Ten Years On

Today is a very special and sad day. Ten years ago, Princess Diana perished in a car crash. In the days and weeks leading up to this day, we have heard many versions of what happened that day, from conspiracy to supposed theory. Maybe the stories are true, and maybe not.

One thing is for sure. We probably all remember where we were when we heard the news of her death.

I do. Hence my post.

We were on our sailboat, in one of the nearby bays, rafted with friends. It was a lazy sort of day. People were rising, getting breakfast ready. I had just started to awaken, and was lazing in the V-berth. I heard My Sweetie talking to our friends. I heard the word 'Diana'.

My mind reeled with the possibilties of the news. Maybe she and Dodi were engaged. Maybe she and Dodi had eloped. Maybe there was some other reason for them to be in the news.

There was.

Now, anyone who knows me well, knows that I am a Royalty fan, and was especially a huge Princess Diana fan, pretty much from the first time I saw her. I was smitten, and that has not changed to this day.

My Sweetie came in to see me, and he had an odd expression on his face. I looked at him, and asked what was wrong. He hesitated at first, I guess not really knowing what to say. Then he told me that Princess Diana had died in a car crash.

From that moment on, I experienced all of the emotions that have been described in the media. Shock. Disbelief. Denial. Sadness. Never ending tears.

The following week was tortuous. The carpet of flowers at Kensington Palace. Details of the crash. Her funeral plans. Contraversy surrounded the Royal family's behaviour.

But I remember the tears. Tears that would continue well past the day of her funeral.

There is no logical explanation for us to feel this way. She was not a member of our family. Not a close friend. Not a dear neighbour.

But, in a way, she was all of these. She related to the common person, the sick, the poor, the helpless, sometimes by a simple touch, or a smile. She was the gift, which would bring the Royals into the current world.

I often wonder what her life would have been like if she had lived. We know that she was trying to be less in the spotlight, and was searching for a more reclusive life. Would she have remarried? Would she have, one day, seen her HRH restored?

We'll never know anything about that. But we may know other information, once the inquests continue.

Maybe it was indeed a 'crash', and not an 'accident'. Maybe there was something else.

Whatever.

Rest in Peace, Sweet Princess. You are still causing the world to pause and take note that you were an important part of our lives.

A Tidbit for you.....

Very busy with 'other stuff'.....

A friend sent this to me, and I thought it was cute, so I am posting it for your enjoyment.

BBQ Blues

BBQ Blues...not really...happy actually.

After many years, it was time to upgrade our BBQ. Things get old. Things get tired. Our BBQ was both old and tired....plus it had a mouse living somewhere inside of it.

*eeeyyyoooo*

Window shopping, without actually buying any of the window contents, is a wonderful experience, and if I were born in another era, I might have been a guy. I love to shop for cars, and BBQ's. If it were in my realm of possibility, I would have purchased the BBQ of all BBQ's. You know the kind....dual burners, wine fridge, rotisserie, wet bar capability, of course stainless steel. All of this would be built into an outdoor fireplace pit, nestled in the middle of the multi-level deck.

I could go on, but I am running out of virtual $$$, and need to get a grasp on reality.

In the end, we bought the cheapest BBQ that we could find. No, it was not stainless steel, and nor did it have any of the fancy bells and whistles that I dream of.

But it did have a side burner.....such extravagance.

May summer live on through December...

My Boyfriend's Having A Baby!

It's been quite a week in the newspapers and magazines. Strange headlines, with even stranger stories.

The title for today's post has to do with Gisele Bundchen...top model. Gisele is currently dating a guy who has an ex-girlfriend who is having his baby.

Can you just imagine this? Can you just imagine the scenarios?

"It's not mine...really."

"Uh, Gisele? I can't see you tonight because I have to diaper the baby."

"My ex wants me to attend birthing classes with her. Can we go to dinner some other night?"

"Don't interrupt me while I am reading how to be a good father to my ex's baby."

It's all a little surreal to me.

No wonder our world is so screwed up.

*wah*

Dead Person Talking

Lately, the newspapers have been producing some interesting fodder for my wee blog.

Yesterday was no exception.

The article noted something about how Germaine Greer was launching a verbal attack on the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

hmmm. This ought to be something to witness. Diana has been gone for almost 10 years (this month on August 31st).

I wonder how Diana is supposed to respond to thus verbal attack? Perhaps through a seance? Crystal ball? I know! Tarot cards!

Perhaps she'll come back to haunt Ms. Greer.

wooooooooooo!

To Writ..I Mean Write

Some titles you just have to read over and over and over.

When I spotted this headline (Pet camel kills woman while trying to have sex)
in one of the online papers, I did a double take. My mind whirled with the possibilities, as follows:

1. The camel was trying to have sex and the woman got killed for getting in the way.
2. The woman was trying to have sex and the camel got jealous, so he killed her.
3. The camel and the woman were trying to have sex with each other, and the woman just wasn't up to it, so the camel killed her.
4. The camel decided that the woman would be a good candidate to have sex, so it jumped her.

Which do you think it was?


Update:
The camel was 10 months old, and was a pet. It apparently jumped on the woman, perhaps to play, but more likely to engage in sexual activity...and it asphyxiated her.

The moral of the story.....don't have a camel as a pet! Doh!

Someone Thinks I'm Nice

Bing-bing-bing-bing...hear ye...hear ye!

Somebody on TV used to say 'it's nice to be nice to the nice'....so true.

Skittles received this Nice Matters award, and then passed it on to a few people, and I happen to be one of them. I am still blushing. As I commented at Skittles post, I wrote how I do not really put a lot of effort into being nice. It is just part of my nature. Sometimes it can be a bit trying, and most assuredly I too can be crabby, but being and staying crabby really takes more effort. So, nice it is. Thanks, Skittles.

This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you've been awarded please pass it on to others who you feel are deserving of this award.

The next one goes to Mau from It's About Time. Mau was one of my first returning readers. Since then we have become friends and have talked on the phone more than a few times. She never has anything but nice and encouraging to say and her posts are wonderful, especially when she does sound effects.

Wow. So nice. And so is she.

So, I am to pass this on to other people. So here goes. (I'd give one back to Skittles, but it just wouldn't be right, doncha know?).

Silverneurotic is one of those nice people. She always comes around to visit, and drops a little comment. Her blog is quite entertaining....and her life is quite different from my life, but there is always a touch of intrigue.....just to keep you coming back for more.

Terry, Queen of the Dorks and another nice person, is still one of my favourite people to visit. She is a bit of a kook (that's a good thing), and doesn't seem to take things seriously...also a very good thing, in this our most serious of all worlds. When I first got into blogging, I recall being attracted to the strange title of her blog. I have never looked back since.

Jeni , another nice lady with whom we have a few things. She loves to write, and does it very well. I adore her daily Bushisms (even though I had the same calendar and could look them up...but I preferred to read them her way).

