Giant Book Sale - Oct 17 and 18th." Lucky for us it was the 17th. With a quick u-turn we were parked and in the library basement going through boxes of books. A massive amount of boxes on tables, under tables, along hallways and on shelves. It was sensory overload. We had only paid for an hour of parking so we had to plan our attack and act swiftly. We covered all four corners and were ready (really ready) to leave when our hour was up.

The Bag Deal included a KPL bag (regularily $2.99) and as many books as you could fit inthe bag for $10. Books have individual prices (I believe mainly $1 each) but the Bag Deal is by far the best option.

Here is our full and heavy bag.

On the right we have assorted issues of Better Homes and Garden Magazines from 1958 to 2001. How often does gardening change? or recipes for that matter? Then A Christmas Carol by C. Dickens and The Best Christmas Pagent Ever by Barbara Robinson. On the left (thank you for pointing Bauer) we have a car maintenance manual for RJ's 1992 Ford Probe, A Christmas Treasury idea book, a Jack Nicklaus biography, a Benjamin Franklin biography, and Value Investing Today.
And on the very top 101 card games. A book for the cottage.

A very successful detour and an event that I'll make sure to get to next year. The KPL holds the sale every October. The WPL also has a book sale but it's date isn't consistant.

Thanksgiving Sun

2009-10-11T11:30:00.003-04:00

The Thanksgiving weekend did brighten up on Saturday after a full on build-and-ark rain storm the day before. We headed out to Bechtel Park to exercise young Bauer, who had a bundle of energy to expend.

The leaves were just starting to change. Bauer always leaves a few skid marks behind after diving for his frisbee. To completely tire him out we took him to the soccer field where RJ re-enacted some of his football plays from high school. Bauer likes to stalk him, ready to pounce.

Oktoberfest Family Breakfast

2009-10-10T13:45:00.005-04:00

This morning we headed to the Oktoberfest Family Breakfast. We hadn't intended on going but we kept hearing commercials for it on the radio and we were hungry so we headed with our donation for the Food Bank.We were there around 7:00 am and the crowd was small, but the smell of fresh pancakes and BBQ sausages was very alluring. All the cooking was done by the students from Conestoga College's Culinary program. AND..who doesn't like to polka at 7:30am? Come on, show yourself if you don't like to do the Chicken Dance or Roll out the Barrel in the wee morning hours.

It's hard to photograph people doing the Chicken Dance, I get a lot of blurry photos. Overall a very enjoyable morning and another tradition that we will add to our Thanksgiving weekend festivities. Next year we'll stick around for the 9am barrel rolling contest.

A Grand Time

2009-10-05T12:27:00.001-04:00

Last Sunday afternoon was too nice to be inside after a few consecutive days of rain. We needed to get moving and shake the cobwebs from out of our heads. So we drove down to St. George to meet up with our friend Jo and her dog Molly (Bauer's girlfriend) and take a walk along the Grand River. The trail was perfect for strolling and sniffing for the pups. There was a small look-out where we could see the river and take a short rest on a bench.

Can we go now?

After an hour of marking every blade of grass Bauer and Molly decided it was time to play. Molly ran ahead with Jo and on their way back Bauer crouched down and stalked her return. 1 second after this photo was taken they were rumbling in the trees.

What's cookin' good lookin' ?

2009-10-02T16:01:00.006-04:00

One of my 101 goals in 1001 days is to plan 5 months of food menus, specifically dinners. I bought a cute menu organizer for the fridge that enables my list making obsession. RJ and I went through the freezer and then our recipe book to see what could be made and what needed to be bought. We came up with this schedule.Look how nice and neat it is. There are some blank spaces to account for the occasional eating out and for the times when one of us wouldn't be home for dinner.

It was a great idea, however our month turned out to look like this:There are about 5 check marks on there. Life got in the way of our planned eating and even our Monday night 'pasta' was out the window 3 times out of 5!!
I really liked the planned menu and we've decided to keep at it. I'm not thinking straight by the end of the day and I don't want to discuss what we should make for dinner, I just want to eat. You know how I get when my blood sugar gets low! Okay maybe you don't know and that's probably a good thing. I can get....dramatic.

