Hey, Summer is almost gone , but I’m back! See ya Wanda! 😎

 Mid September, how did that happen?  July was a scorcher!  No rain, lots of sun…perfect summer weather!  Ice cream, sitting in the shade, ok and the A/C….heck it was a lazy,  hazy, crazy summer! What was new?  Well I’ve made it another circle round the sun and turned seventy one!  Teehee… that is so weird and tho theres more grey in the hair,  I feel maybe 50?  🤓  Occasionally I miss my cat.  Yup.  She was a good warm snuggler buddy.  But I do not miss the hair, cat litter or endless cat toys under foot.  I did however get to cat sit Sage: a grey domestic attention hog kitty belonging to friends who journeyed east for a family wedding.  What a nice kitty!  Soft as velour, always happy and chatty….and now she knows me and begs for pets everytime I am at their place.  Cat craving satisfied. 😻

Some wonderful cruises in his convertible and sun in the hair, yes that makes me feel young and alive!  In fact, my ma was feeling under the weather, and in Tumbler Ridge BC they are somewhat isolated.   So I felt the need to go see her.  Its an eleven hour journey, which I could do but didn't think I could do it in one stretch.  Enter my hero and boyfriend Ken, lanky tanned man who just happens to offer me a ride.  In the convertible no less!  Off we zoomed, it was a bit rainy until Edmonton, then we dried off the Benz for a few more quick hours and got to Mom and Bobs by dinner time!  On our way we saw antelope, lots of deer, and a “swamp donkey” (moose)  Kens a very good driver, and was grinning the whole way cause he got to drive the way his car was supposed to be driven.  (Thats code for gitty up and go! And we did, that dang car you can’t feel it shift and all of a sudden yer given er!). I’m so glad we made the trip, it was great to see Bob amd Momsy, .

Ken got a tour of the town and a trip to a coal mine, and mom and I had an afternoon to visit.  She’s 89 now, and her feet bother her.  She’s a tough old bird but in the 9th inning of the game.  I love her to bits 🥰 We face-time 3 or 4 times a week so I’m happy for that. 

Summer guests came and went at Kens house, hes such a good host,  and a very good cook! Makes a meam steak dinner!  And hes very good to me too. I mean he took me on a 22 hr round trip!  Amazed I am. 

August came, and my old friend  “Wanda” showed up.  Thats code for wanderlust, a deep yearning to travel and see old friends.  And I do have old friends from my days with Mac.  My buddy Wally and his lovely wife Neva are in Montana, and they urged me to join them in Sturgis South Dakota for a few days.  Now you would know in my waaaay past life I used to ride to Sturgis for bike week.  19 times actually with my first husband.  And sundry other ne’er do wells. Terry, Ray and others and a few who’ve left us - Palmer, Randy.  RIP boys. Well I pondered the trip.  This would definitely be a solo venture, as Ken HATES motorcycles.  Lol.  So, I found I still had my air mattress, made for the back of my car, blankets, some camp gear, And a bunch of Maps (Mac was always ready for an adventure!) it was a sign!  Go for it, yer a big girl was his blessing, so packed, fueled up I made the almost twelve hour drive thru Montana, a sliver of Wyoming and arrived in Peidmont South at the campground to find Wally, Nevah, Mark and a few soon to be friends waiting with a cold brew! It was great!  Some were into the ‘Shine, I was too tuckered from the drive to partake with more than a beer.  Lol we breakfasted at the American Legion where a major served me biscuits and gravy, then we went into town in Wally’s truck to see the sites.   Hundreds of thousands of bikes, not sure how many rode there because every campground was swamped with campers and trailers.  After three nights, It was time to head north.  I am glad I satisfied my wanderlust, but I tell ya: you can’t go back.  After a 30 year absence from Sturgis bike week, it was not the way I remembered it.  No scooter tramps, no “bike talk” heck its all a big fashion show, huge bars, and very scantily clad women.  Lots of police, saw many cars stopped on the highway, a crapload of clubs. And for the first time in many years, I did not bring home even one tshirt!!!  Hell I still have t’s from 1981.  Lol yup, that was a last great trip, I wont go back.  At least no further than Montana!

Ken and I hit the pool a couple of times.  We cruised to see my crazy friends Tracy and Winston, circled home through Lethbridge to see one of his old troop mates.  Oh yes, we stopped to see George and Martha, my Hutterite friends which was wonderful!   It was good to keep in touch.  I keep busy here as  I started playing rumolli with friends in the condo.  So far I still have lots of nickles!  

