Crafty Passions

Thank You For Your Patience

2011-04-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

I am such a procrastinator of the worst kind... I admit it........
BUT....................
On the other hand I am working on a new blog, I will be open for business in the following few days,I will give you the new site etc... and details just as soon as I make it perfect....well I am trying to ok( I am not a whiz at computer stuff) !
And.....................
I will have a surprise giveaway too just to say thank you for your patience.I know you must all think I have dropped off the earth.........just trying to get my head wrapped around the thought of being a widow at my age and missing him terribly now that reality set in.
Thank You Thank You Thank You for Your Patience
Diane

Winter Wonderland

2011-01-04T14:20:00.001-08:00

A winter wonderland !
It looks like the old black and white photos we use to take but its a color photo taken with my brand new Canon SX30IS... what a camera it has a 35 zoom !!!!
That last photo was taken from wayyyyyy across Porcupine Lake !
All of them were taken Christmas Day !! (Yes I was itchy to try our my new camera)
I can't wait to take some color photos this summer altho there is something to be said for these kinds of photos they are pretty in their own frosty way !
That week all the trees were white it was so beautiful...... all white and pristine it looked like a scene from a snow globe.Perfect for Christmas !

It was a tough Christmas for my family and I, we tried to do all things differently this year.It helped somewhat ,like Christmas Eve we played board games and I had wrapped silly fun prizes for the winners, it was a first for us to do that.
I think starting new traditions is the way to go........... creating new good memories.
Altho I must say the old memories were sure hard to cope with its only been 4 months and its still pretty raw....Hurts the heart to remember......
Also it would have been our 40th wedding anniversary on the 19th of December, trust me when I say.... it was not a good day for me ,I thank GOD I have good children who love me above all else and were with me all day.

Right now what's occupying my mind is the master bedroom I am going to redo it ,that will make me so happy, I am going to look at paint chips and new flooring.I have an idea that I would like the color of soft rose not pink but a dusty rose color with cream color for trim.I may change my mind and go sage green with a creamy color trim....... decisions... decisions...
I think I want hard wood flooring in there now , no carpets thank you.....

Its a huge room,it has 2 desks in there a curio cabinet, a huge closet with side drawers from ceiling to floor, another big dresser and a queen bed ,2 bedside tables I am going to take one away and put in an antique table that use to belong to my mother, I am torn with leaving it be in the original color or changing it to match the rest of the furniture... not sure what to do...another decision.....

I want to turn one of the desk areas in a little crafting area.... altho I have gotten away from doing crafts altho the idea of crafting is always on my mind.Can't escape it ,its in my blood I think !
The other desk will be my computer corner of course.

Since I have my daughter's 2 cats here with me I am not always in front of my computer like I use to be, that's a good thing , the cats make me relax and demand love and attention... and of course give it back to me 100 times more.I am enjoying that very much ! I told my daughter if and when she takes them back I think I will just get myself a little tiger of my own !!

That's my story and I am sticking to it !!

A New Page in the Big Book of Life

2010-12-02T11:37:00.000-08:00

I turned a page in my big book of life !!
Yesterday was a very emotional day for me,my MIL finally got a call from her caseworker that she had a room ready for her in the nursing home, and yesterday December First was her first day there.

We were there at 10 am and brought her with 2 big suitcases of clothes, they meet us at the door and could not have been more welcoming and caring towards her and my family.

After we toured the complex and saw all they had to offer, spent most of the day there with her getting a feel for the place.
When I left I had such mixed emotions but I must say I felt she was in good hands and I felt like the weight of the world was lifted from my shoulders.

My MIL was all smiles and seemed happy to be there.She had already made 2 friends !
She asked us to come today as there was a big Christmas party for them this evening with a sing along. Is that wonderful or what !!

Today this is how I feel, like I am in this egg just trying to break out and see the world, letting light in my space for the first time in a very long time.My world was a dark place since John passed away...... it still is...... but I am seeing light ....

AMEN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Time to catch up

2010-11-19T12:22:00.001-08:00

This photo of my MIL and myself was taken on November 12 it was to celebrate her
90th Birthday ! Is that special or what !!
90 years old that my friends is a full well lived life !
This little lady was married for 60 years before her husband passed away and has 4 children of which I was fortunate enough to have been in love and married to her second son for 40 years
She always has a smile and is the most agreeable person I know.
She was not afraid of work and did a lot of charity and volunteering too in her spare time.
She was quite the little bridge player too in her day.
She also has alzheimers and has lived with me for 10 years.
She wants to go to a nursing home to live to be more social and meet friends on a day to day basis.She is looking forward to the second half of her life as she calls it.

We had 2 family parties for her one at home here and one at my brother in law's home, we had family members come from far to attend, it was of course very special and we took lots of family photos.
I made her an album of her very own, in it I put everyone's photo of her special day and I added everyone's name in huge block letters as she cannot remember anyone's name anymore.
She was so happy with her album she carries it everywhere to show it off.When I gave it to her she was so happy just to see her smile was worth making it for her.
This is my MIL Cecile on her 90th Birthday!

A bit of this and that.............

I have been busy with yard work, doing leaves the never ending leaves 29 extra large bags of leaves, we live on a corner lot and I have a huge big old elm tree in my back yard , I love that tree in the summer its branches act like a canopy over the yard but come fall I sure pay the price for all that shade.
My hubby use to do it all, I never truly appreciated how tired he must have been after doing those leaves.I did 6 bags myself and had to stop my back is killing me, I asked a friend if his grandsons wanted to make some money (they did) and they finished the yard for me.
I was happy to see the end of the leaves in the bags and what satisfaction to see it finished .

Next year I will be a little smarter and buy a lawn mower with a leaf mulcher and bag !
Why didnt we think of that before ??

I have a new leather couch now and I am looking for new curtains for the living room.I need a new look.... know what I mean... I am sure you do !

These days find me busy as my daughter is moving and she brought me her 2 cats to catsit.
Freda and Deuce are the most lovable and funny little creatures.
They keep me laughing and busy ,they need lots of attention because their Mommy is not with them until the end of the month.
I play with string and with feathers and balls and give out little treat snacks.
On any given night I will have one or the other in bed with me seeking love and attention by sitting on my chest and purring.
They want their food bowls filled promptly at 8ish every morning thank you very much......
They keep me smiling and busy and right now that's what I need !

I haven't crafted much but I am working on a needlepoint piece of a hydrangea that I started way back when,I make a good cuppa and go sit on my brand new couch and work on it, I find that soothing it relaxes me.

I had the car fixed last week it needed a new exhaust system and the gas tank leaked, don't ask me what I spent to have it done...... holy cow batman....... !!!

Tomorrow morning I am going to buy a new snow blower its a 30 inch monster with a huge motor,(did I ever mention we got a lot of snow up here?) its on sale thank goodness... its very expensive even on sale.....we will take our trailer to the store to pick it up ,it will be a huge thing that wont fit in the car....LOL!!!

Pretty much that's what's been happening in my life.... I keep busy,if I stop for too long I get sad and want to cry, I am still not over John's death by a long shot I don't think I ever will be over his passing I miss him more each day.They say God only gives you what you can handle.... well I must be super woman I guess (its what everyone tells me)........never thought of myself like that but if the shoe fits......

A Bush Ride in the North !

2010-10-17T07:29:00.000-07:00

I recently went with my son for a long long ride in the bush on his ATV,to Bow and Arrow Lake,and we drove all the way to Silvia Chutes, what a sight I wish I could have had a closer look but I was scared to ,its very steep .
2 creeks run into each other and down a narrow rock tunnel to form the chutes its so beautiful there
I could of stood there all day just listening to the water rushing by ....
I packed a little picnic and we eat it right there beside the water all while watching for bears... yikes... apparently they like turkey sandwiches too ... haha !

Here I am at Silvia Chutes,dressed in orange its hunting season up here and in the bush you must wear at least 400 square inches of orange its the law, I also had an orange helmet to wear that isin't in the picture. This gives you an idea how high up we were.

We saw lots of partridge, we only shoot with a camera, this little guy was holding so still trying so hard to blend in with the scenery.
Saw lots of moose fresh tracks from the early morning, we could see it was a cow moose with her calf walking along..

We spotted a hawk but it was quite far and quite fast , it was going in circles maybe it had spotted its lunch ?

These rocks are very special as many of you southerners may never get to see something like this is called "glacial erratic," a rock carried a distance from its origin by a glacier and then deposited when the glacier melts.( I told you I lived up north this proves it)

A new bridge in the middle of nowhere...

This lake is called Whitefish Lake and it was such a gorgeous scene with the clouds reflecting in the water which was as smooth as glass.Pretty up here !
That my friends was my ride in the northern country !

It looks great now !

2010-10-10T15:59:00.001-07:00

This is the professional crew I hired after the first guy made such a mess, these guys were just that.... very professional !
They worked for 12 hours that day non stop, they fixed up the mess the first guy did too with the curled shingles and the crooked shingles.

Its a messy job laying a new roof and altho they did pick everything up and they passed a magnetic wand over the grass to pick up nails I am still picking them up, last thing I need in the spring is to buy a new lawn mower or have a nail fly up and hurt someone.

I had them add blown insulation while they were in the attic, they told me I had next to nothing up there and in our cold winters I need all the help I can get to keep warm.
Bonus!!~ Already I feel the house is warmer and the heat dosen't go on nearly as much.Yipeee!!

