What's happening in your neighborhood?

Just popping in to say a quick 'HELLO' .. it has been a day in more ways than one, and I am heading to bed with a good movie to watch.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend

~M~

Did a laundry late last evening, went to the basement to put in dryer and found a small lake!
Sewer back up, obviously the washer water. Did some baling as I didnt want to let it sit all night and was going to be away until mid afternoon- had to cart the water upstairs and throw out into the yard, lots of exercise. The toilets still flushed OK so thought it might be an in the house problem Anyway city guys arrived ( I didnt call until I got home from the trial) and ran their snake thru it - and there was a block outside the house - probably about the spot I know there is a bend in the old clay pipes! They cleared it and now I will keep my fingers crossed as it has not blocked in about 10 years. Not looking forward to the day I have to get it fixed - half my yard torn up and a big hole in my pocket too! And certainly dont want to have to do it in the winter cause I would lose a lot of plants. And my underground watering system!
So this morning out to the agility trial - took Tug with me and later we went to the airport and picked up Brenda - he was VERY happy to see her! Hope they sold lots of the dog beds I have been making!
Going out for fish and chips as soon as Brenda gets home from the trial.

Sorry bout yer luck Carol, hope the fix up lasts a long time !!!

A BANNER MOMENT today .. hung sheets on the line to dry around 9am, brought them in around 1pm .. a wee bit damp but otherwise DRY and they smell wonderful !!!
We are sitting at -8C a little overcast but hey .. I can walk out to the garage in a sweatshirt and track pants !!!

Off to play cards .. everyone enjoy their day, hope everyone who were feeling ill are better.

~M~

Carol - sure hope that you don't have any more problems with water. That's never pleasant to deal with.

Looks like a reasonable day here and tomorrow should be a bit milder which is good because I'll get started with friends on the weekly snowshoe session. I missed last week because I had booked a physio appointment way back in December - forgetting that we snowshoe in January-March for as long as the conditions are good.

The Grannies' YouTube video had over 2300 hits this morning in less than a day. Wow!

Gotta get busy putting the rest of my Christmas decorations away.

Ann

Brenda was so late back ( it is a BIG trial) we just had Pizza delivered and then we didnt eat much so I have a lot in the freezer!

Sewer is OK, lets hope it is another 10 years before it plugs up again. Actually I am very careful and rarely flush TP down. The insides of these old pipes gets very rough and snags things ( usually TP of course) and that can buildup and eventually plug. I really dont want to have to deal with digging up my lawn to get a new pipe installed! My good luck that where it does block the city will clear it!

Yesterday and today weather very nice, above freezing I think.

Brenda and Tug left this morning so we are- after a month -back to 'normal' with just 2 dogs and a cat. 10 days before I go for my surgery but I am starting to get myself organised .Fortunately I have great neighbors who will help out and others too, mostly dog friends!

Hello there, dropping in for a quick hello, lordy been up before the sunrise..worked all day on organizing and cleaning my woodworking workshop..should have rented a dumpster for this pre-cleaning burst of energy..needed one for sure...

Carol, because the problem is on the outside of the house wouldn't the municipality be responsible to dig and replace? maybe you are not on town sewer... bet you'll be glad the household is back to normal, one lest furry visitor..

Ann, that's fantastic..could you have imagined there would be that many hits? just goes to show you how great it is...

"M" what I wouldn't give to sleep in a bed with sheets dried outside at this time of year...lucky lady..

I'm off for an evening of relaxation, yesterday morning when I went to purchase a 3rd cabinet for my workshop I picked up all the wool I needed to do another afghan for Suzanne for her birthday..figure if I do 1 row of square (15 grannies) sew them together and attach to previous row each day for 15 days she'll have it by the 31st....got Sat. & Sun. done so ahead of the game if I do a few more squares....

Best go to the variety store and pick up milk or there will be no coffee for me or Mark who is doing my flooring tomorrow..omg just remembered, everything has to come out of the little cafe area...think I'll set the alarm earlier for the am and do it then...too tired tonight

Hope you've all enjoyed your day...

Betty no because it is on my property. There was another bend, much worse just on the border of my/city property ( they own lst 10-12 feet in from sidewalk) and they did fix that not long after we first discovered the problem. And it was just on the edge of my front flower beds, my good luck!

This message was edited Jan 10, 2010 4:11 PM

That's terrible..you'd think they'd be responsible right up to house hook up...well, let's hope you won't have difficulties for awhile...

