May 16, 2016. 4 days of Holly:
What is this??? a slipper! its my new toy, what's THIS?? A flip flop! my NEW TOY! oh man o man this foot - I LOVE IT, MY FAVORITE TOY.....a bag of $10 worth of toys...WOW I LOVE IT...MY FAVORITE!!!
Run run chew, bounce wrestle, bounce, MEWWWW purr purr....this is my new reality.
A Kitten: Oh it sounded like a great idea on paper, yes a companion for our older cat, a wee ball of warmth and softness so Mr Big wouldn't be so lonely. Uhuh. I'll name her Holly. a 7 week old kitty, a striped, little whirling ball of energy. Silvery and black, with a wee orange 'bindy' on top of her head.
Holly or "the never ending ball o energy" has only been a member of or family for a few days. What has become pretty obvious is that Mr Big does not consider her a companion. Or anything more than the great annoyance. At least on day 4 he's stopped walking around the house hissing and growling. Now that job is up to me.
Also kittens don't stop moving. Or playing. And they never seem to sleep. They always have something to meow about. Whether insistent MEEEow or little growly squeeks...rrrwwowl
Nothing is out of bounds - kittens want to play. and play. Computer tower - play!! The base of the office chair...ATTACK!!! a binder on the floor - best toy EVER! The zipper tab... well you get the drift.
So far I have wondered many times if this is going to work out the way I envisioned. The two cats, curled together napping in a sunbeam. HAHAHA that isn't the way its worked out at all. In the mean time Mr Big naps relatively undisturbed in his bed, while Holly wanders about the office, meowwing full voice like a furry little veloceraptor on a search and destroy mission.
Let's see how this all unfolds - I'm hoping for the best. Right now I'm kind of resentful - on vacation, been up since 4:45, morning chores, coffee is COLD and mini maniac had not settled down and just dumped her water dish into her food for the 3rd time. Sigh. Oh well she'll sleep eventually.
What makes me "me"
My hood - my peeps - my dog!
Monday, 16 May 2016
Saturday, 30 April 2016
The urge to migrate is upon me?
¡Hola!
Could it be the heady combination of full moon, sprng rains and greener pastures? I can't say, but recent travels over the past few months are under my skin. Visions of a quiet existance in a small town, calm days, reading in the warmth of the sunroom with a cat sleeping nearby are luring me to South America. Let me expand on this.
Have you ever felt there was somewhere you should be? Something more you were meant to do, to be? Life is short, and perhaps now that I'm nearing "senior" status, I want to take a new direction. One where I am the ruler of my day rather than others who hold the reins. Perhaps the fact that my husband and I have both been working abroad - me to the Caribbean and he to Columbia, where many live a hard life. Is this then a mission quest?
No not for me - tho I have a strong altruistic steak,mI'm not out to save the world. Sadly He who is much Greatter than I is the One in Charge of that. What I want is to retire..in a country that is beautiful, mosty peaceful and affordable.
Sadly, (or fortunately) where I am now fills most of those qualities but not the affordability. So lets see what else is around. Surprisingly South America might just be the ticket! $1500 a month for a couple of pensioners is what it takes tomove to Panama. I'm sure its not that simple, but it was an encouraging start. Now to learn Spanish...ot helps to chat with the locals.
For today, I keep dreaming of a retirement, in my perfect world in 5 years. and who knows what The Big Plan holds for me and mine? Today I feel good, enjoying the spring and hanging out with the hubby & cat. Life is good! Tomorrow. .gonna go for a ride on our bikes...adios!
Could it be the heady combination of full moon, sprng rains and greener pastures? I can't say, but recent travels over the past few months are under my skin. Visions of a quiet existance in a small town, calm days, reading in the warmth of the sunroom with a cat sleeping nearby are luring me to South America. Let me expand on this.
Have you ever felt there was somewhere you should be? Something more you were meant to do, to be? Life is short, and perhaps now that I'm nearing "senior" status, I want to take a new direction. One where I am the ruler of my day rather than others who hold the reins. Perhaps the fact that my husband and I have both been working abroad - me to the Caribbean and he to Columbia, where many live a hard life. Is this then a mission quest?