Be it ever so humble there is no place like home !!
Now here is a funny story about the color of the shingles, John and I were discussing the color just before he passed away , we knew we needed a new roof and we were going to do it before winter, we totally disagreed on the color, I wanted solid black and John wanted gray.
When I ordered the shingles I asked for black,( John passed away so he no longer got a vote ... hey when you pass away and you don't get a say !)and as they were putting it up I could not help but laugh out loud.... the color was called Midnight Black..... tell me now does that roof look black to you ??
Its a very dark gray and black.How's that for funny we both got what we wanted and I could not be happier I just love it because its both colors !!

Now in the meantime I made 2 cat beds for my daughter's sweetypies Freda and Deuce.
I found 2 100% pure wool blankets at the thrift store and washed them in clorox and made sure they smelled clean and sweet. I didn't use a pattern I just kinda eyed it for size and I bought 2 foam pads for twin beds its amaizing how much it needs really to make it soft and inviting for them.
It was a good project for me to keep my fingers busy, with the rest of the wool I am making a sort of pad for them to lay on the couch,I will take a picture when I am done the pad.
I am pleased with it I am adding leaf appliques on it to use up the precious wool bits.I am getting a new leather couch soon and I really want to give them a little bit of comfort .

So here are the cat beds I made.. pretty neat eh !

Project New Roof !

2010-10-03T18:43:00.000-07:00

Its time for a new roof, the old one is about 15 or so years old and I knew it was time to do it, we started with a new chimney and it looked great when it was finished ,the guy did a gorgeous job, if chimneys are gorgeous, this one is !

The guy who did our chimney offered to do my roof and I agreed, he started in the back and worked all day and did a quarter of the house, then the rains came he he didn't for the better part of 2 weeks, I wasen't happy with his job all the new shingles were curled up to the sky, it looked worst than my old roof, today he finally came back and I quized him on the curling shingles he assured me that they would eventually lay down ,hummmmmmmmm........

I called my hubby's best friend who is a master mason, he has built a lot of houses and did this sort of thing for a living and I value his opinion just simply based on being a close long time friend.He told me the roof guy didn't have a clue of what he was doing , nothing was even and he ruined the shingles he did on his first day.Meaning I would have to have it re-done.And pay for the same service and product twice.

Today my roof guy came I let him work half the day then I could see he was doing it again so I asked him to stop working and I paid him and asked him to leave, his mouth dropped !

There are many firsts for me since John passed away and again today was a first for me.....
Standing up for myself and my home that was hard earned and I am very proud of > I fired the man right then and there on the spot for doing a bad job.He had no pride in his work and it showed, he was more concerned about his hour long smoke breaks...

I called a professional company that came withing a half hour , and did more in 15 minutes than the guy did in 2 days.And they will redo the crooked curled shingles in the back.And spray insulation in the attic and do the soffit and fashia work as well.

Today I became the ((Man Of The House )) and stood up for myself and my principal and work ethics !!

I didn't like doing it but the thought of looking at a badly shingled roof for the better part of 20 years I just could not accept his shoddy work .

Tomorrow 7 am the rest of the roof is going up !!

A Bushel And A Half Of Roma Tomatoes !

2010-09-22T07:31:00.000-07:00

My son came to see me from Ottawa this weekend and brought me a bushel and a half of roma tomatoes, they were beautiful, its the last thing he bought for me from a farmers market near my daughters house.
They were gorgeous heavy things , smelling of sunshine and earth
I decided to can them for use over the winter .
This is how I did it.

First I got a huge pot of boiling water going and I dropped some tomatoes in until the skin blisters a bit, I score the blossom end first as well.
You do this in batches.
Then I put on latex gloves for the next part.
You peel the skin off the tomato then squish them one by one between my fingers until they are mushed up well.I don't leave any large bits.
You could use your processor but that makes it too mushy for my taste.
I didn't add anything not even pepper because I don't know what I will use those tomatoes for , could be in any number of things from soup to chili to pasta sauce or what ever....
*You will notice my use of proper culinary words !

Then in the oven it goes for hours on end until your happy with it ,I waited until it was reduced to half in consistency.
When your sauce is nearly ready prepare your jars by washing them in the hottest water you have and I pour in each jar boiling water to sterilize them , also do the lids the same way.
Then in each jar I added a few tablespoons of real lemon juice and half a teaspoon of salt.

Then the jars go into a hot water bath for 15 minutes.Dont forget to put a towel on the bottom so the jars dont bump into each other and shatter.

This is the result of half the tomatoes I had , today I will do a repeat performance with the other half.
The house smelled wonderful when I was done.
Felt like a real accomplishment.
I think its tomato soup for supper with a slice of toasted crusty bread.

Picking Up The Pieces

2010-09-17T08:26:00.002-07:00

Where do you start ?
Where do you go ?
What do you do ?
How do you even begin living again and take that first step into the land of the living.

It seems so strange to me to be alone

When I was young I had my mother and father and my 3 brothers with me just about 24 hours a day.Plus my father's huge family always around the corner .

Then later in my life I got married left my parents home to enter my own home with my brand spanking new husband which I just adored, he lived for me and I for him.
Our favorite song was by the Turtles called So Happy Together and it was so appropriate

Forward now 39 years later here I am alone, its not fair to say that in a way, some of you know that my mother in law lives with me but she has alzheimers,and in a matter of speaking I am alone I am in the process of trying to place her in a nursing home.

John and I did the caregiving together and it worked she has lived with us 10 years,but now I am alone for her care........... its just too much for me.
Guilt trip ........ oh yes very much so. But it is still just too much for me alone.
Its eating away at me bit by bit.

What I want to do is take a few classes in the art of painting, water color, oil and acrylic that would be my heaven right now.My soul needs soothing and throwing myself into something creative would be bliss .
Can I take those classes right now ? No........ I can't leave her that long.........
But I can dabble on my own and I will at least I can do that for myself

IS life fair ...........NO its not fair but I must go on and pick up the pieces and keep on living.

2010-09-17T08:26:00.001-07:00

One Month Today

2010-09-09T18:41:00.000-07:00

How can I ever forget that day........... I never will
It is the most tragic and saddest day of my life.
I can't even put how I feel into words ,are none to describe how I feel
My John is gone for ever, eternity is a very long time ,its past forever by a long long time
I am too young to be a widow...........what an awful word
I always thought it was for old women but here I am a widow of one month
My life as I knew it will never be the same again
I know my children love me beyond words and I feel firm in their love for me
I also know they are there for me, for anything at anytime
But I feel so alone, like a little leaf........ shivering in the wind
My rock, my protector is gone, torn from ,he was too young to die
Never again I will see the look in his eyes of soft tender love
No more sweet kisses no more long hugs, no more I love you
Just tender memories of our love together
Can that sustain me forever into eternity
Yes
I have known him 45 years and married for 39 of them

How much do I Love Him and how much do I Miss Him
No words needed to describe how I feel

Thank You

2010-08-20T18:29:00.000-07:00

I want to thank everyone who sent me kind words of condolences.
Worst week of my life.
The family is hurting ,we are just numb.
I will miss my John,I can't believe I will have the rest of my life without him,it dosen't seem possible, his presence and spirit was huge in our home and in our lives.
I know he is watching over us now but I would rather he was here with me.
Rest in peace my love.

Sadness and Memories

2010-08-12T20:04:00.000-07:00

I wont be on for a while, my husband of 39 years passed away on Tuesday
Funeral is Saturday
Please ladies keep me in your prayers, I have many mountains to climb and my heart is broken because half of my heart has just passed away.
Some of you have my personal email feel free to contact me that way.
Diane

I Am Ready !!

2010-08-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I am leaving for a few days !
I am going to Ottawa to visit my daughter !!
See you in about a week.

My New Old Friend !!!

2010-08-04T09:08:00.000-07:00

When I was 5 years old I had a childhood best friend her name was Jaqueline, they lived just a few houses away from ours .
That little girl and I had so much fun, we had tea parties and we played skipping rope and played ball, went for bike rides, her mother made pigs in a blanket for snacks.
Her family came from England, they lived in Canada for a few years then they moved back to England I never saw her again.
Being so young I missed my friend but life went on for me ... like school and other friends ..later in life getting married and having my own children.
But I never forgot her and always wondered about my little friend Jaqueline,where was she now? was she married? did she have children?where did she work?who her friends were? was she happy?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Then the miracle of Facebook !!!
Just for fun I decided to type in her name, low and behold there were a few women with her name,I wrote a short note to them asking if they ever lived in my town and explained who I was.
A week later I got a note from Jackie my new old friend Jaqueline !!!!!!!
She totally remembered me !!
She wondered about me all these years as well !!!
She told her daughter stories about our childhood together in Canada.
Out of the 60 odd million people who live in the UK I actually found my friend !!
I am so happy I can hardly stand it ! She on her end is estatic as well.
No we are learning about each other all over again.
Life is grand !

Freda and Deuce

2010-07-31T12:28:00.001-07:00

This is my daughter's classy lady cat Freda ,isin't she a beauty !!
She has the sweetest disposition,and loves to play ,she is 4 and still has a lot of kitten in her personality.
She fetches balls if your willing to play with her !!

And she is polydactyle.... that means way too many toes... LOL !

