December, keep your snow away!

 December showed up like a pet: all warm and lovey dovey, then changed into gorgeous ❄️ snow.  Then more, ok getting deeper, you can stop!  And thru the snow, I started my part time job:  Demo Dame!  So along with my joy at watching the goose feather snow flakes build into an ice creamy world, I was amazed at how much I enjoyed the new gig! 

Its no secret that I love Christmas.  I may not do the mega cookie bake a thon right now, but I’ve nearly done and wrapped gifts, my wee apartment is all decorated.  I discovered I have 31 Santas in my living room - not counting the smaller Russian “internal” Clauses.  The outside lights, which are sparse on the balcony, are up and lit! My tree is gorgeous with old time ornaments, and a splash o ribbon and I start most days with coffee and Youtube Christmas markets from Germany.  If you haven’t done a virtual tour of Christkindlemarts, you really should take a peak!

I helped my mensch set up his festive decor:  breath taking!  And he only set up a bit of his village, one tree and many gorgeous decorations.  It makes the season easier to handle, being included in his family’s celebrations.  The 24th, traditional spaghetti feast with his kids and grandkids at his place and unwrapping the gifts.  Christmas day at his son and daughter in laws, big meal, lots more family and a wonderful evening.  Then comes Boxing Day and the annual celebration at Sandys.  Many tales, many laughs and yes, many foods to enjoy.  Whats not to love?

I do miss seeing my family at Christmas, but winter and hours of driving are just a bit much.  So facetime, many phone calls will have to do. 

The latest event in life:  I’ve started painting again, thanks to my friend Maureen - and we have a table to sell our artistic efforts at an upcoming craft show.  I honestly think my paintings have improved this year, and I still find it hard to part with them but hey, it may be a new revenue generator for me.  Lol 

And so, another busy month for me with a couple of shifts as demo dame, some Christmas parties and friends and neighbors here to enjoy.  Temperatures were above zero today, and my life is going pretty smoothly!  

Take care all, keep between the ditches and see y’all next year.☃️🎄❄️🤶

November, and the weather is…Easy?

 Holy mackerel, its mid November.   And as I’m sure you lnow by now, unless you’ve been Living under a rock, the Jays did not win the World Series.  Qu’elle disappointment.  So now, onto Hockey!  And lets see what other activities will or Are on my mind and keeping me busy?

Well tis the season, almost.  And to that end I am so proud of myself, I’ve nearly completed my Christmas shopping!  You might recall the Great Kazoo Christmas of 2024, well hang onto your toques folks, there’s more in the stockings this year.  Think Harmonicas!  Always a fav and usually a Honer from Grandpa Friesen.  A cacophony of joyful noises, although it was mostly the inhale, exhale type of noise.  Those of you who’ve had the pleasure know of what I speak.  My Christmas budget however, is scant , since I remain unemployed and at the whim of my pension.  But wait, theres more! 

I gots me a job!  A demo merchandiser, as of yesterday.  So its some on site training and getting my schedule, and I could be be the Queen of handing out samples!  Should be good.  Seasonal? - probably, but its some needed extra loot. 

Which brings me to my newest side gig:  I’m going to sell paintings at a Christmas craft fair!  This as the result of my lovely wee Scottish friend Mo, who scouted out a venue and booked us as M&M Arts.  The fair is early December, so I need at least 24 pieces to present.  And price -  so since we havent done this before, there’s some guess work involved!! And so picking up my brushes, digging out some canvases, and finding my paints didn’t freeze and expire during the move, I have been happily binge painting.  And must say I’m fairly happy with the results.  As I explained, they aren’t perfect, but then neither am I! I am agog with anticipation!

So it seems my end of the year will be over flowing with activity!  And tonight, I hauled up my tree and garland from the basement storage, and as if turning my dining table into my art gallery wasn’t enuff, my living room is now a disaster as I figure out why one garland won’r light up!  On the bright side, my Christmas tree casts a seasonal glow over the apartment.  And that fills my heart with joy. 

