Wednesday, August 04, 2010

Painting Insanity

A small painting spree has overtaken me, and has turned into insanity. What started as a desire to paint my vintage mailbox has turned into painting insanity.

I found a soothing pale green rust-proof paint, and had planned to sand and then paint it. But my mind was distracted, and instead, I decided to paint a vintage door knocker (I refuse to install a real doorbell). Now, while the door knocker is drying well, I found 3 cast iron hooks, which also needed to be spruced up....so the back of those are drying. Tomorrow I'll finish the other sides. Of course, something else was crying to be painted....a tin candle holder. That's next on the list.

btw....I have yet to tackle the mailbox ....

Monday, August 02, 2010

Song for the Week ~ Amazing

This song is a favourite of mine from Spin class (a.k.a. RPM class). It is a gripping, ripping, keen tune, used during a speed track, where we get to cycle faster and faster, until we reach our top speed. During this particular track, I can close my eyes and just go.

With that I bring you 'Amazing' by Seal (Thin white duke edit)


Sunday, August 01, 2010

Squeaky

Squeaky lives on my blog....the old Squeaky...the one who is a hamster and runs in his wheel. There is also another Squeaky. He is the resident chipmunk who visits for nuts. This little guy made his appearance a short while ago, and we have been 'getting to know each other'. He is still slightly nervous, but he knows that I have nuts for him, and so he keeps himself close to where I sit. Every so often, he makes an appearance and stares at me, waiting. Sometimes, if I am not paying attention, he nibbles on one of the pears that have fallen from the tree.

He is an adventurous one, and knowing this, I keep a little nut container nearby. I say adventurous for a reason. I have a basket of things that I always take outside with me, and I now include that little nut container. Today though, I noticed that the basket was moved, and it appears that Squeaky was trying to figure out how to open the container, which is not easy. Of course I helped him out and broke up a treat for him.

.....now I have to encourage him to get closer *come closer....closer*, close enough to take a nut from my hand.

sweet...

Friday, July 30, 2010

My Oasis

My oasis is my back deck. It's old and has rotting parts, but it is part of the green lushness of my backyard....and now it is special, at least to me.

Last year I didn't use the deck very much. A neighbour lent me his power washer, I truly made an effort to clean things up, but it was a horrible job. A local outlet had a sale on outdoor furniture, and I used it a bit, but not much. It wasn't an oasis. It was pretty ugly and blah. It was merely a part of the outside and I sat out, albeit briefly, whenever I cut the lawn.

This year is quite different. I started to sit outside on a plastic beach chair, and would think about getting everything set in place. One day, I finally got it together. The power washer, which I had purchased but never removed from the box, made a debut, and many hours were spent cleaning, and I discovered that, like cutting the lawn, I enjoy power washing! The furniture was arranged, in typical OCD manner, and then things happened. Thanks to the $$$ store, I was able to find some chimes and simple things to make the deck My Oasis.

Now I sit out there in peace. The variety of birds make their visit, as do the animals. Friends come to visit, and all is good. It's peaceful and serene, and oh so very important to me.

My girlfriend said that I made it my home, and yes, it is now a part of my home.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Song for the Week ~ Wishes Falling Through the Rain

Pieta Brown is a tiny, unassuming, woman, but with a haunting and powerful voice. The accompanying guitar on this particular piece is so necessary to the entire song. I fell for this song when I first heard it, and with that please take a moment to listen to.....


Pieta Brown - Wishes Falling through the Rain


Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Half Moon Haze

As I sat out back last night, enjoying the calmness and coolness of the evening, I happened to glance up, and noticed the moon. It was slightly larger than a half moon, and it had a milky white haze surrounding it. It appeared to be glowing, yet it obviously wasn't. This haze effect cast a quiet glow over my backyard, still light enough for me to see.

From my peripheral, I spotted something light in colour, hovering under one of the evergreens. White eyes were watching my every move, and then, in a split second, the eyes were gone. I couldn't make out what it was. It could have been a cat or a skunk or a raccoon, and I tried to pan around to see if it would reappear, but it never did.

In our ever so busy lives, where it sometimes is difficult not to do something, I count myself lucky to be able to enjoy this peaceful. My only wish is that others can find some time to do the same.

