Goodbye 2010!

Yet another year has past....amazing isn't it that 365 days have passed before our very eyes. I hope everyone has made their New Year's Resolutions for 2011. I for one will not do any such thing! Can you imagine the pressure? No I am not one for making resolutions, I see no point. It would just lead to disaster or disappointment. No, I believe if you want to do something, just do it!  It doesn't need to be the beginning of a New Year, no sirree! Just get'ter done I say.

So I have been perusing some of my favourite blogs and see that most of them are talking about favourite projects of the past year. My favourite and most successful projects were my ensuite reno and my bedroom suite remake. Other little projects were good but the most work and gratifying were those two. All my crafting and running days are what I love to do, so I just grateful to be able to enjoy each idea and each kilometer one day at a time.

I hope you have a wonderful 2011 and best wishes to all. Keep smiling and keep on running! See you next year!

Desperate Measures

I had to resort to some desperate measures today, and it was not a small feat let me tell you!!! My daughter Jane gave me a Starbucks gift card for Christmas and I thought I would put it in my car right away so that I wouldn't leave it at home next time I happen to be around a shop and want to indulge in a latte..........well as the saying goes "stupid is, as stupid does"! And this chick pulled a stupid. In my car I have this little compartment that will hold spare change, small keys etc. Well........I put the Starbucks card on top of the slidey thingy that keeps the change cup a secret.

 I stopped to get the mail the other day and slid the top back so I could get the mail keys and you know that moment when you do something and think dang it! ( Not the words I used but this is a family show) Well I danged it! The little card slid under the slidey lid and disappeared~~~~~~:((((((  woe is me.........stupid is me.....there it went.....gone.....Well not one to be beaten.  I thought  there must be away to get into that area under the gear shift. Do I look like a German mechanic? Not so much. Well the little Silver bullet is well put together let me tell you......but I was a Girl on a mission. German engineering was not going to have one over on me. No sirree! So after much ado............and a few choice words until I found the right tool to take out the screw holding the panel together.........Ta da! Success! I retrieved the card out, scraping a knuckle or two but I got it back. Phew! Now I will just have to fight with the panel to get it back in or maybe I will just drive over and see Karl and let him put it back together. Oh my goodness what desperate measures a girl has to endure. Certainly glad this year is just about over. Ciao!

And a hush came over the house.....

Well the house went from being "crazy" to very, very quiet. This morning Jane and my mom left and Kait had left Tuesday morning with Ayla, so now just the son is left at home for a week of relaxing before he heads back out. I think this past week has been a lot of fun.Way to much food, sweets and drink but overall a good time was had by all. Who knows when we will all be together again............so as I slowly start to put the house back to "normal" whatever that is......I will ponder moments of craziness and know that I will miss the noise and ruckus in the following weeks when peace resumes over the house.

 I hope you all had a wonderful holiday with family and friends.



relaxing.....

  




Christmas Dinner







 




Our pride and joys













 



Our Family









Mom and her chicks and rooster



Now to get back out on the road and loose some of this turkey, chocolate, and goodies. Have a great day!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Merry Christmas Everyone! I hope your day was as wonderful as ours. It was so grand having all my children home and my mom was here for Christmas. We laughed, we ate, we laughed and we ate some more. It was a great day! It's all very quiet now....and I sense my bed calling me. I can't wait to share with you some of the photos. Please be patient I will get it together in the next day or so. Best wishes to all, and to all a good night! May all your wishes and dreams come true.

Two more sleeps.....

I think if I am not ready for the big day then it didn't need to be done. And I'm okay with that. Gifts are wrapped, treats are baked, cookies are in abundance. Groceries are bought. I feel a major sugar rush coming on!!! The weather has finally turned quite balmy, it was +2C today, compared to this time last week when it was -22C. I don't think it is healthy but so far so good. Jane and my mom arrived yesterday both sneezing and carrying on, but I think they are better today. Must havae been the change in altitude. Kait will arrive tomorrow and the family will be just about complete. Her boyfriend couldn't make it so there will be one less at the table.