Not sure what's happening out there, think it is cold but no snow, so another bonus...nice for driving...

Well, off to move everything out of the little cafe room for the man who is coming (hopefully) to install flooring today..

Gab later

Hello there, are you all enjoying some of this 'spring' weather..well it's almost spring, temps are above the 0 mark...

BETTY
It's so nice to stand outside!! I can smell the soil if I stand in the right space.
Ann

Think it's early but all are getting itchy feet..I'm in a swap and thought tomorrow at lunch I might go to the Garden gallery here in Barrie and have a look to see what they've out for spring that I might include in my package...

On the weekend I stood on the back deck, looked around at the garden art that is still out there and pictured what beauties were below the white blanket of snow...

Better not brag about the weather, still plenty of time for blizzards but for right now it sure is nice...

Went down the street to the knitting and quilt store, drove but could have walked as it's so nice outside...

Jeepers Creepers ... what an absolutely AWESOME and AMAZING spring like day here in Thunder Bay !!! Saw a few young folks in "SHORTS" .. well not the short shorts but pseudo Bermudas .. they looked as though they were having fun, and, that's what being YOUNG is all about ...

Feeling so badly for the folks in Haiti .. watched Michaelle Jean give a very impassioned speech .. that is her home country.

Appointments, and more appointments are the order of the days here .. but .. 'it's ALL good' ...

Am including a quote I rec'd in email today .. quite beautiful ....... gonna be my mantra !!

"May today there be peace within.
May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others.. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content with yourself just the way you are.

Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us."



~M~

~M~

OMG "M" going to print and put it in my wallet..what a world it would be if we all could live by those words...

Not feeling up to par..made Dr.'s appt for Monday aft. not sure why, am positive he'll say he needs results from the electrocardiogram schedule for Wednesday, regardless, pain is pain and I'd better take it seriously..think I told you all, neighbor across the street from me passed away on Tuesday..62 of a heart attack .. makes you wonder..

2 SIL's called and want me to go see 'Leap Year' show at 7:50pm tonight, lordy I'm usually in bed by 7 so not sure how I'll make out..didn't want to go but thought they were kind enough to ask so better say yes..besides, I need an outfit for Saturday so will shop before showtime, have supper with the girls and that way tomorrow aft. I can go straight home...

Hope you are all taking advantage of the January thaw..lol..

I've been quietly lurking.
Betty, listen to your Dr. and your inner sense.

I haven't noticed much difference from using the SAD light, I'll keep using it.
We're going away. Leaving Friday morning early, going as far as San Diego, then on Saturday we board a cruise ship for 11 days along the west coast of Mexico. It's a wonderful 50th birthday gift from my parents. We'll take lots of photos.

Linda

Travel safe, and have a wonderful time, Linda. Look forward to hearing all about it when you return. The days will be a little longer and we will be a chunk closer to spring before you know it. Well, you'll be closer to spring long before we are.

Oh boy Betty, I'll 2nd Linda's comment.
Linda
I bet that trip will do more than 10 SAD lights!! enjoy and take Lot's of photo's so we will feel like we are there with you.
I think the Wales are down there now so look for them and say hi for me please.
Ann

Bon Voyage Linda ... have a better than best time !!!!

TGIF .. last appt of THIS week comin up this afternoon .. some serious relaxing happening this weekend !!!

Enjoy your day ^_^

~M~

I've been awake since 2:30, up now at 5:15, 4 hours till the plane leaves...

Thanks for the well wishes, it'll be grand.

Linda, now that's a birthday present..how wonderful for you...enjoy, we'll be looking for photo's .. how exciting, no wonder you couldn't sleep..

"M" are you having spring day like we are..snow is melting and calling for much the same for the next week..son isn't thrilled, not the best for snowmobiling...

Linda - how wonderful for you!! Have you ever been to Mexico?

Do you have a cargo box with air holes in it?

♪~§usan~♪

Wishing Linda a wonderful cruise.

You are just too funny Susan..lol..

Just finished making donations for Haitian relief. I like the website of CanadaHelps.org which has most charities listed and they've put together a page of agencies helping in Haiti - www.canadahelps.org/News/NewsDetails.aspx?id=42 You also get your receipt instantly when donating through CanadaHelps and you can opt to donate anonymously if you wish.

I had not yet made donations in lieu of sending regular Christmas cards or in honour of my sister and BIL; so I was able to add those donations to anything else that I would send. The whole situation is really horrifying there.