She can take her own treat out of the bag and put it in her mouth.....too funny to watch !

I just love her to bits !!!

This is the handsome new man in my daughter's life, this is Deuce !!
He was a guest of the Humane Society and my daughter just fell head over heels in love with this lovable creature. He is so affectionate, he wants to cuddle and just loves attention.
He loves ribbon and string... he is 4 years old too, and just a delightful little guy!
In a few weeks I will go to Ottawa and get to meet and play with him.... can't wait .....
I will go armed with treats and toys !!!

I wanted you all to meet my two little sweethearts !!

Thrift Store Find !

2010-07-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

Last week when my daughter came up to visit, we made time to go visit a few thrift stores, it was actually my daughter who spotted this blue beauty !
Its an enamel cast iron dutch oven in the most gorgeous cobalt blue color and best of all it was only $30.00 !!!
And it was brand new perfect condition !
Such a lucky find ~!
Today was the day to try it out, I made a beef stew and it was sooooo darn good, better than usual I must say!
I did all my usual steps in preparation then put it in my oven at 350% after an hour I lowered it to 250% and left to go for a country ride and a coffee after wards with my hubby and my mother in law...( yes it tough being retired).
When we got home ohhh the smell in the house.....I steamed some green beans to add and voila dinner was served.Its been so hot these days we eat light so it was nice to have a hot meal... I love salad and broiled salmon , once in a while a nice hot meal is good too !
So I have to say I love this thing!!
I will make chili in it and pasta sauce and all manners of delish things...
Do you have a good recipe for a dutch oven I am a newby to this method of cooking.
Worth every darn penny ... hehehe.. . I know they are worth a small fortune too...
PS .... 28 pounds by the way !! ( Can't believe it myself)

Celebration !!!!!

2010-07-22T10:22:00.000-07:00

Today I stepped on the scale...... it dosen't scare me so much anymore..... LOL !!!!

As of today I lost ~~~~~~~~~~~25 pounds !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so happy and proud of myself !

Its not easy losing weight at my age, I think its my last kick at the weight loss can.Its not easy as you get older,I don't know why...

I don't want to live in a fat body anymore,I was too comfortable in my skin for too long.
About a month and a half ago the good doctor put me on diabetic meds, I was so angry and disappointed at myself for letting it get this far .

I decided right then and there to make a life long commitment to myself,all my life I took care of everyone else, first my brothers when I lived at home, then I got married and took care of my husband and then my 2 beautiful children as they were growing up they are my heart, my father was ill for years and years before he died , even my job got more attention than I gave myself.
I always put my needs last ...............I did this all my life

Were both retired now but not empty nesters, some of you know my MIL lives with us,she has alzheimers , most days she is calm and all is good but some days are hell.It takes a lot of energy and mental ability to deal with all that.( Trust me it makes me tired beyond words )

I have a really bad knee needing replacement that will happen in the next year hopefully, then I want a cruise to Europe when I have recovered enough to do some serious walking.

I want to do all that in a slimmer body ! I don't feel the need to weigh 100 pounds I need to be realistic about my goal,and my first 25 pounds to me is like a huge stepping stone towards my goal.
One step... one day at a time looking after myself !!

The Trauma of Getting a New Bathing Suit !!!

2010-07-16T10:47:00.000-07:00

This week my daughter and my son came to visit us.I love it when we can be all together !
It was a busy fast pace week.

We hung out together, we did BBQ's , they visited friends and we went shopping (of course), we did all sorts of things we would normally do together
.
I happen to mention that I would really enjoy going back to aqua fit classes like I use to.It feels so good to exercise in water,no pain in those stiff knees of mine.I use to go twice a week and somehow I got away from going.

BUT I needed a bathing suit and my favorite shop had them for half price this week..... well it was time to go and have a look see right!

OMG !!!

I only tried on 3, a two piece and the other 2 were one piece......
Here I am so proud of myself having lost 22 pounds , feeling better and svelter(is that a word?)

You realize really quickly that its a drop in the proverbial bucket..... I need to lose another 22 pounds....(I am working on it.... remember... the no carbs post...... I have the willpower to keep on.... its not easy but I am doing it)

Looking at oneself in a small room with a full length mirrors on each wall is humbling..... You see the thighs in all their glory.... you see your back....... and you see your behind..... I didn't know my trunk had so much junk..........

Parts of you that use to be North have moved South....
Which one to chose ?? so difficult...... no choice you must try on several to make up your mind, to find the right one that slenderizes and hides the most of your abundant womanly parts.... hehe...I know you know what I am talking about ... don't pretend you don't now...

I use to be 110 pounds soaking wet with a brick in my pocket like these ladies above but that my friends was a long long time ago.... pre baby days ago !
You know what I mean..... I know you do.......

Wish I could wear one that hid everything like this one..... but I would get laughed at... heck I would laugh too.... I love the bloomers... you know that reminds me I still have my old high school gym suit, it was red and had bloomers it was a one piece.. yup... was a size 6..... ohhhhh those days are soooo behind me...

Well I wanted to jump for joy when I found a half way decent one for my over abundant shape.
My daughter says it looks just fine, to me it looks a bit dated but it did hide the thunder thighs and that makes me happy.
It looks very much like this one ,same style !
Have you had a bathing suit reality check latetly??? Scary isin't it !!!!

I lost something.... I hope it stays lost forever !

2010-07-09T11:49:00.001-07:00

I lost >>>> 20<<<<<< pounds !!!!!!!!!!!!!
No bread, no rice , no potato, no pasta, no cake, no pie ,no cookies, nothing with carbs.
Just lots of veggies, a little fruit and protein. NO CARBS !
Its not easy ladies I am an admitted carbo junky, but I had to put a stop to it so I went cold turkey !
And as crasy as it sounds I am not hungry anymore..... I can hardly believe it myself.
When I was a carb junky I was ALWAYS hungry and I am not kidding, I did control what I eat but I was still always hungry.
Not anymore !!!!!!!! Its a miracle I tell you !!!!
Anyway I wanted to share my good news and I hope to never ever see those 20 pounds ever again....... I feel so much better !!!!!!!
YEAH ME !!!!!!!

Hot Hot Hot !!

2010-07-06T18:44:00.000-07:00

Phew its hot !!!
For me its all about a lemonade with lots of lemon !
Or ........
A nice tall glass of ice water !
And the air conditioner of course !
Can't eat a full meal , its light salad for us.....its just too hot for a lot of food !
Today was like breathing through a wet woolen blanket outside..... yuk humid and hot !!
What's it like at your end of the world?

The Queen !

2010-07-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

On Canada Day July First the Queen was in Ottawa
My daughter was in the crowd at Parliment Hill waiting for Her majesty and was not disapointed !!

I told my daughter this was a once in a lifetime opportunity !
She got such marvelous photos I just had to share !

This is the Eternal Flame in Ottawa

Today is July 4th Independence Day for my American friends I want to wish you all a Happy 4th ,I hope you get together with your families and have a fun day.
Diane

Alzheimer's

2010-07-03T09:13:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's is not for sissy's ,it rob's you of your life, your very essence leaves your body,and you must rely on family to take care of you for every day living needs.

It also rob's the family of a normal life as well, everything you do revolves around the person with alzheimer's,you must take every single moment of their day in consideration before your own.Its not always pleasant or welcomed.

The parent becomes your child.And it breaks your heart, it makes you mad and it makes you sad.
There is no cure and no recovery from alzheimer's.

Imagine for a moment living your life in a fog, not remembering names, faces, events, your past, just short fast glimpse of things and people you remember.

It would be like the picture below in your mind every day for the rest of your life.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease. Symptoms include loss of memory, difficulty with day-to-day tasks, and changes in mood and behaviour. People may think these symptoms are part of normal aging but they aren't. It is important to see a doctor when you notice any of these symptoms as they may be due to other conditions such as depression, drug interactions or an infection. If the diagnosis is Alzheimer's disease, your local Alzheimer Society can help.

To help you know what warning signs to look for, the Alzheimer Society has developed the following list:

Memory loss that affects day-to-day function
It's normal to occasionally forget appointments, colleagues' names or a friend's phone number and remember them later. A person with Alzheimer's disease may forget things more often and not remember them later, especially things that have happened more recently.
Difficulty performing familiar tasks
Busy people can be so distracted from time to time that they may leave the carrots on the stove and only remember to serve them at the end of a meal. A person with Alzheimer's disease may have trouble with tasks that have been familiar to them all their lives, such as preparing a meal.
Problems with language
Everyone has trouble finding the right word sometimes, but a person with Alzheimer's disease may forget simple words or substitute words, making her sentences difficult to understand.
Disorientation of time and place
It's normal to forget the day of the week or your destination -- for a moment. But a person with Alzheimer's disease can become lost on their own street, not knowing how they got there or how to get home.
Poor or decreased judgment
People may sometimes put off going to a doctor if they have an infection, but eventually seek medical attention. A person with Alzheimer's disease may have decreased judgment, for example not recognizing a medical problem that needs attention or wearing heavy clothing on a hot day.
Problems with abstract thinking
From time to time, people may have difficulty with tasks that require abstract thinking, such as balancing a cheque book. Someone with Alzheimer's disease may have significant difficulties with such tasks, for example not recognizing what the numbers in the cheque book mean.
Misplacing things
Anyone can temporarily misplace a wallet or keys. A person with Alzheimer's disease may put things in inappropriate places: an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.
Changes in mood and behaviour
Everyone becomes sad or moody from time to time. Someone with Alzheimer's disease can exhibit varied mood swings -- from calm to tears to anger -- for no apparent reason.
Changes in personality
People's personalities can change somewhat with age. But a person with Alzheimer's disease can become confused, suspicious or withdrawn. Changes may also include apathy, fearfulness or acting out of character.
Loss of initiative
It's normal to tire of housework, business activities or social obligations, but most people regain their initiative. A person with Alzheimer's disease may become very passive, and require cues and prompting to become involved.