Trish and I will run tomorrow as she doesn't think she will be able to make the Boxing Day annual run. So tomorrow we will ward off a few calories and head out. I think I will go meet up with the rest of the group for the White Spot annual Christmas breakfast.

I hope you are organized and relaxing this evening. Now off to my chair, my knitting, a cup tea and to put up my feet. Cheers.......

Ode to the Christmas Pudding....

Now I fancy myself a good cook and the recipes I attempt in good faith usually turn out quite well. Until this one. OMG! I really try and when things go array I really begin to wonder about my abilities. I mean really. How hard can it be to throw a bunch of fruit into a bowl, mix it up and dump it in a pan. Ah! Let me tell you...it may very well be "THE LAST CHRISTMAS PUDDING" I ever make.

My wonderful Aunt Ev said "don't worry honey, you can't screw up Christmas Pudding....well she got a call today and I think I made her day. She certainly had a good laugh about the saga of the Christmas Pudding. I had this wonderful idea to bake it in a bundt pan......first mistake, forgot about physics, hole in centre should not be blocked.....second mistake, steam is not water......oh dear......well after three hours of "steaming the frigging pudding or is that "figgy pudding? I like mine name better......anyway, I took it out and thought well maybe it will set overnight. Third mistake....... didn't set, a mucky mess, well okay I'll bake it......300' for 3 hours......wrong!!!  Lets try 6 hours........oh my goodness.....well it did cook finally, and I did manage to get it out of the pan in relatively one piece...........and it doesn't taste bad...........and it does resemble a wreath...............but lets just say there will be alternatives to Christmas dinner for dessert! Maybe if I smother it in a creamy custard.....I try to be a good daughter. I thought I would make this because my mom will be here, and Christmas pudding with hard sauce was always her favourite and mine. Well, it will be good for a chuckle.


Ah..... it is what it is!



The cure for the pudding gone array



Hahaha! I was sorely tempted believe me!

 So that is my tale of the Christmas Pudding. I have my friend Pam to thank for this little diddy. I'm sure her puddings do not share the same tale of woe. Enough to drive one to imbide!!! Have a nice night. Five more sleeps till the man in red arrives!

Yippee! School Vacation!

Okay so I'm a little excited about having a few weeks off work. I think most teachers look forward to Christmas break, I for one have wanted this for a few weeks. I guess you shouldn't wish your time away but I love this time of year and this year is particularly special as all my children will be here and my mom as well. One day I hope my brother will brave the winter and make the trek north again. It's been many years since we spent Christmas together......... This past week was a near miss for me, after an allergic reaction to a test I had done, I was extremely ill. But I survived and will not go through that again! Yikes!

Well onward towards the holidays. My son came home yesterday and will be home for three weeks. We thought he would not be here this Christmas but we have been blessed that he is still in our own country. Please say a prayer for another of our fallen young soldiers, Steve Martin .Thank you and may you rest in peace......... The girls will be coming in later this week and Jane will be bringing my mom with her. So I have a busy week ahead finishing up details and getting the grocery lists ready. I am dreading the wrapping, I really wish I would wrap it when I get them........when will I ever learn?

I ran yesterday morning, it was a mere -17C' and I think it dropped the last km to -20 C cause Baby! It was cold outside! We resembled Mrs. Claus when we returned, but we are a hardy bunch and it was actually quite enjoyable. At least your muscles don't get inflammed!  Call us crazy but if you wait for warmer days they may not come. So I will try to post more regularly this week before the crazy takes over. Have a wonderful day!


Our Livingroom tree




This sweet little angel was made by my Aunt Eileen. She is very delicate and I just love her.






To Simplify or Not?

Well to simplify or not? I think not! I mean I am really, really trying hard to make things easier and simpler but I am beginning to realize I'm a little more complicated and it takes a lot to get uncomplicated! Does that make sense? Probably not, but I am trying to do more with less. So yesterday, instead of going "gung ho" decorating our big livingroom tree, I decided to take on a much smaller table top tree and to only use my collection of silver spoons, baby spoons and forks. I saw one done on over at The Inspired Room and thought I could do this, because I had everything already! See I can simplify! So instead of laundry or focusing on the main house tree, I made up the Silver Spoon Tree for my kitchen......I really like it and after polishing all the silver and finding some silver ribbon in my craft room this is what is turned out like. I am so pleased.