No not for me - tho I have a strong altruistic steak,mI'm not out to save the world. Sadly He who is much Greatter than I is the One in Charge of that. What I want is to retire..in a country that is beautiful, mosty peaceful and affordable.
Sadly, (or fortunately) where I am now fills most of those qualities but not the affordability. So lets see what else is around. Surprisingly South America might just be the ticket! $1500 a month for a couple of pensioners is what it takes tomove to Panama. I'm sure its not that simple, but it was an encouraging start. Now to learn Spanish...ot helps to chat with the locals.
For today, I keep dreaming of a retirement, in my perfect world in 5 years. and who knows what The Big Plan holds for me and mine? Today I feel good, enjoying the spring and hanging out with the hubby & cat. Life is good! Tomorrow. .gonna go for a ride on our bikes...adios!
Sunday, 13 March 2016
Winter Wink! Pfffst You Were Gone!
Last thing I remember was someone on the cul de sac picked up all the apples - the ones I was leaving as windfalls for the deer this winter. But came home - boom they were gone! Ok, I understand, people (neighbors with really nice trees and gardens) didn't want their pears and saskatoons and roses nibbled to the dirt. But hey that was months ago. We had maybe half a dozen snowy drives to work? The odd slick of ice - nothing to write home about. Leo was making a movie in Calgary and started crying when he felt a chinook (he was terrified - global warming was out to get him) but he feels redeemed after his "lecture" and moral message at the Oscars.
A quick opinion *mine of course - about this whole celebrity being better/smarter than me. No, they are actually no smarter, they are just luckier, more attractive and subsequently richer. Like WAAAY Oprah richer. Doesn't mean they are better - they just get manicures more often and show up in magazines more often than I do. And rent zillion dollar private planes. I mean how many mansions does one person need?? LOL
Never do I feel "unsuccessful" due to the lack of private yachts, or personal entourages. I mean I have some really awesome close friends (fewer than I'll admit) and an outstanding amazing husband, and a grouchy yet lovable cat. And I feel positive - that I'm where I want to and should be, that I have a bit of control over my life in terms of where I live and who I hang with. I'm relatively healthy, I love my profession and am damn good at it, and never balk at a new adventure!
This winter I had the incredible opportunity to travel - I mean 5 Star Jamaican all inclusive - while facilitating training for Local Economic Development Officers - most of whom made eye contact and were told that was their new duty. Social workers, long range planning staff - these were not eager voluntolds...but I embraced the challenge and along with my new found compadres in Jamaica I had them laughing and keen to share their stories by the end of day one. 5 Star was eye opening - I didn't have to do more than lift a finger, and someone was there to help me!
Through FCM-CARILED I had the amazing opportunity to see how what we did could transfer to other jurisdictions, how we have more commonalities than differences. It was definitely one of the most unique and rewarding experience of my life! The weather was HOT +36 and 100% humidity - my specs fogged up when I left my room! I returned this time to Kingston and facilitated a "sensitization to LED" session for planners. Kingston is a big scary place but it was a positive experience. Always driven by my stomach (I'm a Cancer) I immersed myself in local cuisine both times, from curried goat (delish!) to braised oxtail, to crispy jerk pork and mouth watering jerk chicken - it was all good mon. And a fried fish in Port Royale that was totally out of this world. I'd go back in a heartbeat!
And now? Back to the reality of budgets, a struggling Alberta economy, and tense municipalities. A lot has changed since we first landed in Albeeria 8 years ago. But we shall survive!
Early March shows 4" of tulips, buds filling up on the trees, poplars have the "pregnant green" look to them - like bright green signs of spring about to pop out any minute!
Easy winter - lots of fog and so does that mean according to the old adage that March and April will be wet? Fog means rain 90 days after - April May might be the months! No snow in my part of the world - however not everyone is in this boat!
And what of May when a young at heart woman turns to motorcycles, open roads, etc etc?? I can't wait - rumour has it if the stars align we head west to the coast. Ah Victoria and perhaps south to Washington state - so many adventures, so little time.
