What's happening in your neck of the woods friends? Dec/10

WEll Laurie .. Georgie boy was not as much less than dressed as his femal co stars LoL

Susan .. glad you are feeling better, hope DH is as well.

I am off to bed with 'Thumper tooth' ...

~M~

I'm feeling better, but still not my usual speedy perky self.....
my DH is Not feeling better - poor guy!!

yeah, I'm spoiled LOL I felt better for coming home to some hot tomato soup, a bit of TV, and a chat with my DH. Talk about sweet.......... ^_^

"M" think I'll go see that movie, not for the ladies but George certainly is a hunk, at least I can look, not that old yet!

Had power off/on all last evening, minor detail as someone lost their life, no name released, called friends/family to make sure they were all ok, what a call or a knock at the door for someone to get..heart goes out to them!

Bitter cold here today, drats, been waiting already for 2 hrs. to roll by so I can go get groceries, the cold is telling me a nice 'stew' is the order of the day..have everything except the beef. Will will be nice to get that freezer next week so I can stock pile some meats/goodies.

Best I go get dressed, have a few girls who are coming over to do jewelery..I'm hoping to make a dozen or so glass holders for around the neck and maybe a few pendant/earing sets..anything that will keep me out of mischief for the day..oh oh last time I said keep me out of mischief inside 5 minutes I decided to leave for Florida, hour later I was on the highway, tunes playing and sunshine calling me south.. lol


Laurie, how's the weather been down east?

Enjoy your day everyone

Snowing here today - just flurries for us but Moncton and places farther east will be getting it. Still cleaning up from the flood - I heard yesterday that 21 people have had their houses condemned. 4 of them are on the road I live on so won't have many neighbours left. Lots of stories about what will happen to them - I hear the government will buy their places and provide them with another, government doesn't want any one to ever build there again. Also have 2 companies in town that say they have plans for a modular home park to house these people - they will be presenting their plans to town council on Monday. One girl I work with just got back into her house on Friday and very excited to be back - she has been living with friends since Dec 15th.
Lots of benefit concerts going on today, in St George, Saint John and around Moncton too. All proceeds to the flood victims. I can't even imagine what it would be like to lose your home and all your belongings. Still thankful here that it didn't affect me like that.
Quiet day here - I was prepared for a snow storm so planned on staying home today anyway, will do the usual weekend house cleaning and laundry and soup in the slow cooker.
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend...............Laurie

Betty "The American' IS a good movie .. the scenery alone is worth the view, kind of like 'Letters to Juliette' .. makes me want to book a trip to Italy ^_^

COLD here today .. I think I saw -16C .. but .. bright and sunny too.

Had some blackening bananas beckoning to me 'BAKE ME IN A CAKE' ..LoL .. you know yer pretty much 'stewed' when bananas start talking to ya !!!
Anyway, I baked a TRIPLE chocolate banana cake .. this recipe is SO easy, ONE bowl .. done making it in less than 8 minutes, and it bakes in less than an hour ..

Might go to the dump today, but, I want to strip beds and do laundry .. LOVE the sounds of that !!!

Must touch base with my Hospice client as well .. he has been a bit better the last few weeks ..

Off to do whatever :-)

Take care wherever you may be, and enjoy every minute of this day of your life ^_^

~M~

PS .............. Laurie

How sad re the condemned homes .. makes me thankful fer sure.

Is there some kind of a 'fund' set up somewhere where people can donate money to help these folks ?

Glad you're OK

~M~

Laurie - those poor people having lost their homes.
I hope the City gets moving really quickly to place them in a great home to live in.

Marilynne - there are lots of funds set up. Town of St George Flood Relief is taking donations through any Scotiabank or Credit Union (and they will give tax receipts) or the Red Cross will take donations, just have to specify NB Flood 2010. The Lions Club is collecting donations of food, clothing and furniture. A couple of churches are doing the same thing and also delivering meals to those that are working in the homes and not taking time to eat. All the businesses in town are collecting at the cash register. One company took on the task of Christmas and volunteers shopped, wrapped and delivered for days. Really amazing to see how the community has come together to over come this.

Thanks for the info Laurie .. will likely go to a Scotiabank and send a donation .. feel so bad for all involved ..

Sitting watching the new coverage regarding the shooting of the US Congresswoman from Arizona .. awful stuff ..
Life sure can be a hecuva deal sometimes .. so many people wounded or dead .. and .. for WHAT !!??