Fortune

2009-10-01T19:37:00.001-04:00

It's Shock Season Again

2009-10-01T12:26:00.008-04:00

The 'chill' has returned and that means my fleece and wool tops and bottoms and socks are heading to the front of my wardrobe. In a few more weeks when my dry skin starts to kick in, I'll have some pretty awesome 'shocks' to hand out.

The heat is not on. Yesterday at work and at home there was no heat. At work it was because our furnace had issues. At home it was because RJ's stubborn (and has issues). Well now it's October 1 and that means the furnace(s) must go on. It's Canada for cripes sake!

Luckily I have an alternate source of heat at home. A flick of the switch and ta da...warmth.Of course I have to wrestle Bauer for the best spot.

Celebrity Encounter

2009-09-14T11:18:00.016-04:00

Scene: Jen and I are waiting in line outside of the Elgin Theater to pick up our tickets for the Toronto International Film Festival showing of The Informant.

Celebrity Lady: Excuse me, is this line to pickup tickets?

Jen: Yes.
Celeb: How far back does it go?
Jen: Not that far.
Celeb: OK, thanks.
Jen: No problem.

pause - raised eye look between us

Me: Was that...
Jen: Yes....

pause - look around and Celebrity Lady 5 feet away

Jen: You think she would have 'people' to do this for her.
Me: Yeah, or have the tickets delivered to her hotel.

pause - I take a good look at Celebrity Lady.

Me: That's really...
Jen: Yes.
Me: Huh. It looks like she's going to the back of the line. Kudos to her.

We proceed to get our tickets and go to the end of the ticket holders line.

Jen: This is moving quickly
Me: I bet she doesn't have to go to the end of this line. They'll sneak her in.
Jen: Yeah. I wonder is she is in a moving that's showing or if she's just here for fun.
Me: I don't know.

We walk around the corner (it was a long line).

Me: Okay! Can we just say it out loud. That was Dana Delaney right?
Jen: Yes, right.
Me: Good, just wanted to make sure.
Jen: Why? Was it not obvious?
Me: It was my first thought, but honestly, she looks fabulous! I thought for sure I was getting her mixed up with someone younger. Don't you think she looks great?
Jen: Very good, but short. Why is everyone on TV so short?
Me: I don't know, but we'd be giants in their world, no one would hire us. I guess we should stick to the jobs we have.
Jen: Lucky us.
Me: Yeah. Lucky.

Change of profession

2009-09-10T14:36:00.002-04:00

I should have gone into the business of making mountains out of molehills.

Footie quotes

2009-09-08T12:35:00.003-04:00

There it is! Here we go! This game doesn't matter. Alright, it time to get your game face on. This game means everything. I can't believe he beat me by one point!

A sample of lines I expect to overhear coming from the bonus room for the next 5 months. The NFL season is about to start and RJ's Fantasy Football buddies just had their draft. Good Luck honey.

Now, what I am I going to do for the next 16 Sundays? :o)

Sauteed Peaches

2009-09-04T09:30:00.007-04:00

A recipe for the humans this time. Do you have any ripe peaches? Do you have a lot of them because you bought a basket and didn't eat them as quickly as you thought you would? Been there. I found this great recipe in an old FOOD magazine from Martha Stewart (I don't need to link to her do I? You all know who I'm talking about, right?).

Sauteed Peaches

4 peaches (medium to large size)

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp sugar (white or brown)

Cut eat peach into 8 sections. Then melt butter in non-stick fry pan on med-high heat. Once melted add sugar and peaches. Sautee for 3-5 minutes (I do 4 min). Remove from heat and serve with (or over) ice cream. Serves 4.

It. Is. So. Good. It's evil good. I have made this 3 out of 4 nights this week. Simple and delicious, one pan to clean, it's my kind of recipe. After careful analysis RJ and I have come to the conclusion that one thing could make this better......wait for it......a crushed gingersnap on top. Ooohhh... I know, right? My gift to you. Enjoy!

Puppy Cookies

2009-09-03T12:14:00.006-04:00

On Sunday I decided to make Bauer some treats. I read a very simple recipe a while back and had all the ingredients already in the cupboard.