Family Issues

2010-06-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

Were going through some family issues right now,I have a lot going on .....
I will be back soon.
Diane

African Violets in A Basket

2010-06-21T08:30:00.001-07:00

My mother gave me the basket years ago , this is how it looks today I just wanted to show you how pretty it is.The violets are all in bloom at the same time.Except for one in the back, I turned it to face the sun ( its diffused light)so it would remember to do what its suppose to do and flower like the others..
African Violets are so easy to grow for me ,I water when they are dry not before and dont put any water on the leaves or else the leaves rot and fall off and basically ignore them , they don't like to be touched so just look with your eyes not with your hands...

This is the other one I have ,it bloomed at the same time,its also facing the sun in diffused light.
My son had an African Violet plant my mother gave him when he was in university years ago that thing grew into giant proportions and had flowers all the time.....being a young busy man my advice to ignore worked for him ...LOL!!!

Raining hard today>> perfect for ducks and loons !!!

2010-06-18T17:02:00.001-07:00

It was a wonderful day at the lake we have in the middle of town , today we were treated to a peek by 2 loons with their 2 little fuzzy babies.
Those 2 loons are wonderful parents, one would stay with the babies when the other one dove for food and they would take turns giving rides on their backs to the babies too.
They dont like people and dont come this close to shore, but today it was raining quite hard and no one was walking around the lake to disturb them.
I went straight home for my camera and it was so worth it !!
Look what we saw ! Nature at its best !!!

I have been doing some crochet

2010-06-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

Not the greatest photo I ever took, its tungsten light and we all know how awful that is so the colors are not true, to be honest I forgot how to set my white balance on the camera.... duh....
but you get the idea of what I am doing, and no the granny squares are not in order that I will do in the finished afghan,I will add a cream color in between like the color on the edge of each square.Its fun and relaxing and mindless work..... I need mindless right now to keep my mind busy,and this works !

Annie's Place

2010-06-14T07:29:00.000-07:00

My daughter's friend Annie, recently moved into her very first apartment and I decided to make her a little welcoming gift.
First of all I made her a banner of yellow crepe paper rosettes the edges had deep purple sparkles I spelled Annie's Place on buttons in the center of each rosette and did I take a picture... nope I forgot ... just take my word for it ... it was so cute !
I did remember to take a picture of her little bird house tho and here it is.
What you can't see is when you peek inside I added a black kitten that said Live Love Laugh.

The photo dosen't do it justice, the color is a deep burgandy/purple with gold .
Its over the top just like our sweet Annie is !!!
I haven't seen Annie's new place yet but I hope to sometime this summer soon.

The Peony's Are Here !

2010-06-11T08:27:00.000-07:00

The white ones have a scent I think like I expect heaven would smell !
You put your nose up to all that white delishiousness and inhale wow ...... nothing like it !
I wait all year for that smell !!
Last year I planted 2 new colors one took and one didn't .
This lovely pink peony decided to stay and give me flowers !!
I am searching now for pale pink and deep burgandy red plants.
I hope I find them !
I have flowers growing in my yard ladies !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can you believe it ??

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE BROTHER !!!!!

2010-06-01T15:45:00.000-07:00

I want to wish my much much younger brother (11 months) a very Happy Birthday !!!!Isin't he just the handsomest little boy you ever saw !!
Of course that little girl is pretty cute too !!!
Happy Birthday Marcel I Love You Very Much !!!
You may be younger but I am still cuter !!!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Silent Auction and A Flea market

2010-06-01T08:22:00.001-07:00

This weekend was the most relaxing in a long while, hubby and I just took off and did things together,it was to take a break from certain obligations, in other words we needed to get away but couldn't leave the house for reason's beyond our control so we did the next best thing, we had a mini staycation.

One of our most favorite thing to do years ago was go antique hunting, and this weekend was a silent auction and flea market at a local church.One of our dear friends was putting it on and this lady collects antiques big time !
We bid on 3 things and won all 3 !

For my hubby who loves anything relating to a milk product... we won a milk can, and a vintage milk bottle from the 1900 from a local dairy, and some Magic Cream Siphon Straws from 1920, and a delicate cardboard container for eggs from 1934, and some milk caps, he was so happy with his winnings, he has has quite the collection of milk bottles etc... been collecting for some 25 years.

I bid on 2 pictures one was framed and one was an unframed print, both relate to the area we live in, the print I will get done in a frame with mat etc and give to my brother in law when he turns 70 next year he will just adore it.

Then we did a few yard sales that were on the way, that was fun, I didn't pick up too much , a handfull of jewelry that I will separate into beads and recycle into other jewelry and I found a vintage bean crock pot with the #3 crown on it, it was in perfect shape , just a little dirty but its not like I will use it I just wanted it and some strawberry glasses I can just taste the lemonade in them already !

One lady wanted to sell me some clothing she had out on a table... I felt badly to walk away, but I don't buy other people's clothing ,esp covered in hair... yuk... does that happen to you too?

Then we took ourselves for lunch and enjoyed it.......... then took all of our treasures home and left again for a ride to where ever the car took us.... (it took us to Micheals I needed a good look around and I bought more wool for my granny squares)
Well you get the picture... we did that all weekend long and it was wonderful !

Update on the retaining rock wall.~
Oh Hubby and a neighbor worked on the retaining rock wall, all it needs now is cement, but hubby was too tired to do anymore, so maybe this weekend coming we will attack it together.The neighbor will also put out some cages to catch this critter,lets hope it works!

Here are a few pictures we took, I didn't take a picture of the crock pot I don't know why and I noticed I forgot to take a picture of a few other things ... oh welllllllll... but here are some of our purchases over the weekend.

Retaining Rock Wall

2010-05-28T09:25:00.001-07:00

Last night hubby and I thought we heard something but dismissed it.This morning we woke up to this !!Part of the retaining rock wall fell, and wouldn't you know it... its exactly where the groundhog had been digging his hole. Behind it is the neighbors house and front yard... see our grass is mowed....... his is not and its full of dandelions to boot tisk tisk !

This is our culprit !!
That's a lot of work for us to try and redo this and its sooooo hot out there, I suggested to my hubby leave it where it is on the ground I will put a bag of earth on it , plant flowers and call it a rock garden...... you know make lemonade out of lemons... LOL!!
Nope he wants it back to the original .... men..... the thing of it is he is not feeling well these days and has so much pride... do you ladies have one of those??
I ((hope)) he comes to his senses and calls a neighbor down the street who owns a little digging/loading machine to help us........
As we were out there contemplating what to do.... we looked at the end of our yard(its a retaining rock wall all the way around the yard ) there was Digger the groundhog staring at us from the other wall !!!
I don't know who I am more upset with men or groundhogs !!!!!!
Anyway that's what's happened today!

Lilacs are in bloom !!!!!

2010-05-26T08:03:00.000-07:00

The lilac trees are in full bloom can you smell them???
As we open our front door we are in lilac heaven, the smells is so heady and wonderful.

No rain yet ladies.... they have been promising us a thunderstorm for a few days but the sun is out before the clouds and not a raindrop in sight.
So we focus on the lilacs aren't they gorgeous !!

Fire !

2010-05-23T09:09:00.000-07:00

This is a water bomber spraying the water over the fire.

This water bomber just filled up and is leaving Porcupine Lake to the fire ,notice the next water bomber just over the top of the first one you see , waiting its turn to land and fill up, they can fill as they land it takes about 8 to 10 seconds to fill the tank and they are off again.

This was near where one fire was blazing in the forest.

Another water bomber filling up its tank.People watching on shore.

Our district had a fire last week, actually we had 3 forest fires bordering on 3 sides of our city.
Our forest are tinder dry and its very very hot out ,plus we haven't had a good rain yet.
We now have a total fire ban , which means no fires allowed in the forest at all, up here where I live its all forest anywhere you look there is a pine tree, lots of people go camping and boating and to their cottages, everyone enjoys a good camp fire at night, to keep the flies at bay , toast marchmellos and tell wild stories to your friends and neighbors sitting near the fire.
Its the Canadian thing to do !!

I have been looking for pictures to show you and finally found some.Two fires are out , one is still smouldering and does flare up, every day we see and hear the water bombers fly over us , going to the fire to douse it with Porcupine Lake water.

Its scary... and its not even officially summer yet...... Oh My !!
I hope we get some rain soon, even our grass is yellow now... we seem to go from one extreme weather to another... we have 2 seasons up north, winter being the longest and then summer, which is either wet or very hot.. this year its HOT!!

Here are a few pictures to show you... now don't worry about me or my family were not anywhere near it and in no danger .

Victoria Weekend

2010-05-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

Victoria Day
The Sovereign's birthday has been celebrated in Canada since the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901).

