Raylene's Ramblings

Still My Sweetie . . . I'm Keeping Him!

2012-02-14T16:22:00.001-07:00

Always been my favorite . . . . yellow roses . . . .

Date night later at the Cultural Arts Theatre . . . jazz, => Jesse Peters Trio. Wine, dessert and fabulous music.

Mutton Chops Whisked Away!

2012-02-13T14:41:00.003-07:00

Ted & Kristin doing a dirty job this afternoon . . . glad I'm not involved! Notice the whiskers are gone!

Gopher's Breath Visited

2012-02-12T15:06:00.003-07:00

Frosty Windows

2012-02-11T12:56:00.001-07:00

The very cold temperatures artistically played on my back window . . . it looks like frosty feathers!

My Valentine?

2012-02-10T11:59:00.001-07:00

We were engaged 34 years ago today . . . if I had only known!

Too Much Fun!

2012-02-09T14:08:00.004-07:00

My gorgeous son came for a quick visit and woke me up for a chat. Any time Scott!

Kristin is Bowler of the Week again! Way to go Twinkle Toes!

Poor Emma is now addicted to the laser light!

Laser KItty

2012-02-07T15:26:00.002-07:00

How much fun can you have for a Loonie?

Buy a laser thingey at the dollar store and watch the cat go crazy!

Only Emma is interested and it turns out to be good exercise for her. Squeaker could care less . . . . she still plays with her little sponge ball every day.

Great Tip!

2012-02-04T11:23:00.002-07:00

Using a file cabinet to store your fabric! Great idea! I’m not sure why I never thought of that, but it seems like a great solution for organizing.

Super Bowl?

2012-02-04T10:29:00.003-07:00

Amos Crutchwaffle Whiskers

2012-02-03T09:25:00.002-07:00

I love the guy wearing the whiskers but oh! those whiskers . . . . they gotta go! Only ten more days and I can capture their disappearing act on film!

Saved From a Monster!

2012-02-02T11:14:00.004-07:00

Snuggled all warm and comfy in bed, reading a book . . . . Emma leaps and captures a GIANT BUG! No kidding, it was at least an inch long!

I didn't get a real close look at it, other than it was HUGE, before she grabbed it and jumped down on the floor. She handled it a bit, then promptly ate it. Do you suppose this warm weather is causing an imbalance in nature????

Whew! Saved From a Monster!

February at Last!

2012-02-01T13:35:00.001-07:00

The weather has been superb lately! Just like Spring around here! The kitties have been in and out all day!

Super Saturday part one

2012-01-29T18:34:00.000-07:00

Ted was out quadding again with the Flatbush Gang

Ted tells me water seeps out the creek bank walls and into the creek itself.

Super Saturday! part deux

2012-01-29T18:28:00.001-07:00

Kristin had a Games night at her house with some old pals . . . fun had by ALL!

Rehearsal Photos!!

2012-01-28T15:46:00.003-07:00

All I know is it's a Bad Day in Gopher's Breath!

Amos Crutchwaffle, the 2nd most feared man in the West.

Belle Durham and Amos Crutchwaffle

Friday Funnies

2012-01-27T12:33:00.001-07:00

I've been busy working on a Photobook so I haven't taken too many photos around here! I'll share some chucklers today . . . .

And finally, a cute idea for you Grannies who need to get a unique birthday gift for a little one:

Cleaning Tips

2012-01-26T10:37:00.001-07:00

Now there's something I haven't ever shared! But I came across a couple of great tips today and I'm going to give them both a try! I think the prices at the supermarket are getting way out of line, so here goes . . . .

Home made dish washing cleaner

Powdered DishwasherDetergent/Scouring Powder:

* 1 cup Washing soda or Baking soda (I've seen many recipesthat use both..so use whatever you have on hand)

* 1 cup Borax (Borax and baking soda/wash are both naturaldisinfectants and mild abrasives.)

* 1/4 cup Kosher salt (reduces the effects of hard water)

* 1/4 cup citric acid (available at brewing places or as an alternativeyou can use the same amount of Fruit Fresh or two packets of Lemonade-FlavoredKool-Aid, ONLY lemon and ONLY unsweetened!)

Here's a tip for cleaning your washing machine . . .

I have made unsuccesful attempts at scrubbing mine out but nothing I was doing seemed to make much difference . . . so I tried this:

http://www.askannamoseley.com/2011/02/reader-question-cleaning-your-washing.html

A Bad Day in Gopher's Breath

2012-01-25T10:33:00.001-07:00

This week, rehearsals for the Hazel Bluff play are without scripts. Fine tuning now.