Sesame Cookies (makes about 4 dozen)
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/3 oil (I used canola because I'm in Canada)
1/4 pure honey
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
3 tbsp sesame seeds
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix all ingredients (but seeds) into a large bowl. Knead dough on flour covered surface until firm. Roll into quarter sized balls and roll in sesame seeds.
Cook on baking tray for 10-15 minutes or until firm. Turn oven off and let sit for 1-2 hours until hard.Karen's Tips:
1) Do not use the sesame seeds, it just gets messy. They fall of the cookies and start to burn on the trays in the oven. And the ones that stay on fall off when you touch the cookie. (See the pie in the bottom of the jar?). Skip the seeds.
2) After rolling the dough into quarter sized balls I would have taken the heel of my hand and flattened them to about 1/4 inch making them more coin shaped than ball.

I was glad that the ingredients for these cookies were more natural/healthy than the ones we were giving Bauer from the store. He only gets 1-2 a day so the nutritional content wasn't something I thought about too much but it was nice that I could make these with the fixing's I already have.
But does Bauer like them?
A seed on the nose and a string of drool. A cookie success. Anything for my B.

Bump it down

2009-09-01T08:16:00.000-04:00

Here is a link to the post of our Summer session with illona and our little Grand Master B.

I occasionally call Bauer Grand Master B. Coined from Married with Children (a show RJ watched not me). However, there was a commercial that aired where the family called him everything but Grand Master B. Variations such as:

Bass Master B ~ Burgermeister B (my fav) ~ Court Jester B
Dusbuster B ~ Grand Marshall B ~ Grinchmaster B

Not really that interesting to know. This post is really for RJ who asked me when I was going to post something new to bump down the Gnomes post. I guess he's embarrassed or something. (BTW readers, he was wearing underwear just to clear that up.)

Gnomes

2009-08-27T12:58:00.005-04:00

While walking the dog around the neighbourhood.....

RJ: Speaking of poop, do you know where my underwear is?
pause
RJ: I checked the laundry hamper, nothing, then I checked the washer and dryer, nothing.
pause
RJ: It's weird, I can't find them.
K smiling: I know exactly were they are. In my hamper. I forgot to put the last load in two nights ago. Sorry!
RJ: I didn't check there. That's okay.
K: Darn, I should have said the Underpants Gnomes got them.
RJ: Yeah, that would have been good timing.
K: What would have been funny is if you emailed me about it. Then I could have used the underpants gnomes line and it would be funny because all along I would know where they were and you still wouldn't know.
RJ: Ha ha, real funny.
K: Well it would have been to me.
pause
K with a look of horror: Wait a minute, does this mean you're not wearing underwear now??

Is Spurtsiness a word?

2009-08-26T12:50:00.006-04:00

This blogging thing is funny. Sometimes there is so much to say and I don't post. Other times there is nothing to say and I can post twice a day! I don't know where my 'blog-spurtsiness' comes from but some weeks I just don't have it. The words fumble out of my fingers, nothing sounds or looks right so I skip the publish button. Besides who wants to know what I'm reading or watching or doing?? Oh yeah, I do. This blog is meant to be a reflection of our life. So technically I want to know. It's good to get perspective some times.
Hope you're all enjoying the ends of summer.
What are your three wishes? That's right I put a $1 in there for each of you.

One for the Road

2009-08-19T11:19:00.001-04:00

We went to a surprise 40th Birthday party for my Brother-in-Law last weekend. We brought Bauer because he loves to play with my in-laws dog Marlie. However, there were too many people around for a good tussle but there was plenty of new places for them to explore, sniff out and leave their mark on. Over and over and over. There was one Hosta that must have been peed on 6 times. By each dog!
Our party hosts have three dogs of their own so there were plenty of outside water bowls around but Bauer found one on his own.

It was a little awkward when a few of the guests wanted drinks but can you blame him? It was the coolest water in the place! He was tuckered by the end of the night so we didn't need a 'traveller' home.

Who's that?

2009-08-18T12:35:00.006-04:00

RJ and I questioned 'who was who' in more than half the photos from a CD his dad sent. It's RJ's side of the family but he was as lost as I was. However, one look at this picture and I knew it was RJ.It's the eyes, they haven't changed. I love seeing bits and pieces of his life B.K. (Before Karen), I just wish he could remember more. :o)

Uh oh, Hotdog!

2009-08-17T10:59:00.003-04:00

Only one way to cool him down, another visit to Snyder's Flats.

Brillo Pad

2009-08-10T14:29:00.005-04:00

How I can tell it's humid out today.

And that's just a small portion of this frizzy mess.

