Oh loook...I found my lost posting!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Back From Rhinebeck.....
Too much yarny goodness to discuss. Am sooo tired. Had great time. More later, I promise......zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Just me and my ice cream tonight....
What a day! I worked (Yay!) but at the end of the work day, my wallet was missing. (waaaah) Luckily, I have no credit cards so its mainly a pain in the ass and sadness because it was my new Parisian wallet.
So my happy happy busy day was tarnished and dented by the loss of my wallet. If it turns up I will be very very pleased.
Also, it is election day in Canada. My party leader did not kick the ass of her competitor in my home town riding and I am very sad. She came in SECOND though and thats awesome considering. Take that , Peter!! Stupid head. My mom says not to tell Dad how she voted and if you know them then you now know how she voted so "Shhhh!" don't tell Da! ;op
Ben is trying to understand why the party Mommy and Daddy voted for isn't even showing up on the screen as winning a seat. There are TWO Independents so far but no Green seats. sigh.
Harper is winning. Actually gaining in seats from last time. Why, Gods, WHHHHYYYY!?
I need more Turtles ice cream...........
So my happy happy busy day was tarnished and dented by the loss of my wallet. If it turns up I will be very very pleased.
Also, it is election day in Canada. My party leader did not kick the ass of her competitor in my home town riding and I am very sad. She came in SECOND though and thats awesome considering. Take that , Peter!! Stupid head. My mom says not to tell Dad how she voted and if you know them then you now know how she voted so "Shhhh!" don't tell Da! ;op
Ben is trying to understand why the party Mommy and Daddy voted for isn't even showing up on the screen as winning a seat. There are TWO Independents so far but no Green seats. sigh.
Harper is winning. Actually gaining in seats from last time. Why, Gods, WHHHHYYYY!?
I need more Turtles ice cream...........
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Actually Knitting Photo
I realised a while back that I had not posted a picture of the finished Belle Maman socks that I'd made for my sister. Here they are in all their brightly coloured glory.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Gibraltar in Pics for Suldog
These are for you, Jim!! :oD
We have here the view of Gibraltar as we approached from Spain.
The Gibraltar beer, brewed with Gibraltar hops but not brewed ON Gibraltar, was a big beer and very very good. I peeled the label off mine as a keepsake.
A sleepy Macaque...aaaaawww. Note how this one's eyelids are pale blue! The only ones I noticed like this and there were a lot of sleepy Macaques there.
The Moorish Castle was really cool as was St Michael's Cave. That was AMAZING. This huge cavern with all the naturally occuring rock formations, was probably mythic in early humanity's eyes. There were remains found in the cave that date to the same era as those from the Neander Valley. Of course, later, Modern Man just had to turn it into a theater, of all things. Weddings and musical events have been held in this cavern.
I have other pictures of Gibraltar (mostly Macaques and the view from up there)but these seemed to some it up best.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
A day of hamster brain....
I am struck down with hamster brain today. I am pulled in fifty directions and can't settle on one.
Knitting: I started an Instant Mitten last night and am discontented. Its not 'blue' enough to be girly. Audrey thinks I'm nuts I'm sure but a girly blue is usually very...blue, non? This is a lovely greyish blue but just doesn't scream girly especially when paired with a blue/brown variegated.
I printed off 4 hat patterns this week...do we see a new trend starting? All were colour work (aka fair isle or stranded). The Modern Selbu beret! Halloween kitty hat! Those two Noro based ones that I forget the name of but damn they was fine lookin' winter hats....Hman might even get one (the 'argyle' one) as a xmas gift but modified to include earflaps and a possible liner and speaking of liners what about the Helmet Liner pattern for soldiers? That would make an excellent ski helmet liner in a lighter weight silk blend....
Should I knit like crazy and maybe finish my sweater in a week OR do xmas presents? The draw to finishing in a week is that I could take it to Rhinebeck next weekend. If I am able to finish it in a week.
Also, Annie, if you hear of this...I'd REALLY like a written pattern for those handwarmers Marie-Michelle was wearing last night...oooh la la.
I really gotta stay off of Ravelry first thing in the day or that day is toast.
House: My screens need cleaning, and I need to do a SERIOUS cleansing of the windows to remove all mildewy gunkiness caused by condensation since the last time I attacked the windows with bleach and an old tooth brush.
Kitchen really should be squared away.
Vacuuming is always a plus.
Folding tha ONE load of laundry would be cool, before it turns to 6 loads of unfolded clean laundry.
Doesn't fresh clean laundry smell great, btw? Just sayin'....
Cameron's room is still waiting for paint, the colour of which was picked out 3 months ago.
The aquarium is very gross...why won't that #$^%ing fish just die already!!!?
There is much much more that could be said but these are the most pressing concerns. How does my sister DO IT??? Where does the drive to actually make and keep the house presentable come from?? I think its skipped me. I love a tidy house like nobody's business but the actual gumption to do it? ugh......
I think I need to compose a list.
ETA: Anny's handwarmer pattern : http://annypurls.blogspot.com/2006/12/hand-warming.html
Knitting: I started an Instant Mitten last night and am discontented. Its not 'blue' enough to be girly. Audrey thinks I'm nuts I'm sure but a girly blue is usually very...blue, non? This is a lovely greyish blue but just doesn't scream girly especially when paired with a blue/brown variegated.
I printed off 4 hat patterns this week...do we see a new trend starting? All were colour work (aka fair isle or stranded). The Modern Selbu beret! Halloween kitty hat! Those two Noro based ones that I forget the name of but damn they was fine lookin' winter hats....Hman might even get one (the 'argyle' one) as a xmas gift but modified to include earflaps and a possible liner and speaking of liners what about the Helmet Liner pattern for soldiers? That would make an excellent ski helmet liner in a lighter weight silk blend....
Should I knit like crazy and maybe finish my sweater in a week OR do xmas presents? The draw to finishing in a week is that I could take it to Rhinebeck next weekend. If I am able to finish it in a week.
Also, Annie, if you hear of this...I'd REALLY like a written pattern for those handwarmers Marie-Michelle was wearing last night...oooh la la.
I really gotta stay off of Ravelry first thing in the day or that day is toast.
House: My screens need cleaning, and I need to do a SERIOUS cleansing of the windows to remove all mildewy gunkiness caused by condensation since the last time I attacked the windows with bleach and an old tooth brush.
Kitchen really should be squared away.
Vacuuming is always a plus.
Folding tha ONE load of laundry would be cool, before it turns to 6 loads of unfolded clean laundry.
Doesn't fresh clean laundry smell great, btw? Just sayin'....
Cameron's room is still waiting for paint, the colour of which was picked out 3 months ago.
The aquarium is very gross...why won't that #$^%ing fish just die already!!!?
There is much much more that could be said but these are the most pressing concerns. How does my sister DO IT??? Where does the drive to actually make and keep the house presentable come from?? I think its skipped me. I love a tidy house like nobody's business but the actual gumption to do it? ugh......
I think I need to compose a list.
ETA: Anny's handwarmer pattern : http://annypurls.blogspot.com/2006/12/hand-warming.html
More pictures
Here we have an obese Macaque on Gibralter getting a hand out from the cashier at the gift shop, me in my EuroCheese persona, and did you know Granada has a spot just for me? Neither did I! And whats worse? that I told him to "pick the stone monkey's/lion's nose!!" or that he did it?
Blah Blahhing....
I have no idea what my problem is but I have just not felt up to posting about the "European" vacation. There is just SO MUCH to tell. Stories and anecdotes abound and the very thought of committing it all into blah blah is exhausting!!!
Here is a way to get the info out. In the comments ASK ME A PERTINENT QUESTION and I will try and answer it to the best of my ability.
I will say this: Spain kinda blew my mind. The landscape is so unfamiliar to me and so Un-Eastern Canada. Its very austere, trees do NOT abound, and 'holy olive trees!' The hills (mountains actually...the Andalusians) are so pointy and sharp...that was my adjective a lot'Its all so...sharp!'. I am used to things being a little more rounded and vegetation covered rather than bare granite pointiness. Very cool and a wee bit scary/awe inspiring.
