A Great Run with friends.........

 What a great day I had today. It started mighty early mind you..... so many of you probably wouldn't think it was too funtastic to be up and out the door at 5:30 am but I was meeting up with Annie, Kelly, andTanya for an hour and half run and of course we like the idea of no traffic so hence the early morning. But really once you have it done and out of the way, you have the whole day ahead of you. Really! That's what I keep telling myself. So I was home again by 8 after coffee, did I mention it was -14C with a windchill of -20C wooo chilly but actually it was all right.
I wanted to get some baking done to send to the girls and pick up a few more things for my son as it's his birthday next weekend and althou he says don't send him anything ( some macho silliness) anyway I picked up a few goodies and got his watch fixed . So between all that and cleaning house because we were going to have company but the flu bug hit and so I spent some time washing my car and shopping. The day was busy but it was well worth it. I love days like that. So much accomplished and it was all good. Even picked up some wool. Shhhhhh! The girls had a good laugh about making a toque last night for our run this morning. But is was soooo easy, why wouldn't I? So that was my Saturday. I am off to bed. Hope your day was as happy and productive.

Catching up.......

This week has been a little uneventful hence not much to post about. I have been crocheting up a storm, finished reading a book, and started a wreath which I need to finish today. Yes.... it is ProD, so I have a day off. I probably should have worked but that's the way it goes. I ran the University Hill yesterday with a few girls and it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Trish has been out of commission with an injury, her hip is all jammed up so the Chiropractor is her friend. Seems to happen this time of year, everyone wants to get out and start training for marathons and races and next thing you know we are hurt. I am trying to avoid that as much as possible. Doing the hill yesterday for the first time in probably a year, makes me think I better take it easy.

We haven't had any snow this week, it's been raining! Like go figure, what's with that? El Nina, or whoever is responsible for global warming this week. the cold weather is coming back this coming week to slow down the melt. Today it is a beautiful sunny day but the cooler temperatures are back. Thank goodness.

This project is almost finished.  I just need to make a few more rosettes and then attach them to the wool covered wooden wreath. I think once it's all put together it will be quite nice.



Shabby Wreath Holder




Base




Twine covered hook





Wool covered wooden wreath, and drop cloth rosettes



Shabby chic rosettes

So that's it for me. I need to get this show on the road and get a move on. There's groceries that need buying and bills to pay and a trip to Michaels and Zellers to check out the yarn sale! Woop! Woop! Have a nice weekend.

It's coming to an end...........

Sunday night so that means Monday morning and back to work..........ho hum......the weather turned for the warmer over the weekend and made for a mess on the streets. Yuck! Trish and I went for an hour and half run on Saturday morning and between rutts, slush, puddles and snowy paths.....it was a hard run. We took a few detours so that we weren't running near the traffic. Made for some tough going I tell ya! It's funny when we are nearing the end and can see where we parked we start talking about food. But we were low on gas by now and Trish mentioned a blog called EatSpinRunRepeat. Well this Angela has some mighty tasty recipes. So we discussed a recipe Trish had seen. When I got home I would make it. OMG!

Carrot Cake Oatmeal......I know sounds weird but is it ever delish!

1/3 cup rolled oats
1 cup unsweetened plain or vanilla Almond Breeze, or other milk
1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
1 medium carrot, grated
1/4 tsp freshly grated lemon zest
1/8 tsp all spice
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 packet stevia / or 1 tsp of Splenda Brown Sugar

coarsely chopped walnuts and cinnamon (as garnish)

1. In a small saucepan, combine the oats, almond milk, and vanilla. Turn heat on to medium and cook until bubbles start to appear.


2. Next, add the grated carrot, lemon zest, stevia, and all spices. Cook for 1-2 minutes more to allow the carrots to soften a bit. (Add a little water if the mixture gets too dry.


3. Transfer to a bowl and top with additional cinnamon and chopped walnuts if desired.


Nutrition per serving (without toppings): 183 calories, 4g fat (0g saturated fat), 0mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 31g carbs, 5g carbs, 8g sugar, 5g protein.


When I made this I couldn't eat the whole thing so I split it in half and had the rest of it this morning. Instead of the Stevia, I replaced it with a teaspoon of Splenda Brown Sugar. So it might play with the calories a bit but not enough to worry about.

I'm thinking this will be my new breakfast meal.  But make sure you check out Angela's blog and her recipes.
I made a wreath holder today to sit on the counter and I will finish it up and show you later with it new seasonal decor. Time to count sheep.....ta.....ta........

A little stir crazy...

So this week I have been going a little stir crazy because since last Saturday night we have received over 2 feet of snow. All right already, enough is enough, I say! Geez Louise, I like winter but in small doses. So in order to preserve my sanity, OK ! Well...... keep what sanity I have left in tack.....I crocheted a few things this week. I found a quick and easy crochet pattern for a cowl. Of course I just happen to have 2 skeins of an oatmeal blend, beautiful and soft and it whipped up rather nicely. And a few skeins of a lavender blue......I'm pretty sure the shell is starting to crack........