There are days I can hardly believe my good fortune.  My life has taken a very positive turn, and for that I am eternally grateful.  I am so blessed.  And cant wait to see whats coming next. I’m feeling positive that faith carries me forward!  Who knew 70 could be so fun!

Take me out to the ball game…

 First it was a renewed obsession with hockey!!  The Habs are having an awesome season, great young players, and lets just say its tres exciting to watch.  Lol. 

And 2027 Greycup is in Saskatchewan!  OMG….if it wasn’t so damn cold in November - and lets recall several snowy football games - I’d bet I might go! Even though the CFL is dumbing down the game to satisfy its greedy sponsors, er Masters.  

But the real addiction now is, you guessed it, the Blue Jays!  What a year they are having! Watching the World Cup is amazing!  Game 5….oh yes, the Jays are hitting their stride.  Game 1…a bit deflating but Game 2.  Wow, they spanked the Dodgers, I mean embarrassed them in Toronto.  3-  uh oh, disappointing but 4 …I mean 18 innings.  We hung in until the 16th then sleep overtook. Tonight game 5… yup,  9 innings, victorious and now …game 6 in T’ranna….. and potentially winning the World Series.   I watch the games, at times so excited I cheer, clap, and yes some expletives.  Lol 

Watch we will, hoping not too many yard goblins disturb our viewing, being Hallowe’en and all,  so now I warned my man I’ve been converted: into a cheering hockey fan for the Habs and the Leafs…. . And to the Jays….which is much louder.  Of course His response?  “Oh great, now I’ve created a monster.”  Yes my dear, you have.

Happy World Series friends, heres to a win for the Blue Jays on Friday! 

Septembers fallin’ on me….

 I confess:  I woke up with good intentions.  Resolve.  Plans.  Big plans about housecleaning, a healthy breakfast, getting showered up and motivated!  I was well rested, feeling good, needing my first cup of coffee.  Every morning is a fresh start.

“I will not let the evil in our world pull me down” was my mantra as I slogged to the coffee maker.  My hair looked like Cindy Lou Who …howd that old woman get in my mirror.  Never mind, I shall don my wonderful wig and become you g and pretty (hey, a gal can dream can’t she?) then, engage cheerful morning music, Check!  Now this is better.

Then emails, any exciting new job opportunities?  Yes, I’m looking for part time gig, and have sent out many applications..  even was interviewed.  No matches just yet, but ever the optomist, i carry on looking. 

Morning check in with social media, arghhh now that was a mistake.  Down the rabbit hole I fell, deleting., blocking, hateful comments about a recent murder , and subsequent crap on Faceplant.  Nope, not gonna let the evil comments ruin my morning.  I have a great day, night and weekend ahead of me!

Speaking of which, its 22C and sunny, light breeze, gorgeous fall morning here.  And so I sit, occasionally gazing at the to-be-dusted surfaces around me (must I tackle the venetian blinds or can they survive another day or ten?) my breakfast of a wonderful juicy orange and carrot muffin with cream cheese was hours ago, now I hear a sandwich woth fresh lettuce on rye calling my name…yes, the life of a retired old gal is a good one. 

I am rich, rich with good friends, a handful of whom or who ? I’ll have dinner with tonight.  Accompanied by my very handsome, very charming man.  Conversation will no doubt orbit around current events, the Blue Jays pitcher, cars, Football (CFL if you please - go Riders) etc.  i may never be wealthy, but my life is pretty dang wonderful.  My family are healthy, and remain spread over western Canada and round the world.  I can’t wait for hockey to fire up!  Yup, getting close to “the season”.

So I will continue with my day.  At times I really do need to motivate myself to get off my arse, get going - get my chores done!  Self discipline has never been my strong suite. Okay, I gave up my bad habits 2 years ago, but remain a carnivore (albeit a low budget one) and try to live a more or less healthy life.  Hey I put lettuce in my sandwich, doesn’t that count? Lol

And I do my best to surround myself with love and happiness.  I watch stuff that makes me laugh out loud,  mostly avoiding the blood and guts John Wick crap on TV.  I did get hired to work the municipal election for a 12 hr shift in October, so thats a positive!  