My bff since grade 9 Deb and her hubby moved off their grain farm to the big smoke Calgary.  Eunice and Ron stopped during the Jazz Festival.  And my man takes me to brunch lunch and the odd Friday nite dinner with our wee mob of friends.  Now its fall, his garden is nearly done and we await the start of Hockey!

So far so good.  My far flung family seems to be doing well.  And his sons and their women are awesome!leaves are starting to turn, harvest is winding up around here, geese are flying and birds are flocking up.  Yup, it was even jeans and hoodie weather last week.  Autumn is a beautiful time of year.  Maybe one more trip to the mountains eh?  

 

June and hot weather 😄

Color me…content?  A warm, overcast day on the prairies.  Light breeze carrys the scent of blooming Russian Olives…birds serenading…this is the life.

Ok so income tax bill…not the first in my life.  I will and am dealing with it.  Sadly no unused body parts for sale, over nearly 71 years they’re all high mileage. 😃 No rust, most original parts (most 😅) noisy exhaust and starts first kick! Lol 

Sitting on my deck, its tanning time, at least for a bit.  My deck is wee, but works!  A new cushion on my vintage bright yellow chair, and my tiny footstool and i feel luxurious!  No room service, but a yummy breakfast with oj and coffee out here feels almost vacation-like!

The spring came early in May, lots of blossoms on the trees then Blam…cold, high winds, even snow! …petals everywhere so likely not a lot of fruit.  Which sucks for the birds! Then came heat: 30C plus…dry, T Storms, very typical Alberta spring.  Or almost summer?

The family pool is open so thats an opportunity to “get my burn on”.  Right now I am comfortably relaxing in bikini top and cutoffs…exposing a rather pale expanse of belly and cleavage.  They’ll tan quick enough. 

Neighborhood walkers don’t notice me, lurking behind a leafy tree.  Suits me fine. Speaking of walking, my goal is a quick walk each morning before coffee.  It can be done!  It’s invigorating to get out, hear the birds, observe the pond (still no frog songs) and see the other iPad addicts on their respective decks.  Dogs t scramble out to woof at me.  And I get to snoop backyards, see who’s making an effort and who is letting their petunias shrivel in the heat!  

My friends garden is small but mighty...peas, rows of yellow beats, onions and carrot - towered over by thriving tomato plants, allows me a chance to scratch my itchy green thumb. And to thin the carrots cause bunnies need to eat too! He takes meticulous care of his property…it is emerald green, except where Choppsy the Bush Bunny nibbled is rather short. 🐇 

There is no one about!  Just my AC kicking on sporadically and mellow tunes from my apartment to keep me company.  The suns out now, red winged blackbirds singing, crickets sayin “it’s gonna rain tonight” and distant traffic.  I love it.  Retirement is good.  Three years ago I wouldn’t have believed how calm, happy and healthy I am feeling!

Spring has sprung and almost nice weather!

 Ah April..grass is greening up, recent light snow are gone again, and the bunnies are active!  Crows, the odd robin, very cheery finches…yes morning seem hopeful that full on Spring approaches! 

This sunny April 1st was no joke.  I awoke in my bed, with access to the whole thing…all four pillows and a very soft fleecy blanket at 7:30.  Up I got, had a Robax to relax my potentially stiff back, then snuggled into my warm comfy nest in the bed.  No pain.  All warm, greeted by my friendly sunbeam…perfection.  My cell phone acts as my television remote, so I press a few buttons and the calm, soothing music I selected on Youtube before calling it a night came over the airwaves…bliss.  This dear readers is a new indulgence, usually ocean resort tunes, while enjoying my sun beam.  I think I might be a house cat?

There was a full moon last night, which since I’m a Cancer, I tend to bla,e for insomnia, and which I can also blame for me not able to settle.  So I did what needed to be done at 1 a.m.m, I washed my kitchen floor.  Lol.  This meant my house, filled with peaceful vibes this sunny morn, was shiny clean!  Excellent, as the days plan included a handsome tall guest at 10:30, then lunch with ‘da gang’ at noon.  

As I had my 1st coffee of the day, I reflected on my current life.  And concluded I am blessed!  Yes, 3 yrs ago it all seemed to crash down on me when I lost my hubby, but I survived.  And now thrive!  Not all those who loose a spouse do.  I had a great life with Mac, he was smart, generous, loving and it was always Go big or go home!  No complaints.  

But now, having moved to Alberta, I find myself involved in a new life.  I am so blessed to have a pleasant cozy apartment, a 26 year old Ikea bed which is soooo comfy, food in my fridge and cupboards…some very wonderful friends and a man who protects, provides, and cherishes me.  He has rekindled my love for hockey, and ice cream bars!  And. His bed isn't uncomfortable either 😘 Speaking of spring, after lunch we sat on his deck, and soaked in a warm sunny day, complete with two bush bunnies happily chomping on his newly green lawn!  