Ruth , is a newer addition to my list of people to callout. I am still getting used to including her in my daily visits, but I do enjoy her style of writing. She is another beam of entertainment and good clean fun.

I have another nice person, Mairin, but she no longer has a blog, but I'd like to send her this little award anyway. Just because.

There are so many others I could include in this list, but these are some that stand out, and who always send a warm and fuzzy feeling that way (and we're not talking caterpillars here).

So, go on...pass this award on to someone nice that you know. Brighten their day.

It brightened mine.

Thanks, Skittles.

~Nice~

I See Stupid Drivers...I See Stupid Drivers Everywhere!

Yikes...between last night and today, I have seen stupid drivers everywhere.

Last night, I was returning from the gym. I was about to turn left on my green light, when I noticed in my right peripheral a car speeding toward the intersection. He did not look as though he was going to stop at the red light. At first, I double checked MY light, because I surely must have been mistaken (right?). Not! This guy had a red light, and he was supposed to stop. I stopped in my tracks, and the guy woke up and finally stopped his car, albeit 12 feet after the line.

Stupid!

Today, I ran out at lunchtime, and there was a guy stopped at a red light. Out of nowhere, he started his car and tore through the intersection, just as cars were starting their advanced turns.

Stupid!

Then again, there was a guy who HAD to turn into Wendy's, like right now.....except that it was heavy lunchtime traffic, and he tore right across 4 lanes, with only inches to spare.

Stupid!

*it's one thing to be able to technically drive a vehicle, but a totally different thing to be able to drive defensively*

Halloween...or Christmas???

Yesterday, I had to go to the local craft store to pick up some cross stitching materials. Now, they have reorganized this store, so that when you first walk in , you are never really sure where exactly everything is. Eventually, I was saved and found where I needed to go.

While I was picking out the 'stuff', I kept hearing 'woo hooo.....wooo hoooo'.My first thought was that this sounded like Halloween ghostie stuff. Sure enough, I was right. There in the main aisle, which I had not walked through, was the Halloween decoration setup. Everything was there.....

IT'S ONLY AUGUST 13TH FOR GOSH SAKES!!!!!

And, to make us cringe even more, the Christmas stuff was threatening to take over the Halloween decor (like go figure...Christmas cross stitch on sale!!!).

Yikes.

Now, I, being a crafter, realize that you have to start your craft projects now in order to have things ready for Christmas, but geez.....this was a shock to me, and also brought into focus the idea that these holidays are a matter of months away.

I take solace in the knowledge that we may be sailing til Canadian Thanksgiving....

*bah humbug*

and

*boo hoo*

Are You A Doodler?

No, not diddler...silly! Doodler!

Definition: To scrawl or scribble aimlessly and meaninglessly.

I am a doodler...big time. Yes, it's a total meaningless past time, but I enjoy it. Sometimes I doodle some festering mental plan. Sometimes I doodle a layout for a card that I plan on creating.

Now, some people doodle well enough to publish their works of art. These can be fancy and intricate and worthy of public consumption.

Not mine. Nah ah.

They are just scribbles that end up on a piece of paper somewhere.

Makes me wonder sometimes what is scrambled inside my brain!

The Mother of All Sudoku's

This is the mother of all Sudoku's, at least it is for the two of us.

This is for any experienced Sudoku lovers who are interested in a bit of a challenge. Inexperienced players need not apply.

We started doing this one while on vacation. We are both stumped at the same spot, and by cracky we cannot find the next spot. Of ourse, that next spot will probably cause the entire puzzle to be solved.

So, if there are any Sudoku fans out there who want to give this expert one a try...please, be our guest and work on it at your own leisure.

P.S.- we're looking for the logic of the next number...please leave a comment.

Col1	Col2	Col3	Col4	Col5	Col6	Col7	Col8	Col9
___	9	___	___	3	2	4	___	___
___	1	___	___	___	6	3	___	___
___	8	___	___	___	5	7	___	___
1	4	2	___	5	___	6	3	7
8	___	___	2	6	4	5	9	1
9	5	6	___	___	___	8	4	2
5	___	8	6	___	___	___	7	4
4	6	9	___	___	___	___	5	___
___	___	1	5	4	___	___	6	___

The Day That Never Ends

Our Silver Anniversary seems to continue on. Yesterday, there was a flower delivery, and of course cards. We went to one of the more upscale restaurants for a special dinner, and then came home. Ma Petite Cousine called, and it was good to be able to speak with her last night.

It's really kind of neat. People think it's a big deal to reach 25 years. I guess it is in this day and age, where disposable marriages are commonplace. Sure it takes a bit of work, mixed with some patience and understanding, but it's not a totally belaboured ordeal.

We just get along well. We are two peas in a 25 year old pod.

Today, I was informed that there is another flower delivery coming this afternoon. How cool. It's nice to have flowers for this type of occasion.

Our Silver Anniversary Today!

Happy 25th Anniversary to My Sweetie! Another milestone! Wow!

This morning, we exchanged cards, and both had similar sentiments about how it doesn't feel like 25 years, and how time seems to have flown by. I guess you could say that same thing about life in general. It certainly has not felt like 25 years, but it's been a good 25 years. I am very lucky to have found My Sweetie. He's the top of the heap for me.

Last night, while reading Harry Potter and waiting for Canadian Idol to start, I was looking at our group wedding photo, and reminiscing about the night before our wedding, which was the ceremony rehearsal and a subsequent dinner held in a room where our wedding reception would be. That was a really cool night, except for the life of me I cannot recall what I ate, nor can I remember what I ate at our wedding. Too much excitement, and other things to cloud the mind.

Now, the event would not have gone smoothly of course. My parents, just 3 months prior to our wedding, had to move from the house they had been in for 25 years. This meant that I would not be married from my childhood home. It also meant that my parents had to deal with unpacking and settling in AND deal with the wedding. Talk about stress. But, they did it, and everything worked out in the end.

Today at this time, 25 years ago, I think I was having my hair and makeup done. I remember that it was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, and it promised to be a warm one. I recall that the photographer was to be at the house fairly early to snap pre-wedding photos of the bridal preparations, and was also going to visit the groom for pre-photos there.

I remember that the day was full of ToDo's, and in the end, that day too just flew by. That's life.

So cheers to us, and cheers to another 25 years.

Another Vacation Come and Gone

We have returned from our 14 day boat-a-thon vacation, and I must admit that I am still foggy-brained. Foggy-brained may not be a typical word, but my brain has turned to absolute mush over the past 2 weeks.

It was a most excellent vacation. I am so well-rested that I can hardly stand up! So, what did we do you might ask. Well, for starters, we spent 14 days afloat on our boat. We anchored out for every one of those 14 days, always in search of a special bay somewhere. We never paid to stay at any dock. Just dropped anchor in the most adorable of spots. We cooked our own transported food, swam in lovely warm water, and read. I, the slowest reader in the world, managed to read the first 3 Harry Potter books, and have now started the third. Of course, I am working my way up to book 7, so no spoilers please.