Monday, July 19, 2010

My Music for this Week ~ Blue Monday

'Blue Monday' by New Order


....perhaps a Monday appropriate song....perhaps not...you decide....





How does it feel to treat me like you do?
When you've your hands upon me
And told me who you are
I thought I was mistaken
I thought I heard your words
Tell me, how do I feel
Tell me now, How do I feel

Those who came before me
Lived through their vocations
From the past until completion
They'll turn away no more
And I still find it so hard
To say what I need to say
But I'm quite sure that you'll tell me
Just how I should feel today

I see a ship in the harbor
I can and shall obey
But if it wasn't for your misfortune
I'd be a heavenly person today
And I thought I was mistaken
And I thought I heard you speak
Tell me how do I feel
Tell me now, how should I feel

Now I stand here waiting...
I thought I told you to leave me
While I walked down to the beach
Tell me how does it feel
When your heart grows cold

More lyrics: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/n/new+order/#share

Sunday, July 18, 2010

WaWa and Milky

When I was little, I used to refer to water as WaWa. I am not even sure how the term came about, but I think that, because children cannot pronounce words properly and completely, that this was the easiest way for me to communicate that need. That term stuck with me, even in my adult life, though I choose, carefully, who to share it with, and now here I am sharing it....duh!

Of course, there's a story connected to this.

BJ and I have a daily routine. This routine never changes, and many of the details will not be included here, but the basis of that routine consists of milk (a.k.a MiLkY) and WaWa.Preface all of this with the knowledge that BJ follows me, intently, from the moment I get out of bed to the moment I start my breakfast preparation. He is like a little clingon, talking constantly, and almost tripping me as I weave my way around him and into the kitchen.

If we both manage to make it to the kitchen without (a) me tripping, and (b) BJ getting stepped on, the routine, broken down into 2 Phases, goes something like this:

    Phase 1
=> MiLkY.

BJ, still talking constantly, plants himself firmly and squarely by the fridge, exchanging glances between me and the fridge door. Once I have the container of MiLkY in my hand, those glances turn into piercing stares, fixated on the movement of my hand. As I reach for the little plastic 1/4 measuring cup, he will sit up and take notice, most assuredly knowing what will come next....the descent of the measuring cup. When the cup has some MiLkY in it, he dances around in circles, and starts talking even more, watching for the magic cup of MiLkY to make it's descent. With the cup of MiLkY on the floor, he laps it up and heads off for the second phase of our daily routine.

    Phase 2
=> WaWa.

By now you might think that I can carry on with my breakfast, and that BJ will find a good spot to nestle in. Not So! He trots off (all the while talking) to the bathroom, jumps onto the toilet seat (where, by the way, the lid is always down), and then onto the sink. (Note: BJ does not, and never has, licked out of the toilet bowl *PHEW*).

Then he sits there, staring out at me. If I become involved in something else, I will inherently know that I am being stared at, and sure enough, there he is, positioned Garfield-like on the sink, staring out at me and talking. That's my call to action. When I get closer to him, his talking accelerates, and he now shifts his focus between me and the WaWa faucet, waiting for the drips of WaWa to flow so that he can lick and play.

Lately though, something funny has become apparent. BJ almost (and I did say almost) seems to be saying WaWa. It's not a clear nor precise pronunciation, but to my ears it sounds like WaWa. If I ask him if he wants WaWa, he will lovingly look up at me and, in his cat-like manner say WaWa.

....and my heart melts. When he does this WaWa thing, I hug him close, and while bestowing sweet kisses on his head, he nudges his head against mine.

Some people express thhe notion that cats are useless creatures. That they are not very intelligent because they don't talk or do tricks, but not to me. To me, they are more than just this. My main man BJ is more than just being intelligent and doing tricks. He holds the key to my heart, and without him I would be so very lost.

Monday, July 12, 2010

My Music for this Week ~ Turn Me on

This is one of the songs from Line Dancing night. It's a fun song for dancing and grooving....and just plain fun.


'Sex Bomb a.k.a Turn Me On' by Mr. Tom Jones...





Spy on me baby use satellite
Infrared to see me move through the night
Aim gonna fire shoot me right
I'm gonna like the way you fight

Now you found the secret code I use
to wash away my lonely blues
So I can't deny or lie cause you're
the only one to make me fly.