The trip consisted of stays in Gaucin and Granada with visits to Gibraltar, Paris, and Tangier, and other assorted Spanish towns like Tarifa, Ronda, Malaga, Estepona, Algatocin... The weather was not fabulous the whole trip. We had a fair share of rain and cloud but that was ok too.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Spain in snapshot form
The Macaque is actually not in Spain but on Gibraltar...just to be clear. :oD
Thursday, September 18, 2008
One More Sleep!!!!
Don't hate me because this is where I will live for 9 nights...or is is 8...?
My sister, the wonderful, helpful, stupendous, Jessie!, arrived yesterday. Just waiting in the airport for her flight had me bursting into misty eys, threatening fukll blown tears,, from thexcitement and relief of seeing her again. Its been since January and I don't think I have ever gone so long without her in my entire life. Sure, we talk on the phone a couple times a week or more, but to have her in person....thats the stuff! When she was actually physically in my arms, I did break down. I admit it.
So, late night last night of gab and chinese food and TV and more gab.
Today its all about grocery store, drug store, packing and laundry for packing. "Why ?", you ask? BECAUSE! Its one more sleep until Hman and I leave for SPAIN!!! Spain, Spain, Spain, Spain, Spay-ayn! (You can't make friends with Sal-ad! song tune thanks to Kadi)
Of course when Jessie travelled here, she arrived bearing gifts! I have several new awesome blouses to takle away with me plus a nice melon colour pair of capris, a skort thats NOT short short short because with my thighs? Oh so scary. I will not be embarrassingly dressed while away. Thank you!!
Also, I will be listening to music on my very own, cost me nada, IPOD NANO!!! How you like THAT! Hman was at a conference at work and he won it...and gave it to ME!! He has an MP3 but I think mine's nicer...heh heh. So exciting!
Ok...so play nice and love one another while I'm away. Ciao!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Sunday evening
Its been a quiet weekend, chez nous. Friday night I went out to Effiloche with Nathalie and we made it home before midnight. My car is fixed (picked it up before heading into Montreal) and works great so far. Turns out the problem was an air intake thingamabobble that wasn't working right so the fuel couldn't combust. Now we gots all kinds o'combustinatin'!!! Its awesome. The best part? It totally did not cost 2000 dollars. Yay!
I cleaned the refrigerator today and it was a scary experience. So much waste! So much dried on crud! Nasty nasty nasty. Much emptying of jars for the recycling(fondue sauces are now BANNED I swear). Must remember to do this chore more often. Looks awfully nice (and very very empty).
Later today Hman headed to a fancy schmancy hotel for a conference the company is hosting. The boys and I went with in order to partake of the mini bar, the pool facilities, and have supper that we didn't have to cook or clean up after. Ben had his usual naked pasta with cheese but Cameron impressed me with his selection of a chicken and sweet red pepper salad to start, followed by fancy chicken strips and fries. MY KID ATE SALAD!!! I almost cried.
I skipped the first appetiser of the table d'hote (just wasn't intrigued by the soup or the salad). My second appetiser selection was an interesting wild mushroom melange in a rich brown sauce, with puff pastry. My main course was unexpectedly hearty: Brome duck breast in a berry enhanced gravy with side veggies. This duck was unlike any I had before. we actually had to double check with the waiter that he gave me the right order because I swear to goodness that duck tasted and had the texture of lean beef. Weird, non? Maybe its because whenever I'd had duck before it wasn't the breast. Delicious but not the flavour I was expecting.
After dessert the boys and I headed for home in the dark and rain. The moon came out as we travelled and that was nicer but all the road construction crap everywhere helped me miss my exit to the 640 Est. Grrrrr. The guys fell asleep after that. Once home the went straight to their beds and passed out. Aaaawwwww.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
For Every Season.....
Its changing out there. This morning there was a light frost on the grass and we could see our breath. Cam insisted he was not cold and went off to school in a tshirt. Ben at least wore sleeve. Brrrrr.
I love autumn. It has been my favourite time of yaer since childhood. The chill. The colours. The sense of the Earth getting ready to hunker down and have a rest. In Ns the Autumn lingers but here its a much quicker transition from heat to snow that I was ever used to. Gotta be quick to appreciate it here in the Qc.
The Election blah blah continues. May has now been included in the televised debate and its a great lesson in how public outcry can make a difference. Folk of all parties protested vociferously to the media, their MPs, and the leaders email inboxes had to have been overflowing! LOL Yesterday morning the news was sopund biting Harper as saying the discussion was closed. Last night the news was filled with the reports that Harper and Layton has backed down. Oh how we laughed.
So far my riding only has 2 candidates, a Bloc and a Conservative, neither of which I would vote for. I wait for an alternative to appear. The parties have until the 22nd I believe to fill the positions. There was a 20 something at Walmart last week with a petition in order to seek the Liberal candidacy. He required a now forgotten number of signatures of support in order to throw his hat into the ring. I signed and wished him luck regardless of his youth and inexperience.
Last night was knit night in Laval and we had and lovely time! I got to hold possibly the happiest baby I have ever met. What a delightful armful wee Albert (en francais s'il vous plait)is. I know some people think thumb sucking is to be discouraged but he's only very small and it was so precious. He was enjoying that tiny thumb and his wide eyes took in the world around him with aplomb. He was easy to coax into smiling and just looking into his eyes cooing to him was enjoyable. He didn't fuss all evening! I think we all fell in love with him. It was him mommy's first time to join us now that her schedule is less hectic and she was so much fun! Not shy and silent at all but immediately fit right in with the rest of us. Before we knew it the evening had flown by and it was 10 pm. I got all the gusset decreases on the 2nd Belle Maman done. I want the pair finished and soaked before Wednesday.
The car gets its examination today. Gods only know how much this is going to cost. >:oP
David Suzuki has a new book out! D. S.'s Green Guide. Oooohhhh. I love D.S. When I was a kid I thought he was very unattractive and borning. As an adult I find him very very attractive and a fascinating person for the strength of his convictions and incredible knowledge. Must check this book out!
I love autumn. It has been my favourite time of yaer since childhood. The chill. The colours. The sense of the Earth getting ready to hunker down and have a rest. In Ns the Autumn lingers but here its a much quicker transition from heat to snow that I was ever used to. Gotta be quick to appreciate it here in the Qc.
The Election blah blah continues. May has now been included in the televised debate and its a great lesson in how public outcry can make a difference. Folk of all parties protested vociferously to the media, their MPs, and the leaders email inboxes had to have been overflowing! LOL Yesterday morning the news was sopund biting Harper as saying the discussion was closed. Last night the news was filled with the reports that Harper and Layton has backed down. Oh how we laughed.
So far my riding only has 2 candidates, a Bloc and a Conservative, neither of which I would vote for. I wait for an alternative to appear. The parties have until the 22nd I believe to fill the positions. There was a 20 something at Walmart last week with a petition in order to seek the Liberal candidacy. He required a now forgotten number of signatures of support in order to throw his hat into the ring. I signed and wished him luck regardless of his youth and inexperience.
Last night was knit night in Laval and we had and lovely time! I got to hold possibly the happiest baby I have ever met. What a delightful armful wee Albert (en francais s'il vous plait)is. I know some people think thumb sucking is to be discouraged but he's only very small and it was so precious. He was enjoying that tiny thumb and his wide eyes took in the world around him with aplomb. He was easy to coax into smiling and just looking into his eyes cooing to him was enjoyable. He didn't fuss all evening! I think we all fell in love with him. It was him mommy's first time to join us now that her schedule is less hectic and she was so much fun! Not shy and silent at all but immediately fit right in with the rest of us. Before we knew it the evening had flown by and it was 10 pm. I got all the gusset decreases on the 2nd Belle Maman done. I want the pair finished and soaked before Wednesday.