We started out the trip by staying for 3 nights at our favourite bay, Brown bay. Because there was no one else around, we got to skinny dip! When we weren't doing that, we were listening to the loons, swimming, reading.

When we finally pulled up anchor, we decided to go to Port Rawson. This id one of the bays that is a popular anchorage in these areas. We don't get to stay there very often, and on this occasion we were 1 of 3 boats anchored there. We were enjoying the quiet of the area for all of about 15 minutes, then the quiet dissipated in a hurry. Around the corner came a 70 foot Viking....followed by a second on, then a third one. In total there were about 12 of these huge monsters arriving. Each of these vessels ranged in size from 50 to 70 feet. They all had multi-level decks, and every imaginable boat toy possible. Of course, once they had settled in, they never turned off their generators. Why? Because they had to keep all of their expensive boat gadgets powered. Now, you have to picture this. We were the only sailboat amid a crowd of 16 huge power vessels. Needless to say we felt a little overpowered (heh). So we did what we had to do to survive. We raised our Air-Chair (the same one that was in the picture for my last post). Well, I'll tell you that these power vessels may have had a slew of fancy gadgets, but not one of them had an Air Chair! Na uh! While I was swinging happily in the air, one of the couples got in their dinghy and floated by staring at me in the air. I think they were trying to figure out what it was and how they could rig something like that from their overhanging deck (since power boats don't have halyards).

By now the bay was humming with the sound of generators. In fact some of the boats never shut them down all through the night. So, this was not what we came for, so the next day we pulled up the anchor and moved to a quieter spot just around the corner. It was so nice that we stayed there for 3 days.

No sailing trip would be complete without a thunderstorm or 2, or 3, and we had one specific doozy of a storm. We had been anchored in Kilcoursie Bay. We had been enjoying a nice couple of days there. The weather was on the horizon. It happened around midnight. The thunder was deafening, the rain pelted down, and the lightning was vewy scawy. A few boats popped their anchors and were dragged out of the bay (they had to re-anchor once things had settled down).

Other than that, we had an extremely lazy vacation, just the way vacations are supposed to be.

Oh, and a BJ update:
BJ is doing quite well. He was totally spoiled with care from my BIL and SIL (many many thanks to both of you xxx). In fact, the little guy even came out to visit them, I was told. So that is truly marvy, because he doesn't do that for too many people. I think he is happy to have us back home, and I don't doubt that he will be snuggling with us tonight.

Tap-Tap-Tap....Anybody Home?

Nope, not here, well soon anyway. Tonight we are doing the Happy Dance. We are on vacation....finally. So what does this mean exactly? Well, for us it means two weeks to explore new places and meet new people, while travelling the waterway on our sailboat.

And let me tell you that this is no straight and easy feat.

You see, our boat is also our tent, if you will. While landlubbers hitch their tent on the back of their car, and head for campsites, we untie the docklines and head out on the water.

We have all of the amenities to survive a vacation off the grid, and this a good thing, since the grid needs a little rest methinks. It just takes a little bit of planning to get us to Nirvana land. We bring our own food and beverages, bottled water, entertainment, clothing for four seasons (this IS Canada after all). It's sort of like packing for a few extra weekends, but not knowing what weather we'll actually experience, so we bring LOTS.

We'll have to stop at the storage and pick up the kayak, and floating chair and 2 telescope chairs.

It sounds like a chore, and in some ways it is, because we repackage things to fit into small spaces, and leave the garbage at home, but once we get everything stowed away, and those docklines are free, so are we. It's a feeling of excitement mixed with anxiety, happiness and hysteria. Freedom from the rat race, the expectations, the demands.

So, I leave you with this picture of My Sweetie. It was taken last year at the Benjamin Islands. Doesn't he appear to be having the most leisurely time in the floating chair?

*the chair is calling*


**if I find a wireless connection somewhere, I'll be able to blog**

I Heard the Sound Of.......

It was a typical sailing weekend. We went to find a sheltered bay, to protect us from winds and waves. Instead of going to one of our usual spots, we decided to try a new spot, which was located near a camp. It was a nice anchorage, big enough so that not many boats could enter.

We settled in for the evening, listening to the sounds of the kiddie campers, singing their campfire songs, and banging on tribe-like drums. It was pretty magical to hear this at night, as the sounds echoed through the forest.

The next morning, we lazed around after breakfast. We were comfy in the cockpit, having breakfast, watching the kiddie campers go sailing in their Pico sailboats and Hobie-cats. While some of the campers were sailing, there were other campers on shore, singing typical camp songs, and once again, banging in unison on the camp drums. The sound of the thumping was again very tribe-like; almost as though these kiddies were going to war or something.

Then we heard it.

One lone voice in the woods.

"No! I don't want to!"

"No! I don't want to!"

When we first heard this, we thought really bad things, like someone was being forced to do something that they didn't want to. With that in mind, we were preparing to go ashore to the camp to see if assistance was required.

Then we heard more.

"I want to go home."

"I want you to come and get me NOW!"

"I don't want to stay here!"

"Get me the F*** out of her....NOW!"

These were the sounds of some poor young, spoiled lady, who desperately wanted to go home. She was either a counsellor, or a camper, we did not know which, but one thing was certain....SHE WAS NOT VERY HAPPY, and did not want to be where she was!

From what we could make out, she was on her cell phone or a pay phone, probably talking to her parents, and the call lasted a good 20 minutes.

We continued to hear these cries from the woods, and wondered when she would be escorted out of the forest and back to civilization (gosh why would someone want to have that?). We also don't know if she ever made it off the island (hello Gilligan?)

What we do know is that eventually, her telephone cries were drowned out by the sounds of the campers, singing their camp songs in loud unison.....and the woods continued to echo with the sound of tribe-like drums.

Word (less) Sunday (almost wordless)

Just thought that I would post this photo (with permission granted from his Pop) of a young relative of ours. After a hard day at play, and in severe need of a nap, he has this habit of gathering all of the nearby pillows, and scooping them all around him.

And then he nods off to sleepy land.

Just too cute for words I think, but I found some anyway.

I can hear y'all saying 'awwwwwwww!'.

(Click on the image to enlarge).

It's My Sweetie's Birthday Today!

Happy Birthday to My Sweetie!

I know that he will eventually read this. He always reads my blog entries, and, at times, he is my Editor. Every writer needs an Editor, and he does an excellent job.

So, this morning, we did the birthday giftie thing. I made him a special card...motorcycle theme. Even BJ made him a card (such a crafty little kitty).

Now, this is the last birthday before he enters the half-century club. Hang on to #49, Honey, and look forward to many more happy birthdays.

On that note, I leave you with some tidbits of information for your special day. Enjoy!

Word of the Day for July 6, 2007
GAUCHERIE - A tactless or awkward act
Example: The mother was embarrassed by the GAUCHERIE of her child.
Synonyms: gaffe, solecism

Positive Quote for July 6, 2007
Perhaps love is the process of my leading you gently back to yourself.