Chorus:
Sexbomb Sexbomb you're a Sexbomb
You can give it to me, when I need to come along
Sexbomb sexbomb you're my sexbomb
And baby you can turn me on.

No don't get me wrong ain't gonna do you no harm (no)
This bomb's for lovin' and you can shoot it far
I'm your main target come and help me ignite
Love struck holding you tight.

Make me explode although you know
the route to go to sex me slow
And yes, I must react to claims of those
who say that you are not all that.

2x Chorus:

(Break)
You can give me more and more counting up the score
You can turn me upside down and inside out
You can make me feel the real deal
And I can give it to you any time because you're mine

Chorus:
Sexbomb Sexbomb you're a Sexbomb
You can give it to me, when I need to be turned on

Sexbomb Sexbomb you're my Sexbomb
And baby you can turn me on. 8x

Monday, July 05, 2010

My Music for this Week ~ Chelsea

'Chelsea' by Counting Crows





I never go to New York City these days
Something about the buildings in Chelsea just kills me
Maybe in a month or two,
Maybe when things are different for me,
Maybe when things are different for you
You know all of this shit, just sticks in my head
Is there anything different these days?
The light in her eyes goes out
I never had light in my eyes anyway
Maybe things are different these days
It's good for everybody to hurt somebody once in a while
The things I do to people I love shouldn't be allowed
Something about the buildings in Chelsea just kills me
Something about the buildings in Chelsea just kills me
[ Find more Lyrics on http://mp3lyrics.org/E8B ]
Is there anything different these days?
The light in her eyes goes out,
I never had light in my eyes anyway
Maybe things are different these days
I dream I'm in New York City some nights.
Angels flow down from all the buildings
Something about an angel just kills me
I keep hoping something will
Is there anything different these days?
The light in her eyes goes out,
I never had light in my eyes anyway
Maybe things are, maybe maybe maybe
Maybe things are, maybe maybe maybe
maybe things are different,
Maybe things are different these days
The light goes out
I never had light in my eyes anyway
Maybe things are different ......these days.

Monday, June 28, 2010

My Song for the Week ~ Wild Life

This song is one of my favourites to play the drum to. It is sometimes performed at the Sundday Jam, and whenever it is, I am the drummer for it. In particular, I love the song and the message. my hope is that you do too, and so, with that I give you.....


'Wild Life' by Paul McCartney & Wings...





The word "wild" applies to the words "you" and "me".
While taking a walk thru an African park one day,
I saw a sign say, "The animals have the right of way".

Wild life, whatever happened to,
Wild life, the animals in the zoo?

We're breedng a lot,
a lot of political nonsense in the air.

You're making it hard for the people who live in there.
You're moving so fast, but, baby, you know not where.
Wild life, (wild life), what's gonna happen to
Wild life, (wild life), the animals in the zoo?

You'd better stop, there's animals ev'rywhere,
And man is the top, an animal too,
And, man, you just got to care.

Wild life, what's gonna happen to,
Wild life, the animals in the zoo?

You're breathing a lot of polical nonsense in the air.

Wild life, (wild life), what's gonna happen to
(what's gonna happen to) (what's gonna happen to)
Wild life, (wild life), the animals in the zoo?
(what's gonna happen to) (what's gonna happen to)
Wild life, what ever happened to?

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Aw Nuts!

*****BEWARE NUT PHOBES!!!! *****
*****THIS POST CONTAINS NUT RELATED INFORMATION!!!!*****

Recently, a family member turned me onto the benefits of eating raw, unsalted nuts. They're quite enjoyable, but sometimes I just tire of plain old raw, unsalted nuts. So creativity took over, and I began to experiment with different seasonings to give them a sweet taste. Voila, pictured is a jar of sweet nuts, nuts, flavoured with my special coating and baked.

Eventually, I will probably experiment with a semi-spicy version of these nuts, but for now this sweet concoction has captured my interest.

Who knows, maybe these nuts will be famous one day!!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Daddy



Today my Dad would have been 89 years old. This picture was taken in 1995, the Christmas before he passed away.