I leave you with this quote  “The mind is everything.  What you think, you become,” Buddha.  I think I’m going to have a great month!  I hope y’all do to. 

Say hello, say goodbye…that was my July!

 What a trip!  I've been home now for a week, sometimes glued to my recliner, sometimes out and about, being squired to share a bite with friends, and some days, like today, in full lounge mode!  Calm tunes on, coffee nearby, in my “sleepy pants” just grooving with my slow thoughts.  Yup, this is what being retired isabout.  Do I feel guilt that Im not out for a brisk walk?  Not painting a memory from the trip?  Not going out with friends?  Nope.  This is just fine.  Tis now August long weekend, my 70th.  I feel good.  Its sunny out, kind of hot, so the day wont be spent indoors, I am sure. 

“August creates as she slumbers, replete and satisfied” What a cool quote!  Its been described as a slow almost melancholic month, from the top of the ferris wheel that is August one can almost see the end of the year creeping up on you. But tis not all downhill!  It’s giving me time to reflect on the past weeks on an amazing road trip to Ontario.

Armed with coffee, egg salad sandwiches, and a reliable vehicle, my man and I headed east! The occasional pee breaks,  we whipped thru Saskatchewan into Manitoba, and into Winnipeg for the night.  He took me for a marvellous dinner, and in the lovely weather we dined outside, where I had an epic portion of pickerel fried in “a shitload” of butter.  It was amazing! He swore I got a whole fish! Then back on the road to Thunder Bay.  My first Arby’s meal in decades…budget dining!  Lol a third day on the road, and this time we drove through miles of lakes, and the Canadian Shield. Gorgeous!  I mean huge cuts through massive gorgeous rock, layers, colours - and lakes!  Mind blowing.  Occasionally we stopped for a Subway (i love their tuna salad..lol) and a surprise stop by a lake.

Now I  talking through the bush, on a skinny grassy lame, to a very romantic spot, with a big smooth rock coming put of the water.  Where a person could easily slip and fall if they were unlucky. It was a place I’ll never forget!  Filled with wild flowers, blueberries not quite ready to pick, and birdsong.  Yup,  lovely! And not a black-fly in sight.

Then onwards to our destination that evening New Liskeard Ontario. Travelling with the local, ex pipeline inspector, Former road construction dude I learned where he paved, raked, etc through the area.  And where hed pipelined, what the little yellow signs meant…very cool!  A running dialogue made miles tick by. 

So we’d arrived, stayed for a few days, and were treated just awesomely by his sister-in law and her hubby.  And their daughter and her family…great people!  My concerns were gone, I felt welcomed and loved.  It was great!  Also my first Chip Stand experience!  OMG why cant I get these in Alberta?  Fresh cut from Russet potatoes, twice fried…amazing! 

Onto Arnprior, his sister’s place, where her hubby and their grown daughter lives.  Shes a ball of energy, cooking, canning, knitting…lol I have a gorgeous new pair now!  Then onto the grandsons wedding, outdoors, at White Lake, 30C…very scenic, the wedding party were gorgeous, and after we danced and ate and I met More family! Im so glad I had a big sunhat, since others got a wee sunburn. And on day 4 I fulfilled another goal: beavertail! Big flat fluffy fried dough, with brown sugar and cinnamon, heaven!

We’d made a quick trip to Toronto, then stayed at a glorious casino in Pickering on the return.  Huge suite, great hot tub, loved every minute of it. TO however made me nervous, I dId not belong there! 

So back to his sisters and a day exploring Ottawa.  It was good, sunny, and saw many sites.  The War Memorial which looks huge on TV, was much smaller! I saw the Rideaux Canal, the Parliament buildings, and had a shady cold drink where we people watched.  And now I can say I understand The Humidex.  38C of Sweat!  Lol its smothering.  I’ll take dry heat any day.

So I was convinced he’d planned a romantic dinner in Ottawa for my birthday.  When actually we were taking sister and her hubby to the wee town of Carp, to the ag grounds for a Bingo!  Where everyone parked on the grounds, ate fantastic pie ($5 a slice and they sold out of hundreds of pieces!) Where I got stuck in the fence much to the amusement of three ladies sitting on their endgate drinking wine, had my name announced with a birthday greeting, And had a cake waiting for me when I returned from the trip to the biffy.  A birthday I shall never forget!  It was Perfect! 