Too Cute for words.......

These are fake snowballs, simply Styrofoam balls, fake snow, and glue. Too cute!

I had this vase and of course the colour was all wrong so I made it a sweater. Easily done with a sleeve from a sweater and some ribbon. Couldn't be any simpler!

So you see, I can simplify, I just don't think that's what they mean. But I'm working on it. Maybe by the New Year......Have a nice Sunday afternoon.....

The week in review....oh my gosh

Last week flew by before I even knew it. We had a party at our house on Saturday, so the lead into the weekend I was very busy preparing food and trying to get the house in order. I had the menu figured out for a few weeks, so it was just a matter of picking up the last minute things. On the Saturday morning my good, good friend rescued me and came down for a few hours and helped make up a few dishes while I fussed around cleaning and setting the table. Thank you so much for your help! I owe you big time Pam! Well the party came and went and it was a success, lots of fun and the food was great. Needless to say on Sunday, I was tired as I didn't sleep well and so I pretty much watched curling for a few hours and did laundry and knit! Monday was a day at the pool as it was -13 and Trish wanted to avoid the cold but Tuesday wasn't much better and we ran our 10km to the bridge and back.....we are a hardly pair ( or crazy) because I am sure if we were used to only running in summer like weather, we would have just stayed in bed. Wednesday we were at the pool, and it was much more enjoyable. I think we are in  need of a break from running but that will mean disaster I am quite sure. It's party time again this week with a dinner tomorrow night, a luncheon Saturday, and party Saturday night. But the main thing now is finishing up the shopping and wrapping and getting the main tree decorated in the living room! I think I am running up against some opposition to moving furniture but I am confident I will win!

I've come across a new project I would like to start in the new year. I know, I am my own worst enemy. First I need to finish up the ones that I have started. But here is a peak and maybe you can guess what it will entail.

Today is the 30th Anniversary of the death of John Lennon. I can't believe that it has been that long. They were playing some of his songs this morning and I think his "So This is Christmas" song is my favourite, what's yours? Have a good day!

Just a funny story....

One day last week one of my students, who shall remain anonymous, had been to the Art Gallery and spotted a particularly unique idea. So after much discussion last week about her use of profanity in each sentence, I had thought this week everytime she swore she would get soap. So she mentioned these "Soap in Sweater". She said if I got her one of those, she would definitely curb her language. So that got me to thinking mmmmm....... "I could do this". All in the name of rehab! Well as it turns out it wasn't or isn't a new concept. Many blog girls have done this craft with wool roving. Well, I didn't have wool roving but I do have felting wool. So I proceeded to make these.




felted sweater around bar of soap





labels were made on computer



So the idea is to use the felted bar with the soap on the inside to bath or shower with. Then as the soap wears away the wool felts smaller, and smaller. Well needless to say she was quite tickled that I would make these "Soap in a Sweater". I know a little crazy but what a neat idea! I think I will be whipping up a few more of these in the near future.

Yikes! Where does the time go?

Today is my oldest daughter's birthday, Happy Birthday Honey! I really can't believe how old she is. Because I sure don't feel as old as I am. But we won't go there. So I hope she had a wonderful day! I think Kamloops put on a parade down main street just for her!

What a busy time.....I have been soooo busy all week, working really gets in my way. Not too mention I had a "bout" of the flu which I didn't need. I'm still not feeling up to snuff but it is what it is?  I've been getting things done, baking, decorating and managing to get a few runs in and a few days at the pool. We had a few days of snowfall, which it always does when it warms up. Either it's blue skies and -20C or cloudy and snowing all day. Geez can't win. I think I am partial to -10C and blue skies. Running in fresh snow is a killer, my thighs are screaming after Fridays run. and it's not a happy scream, believe you me!!