Dad was a quiet man. At 18, he went to fight in WWII, and for a period carried messages to and from the front line by motorcycle, the motorcycle named Matilda. When he returned home, he went to work at a large pharmaceutical company, and would retire from there 45 years later. He met, dated, and married my Mom.....and they had me.

My Dad never talked much, about anything. Only once can I remember him recalling some war stories, but it was a short recount. He loved his cars. He loved his budgie birds. He loved his beer. And he loved me....of this I am sure.

When I think of him on his birthday or Father's Day or any other day, a flood of memories engulfs me. Some good. Some mediocre.....but that is what I have now ...memories.

Happy Birthday, Daddy. I hope the angels are taking good care of you. I know that I was always your angel. You are still mine.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Tuesday Tea ~ A Letter To Mr. Raccoon

Dear Mr. Raccoon,

I see you, though you don't know that I do. You caught my eye as you were prowling around in my neighbour's backyard, probably stealing away to your hiding place somewhere.

You're a pretty big boy, and assume you are well fed by nibbling on the cherries that fall from the tree. If so, you have good taste. Maybe you're the one who has been going through the food recycle bins, mine being one of them. I don't suppose that you have a fellow raccoon to come and clean up the mess. No, didn't think so.

My camera is waiting for you to visit again, Mr. Raccoon, at which time I will get you, you know. Yes, I will capture you and post you on my blog. Yes, capture you forever.

By the way, shouldn't you be sleeping right now?

Monday, June 21, 2010

My Music for this Week ~ Mystify

'Mystify' by INXS...




All veils and misty
Streets of blue
Almond looks
That chill devine
Some silken moment
Goes on forever
And we're leaving
Broken hearts behind

Mystify
Mystify me
Mystify
Mystify me

I need perfection
Some twisted selection
That tangles me
To keep me alive
In all that exists
Well, none has your beauty
I see your face
and I will survive

Mystify
Mystify me
Mystify
Mystify me

Eternally wild with the power
To make every moment come alive
All those stars that shine upon you
Will kiss you every night

All veils and misty
Streets of blue
Almond looks
That chill devine
Some silken moment
Goes on forever
And we're leaving
Yeah we're leaving broken hearts behind


Mystify
Mystify me
Mystify
Mystify me

You're eternally wild with the power
To make every moment come alive
All those stars that shine upon you
And they'll kiss you every night

Mystify
Mystify me
Mystify
Mystify me
Mystify
Mystify me
Mystify

Sunday, June 20, 2010

The Backyard

The backyard, for me, is a wonderland of sights, sounds and scents. Depending on the time of day, the variations of this are seemingly endless. If I am motionless and quiet, I am privy to these treasures.

The old trees which tower and sway are my private gazebo. There is no need for a man-made gazebo, because privacy is always present. Some of these trees have been here for a very long time, and they house the various birds and wildlife that enjoy a life hidden away from view.

During the day, the birds make their appearance. Blue jays, cardinals, and robins flutter by from tree to tree, branch to branch. A family of baby blue jays can be heard from within one of the trees. I await their appearance one day soon. A resident chipmunk skitters by every now and then, stopping to sit on a tree stump, and eat a morsel of gathered food. The squirrels race by, sometimes in singles, other times in pairs, chasing each other along the fence.

At night, a whole new world unveils, most of the animals find their homes, and disappear, but three local felines skulk around. One of these is a tortoise shell, very reminiscent of my Cleo. Another is a black cat, who sometimes musters up enough bravery to visit the back screen and stare into my world. A newest addition is an orange tabby, who the other night, stared at me from the furthest part of my backyard, in the hopes that I would retire and allow him to exit my yard. At some point, the noise of traffic dies, and still quiet can be enjoyed.

Sometimes when one lives in total quiet, it is not always appreciated. It is moments like this which make me appreciate the quiet. On a clear night, stars are clearly visible.

Sometimes we just need to sit back and appreciate the treasures of one's backyard, treasures which are priceless but always memorable.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Hats and Veils

Today I saw a picture in a magazine, which brought me back to my wedding preparations, many years ago. The style of wedding dress back then was of a simple nature, but the main attraction was the hat. Hats with wedding dresses were all the rage, and they usually had the veil attached to the back of the hat.