-- Antoine De Saint-Exupery

Daily Motivator for July 6, 2007
It's already yours
You already have what it takes to be anything you want to be, to have anything you want to have, to live the way you want to live. The ability to create the life you desire, is already yours.

Your job is to find that ability, make use of your potential, and take the actions that will lead to the achievement you desire.

It is foolish to wish that you could get something for nothing. Foolish, and quite unnecessary. Because you already have everything you could possibly want, if you will just find it and make use of it.

You won't get something for nothing, and you don't need it anyway. Look inside yourself. Find the value that is already there, and make the most of it. Whatever you truly desire, you already have the ability to acquire. It's up to you to make it happen.

People Born on July 6, 2007
Geoffrey Rush (1951)
Actor who came to the attention of the media when he gave an Oscar-winning performance in the 1996 film, Shine. Rush began his stage career in his native Australia in the 1970s. He starred in a production of "Waiting for Godot" in 1979, with a then-unknown Mel Gibson, and did not make the leap to the big screen until Twelfth Night in 1986. In addition to his critically acclaimed performance in Shine, Rush has also appeared in Twisted (1996), Shakespeare in Love (1998), Elizabeth (1998), Les Miserables (1998), Mystery Men (1999), Quills (2000), Lantana (2001), and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. He is also the voice of Nigel in the hit animated film Finding Nemo.

Sylvester Stallone (1946)
Actor who attended beauty school before discovering his true calling. Stallone began his film career as a screenwriter, and struggled for many years in New York before penning the script to the 1976 hit, Rocky. Rocky was the sleeper smash that year, earning critical acclaim and spawning a successful series of sequels. Stallone has since enjoyed a lucrative acting career, starring in films including Rambo: First Blood (1982), Tango and Cash (1989), Lock Up (1989), Oscar (1991), Demolition Man (1993), Judge Dredd (1995), Daylight (1996), Cop Land (1997), Driven (2001) and Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over. In addition to his many talents, Stallone is also a gifted painter.

George W. Bush (1946)
43rd President of the United States. Upon graduating with his MBA from Harvard Business School, Bush served in the Texas Air National Guard as an F-102 pilot, and worked on his father’s presidential campaign in 1988. Before being elected as the 46th Governor of Texas in 1994, Bush was a managing general partner of the Texas Rangers.

Ned Beatty (1937)
Actor who gave a memorable performance as Lex Luthor’s accomplice, Otis, in the first two Superman films (1978, 1980). Beatty began his career in show business on the Broadway stage in "The Great White Hope." His performance did not go unnoticed, for he was soon offered a role in the 1972 film Deliverance. After making his screen debut, Beatty had no trouble finding work. He has since appeared in films including Our Town (1977), Friendly Fire (1979), The Toy (1982), The Big Easy (1986), Back to School (1986), Repossessed (1990), Prelude to a Kiss (1992), Rudy (1993), The Affair (1995), Cookie’s Fortune (1999) and Where the Red Fern Grows (2003).

Della Reese (1931)
Actress and ordained minister whose portrayal of the angel, Tess, on "Touched By an Angel," inspired viewers for nearly a decade (1994-2003). In 1953, Reese moved to New York to embark on a career in music. She was met with success and released the hit singles "And That Reminds Me" and "Don’t You Know." Reese began to host her own talk show in 1969 and joined the cast of the sitcom, "Chico and the Man," in 1976. Reese starred in two other sitcoms, "It Takes Two" (1982) and "Charlie and Co." (1986), before appearing in her first feature film, Harlem Nights, in 1989. In addition to her work on "Touched By An Angel," Reese has appeared in the TV movies "Miracle in the Woods" (1997), "Emma’s Wish" (1998), "The Secret Path" (1999) and "The Moving of Sophia Myles" (2000).

Music History for July 6, 2007
In 1998, Indonesian pop star Iwan Fals gives a free concert in Jakarta. More than 5,000 economically devastated people break out in a riot and charge the stage, hurling bottles and sticks and shoes. Fals barely escapes the mob and flees with his band to a nearby hotel.

In 1998, Acclaimed cowboy singer and actor Roy Rodgers, 86, dies in his sleep at his home in the desert community of Apple Valley, Calif. The 'King of the Cowboys' had been ill with congestive heart failure for some time.

In 1991, Van Halen's 'For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge' debuts at No. 1 on Billboard's pop album chart.

In 1976, The Damned give their performance debut at the 100 Club in London.

In 1971, Trumpeter Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong dies. He had turned 71 two days earlier. He wins a Grammy in 1965 as Best Male Vocal Performance for 'Hello Dolly,' a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 1972 and is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 as a forefather of rock music.

In 1965, No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction,' The Rolling Stones. It is the Stones' first No. 1 single in the U.S.

In 1964, The Beatles' first film, 'A Hard Day's Night,' premieres in London.

In 1937, 'Duke of Earl' Gene Chandler (Eugene Dixon) is born in Chicago. His biggest hit is 'Duke of Earl,' which tops Billboard's Hot 100 for three weeks in 1962.

In 1925, Rock n' roll pioneer Bill Haley (William John Clifton Haley Jr.) is born in Highland Park, a section of Detroit. The biggest hit for Bill Haley & His Comets is the rock n' roll classic '(We're Gonna) Rock Around the Clock,' a No. 1 song for eight weeks in 1955. He is posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

HAVE A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
XXX

"Middle Age" Meets "Youth"

We were invited to a Pot Lock dinner at a friend's house, a gathering of fitness enthusiasts. We were sitting on the back deck, enjoying the evening. In a neighbouring backyard, four young lads were playing guitars and a bongo drum.

Two different worlds it seemed.

Our hostess decided to ask them to join us later, if they wished, provided they brought their instruments. As the temperature dropped, our little party moved inside. We warmed up various foods, and settled into comfy chairs, and chatted.

"Knock-knock-knock" at the rear patio door.

The young lads were at the back door, armed with instruments, and ready to play. They came inside, hopped up on a couple of breakfast bar stools, and started to play. Our hostess offered them food and drink (mostly beer!).

They started to play. We were instantly hooked on their sound. Their voices all had a distinct quality. Their guitar playing was impressive, and they could pick up each other's musical cues quite easily.

I loved the bongo/drum playing. It has to be one of my favourite percussion instruments. It was more than just accompaniment. It added a whole different dimension. AC/DC never sounded so "funky', to use an old term.

Now, this little concert went on for a few hours. They played and sang. We sat, tapped our toes, clapped.

Then, after awhile, their friends started to arrive. One, two, three, more! Yet, we never felt alarmed. They were an easy-going, relaxed, and thoroughly friendly bunch.

One half of the room with the "youngsters", and the other half with the "oldsters". Quite a sight this must have been. (visions of the hired entertainment for senior citizens comes to mind).

We never heard us referred to as "old', though. Maybe the word "folks', but that was all.