Kristin finished this fancy vest for Ted using upholstery scraps and vinyl.

Those whiskers are despicable (in my opinion), but they serve their purpose. Only two weeks until opening night!

(sorry I haven't got any rehearsal photos for you . . . I feel worse than you do)

Seven on Sunday

2012-01-22T16:38:00.000-07:00

1. Kristin made a costume for Lucy Lambert for the John Deere Ball Saturday night.

2. Ted doing a little ironing after finding some great shirts at Value Village.

3. Ted & I attended the Rotary Charter Night at the Westlock Inn. Sat with Betty and Doctor Charlie!

4. The dessert Ted didn't eat. Mmmmm . . . cheesecake. I ate it.

5. Scott was busy building a rack for his paddle board to mount on the ceiling in the garage.

6. Now that we got a little snow, Ted fired up the snowblower to clear the patio and the Shed "Run". Poor Goldwing is getting blasted.

This photo was taken just before 4:30pm so you can see the days are certainly getting longer up here in the Great White North.

7. I found this crazy cartoon of a cat trying to get attention just when you want to curl up with a good book. This is me with Emma !

New Baby Crock Pot

2012-01-21T14:22:00.001-07:00

After almost 34 years, my original crock pot (wedding gift) cratered . . . well, I helped it. I bought a new one last year for baked beans (for our GWRRA BBQ), but it is just too big for everyday use.

I purchased this little one the other day while grocery shopping and I must say I LOVE it! It's just tiny . . . a package of frozen meat balls absolutely FILLS it to the top. One recipe of rice just fits. And I can make steel cut oats for a few days . . . it's just perfect. And for $13 who could ask for more???

Keeping Warm

2012-01-19T13:33:00.001-07:00

Poor Emma is cold. She sits on the heating vents whenever they are blowing hot air. She sleeps right next to Ted's legs, under the covers, all night. She has been very clingy in the past few days, making me wonder if she was truly Chilly. Squeaker has a double coat, so she doesn't care.

"I'll try the sweater," says I. It is a bit big and she comes out of it on occasion, but I wonder if she understands it is warm? She still sits on the vents. Her pathetic cries have fallen on deaf ears, however.

Arctic Air

2012-01-18T11:51:00.002-07:00

. . . is what we are experiencing today. Minus 32 C . . . . with the windchill . . . . minus 40 . . . . ha! Yeah, I figured you'd need a giggle today, so here it is . . . .

probably strawberry flavor!!!!

Keeping Up with our Snowbirds

2012-01-17T15:10:00.001-07:00

18 Bikes on a Sunday Ride

Greasewood Flat, Scottsdale AZ

Kids Had Blast Skiing Marmot

2012-01-16T14:42:00.004-07:00

Skiing the Marmot Basin in Jasper this weekend.

Scott is a die hard snowboarder!

p.s. notice the helmet!

Oh! the Weather Outside is Frightful . . .

2012-01-15T11:33:00.001-07:00

. . . well it's minus 12 C with a stiff wind chill, but as you can see, we didn't get that much snow.

Put your back into it!

Hardly enough to get a good sweep off the car. Mind you, the wind chill was enough to get me to hurry!

Winter has officially arrived . . . .

Busy Booking for Alaska!

2012-01-14T10:25:00.004-07:00

We got our official itinerary this week and I was busy all day calling and emailing reservations for the Rally in Anchorage!

July 13-Aug 01 2012 Whoohoo!

The Week Wisked by Me

2012-01-13T10:29:00.003-07:00

The weather is still warm, with ice melting and making things very treacherous!

Ted and the Cable Guy deciding where to drill holes for the wires. We had to get a new satelite dish etc as our old one was . . . OLD!

I now have high definition TV! Awesome! I'm getting used to the new system and really liking the high definition!

Snowbirds in the South

2012-01-08T18:37:00.003-07:00

Alison Cooke sent me some photos of a bunch of the Edmonton Goldwing Snowbirds getting together for a nice ride in the Sunshine! (I'm rather green with envy. . . .) Thanks for the photos Al! Great shots too!

Can you name the 5 couples?

Five on Friday & Saturday

2012-01-07T19:17:00.000-07:00

At first I thought the weekend was boring and nothing happened . . .

I finally completed the Project Life 2011 HUGE scrapbook! Whew! I should weigh it . . .over ten pounds at least! This was a scrapbook I did over the past year, taking photos nearly everyday. Definately going digital this year!

Ted went out quadding on Saturday with Murray Reeder and a few other guys north of Flatbush. Looks like this bush is the only place in Alberta with any snow!