We have a significant number of Haitian immigrants using the Gloucester Emergency Food cupboard which I used to run and at which I still volunteer. Most of them are working poor and still sending money back to Haiti to family members. If Canada makes it easier for those family members to come to Canada, I expect we will see the numbers swell at the FC but the resources are better here than there.

Had carpets stretched this morning and I'm very pleased with the job. It took a bit longer than estimated but the second hour was less expensive than the first and I'd rather have it done correctly. He DID say I shouldn't have the carpet stretched again - at 17 years old, the backing is getting dried out and next time it will likely rip. But I think I can get a few more years out of it and it doesn't owe me anything.

Am off for the rest of the afternoon to get my car washed and then to prepare dinner for guests. Hope the rest of your day goes well.

Ann

Ann,

Rogers has it set up as well that you can text them and they will donate $5.00 to your account each time you call and it is added to your statement..

Major organizations are making it easier to donate...

Betty - I've never been to Mexico, and 'they' say "The only stupid question is the one not asked" lol

'sides - I think everyone should get a trip to Mexico for their 50th, and as I didn't......... well ^_^

♫♪~§usan~♪♫

Can everyone see the steam coming outta my ears !!!
I am FURIOUS, and attempting to put a positive and PRO active spin on my anger.
After waiting for 3 months for mileage money for my trip to Winnipeg to be with Lorna through her surgeries .. it would have been close to $800. return ... I have been DISMISSED !!!!
Even with all the paperwork filled out by 2 physicians, I am outta luck because I did NOT physically accompany her in the air ambulance plane. I have told the powers that be, that i was told there was NO ROOM in the plane, and, given the gravity of the situation at hand, I packed and left and made it to Winnipeg 35 minutes behind Lorna.
SOoooooooooooo .. I will be drafting a letter to my MPP and the MOH as well as the local paper. I told the fellow who called here last evening to inform me of my bad luck, that I did not even care about what I paid re meals and accomodation .. but felt the mileage was a fair request.
SO .. any of you DGers who live in Ontario, and MIGHT, have reason to use the Northern Health Travel Grant, if you are told there is NO ROOM on the plane, you'll either have to pull one of the Para Medics off and replace them, OR, worst case scenario .. FLY THE PLANE !!!

As an aside .. and with a HUGE smile on my face .. I am happy to announce Lorna is SUTURE free .. does NOT need to see the orthopedic surgeon again .. and once that nasty tape burn completes it healing .. she will be forging ahead and hopefully be WALKING (with a prosthesis) in a few months (if not weeks) ...

Looks to be an amazing day here .. mild temps again ... lovin it ^_^

~M~

Marilynne - you go with your letters to the MPP and MOH. Maybe the local newspaper as well. You have nothing to lose. Glad to hear that Lorna is doing much better.

Mild day here. Some of the Raging Grannies will participate in the end to an anti poverty movie being filmed on Parliament Hill. And I need to practice as orchestra rehearsals for the concert on Jan. 25 begin tomorrow.

Have a great day.

Ann

M. what a bummer! Can you also get something from the people who told you there was no room on the plane?

And I agree with Ann - I'd go to the newspapers. Sometimes a little publicity goes a long way and it would probably help others too. I bet there are lots of people who dont even know abuot this fund!

Nice weather here and I continue to get myself organised for post surgery period but also am very busy with arranging a dog intake for our rescue. Tomorrow will be taking in 5 dogs, fosters arranged for all of them and expecting to take more from same source in near future when free up space in our foster homes. Unfortunately neither I nor one other foster home can take dogs at the moment. Some are younish pups so hope they find new homes quickly, unfortunately ( for our bank account) we have to neuter/spay all the pups!

Thank you ladies for your support. I just finished writing my letters. If nothing comes from it, so be it, but .. I feel better .. I needed to channel the anger I was feeling.

What a gorgeous day here .. ALMOST spring like .. but I think we all know that's probably a bit TOO hopeful LoL

Good luck with the puppers Carol .. you have a heart of gold fer sure ..

Ann .. hope the practicing goes well ..

Off to whip up some kinda miracle for supper ^_^

~M~

You certainly have a right to be angry 'M'..sometimes just writting it down helps..how wonderful to hear Lorna is improving with each day..must be the excellent care she's getting...