As the evening grew late, a couple of young women arrived, and the time came for the whole group to leave for a party downtown. We all stood up to shake their hands, and thank them for coming and playing. They, in turn, were thanking us for inviting them and for listening.

A splendid meeting of two generations in a spirit of openness, trust, and sharing.

The world could use more of this spirit.

Friday's Feast - One Hundred and Forty-Nine

Welcome to Feast One Hundred & Forty-Nine
for
Friday, June 22nd, 2007

Pull up a chair and dig in!
Friday's Feast is a meme of five questions
cooked up by the chef each and every week.
Enjoy!

Appetizer
How many pieces of jewelry do you wear most days?

Five....My wedding band, engagement ring, my Mom's wedding band, a diamond Forever band that My Sweetie gave me for our 20th Wedding Anniversary, a necklace with some charms.

Soup
What is your favorite instrumental song?

Classical Gas

Salad
Who has a last name that you like?

Now, I never really thought about that, to tell you the truth. I like my names, both maiden and married. They both have character, and are sure to invite others to challenge the pronunciation.

Main Course
Name a popular movie you’ve never seen.

Being a royalty fan, The Queen, for one, although there are a zillion movies that I have never seen...my loss I suppose.

Dessert
Fill in the blank: Nothing makes me ___________ like ____________.

Nothing makes me laugh like My Sweetie (he really does!). Actually, to be correct, that would be, Nobody makes me laugh like My Sweetie.

The Aftermath - A Sequel

This is going to be a short post, mostly as a follow up the The Aftermath.

I mentioned how BJ had been gravitating to CoCo's previously inhabited spots. Well, I just had to post this most recent picture of him, relishing of course.

BJ in what was CoCo's Basket

I also managed to have one last photo of CoCo. This was taken one week ago.

CoCo...asleep on a pair of Mommy's jeans

Little did we know.

The Aftermath

Well, it's almost been a week since posting about my CoCo. It's been a tough week, and the break was needed. It was difficult trying to deal with things and with the new situation at home. It was very hard for me to even think of posting something new above CoCo's sweet little face. It broke my heart, but I wanted to give CoCo her time in the spotlight...kind of like a grief period.

Before I post, I want to express my gratitude to everybody who called, sent kind thoughts, hugs, and words of comfort. Somehow, gestures like that always seem to help one to get through the pain....and they really made a difference to me. Thank You!

A few things have happened since last Friday. When we came home to try to sort things out, and sort out our heads and our hearts, my inbox held a few surprises. One of those surprises was receiving The Rising Blogger award for a very special post called Look Through Any Window. A special thank you to Skittles for nominating me and also to Judd Corizan at The Rising Blogger. I was so upset over CoCo, that when I saw the award, I sobbed.

I also received 2 separate Rockin' Blog Girl awards, from Ruth atThere are a Million Stories in the Naked City and from Skittles at Skittles Place. Again, big thank yous.

I'm so tickled with the awards, that I think I am going to keep them forever on my blog.

Now, this post would not be complete without an update on BJ, our remaining kitty. You see, BJ will be 15 years old at the end of this year. He has never lived without another kitty in the household. This is his first solo gig, and I have been keeping a close watch on his behaviour. Now, I know that animals don't experience emotion. They don't feel happy or sad. They don't grieve. But they sure do have a sense that things have changed.

A little background.

In the past, if I were to sit on the couch, CoCo could have been anywhere in the house, but somehow she would magically appear and be on my lap. If BJ had the opportunity to be on my lap, and if CoCo entered the room, she would boot him off my lap, because it was her territory.

BJ has been on my lap every single night.

In the past, when it was time to go to bed, CoCo would grab her spot on the bed, resting behind my butt.

BJ has been doing something very similar each night.

In the past, CoCo spent many hours during the day in a kitty basket by the back door.

BJ has now claimed that basket as his.

I am not quite sure if, by gravitating to her old spots, he is missing her presence, or if he is doing a Happy Dance at being able to be the king cat. We'll have to figure out if we're going to get him a new little friend or not. Right now, I think we're going to let him enjoy all of the attention.

We're Hurting

CoCo
(1997 - 2007)

Today has been a sad day. It's very difficult to do this.

Too many tears. Too much ache.

The day started with our beloved Coco kitty not behaving normally. Not eating or drinking, and generally looking uncomfortable. We kept an eye on her, but she was looking as though she was in pain. My Sweetie brought her to the vet, twice actually, since they were busy on the first emergency visit. When they checked her out the second time, she had a large mass in her stomach. They said they could have operated, but a positive outcome was unlikely.

There was no option but to put her to sleep so that she would not suffer.

She was only 10 years old.

Coco, was a special kitty. I remember when we got her. We were at the PetSmart, where they had the section for adoptable cats. She was one of three Calico kitties - named Pepsi, Coke, and Sprite by the previous owners. Sprite had been adopted, and Pepsi and Coke remained. Pepsi was a very scared kitty, but Coke (later to be renamed CoCo) came to the side of the cage and rubbed and rubbed and rubbed as if to say "Love me", "Take me home".

And so we did.

When we got her home, to become the fourth of the feline family, she didn't know quite what to do, so she proceeded to find the top shelf of the nearest clothes cupboard, and gaze down upon the world beneath her, while she burrowed down in an old comfy quilt. Little did we know, that this once scared and timid kitty would blossom into the beauty that we knew her as.

She was a total lap cat. If I sat on the couch, she was sure to join within 10 seconds. Not today though. She could only manage to huddle into a more or less comfortable position on the floor.

She would always come to sleep with us. She would usually start on my side, behind my butt, and eventually would saunter over to another more inviting area. Last night was the last time she slept with us.

Over the last couple of years, she began to be more vocal. She had started to "meowp" each time we would say her name. "CoCo"...."meowp"..."CoCo"..."meowp".

Both of us are stunned and in shock at what has happened. We cannot get our heads around this one. There were no signs. She was as normal as anything prior to this.

So, as I write this, My Sweetie and I, with BJ resting on the floor beside us, are editing this to pay homage to CoCo.

She was a very special kitty to us. She was one of our kids.

We will miss her. We already do.

The Never Ending Swimming Pool Construction

For about a month now, a neighbour down the street has been installing an in ground pool. That means that for one month, it looks as though the street has been having major construction. Trucks everywhere. Construction crew everywhere. Dirt everywhere.

All for one little pool.

It's been noisy, with all of the trucks that have had to participate in this adventure. Today, there is a long flatbed truck, a rectangular cube type truck, a dump truck, a cement truck, a forklift type vehicle, various pickups.

And lots of half clad men running back and forth from the backyard to the front.

The grass is ruined too, since they had to rip up some of it to create a runway for what I call the R2D2 transporter.....a little forklifty type of thing that moves materials around. It zips back and forth with great speed and regularity.

By now I assume the pool is in, and that the current work being done is to fill in with cement. But who knows. Maybe there is another month of work yet to take place.