Field of Dreams

2009-08-08T10:19:00.013-04:00

We had our second photo shoot with illona from Scruffy Dog Photography on Friday. The Summer part of the 'Winter/Summer' special. Bauer had a lot more fun this time around (no skiers!). He was still a little shy of the camera but warmed up to it when he got to play ball and frisbee and jump in and out of hay fields for treats. We wondered around after some frisbee shots looking for Queen Anne's lace that wasn't 3 feet high.
illona had a sneak peak ready for us the next day and it's one of our favorites. Bauer looks so happy with the wrinkles on his cheeks and tongue hanging out.

Can't wait to see the rest illona, I'll be stalking your blog for a while.

Your ter-ruff-ic!!

Found it!

2009-08-06T12:55:00.008-04:00

We were at the park throwing the frisbee with Bauer when 3 kids came running up to us asking if they could throw the frisee for Bauer. RJ handed the slightly slobbered frisbee to the oldest Girl while the Boy chatted us up.

Boy: Is your dog a boy or a girl?
RJ: It's a boy.
Boy: Huh, I don't see his wiener.
RJ: Well, it's there.

Bauer comes back with the frisbee and the Boy lies down on the grass beside Bauer and looks up between his legs.

Boy: Oh, there it is.

This happened 3 weeks ago and RJ and I still laugh at it.

Cheese!

2009-07-27T14:15:00.011-04:00

One....

Two....Three.........say Cheese!

My new camera has a custom timer feature that allows you to take multiple shots at pre-set time interval. (The above was 4 shots every 3 seconds) I thought I'd give it a try with our yearly Dansbury photo. We are becoming seasoned pro's at this (or I'm getting less picky) because we got it on the first try.

1st day of Vacation

2009-07-26T12:41:00.004-04:00

We've had 4 thunderstorms today and I'm okay with it. My logic is why spread the rain out over the week, get it all done in one day I say. I'll sit here by the back window, finish my book (Godmother: The Secret Cinderella Story) and then we'll get on with enjoying the rest of the week. Right? Right!

Monkey, Monkey, Monkey

2009-07-21T12:49:00.004-04:00

Monkey Bread. Ever heard of it? Until recently I hadn't but lately this recipe is popping up everywhere. I decided to give it a try and grabbed a karen-friendly recipe from The Pioneer Woman. (karen-friendly means I don't have to make the bread from scratch).

Ah.. cinnamon gooey goodness everywhere!I rarely have any success with recipes on the first try but I was astonished at how easy this was. RJ knew after the first bite that we were going to have to start exercising more.

It was so good gooey and tempting that we dove in before I got the first photo.A few tips:
~ 3 cans of biscuits is a lot especially for two people. I'd try 2 cans and reducing the remaining ingredients by 1/3.
~ My bundt pan was not big enough. The biscuits started to rise over the top. So if you have a 10" pan like I do try it with 2 cans instead of 3.
~ I also think a flat bottomed bundt pan would work best. Mine is rounded and the syrup collects in one place.

Enjoy!

I am weak

2009-07-19T08:08:00.000-04:00

I have given in to the quilting bug. I've struggled with it for years and until recently had been able to stand my ground and find a list of excuses not to get started down that hand-stitched path. But then the stars aligned. I got a sewing machine. I found time and a reason for a starter project. And once I was surrounded by all those beautiful fabrics I went weak in the knees and dove right in.

Luckily I have an experienced seamstress near by ready to teach me the basics and step in if necessary to finish my small blanket in exchange for free babysitting. Oh, did I not mention that I have only given myself 2 weeks to complete the blanket? Yes I am in denial as well.I choose the above fabrics for a baby blanket for my co-worker. It's perfectly their style, modern and not too baby-ish. I have dreams of grandeur that it will become their little boys favorite blankie. Just adding a little more pressure to the project. Amy, the seamstress, does a good job of keeping me grounded. As I was packing up from our Sunday morning tutorial she smiled and said "I love watching someone else struggle though it".

I see a few nights of babysitting in my future.

Friday Breakfast - part one

2009-07-17T12:29:00.003-04:00

RJ and I wanted to start investigating breakfast hot spots in our 'hood. RJ loves a 'big breakfast' and I thought it would put a little AM twist on 'date-night'. (I'm a morning person.)
Our first outing was to the Daily Grill (Davenport and Northfield). We went there for dinner once and we both enjoyed it. Their breakfast was very enjoyable too! We both had the Breakfast Special. Very tasty and quick. Don't you find that breakfast is always served more quickly than any other meal? I would have liked to try one of their freshly baked muffins but I was too full. An excellent start our research.