I said I'd find it! The 2 boxes of Christmas stuff I had lost for at least three years . . . And there it was under my nose the whole time. I looked everywhere, including on the floor right under this location . . . I guess I need to look up more! I put those bright stickers on the side so I would know where to look next year!

I have been cleaning my craft room a corner at a time. Yesterday it was the book shelf. You may think this doesn't look that neat, but believe me, it's a 100% improvement. A huge bag of garbage went out. A few days ago I emptied 2 boxes of fabric scraps and quilt projects. Gave those away. Feels good! More corners to go!

Goodbye, John Lehman

2012-01-06T10:13:00.000-07:00

John Lehmanpassed away, Jan 5, 2012. He had throat cancer. No treatments were successful,although they tried many things. However, he died from a heart attack caused by an embolism. Complications of the cancer I imagine.

We willalways remember John as our first neighbor in Westlock. John told me Kristin used to come over to siton the back step for a chat (while the neighborhood boys were all out riding bikesor some other adventure.)

Ted willremember the guy with big ideas and he was privileged to work on several projects,before the now famous “Trike” he developed for his wife Linda. She wasn’t excited about riding a two wheeledmotorcycle. The world is glad hedid! The rest is, of course, history.

In 2009, wewere in Sturgis where we saw John’s story on the Wall of Fame in the Motorcycle Museum there.. Our chests puffed up with pride. Not everyone can say they knew him personally.

So long, John,may you rest in peace. We will always fondlyremember & think of you!

Thanks for the Memories

2012-01-06T05:51:00.002-07:00

Ernie’sdaughter Laurel, called to thank me for making the Baby Grace album. Nice to be appreciated! Besides, it was FUN for me to make thislittle project!

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

2012-01-04T15:26:00.000-07:00

Ted was up& gone to deliver 2 antique chairs to Alberta Hospital early enough to be back by 9am. It rained like summer last evening and weweren’t sure he would go at all, unless it warmed up. Sure enough it did! Sitting around +10 C with no wind. Feels like Spring! I remember a few years back doing outside windowsin January . . . . Alison Cooke assured me all this nice weather is courtesy ofher & Terry who are South for the winter . . . implying that if they were home in St Albert, it would mostassuredly be -30!! lol

Leap Year!

2012-01-04T15:00:00.001-07:00

I did notknow until now that 2012 is a Leap Year, meaning Feb has 29 days and my friend Kathy can havea birthday!

The organizational Bug has hit! Ted is busy cleaning out rooms and bins. I was going to suggest Hell had frozen over,but that would be mean . . . . The foamroom was emptied and several tubs from under the work tables were examined& “dumped!”

Focus . . . one little word

2012-01-03T02:40:00.001-07:00

My one little word last year was Story and a year ofthe Story it was! I made some major breakthroughs in family geneology tracing my Dad’s ancestors back to the Black Sea region of Russia. Ididn’t participate in the class and now that I see what wonderful surprises arein store, I’m sorry I didn’t get to develop my word in 2011.

Yesterday I began a year long class of promptscalled One Little Word which isinstead of listing resolutions that go in one year and out the other.

The definitionof Focus, I had expected to discover. It means the concentration of attention or energy on something; tomaximize clarity or distinctiveness on something.

I hadn’t expected to go hunting for quotes aboutfocus. It was just what I needed.

Threeof my favorites . . .

Youcan't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.

Mark Twain

That's been one of my mantras - focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder thancomplex: Youhave to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple.

Steve Jobs

Concentrateall your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun's rays do not burn untilbrought to a focus.

Alexander Graham Bell

The year of the Vengeance of the Hot Flash?

2012-01-02T14:47:00.002-07:00

I can’t suffer all by myself! Oh no! You must suffer reading this! Bwah! ha! Ha!

. . . . here I was beginning to think that the hotflashes were over . . . there were so fewof them I couldn’t remember them. Littledid I know the hot flash demon wasjust saving them up! (Like the Brickclosing the store to get ready for a Big Sale)

DAY: As I sitat my computer, I have all my tools (besides what I’m working on) . . .blankets, Fleece robe, fan, 2 pairs of socks with slippers (because feet are alwaysfreezing), gloves (with fingers cut off so I can type!).

Each time the furnace cuts in: the fan goes on, thesweaters & robe come off. Blottingof wet face is optional depending on how soon I can get the fan on & theclothes off. Once hot flash ends, I immediatelyfreeze, so gloves go on, robe, sweaters, blankets get wrapped around my frigidbody. Repeat. All day long.