So far I have two trees done. And the main tree will have to wait till after next weekend. I need the space in the livingroom for our staff party. But the rest of the house will hopefully be all decked out in the holiday spirit!

Dining room tree



Family room skinny tree




Minimalist mantle




Old World Santas

 Tomorrow I have a few things to do outside and the Mister is going to be hanging lights, backyard was done today, so it's getting there slow but sure. Have a nice weekend, I'm off to knit! Soap in a sweater! Too funny....

All wreathed out!

I think I can say that I am truly and honestly "wreathed out". Now I can start the marathon of decorating. I have decided to do the front porch in a wintery theme of blue and white. It's a good thing I have many themes packed away and I didn't throw out some of my bigger items. So it it happens to warm up this weekend, -20C this morning, gee whizickers that's cold! So I will start digging around. These I put together last night, the pom poms took a few days and getting the Styrofoam base took a few days of altering the size. So I have a vision, now to pull it off.



These "beauties" will eventually get hung outside.




Up close and personal




Blue and White Snowflake Theme

 I trip to the Box on the hill is in order to pick up a couple of those 3M hooks to hang these outside on the doors, I have to give Trish credit for these beauties and all the work that was involved. She said I had to have two wreaths on my new doors. So I got busy trying to think of an idea and again Trish said blue and white as I was stumped as to which way to go, so now to put it all together.

It's been cold and snowy the last few days so there has been "no" running but I think winter is here to stay so we will have to bite the bullet and get out there on Monday. Come hither or high water, but in this case cold or snow. Have a great weekend! Happy crafting!

On the run Monday..

After a busy weekend of crafting a few Christmas goodies, Monday morning began with our 10km run, just to keep us on our program for the week. It was a beautiful morning cold and crisp. Sure is a lot of traffic in the morning at 5:30...... why aren't you people still sleeping?

This past weekend was very productive not that last weekend wasn't but this time they were for my projects. And for once I did not venture out of the house on Sunday. It was so nice to stay home and just craft, bake, and drink tea. I pulled off two wreathes. I know where one is going but can't say cause she reads this and I want it to be a surprise. So I will have to send it down this week.......

So needless to say my girls think I am a little quackers.....but they should be used to that by now. So the Fall decor is getting packed away and the Christmas decorations will start happening soon. Trish says I have to have two wreathes for the new front doors, and since I don't have two the same I better get my crafty on and get them done soon. Did somebody say work? Oh ya I forgot I better get ready! Spoil

sports!!!

Mid week Sunset

I am ever so thankful that tomorrow is Remembrance Day and a day to remember our fallen soldiers and all of our men, women, brothers, sons, sisters,daughters, husbands, wives, grandchildren. I will not go down to the service at the City Hall tomorrow, because it is just too emotional for me at this point. A day off from work will be very nice also. I talked to my son today and they are in a parade tomorrow in Brandon. I am sure the Memorial Service at the Base will be very moving.

When I was driving home this beautiful sunset was happening and do you think there was a place to pull over? There was a spot I thought would be perfect but there was already someone there. So this was out the window. I think I managed to capture the moment. It looked like something ominous was going to happen.....but nothing did, it just turned into night.

I hope your Remembrance Day will be a peaceful and restful day.....................

A very full weekend....

I have no idea where the weekend went but before I knew it, it was Monday morning and I felt like I needed a vacation from my life! It was a good busy but busy non the less. Hokey Doodle! Jane was home on the weekend so I knew there were a bunch of things I wanted to get down for her and Kait before she went back home. There was cooking to do, baking, and a couple of crafts , to be made. the plan had been that she was going to come home more towards her birthday and being the procrastinator that I am I thought I still had a few weeks to get everything done. So I am my own worst enemy. But I got it all done and more to boot!


Kait's wreath




Jane's wreath




The Baking...................




The Cooking..................




The cutest little Christmas trees



Bags of assorted Christmas goodies

So we had a few yummy meals that were planned ahead, although I think we missed the lemon meringue pie...oh well maybe next time. We did a little shopping but nothing I had to have for myself. I did want to find a new pair of jeans but it wasn't to be. Jane's back has been paining her for a good month or more more, hopefully with a little more rest she will be mended. Not fun I know that for sure.