I remember that I searched a bit for the proper hat. Either they were too big or not big enough. Finally, I was able to find a hat that I liked. I do recall the saleslady saying With a hat that size, you'll have no trouble finding a suitable veil. Which of course I didn't.

Now, if we could only turn back time.....

Monday, April 05, 2010

What would I do...

Today I was asked a most hypothetical and thought-provoking question. If I had a chance to go anywhere in the world, where would that be. I had to think about it, because, if I had the opportunity, I wouldn't want to limit myself to any one particular place. So I thought a bit, and came up with what I would want to do.....



.....backpack across Europe...even at this stage of my life.....not staying at 5-star hotels, or renting luxurious cars. It would involve the challenge of actually being able to live and travel with only a backpack.

Makes you think, doesn't it?

Happy dreams...

Sunday, April 04, 2010

Gypsy

Gypsies....I think those were hippie-like people who used to live like wild people and roam freely from place to place. I picture them wearing long skirts and bandannas and having long hair.

And they were free spirits.

Yesterday, my BFF gave me the little push that I needed, and told me to go and be a gypsy. I wasn't sure about going, in fact I hesitated big time. But, I threw caution to the wind and went the way of the gypsy.

.....and I had fun.....

I have had to to do that a lot lately. Break out of my old mold and be the person that I am supposed to be, whoever she is. I think that deep down, she is a spontaneous person...do things on the fly rather than plan everything to the point of exhaustion. Be the free spirit. Release the gypsy in me. Sometimes it takes a bit of coaxing and prodding, but sometimes I am able to do it on my own (not often...I am happy to have my BFF's help :)..)

I guess the more that I do it, the easier it gets.

Happy Easter to anybody who reads my blog. Enjoy some mint dark chocolate....or a bunny or 2.

Thursday, April 01, 2010

The Ability To Laugh

It's late here, probably too late to blog, but I have lots of time, and I have this warm little topic that needs to be put out here. It's about the ability to laugh, laugh with others, at things that are funny, but mostly being able to laugh at oneself.

That last one is HUGE ONE...being able to laugh at oneself. I have a girlfriend with whom I am quite close. That shouldn't surprise anyone. I keep my circles tight and private. I am selective about my friends. It's sort of like a MEMBERS ONLY club. With this particular girlfriend, we take the same gym classes and we try to go out once a week. We grab a soda and sit at a local restaurant, and chat, and dream, and share, and learn. AND we laugh...laugh to the point where we both have tears streaming down our faces.

This girlfriend has a son who has special needs. Anyone who doesn't know or understand cannot possibly accept his strange social behaviour. I understand it and am accustomed to him the way that he is. One time we went out to a restaurant together....my girlfriend and I plus her 2 boys. The one with the special needs behaved as he always does, and had us laughing hysterically...and do you know why? He was imitating the sound of very loud farts while he was hiding under the table. I'll tell you, the people around us were not too impressed, but we were in stitches...with tears streaming down all of our faces.

Maybe they need to have a good belly-hurting, tear-streaming laugh......cause it really does feel good....and with that I bid you a good night...

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Distracting Words

The other night, I was at a meeting where this fellow was brought in to speak on a specific topic. At first the talk interesting, and I was paying attention until a part of my brain clicked into something that was happening. I noticed that he would add the words Know-What-I-Mean at the end of each and every sentence. Actually, when he said it, it sounded like knowhudamean.

At first I thought that it was just a habit, and that he would soon abandon it. That didn't happen. Those words were there each and every time....and he was on a roll.

Now, by this time I was now fully drawn to the words rather than the message. Well sort of. I would drift back to listen to what he was saying, but at this point he was fully off topic and was now rambling, and my mind was now counting each instance of those words.

He used Know-What-I-Mean about 76 times.

:)

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

St. Patrick's Day 2010!!!

Here is what is on my Saint Patrick's Day mind today....

  • Irish music playing on satellite radio.

  • Green apparel for girls night out tonight.

  • Remembering the parade that I was in, way back in my university days.

  • Thinking of my Mom and her family, who were all Irish.