NIGHT: Whenheading to bed, I add flannel pajamas & a Magic Bag to my arsenal, becausewho can sleep with freezing feet? LatelyI have resorted to wrapping myself up in a fleece blanket to speed up thewarming process. Add a book to read . .. plus gloves (due to hands being outfrom under the blankets, turning the pages.) Occasionally I have a fur baby to heat up my neck. Also works toobliterate said Book. When the tailflicks up to poke me in the eye, the fur baby gets banished to the end of thebed. Fur baby is persistent,though. Process may need to be repeated.

After about an hour (or 3 or 4 chapters), the peskyHot Flash arrives and I fling off the blankets & change into pj shorts andt-shirt. Window is opened, and hopefullya stiff cold wind is blowing through the opening.

Now, if I could only coordinate a hot flash justwhen I’m crawling INTO bed . . . but NO! Never happens! When I wake up, I’m usually allred faced and completely soaked. Shower, quick!

And so go my days & nights. The only positive thing about the ordeal isthat hopefully I am burning calories with all the activity. If not, life may not be worth going on . . .

Hello 2012!

2012-01-01T18:39:00.006-07:00

I worked New Year's Eve and we had a gaggle of ladies who were determined to see 2012 in! The Lodge has a party for the residents every Dec 31st . . . .

This year has me excited as I can't remember being excited in past years . . . . maybe I've just forgotten but I'm pumped!

I am going to FOCUS on many things this year. That's my one little word for 2012. I've enrolled in a year long class that delivers prompts each month to reflect on the one little word each person has chosen. So much more effective than resolutions . . . seem to go in one year and out the other!

Twelve Days of Christmas

2011-12-29T15:51:00.004-07:00

I have resolved to be more focused in 2012 and to start off, I'd like to extend a lesson on the Twelve Days of Christmas . . . after the cartoon, I promise I'll get serious now . . . .

The Twelve Days of Christmas . . . are the 12 daysfollowing December 25th. The Christmas Season runsuntil Epiphany, January 6.

From 1558 until 1829, RomanCatholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someoneduring that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics.

It has two levels ofmeaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members oftheir church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religiousreality which the children couldremember.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

-Two turtle doves were the Old and NewTestaments.

-Three French hens stood for faith, hope andlove.

-The four calling birds were the four gospels ofMatthew, Mark, Luke & John.

-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law,the first five books of the Old Testament.

-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days ofcreation.

-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfoldgifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution,Leadership, and Mercy.

-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits ofthe Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness,and Self Control.

-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

-The eleven pipers piping stood for the elevenfaithful disciples.

-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelvepoints of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

So there is your historyfor today. I found it interesting andenlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol!

Christmas Day

2011-12-27T16:23:00.001-07:00

Family had other dinners to go to on Christmas Day so Ted & I went to the movies . . . not as busy as the last time, but busy enough as you can see.

" Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows"

A jolly good romp . . . I loved it and giggled all the way through.

Afterwards, Ted attempted to get my new PVR hooked up.

. . . but was unable to get our satelite signal "refreshed" which will give me time away from the TV to get caught up on some of my computer albums and photos!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-26T08:47:00.000-07:00

The day started with Emma helping wrap gifts . . . .

The tree srarting to fill up with gifts . . .

I set up the tripod for multiple shots and we had a blast making goofy faces and carrying on in general . . . . this is NOT one of the goofy shots!

The triplets!

the other triplets . . .

My handsome son . . . anyone have a nice daughter you'd like to marry off?

Scott brought the Funky Seamstress a funky t-shirt from Bonaire . . .

Emma was in the thick of it . . . she kept scratching at her festive "necklace" and the flower would spin around & around . her neck. . . too funny!

I lucked out with this one terra byte external hard drive!!!! That and a PVR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The day ended with Emma . . . exhausted but the center of attention as usual!

Last Day Working before Christmas

2011-12-23T10:38:00.001-07:00

This is Tara. She's our miracle gal that Ted hired this Fall. She had no idea she had upholstery talent in her hands when she started!! Ted is ecstatic that she does! ( I told him he doesn't have all bad luck after all!)

A Little White Christmas

2011-12-22T09:46:00.001-07:00

Overnight we had a little skiff of snow. That's more than enough for me . . . .

As you can see the Wing is still out. I don't think it's because Ted is hoping to go for a ride, rather there is no room in the shed . . . even the patio set is crying from the cold!

A Christmas Gift you Don't Want to get

2011-12-20T17:47:00.001-07:00

About noon today Kristin got this one . . . I hope I don't get one!

Christmas Flu Bug

Read My Lips . . .

2011-12-20T17:44:00.002-07:00

Emma was full of vim & vinegar yesterday as she "owned" the tree. I'd say she's a cat teenager about now . . .