The car gets its examination today. Gods only know how much this is going to cost. >:oP
David Suzuki has a new book out! D. S.'s Green Guide. Oooohhhh. I love D.S. When I was a kid I thought he was very unattractive and borning. As an adult I find him very very attractive and a fascinating person for the strength of his convictions and incredible knowledge. Must check this book out!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Isn't it Fascinating?
Not anymore! This post has been EDITTED TO REMOVE ANGRY CONTENT!
Yesterday, Thing One was home sick for the morning. His tummy has been not good for a couple of days now and we have a doctor's appointment for tomorrow afternoon. He felt inclined to go to school in the afternoon though so he can't be that sick. Poor monkey. He has actually GROWN though. I had to dispose of several pair of jeans which meant, yay, shopping, and YAY my littlest sized picky eater kid has advanced in size!! I hit Children's Place (love love love) and got him 3 pairs of pants and two new shirts. I also got Thing Two a new pair of jeans and two shirts. Then I wandered into Old Navy...it was more like being pulled in by its gravitational pull... and checked out the liquidation racks. I got the cutest nighty for Spain and a pair of blue capris. I love Old Navy liquidation racks.
On my way home from the mall, my car started to act up. On the highway, in the center lane, during rush hour..I stalled out! Yes that was ME! Oh my Gods it was horrifying being THAT car. Feeling the hate and exasperation radiating from all the other drivers. I will never be so cruel in my thoughts towards the breakdowns again because, unlike some, my car is maintained with regular oil changes etc. Its not neglected! Yet, it still died in traffic.
Luckily, I got it to start again (thank you deities of cars)and limped onward with my poor sputtering vehicle to the nearest exit, got off the highway and into the closest parking lot where it totally conked out. And it stayed pretty much like that! I was close enough to home that I could easily walk but I was worried because the guys were due home from school and the house was locked up! Oh the angst and stress! Poor baby car is off to a garage today, via tow truck, and Audrey, lovely Audrey, is going to drive Nathalie and I to knit night. For Ben's doctor appointment Hman will have to get home early and take us rather than meet us there as planned.
Now, if this wasn't enough silliness my phone has gone all weird! I tried calling Momma today and she could not hear me at all. Same thing with Jessie but Jess has caller ID so she called back and the phone worked fine. It would appear that my outgoing long distance calls are behaing strangely. Incoming and local calls are fine. Whats up with that? Hman swears he paid the bill. LOL
So there are two things...where's the third?
Yesterday, Thing One was home sick for the morning. His tummy has been not good for a couple of days now and we have a doctor's appointment for tomorrow afternoon. He felt inclined to go to school in the afternoon though so he can't be that sick. Poor monkey. He has actually GROWN though. I had to dispose of several pair of jeans which meant, yay, shopping, and YAY my littlest sized picky eater kid has advanced in size!! I hit Children's Place (love love love) and got him 3 pairs of pants and two new shirts. I also got Thing Two a new pair of jeans and two shirts. Then I wandered into Old Navy...it was more like being pulled in by its gravitational pull... and checked out the liquidation racks. I got the cutest nighty for Spain and a pair of blue capris. I love Old Navy liquidation racks.
On my way home from the mall, my car started to act up. On the highway, in the center lane, during rush hour..I stalled out! Yes that was ME! Oh my Gods it was horrifying being THAT car. Feeling the hate and exasperation radiating from all the other drivers. I will never be so cruel in my thoughts towards the breakdowns again because, unlike some, my car is maintained with regular oil changes etc. Its not neglected! Yet, it still died in traffic.
Luckily, I got it to start again (thank you deities of cars)and limped onward with my poor sputtering vehicle to the nearest exit, got off the highway and into the closest parking lot where it totally conked out. And it stayed pretty much like that! I was close enough to home that I could easily walk but I was worried because the guys were due home from school and the house was locked up! Oh the angst and stress! Poor baby car is off to a garage today, via tow truck, and Audrey, lovely Audrey, is going to drive Nathalie and I to knit night. For Ben's doctor appointment Hman will have to get home early and take us rather than meet us there as planned.
Now, if this wasn't enough silliness my phone has gone all weird! I tried calling Momma today and she could not hear me at all. Same thing with Jessie but Jess has caller ID so she called back and the phone worked fine. It would appear that my outgoing long distance calls are behaing strangely. Incoming and local calls are fine. Whats up with that? Hman swears he paid the bill. LOL
So there are two things...where's the third?
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
I am not political
I don't get politics really. Yes, if I wanted to I could bone up on issues etc beyond my own opinions but seriously, listen to most opionators and youi will see rather one sided arguments.
This is not about that however. Its about integrity and democracy in a free country. Apparently Stephen Harper has neither integrity nor maturity. He refuses to appear in televised debates if Green leader Elizabeth May is invited, which she has every right to attend if invited by the Nazi..I mean...media consortium that is "hosting' said televised debate. But since the Prime Moron won't attend if she does and then the other "cool' kids said that if PM isn't going then they won't...the consortium has omitted a leader who has candidates from her party nation wide, unlike the Bloc Quebecois who is ONLY REPRESENTED IN ONE PROVINCE!!!!! The consortium says "Its a journalistic exercise" which is complete and total bullshit. Do you really think that the PM would not show if the debate went on without him? That Layton and Duceppe wouldn't back down and change their minds if Dion and May were to carry on the televised debate..the only televised candidates debate in the country? Bullshit.
Ok...again I ask you where is the maturity and dignity here? The Conservative party had a website portraying Stephan Dion of the Liberals as "not a leader" and an animated puffin would fly by and shit on him. FOR REAL!!!! It was on Canada AM this morning!
Yes...we are governed by middle schoolers! The cool kid won't come to the debate/ party and has his minions denegrate his top oppositional target into looking like a complete dink. The entire Conservative platform has been "I'm a nice guy" and "Stepahne Dion is a poopy head dum dum". The website "not a leader" has been all over the news and now..NOW.. Harper has said, oh thats not nice, and the website images are no longer as they were. Just like a bully getting caught tormenting someone with his buddies. He had it stopped because of the out cry but seriously, the damage has been done.
I DO think Harper is a dictator and bully. He made a law about when elections can be called and then BROKE his own law. When Stronach left the Conservatives he threw a fit and said she should have to run in a by election to retain a seat, yet when someone came over to the Conservative side it was all hugs and kisses and smiles. Double standarding asshole. Why can't Chatelaine magazine get an interview with his wife? Huh? I hear its Because she has been told to keep her mouth shut. Controlling prick.
Yup..Election time in Canada! Completely junior high and I don't blame May if she came without a "You guys are so immature!!!" and Dion went in to the science lab to construct some sort of device to prove once and for all what I have always claimed. Stephen Harper is an alien android. What other explanation is there and his inability to grasp our Earthing ways like...uumm..being human??!
To me, E M and S D are the cool kids.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Monday Morning..
It is 11 days to take off. My shrug cannot be ready for the trip because my knitting speed and skillz are officially stymied at the moment. I would cry but hey, I'm still going to Spain so......woohoo!
Hman had a buyer for the boat Saturday after only putting it on the market last week. Then he met with the buyers again yesterday, they all went for a sail so the buyers could get to know Lunasea. Hman wanted to be helpful and nice by doing that for them. They did the paper work and all was well until Hman was driving home and the buyers called saying they changed their minds. Apparently, while the sail was thrilling and fun for the husband, the wife was scared spitless (maybe when out there she realised she didn't want to sail with her inexperienced thrill seeking husband?).
So he had to go ALL the way back to give them back their cheque and get the paperwork etc. What a pain in the ass. He practically spent the weekend with these twits and took a thousand dollar drop in price, and then they call and say "We changed our mind!" AFTER the deal was DONE! As Kadi would say "F^cktards!". Seriously..how stupid is that?? Do you buy a house and an hour after the paperwork and all is DONE say you changed your mind and want your money back? Do you buy a car and pull that shit? The dealership would laugh at you! It cost them $400 to be so stupid, because Hman was somewhat annoyed.