A quick opinion *mine of course - about this whole celebrity being better/smarter than me. No, they are actually no smarter, they are just luckier, more attractive and subsequently richer. Like WAAAY Oprah richer. Doesn't mean they are better - they just get manicures more often and show up in magazines more often than I do. And rent zillion dollar private planes. I mean how many mansions does one person need?? LOL
Never do I feel "unsuccessful" due to the lack of private yachts, or personal entourages. I mean I have some really awesome close friends (fewer than I'll admit) and an outstanding amazing husband, and a grouchy yet lovable cat. And I feel positive - that I'm where I want to and should be, that I have a bit of control over my life in terms of where I live and who I hang with. I'm relatively healthy, I love my profession and am damn good at it, and never balk at a new adventure!
This winter I had the incredible opportunity to travel - I mean 5 Star Jamaican all inclusive - while facilitating training for Local Economic Development Officers - most of whom made eye contact and were told that was their new duty. Social workers, long range planning staff - these were not eager voluntolds...but I embraced the challenge and along with my new found compadres in Jamaica I had them laughing and keen to share their stories by the end of day one. 5 Star was eye opening - I didn't have to do more than lift a finger, and someone was there to help me!
Through FCM-CARILED I had the amazing opportunity to see how what we did could transfer to other jurisdictions, how we have more commonalities than differences. It was definitely one of the most unique and rewarding experience of my life! The weather was HOT +36 and 100% humidity - my specs fogged up when I left my room! I returned this time to Kingston and facilitated a "sensitization to LED" session for planners. Kingston is a big scary place but it was a positive experience. Always driven by my stomach (I'm a Cancer) I immersed myself in local cuisine both times, from curried goat (delish!) to braised oxtail, to crispy jerk pork and mouth watering jerk chicken - it was all good mon. And a fried fish in Port Royale that was totally out of this world. I'd go back in a heartbeat!
And now? Back to the reality of budgets, a struggling Alberta economy, and tense municipalities. A lot has changed since we first landed in Albeeria 8 years ago. But we shall survive!
Early March shows 4" of tulips, buds filling up on the trees, poplars have the "pregnant green" look to them - like bright green signs of spring about to pop out any minute!
Easy winter - lots of fog and so does that mean according to the old adage that March and April will be wet? Fog means rain 90 days after - April May might be the months! No snow in my part of the world - however not everyone is in this boat!
And what of May when a young at heart woman turns to motorcycles, open roads, etc etc?? I can't wait - rumour has it if the stars align we head west to the coast. Ah Victoria and perhaps south to Washington state - so many adventures, so little time.
Sunday, 10 January 2016
Farewell Festive Follies...wonder what awaits?
January 8 and now our home has returned to its normal state of comfy warm pandemonium. The smell of Nuremberg Wurst and crisp baguettes and sweet grainy mustard...mmmmmm memories of Germany. Lovely dinner remenicent of a Christmas cruise a few years ago. Now its a little naked looking in here after our wonderful tree was stripped and carted back to its box in the basement.
I like the whole process of packing it all away. Taking each decoration and lovingly wrapping it, placing them in their boxes...I recall the tme, where, and our conversation of each wee purchase. Mushy, poignant, emotional silly moments. Every one precious to me. 💖
Some of my favorites are from way back when I was a lass, watching the golden deer as it swings in an ornate pear. The bright plastics, shining thru the branches of our tree. Or the soaring snowy owl, a gift that suprized and delighted me a year or so ago. Thanks Brigett! So many lovely memories.
While wallowing in days gone by, I remember grandmas tree, coloured bulbs festooned in 'angel hair' and bubblers perculating on every branch! Miles of tinsel everywhere. All adding to the magic glorious sparkle of Christmas!
Now, relaxing with my feet up, I find it odd to be planning next year; maybe move the guitars and amp into the basement, allowing the 2nd big tree in our livingroom!
Maybe I'll sit and sip and ponder,...or perhaps say good night!