I got out the spray bottle, but she took off, giving a red Christmas ball a swipe on the way by . . .

Last Minute Shopping

2011-12-19T11:28:00.002-07:00

Just a few stocking stuffers left . . . Ted found a wonderful cashmere top coat that looks amazing on him, don't you agree?

Silent Night . . . .

2011-12-17T15:46:00.004-07:00

Five on Friday

2011-12-16T19:38:00.002-07:00

1. Started working on a Christmas Album. Even though I LOVE digital scrapbooking, I still love messing around with paper and scissors and glue!

2. We had our Staff Christmas supper at Boston Pizza on Wednesday night. Tyler came from ST Albert . . . .

This is our new girl Tara and her sweetie, Dean Hadley.

3. Meanwhile, Scott, Stan and the gang in Slave Lake, (Mitsue Militia) were wrapping gifts for Santa. Stan was the guy who started the t-shirt blitz after the SL fire last May. Big Heart, has he. (my Scott is the one in the white hat ducking under the leaves!!)

4. Finished the bare bones of the Album. Just have to add photos and a few little do-dads to finish.

5. Ted is working on Gordie & Jean's furniture. We plan to deliver it Sunday.

That pretty much sums up the entire week. I am working one night shift tonight, then Monday. Then I have no shifts until Dec 30th. Good heavens! What happened?? We hired a temporary full time night shift gal, is what. It's been years since we didn't have to scramble at every turn! OMG!

Grandma's Goodies

2011-12-14T16:44:00.004-07:00

Grandma's parcel arrived from Whiterock this morning and Emma was doing the inspection as usual . . .

Cuties Playing in the Tower

2011-12-13T22:00:00.002-07:00

Squeaker

Emma

Emma getting a swipe in just as I'm taking a photo!

Dinner at Mum & Dad's

2011-12-12T15:06:00.003-07:00

Ted, Donna, Rod

Dad, Mum. Sean

Decorating the tree

Night Out

2011-12-11T20:54:00.001-07:00

Went with John & Marietta to a fundraising supper last night.

Raising funds for Make a Wish Foundation, sponsored by Westlock County Fire Fighters.

Four comedians performed and we had a good work out laughing. This guy was the best I thought!

Decorated a Bit More

2011-12-10T07:54:00.001-07:00

Of course, I didn't do it all by myself . . . I had some help . . . . unwelcome, I might add . . . .

I thought everything was in the steamer trunk . . .

But it appears I am missing a huge box of decorations . . . nothing for the tree . . . yet.

Seems CRS has been affecting me for YEARS!!!

Friday Funnies

2011-12-09T10:20:00.001-07:00

Christmas Letters Mailed!

2011-12-08T14:51:00.001-07:00

. . . about 35 of them . . .

And wouldn't you know it, it took three postal workers to figure out if a discount applied today or not! Remind you of the road crews, where one guy is digging and the other four are supervising???

Tuesday, all day . . .

2011-12-07T07:27:00.001-07:00

Sheesh! the days are short . . . kitties let out in the dark . . .

Getting my Christmas letters, etc printed out . . .

Before the day ended I got my Mom's parcel ready to send . . .

Awesome Day in the Bush

2011-12-06T08:28:00.001-07:00

Nothing better than a day out in the woods with the guys on motorized vehicles!

Couldn't have asked for a better day!

Braaaaap! Braaaaap!

Scott is in the Caribbean!

2011-12-05T22:55:00.001-07:00

Caribbean Princess with 19 decks

Flew from Toronto to Puerto Rico on Sunday

Will be visiting Aruba, Bonaire, Grenada, St Lucia and St Maartan, then back to Puerto Rico for a day.

Inside Room on the 12th Deck. Looks nice, eh?

Another Very Successful Christmas Party

2011-12-05T22:48:00.001-07:00

Always fun with out GWRRA friends! We were at the Milhurst community center, thank you Lloyd & Corky!

Music provided by our guys: Wasn't It A Party!; Don't Tear that Little Brown Bldg Down; The Biker, etc

Fred got into the song and acted all the words for us! What a hoot!

Run Susie Run! Let's see what you got . . . and if you get to keep it!

Arlene's Redneck Wine Glass!

Decorating . . .

2011-12-02T13:46:00.001-07:00

Starting at the front door . . .

December is Here!

2011-12-01T15:39:00.001-07:00

Time for a December screen saver and I really love this one! My babies in their Christmas sweaters from last year . . . .

And Of course, all the nuts come out of the wood work this time of year . . . I think he's pretty creative . . . (Thank heavens my daughter is already married! No reflection on your taste, Kristin, just saying . . . )

Movember Updates

2011-11-28T13:45:00.001-07:00

Local Gathering

2011-11-28T13:40:00.001-07:00

Local gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts in the Westlock area at John & Marietta's new home!