Even Google is dressed up for the day.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day to all.....Erin Go Bragh!!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Rest In Peace Mr. Stan

Mr. Stan Domereckyj

Passed away on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at the age of 86. Born July 10, 1923 in Drohobych, Ukraine. Proud veteran of the 1st Ukrainian Army Division "GALICIA" (WWII). Retired employee of American Motors (Chrysler) Canada and proud member of CAW Local 1285, Brampton. The family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude for the kindness and care provided by the staff of Ivan Franko Home. Thank you to Appleby Drive neighbours for your thoughtfulness and assistance to Stan. A special thanks to Dori and the Reinhart family for your concern and friendship to Stan over the years. Visitation for Stan's friends and co-workers will be held on Tuesday, March 16 from 7-9 pm at the Andrews Community Funeral Centre, 8190 Dixie Road, Brampton (North of Steeles) (905) 456-8190. Private family interment. Donation may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Tonight I went to pay my respects to Mr. Stan's family. It was important to do this. Some of the Appleby neighbours were there, and we reconnected. That, too, was important.

*Sleep well, Mr. Stan. We were lucky to be your neighbours on Appleby, and you grew a lovely vegetable garden. You will be missed.*

Monday, March 15, 2010

BFF Update

My BFF is going to be alright. We spoke on the phone for a wee bit. She sounded tired, and was going to have some tests done, but she is going to be alright.

YAY!

I have missed her so very much, and her hubby has been a rock for her as usual.

I guess virtual energy pooling pulls through sometimes......thank you all!!

*doing big Happy Dance here*

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Mending Friend

My BFF has been in the hospital all weekend with something very serious. It sounds as though the doctors are being very thorough before releasing her.

I miss her very much, and so want her back to her normal life.

If you do believe in a Higher Power, please send prayers.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

A Sad Local Music World

A young lad slips on ice, falls backwards, hits his head, and dies from his injuries.

Our local music world is saddened.

Sights and Sounds

Changes in the seasons always brings about changes around us. Here are some of the changes I am noticing these days....................

  • pockets of snow hidden by shade

  • larger pockets of potential grass

  • my garden furniture no longer buried under snow

  • teenagers wearing shorts and Ts

  • a variety of cup lids and bottles, hidden all winter under snow

  • birds....twittering in the morning and evening

  • people....people seem to venture out of their homes when the weather is nice

  • motorcycles....even though I saw the first one (to me) sometime last month

  • cars with the top down

  • open windows

  • people going to the gym in workout wear

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

roll-ups

I received 2 roll-ups in 2 days....what's a roll-up...

? sleeves?
? sleeping bags ?
? carpets ?
? hair curlers ?
? eyelashes ?
? socks ?

.....your turn

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Whatever Happened To....?

Did you ever wonder whatever happened to those people who used to be part of your life? They were once there, connected to us, and then, through circumstances, they disappeared, vanished. It happens, life happens. But once in awhile, there are some of those connections that magically reconnect. I had this experience recently. In university, I had a bestest girlfriend. We were like 2 peas in the proverbial pod. If we were at an event, and KC and the Sunshine Band played, we would arrive from wherever we were in the room, and dance our silly heads off. Through FB, we recently reconnected. We even talked on the phone, and it was one of those moments....30 years vanished and we instantly reconnected. ...and it was cool. * thanks to my BFF for prodding me to post*

Friday, January 08, 2010

Politically Speaking

This year it is time for me to get back into local politics. I took a wee break from it when I left Barrie, but I missed it. Currently, the whole prorogation issue has me heated up. Heating me up is what got me involved the last time, and it worked again this time.

The local group has openings on their exec, so I may get involved there, and, as always, they need volunteers...because you just never know when an election might be called.

I know, I know.....it's not polite to talk politics, even though the dinner party crowd certainly engages in such discussion, and I am not going to discuss politics. The important thing is that it is a healthy project to get involved in, and one can learn so much that they didn't already know.

So here's to me for re-acquainting myself with politics in this neck of the woods.....and I may even post about it.....

My addendum rant - if you elect a government, you should expect them to be at work for you....not taking a leave for 60+ days (and this is not the first leave they have had, not counting their extended Christmas break) so that they can hide away from important issues. Remember, nothing gets done in Parliament during that time. Think about that the next time you vote.
*end of rant*