May 24, Queen Victoria's birthday, was declared a holiday by the Legislature of the Province of Canada in 1845.

Just in case you had forgotten! ;)

Just a casual weekend at home,a no stress weekend, going for long country rides that may or may not include an ice cream cone and maybe a BBQ or two.... rent a few movies for the evenings ....
what are your plans??

OHHHH HAPPY DAYS !!!!!!!

2010-05-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

The sun is shinning....... the birds are singing....... my groundhog crossed the street and is living there now( we put huge stones in the mouth of his tunnel at both ends)........
All is good in my little world !!!!!!!
The weather man says the sun over my little city will stay there for the next week, and get this........
>>>>>>It will be hotter and hotter each and every day !!!!!!!!!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Were thawing out finally!!!!!!

Yesterday hubby and I bought a new air conditioner a big one this time and with the help of my son it was installed in our bedroom last night.
Funny how we crave the sun and then we are too hot and need an air conditioner !!
Were such funny creatures !
I slept like a rock for the first time in a long long time.Maybe that's why I feel so good today!!

Ohhhh Happy Day !!!!!!!!!!

2010-05-18T09:49:00.000-07:00

The SUN is HERE..... The SUN is HERE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am going to go outside and enjoy some of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Laser Scissors !!!!!!!

2010-05-13T13:59:00.001-07:00

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Can you believe this !!!!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Get a load of these babies !!!
This was one of my Mother's Day gifts in the bottomless bag of treats my kids gave me !!
I LOVE SCISSORS !!!!!!!!
Long ones, short ones, scalloped ones, etc...
Ok... OK... I have a scissor fetish.... I never meet a pair of scissors I didn't like !!!

Admit it.... these look like fun don't they!!!!!!!!

I got such a kick out of playing with these scissors !

Straight as an arrow !!!! >>>>>>>HE HE HE >>> that is so cool ladies I can't even tell you LOL!! !!!!!!!!!!

God I am so easy to please !!!

These are "some" of the scissors on my desk......... LOL!!!
I admit it freely I love scissors !

Needlepoint

2010-05-11T09:01:00.000-07:00

I am working on a needlepoint of a hydrandea bloom.
I have done so many over the years , its very relaxing to sit and do needlepoint,while you watch tv or listen so some music you might enjoy.
It gives me peaceful time to myself.
This one will be turned into a pillow when its done.

This is the instruction sheet,I take a snip of each color of wool and tape it next to the color chart, I find if you do that before you start it will save you tearing your hair out later on.
I have seen myself chose a color and do a whole section only to discover it was the wrong color.... very frustrating !
This way its very easy to double check.

I also make small bundles of the same color and I put a piece of masking tape with the color name and number attached to avoid confusion.Some colors are almost the same just a tad lighter or darker.

Also what I do is take a highliner pen and as I do a section,and some are very very tiny,just a few stitches...... I highlight each section as I go along.

I use masking tape on the outer edge of the whole piece of needlepoint to avoid unravelling while I work on it.
Some ladies put the the needlepoint piece on a special rack that is tight and keeps it in place,I have several of those in different sizes but I am happier just holding it in my hands to do the work.
What I do later when its all done I spray it gently with water( dont rub) then I will pin it on a wooden board with ordinary thumb tacks to shape it.Wait till its dry to work on it.

I like to do the corners and work inward.There is no right or wrong way to do this.

When I am done this is what it will look like as a pillow.
I just love those colors.

What's keeping your fingers busy and happy??

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-08T09:53:00.001-07:00

Happy Mother's Day Mom !
I wish I could say that to her myself....
I miss her so much no words can explain how I feel.....
She was my mother , my friend, she was kind and caring, she was fun and silly
She was unique... one of a kind and she was mine.
I will save the first peony for you Mom

Wishing you all a wonderful Mother's Day!

Backyard Squatter

2010-05-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

This little guy has been living in my back yard for 2 years, I was very surprised to see him again this year.
He chose to live behind our garage ,we have a rock wall behind that and he is right at home there,some of our stones have been falling and we wondered why... now we know that's probably his little den.
I don't feed him because I don't want him thinking our house is his home... LOL!!

And here is my one and only tulip that divided into 3 this year. Yes only one tulip grew from hundreds.... I am not kidding!
I will take another picture when it opens... poor thing has had to struggle we had snow yesterday and hail too, and our weather man is calling for more snow 1 cent.....
No summer in sight for us yet!!
I want to thank everyone for their concern, my migraine is gone .. that was so painful I could not even stand light in my eyes, let alone think ...
It lasted about a week, woke up with it and went to bed with it..... not pleasant !!
I hope it stays gone... so far so good !!

Migraine

2010-05-04T18:02:00.000-07:00

This is how I feel......
I will be back when it settles down.
Ouch..................

Happy May Day !

2010-05-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

A bit of this.... Some of that......

2010-04-28T15:30:00.000-07:00

Today we went for a country ride,we drove past Cedar Meadows which is a sort of conservation area, they have all sorts of animals like moose and deer and buffalo etc.. today I saw something new.... really new......... I had never seen Black Swans before today!!

So graceful and so different with the red beaks !

Was I kidding aren't they gorgeous !!!

Also saw a cariboo .... I really wanted to touch his antlers, it looked like black velvet.
No I didn't>>>>>> I am not that brave, nor could I get close enough I let the camera zoom get close !

He was watching me !!

Then we went for our afternoon coffee at a local lake called Gilles Lake, its in the middle of town and very popular with walkers who do the trails around the lake,it has lots of picnic tables too for people who just want to sit and enjoy the air.
This little pigeon was keeping an eye on us in case we had something for him, I totally forgot to bring seeds but I will make it up to them tomorrow.( I promise)

This guy was watching everyone hoping for a handout.

It was sunny today not really warm but certainly warmer than yesterday.

My good friend Nola from Alamo North who lives in Texas... figured if she opened her door the warm air would travel all the way up here in North Ontario

Nola I am so glad you opened your door and let the warmer air travel up here to me,if you don't mind keep doing it for a while !! LOL!!

That pretty much covers my little afternoon ride, thanks for coming along !

I tells you a sekrit ..... K ?

2010-04-27T12:53:00.001-07:00

Maxine says it like it is !!!
Baby its cold up here !!!
No snow but it sure feels like it and the wind is ....... WINDY .... for lack of a better word.
BRRRRRRRRRR !!!!!!!!!!!!!

New Hat Anyone ????

2010-04-26T11:05:00.000-07:00

I found some crochet vintage hats, purses and gloves on the internet.
It sure is interesting to see them.
This was before my time I can't remember anyone wearing things like this.
Must have been quite the fashion statement in those days !

How about a fancy purse to go with your new hat ??

How about new gloves to go with your new purse and hat ??

Happy Saturday !!

2010-04-23T19:52:00.001-07:00

I am looking forward to a sunny Saturday !!
Hopefully the weather man's promise holds true.....all I want to do is curl up into a little ball and read , no energy for anything these days.... I need sunshine to bloom !!!
Wishing you all a sunny happy Saturday !!!

It Snowed Again Last Night !!!!!!!

2010-04-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

I am cooking now !!!

2010-04-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago I won a set of pans from Maggie at Just Between Me and You
Not just any darn pans but a skillet and griddle from the Signature Brand of none other than >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Paula Deen !!!!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Now if I could just cook like that sweet lady !!

Maggie I want you to know that the first thing I made was French Toast !!!
Just look at those beauties can't you just taste them !!!!

Thank you so much !!!!!
Please everyone go visit Maggie at Just Between Me and You and say Hi !
Tell her Diane sent you

Happy Monday !

2010-04-12T06:55:00.000-07:00

Woke up to a sunny sky,the weather man says it will warm up.... I am hoping to get rid of the last bit of snow, did you know that we got a foot of snow the other day !

I am working on my needlepoint its going to be a pillow when I am done. Its a gorgeous hydrangea bloom and of course I am still working on my crochet granny squares.

Did you ever wake up and feel hohum... that's me today......kinda like this funny guy here in his housecoat drinking coffee except my hair isin't blue or that wild .(Yet)

I need a few weeks of warm weather to make me really smile again, then may be you would get this picture below as an opener instead of MR Warm and Fuzzy up there .....LOL!!!
Have a great day ladies !!!

The Weather is Upside Down !!

2010-04-08T09:33:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends I hate to be the bearer of bad news but its snowing out there today !!!!
A regular blizzard !!!
2-3 inches of snow so far !!!!
Due to the yukky weather I am going to play with my new needlepoint and drink pots and pots of tea in front of the TV.
Feel free to send me your sympathy via the comments I will be around ALL DAY !!!!!!
Thank you for caring
Diane

Easy Peasy Cake any easier and it would be sinful !

2010-04-04T15:50:00.000-07:00

My wonderful sister in law showed me how to make this cake in the wink of an eye,its so easy ,it has only 2 ingredents that's IT !!!!
Bonus is that its a weight watcher cake !!!!!!

These are the 2 ingredients !!
BUT... there is always a but..... only use the crushed pineapple, the whole tin 14 0z.