It just happened to be Emile & Lucy's anniversary too!

Busy Week

2011-11-27T15:38:00.001-07:00

Besides working 5 nights, I managed to find a bit of time to see "Breaking Dawn" with Kristin. It was amazing and we were gaping and discussing the wedding gown, which was awesome . . . . we are Twilight fans and loved the movie as well.

Even tried to get a couple of shots with my camera in the dark theater . . . Canon Power Shot is awesome!

Soup on a Cold Day

2011-11-21T13:25:00.001-07:00

Kristin promised to make me some Borscht soup! This is my All Time Most Favourite soup! I remember when I was a kid, my Polish Grandma used to make borscht and then send several quart sealers home with us. Kristin's tasted just like Grandma's!! Mmmmmm . . . . . .

And You Thought You were Having a Bad Day . . .

2011-11-20T16:56:00.001-07:00

Looking Out . . .

2011-11-19T15:04:00.001-07:00

This is what they see . . . .

Christmas Shopping

2011-11-17T11:14:00.001-07:00

Emma's new Christmas outfit. I think she can manage this one!

Not like the sweater last year, where she fell over like a fainting goat!

Movember update

2011-11-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

Winter is almost here!

2011-11-14T16:18:00.000-07:00

This morning just before the end of my shift, a resident went out in the snow in jammies & bare feet . . . I was very upset about it. Felt it was my responsibility, but this person lives right nest to an outside exit. Then I had to travel to St Albert in what seems like a blizzard . . . good thing I kept going . . . it dissapated about a mile south of Westlock! Picked up Kristin & her 4 bags . . . she has no vehicle so has to stay the week! I'm off until Friday so we can gab all week! :)

Blogging . . .

2011-11-12T10:49:00.000-07:00

. . . . isn't nearly enough fun without sharing pictures. I'm almost depressed about it. Blogger hasn't fixed the problem yet. *sigh*

First Snow of the Season

2011-11-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

Last night before going to bed, we noticed it had started snowing. This morning we awoke to a healthy skiff of the white stuff. Ted got out the snow shovel and cleared it away. The kitties went out and back indoors. Not happy with the wet. It'll take them a few days to get used to winter. :) na na na boo boo!

11-11-11 My Dad's 82nd Birthday

2011-11-11T09:25:00.000-07:00

Today would have been my Dad's 82nd Birthday! Unfortunately he died in 1978, but I still miss him and remember it like it was yesterday. He would have had snow white hair by now. Love you Daddy!

Four Lads Who Shook the World

2011-11-07T20:54:00.000-07:00

Wow! Really, really enjoyed the Mayfield theatre production of the Beatles Part 1. Great to remember those days as kids when Ed Sulivan had them on his show! Sang along . . . it was fine! And so was the company! There were 20 of us sitting in our superb seats, centre stage! Awesome!

Turn Clocks Back One Hour

2011-11-06T04:23:00.000-07:00

Daylight Savings Time is officially over for another year. November. Wow. A few short months and it will be March and time to shift time ahead one hour. Only 5 months of Standard time. Hmmmm . . . unless you live in Saskatchewan . . .

Blogger is Having Problems

2011-11-04T17:07:00.000-06:00

I have been trying to share photos with you for a few days and the site isn't uploading photos. Seems to be making a lot of bloggers upset, and no answers are forthcoming.

I hate bloggin without photos! I'm a visual person and it really bugs me! It's Movember and I have the starting shots of my boys . . . and if it snows, I will have photos of how much, etc.

November is Upon Us!

2011-11-01T18:36:00.001-06:00

It seems like only yesterday we turned the calendar over to 2011. Times flies! Even faster when the weather is warm and lovely. I checked through a few of my 365 projects from years past and trust me, we were under serious snow back then! Gives us much to be thankful for this year!

Happy Hallowe'en!

2011-10-31T11:16:00.001-06:00

A Rare Event

2011-10-31T11:12:00.001-06:00

I'm not a shopper . . . at least not in person, in the malls. So I had to capture some shots of WEM yesterday. I ended up buying one item, and walking the entire length of the Mall and back again. Good exercise I figure.

It's still an amazing place, though.

The best part of the trip was seeing this huge sea lion giving this tiny girl a kiss on the top of her head! I wasn't fast enough to catch it, but I think my shot is still not bad! Those sea lions move FAST!

Award Winning Costumes

2011-10-30T17:42:00.001-06:00

http://thefunkyseamstress.blogspot.com/ Check out Kristin's blog for full on pictures and information on how she designed and produced all the costumes! It's inspiring!