Anyways, he called the person who had wanted to view the boat on Sunday (and he'd told them it was sold and cancelled the sunday viewing ), so now they are going to see the boat tomorrow. Hman asked them to be sure they knew the brand of boat and be sure that this is what they are looking for . In other words, please don't waste our time.
I went out knitting with Audrey yesterday. We went down into the old part of town here, and my goodness I love that part of our town. There are many cafes and bistros and an Irish pub and restaurants not to mention gift shops and boutiques. Audrey and I went to Brulerie Des Moulins, a cafe that roasts their own coffees. It was my first time to this cafe and I LOVED it!!!! Due to a chilly wind we moved in off the terrasse to the upstairs seating area and its bright and airy and in winter their is a fire place. I begged Audrey that we come back in winter and knit near the fireplace. How cozy! How quaint! They had awesome chocolate mousse cake and chocolate chip cookies and my iced tea and italian soda were yummy and refreshing.
We didn't go to the Irish pub ' Bar St. Patrick' because it doesn't open until 3 pm but we need to go there together sometime, with or without our significant others, for a beer. They serve Newcastle Brown! Yay!
So far thats it for today. Oh, and the late summer heat wave (can we call it that? maybe its a heat ripple?) is over. Yay! And Boo Hoo!
Hman had a buyer for the boat Saturday after only putting it on the market last week. Then he met with the buyers again yesterday, they all went for a sail so the buyers could get to know Lunasea. Hman wanted to be helpful and nice by doing that for them. They did the paper work and all was well until Hman was driving home and the buyers called saying they changed their minds. Apparently, while the sail was thrilling and fun for the husband, the wife was scared spitless (maybe when out there she realised she didn't want to sail with her inexperienced thrill seeking husband?).
So he had to go ALL the way back to give them back their cheque and get the paperwork etc. What a pain in the ass. He practically spent the weekend with these twits and took a thousand dollar drop in price, and then they call and say "We changed our mind!" AFTER the deal was DONE! As Kadi would say "F^cktards!". Seriously..how stupid is that?? Do you buy a house and an hour after the paperwork and all is DONE say you changed your mind and want your money back? Do you buy a car and pull that shit? The dealership would laugh at you! It cost them $400 to be so stupid, because Hman was somewhat annoyed.
Anyways, he called the person who had wanted to view the boat on Sunday (and he'd told them it was sold and cancelled the sunday viewing ), so now they are going to see the boat tomorrow. Hman asked them to be sure they knew the brand of boat and be sure that this is what they are looking for . In other words, please don't waste our time.
I went out knitting with Audrey yesterday. We went down into the old part of town here, and my goodness I love that part of our town. There are many cafes and bistros and an Irish pub and restaurants not to mention gift shops and boutiques. Audrey and I went to Brulerie Des Moulins, a cafe that roasts their own coffees. It was my first time to this cafe and I LOVED it!!!! Due to a chilly wind we moved in off the terrasse to the upstairs seating area and its bright and airy and in winter their is a fire place. I begged Audrey that we come back in winter and knit near the fireplace. How cozy! How quaint! They had awesome chocolate mousse cake and chocolate chip cookies and my iced tea and italian soda were yummy and refreshing.
We didn't go to the Irish pub ' Bar St. Patrick' because it doesn't open until 3 pm but we need to go there together sometime, with or without our significant others, for a beer. They serve Newcastle Brown! Yay!
So far thats it for today. Oh, and the late summer heat wave (can we call it that? maybe its a heat ripple?) is over. Yay! And Boo Hoo!
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Did you ever...?
...enter a phase of your life and look at all the dots getting connected and say "Wow. This is excellent. My life is so flupping great!" ? This is how I feel lately.
First of all my European adventure is in 15 days. I got new sandals for the excursion and am wearing them everywhere to get them broken in. I'm very excited about this trip because until 2006 I'd never really BEEN anywhere. Then BAM I was in Hawaii, this year it was Virginia, now Europe! Wowsers.
Second,I have an awesome part time job this Fall at a yarn shop. How frakking awesome is that?? It starts in October and I am so excited. I will be with people I like alot, surrounded by yarn...its all good!
Rhinebeck is coming up and I am still stoked. Lots of knit pals are going, some staying at the same motel, and FUN WILL BE HAD. Knitterly, possibly alcohol infused, fun.
Hman pondered out loud the possibility of heading to NS for Christmas. Like, actual christmas, not just a weekend before christmas. Yes even though I am Pagan oriented, we still do Christmas (I call it Yule in my head). Why? Well I am not my whole family, and they like it. I do too and its not unreasonable to keep it since it coresponds with a Pagan festivity (the Winter Solstice/Yule). So, maybe going home for a holiday! Cool. Its not written in stone yet so I have NOT mentioned it to my Mom. It depends on some things and stuffs etc etc. The plan as it stands in all its unconfirmedness is that we would rent a house in the area of my parents home and host the christmas gathering of my family and also have Nanny and Grandpa for Christmas day for the first time ever. I warned Hman that we would need to make decission very soon and arrangements as well in order to start the ball rolling on the family gathering (gotta synchronise calendars etc). Like I said, there are some outside circumstances and what they may bring that influence the possibility so I'm hoping we have a yes or no by October sometime.
I have a project that Hman and I are going to start this Autumn. When its ready I will give details. Its a silly little bit of fun for me that he's going to A) finance and B) help me with. He's the best. You know, he even recorded the season Premier of BONES for me last night. How awesome is that?! Yup. The best. Today.
Anyways, said project which few people know about because its better that way, could be great or it could totally suck rancid billy goats balls, but I could never have entertained the idea before now so its another great point in my life right now and something to look forward too even with its steep learning curve.
Anyways, my point in all this is that right now, life just seems to be lining up really well and though experience teaches that this can be derailed at any point at Fate's whimsy, right now its pretty grand.
First of all my European adventure is in 15 days. I got new sandals for the excursion and am wearing them everywhere to get them broken in. I'm very excited about this trip because until 2006 I'd never really BEEN anywhere. Then BAM I was in Hawaii, this year it was Virginia, now Europe! Wowsers.
Second,I have an awesome part time job this Fall at a yarn shop. How frakking awesome is that?? It starts in October and I am so excited. I will be with people I like alot, surrounded by yarn...its all good!
Rhinebeck is coming up and I am still stoked. Lots of knit pals are going, some staying at the same motel, and FUN WILL BE HAD. Knitterly, possibly alcohol infused, fun.
Hman pondered out loud the possibility of heading to NS for Christmas. Like, actual christmas, not just a weekend before christmas. Yes even though I am Pagan oriented, we still do Christmas (I call it Yule in my head). Why? Well I am not my whole family, and they like it. I do too and its not unreasonable to keep it since it coresponds with a Pagan festivity (the Winter Solstice/Yule). So, maybe going home for a holiday! Cool. Its not written in stone yet so I have NOT mentioned it to my Mom. It depends on some things and stuffs etc etc. The plan as it stands in all its unconfirmedness is that we would rent a house in the area of my parents home and host the christmas gathering of my family and also have Nanny and Grandpa for Christmas day for the first time ever. I warned Hman that we would need to make decission very soon and arrangements as well in order to start the ball rolling on the family gathering (gotta synchronise calendars etc). Like I said, there are some outside circumstances and what they may bring that influence the possibility so I'm hoping we have a yes or no by October sometime.
I have a project that Hman and I are going to start this Autumn. When its ready I will give details. Its a silly little bit of fun for me that he's going to A) finance and B) help me with. He's the best. You know, he even recorded the season Premier of BONES for me last night. How awesome is that?! Yup. The best. Today.
Anyways, said project which few people know about because its better that way, could be great or it could totally suck rancid billy goats balls, but I could never have entertained the idea before now so its another great point in my life right now and something to look forward too even with its steep learning curve.
Anyways, my point in all this is that right now, life just seems to be lining up really well and though experience teaches that this can be derailed at any point at Fate's whimsy, right now its pretty grand.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Secret Pal Loot
I mentioned the Secret Pal Swap that I am taking part in. My parcel was sent out and recieved last week by the person I was to spoil. I was so impatient for her to get the package and to find out whether or not I totally flubbed it. She was very pleased with her parcel and I was thrilled.