I on the other hand, appreciate his willingness to try my experimental attempts at cooking, and even dared to have a slab of fried Spam!  Ok, I think that was a one off…lol. P

mother Nature the prankster has promised cooler wetter weather tomorrow.  Oh well, tis spring on the prairies.  Tomorrow I will resume my senior citizen (did I really say that?) routine…maybe a whip through Costco, check my friends house plants again, then work on an art project.  

Life is good!  I feel good, he’s healthy….i have nothing to compain about.  Maybe splurge on a lottery ticket.  70 million samolians wouldn’t be too tough to take! A gal can dream can’t she..

.  

Holy Crap, I’m Old?

 Today is a new year, a new decade, 2026.  Ok I sort of slid through January, but I was busy.  Yes dear readers, at my ripe old retired age of 70, I am back in a very casual workforce.  I am now Demo Diva, doing sample tasters in a local supermarket.  And I love it! Although it requires some organizational skills, a bit of reporting and definitely food handling hygiene ,  its mostly being friendly with shoppers.  And having “the gift of gab” for me, its perfect!  And pays great.  Thus far, I work for a marketing company in Texas “Yeehaw” and depending on which company wants their product flogged determines how many weekends I work.  January was great, 7 six hr shifts, Feb 5 and so far I'm booked for 2 in March.  A shift is 6 hrs…this is where my 70 yr old ankles came into play.  Yeah.  And 70 yr old knees, back…it means really good shoes (which I have) and a mat to stand on (which I was gifted at Christmas by some much younger friends).  What do I make?  Well thus far , pogos or corndogs, little Italian appy skewers (no little Italians were harmedA) and cheeeese.  😋

Most important, it gives me a bit of financial wiggle room, come end of month.  Since I am no financial genius, it can be tight around the 22nd.  So I’m having fun, and my freezer and cupboards are well stocked.  Heck I even splurged on a prime rib  roast (on sale of course) which felt luxurious!

So speaking of aging, now I am living in fair stable health, but all those years of motorcycle adventures have caused arthritis in my feet and hands.  Why?  Cause they went thru the air at average of 65 mph sun, rain, cold, hot for 55 yrs.  😎. It was fun, it was thrilling, but now I creak getting out of my recliner, and crackle first thing in the a.m.

And what did this young at heart widow do next? I let myself be talked into Scottish Country dance.  Uhuh.  Picture a Clydesdale Horse clomping around with a room full of graceful cavorting  ponies.  The next morning my delicate, slim ankles did not work.  Nope.  Sore.  Really sore.  So again, Tylenol, Voltaren, a tensor bandage…yikes!  I tried the next week, Nope.  Because I had a couple of 6 hr shifts coming up, I’ve decided to give up Dashing White Sargeant or Strip the Willow for now.  

Currently my feet are up, coffee in hand, enjoying James May trying goofy kitchen gadgets on TV. My life however, is never dull!  I’ve returned to painting, some Diamond Dotting, and with my amazing boyfriend, we go for some pretty fun meals with friends.   Right now the Olympics have stopped regular hockey, so we watch the Canadian team play.  Not bad.  

Last night we tried a Chophouse in Taber with friends, where I had the most abysmal vodka martini ever!  I do love a dry vodka martini.  Ideally shake. With ice, strained into a chilled glass where a vermouth bottle had been placed, unopened, beside it.  With a twist of lemon peel, or 3 skewered olives.  Last nights drink had None Of That.  Warm, vodka, tasting of pickle and soap, in an old style champagne glass….I sent it back but was still charged $15 for it. Lesson learned.  

I enjoy slothing about.  I have wonderful friends, near and far, and Far Out 🤪 and really like where I live.  And tomorrow?  Being taken to dinner, “dress up” was the only clue as to where, which I can hardly wait for!  My life is better than I’d imagined it would be.  With all the bad things out there, and man there’s a lot, I thank God everyday for how blessed I am.  

Now, chuck in the laundry, empty the dishwasher and enjoy my Friday ❣️

Till next time.  “The more we count the blessings we have, the less we crave the luxuries we haven’t”  William Arthur Ward

  

Deck them Halls Y’all!

🎄𞀝  So 70 Christmasses so far!  And today, as the sun beams into my livingroom, I can’t  help waxing sentimental…”senti”, not just mental, over Christmas past.  