I like the whole process of packing it all away. Taking each decoration and lovingly wrapping it, placing them in their boxes...I recall the tme, where, and our conversation of each wee purchase. Mushy, poignant, emotional silly moments. Every one precious to me. 💖
Some of my favorites are from way back when I was a lass, watching the golden deer as it swings in an ornate pear. The bright plastics, shining thru the branches of our tree. Or the soaring snowy owl, a gift that suprized and delighted me a year or so ago. Thanks Brigett! So many lovely memories.
While wallowing in days gone by, I remember grandmas tree, coloured bulbs festooned in 'angel hair' and bubblers perculating on every branch! Miles of tinsel everywhere. All adding to the magic glorious sparkle of Christmas!
Now, relaxing with my feet up, I find it odd to be planning next year; maybe move the guitars and amp into the basement, allowing the 2nd big tree in our livingroom!
Maybe I'll sit and sip and ponder,...or perhaps say good night!
Sunday, 20 December 2015
Life with "The Big Elf"
I'm asked all the time what its like to live with Santa? One woman actually asked if we "mess around"...to which I didn't skip a beat and answered "where do you think all those elves come from eh?" nudge nudge, wink wink!
Over the years, I've learned to embrace, adore and love Christmas.
When I was a little girl one of my biggest fondest memories is of the Christmas Pageant, and the play that we students performed for the audience of parents, teachers, neighbors and friends. One year I played the Angel. (or Herald Angel as they say in Charlie Brown's Christmas!) Mom made
my costume, complete with garland sparkling halo. I think I even had wings. Nervous, and a bit unsure of my lines, I will never forget coming onto the stage and delivering this most famous and glorious of messages to the tea-towel and flannel sheet bedecked shepherds there with me:
Fear not, for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
As the years pass I continue to look to the skies for the star in the east and my heart fills with joy and I know that no matter what idiocy is going on in my life or in the world ... we have this amazing gift! So I continue to have faith!
Now on to the St Nicholas connection - there is a lot of history to the Jolly Old Elf, The Big Man in Red, SANTA! And I happen to be married to one of the best Santa's helper of all! What's it like you ask Oh it's not for the faint of heart. No there's always something to be done when the Big Day approaches!
Gotta keep Rudolph the Red Nosed Kia ready to fly at any given moment.
Set the alarm clock, cause morning's don't mean sleeping in on weekends during this crazy season.
Then let's talk "the look". Yes, the wife o Claus means having a plethora of Christmas earrings, which will be worn all December of course. And plenty of red, green, and white combo outfits to choose from. Todays Mrs Claus also keeps a couple of "insta-costumes" in the back of her closet for those days when Santa doesn't want to go stag. A white or grey wig completes the "ensemble" and warm boots for those outdoorsy gigs are a must!
To date I haven't been in the spotlight a lot as "First Lady o the North" too much, but enough to see how amazing it is! Kids eyes are starry, grownups revert to kids and can't stop smiling - and it helps to have an amazing St Nick to travel with! After all he's the star of the show, and the reason they are flocking around.
One winter (this is one of a zillion such tales) we went into Walmart around 9:30 p.m. for some last minute thing in full regalia. The looks were hilarious - from little kids running up and hugging Santa, to adults doing double takes then saying "I didn't know you shopped here?" and when we started singing carols in the check out line, we got others to join in and the energy was outstanding!
Ok - hope that one made you smile...watch for more. Maybe I'll start another blog just about Mr & Mrs Claus...Adventures in Red!
Over the years, I've learned to embrace, adore and love Christmas.
 |
| Look what a coat hanger and some tinsel can become! |
When I was a little girl one of my biggest fondest memories is of the Christmas Pageant, and the play that we students performed for the audience of parents, teachers, neighbors and friends. One year I played the Angel. (or Herald Angel as they say in Charlie Brown's Christmas!) Mom made
my costume, complete with garland sparkling halo. I think I even had wings. Nervous, and a bit unsure of my lines, I will never forget coming onto the stage and delivering this most famous and glorious of messages to the tea-towel and flannel sheet bedecked shepherds there with me:
Fear not, for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
As the years pass I continue to look to the skies for the star in the east and my heart fills with joy and I know that no matter what idiocy is going on in my life or in the world ... we have this amazing gift! So I continue to have faith!