I 've been having a creative block. I'm not sure where it went but I'm hoping to get some inspiration and to get motivated soon. I think I burnt myself out in the summer. The wreaths turned out especially pretty....I think. I love it when things come together. It seems so rare at the moment!

Running has been good. Saturday we did 13 km, as last weekend the 16km did me in and that was the last thing I needed this weekend. Monday, as we were heading towards the bridge a snow storm came upon us and lasted about 10 minutes. Yikes too soon! The snowflakes we blinding. The cold has been a bit much so I am thinking I will have to wear more clothing from now on and the shorts are put away till the temperature goes above 0'C. Well that's it for today. Have a good evening!

Some Things I Know For Sure

I’m not sure if it is the season and the time of year, or if it’s my age ( quit smirking) that's making me more reflective. But these past few weeks I have noticed that I've been  a little more in tune with my thoughts and feelings about life. I know…..deep eh? I think its because when your kids leave home and you finally have time to do the things that you have put off because of raising kids, keeping, house, working and just general running around with your head cut-off, you can breathe deeper.

So I have been thinking about some of the things I know for sure:
1. Life does not slow down because you don’t have time to do everything.

2. Just because your kids are young adults doesn’t mean they still don’t need you

3. Eating too much gives you a stomachache

4. Drinking too much gives you a headache

5. Staying up too late makes you grouchy

6. I love reading, knitting, running, sewing, crafting

7. I love the smell of Autumn leaves

8. I love the air after a rainfall

9. I really don’t like water running but I do it.

10. Friends are important

11. Talking to your mom everyday is a gift

12. Missing your kids is normal

13. Messy kitchens drive me crazy

14. Chocolate is a good pick me upper

15. Red wine tastes better than white again

16. Comfortable shoes are a must with all outfits

17. A feather bed is heaven at the end of the day

18. Rainy days are to be enjoyed

19. Baking is good for the soul

20. A hug anytime makes you feel all warm and fuzzy

21. I love peace and quiet

22. Don’t take your life for granted, it can be over all too soon.

23. Do what you love and love what you do.

24. Take solace in your surroundings

25. Laughing is more fun than crying but both are cleansing

Well that about covers some of the things.  I know I could find a few more but really that’s enough to make up your own list and to think of things that are important in your life.  Have a great night!

This is the Last word..............

On Halloween that is........so today is November 1st. I would like to know why the time is flying by so fast. Halloween is offically over and since we are Canadians, Thanksgiving has come and gone so that leaves only one ting left for the year..........................CHRISTMAS! Yippeeeee!!!!!!! But I have one last  thing to say about Halloween....and since you already know that I am not a huge fan of Halloween. I do love the little kids and their costumes, and I especially love it when some poor worn out mother spends a lot of time making costumes and not just going to the store and buying one off the rack.
So of course I have a few shots of my kids next door in the adorable costumes that their mom Susan made for them. Unfornately, they were unable to take the Lion along for the Trick or Treating because he wasn't working with the program. 

The OZ Characters with the Cowardly Lion

So now that all that hoopla is over it is now time to focus and plan on the next big event of the year. Trish and I tried to do our run to the bridge this morning but on our way down the road the power went out and we were in complete darkness and then one of the street lights further down the road burst and there was a huge shower of sparks etc. So not sure what happen, if a tree came down or what, so we immediately turned our little feet around and headed back home, so much for that 4.5km warm up run. Oh well somedays are like that. Hope you have a great Monday!

Surroundings

I like these.........

I read an awesome article in the Vancouver Sun on the weekend and I thought to myself how true it was that we get so caught up in our surroundings and our possessions,  they really start to take over our being. I can totally relate to some of the examples Susan Schwartz quotes: if only I lost 15 pounds, found the perfect house, the right pair of shoes, the perfect little cocktail dress, and on and on. I think you get the idea.