Back in the day, lets say early yp’s, I have a vivid memory of Christmas in Osler.  In our small house, laying on the floor peeking under the bedroom door, watching mom and dad playing with our gifts.  Entranced by the wind up airplane, a DC 10?  A walking doll..do they still make them?  My easy bake oven!  Proudly presenting my dad with a weird chocolate cake baked under a light bulb!  Yes back in the day, ome big gift, a few little ones (do you remember Life Saver books? With the Good flavours?  Rootbeer, wintergreen?). One year a 6 man wooden sleigh!  All of us would fit on this thrill of a lifetime ride down a hill!

Then onto the day at my grandparents:  fiddle music, oranges and ribbon candy.  The boys always got combs and harmonicas and we girls got comb, mirror and brush sets.  Which I never remember using.  Then a glorious dinner with all the family, 10 around the table..wonderful desserts, then sit and watch Hymn Sing.  Or read a nee Golden book. Yup, a simple happy time.  

Eventually the cousins would arrive, always in matching dresses and fancy hair.  They were “city cousins” so they had fancy gifts! Little broaches with real mink fur, siamese cat ornaments.  

Now jump to the 80’s, in my own home, first marraige, we were bikers!  Fools if you ask me now.  But oh what fun…having friends over in our tiny house, with a 1947 Harley Knucklehead motorcycle sitting in the living room as it was being rebuilt.  I can’t imagine putting up with that today, and womder how the heck we wrestled that big bike up the steps in in the door?  Lolcrazy times, empty beer cans decorated our tree, too much partying my friends, too much.  

Then onto the west coast - fabulous walks thru the big Eatons, Sears and the ultimate The Bay!  Yes huge window displays, lights, Salvation Army bands, Santa and his kettle…seems like a 100 years ago.  And at the time, my own personal Santa husband who had no brakes when it came to shopping.  Did I mention The Bay?  He not only shopped like Clause, he was the spitting image of Santa!  Oh what fun!  

So many Santa visits to small communities, Christmas concerts, he was a huge hit!  The beard, the twinkle in his eyes, the impressive Santa suit (no padding required) it was a fabulous time.  I remember acting as his “handler” listening and secreting out kids names, then whispered in his ear ,,,”thats Tommy, he isn’t sure he believes in you this year”  I’ll never forget the reaction ” Tommy?  He’d boom out, “I hardly recognized you, you’ve grown!”  And this kid would get huge eyes, suspiciously approach but beam when he was recognized by The Big Man in Red.  

Then decorating our house, wreathes, garlands, lights, at least three trees all decked out.  And bring in the friends and neighbour's, fireplace crackling, carols playing - we had so much fun!  And Christmas parties?  Santa and I both loved to cook, bake, and bring out the cheer!  Did you know Christmas was our 2nd last urkey of the season?  There was Thanksgiving Turkey, then a Practise or American Thanksgiving turkey, then Christmas turkey and early January his Birthday turkey!  I always ended up with gallons of turkey broth and gravy in the freezer.  Yup, in fact when we lived in Dawson Creek we had 7 trees.  A huge Christmas gathering, gluewien, more cookies than I can shake a stick at, a fabulous time!

We ended up on Vancouver Island, and toned down the celebrations a bit.  Then in early spring 2023 Santa was gone.  I decorated the apartment, played some movies and carols, tried a stuffed frozen turkey roll, and even with friends around me, it was basically me and the cat.  Kind of sad, very lonely.

But today?  I’m back in the prairies!  Thanks to friends old and new, my Christmas is very merry indeed!  A new Santa in my life - no red suit, no beard, but a generous caring heart.  I do cook occasionally, he never fails to say “thank you, that was delicious” except perhaps after I introduced him to tuna casserole one time.  Last night he again took me to look at Christmas lights, walk thru a magical display, and confidentially, I seem to have landed another die hard Santa!  I am blessed.  Again this year I get to enjoy being part of his ever growing family, the traditional Spaghetti dinner and gift opening with them all on the 24th, then turkey and ham (and this year I’ll bring cranberry sauce) more gifts and the whole family at his son and daughter-in-law’s beautiful home.  I think she’s got 4 trees?  Could be a brown Christmas, not much snow here, but who cares? My wee apartment is all decked out, a tree, lights, and 31 little Santas. Lol

Then onto Boxing Day with Sandy which has been going on since the 70’s.  Food, laughter, friends, some Post Christmas cheer! I’m so glad to live here. I feel so blessed.  I miss my family yes, i miss my cats, and sometimes get a bit verklempt looking at the Santa figurines and pictures of Christmas past.  And then count the many blessings I enjoy, and look forward to another year of love, family, new family, friends old and new.  Tho at 70 I seem to have more old than new 😉  

Here’s to another Christmas, another year of joy, of health and blessings.  Love and blessings to you all 🎄🤶

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!