Eventually we bid adieu, one more family stop in Sudbury (worse roads ever!) then home along The Big Lake they call Gitchee Goomee.  It was Huge and we drove alongside it for a full day.  Beautiful? It was like being in a Group of Seven painting!  White Pines - look magical!  Rugged rocks, endless lake vistas…I loved it.  And waterfalls?  He made sure I got the full meal deal as they say.  Just wonderful.  Kakabecca Falls .. everything I dreamt it would be.  Yup, trip o a lifetime.

Now in 1991 I made this trip on motorcycle on the way to Nflnd.  In the rain.  In a hurry.  But it was nothing like this past July.  Did we get tired of each other?  Nope.  Did his family no accept me?  On the contrary they were loving and kind and welcoming! And fun! 

I checked off my 3 goals: chip stands (almost daily!) beaver tails and poutine.  Hot weather, no blackfly bites, some rain, a lot of smoke on the way home!

Speaking of the return trip we took an extra day and stayed in Saulte St Marie overnight.  My new fav city!  Gorgeous national historic site at the Mills.  Lovely stroll, fab dinner out, and amazing hotel room.  I cant get over the size of the lakes, the maple leaves, oak trees…loved it!

And now, older and wiser, I’m home, happy, and reflecting on many August long weekends past.  My first long car vacation, hoping not my last!  Its coming end of summer now.  Gardens are giving fresh treats.  People are dealing with sweltering Alberta weather, and sadly birds are starting to flock up. 

It’s a last stand. “It’s a smile, it’s a kiss, it’s summertime “

“The things that make me different are the things that make me.” Winnie the Pooh

 What the heck!  Am I worried?  Worried about another birthday? A new decade?  Holy mackerel…change is the only constant in my life?  Not really.  Joy, happiness, love…these are, and continue to be, my life’s  fuel.  

Lets be real, I have experienced sadness, loss and melancholy.  Like every other person on the planet, ever.  Unlike some, however,  I found a strength, a faith, and a way to continue on.  I’ve been accused of wearing rose coloured glasses…not true!  Not a PollyAnna, but a woman who looks forward to what is about to be.  My next adventure…lol maybe this lack of common sense and fear is why I was successful in my career?  Who knows!

June whizzed by, I worked on my tan, my budget and my ability to be a good friend.  A good daughter, and a good sweetheart.  Many enjoyable lunches out.  Many chicken wings!  Some really delish, some meh and one OMG what are these? Blech! True fact: ice cream sundaes are my weakness.  A hint to those seeking a hot relationship - it’s ice cream sundaes.  Yes my single seekers, a casual offer of ice cream is the way to our hearts! Lol

On that vein, I no longer think of myself as a single lonely old widow. I have a fabulous relationship, which I’m sure you discovered in my earlier blogs.  And it never ceases to amaze, nay - dazzle me! Now my weekends include my new “family” group,  fun, beautiful people.  Hot summer afternoons in the pool, “going for a float” since my swimming is more like floundering.. Lol. 

But wait, there’s more.

My man is taking me along to his grandsons wedding in July.  In Ontario.  Where All the other family members reside!   Sister, sister in law, cousins, brothers in law, grandchildren, his eldest son & family and school friends.  Holy Moly!  And we leave, driving, tomorrow morning, b&e! (Bright and early) 

Now my man is a travellin’ man.  He’s worked on the road as a contractor in the oil & gas world for many years.  And makes the drive to the Ottawa valley at least once a year.  He worked in the Maritimes, and vacationed throughout so hes really “at one” with long hours on the road.  And long hours there will be!  First day on the road destination is Winnipeg.  Next night in Thunder Bay.  Then on to Arnprior ON staying with his sister in law and her husband.   A big day!  