Today, it was MY turn to recieve! My Secret Spoiler had let me know that the parcel was sent and I figured it would arrive tomorrow or later. Not so! Canada Post was on the ball and rang my doorbell late this afternoon. SQUEEE!!!
It was such a mystery! Who had sent it? Inside was a letter explaining two avenues for me to explore...follow the clues 1 through 8 and try to figure it out or go straight to the package marked as holding the answer. Well of course I wanted to draw it out and guess and read clues! So fun!!!!! I wish i had thought of such a great way to "expose" myself.
Clue 5 proved to be the key. The clue mentioned conferences and medical supply folk that pass on swag. the wee package was the swag! A highlighter, a pad of 'testosterone gel' sticky notes, and a Post It pen. Coool!!! Very handy for colour work. I pondered a second or ten and the light went on. "Sharon??!" I guessed. I had 3 more clues to go and then the answer revealed that I was infact correct!
Sharon is a most awesome knitter (an secret pal) and is originally from New Zealand. She will be returning to her homeland when her job here is done and we will miss her very much at knit nights. She's very smart, very fit, very stylish,very funny, and her output knittingwise is astounding. She gifted me with gorgeous Mission Falls superwash in a lovely lovely green (mmmm greeen), some black alpaca blend from her stash, a handmade knitting notes book complete with Flight of The Conchords (New Zealands 4th most popular folk parody duo) and some patterns!!!She knit a cover for the front ...umm...cover...and personalised the flyleaf.
A tin was cunningly decorated decoupage style with a pic of my favorite needles and my initials. Inside were wee loops of yarn for use as stitch markers (just to illustrate the clue though). This is how Sharon more or less marks her places while the rest of us buy or make knitting bling. She's very refined and old school. :oD
NEEDLES! Squee! Harmony DPNS. So...love..them.. I forsee some casting on of socks. I will need them (more later).
Skittles because she had no idea what the sweets I'd mentioned in the questionnaire were. ROFL. I'd listed SKOR bars, Toffeefay, and something else like this as my favourite candy. Skittles are kind of the anti-caramel, toffee/nut chocolate sweets. Its hilarious and the kids are very covetous of my candy.
Oh my...it was a lovely lovely parcel and I feel like its my birthday!
PS: Socks: I got a pair of Birkenstocks today for all the walking I forsee in Spain. They need to be broken in but on the whole are great. I will of course be very crunchy granola and wear wool socks with my sandals come cool weather. Oh yes. I am that hippy chick, earth mama. Don't look away. I am not ashamed. LOL
Now with new needles for sock knitting, I should cast on a pair!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Enterprise
But not of the starship variety. No, my enterprise is much smaller but slightly lucrative just the same.
I sold 70 stitch markers to a yarn shop. Oh yes I did! I got paid in actual cashy money. I swear I got ever so giddy. And yes said shop will buy more. Xmas is coming you know and all knitters need their knit bling. The next batch must include smaller ones more friendly to lace knitting which involves small needles and wee wee wee small yarns so having something to clunky is awkward. Will head to bead shop tomorrow for inspiration. :oD
Today the boys were at a birthday party so Hman and I took advantage and left the premises sans enfants. Oooh it was a heady time I tell you! We went to the Marche 440 in Laval and went gormet foodie browsing and shopping. I saw the coolest olive oil from France. I wanted it because of the funky stoneware bottle it came in but managed to retrain myself.
In the farm market area outside were fruits and veghetables locally grown and beautiful to behold. I really should have taken a camera with me but when we left home it was destination Chapters...the market only came to mind while we were on the road.
We spent over two hours shopping and browsing the shops and stalls oohing and aaahhing over the local and imported delicacies (August strawberries! Who knew? And oh man they were better than the June ones)with noone bitching that they were bored/tired/thirsty/hungry/bored.
All in all a lovely day.
I sold 70 stitch markers to a yarn shop. Oh yes I did! I got paid in actual cashy money. I swear I got ever so giddy. And yes said shop will buy more. Xmas is coming you know and all knitters need their knit bling. The next batch must include smaller ones more friendly to lace knitting which involves small needles and wee wee wee small yarns so having something to clunky is awkward. Will head to bead shop tomorrow for inspiration. :oD
Today the boys were at a birthday party so Hman and I took advantage and left the premises sans enfants. Oooh it was a heady time I tell you! We went to the Marche 440 in Laval and went gormet foodie browsing and shopping. I saw the coolest olive oil from France. I wanted it because of the funky stoneware bottle it came in but managed to retrain myself.
In the farm market area outside were fruits and veghetables locally grown and beautiful to behold. I really should have taken a camera with me but when we left home it was destination Chapters...the market only came to mind while we were on the road.
We spent over two hours shopping and browsing the shops and stalls oohing and aaahhing over the local and imported delicacies (August strawberries! Who knew? And oh man they were better than the June ones)with noone bitching that they were bored/tired/thirsty/hungry/bored.
All in all a lovely day.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
6 random factoids
I was tagged. I refuse to tag anyone else because its annoying but my niece Teri just keeps tagging me. Unless she meant another Alison and then I just look like a dumb ass...more so than usual.
ONE! I can make fun of my self until the cows come home but when someone else makes a critical comment it hurts me very very much. I'm very sensitive with low self estee. Deal with it.
TWO! I have an incredibly short attention sp... Ooh shiny! (runs after shiny...)
Three! I'm more of an ideas person than a doings person. Doings is just usually too much work because I generally don't have the skillset to match my many brilliant and wonderful Ideas. Is there some way i could get pay for this because I have MANY ideas as day.
4thly! My dog has very bad farting issues today and is seriously gassing me out of the room.
5th! I love my kids desperatly but sometimes hate them almost as much. Like 30 minutes ago. Its a testament to my self control that I don't scream this at them (like I could have 30 minutes ago). Love them love them love them but lord tunderin' Jaysus they are annoying creatures.
6. I always wanted a little sister to dress up and be bestest friends with.
Don't you feel informed now? Don't you feel closer to me now? Huh? Huh?
ONE! I can make fun of my self until the cows come home but when someone else makes a critical comment it hurts me very very much. I'm very sensitive with low self estee. Deal with it.
TWO! I have an incredibly short attention sp... Ooh shiny! (runs after shiny...)
Three! I'm more of an ideas person than a doings person. Doings is just usually too much work because I generally don't have the skillset to match my many brilliant and wonderful Ideas. Is there some way i could get pay for this because I have MANY ideas as day.
4thly! My dog has very bad farting issues today and is seriously gassing me out of the room.
5th! I love my kids desperatly but sometimes hate them almost as much. Like 30 minutes ago. Its a testament to my self control that I don't scream this at them (like I could have 30 minutes ago). Love them love them love them but lord tunderin' Jaysus they are annoying creatures.
6. I always wanted a little sister to dress up and be bestest friends with.
Don't you feel informed now? Don't you feel closer to me now? Huh? Huh?
Clarity
I finally had a reply to my shrug issue queries and it turns out that what I am doing is just fine and what was intended by the pattern. WHEW! I feel so much better. Clarity is GOOD.
Hman had a meet with the vp of the boys school with regards to the situation on the last day of school. it turns out the bully isn't really a bully so much as a problem child with issues like Ben's and the two of them just fed off one another. As long as we can keep them separate I think it will be good. His parents apparently have very similar problems to ours regarding impulse control, temper, balancing medication etc with their boy. Now that we've been able to get some light shed on the whole situation and can work together as a team these guys should do much better at school socially and academically as well.
See? Its all about communication. :oD
Hman had a meet with the vp of the boys school with regards to the situation on the last day of school. it turns out the bully isn't really a bully so much as a problem child with issues like Ben's and the two of them just fed off one another. As long as we can keep them separate I think it will be good. His parents apparently have very similar problems to ours regarding impulse control, temper, balancing medication etc with their boy. Now that we've been able to get some light shed on the whole situation and can work together as a team these guys should do much better at school socially and academically as well.