Above: Karen's cute skunk outfit Below: Scott & Jedi (aka Lorne) dressed for the party. You can see alternate make-up on Kristin's blog, as the boys had several parties to attend this weekend.

Costume Savvy

2011-10-29T12:04:00.000-06:00

Kristin has done her costume magic again this year! She added some shoulder pieces and a belt to Scott's wizard outfit from 2008 to make him something new! He wears drywall stilts to make him 8 feet tall!

Maxine . . . My Hero!

2011-10-28T11:20:00.000-06:00

Not a Creature was stirring . . . and then came the Mouse . . .

2011-10-27T22:20:00.000-06:00

T'was the night before Thursday and all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The Boss, he had settled a bit after eight
I headed for bed . . . hours after my mate.

Both fast asleep, in dreamland by now . . .
From under the bed . . . a feline's fierce growl.

Away to the dresser I flew for a flashlight
To see one of the kitties, a mouse in her bite.

"Something to play with was brought in the house,
Early this morning," reported my spouse.

The mouse, it was frisky and fast - quite a feature!
None of us got it, not even the Reacher.

Finally it ran behind the tall bookcase.
Admitting defeat, we gave up the mouse chase.

Now, how do I sleep with a mouse on the loose?
Will both cats be on duty making sure I can snooze?

Amazed, I awoke in the morning at ten . . .
Two cats on my legs, dead mouse by my bed.

Never a dull moment at the Brooks' house!

Doggie Halloween Parade

2011-10-25T18:08:00.000-06:00

Please check out these Doggie Halowe'en costumes, seen in New York City today! Good for a belly laugh! My fav is Number 3, Princess Beatrice's fascinator! Too funny!
http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20310838_20539615_21072083,00.html#21072097

Old Koot's Cruise

2011-10-16T12:33:00.000-06:00

Thank you all for coming out for the Rotary Dinner Theatre! I missed all five tables of you!

"Lovely Hula Hands"

Good News & Bad News

2011-10-14T14:05:00.000-06:00

Good News= the Rycroft books arrived today and are ready to go to their owners!
Bad News= cold medications are not touching this bug that I'm housing. The usual ones that usually work like magic for me, simply aren't cutting it. Eating throat lozenges and going through a box of tissues . . . I hate being sick! My kitties are sympathetic, but are cooking me out!

Friday morning I woke up without the sore throat, but the headache & runny nose continues . . . I'd better be cured by Show Time Saturday Night!!! The Rotary Play begins tonight!
p.s. Emma brought a mouse in this morning and got bored with it . . . so I see the little thing running by me when I woke up . . . darn cat! Door is getting locked!

Got What's Goin' Around

2011-10-13T11:19:00.000-06:00

It was bound to happen . . . enough people around me have had it . . . oh brother . . . .

Not getting out of my jammies today . . . *honk*

Five on Tuesday

2011-10-12T11:00:00.000-06:00

1. Kristin made these amazing lightening ties for her favourite band "White Lightening"
2. I was putting away clothes the other night and found Emma "pressing" Ted's shirt.

3. My daughter has taken up quilting! The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!!

4. Did you know my darling hubby has lost a pile of weight? New jeans and this is the FIRST time he buttoned this vest!

5. This is the FIFTH boat Ted & Kristin have worked on this Fall! They are thankful for the nice warm weather!

Cough, Cough, Cough!

2011-10-10T16:22:00.000-06:00

Grain dust is flying for blocks! Glad I didn't dust yesterday . . . LOL

Top Ten Travel Book is Done!

2011-10-06T12:17:00.001-06:00

Finally! It's coming in at 136 pages, the page below is #98. A bit tougher this year, due to technicalities. The Top Ten Destination Highways presented a challenge for me, because I usually don't care what the highways are! LOL But this year, they have a place of importance, so I had to check my facts. I'm still not going to guarantee I have them right . . . .

p.s. now to start the editing!! haha!

A Mouse in the House!

2011-10-05T11:23:00.000-06:00

Yesterday Emma brought me a gift . . . a live mouse. A big one. She got bored when it turned out to be a bit fiestier than she bargained for, and I was afraid it would be just me and the big mouse, so Ted rescued me with the Creature Reacher and flung said mouse back into the canola swaths!

So as punishment, they both (not the mouse) went to the vet clinic for shots and those horrible worm pills. Poor Squeaker was foaming at the mouth . . . Thanks to Marietta for the new kitty cage.

They weren't going to venture out. I had to retrieve them both. BTW, both are ridculously healthy.