We’ll be going to Toronto (T’ranna) for a nite, and I've been promised a tour of Ottawa. Will it be a whirlwind of new people, who may have different ideas and ways than I’m used to?  Oh definitely!  I’m agog with anticipation! I am looking forward to hand cut fries and vinegar, poutine, and beaver tails.  Lol maybe not so excited about the humidity, or black flies but I have been reassured I’ll be fine!

My suitcase is packed.  im ready to go!  Which brings me to another short albeit freaky tale.  If you’ve known me for many years, you know I love traveling.  To the pointcwhere I pack at least 3 days before I am to leave.  So night before last, my bags on my bed, I was watching the Tube, when I heard a hell of a racket - fire alarm!  Around 11:45.  Once I realized this wasnt just my apartment, I grabbed my keys and purse then Wait a Minute!  If the building burns my vacation would be ruined!  With that light bulb going on I grabbed my bags, my insulin out of the fridge (gotta stay healthy), snagged my purse and hustled to the muster point,  along with all the other tenants in my 4 story condo building!  One young fellow said Sheesh how’d you pack so quickly?  Lol. I said “I’m leaving for a 4 week holiday in a day so I was packed already!” Lol By the time we all were out, I could hear the sirens and the fire trucks arrived.  People had their pets snuggled under their robes, most were in pajamas looking concerned.  But happy ending:  the apartment above me had a lamp that started on fire!  Thank god not an all consuming conflagration.  By 12:45 the nice firemen were letting us all inside (giggling at my packed bags) and by 2 a.m. I was sleeping.  

No one can say my life is boring.  In fact, in a couple of weeks I’ll be turning 70.   Uhuh.  Another decade.      Of what New exciting things on the horizon? This past decade had sorrows, loss, some joys and change along with new discoveries, new relationships and challenges.  Now I see a new journey on new roads.   And who knows what lies in store? 

In the words of Piglet “I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today.”

Oh my goodness, its Hockey Playoffs!

 Its amazing how a person’s perspective changes as they “mature”, and lately my perspective has had a major change.  I may have mentioned a month or so ago that I was a rebooted Habs (Montreal Canadiens) fan.  Then when last years Stanley Cup was in its final playoffs, I found I was enthusiastically cheering on the Oilers.  And Now in round 2 of the playoffs, with my precious Habs out golfing with the Canucks and Senators (you hockey die hards know what that means) we’re down to three Canadian teams in the playoffs, round 2.  Its a big hairy deal!  The Leafs, the Oilers and the Jets remain!  

Now the reason its a big hairy deal, is because The Man, who I’m seeing on a pretty regular basis, is a full blooded, die hard, life long Toronto Maple Leafs fan.  I mean on a Rider level of hard core fan!  On a level equal to my dad.  Big Al loved the Leafs.  So now, each evening I watch hockey.  yes, you read that right.  Its becoming a big hairy deal for me!  Games are exciting!  I almost remember who’s playing for which team.  Heck I even listened to the trades…when Marchand was sent to Florida and who I now boo like the rest of the world. During tonights game, I was yelling at the referees, cheering on players, and once in a while encouraging my team to “put ‘em in the boards”.  

When the Leafs won tonight in the 3rd period, after the Panthers pulled their goalie, it was down right exciting enough my pulse quickened, I was cheering louder, until “settle down girl” got my attention. And that from my Super-fan man!

The week is planned around who plays when, and social outings inevitably turn to hockey standings.  I wore a t-shirt today at lunch that had a big Maple Leaf on the front with the words “Once.  Just once before I die” on it.  Leaf fans, the true fans - know what thats about,  The last time they won the big one, the Stanley Cup was in 1967.  So upon entering the pub to meet our friends, I was greeted with OMG I need a photo of your shirt…and other comments, because those folks all knew what it meant. 

Which brings me to my new happy place.  After a lifetime of detesting the Leafs, I find myself cheering them on like a mad woman.  Much to the disappointment of my hard core Habs fans.  Lol This new passions for Hockey has created stronger connections with family, friends and my fav super-fan.  I’ve been converted. 

Well let’s see how this series ends up.  I’m pretty hopeful one of the Canadian teams will end up inthe final playoffs! Now if the referees could just remember to bring their whistles. 😉