Mix the tin of crushed pineapple into the angel cake mix and beat till fluffy !
Beat them both till light and fluffy about a minute or two..Pour into an angel cake pan, don't add grease or flour , nothing but a clean pan the cake needs to climb up the sides.About 40-45 minutes later you will have a heavenly scent and a delish looking cake !
Let it cool till its cold in the pan.
Get some whipping cream beat it till light and fluffy I use this for the icing usually but today I used dream whip and mixes in some strawberries and covered the cake adding more strawberry slices on top, now what you dont see is to every serving I added a generous plop of more cream with bits of strawberries in it... trust me it was sooooo good !!

A million thank you's to my sister in law for sharing this recipe !!!!!!!!

Happy Easter

2010-04-03T16:07:00.000-07:00

Belated Birthday Gift !!

2010-04-02T13:52:00.000-07:00

Just Between Me and You by Grandma Yellow Hair

Held a draw on April Fools Day>>>> guess who won the draw ???????
Yup it was>>>>>> ME !!!
A gorgeous set of pans by Paula Deen, who dosen't love her !!
It will be a pleasure for years to come to use these pans !!!

Please go visit Just Between Me And You and say Hello !

Good Friday

2010-04-01T18:55:00.000-07:00

April First Today !!!!

2010-04-01T06:22:00.000-07:00

April First !!
April Fools Day !!!

As a kid having a birthday on this date was not easy !!
Mom had a wicked sense of humor and always and I mean always gave me a joke surprise for my birthday....... some were funny some were not but always given in the spirit of fun.

I knew it was coming I just never knew when during the day she would spring it on me.

Just when I thought I was safe hoping she would forget the April Fools part of the day......
Mom would play a trick on me and I would end up holding the fish.... LOL!!

So here is to my favorite Birthday Diva she says it so well

I am home

2010-03-31T13:51:00.000-07:00

This week past has been filled with ups and lots of downs.
I went to Ottawa to visit with my 2 grown children, my son's birthday was on Sunday, I am the mother of a bouncing 37 year old baby boy, I love him with all my heart.

During the week I went to New York for a shopping trip with my daughter,we had a lot of fun together I always enjoy her company ,I so seldom get her all to myself ,that when I do its a special day for us.

Back in Ottawa the 3 of us went to see Alice in Wonderland in 3D >>>WOW<<< If you get the chance to see this movie go see it,you wont believe your eyes ... so much color and vividness..... I would not take a child tho.... what an incredible movie !! Johnny Depp is fantastic!!!

We eat international every single night !!! >>> I love that !!! On Birthday Boy's special day we went to the Casino for supper, it was sooo good, I even had a glass of wine and played the one armed badits but didn't win, that's ok it was fun anyway !

Sadly tho while I was away my wonderful sister in law's> sister passed away from breast cancer at the age of 55,I love my sister in law , she is very dear to my heart,I wish I could have been there for her during this time of sadness,she lost her older sister to ovarian cancer several years ago, now she only has her mother who is elderly and not well herself.
I have so much pain in my heart for her I cannot put it into words.

Another death in my family on my mother's side of the family, an older cousin passed away in his brother's arms,he also had cancer,so much sadness in that family.He will be missed.

It was a good week for me in one way I love being with my kids , but losing family while I was gone was so sadly tragic for me,and you know what struck me hard this week, I wanted to call my mother and tell her everything that was happening,I had an overwhelming feeling of needing to talk to her,if you out there still have your mother, call her, hug her, tell her you love her ...... she will only be here with you a short time.

Happy Spring !!!!

2010-03-20T14:11:00.000-07:00

Happy First Day of Spring !!!!!!!!!!!
Tomorrow I am leaving early for Ottawa, my son came home just to pick me up and take me there, is that sweet or what !!
I will be there a week...............YIPEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
I so SO so need a little get away to clear my mind, but I will be bringing my laptop "Betty" along with me so I will check in from time to time.
Going south ~~~~~ no snow there what so ever !!!
Because today is the First Day of Spring !!
I can hear all the sigh's from way up here ladies !!!

Afghan Granny Squares

2010-03-18T09:16:00.001-07:00

This is what I do in my spare time,its peaceful work and not so hard on my hands as quilting.
The wool is just flying into those cute little squares.
I am the type of person that needs to do something creative all the time.I think I must have tried every craft imaginable.
When I go visiting blogs that have some sort of craft photo I am often reminded of what I use to make,and sell at craft sales.
When I go to Ottawa next week I will look into some fun wool shops there ,maybe I can find more colors that will coordinate.
What craft is keeping your fingers busy ?

Happy St Paddy Day !!!

2010-03-17T07:28:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Carole at Pea's Corner is having a Blogiversary ,>>>>>her 4th !!!

Is that incredible or what !!!

Please go over and wish her a Happy Blogiversary !!

She is having a sweet giveaway too !

Snow in my yard !

2010-03-16T13:13:00.001-07:00

*******************This is what's left of 4-5 feet of snow in our yard !!

******************I can't wait to see a few of these !!!
****************** First day of SPRING is the Saturday>>>>>> Yipeeeeeee !!!

Spring Forward !!!

2010-03-13T09:11:00.001-08:00

Its that time again !!!
Don't forget on Sunday night to move your clocks ahead one hour !!
Another sign that spring is around the corner ....... when the days get longer !(Yipeee!)
We still have piles and piles of snow BUT it >>IS melting, that in itself is very exciting !!!

*********Dont forget to spring ahead or else you will fall behind....
********* LOL!! Oh I crack me up sometimes!!

Have yourself a lovely day !!

2010-03-11T09:50:00.000-08:00

Post Cards

2010-03-10T07:48:00.000-08:00

My lovely friend Vicky of My Favorite Things send me a huge envelope full of post cards !!
She lives in Knightdale,which is just outside of Raleigh !
It was such a sweet gesture >> I am tickled pink !!
Vicky thank you so much !!

Go see her at her blog ~~ My Favorite Things

Photos of Spring

2010-03-04T10:04:00.000-08:00

Can't wait to see my first robin of the year, always a thrill for me !!!!
And see our little friend Chippy come closer to the house looking for a treat to snack on !!
And of course the first pussy willows of the year........ all these I wont see for another month at the very least......I am patient........ but come on SPRING ...... I miss you!!!

I thought if I showed photos of some things that mean SPRING to me maybe Mother Nature would get the hint............ ( she is not paying me any attention)
Were still knee deep in the white stuff, altho I must say the temperature is a little warmer.
What reminds you of spring ???

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-02T19:38:00.000-08:00

FLU !

2010-03-01T12:45:00.000-08:00

My sweet hubby had the flu all weekend, he was not feeling well at all.Poor man it was a long few days for him, he hates being sick.
He is feeling a little better now.
I hope I don't get what ever he had,>>>>> I washed my hands a million times !
I stayed nearby in case he needed something , other wise I crocheted all weekend, it was relaxing.
A bright sunny day out there today makes me hopeful for spring !!!!!!!

Guess What ??

2010-02-23T09:31:00.000-08:00

***IT'S SNOWING AGAIN !!!!!!!!!!!***

A Tad Tired of Snow !!!

2010-02-20T12:23:00.000-08:00

If there are any snowball takers I will ship them to you free !!!!!!!!!!!

A Real True Blue Deal !!

2010-02-18T08:40:00.000-08:00

I am tickled blue !!
( I can hear you Sally telling me to put this on Blue Monday it would be perfect !)
I bought this blue cup at a yard sale, its quite big actually, for ...... drum roll........ 10 cents !!!!

I looked it up online.......................... it is worth ........drum roll..........one more drum roll cuz I am excited.................................................. $100.00
Not a bad investment I would say !!

Ever Had One of those Days !?

2010-02-16T15:03:00.000-08:00

We had another huge snow storm ....who hasen't..... snowplows were out there today in full force, you could hear them plowing by the house, making those heavy grinding noises when they get into the heavy stuff going around the corners.
Hubby had to go out there and shovel the walk ways and that's enough for him, were lucky that we have a dear friend who comes by and does quite a bit for us with his snowplow,and our neighbor does his bit too.>>>>>Gotta love those friends!

Tomorrow I am getting my health card renewed and also my drivers license , they both need photos.. oh the trauma of it all.... LOL!!!
I hate my photos on those cards, I always end up looking like someone else or a gargoyle of some sort .. haha...
Hubby thought I wanted to do it today I looked at him in horror... and said I have to do my hair first !!!!
I could tell he didn't understand but I know all you ladies know what I mean..... its a photo I have to look at for 5 years I want at least my hair to be presentable.

Such a bad time of year ... the end of winter is the worst... so much snow ...so drab and gray, your just itching for color and warmth that you begin to dream of far away places.
I am envious of several friends who have just returned from cruises in those sunny far away places...... wishing and dreaming......