Out in the Wind

2011-09-30T15:23:00.000-06:00

As a rule, the kitties hate the wind . . . but Squeaker found a spot she liked! These are pieces Ted has out in the yard drying out, so he can recover them. Has anyone noticed animals like vinyl seats? We see a lot of them half eaten . . . really

Amazing ride on Sunday!

2011-09-28T15:10:00.001-06:00

We joined the annual Toy Run for Santa's Anonymous, then went on our own ride to Victoria Settlement, just past Smoky Lake. What a great day for a ride! Hot, hot, hot! 30 C !

Unfortunately the Settlement was closed as far as water and washrooms were concerned!

Awesome decorations all through the town of Smoky Lake!

Garage party afterwards in Clareview! Chris made the most amazing pulled beef!

Costumes . . . oh my!

2011-09-26T12:19:00.000-06:00

Kristin went to Calgary this weekend and the Glenbow Museum had a Costumes & Cinema exhibit. I wish I had been there! Here are a few samples:

Kiera Knightly's dress from "The Duchess"

Johnny Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow outfit from the first Pirates of the Carribbean movie.

Renee Zelwegger's dress from "Miss Potter", the story of Beatrix Potter's writing.

Kate Winslet's dress & hat from "Sense & Sensibility", for which she won an Oscar.

Good Joke from Larry the new ACD for Edmonton GWRRA AB-B

2011-09-23T17:40:00.000-06:00

At a wedding party recently someone yelled,"All the married men please stand next to the one person who has made your life worth living."

The bartender was nearly crushed to death.

Great Night for a BBQ!

2011-09-15T12:51:00.000-06:00

The evening was really nice, but it cooled off fast!

Dave Bodnaruk had "butchered" the steaks for us . . . that translates to bought a big slab and sliced off the most delicious steaks I have ever tasted! Wlly & Larry cooked them to perfection!

What a feast! Baked potatoes, coleslaw & baked beans. Cake for dessert. Hot coffee. The best was the friends and fun we always have together in our GWRRA family! Another BBQ success!

Where the girls are

2011-09-13T06:58:00.000-06:00

Fall is the hunting season and my girls are stepping up their catches. We are finding feathers in the basement daily as well as Emma insisting on bringing live mice indoors! Their fav hunting spot is the field behind our yard. They disappear into the canola a few times a day . . .

I've Been Busy!

2011-09-11T14:15:00.000-06:00

This week I have been busy working nights (and trying to complete a photobook about our Rycroft weekend.) I will be doing double duty for awhile as the other night girl is off on sick leave . . . as well as the full time night girl. So that leaves me. Good thing I have a big visa bill to pay after our summer holidays, or I would find it difficult to find motivation to work all the extra hours! Ah . . . it's only money.

What a Weekend!

2011-09-05T17:54:00.000-06:00

After the first chilly morning, the weather was perfect! Not too hot, just PERFECT! We had a wonderful weekend. Here you see us posing at Dunvegan at an historic site, which our hosts had planned for us to tour.
Our rides included Cache Creek, Peace River & areas I had never been to. Pretty country and travelling with our 'family' of Goldwingers makes it all very special. Larry & Myrna Zahara showed us a great weekend of fun, food & friends. You just can't get any better than this!

Day Two

2011-09-03T07:31:00.000-06:00

There's frost on the pumpkin this morning! BUT,the sky is clear and the sun is shining . . . so I think it will warm up before too long! TTYL!

We're in Hinton!

2011-09-02T18:22:00.001-06:00

Our Long Weekend adventure has begun. It was panic there for a moment when Home Care at the Lodge was short today, but I begged off, at least for more than one hour extra time. Hair cut at noon, then pack & go.

Friday weather is not looking the best, but the forecast is for a lovely weekend and summer all next week! So far the wine is opened and we are waiting for the rest of the gang to arrive!

Just Another Day . . .

2011-08-31T18:43:00.000-06:00

I'm working all this week in order to go enjoy the Rycroft Trip this Long Weekend. Doesn't leave me much time for goofing off . . . here is what I see out my back door. The canola is ready for swathing. Great place for kitties to disappear and chase grasshoppers . . . or mice. As I write this, the two of them are tormenting a tiny mouse downstairs. The poor thing is screeching for its life; I think it is doomed.

I haven't posted a picture of our darling little girls for awhile. . .

My pile of knitted squares for Ali Cooke to take to the UK in September. Her sister collects 8 inch squares & makes them into knitted blankets. Turns out I REALLY love making these, although, 8 inch squares would be a stretch. Everytime I pick up a different yarn, the squares end up a different size . . . all the more fun (challenge) for the Brits!