Now on to the St Nicholas connection - there is a lot of history to the Jolly Old Elf, The Big Man in Red, SANTA! And I happen to be married to one of the best Santa's helper of all! What's it like you ask Oh it's not for the faint of heart. No there's always something to be done when the Big Day approaches!Gotta keep Rudolph the Red Nosed Kia ready to fly at any given moment.
Set the alarm clock, cause morning's don't mean sleeping in on weekends during this crazy season.
Then let's talk "the look". Yes, the wife o Claus means having a plethora of Christmas earrings, which will be worn all December of course. And plenty of red, green, and white combo outfits to choose from. Todays Mrs Claus also keeps a couple of "insta-costumes" in the back of her closet for those days when Santa doesn't want to go stag. A white or grey wig completes the "ensemble" and warm boots for those outdoorsy gigs are a must!
To date I haven't been in the spotlight a lot as "First Lady o the North" too much, but enough to see how amazing it is! Kids eyes are starry, grownups revert to kids and can't stop smiling - and it helps to have an amazing St Nick to travel with! After all he's the star of the show, and the reason they are flocking around.
One winter (this is one of a zillion such tales) we went into Walmart around 9:30 p.m. for some last minute thing in full regalia. The looks were hilarious - from little kids running up and hugging Santa, to adults doing double takes then saying "I didn't know you shopped here?" and when we started singing carols in the check out line, we got others to join in and the energy was outstanding!
Ok - hope that one made you smile...watch for more. Maybe I'll start another blog just about Mr & Mrs Claus...Adventures in Red!
Friday, 11 December 2015
Mackerel Run Down, Festival and Callaloo... eating my way through a week in Jamaica!
When I travel I always try the local grub. In Scotland it was haggis, tatties and neeps; black pudding and mix grill. In the USA I go for chicken fried steak, biscuits and gravy and once shrimp and grits. In Europe it was wurst of all shapes and sizes, and amazing mustards. And being blessed enough to be in Jamaica, it's jerk, fish of all descriptions, and Red Stripe beer!
Breakfast in the Caribbean has been the biggest adventure of all! From Callaloo (steamed chopped greens) to ackee and salt fish (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ackee_and_saltfish) which is typically served with breadfruit and grilled plantain and fish Run Down... mackerel mixed with Callaloo and coconut milk. And of course never forget a smattering of scotch bonnet peppers, some onions...and more peppers. It's delicious! Forgive my misspelling of this in previous blogs.
My newly friended Jamaicans and of course hotel staff are happy that I am adventurous! Embracing the sweet crisp coated fried plantain..delish! Not quite so crazy about the dumplings when boiled (a little bland but not bad with the Run Down) but fried? Delightful little balls of golden dough! "Festival" was a pleasant surprise - again fried dough but reminded me of Rollkuchen.
The trip to the Jerk Shack was fun - very authentic, street food prepared on a wood fire, popular with the locals, scary hot pepper sauce! I also had sliced stewed kidney, brown stewed fish, fried shredded cabbage, curried chicken and of course banana bread at breakfast. A total detour from my Canadian toast and raspberry jelly!
And I'd be remiss if I didn't talk about the coffee. Blue Mountain coffee, served with hot milk (never cream here) and lots of it! Really nice full deep flavour, I have to bring some home.
Jamaican's take their vittles seriously - they take pride in the freshness and generosity. Portions are large, smiles are abundant. And in the p.m. try a coconut water - island style out of a fresh coconut. When you've finished, have them chop it - a small wedge is left for you to scrape out the soft sweet inside flesh or "gel". And at the end - I recommend a Red Stripe - a locally produced and exported lager beer that is as good as what we get in the land of ice and snow.
One more tip - bring clothes that allow for many great food experiences! Diet when you get home! And don't get jerk sauce on your keyboard.