I think that with all of the noise and disruption that they've caused in Sleepy Hollow, they should have one huge pool party, and invite all of the neighbours that have been affected.

*fat chance that will happen*

Happy Summer arrival y'all.....

Happy 1 Year Anniversary To Me!

The First Time...

The first time that I ever decided to do a blog, I chickened out. Sure, I viewed other blogs, checked them out, even found some of them interesting. Never thought I'd want to have one of my own (like a dog - always nice to admire other people's dogs but would never own one).

So here I am, composing my first blog entry. No one can tell me what to write here. This is my space, for now. Maybe it will become a really interesting space, or maybe not, but for now it is my space, and a space for me to crawl into.
Labels: 2006 Post, First Post

That was my first post, exactly one year ago today, so Happy 1 Year Blogging Anniversary to me! As you can see, I didn't really have a plan for the blog, but I knew that I had some gaps in my life, and I needed an outlet for expression. It was not meant to be an outlet for complaining (although that does happen sometimes), nor an outlet for griping (again, can happen), but kind of like an invisible friend, who I could talk to.

Through blogging, I got linked into various groups, participated in the meme circle, and just plain got creative. I blogged about nosepicking (not me!), and the creepy guy, and created the tch-tch-tch sound to imitate the wild creature who inhabited our attic. I also dabbled in some technical stuff from time to time.

In the end I found few dear friends with whom I connect on a regular basis. You know who you are, in alphabetical order so as not to offend anyone..... (Jeni, Lattégirl
, Mairin, Silverneurotic, Skittles (EarWorm Infection Alert ------Roberta Flack...The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face..just for you), Terry Queen of the Dorks). I always appreciate your comments.

So, as I embark on a second year of blogging, wish me luck. Who knows what lurks in the hallowed blogging halls?

Addendum as of 10:54 pm ET - Thank goodness that I write and own these posts. That allows me the freedom to add things, like a recognition of some other fine bloggers who stop by to visit.....again in alphabetic order....bobbygriffin, bundle-o-contradictions, Calibar Gal, cats ~ goats ~ quotes, Claire, Comedy+, Crazy Working Mom, Creechman, dawn, Dawnae, Dirk_Star, Donna, elementaryhistoryteacher, FalnAngel7, Felicia Lippenstein, Frances, FRIGGA, Hootin'Anni, Indiana Amy, Jaycee, Jenny, JHS, Joseph C. Harris, Jules, Juzahlyn, Karina, Kim, La Tomate, Leigh, lisa, Lori Madison, Mags, Martie, Melanie, Michelle, Mike, Mimi Lenox, Miss Paula, Missy, Morgen, Mz Jackson, Ruth, RW, Sassy Mom, tegdirb92.....Thank you!

The Typical Flying Dinghy

We are sailors. We spend our time around many types of vessels, but predominantly, sailboats. All shapes, sizes, and colours of sailboats. It's a marvelous world. Most of these vessels have an additional boat that is towed either from the stern, or hoisted in davits at the stern.

Little boats called dinghies. These little, and some not-so-little rubber boats can get you into some really special coves and spots that the bigger boats can't get into. They can get you to a town dock for shopping. Or they can get you to the next boat-neighbour for afternoon tea.

But we have one special fellow who has a dinghy of a different colour you could say. This is what we call the Flying Dinghy. The flying dinghy is fitted with a motor and a sail, and can glide through the air, high above us, and then, when ready, can come in for a landing on a piece of open water.

"Click on the images to enlarge"

Circling the runway...um waterway.

Preparing for take off.

And we have lift-off...just look at those trees.

High above the clouds now...heh heh.

Helloooooo down there.

Coming down for a landing....beside this big boat. Maybe they want a new dinghy!

Little flying dinghy...happy at last.

Father's Day

I just came back from a northern weekend, and I decided to visit Skittles' blog. She prepared a heartfelt post to commemorate Father's Day, and it prompted me to follow suit.

Now I had been trying to forget that today was Father's Day. I try to forget Mother's and Father's Day now. It just hurts too much. It was sort of easy to forget today, because it didn't seem that people were doing anything big to honor their Fathers. Sure, there was the odd Father's Day sail taking place, or a special BBQ or breakfast or phone call. But mostly it was quiet.

It's been eleven years since my Dad passed away. We never got to celebrate Father's Day that year. he was taken away before that. But then I got to thinking. I remember when I was a little girl. I would make a card for my Dad for Father's Day. He'd always be happy with whatever I did or gave him. He didn't expect the world. In fact, he didn't expect anything. Just a simple guy with simple wishes. Mostly wishes for me. That I be safe. That I be happy. That I be loved.

So Happy Father's Day.

And, Dad? I think I am.

and thanks to Skittles, whose post allowed me to post.

Friday's Feast - One Hundred and Forty-Eight

Welcome to Feast One Hundred & Forty-Eight
for
Friday, June 15th, 2007

Pull up a chair and dig in!
Friday's Feast is a meme of five questions
cooked up by the chef each and every week.
Enjoy!

Appetizer
Fill in the blank: The best thing about where I live is ___…

we have tree frogs at night.........

Soup
Create a new name for a deodorant (like “Flower Fresh” or “Shower Scent”).

"My Armpits Don't Smell Like A Stinky Gym Bag" ahhhhhh, I can smell it now!

Salad
What was the last piece of software you installed onto your computer?

Printshop deluxe and some clipart software. Nothing too exciting.

Main Course
If you were to receive a superlative award today beginning with the words ”Most likely to…”, what would the rest of the phrase say?

A superlative award eh? hmmmm. Let me think. Most likely to be working out at the gym. Most likely to be following Weight Watchers (I'm Lifetime). Most likely to be at the boat. Most likely to be scrapbooking. *stop me now!!!*

Dessert
What two colors do you like to wear together?

Now that depends on the season. In the fall and winter I love to wear dark green and black together...pretty morbid eh?In the summer, I like your good old nautical red and navy or yellow andtan (okay, not so nautical, but our boat has yellow trim...gotta match ya know).

Wordless Wednesday

Duck On A Dock

"Early one morning, just as the sun was rising
I heard a maid sing in the valley below"

Not quite.

Early yesterday morning, while we were asleep on our boat, there was a visitor. First, there was a tharimp. Then a tharump. Then pad-pad-pad-pad-pad-pad.

Ms.Duck had arrived, having found some nice smooth fibreglass to land on.

Mz.Duck: 'mmmm this great. I think this is a fantastic place to preen my feathers, and clean my beak. It's so nice and quiet, and I can see the calmness of the marina while everyone is sleeping. In fact, it's so quiet, that my feathered friends would really be able to hear me if I called them right about now.'

'QUACK quack quack quack.....QUACK quack quack quack QUACK quack quack quack

*multiply this about thirty times and you'll get the picture, although you probably cannot imagine the VOLUME!!!!*

The loudest cacophony that you ever heard. The quacking went on and on, and seemingly awoke everyone on the dock.