See? Its all about communication. :oD
Good and not so very....
Lets begin with the not so very good.....that way we can end with good and its more happy that way.
I sent my Secret Pal package out on Monday. I am waiting impatiently to hear its been recieved and its driving me crazy. I am never doing this again...its too excruciating. There has be no chatter on the discussion thread for a couple days or so and I feel like noone is still participating (THOUGH I KNOW THEY ARE!! just clarifying). I am way to impatient for this kind of thing it would appear and its making me very cranky.
The Mystery Shrug Knit Along is pissing me off. I am having issues with the second clue and not getting any clarification on the instructions from the hostess/designer and am feeling annoyed. I thought this would be a fun project and actually encouraged friends to join but now I am feeling like an unpaid test knitter finding obscurities in a pattern that at first glance seemed pretty clear and concise, and not getting the feedback I need to continue with the project. Another knitter also had issues with clue two and took steps that she felt appropriate to her. I don't feel comfortable with that. I want my shrug as I more or less saw it (I know I'm a semi cheater that its not SO mysterious for me) and just want the instructions/my issues resolved. If i must rip AGAIN, so be it but I don't feel comfortable continuing until I hear back.
Also, the 3rd clue has been delayed 2 weeks in a row. This for me is not a big deal (hello! Still grappling with clue two!) BUT as a host/designer, you have people hanging and waiting and to me that is unprofessional and not cool. Yes, we all know how life gets in the way. That is why you should have your ducks in a row before you start something. Suck it up, be a grown up, and deliver on your commitments.
Hmmm....ok...anything else in this category of "Not so good"? Nope I think not.
On to the Good!
School is into Day 3 and so far so great. Everyone is happy and cheery and positive. The bully is not in the same class AND went out of his way to apologise to Ben on the first day. Lets hope this positive beginning is carried through the year more so than in years past.
Both boys have their best school chums in their classes and Cammie even gets to sit with his. He reports that his teacher has even complimented he and his pal on what great students they are. :oD he promises that they are not goofing around and talking, but actually performed their work with very little chat.
The theme this year is Health both of self and the planet. This is a subject near and dear to me, as most know. Ben and Cameron found out from a schoolmate about deposit returnables (bottles and cans) as income. Back in NS one had to return bottles and cans to a recycling Depot. Here most grocery stores have these groovy machine/receptacles that you place your bottles and cans into, recieve a reciept and take that to the cashier for your cash. The guys are so excited about this idea (which somehow they never really considered before) that they are picking up any and all beverage cans and bottles they find on the way home from school. yesterday they eachj had found one, took it into the store and got their nickel each and an obbsession was born. Now Mommy and Daddy are donating all returnables to this money making / Earth saving cause (we were just recycling them NOT sorting out for returns except for beer bottles) to reinforce the whole idea with our support. If we have beverages in returnables while not together (aka at work or out with the knitters etc) the containers are brought home for the boys and I have suggested that Hman mention the kid's project at the office and maybe recieve bottles others may have thrown out in the trash. All proceeds are divided equally between the two kids.
Ideas explored in this exercise: Kids can generate their own cash if they try (beyond an allowance and chores), that picking up litter is good for the Earth and a responsible thing to do, that recycling is also a good way to care for the Earth, AND that even KIDS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE, and that slowly but surely can build up to something (delayed gratification). Did I miss anything there? Best part, they came home with the idea and that makes it so much more exciting for them. I'm so proud and so touched and tickled by the whole thing, especially the excitement and cooperation and just the plain ol' cuteness of my guys. Nope no motherly pride and glowing here, eh??! LOL
I had a really nice evening with Tara last night as we were knitting in Laval (only attendees). I must say I have seen her "Sizzle" and its the shizzle!! Great coral red colour and really well done. Looks fantastic on her too. BooYah! And she's knitting the ver so lovely Nutkin socks in a fabu Autumnal colourway. Nice.
I am still on a stitch marker jag. The technique with tigertail beading wire and crimp beads (see Sticks and Strings podcast website for tutorial)is so much easier than wrestling with head pins etc to make a non adjustable loop. The tigertail is much more versatile with regard to what needle size you can use the markers with.
I like the stitchmarkers so much that I am making some earrings to match....LOL Purty!!!!
I sent my Secret Pal package out on Monday. I am waiting impatiently to hear its been recieved and its driving me crazy. I am never doing this again...its too excruciating. There has be no chatter on the discussion thread for a couple days or so and I feel like noone is still participating (THOUGH I KNOW THEY ARE!! just clarifying). I am way to impatient for this kind of thing it would appear and its making me very cranky.
The Mystery Shrug Knit Along is pissing me off. I am having issues with the second clue and not getting any clarification on the instructions from the hostess/designer and am feeling annoyed. I thought this would be a fun project and actually encouraged friends to join but now I am feeling like an unpaid test knitter finding obscurities in a pattern that at first glance seemed pretty clear and concise, and not getting the feedback I need to continue with the project. Another knitter also had issues with clue two and took steps that she felt appropriate to her. I don't feel comfortable with that. I want my shrug as I more or less saw it (I know I'm a semi cheater that its not SO mysterious for me) and just want the instructions/my issues resolved. If i must rip AGAIN, so be it but I don't feel comfortable continuing until I hear back.
Also, the 3rd clue has been delayed 2 weeks in a row. This for me is not a big deal (hello! Still grappling with clue two!) BUT as a host/designer, you have people hanging and waiting and to me that is unprofessional and not cool. Yes, we all know how life gets in the way. That is why you should have your ducks in a row before you start something. Suck it up, be a grown up, and deliver on your commitments.
Hmmm....ok...anything else in this category of "Not so good"? Nope I think not.
On to the Good!
School is into Day 3 and so far so great. Everyone is happy and cheery and positive. The bully is not in the same class AND went out of his way to apologise to Ben on the first day. Lets hope this positive beginning is carried through the year more so than in years past.
Both boys have their best school chums in their classes and Cammie even gets to sit with his. He reports that his teacher has even complimented he and his pal on what great students they are. :oD he promises that they are not goofing around and talking, but actually performed their work with very little chat.
The theme this year is Health both of self and the planet. This is a subject near and dear to me, as most know. Ben and Cameron found out from a schoolmate about deposit returnables (bottles and cans) as income. Back in NS one had to return bottles and cans to a recycling Depot. Here most grocery stores have these groovy machine/receptacles that you place your bottles and cans into, recieve a reciept and take that to the cashier for your cash. The guys are so excited about this idea (which somehow they never really considered before) that they are picking up any and all beverage cans and bottles they find on the way home from school. yesterday they eachj had found one, took it into the store and got their nickel each and an obbsession was born. Now Mommy and Daddy are donating all returnables to this money making / Earth saving cause (we were just recycling them NOT sorting out for returns except for beer bottles) to reinforce the whole idea with our support. If we have beverages in returnables while not together (aka at work or out with the knitters etc) the containers are brought home for the boys and I have suggested that Hman mention the kid's project at the office and maybe recieve bottles others may have thrown out in the trash. All proceeds are divided equally between the two kids.
Ideas explored in this exercise: Kids can generate their own cash if they try (beyond an allowance and chores), that picking up litter is good for the Earth and a responsible thing to do, that recycling is also a good way to care for the Earth, AND that even KIDS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE, and that slowly but surely can build up to something (delayed gratification). Did I miss anything there? Best part, they came home with the idea and that makes it so much more exciting for them. I'm so proud and so touched and tickled by the whole thing, especially the excitement and cooperation and just the plain ol' cuteness of my guys. Nope no motherly pride and glowing here, eh??! LOL
I had a really nice evening with Tara last night as we were knitting in Laval (only attendees). I must say I have seen her "Sizzle" and its the shizzle!! Great coral red colour and really well done. Looks fantastic on her too. BooYah! And she's knitting the ver so lovely Nutkin socks in a fabu Autumnal colourway. Nice.