This is my friend and co-worker Rene, she is now the proud owner of the Oatmeal cowl.




This is the Lavender blue cowl, I will keep this one for moi!




This is a hat I made for my friend Trish, she wanted black and I thought I would "sass" it up with a big bow.



Now you tell me, is this a wee bit over the top when it comes to snowfall?? I should think so!!!!
Enough already!



There's going to be a tunnel very soon along the front walk

So tomorrow as a treat, I am heading to Michaels because when a girl is starting to get cabin fever, she should march right into a craft store and search out her next project. I'm thinking I want to make a wreath hanger to hold a small wreath on my counter. Yup and along with some wool to make up a blankee for Jane. So wish me luck in the morning, Trish and I will be doing a longish run, and I am darn sure when I return our runners are going to be soakin' wet. Darn weather! Can it not just stay -10C and be done with it till March. Ciao for tonight!

An Early Valentine's Tablescape

I know it's a few weeks off yet till Valentines Day, but I thought I would get ahead of things and put together a little display on my entry way table. I like to change it up with the season and its subtle but made with love.........


Entry- Valentine's tablescape




Red Felt Rosettes




Drop cloth Heart and wool bow




Pretty much says it all........

 So now onto my shelves in the kitchen........what to do? In the meantime........ back to the the crochet hooks........or will it be knitting needles.......mmmmmm.........stay tuned!

A crocheted hat or two

I have been wanting to crochet a toque or hat for quite sometime and haven't really found anything that I could wrap my brain around. Patterns and me don't always agree. But last week while I was perusing Ravelry, I searched for an easy pattern, and low and behold one popped up that seemed to call my name. Well it had a few glitches but that just goes without saying. But I managed to pull off a couple and added a few embellishments to make them mine. I think they turned out really cute. And they don't look too shabby on either!

Crocheted Grey Clouche avec la fleur and ribbon

Crocheted Burgundy Clouche avec fleur

Steve was not very happy but he did play along with me modelling my new creations. So this week I have on the go a crocheted cowl. Sooooooo excited! I love hand knits!

On another note.................

Trish and I ran this morning, pulled on our Princess crowns and headed out on the road. Well, did I mention it snowed another 6 inches!!!! Holy Guacamole! But we ran 7km and it really wasn't so bad, as we ran down the middle of the road, no traffic you see at 5:30 in the morning. A few times we jumped into a snow bank or high-tailed it over a snow bank but all in all, it was a good run! Ciao for now........

Snowy Days of Winter

This morning we woke up to 25cm of freshly fallen snow. That computes to nearly 12 inches of the white stuff. Oh the joys of living in the north. I'm certainly glad I wasn't running this morning. The highlight of it,  it's finally starting to warm up! At the moment it is only -15 C compared the the -22 C  with a wind chill of -30C, that it has been hovering around for the past week. So Trish and I will finally be able to put on our princess crowns and venture out tomorrow. Sure hope the plows do their job tonight......... Sooooo.... for our dear friend in Scotland, I took some photos of our yard from yesterday to this morning.  I sure hope you get some snow there Lee. I really would love to send you some.

A exercise in futility........



The deck is level with the snow banks.....





Truck overnight....



Well I'm not complaining, cause I'm not shovelling anything today. My job today is making a huge pot of Turkey soup, Beef Barley soup, and Beef Stew. I think I will go get a cup of coffee and read for a bit. Hawaii sure is looking good today! Have a great Sunday!

In Memory...........

Audrey Margaret Karpiak (Barnes) born November 5th, 1929 in Revelstoke, BC and passed away peacefully in Calgary, Alta. on January 9th, 2011.

 This past week my Aunt Tuffy passed away after a long and frustrating battle. Aunt Tuffy's real name was Audrey but for as long as I can remember she has been my "Aunt Tuffy". She will be sadly missed by her children Debbie, Tim,  Joe, and Dave. She was a tough cookie.....not really..... more of a Tom-boy, that's how she got her nickname.

She was my mom's only sister. My mom is older and she has not been able to communicate with her for a few years and that had made her very sad. My brother flew with her to Calgary for the service. Our daughter Kait flew from Kamloops from our family as I could not attend. By the sounds of my cousins last night everyone was in good spirits. When quality of life diminishes like my Aunt Tuffy's, I am thankful that life continues in heaven. My dad will be there to guide her through her days now.

So I was a little out of sorts this week, but talking with my cousins all week, we recounted many of our antics that my aunt, their mother used to get after us about. She was always quick to laugh at us, but when you have four kids no sense getting all bent out of shape. So the good times and the memories will be with us for a long time even thou Aunt Tuffy has moved on to walk among the angels.......................