A Room Full Of Birds

2010-02-13T08:03:00.001-08:00

My Paternal Grandmother loved canaries, she loved to hear them sing,and chirp , tweet and chatter, she would talk back to them too .
Grandmother always had some in her house,in several lovely bird cages arranged here and there through out her home.
To this day when I smell celery I am instantly transported back to her home, because all the bird cages>always had celery in it the birds would nibble at it and a bit of lettuce, they would have toys to play with and a cuttle bone, some branches to hop to and from, little cups of bird seed and a little cups of fresh water, newspaper on the floor of the cage, and at night she would cover them up.
She loved her canaries so much at one time had a roomful now I am talking wall to wall cages, she was raising them to sell.She had yellow ones and orange ones, if I remember right it was the males that were most prized because they were the singers.
She had a few budgies too ,beautiful pale blue ones.
One day I bought myself a canary he was yellow and I named him Cecil ( I dont know why)
and he turned out to be a she and didnt sing, I had a newborn at that time... and Cecil needed more attention than I could devote.... it was either the baby or the bird.... I chose the baby... hehehe, and Grandmother got the bird.( Oh that didn't come out right did it... hehehe)

This is my Paternal Grandmother on her 90th birthday.She WAS the family >>Matriarch<< My Grandmother learned how to drive when she was 65 years old, she traveled around the world many times over.Instead of taking photos she would buy postcards from these far away places,now I have them.
She was wise and kind,a business woman to the bone she owned and ran a business all by herself for years and years.
She feed the poor during the depression she never said no to someone asking for help.
She loved the ocean and had a lot of seashells in her house, now I have them in my house. She considered us her family her treasures.When in fact she was the family's treasure ! I miss her.I know she knows that because we were very close she and I.
My Grandmother Perpetue she loved canaries !!

This and That

2010-02-09T17:09:00.000-08:00

I have been making some of these, they are fast and fun to do !
I will make an afghan when I have enough... how much is enough ????
I don't know...
When I spread them out on a bed and it looks to be enough .......or it will be smaller than that due to me getting tired of making them.... which will come first I dont know that either... time will tell !!

Today I treated myself to a haircut just a trim really and highlights, that's been way too long since I did that for myself... feels good!

Were in for some snow the weather will turn yukky......... fun fun fun....

Dosen't this coffee look good !! Or is it just me ???

There is a sweet giveaway at Patina Soul Go on over and see what the excitement is all about!! This next photo was on her blog !!

A Few Vintage Valentine's

2010-02-05T16:49:00.000-08:00

The Good Old Days !!!!

2010-02-03T08:13:00.000-08:00

Check out the prices !!
I was only 6 when this menu was available ,but I do remember going with my Aunt Sue having a coke, what a thrill that was,in my little town back then the restaurants were few and far between,this was the week before Christmas in the evening on a Thursday the stores stayed open late till 9 only ,one day a week ....((LOL the good old days)) and we were window shopping looking at shiny pretty Christmas things and Aunt Sue suggested we stop at Woolworth for a coke ,wow did I ever feel grown up ,Mom had given me 25 cents to splurge on something so I was able to pay for my own treat, that in itself was a treat.

My Aunt Sue is 4 years older than I am, we were always close.Today Sue is wife and mother of 4 big strapping boys and no daughters, Sue is also a Grandmother of 4 of the cutest little girls.I wish she lived closer to me I really miss her.The picture above I am 8 and Sue is 12.
Here I am 2 and she is 6.Sue was the last child born to my Grandparents,my dad was 21 when she was born......YUP!!
The Good Old Days !!!!

Happy Groundhog Day !!!

2010-02-01T16:46:00.000-08:00

Will he or wont he see his shadow that's the question ????
What do> YOU< think ????
I think were in for more white stuff but that's just me......

A Really Easy Cake Recipe !!

2010-01-30T19:53:00.000-08:00

My lovely ,wonderful, smart ,gorgeous, kind hearted, sweet, lovable, daughter sent me a recipe she found on a blog called Bakerella, she told me it was easy soo easy it was rediculous !!
And to prove it she sent me the recipe by taking pictures of her baking adventure .
This is what she sent me

Sort of self explanatory !!!
Did I mention I love her a lot, probably too much..... can that happen??
I love her more than all the cakes ever made ever in the whole world times a gazillion !!!
Thanks Lilly I will make this one for your Dad

Happy Day !!

2010-01-29T19:23:00.000-08:00

Deep Freeze !

2010-01-28T12:36:00.000-08:00

Its really cold here ,tonight its going down to minus 31 that's 23 below to those of you still using the fahrenheit method.
But you can tack on another 10 degrees because of the high winds
That means wooly socks and an extra sweater !
BRRRRRRRRR .......shiver !!!

Don't try this any time soon !!!

Instead I am going to stay home ,make soup and keep warm !!

How are you going to spend the day in the deep freeze ??

That was yesterday !
Today its only minus >>41<< ,its cold out there !! BRRRRRRRR !!!!!

Happiness is........................

2010-01-27T10:28:00.001-08:00

I want to be as happy as that bird with a french fry.....................somethings are just not that easy I wish it were as easy.
I wish I were an bird and could fly to my french fry .............

Generations and Geneology

2010-01-22T16:01:00.000-08:00

Picture of twins, my Dad is on the right and his twin sister on the right,I still have those little sweaters and hats that my grandmother made for them in 1929 !

Last week Brenda of Cosy Little House found out a bit of her family history and it started something that I just could not stop doing and I am still working on.
My dear lovely friend Brenda grew up not knowing her family,reading her post about it really breaks your heart, I could not imagine growing up like she did,I know who my family is I can pick out their picture and name the faces.And trust me when I say I have a lot of family, cousins coming out of the woodwork , some I haven't meet yet !

So I went to Ancestry and got myself a subscription and poked around to see who I could find, never thinking I would get very far,........................ was I wrong!!!!!!!

I have my paternal grandmother's side documented all the way back to 1672,it just all fell into place, one name after another.... just incredible !!!
I was really lucky to find some old photos someone had added to the names along the way,and in that I found a cousin and now we are emailing photos back and forth, at first he could not believe we were related so I showed him the path and oh yes we are related !
Very exciting finding new family willing to share !!

I am working on other names now....
And they are not that hard to find, the church really is well documented, if you can get passed the spidery writing your on the road to finding family !

Brenda I wish I could do the same for you ........... Your story breaks my heart it really does.If I could I would give you some of mine, we could share I have so many !

Wordless Wednesday !!!

2010-01-19T17:04:00.000-08:00

New Search Engine

2010-01-18T19:07:00.000-08:00

Today I learned a few things and I want to pass them on to you !
My son gave me the name of a new search engine that Microsoft has made to compete with Google, I tried it and liked it esp for images !
Give it a try ~~

http://bing.com

Its brand new only a few months old !!
You might even like it !!

A New Juice Maker !!!! Sounds innocent enough .. ha!

2010-01-16T14:15:00.000-08:00

Our lives here in Timmins is fairly easy going and its a simple life, were young retired people, we can think and we do make good decisions for ourselves but this juicer was the worst mistake we have made in a long long while.....actually it was NOT my decision it was my wonderful hubby's !!

OHHHHH he meant well enough, we eat a lot of fruit here instead of junk and he thought he would make our lives a tad bit more exciting and have fresh juice in the morning !
Sounds delish and easy dosen't it !
Fresh orange juice who dosen't like that ?? And fresh apple juice, yum just hearing that makes my mouth water for it !!
Well things are not that easy !!!!!!

He started off by making orange juice , lets do the math here.... one container of Tropicana Orange Juice is $ 2.99 and my wonderful hubby bought $15.00 worth of all sorts of oranges even blood oranges to make our juice .
Ok I will say in his defence.....
Think of it as really really fresh orange juice, isin't that worth the extra money for fresh tasting juice ??
BUT >>>>>>>>> But the end result was 3/4 of a container of juice and a huge bowl full of pulp and an ~ultra sticky~ table and all sorts of sticky utensils and assorted bowls etc.. kinda strewn all over the place (( No he does not do dishes ))
BUT>>>> Voila the fresh juice....... yes it was tasty .... I didn't get even a spoonful, it was all gone by the time I did all those sticky dishes remember those ????... not a drop of juice left ....not a one !!!
That's ok I dont mind, its good for them RIGHT !!!
Today it was apple juice time, hubby decided to do this while I was writing out the minutes of a meeting for a club I am secretary for..... nope he can't wait he wants to do it right now he says because he is bored ( remind me to find him a hobby ok) he bought bags and bags of all kinds of apples to make juice he wanted to see which one would be juicier....
He washed each apple (good boy) and then cuts them up in small sections so far so good right.... this is when I decided I better go see what he was up to.... ((( it got too quiet ... know what I mean?)))
He was ready to begin....... did you know it takes a lot of apples to get a cup full of juice? And did you know it leaves behind a huge amount of pulp and skin ??

Math again ok humour me ...for a tin of Rougemont Pure Apple Juice its hummmmm $.99 , yes ninety nine cents only not even on sale ........sigh.......
After his first batch of juice ( about a cup and a half) he had to clean the machine, it was not allowing the juice to escape through the pulp and skin etc.. so he takes the darn thing apart , ok picture this in your mind....... gobs of apple pulp and sticky juice all over the table all over everything .... yes ladies he is messy and not the handiest in the kitchen but he is trying and I might add getting frustrated now....( cuz I am just sitting there watching.. kinda smiling too... nooo not smirking I would never do that(( not much anyway))

OK so now he is ready for the second batch everything has been emptied of pulp and rinsed he puts it together ( ( apparently women are not allowed to touch things when a man is working ........... hehe))

Somehow only God could figure this one out its such a mystery I am sure he put something in backwards and where the juice was suppose to come out nada zip it was allllll coming out in the pulp resevoir of the machine,and he just proceeds anyway pretending not to notice but I know he sees the mistake................... he gets a strainer and another huge bowl ( Only 3 bowls are already in service for the juice) and strained the pulpy mess in the strainer to extract the juice... at this point I want to pull out my hair one strand at a time I kid you NOT !!