Coffee Pubs, the final frontier.

2009-07-13T08:48:00.004-04:00

As Jen and I were heading out of Stratford Saturday night, I saw the sign for William's Coffee Pub. Jen and I have gone a few times to the one in Waterloo and enjoyed it. I had recently found out that the first 'Williams' was in Stratford, so I thought I'd share this with her.

K: Look there is Williams Coffee Pub.
J: Did you want to stop for coffee?
K: No. But did you know that the first one originated here is Stratford?
J: That's cool.
K: Yeah. It's explains why it's named 'William'.
J: Yeah, William Shatner.
K: William Shatner! What !?! No!!
J: I didn't mean Shatner, I meant Shakespeare.
K: I don't know Jen. I think your inner-Trekkieness is starting to seep out.

(Jen told me last week that she is a big Star Trek fan. I didn't know this. She watched all the Star Trek series and while she doesn't have any visible Trekkie characteristics, obviously Cptn. James T. Kirk is on her mind a lot more that she realizes.)

A Funny Thing

2009-07-10T12:18:00.001-04:00

Jen and I went to Stratford last weekend to see the Stratford Festivals performance of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" . We decided to make a day of it and wander around the town. It's such a pretty little place. Wonderful shops and delicious food. This big guy was in the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. He still has his hibernation weight. Who wouldn't living in a sweets store?

Then there was The Barkery. We looked around but since both our animals are on a 'weight watch', we passed on the many delicious looking treats.

We had dinner at Othello's. The Service wasn't great (I think they were short staffed) but the pizzas were very tasty and we both enjoyed our wine spritzers. I don't think I've ever noticed wine spritzers on a menu before. But Stratford does cater to a lot of 'older' folk. Huh, so what does that say about our drink choice? Who cares, when in Rome, spritz away!
After dinner we went for a walk along the river.This is the Festival Theater. The main productions are performed there. It's much prettier at night. The roof is trimmed in lights.

There are a lot of ducks.

We caught a glimpse of a swan and her young baby. He could barely hold up his neck he was so young. Papa swan was around but he was hissing at all the people walking by.

There is a small bridge by the Festival Theater. Do you notice anything odd about this picture?No, it's not Jen's "Be glad I'm not giving you the finger smile". She doesn't realize I have a high tolerance for annoying people (RJ and Bauer) while taking their picture. Back to the bridge. It's half painted. And in a different way than I would have expected. To each his own.

And finally the play. It was very well done. A lot of laughs.I snuck a quick picture before the performance started. I was so nervous I didn't take the time to select a particular setting on the camera. (ie: the Museum setting would have worked well). I was relieved when the flash didn't go off. Nothing says frisk me to a power-hungry usher like a camera flash.

RJ: The Common Thread

2009-07-09T13:47:00.003-04:00

RJ is on his way to Binghamton, NY, the official site of his annual golf tournament, The CheeseBag. It's RJ's Christmas in July. Like Santa he starts planning for the next tourney the day after he returns. However, it's been a tumultuous past month as there were a lot of unexpected changes to the teams. Wheeling and dealing players from one side to the other. Conference calls between the Captains. Many a late night texting. Finally a decision was made and team shirts could be ordered.

Go Team Navy with beige stitching!! Hope the weather is good and there are no overtime 'shoot outs' to determine who wins.

In a related story my car just turned over 100,000km. How is that related you ask? Through RJ. He's fascinated by my mileage. Whenever he gets behind the wheel he tells me what I'm at and how far it is until my next milestone. "Honey, you're at 87K, just 3k more until 90K!" So honey, because you weren't here to see it yourself, I present a picture of the odometer.Yes it says 100,003km. There was no way I was pulling on to the shoulder of the ramp to the 401 during rush hour traffic to take your dang picture! Love you!

Tubbs

2009-07-08T15:33:00.002-04:00

Last Friday was Bauer's annual vet appointment. We expected the needles, the heart worm check, the drawing of blood and the talk about tarter build up. What we weren't expecting was an issue with his weight.