News Flash

Today we had breaking news in Canada, Target is buying out or should I say buying into the Hudson Bay Company and taking over the operation of the Zellers stores. Yea!!!!! After seeing all the great deals that you can get at Target, pronounced Tar-jay' as Oprah says, I can't wait to see what they bring. Of course, our luck way up north here will be nada! Our Zellers store will be one of the few that remains good ol' Zellers....but just maybe we will luck out. Anyway, that's my big news today. I know booooorrrrrrring! I have other things happening this week, and some not so good or happy for that matter but I would like to save that till tomorrow. Must get back to my knitting. Goodnight!

morning birthday run

It was Trish's birthday on Saturday so we did the scenic river trails run. It was a little drab and gray yesterday so the photos don't turn out as nice as it really looked. But we had a good run. Of course the 4 inches of snow we had got on Friday didn't make it so fun to run through. Similar to running on a beach.....good for those quads. Hard, hard, hard......we weren't impressed. Part of the river trail had been plowed but they hadn't got to the second half. It was a killer and we thought it would never end. But it's a great run and so pretty. We could hear the ice cracking as the water flowed past. A little eeery but cool. So in all the years I have lived in this town, I finally took a picture of the old bridge, I'm not sure if its called the Nechako Bridge or the Fraser Bridge because it's right where the two rivers meet. But years ago you could drive on it but not anymore. It's just for the trains.

So she will probably kill me for putting that shot in, but what are friends for. Happy Birthday Trish! I hope your day was great!

Today's Agenda.....Make Lists

The first week back to work after Christmas Vacation and I feel like I need a vacation! Why do short weeks feel so long? I think everyone was having eating withdrawls and thinking they needed a nap all week long. But here it is TGIFriday and the week is done. It was nice to sleep in this morning, I've started making it a habit of Friday as a rest day. We will run on Saturday but with all the snow we had this week,  I am sure the Trails will be abominable. And can you imagine how hard that will be to run through foot deep snow!?? I don't think so Annie! We may have to veto her plans, if she has one!

My friend Pam gave me an organizer for Christmas, cause she knows how much I like to make lists (not) and she is bound and determined to make a "List Maker" out of me. Hahaha! I try, really! But like I've said before I am kind of a "fly by my pants" kind of girl and when you write something down it guilts you into actually doing it! But the book is darn cute. So I am making an effort to put it to good use. There are some great cartoon caricatures and saying that are priceless. Here's boo............



Always the Optimist



I'm pretty sure they are referring to me.



My New Motto



These are a gift from my friend Trish, I love them........

so clever

I 

My rosette flower with a pearl button.

I 've been checking out a few blogs and how the girls have been making these felt roses and I thought I would try making Kait a few headbands with rosettes and flowers. We'll see how frustrated I get. Doing handwork sometimes makes me feel very stressed and I think that I am much more relaxed with a table saw and a can of paint! We shall see how it goes this weekend. Have a great one!

What a great run.....

We had an awesome run this morning. But of course ignorance is bliss or so they say! Annie had a route planned out and well, we were ready for an adventure. Ah!  If I had known before hand I surely would have bailed. But off we went from the Starbucks in the CH shopping centre and headed toward the Blue Spruce Trail by the university. Well that part was okay but the one thing I wasn't counting on was the 6kms of up hill to get to that point. Yes my thoughts were heading to murder about half way and to bury our leader in the woods! But I survived and we made it to the trail without any ill effects. I was sure missing my  toast and peanut butter though. Crikey! So we head out down the trail chatting away as five women can, and around the corner and up a hill we came upon a moose chomping on some brush. Well you've never seen 3 women turn around so fast and take off in the opposite direction! Dang nab it! I didn't have my camera!!!! Annie and I were both cursing that we missed bringing our cameras. So we followed the other 3 and Mocha (Tanya's dog) and went trail running through the bush. It was fantastic!  We did the old Pocahontas running through the forest, it was a gorgeous, and of course kicking ourselves that we had no camera.  We really had no idea where we were heading but we just stayed right and low and behold we came back out on the main Blue Spruce Trail. There wasn't  time to go out to the meadow so we headed back towards the beginning of the trail.... well guess who we came upon in the same place? Yup! The moose. Well we didn't have a choice we had to just run past her. I don't think she could have cared less. Mocha looked at her and thought hmmmmm.......lets just keep running okay Mom? So we did and we laughed when we got to the parking lot.  Too funny......Well we looped around the university and headed back to Starbucks for a much needed latte. That had to be the best run in a while, 13km and at a good pace that I am sure without a doubt burned off the Ferrrero Rocher chocolates from the night before.


Momma Moose





This could have been exactly where we were!




Anyways these aren't my photos but you will get the idea of what we did today. What fun! But next time there will be a camera!!!