I decided to take over !! (( My sanity was at stake)) He never said one word as he noticed what I was doing,just had this big silly grin on his face !
I took the other 2 big bowls of prepared fruit and pared off the skin and made one big pot of applesauce.For some strange reason the applesauce was so dry here is the halarious part ok are you ready for it >>>>> I had to add apple juice !!! >>>Almost half the container of Rougemont Pure Apple Juice !!!!!!!!! I am not kidding!!!!!

Then I washed and dried dishes and his machine took me almost an hour, while watching the apple sauce, after that I had a hankering for a sour cream walnut coffee cake, I made that and declared my day done !
I could not wait to go make myself a hot tea and relax.

He still has not said a word about the juice but looks at me now and again with that big silly grin .. as he totally knows what I am thinking he knows me so well.
Yes I still love him and I will keep him but no more juice.... or your on your own !!

Julia and Julia

2010-01-11T08:13:00.001-08:00

I rented this movie on the weekend and I enjoyed it so much !
Its about a young girl who loves Julia Childs and loves to cook, she buys Julia's book of Mastering the Art of French Cooking and decides to do all the recipes in the book and blog about it.
Its a good movie to sit back with and let it entertain you.
And Meryl Streep is of course just fantastic as Julia Childs that just a given !!!!
I say go ahead and watch it............ goes great with a big bowl of popcorn!!!

Maxine Slippers

2010-01-08T08:47:00.001-08:00

My daughter knows I am a big Maxine fan and gave me these slippers,aren't they just the cutest !
Wonder what Maxine would think of them ???

BettyJo of A Bead A Day
Would probably love a pair,she has Maxine Mondays, and leave it to Maxine to give you a smile or a groan .

Goodbye Christmas I Will Miss You

2010-01-06T12:55:00.000-08:00

Goodbye Christmas I will miss you, see you again next year !!!!
Its all gone every last elf and christmas ball.................. all put away neat in rubbermaids for another year !!!

Baby Its Cold Outside !!!

2010-01-03T13:11:00.001-08:00

BBBBRRRRRR !!!!!!!!!!!!

Olympic Pride !

2010-01-02T10:34:00.000-08:00

Shania Twain lights an Olympic cauldron with the Olympic torch. Olympic torch run ceremonies were held at Hollinger Park last night, where a crowd of up to 9,000 cheered on

More Photos

Not even the most frigid temperatures of minus 40 below could keep Timmins from showing off its community spirit as the Olympic flame made its way through the city on its way to Vancouver.

Thousands waited in Hollinger Park as country singing superstar Shania Twain made her way on the torch's final 300 metres of the Timmins leg. They all cheered as the precious flame lit the Olympic cauldron on stage.

Officials estimate anywhere between 7,000 and 9,000 people attended the celebration on New Year's Day. Many others lined the torch's route from Porcupine through Timmins.

The crowd erupted as Twain made her way into Hollinger Park toward the stage. She proudly carried the torch and lit the cauldron, before taking a few moments and speaking to the crowd, as her son Eja, looked on, waving from the front of the crowd.

"This is so fantastic, it's pretty overwhelming," Twain said. "I know we could have probably had warmer weather, but in a way it just feels really beautiful to be back up North in the cold.

"I know that sounds crazy, but it wouldn't be Timmins if it wasn't 40 below with the wind chill."

Twain went on to say that the fact that all those people stood out in the crowd in the freezing weather only proves the spirit people from the North have.

She wished luck to all Olympians, and said how happy she was to be back in her hometown.

"I'm honoured," said Twain. "I'm extremely proud and it's a highlight of my life to be able to be here to carry the torch."

"It was such an honour."

When asked how she felt about the Olympics themselves being held in her home country, Twain said that no matter where she has travelled in the world, Canadians are much loved, and that is something Canadians should be proud of. She also had some words of encouragement for all those out there in Timmins, both young and young at heart.

"I say go for your dreams, never lose hope and hold on to spirit," she said. "Not just of your hometown, although Timmins has a fantastic home spirit, of course it does, and I think I carry that with me everywhere I go.

Twain paused and waved to the crowd before bounding the final few metres onto the stage, where she lit the Olympic cauldron and passed the flame to the next torchbearer. She called the experience the "highlight" of her life.

An international superstar and multiple-Grammy winner, Twain was born in Windsor, Ont., but spent most of her youth in Timmins, honing her talents by performing in local bars and clubs.

Her 1997 record Come on Over has sold more than 34 million copies, making it the best-selling album by a female artist of all time.

The torch continues its journey through northern Ontario on Saturday, making stops in a number of communities including Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie.

2010 A New Decade Is Beginning !!

2010-01-01T10:10:00.000-08:00

1: When in doubt - just take the next small step.

2: Life is too short to waste hating anyone.

3: Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

4: Make peace with your past so it won't screw-up the present.

5: Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

6: Your children get only one childhood.

7: Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

8: Be eccentric now - Don't wait for old age to wear purple! (I love this one and VERY often wear purple!)

9: No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

10: Frame every so-called disaster with these words. 'In five years, will this matter?'

11: Forgive everyone everything.
12:The best is yet to come.

Happy New Year and Best Wishes To All !!

2009-12-31T07:33:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year to all of you !!!
Wishing you happiness, health and good cheer filled with sweet surprises on New Year.
Thank you for taking the time to visit me here and leaving your sweet comments.
Stay warm and safe !

Meet Rose !!!!!

2009-12-28T19:10:00.001-08:00

Meet Rose !!!!!!!!!!
I named her Rose , yes she is a she... I named her that because of the swirl patterns , they resemble roses to me.Do you see what I mean?? Take a peek !

She is a tiny ultra light little thing weighing only 8 ounces !!
And she is only one inch thick !!!!!

I love her very much and I am in the process of adding all sorts of wonderful things to make her even more enjoyable!!

She was a gift from my son and daughter at Christmas.
I must say this little beauty really surprised me as I had no idea what so ever... when I saw the HP box I thought I was getting a new camera.....

I have a full size table top computer and really have no need for ((ROSE)) but she will be my travel companion, in the summer I am away quite a bit and she will be my link to home, she has a built in cam and so does my computer here at home, now I can cam with my hubby when I am away AND now I can take Rose around the house and show my daughter certain things when she is in Ottawa, I can't do that with the table top computer....LOL!
I could not be happier or prouder to have a new friend called ROSE!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-21T06:43:00.000-08:00

39 Years Together !!!

2009-12-18T10:51:00.001-08:00

"I, Diane, take you, John, to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love and honor you all the days of my life."

I,John, take you, Diane, to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love and honor you all the days of my life."

AMEN ~~~~~ that was 39 years ago December 19th !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Special Lamb and Some Decorations

2009-12-16T11:17:00.001-08:00

Isin't he gorgeous!!!!!!
Patty from Attic Clutter sent me this cutie !!!
He went in our tree right away, right in the front where everyone could admire him !!
Thank you so much Patty I just love him!!

These are smokers, does anyone else have this type of decoration?? In the back of the character there is a space where you put an incense cone, making everything smell like pine or church incense.

My paternal Grandmother made this for me in 1988 and she made one for each of her grandchildren all 19 of them.

I love these bird ornaments my daughter gave me they are no bigger than a walnut , sooo cute!!
I made that ceramic Snowman on the left years and years go, my kids love him !

I made that little gingerbread house some years ago.

This is a vintage manger, these pieces are very old, every year its my son's job to set it up, you will notice the little lamb next to Joseph my daughter made him when she was very young.
I want to show you our tree but my pics can't do it justice so I will let my son take a nighttime picture to show you how lovely it really is.

Snowmen Jokes

2009-12-09T16:13:00.001-08:00

Its a good day for snowmen jokes, were in the middle of a major snow storm, its been blizzard conditions most of the day, and were told to expect it again tomorrow !!
Snowman weather!!!
Tried to go out for car ride and a coffee today..... nope turned around headed back home , so slippery phew not safe at all.
Our neighbor bless his heart has a huge snowplow and he did our driveway, is that neighborly or what!!
I may take a video and show you our storm tomorrow !
Today was a busy one for me since we could not go out I started decorating our tree, I have so much in the way of ornaments it takes me usually 8 hours plus to do it,so today I got about half way through, I will finish it tomorrow and this way I see it with a fresh mind.
Plus I will decorate the house. I love doing it and seeing the end results but its so much work.Is it like that for you too??
Maybe I just need Christmas music....... I love that , it gets me in the spirit of Christmas.
I hope you enjoy my silly jokes.
Diane

I Luv Snowmen !!!!!!

2009-12-06T15:13:00.000-08:00

I love big ones, small ones, tall ones ,short ones, fat ones, skinny ones, I love them ALL!!!!

My Maternal Grandmother had a snow globe and in it was a snowman surrounded with lots of fine sparkly snow , when you shook it , the most wonderful amaizing thing happened, it started to snow in that little globe, in my childish hand I would shake it and shake it,and every time it happened it was like a miracle to me.

I wish I had that snowglobe I can still see it clearly in my mind.I asked my Grandmother for it, my mother gasped embarrassed for me ( I was 5 or 6)... and I was not allowed to have it even tho my Grandmother insisted I keep it.It was one of those children should be seen but not heard situations...

To this day I cannot walk by a snowglobe without shaking it in wonder of the miracle within.
And that's my little Christmas story.