"And in this corner is Bauer 'the Retriever' Payne weighing in at a 58.2 lbs."

Our lean mean frisbee machine was 52.5 pounds this time last year. There are 3 reasons for the weight gain.

1 ~ Cheese on his food We started this so he would eat. He couldn't afford to lose weight when he was only 52 lbs.

2 ~ Less intense exercise We take him for regular exercise twice a day but the duration of the exercise has decreased. Bauer seems to get tired and hot more quickly than he used to. His 'stop' signal when playing frisbee is when he trots over to the shade of a tree and starts rolling in the grass. We have switched his frisbee from twice a day to once and now take him for a walk at night.

3 ~ He's 3 years old. Not a puppy any longer. **sigh**. We've put him on weight control dog food. With a small sprinkle of cheese.

After the vet appointment we walked home with our Tubbs. We slipped so easily into calling him Tubbs, it's not good, he's going to get a complex. However, it gave me an idea for Halloween.

Crockett and Tubbs. Fightin' Crime.

I just need to find a dog sized pin-stripe suit and to plead with RJ to grow/dye his hair and wear a white suit after Labour Day. Oh! I forgot the mesh shoes. This gets better all the time!!!

Sun Worship

2009-07-06T15:12:00.007-04:00

In today's SPF 30 world, I think this is probably the only acceptable form of sun worshiping. Yesterday the Hibiscus blossom was face up enjoying the midday sun. Of course I was inside, no mid-day concentrated sun rays for me. Enjoy it while you can little blossom, the rain is coming.

C eh N eh D eh

2009-07-01T14:25:00.002-04:00

Have a great Canada Day eh, ya hosers.

It's Thursday

2009-06-30T08:32:00.009-04:00

Today is my Thursday. Yeah! I'm off this Thursday and Friday and am looking soooo forward to it.

I'm cramming all my work into three days this week which is quite the feat but I'm still smiling.

I hope to get caught up on posting this weekend. There are a lot of posts in the draft folder that need some love and attention. That's if I can pull myself away from the book I'm reading (The Warrior Princess)

Until then here's a picture of the sky from last Friday. We've had some serious thunderstorms moving through. I'm not one for lightning or high winds but I'm fascinated by the cloud formations before and afterwards.

Molting

2009-06-29T15:15:00.002-04:00

Is anyone else finding this a terrible year for shedding? I can't believe how much hair Bauer is losing this spring/summer. At this rate he'll be bald by the 2nd week of July!I've already taken 5 to 6 mounds of fur like the one above off of him. We are vacuuming constantly. We are brushing with the Furminator and we've recently starting taking him swimming hoping that it will help somehow. Help him. Help me. Help the vacuum. Poor thing isn't going to last too much longer. All this from a sweep of the main floor. Any ideas? That's okay, just needed to grumble and explain why my floor has dog hair on it when you decide to stop by. Even though I vacuumed yesterday!!

2009-06-26T12:58:00.002-04:00

If you enter this world knowing you're loved,
and leave this world knowing the same,
then everything in between can be dealt with.
~ Michael Jackson

Weather Horoscope

2009-06-25T09:57:00.006-04:00

Environment Canada - Mount Forest - Arthur - Northern Wellington County
7:38 AM EDT Thursday 25 June 2009

This is an alert to the potential development of severe thunderstorms with large hail and damaging winds. Monitor weather conditions. Listen for updated statements. If threatening weather approaches take immediate safety precautions.

A cluster of strong to potentially severe thunderstorms is crossing Lake Huron this morning. They will reach the Lake Huron shoreline around mid morning giving the potential for golf ball hail up to 4 centimetres as well as strong wind gusts to 100 km/h. Torrential rain of 50 mm within an hour and intense frequent lightning will also accompany the storms.

Ah shucks...today is our golf company tournament. Looks like the stars haven't been in my favour lately :o)

p.s. RJ left me a voice mail to inform me of the weather alert. At the end of the message he asked if there were any plants that I wanted brought in so they wouldn't get damaged. What a sweet guy.

Flintstone GPS

2009-06-24T07:52:00.003-04:00

I did a lot of driving this past week. Fergus, Milton, Toronto, London. And my handy GPS ('Going Post-it Style') got me there as efficiently as any computerized GPS unit.

I don't need no stinkin' GPS unit. I'm a geography major for goodness sake!!

(Famous last words)