Are we ever totally satisfied with what we have? I think not. There are quite a few books on the book shelves that attest to this: Spent: The Memoirs of a Shopping Addict, or "Life Would be Perfect if I Lived in that House” by Meghan Dunn. She tells a story of what happens when your identity becomes all wrapped up in not who you are or how you live but in where you live. Another author, Avis Cardella spent hours shopping because she thought buying things would make her happier, make her richer, have better friends, clearly looking for a miracle in Crate and Barrel or the likes.

How many of us decorate our houses to copy magazines in hopes of achieving the “perfect look”. I can say from my own experience it is a never ending battle! As new trends evolve or old ones come back, it is a chain of events yearly. Although I can honestly say that I have found my style and try to not stray too far from my own comforts that I truly love.

I love my house I call home. Yet there are times when I dream of redoing a room or changing furniture placement but on the whole I am happy with it. Now if I had a maid to clean the house that would be a whole different story. I’d be hanging from the rafters! But after being away from my home for a few days, upon my return, I take true pleasure in my surroundings. Maybe appreciating your home is knowing when to stop decorating……I like that line. Because as we all know, your home is the foundation of your family and your soul.

The hard part is learning not just how to be, but mastering the nearly impossible art of.... how to be at home and loving it. Have a good night!

What a great weekend!

The Hubs and I went to Kamloops on Thursday to visit our daughter Kait, and to shop. Unfortunately we knew before we got there that Kait would be busy working two jobs but we did surprise her on Thursday night by walking into Earls. Spent an hour in there talking to her before heading to the hotel for a much needed sleep. Then Tor and Kait were going to Seattle for a Seahawks game. Go Hawks Go! And they did win.

We hadn't planned on driving straight thru but once we were on the road there really was no point staying in  100 Mile House..... might as well boogie on through. Needless to say Kait was surprised! We spent Friday running around town shopping and then met up with her for dinner when she was between jobs. I don't know but for some reason when I get to a town with new stores and so many options, all my good intentions and ideas just seem to go out the door. But no worries I did recoup on Saturday and picked up a few Christmas gifts, and a few other things I had been looking for.......boots! Yes.... I found a pair that I quite like. no killer heels for this chicka......No, gone are those days, I need reliable. So I found these. There isn't a lot of choices, I mean really it's Kamloops.....our next trip might have to be a little further down the road to Kelowna, I heard there are a few good shoe stores there. But in the meantime these will do just dandy!

Buckles, black and flat.



Ok not the greatest photo,  lessons are needed for you know who!

So we had a great weekend, totally spoiled staying a nice hotel, eating too much food, sleeping way tooo much, and finally finding a few of the things I was looking for. Found a pair of jeans by Silver that I really liked but of course not enough size selection.....I will be checking out a few of our stores. We also looked around at some condos that were for sale two of which were in the same building as Jane will be renting in. But nothing in ink. Better luck another time. Well back home and unpacked and laundry done. A very nice weekend but I am totally tuckered out....... I like my bed and my pillow the best....night all. Hope your weekend was great. It's back on the road in the morning. Please make the rain stop.........

Done with Renos

I think we are finally done with renos for this year. It wasn't really a planned renovation but it has been on my radar for a while. Our front doors were a huge annoyance to me as they didn't close properly and there was a huge gap at the bottom that was letting the warm air out and the freezing cold air in. Soooooo......of course when I saw that the Big Box store was having a sale, (when aren't they) I couldn't resist checking out what it would entail replacing them. WELL.......I knew I wanted some glass in the doors but not too much as then you could see right into the house, and i really would have liked to have had the new fiberglass wood look but then I don't think they would really suit the rest of the house so good old metal with glass. I'm easy to please.....all right enough with the laughing I am so! So this is them not quite finished with the install but I am sure you will get the drift.

Entry way, my but it's tidy



Outside, just needs the finishing moulding




Love the glass




Love, love, love the way the sun reflects through the glass onto the wall. Now we have light.

 Well I think I am happy for awhile......there is nothing pressing that has to be done, as long as we are draft free and I don't have to pile up blankets in front of the door. That was my objective because handing money over to Terasen is not my idea of being green. See you!