I am still on a stitch marker jag. The technique with tigertail beading wire and crimp beads (see Sticks and Strings podcast website for tutorial)is so much easier than wrestling with head pins etc to make a non adjustable loop. The tigertail is much more versatile with regard to what needle size you can use the markers with.
I like the stitchmarkers so much that I am making some earrings to match....LOL Purty!!!!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Interesting
Jemaine Clement of the 4th most popular folk parody group in New Zealand, Flight Of The Conchords, is the bomb. I adore him. Would it be wrong to admit he sometimes appear to me in dreams? Nothing nasty, per se......
Go here NOW! http://ronaldchevalier.com/ This is the "web sanctum" of his latest film character Dr Ronald Chevalier, a sci fi author. He has a video on "The Art Of Relaxating" to soothe your stress. heh heh
I cannot wait for this flick OR the second season of FOTC.
Go here NOW! http://ronaldchevalier.com/ This is the "web sanctum" of his latest film character Dr Ronald Chevalier, a sci fi author. He has a video on "The Art Of Relaxating" to soothe your stress. heh heh
I cannot wait for this flick OR the second season of FOTC.
New favourite quote
I was over on the Yarn Harlot (link on sidebar) getting caught up in all things Harlotty and I came across a phrase I am smitten with.
If you don't know of the Yarn Harlot, she is Stephanie Pearl-MacPhee, knitter and writer. The woman is some serious funny and talented. Her blog is crazy popular and has been known to log comments in the hundreds and I believe even got into the thousands one time. SERIOUSLY!!!
Anyways, what with being a busy writer etc she has had to spend a fair amount of time away from her family and was making up for it this week. She returned to the computer to find her inbox had become...
"..a place crazier than a kindergarten yard growing candy trees... "
The imagery....the humour....I love it. You KNOW I will use it too don't you? snicker snicker snicker
Editted to add: Tara, I scored the coupon card in Canadian Living and Chatelaine magazines a couple weeks back.
If you don't know of the Yarn Harlot, she is Stephanie Pearl-MacPhee, knitter and writer. The woman is some serious funny and talented. Her blog is crazy popular and has been known to log comments in the hundreds and I believe even got into the thousands one time. SERIOUSLY!!!
Anyways, what with being a busy writer etc she has had to spend a fair amount of time away from her family and was making up for it this week. She returned to the computer to find her inbox had become...
"..a place crazier than a kindergarten yard growing candy trees... "
The imagery....the humour....I love it. You KNOW I will use it too don't you? snicker snicker snicker
Editted to add: Tara, I scored the coupon card in Canadian Living and Chatelaine magazines a couple weeks back.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Oh boy its back!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhwbxEfy7fg&feature=related
D*ck In a Box. My day is complete!
D*ck In a Box. My day is complete!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Day before....
Tomorrow the boys are back to school. So wierd to go back in August. I don't think I will ever get used to it.
Anyways, this morning Ben and I tackled some room cleaning in an effort to find a missing toy. We half filled a garbage bag with assorted broken ceap toys and crap that was taking up box and shelf space and organised some stuff, but no Bakugan to be found. the plus to all of this? His desk is cleared and ready for homework. We even emptied and vacuumed his desk drawer! there is still a bunch of stuff/crap to sort on the shelves of his desk but he now can find all of his books and has two fully functional if empty piggy banks again. That corner looks pretty damn good and I will give Hman the heads up to pay Ben a compliment for his hard work and ability to part with so much clutter.
I must take Cam out to shop for "indoor" sneakers for school. I got Ben's at the evil Walmart but they were a pretty nice and comfy shoe for an amazing price. I want Cam's to be the same (and while there I need to get some yellow glass beads) but in the other available colour. Then my back to school shopping is truly done until I go to get some new clothes for them but thats not until next week or so. I have two 20% off coupons for The Children's Place and will get the guys some new jeans and sweat shirts etc for the cool weather to replace out grown or ruined garments.
Last night we had some heat lightning with no audible thunder. Just plenty of distant flashes. That was enough for Blossom the idiot dog (who has gone fairly deaf so don't say she could hear thunder that we couldn't because she hardly hears anything now) to freak out when put outside for the bedtime pee session, break out of the backyard SOMEHOW!!? and take off runnin'. Hman came up to the bedroom storming about "your G$%#$%%ed dog is gone again" and how if she's gone thats it he is not paying to get her back from a shelter after the over 100 dollars spent when she pulled the same kind of thing last year. He ranted and raved and I got in the car and went dog trolling. I figured she would be pretty near since she didn't have much of a head start on me. After about 20 minutes or so I spotted her a couple of streets away near the park. Whew.
Stupid mutt.
Anyways, this morning Ben and I tackled some room cleaning in an effort to find a missing toy. We half filled a garbage bag with assorted broken ceap toys and crap that was taking up box and shelf space and organised some stuff, but no Bakugan to be found. the plus to all of this? His desk is cleared and ready for homework. We even emptied and vacuumed his desk drawer! there is still a bunch of stuff/crap to sort on the shelves of his desk but he now can find all of his books and has two fully functional if empty piggy banks again. That corner looks pretty damn good and I will give Hman the heads up to pay Ben a compliment for his hard work and ability to part with so much clutter.
I must take Cam out to shop for "indoor" sneakers for school. I got Ben's at the evil Walmart but they were a pretty nice and comfy shoe for an amazing price. I want Cam's to be the same (and while there I need to get some yellow glass beads) but in the other available colour. Then my back to school shopping is truly done until I go to get some new clothes for them but thats not until next week or so. I have two 20% off coupons for The Children's Place and will get the guys some new jeans and sweat shirts etc for the cool weather to replace out grown or ruined garments.
Last night we had some heat lightning with no audible thunder. Just plenty of distant flashes. That was enough for Blossom the idiot dog (who has gone fairly deaf so don't say she could hear thunder that we couldn't because she hardly hears anything now) to freak out when put outside for the bedtime pee session, break out of the backyard SOMEHOW!!? and take off runnin'. Hman came up to the bedroom storming about "your G$%#$%%ed dog is gone again" and how if she's gone thats it he is not paying to get her back from a shelter after the over 100 dollars spent when she pulled the same kind of thing last year. He ranted and raved and I got in the car and went dog trolling. I figured she would be pretty near since she didn't have much of a head start on me. After about 20 minutes or so I spotted her a couple of streets away near the park. Whew.
Stupid mutt.
Friday, August 22, 2008
REmember?
I said Ben was so happy with his day camp and loved it? 'Member that? I really thought he was...he claimed to have fun and talked of a kid that he'd met last year who was there again, talked of his driving the ball far and sounded really happy.
Well, he is home with me today, the last day, because he didn't want to go. It would appear that the other kids in the group have been calling him names and punching him in the arm over and over. His asking the coach/counselor to stop them didn't produce any results worth discussing and the name calling etc continued.
He says he never threw any tantrums or anything to bring any of this on. With a kid like Ben you have to ask these things (What did you do to start all of this? Tantrums? Losing your temper with someone? Whining? Teasing?) but he says he never had one tantrum and didn't lose his temper with anyone before this started. They call him things like dirty little pig, dirty rat, a girl's name, and punch him in the arm repeatedly. The coach tells them to stop, they don't. No other action taken.
Am I pissed. Yes. Am I upset? Yes. Am I frustrated that my kid seems to attract bullies? Hell yes. The frustration is there more than anything because i wasn't there to witness anything and, my kid being the aggravating little guy he is, I must take his claims with a dose of salt. Even if he is aggravating does he deserve getting picked at all day? The coach should be enforcing his own authority over the group and making it (the name calling and arm punching) stop. For the price we paid for 5 days of golf instruction and fun, I expected better. We are not talking a cheap ass, run by unpaid teenage kids program here (like I worked at back in the day at the local Y).
I told Richard that if Ben was staying home with me all day, then HE must call the club and lodge a complaint. No "oh I forgot" etc until nothing can be done about it either.
Well, he is home with me today, the last day, because he didn't want to go. It would appear that the other kids in the group have been calling him names and punching him in the arm over and over. His asking the coach/counselor to stop them didn't produce any results worth discussing and the name calling etc continued.