Breakfast in the Caribbean has been the biggest adventure of all! From Callaloo (steamed chopped greens) to ackee and salt fish (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ackee_and_saltfish) which is typically served with breadfruit and grilled plantain and fish Run Down... mackerel mixed with Callaloo and coconut milk. And of course never forget a smattering of scotch bonnet peppers, some onions...and more peppers. It's delicious! Forgive my misspelling of this in previous blogs.
 |
| Run Down..yummy! |
The trip to the Jerk Shack was fun - very authentic, street food prepared on a wood fire, popular with the locals, scary hot pepper sauce! I also had sliced stewed kidney, brown stewed fish, fried shredded cabbage, curried chicken and of course banana bread at breakfast. A total detour from my Canadian toast and raspberry jelly!
And I'd be remiss if I didn't talk about the coffee. Blue Mountain coffee, served with hot milk (never cream here) and lots of it! Really nice full deep flavour, I have to bring some home.
Jamaican's take their vittles seriously - they take pride in the freshness and generosity. Portions are large, smiles are abundant. And in the p.m. try a coconut water - island style out of a fresh coconut. When you've finished, have them chop it - a small wedge is left for you to scrape out the soft sweet inside flesh or "gel". And at the end - I recommend a Red Stripe - a locally produced and exported lager beer that is as good as what we get in the land of ice and snow.
One more tip - bring clothes that allow for many great food experiences! Diet when you get home! And don't get jerk sauce on your keyboard.
Bridging the No Man's Land Between Planners and Economic Developers....It's all in the Delivery!
 |
| Dec 12, 2015: My new office? |
But I'm pulling up the big EDO panties and soldiering onward....from my new temp office location poolside.
A patio table does not make the ideal desk and the chairs make my shoulders sore. But I will take one for the team! So with water bottle in hand I decided to start my final report. Dang fountain is a bit loud from the pool, competing with Christmas carols.... someone has to do it! :-)
Delivering the LEDO 101 message yesterday turned out to be one of the most satisfying experiences of my professional life. Little did I know that becoming involved in the FCM CARILED initiative would do so much for my sense of "sharing knowledge" and the satisfaction it brings!
The participants were less than we planned for - but 7 eager municipal staff were there, a local Municipal Government Representative (Clive it's always great to see you!) and the wonderful FCM & CARILED crew. I'm humbled by the experience and knowledge surrounding me!
Unfortunately due to the horrific flash flooding in Portland area this week and subsequent arrival of the Governor, most senior administration were unable to attend as planned. We did have the Minister of Local Government and Community Development Hon. Noel Ascott attend the opening of our day which was an honour. The flood in Alberta still is front of mind with me, so I could empathize with the sense of worry and concern that came from their staff.
I was so heartened by the attention the participants paid and their participation in the discussions when I presented. A good laugh was had when I said I had always been a bit scared of planners - and my session was delivered to ALL planners - at all levels. And some of these poor folks had been "voluntold" they would be embracing local economic development in their jobs. They chuckled at my reference to "The Big Book of No" and how it could be the Big Book of Yes...it's all in the delivery! My mission - to reassure them Local Economic Development was not a foreign territory strewn with mines, but much more familiar and in step with the work they were used to. It all comes down to perspective and delivery of the message.And apparently I was successful, for the next day I received an email from one of the attendees, Christina, who thanked me for the practical examples and shared that she now felt motivated that the LEDO position was one she wanted to pursue! I hope I hear from her in the future and can offer practical advice and information. It made the entire week worth while!
I've worked with many people over the years, and do really love my profession. Its so satisfying to know that what you do, how you interact with others can make a difference. Is it a way to fulfill my need to teach ? (since that is what I always envisioned I'd do when I was younger) Am I subconsciously "leaving my legacy"? I'm not sure. What I am sure of, is that I, a kid from a small prairie town, have now left my mark on up and coming professionals in this amazing Caribbean country. And that, my friends, is a feeling I hope I never lose.
Y'all have a great day and stay warm. I'm goin' to the pool to catch some rays!
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