Was Aunt Muriel 's 80th birthday today, was nice getting together with family, tired me out though..already in my jammies, although watching t.v. the bed looks mighty inviting..

Wow, couldn't we get used to this weather...am thinking if it's the same will do some burning tomorrow..keep adding to the firepit since Christmas, might even find a marshmallow somewhere in the cupboards to roast..

Carol, does the vet give you discounts..sure hope so..Yolanda, elderly woman here in the community who does much the same as you is helped by the vets, thank goodness because she's on a limited income..understand from a friend she just lost sight in one eye, not feeling the best, am not sure who would take over such an endeavour when she has to give up..hard to believe there are some people who know how kind she is, who drop of sick animals and the financial burden left to her..

Yawning and falling asleep, best I go to bed..
Enjoy your evening everyone..in the a.m. I'll bring us to a new thread...

~M~ - Just letting the MOH, and MPP know you are taking this to the papers will sometimes give "teeth" to your request for reimbursement.
and I agree that a lot of people may not know this fund exists....
btw - trying to picture you flying the plane - let me know when you do it, and I'll stay out of the "friendly skies" LOL

so glad to hear that Lorna is doing well. Looking forward to hearing about her first "baby steps" with the prothesises on. It will give her a lot of freedom. I suppose then there would be a chance she could get back to gardening, too - perhaps with raised beds........
Talk about potential good news!! Just in time to heal before Spring! Please let us know of her progress. and bless you for being so supportive of her, without making her feel like a burden - it's a fine line, and obviously one that you're very capably walking....... Good for you both!!

♫♪~§usan~♪♫

AGAIN .. thanks to everyone .. Canadians are just the best re support ..

Susan .. ME flying a plane .. good gravy .. I can just picture it .. 'OOOOOOOOoo look at that field over there.....ZOooooom '... OOOOOOOOOooooooooo look .. a moose running way far into that forest .. ZOooooooooooom .. It'd fer sure be A ride LoL

Lorna is such a wonderful human being .. helping her through this is my pleasure .. seeing her walk again, with a prosthesis will be the ULTIMATE culmination of determination and desire. ... she is goal set to do spring clean up here on the property ... boy .. would that be nice .. because .. autumn clean up was NOT up to her standards LoL

Betty .. I certainly hope you did go to bed and that you slept for a good long time .. would do ya good .. just like a bonfire and a marshmellow !!!

Got some movies today .. gonna throw the 4 titles into an envelope and have someone select ..

TTFN

~M~

Betty yes many of the vets give us a discount - usually about 30-34% which is a huge help especially if it is a neuter or dental. Some dont - we have a small number we use and I am hoping to expand that - going to get a couple of volunteers to start calling vets all over town and if they discount get their prices for fixing and shots s we can pass that info along to our fosters depending on where they live. Thee is quite a diference in prices and we have to be careful with our $$.

There is a local breeder here who is wonderful to us - I sent her a note to ask re puppy food recommendation and just came home after spending 2 hours with her and her lovely shelties - and the car stuffed with 2 medium and 1 small crate, 1 huge bag of dog food plus a discount coupon for another and 2 bags of toys to use in raffle baskets.!

Good for you, Carol! It sure helps to know there are people out there who will work with you to rescue these lovely shelties! Bless their hearts for being so giving, and loving!

~Susan~

"M" I could hear the thunder in your voice.... The others are right there is nothing like a bit of media to have a rethink happen. My DH's 82 yr old aunt lives in a 9 story building filled with mostly seniors. Two years ago one of the elevators died and the building owner did not fix it. Well.... two weeks before Christmas the other elevator stopped working! No one in the building could get any answers and many were able to leave and spend time with families over the holidays. As of last week it still wasn't fixed and Auntie lives on the 8th floor! The fairly mobile seniors were doing the stairs for the not so mobile and finally the news heard of them. The management had put a chair on each stair landing so the poor dears could sit and rest between flights!! Well now things are underway for getting something done as the fire department is involved. In the middle of this mess a note to all that their rent will go up by $100. each month at the end of March, talk about adding insult to injury!
I'm pleased to hear Lorna is doing well.

Carol you are definitely a Doggie Angle! and a wonderful advocate, keep up the good work.
Ann and Betty, where the heck do you find all that energy.
Susan, I didn't get a trip in my 50 year to Mexico but my very dear friend took me to England for Chelsea which was fabulous!
Ann

With all this mild weather, thought I'd move us over to spring-like room...

Come join me please..

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