He says he never threw any tantrums or anything to bring any of this on. With a kid like Ben you have to ask these things (What did you do to start all of this? Tantrums? Losing your temper with someone? Whining? Teasing?) but he says he never had one tantrum and didn't lose his temper with anyone before this started. They call him things like dirty little pig, dirty rat, a girl's name, and punch him in the arm repeatedly. The coach tells them to stop, they don't. No other action taken.
Am I pissed. Yes. Am I upset? Yes. Am I frustrated that my kid seems to attract bullies? Hell yes. The frustration is there more than anything because i wasn't there to witness anything and, my kid being the aggravating little guy he is, I must take his claims with a dose of salt. Even if he is aggravating does he deserve getting picked at all day? The coach should be enforcing his own authority over the group and making it (the name calling and arm punching) stop. For the price we paid for 5 days of golf instruction and fun, I expected better. We are not talking a cheap ass, run by unpaid teenage kids program here (like I worked at back in the day at the local Y).
I told Richard that if Ben was staying home with me all day, then HE must call the club and lodge a complaint. No "oh I forgot" etc until nothing can be done about it either.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
How did it get to be Thursday already???
The kids go back to school on Tuesday so this is officially the last week of summer vacation andnits almost OVER. Waaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!
I don't have much of anything to write about. Went knitting last night, screwed up my cable band and had to rip it out. Made stitch markers...lot n lots of stitch markers. I just hope Ginette likes them enough for the shop. They are very pretty.
Made a yummy beef slow cooker meal yesterday (Ropa Viejo? I think...Its Cuban in origin) and guess what? There are leftovers.
I spent the military budget of a small country on school supplies (including some texts). Two fully loaded backpacks await Tuesday Morning.
Going out to Effiloche tomorrow night for knitting.
Daycamp update: This has been a great week for Cameron. It started off iffy...he didn't so much want to go, but today he got to try Epee instead of just doing Fleuret and he said " I really liked it...". HE REALLY LIKED IT!! Yay!! Cam has a sport! He really has a sport!! Fencing courses will continue this Autumn and after this week of mildly intensive practice and instruction he will be ready.
Ben's golf is still his favourite. He loves going to day camp at Quatre Domaines. I think this is his 3rd time out of the 4 summers we've lived here. Or maybe just the second and he went to a different one the summer before last....
Anyways, thats it from Chez Nous. Totally dull, non?
I don't have much of anything to write about. Went knitting last night, screwed up my cable band and had to rip it out. Made stitch markers...lot n lots of stitch markers. I just hope Ginette likes them enough for the shop. They are very pretty.
Made a yummy beef slow cooker meal yesterday (Ropa Viejo? I think...Its Cuban in origin) and guess what? There are leftovers.
I spent the military budget of a small country on school supplies (including some texts). Two fully loaded backpacks await Tuesday Morning.
Going out to Effiloche tomorrow night for knitting.
Daycamp update: This has been a great week for Cameron. It started off iffy...he didn't so much want to go, but today he got to try Epee instead of just doing Fleuret and he said " I really liked it...". HE REALLY LIKED IT!! Yay!! Cam has a sport! He really has a sport!! Fencing courses will continue this Autumn and after this week of mildly intensive practice and instruction he will be ready.
Ben's golf is still his favourite. He loves going to day camp at Quatre Domaines. I think this is his 3rd time out of the 4 summers we've lived here. Or maybe just the second and he went to a different one the summer before last....
Anyways, thats it from Chez Nous. Totally dull, non?
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Sunday
The weather is very nice today! I had hoped to hop in the pool yesterday but the water has cooled to a nasty 22 celcius which, unless I am super overly warm, just will not do. I wish we had a heater even though its frivolous and energy wasteful...
Yesterday saw me in the veggie patch, still in my nightgown, and trying to pick tomatoes. I have Matt's Wild Cherry heirlooms this year and lets just say I will NOT plant them again. The two plants took over the garden area like something from a B movie ("It Came From the Garden"? "The VINE!"? "insert title of choice here") making harvest difficult (partially my fault for not trellising and pruning enough but holy shi& they went nuts!). The fruits are so small and delicate that red ones break on plucking forcing one to harvest at yellow stage to avoid mini explosions of seeds in one's night dress held like and apron. Even the weight of the other tiny 'maters was enough to make some crack open. They are a tad sweet for my tastes since I was hoping fopr a more intense flavour. I went back out after harvesting equipped with kitchen shears since I have misplace my secateurs, and started lopping vines regardless of their status (fruiting or non) just to make the area traversable.
Note to self: next year try bush or determinate plants.
We weeded the front jungle/flower garden too and Hman cut the lawn then went to hit some balls, leaving me with the kiddos who swiftly got on my PMSing nerves. I'm sorry but my boys are whiney cry babies that may never toughen up. Tiniest boo boos are not shrugged off like many kids do but are sources of hysteria. This at the ages of 9 and 11 with the 11 yr old being worst thanks to his immaturity (THANKS ALOT A.D.D.!!!). Anyways, with their bitchy sniping and squabbling they brought out the worst in my yesterday and last evening. They were permitted to have a friend over night though so I am not a total evil harpy. I just feel like one and sometimes behave like one. sigh.
I have no idea whats instore today. Maybe going out on the boat? I wouldn't mind a nap, I'll tell you.
Oh! Speaking of "In store"...thats what I will be, starting in October. My Tuesdays will be taken up with being a maintainence/stocking flunky at Effiloche. I'm very stoked. Come November, I am scheduled to be there on weekends as well to wind yarn for customers since the Xmas rush will be on. The pluses for me are numerous starting with being in proximity to yarny goodness for hours at a time, and also the situation FORCES my practicing and improving my Francais. Did I mention I'm stoked? I totally am. Thanks G!!!!!!
Ok...off to cook rice for little laryngitis boy.
Yesterday saw me in the veggie patch, still in my nightgown, and trying to pick tomatoes. I have Matt's Wild Cherry heirlooms this year and lets just say I will NOT plant them again. The two plants took over the garden area like something from a B movie ("It Came From the Garden"? "The VINE!"? "insert title of choice here") making harvest difficult (partially my fault for not trellising and pruning enough but holy shi& they went nuts!). The fruits are so small and delicate that red ones break on plucking forcing one to harvest at yellow stage to avoid mini explosions of seeds in one's night dress held like and apron. Even the weight of the other tiny 'maters was enough to make some crack open. They are a tad sweet for my tastes since I was hoping fopr a more intense flavour. I went back out after harvesting equipped with kitchen shears since I have misplace my secateurs, and started lopping vines regardless of their status (fruiting or non) just to make the area traversable.
Note to self: next year try bush or determinate plants.
We weeded the front jungle/flower garden too and Hman cut the lawn then went to hit some balls, leaving me with the kiddos who swiftly got on my PMSing nerves. I'm sorry but my boys are whiney cry babies that may never toughen up. Tiniest boo boos are not shrugged off like many kids do but are sources of hysteria. This at the ages of 9 and 11 with the 11 yr old being worst thanks to his immaturity (THANKS ALOT A.D.D.!!!). Anyways, with their bitchy sniping and squabbling they brought out the worst in my yesterday and last evening. They were permitted to have a friend over night though so I am not a total evil harpy. I just feel like one and sometimes behave like one. sigh.
I have no idea whats instore today. Maybe going out on the boat? I wouldn't mind a nap, I'll tell you.
Oh! Speaking of "In store"...thats what I will be, starting in October. My Tuesdays will be taken up with being a maintainence/stocking flunky at Effiloche. I'm very stoked. Come November, I am scheduled to be there on weekends as well to wind yarn for customers since the Xmas rush will be on. The pluses for me are numerous starting with being in proximity to yarny goodness for hours at a time, and also the situation FORCES my practicing and improving my Francais. Did I mention I'm stoked? I totally am. Thanks G!!!!!!
Ok...off to cook rice for little laryngitis boy.
Friday, August 15, 2008
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