Well not quite. It never bothered me. I, the sleeping rock, slept through the whole thing. Never heard a single quack. Duck? What duck?

Friday's Feast - One Hundred and Forty-Seven

Welcome to Feast One Hundred & Forty-Seven
for
Friday, June 8th, 2007

Pull up a chair and dig in!
Friday's Feast is a meme of five questions
cooked up by the chef each and every week.
Enjoy!

Appetizer
What do you consider to be the ultimate snack food?

The ultimate snack food for me (note that this only hits when I am not being good with what I eat, and this hasn't happened in a long long time) is either cheezies (which I totally adore) or else it is Pringles potato chips dunked in Coke.....that is the ultimate.

Soup
On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 as highest), about how popular is your last name?

Now, I guess it depends if it is my maiden name or my married name. If it's my maiden name, then I don't think it is very popular at all, although it has gone through various spellings, so if you count that as popular, then I guess it is. Now, my married name could be popular. I know that there is some soap with the same name, jewellers, and just yesterday I noticed a sponge with the same name.

Salad
Who is your all-time favorite sitcom character, and why?

My favourite sitcom character was Mary Richards from the Mary Tyler Moore Show. Now THAT was television. Gosh I sounded OLD writing that particular line!!

Main Course
Do you shop online? If so, name some sites you like to browse for goodies.

Yes....www.Lang.com for small wall calendars that I can't find in stores. www.mint.ca for my coin collecting habit (when I have money that is...heh heh money to buy money...cute)

Dessert
Fill in the blank: I think ___________ should be ___________.

I think I should be rich.

Hey, Hey, Hey, It's My Lucky Day!

I won some money in the lottery! Okay, so it's not a million, nor is it a thousand, not even a hundred. But it's a dinner out! Woo hoo!

This really is a first for me. I don't think I have ever won anything in any sort of draw, except when I won a free PTS sampler by breaking a balloon at the gym party.

Now lately, we have been spending a minimal amount each week on the lottery, and have been winning small $$ plus free tickets. Perhaps that was the incentive to keep going. As they say, if you don't play, it don't pay.

A couple from Barrie just won 32 million I think it was. They can retire, and then some. If we won that, I think we'd be on our way south for a long time. Job? What job? Mortgage? What mortgage?

If nothing else, playing the lottery certainly provides an avenue for dreaming, for creating the what-if scenarios. What if we won 5 million...what would we do? My mind reels with the possibilities. I think I'd like to get a pool and a hot tub. I know, I know. I could buy the whole damn street a pool and a hot tub.

And a pool boy. To take care of the pool....and hot tub....and the towels....and the iced tea....*and get your minds out of that gutter*.

*again I dream*

I remember my Auntie Helen used to play Bingo; used to buy lottery tickets. In fact, I recall that she had a lucky streak in her, because she was always winning something. She's probably still playing Heaven's lottery and winning big.

I remember My Sweetie's Aunt Nan expressing that the Jaguar was her vehicle of choice. I would have to agree. That would be on my list.

Perhaps a new sailing vessel. Hmmmmm. Jeanneau? Catalina? Vauquiez?

*again my mind stirs*

Of course I would need to get new workout gear. Heck, I could buy a whole gym and manage it...no wait...pay someone to manage it. An investment, that's the ticket.

Ah "to dream perchance to sleep"

Dream on my little chickens, dream on.

Clean Air Day

Get my banner code or create your own banner

Today is Clean Air Day, and also the Blog Blast for Peace Day. This may not mean a lot to anybody, but it should be a day to think and do something.

Do something to have a cleaner environment to live in.

Do something to obtain peace in our world.

Do something so that others do not go hungry in our world.

Do seomthing so that others do not sleep in the streets in our world.

Do something.

Anything.

We have so much. We are the world of plenty. Sometimes, we have too much.

Friday's Feast - One Hundred and Forty-Six

Welcome to Feast One Hundred & Forty-Six
for
Friday, June 1st, 2007

Pull up a chair and dig in!
Friday's Feast is a meme of five questions
cooked up by the chef each and every week.
Enjoy!

Appetizer
Name something you think is “the best.”

Goodlife Fitness and the instructors who teach at the Barrie club are The Best.

Soup
On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 highest), how stressed are you today?

I am somewhere between a 7 and a 10 today. It is potentially another Black Day today at work, since yesterday was Black Thursday in other parts of the company. This has me pretty stressed.

Salad
What kind of cleanser do you use to wash your face?

Oh! An easy one. Hang on. I have to run to the other room to get the tube. Hang on. There. Okay, I am back. I use Neutrogena Deep Clean cream cleanser. A penetrating cleanser that improves your complexion (yeah right). Oil free. .

Main Course
Tonight is a blue moon! What is something that you believe only happens “once in a blue moon.”

You know, I really don't know. We don't have too many blue moons up here, and while I am familiar with the expression, I don't think I use it very much. Now, yellow or white moons we have many of, and lots of stuff happens, especially when those moons are full. Then lookout!

Dessert
When was the last time it rained where you live?

It rained a teeny weeny, little bitty, bit of rain last night. Not much. Hardly noticeable. So small that we hardly noticed it. In fact, the plants didn't even notice. Really! That little.

Wordless Wednesday #9

Geese and Goslings - click on images to enlarge.

Aw Nuts....

Since when did peanuts in the shell become salty? This is a fundamental question of life that has been causing my mind pain in the past while, and so it is probably worthy of a post.

You see, I have not really bought peanuts in the shell in a very long time. I was doing Weight Watchers, and watching what I ate, and that kind of nut did not fit the picture for me at the time. In fact, I think that the last time I bought them was to put in Halloween bags, and even then the nuts were regular unsalted peanuts in the shell.

By chance, I happened to have this particular bag of nuts fall into my shopping cart at the food store *gasp*. I didn't really pay special attention to the bag. When I got home, I noticed that they were now called baseball nuts, or stadium nuts, or something to that effect.

Now, we were not going to be eating them in a stadium or at a baseball game, but I figured it was still fair game for us to be able to enjoy a nut or two.

When I cracked open the first nut, and popped it into my mouth, I was appalled. The salt! A salty shelled peanut! Horrors! And the shell was salty too! So salty that a filmy residue of salty stuff remained on my fingers. What the heck happened here and when did this happen?

In my childhood, peanuts in the shell didn't have anything added. No added salt, and therefore no added sodium and other baddy things, like preservatives.

I am now boycotting these nuts.

*I live in a cave.*

spam-spam-spam-spam

I know this will not make some people happy, but I have been receiving spam comments lately. For the next while, I have enabled Word Verification (sorry Skittles bear with me), and I am also moderating comments (just like my SIL). I hate having to do this, but I don't like people playing in my yard like that.

Does Anyone Else Adore This Man?

I hope that I am not the only one in the universe who absolutely adores Jay Manuel. Don't get the wrong idea either. It's not a lust thing or a sexual thing. It's just an adoring thing. He is so well coiffed, so well put together, so, so...ahhhh.

He was on the cover of our TV magazine this week, dressed in white leather, such perfection, and I may never take that photo off my fridge. Others have come and gone from my fridge, but Jay may stay there for quite some time.

So, needless to say, I am looking forward to the second installment of Canada's next Top Model CNTM, and if Mr. Manuel looks as polished as he usually does, I may not even care who wins.

Ciao babies....

Tag...I'm It (again)

My SIL tagged me a little while ago, and then I got caught up in other nets, so I am finally doing the meme that she tagged me on.

The complete rules:
1. Link to the name of the person who tagged you.
2. Include the state and country you’re in.
3. List your top 5 favorite places to eat at your location (locally).
4. Tag 5 other people (preferably from other countries/states) and let them know they’ve been tagged.

Here goes.....
Terry tagged me.
I am in Ontario, Canada.
My top five places to eat are:

• Lings Cuisine


• McReilly's Pub


• Hollywood Pizza


• The Keg


• I love to eat on our boat

I tag the following 5 people.....
Skittles (woohoo Taylor fan!)
Calabar Gal (long time no hear)
Silver Neurotic (how could I not think of you?)
Jeni (time to put the knitting away and do a little meme)
a different Terry (different from my SIL that is)

Friday's Feast - One Hundred and Forty-Five

Welcome to Feast One Hundred & Forty Five
for
Friday, May 25th, 2007

Pull up a chair and dig in!
Friday's Feast is a meme of five questions
cooked up by the chef each and every week.
Enjoy!

Appetizer
Name a sound you like to hear.

I love to hear the sound of the tree frogs at our house. In the spring and summer, and into fall, the tree frogs sing up a storm in the nearby ravine. It's a beautiful sound,and sometimes even a bit deafening...when they really get heated up and chirp very loudly.

Soup
What's your favourite kind of cheese?

I am not a huge cheese person (guess you could say I'm not a cheeseball). But if I do have cheese, it's either Swiss, Camembert or Brie. No stinky Blue Cheese here.

Salad
Do you sleep late on Saturday mornings? Why or why not?

That depends on what you mean by late. For some people, sleeping in til 8 o'clock is late. If that's late, then I am guilty, guilty, guilty! Sometimes I even stretch it out to 9....sometimes. Can't get enough beauty sleep ya know.

Main Course
When was the last time you forgot something? What was it, and how long did it take to remember it?

The last time I forgot something was last week. My car keys. I had locked my car keys inside my car and it never twigged on me until we were getting ready to go home. I started fishing around in my Baggalini, but no keys. That was a stunner for me, the elephant who never forgets.

Dessert
Fill in the blank: I notice ____________ when ____________.

I notice feet when I am waiting in line.

Reality Show Round-Up

Reality TV is rapidly coming to a close, and with that I thought that I would give my take on what I thought were the ups and downs of the past season...and there were plenty.

America's next Top Model (ANTM)
This is one ending that I cannot blame on the telephone voters. We can only blame Miss Tyra and the judges for naming Jazzzzlene as ANTM for this season. I was rooting for Natasha, and the powers that be deemed that she would not be THE ONE.
My reaction - the season was excellent but the ending was hrumph!

American Idol (AI)
Jordin wins; Blake doesn't. Neither of these were in my fave list. It was always Melinda and LaKisha. Jordin sort of tried to make her way into my fave list, because she seemed to be getting better, but then, last night, I found myself watching the show (which was an amazing finale btw), and actually thinking that Blake would be the better of the two, because he is such an amazing stage performer. Again, it was not to be.

The highlight of the show was, of course, the Taylor man....complete with harmonica and all. *sigh*.
My overall reaction - the season was excellent, as was the finale, but because my Melinda didn't win, it was hrumph!

Survivor
Yau-man what happened??? You were supposed to win! But, with Earl winning, it is almost as if you DID win, because you guys were survivormates. My main hope was that Cassandra would not win the million. At least there was some justice.
My overall reaction - Survivor has been my fave since Day 1, and this season was just as good as the others. Yay!

The Bachelor
Tessa Won! Yay! Bevin is still probably whining and crying, in fact I can still hear the sobs. Heck, she was even whining during the 'after' show. But Tessa remained as the sole bachelorette to get the ring and the rose.....Tessa and Andy looked so happy on the 'after' show....good on them!
My overall reaction - Yay!

So, what's coming up? Canadian Idol is going to ramp up very soon. Canada's next Top Model will also be starting. Survivor's next season, probably in the fall, will be filmed in China.

Now maybe I can get back to blogging on a regular basis, now that TV will no longer be consuming my life ...and my PVR space (which I really need to clean up).

Ciao.....

The Long Weekend

It's a long weekend here in Canada, known traditionally as the Victoria Day weekend. Yay! I am typing this from our boat, through the wireless network. We have the electric heater turned on, as well as the propane heater. While yesterday had scrumptiously warm temperatures, today they are quite chilly....traditionally Canadian I guess. It wouldn't be a Canadian long weekend if we didn't have the four seasonings of weather. That's okay. It's a work weekend anyway, seeing as the boat was only launched last Tuesday. The weekend is full of cleaning, organizing the disorganization that typically accompanies launch, shmoozing, eating, napping. It makes for a great time no matter how you cut it.

As I write this, we are surrounded by various fireworks displays. With the bangs and the booms, and the sky being lit in various shades of red and green, it is really kind of neat to have this tiny window to the world, which only we are privy to.

So happy Victoria Day weekend everybody. Hope you all get to see some fireworks where you are.

Friday's Feast - One Hundred and Forty-Four

Welcome to Feast One Hundred & Forty Four
for
Friday, May 18th, 2007

Pull up a chair and dig in!
Friday's Feast is a meme of five questions
cooked up by the chef each and every week.
Enjoy!

Appetizer
List 3 emotions you experienced this week.

Oh gosh. It was another stressful week, accompanied by frustration, fear, and anxiety, but these emotions are slowly disappearing with the soon-to-arrive long weekend here!

Soup
Name a car you’d love to have.

Now that depends if you are referring to a toy car or a real car. A toy car would mean that I could own anything that I wanted, but with not much purpose. If it was a real car, it would be a Jaguar....or a MB....or a BMW....

Salad
Describe your typical morning routine.
Another quasi decision. Depends if it is a typical weekday morning or a weekend morning. The weekend morning has no routine. The weekday morning is always the same. Get up. Visit the washroom. Got to office and turn on laptop. Check for urgent requests and last minute scheduled meetings. Gather breakfast. Work. Look forward to lunchtime. bla-bla-bla

Main Course
Have you ever emailed someone famous? If so, who, and what did you say to them? Did they reply?

No. Now what would someone famous do with a silly email from little ole me?

Dessert
Do you listen to podcasts? If so, which ones?

Easy, easy, easy....no!

Wordless Wednesday #8