TTFN

~M~

Thanks Marilyn - don't know how far the notice went from Scotiabank for donations but know we have had them coming in from Ottawa and Toronto. The transit # for St George Scotiabank is 50294 and they can just phone for instructions on how to send the donation or we will give them the acct # and can be deposited right there. Make sure you give them your name and address and the town will send a tax receipt.
The shooting is the US is just horrible. Get up one morning thinking the day is going to be the same as any other and some crazy decides it is going to be different. Sometimes just hate turning on the news as everything bad bad bad. Wish just once in awhile there would be something good in the world but then maybe that wouldn't be considered news.

Thanks for the info Laurie .. will give it a whirl tomorrow.

The ONLY nice thing on CNN this morning was a small blurb about Kate Middleton having her last BDay as a 'commoner' LoL
Otherwise the news is totally all about the random act of violence in AZ ..

Our neighbour next door .. had a horrible thing happen to her yesterday .. Carol purchased a wee Yorkie (Elvis) just after we purchased Piper .. Elvis is a bit of a little devil .. yesterday she heard something rustling, here he had gotten into her purse AND wallet and had eaten almost ALL of a 10 dollar bill. She took him to the vet, and learned that MONEY (paper) is one of the worst things a dog can ingest. Money is germ laden .. so .. Elvis is still at the Vets .. IV antibiotics, and we're all hoping he'll (no pun intended here) pass the buck !!!
Makes me wonder if I'm crazy getting Westie #3 !!

House cleaning on the agenda today ..

TTFN

~M~

Chuckling at the pass the buck "M"..did I tell you that my sister Sharon who has had a series over the years with depression, where she couldn't get out of bed most days..well she volunteers now at a hospice 5 times a week and I cannot believe the changes in her...all for the good!!! seeing life in a totally different way..didn't think she'd be able to cope with death of her clients week after week but she's finding she's making a difference in the world and staying strong for them.

Laurie, we always seem to look to aid those in impoverished countries and rarely think (at least me) of those in my own so will check out the financial links for donating as well. God bless those poor souls, sure hope that the town/province takes immediate steps to make their lives easier!


Elvis sounds like quite the puppy..guess money doesn't disolve?

My boarder Danie who will be here until spring brought her 3 teenage sons for the weekend..taking a bit to get used to the quiet house although they are really nice boys and not creating a problem, just me, I'm usually doing my thing, quiet as a churchmouse..oh well, not for eternity, just a few more months..she'll be bringing them here 4 days a week as she home schools..she says she'll pick them up around noon and have them home before I come home from work so shouldn't create much of a problem..they wondered as they did not know me if I was the grannie type who wanted complete silence..guess after I went to bed at 9 they gave me a seal of approval, this morning after going to Walmart and picking up a dozen donuts for them I got a gold star..lol..

Life sure does come up with interesting things doesn't it? Who would know I'd have young Rose as a boarder from Sept. to Dec. and then Danie from Jan. to April.. not me for sure, not sure my boys quit like the fact that I've strangers in my home, but lordy I have good sense about people so I think of it as being blessed..guess after hearing what happens out there on the news you have to be careful..

Started to snow as I drove into Midland today, sun looks as though it's trying to shine, bitter cold so don't think it knows what it wants to do..

I'm bored, who knows what to dickens I'll get into today lol

How about you ?

I'm glad Sharon found Hospice volunteering to be good for her.
It is gratifying ..

Lawsie .. 3 teen aged boys in the house .. I'd be locked away in the bathroom LoL
Good luck with this space of time ..

Cold day here -14C .. but .. bright and sunny ....

Sold an exercise bike I had lurking here .. just never seemed to have the time, nor inclination to use it .. sold it on Kijiiiji .. am happy with the price I sold it for .. only thing I am not happy with is the fact I have to deliver it as the people who purchased it have no truck!

Believe it or else .. we are BBQing steaks tonight !!
Best I get a boogie on ^_^

~M~

Know where I'm going to din/din!
I thought for sure "M" that it would bring her down even more and am thrilled that she's finding it helping her. Most days she cannot wait to go in!

Never think of putting things on Kijji or Craigslist for sale or go check what's available..best I go look.

Kind of nice this morning getting up and no one else around. Danie came home late last night I was already sleeping, this morning she got up just as I was leaving..that's how I thought her stay at my house would be..guess I'll have to say something if it gets overwhelming for me..just not used to having people about, especially all weekend. Because she home schools her children I might ask if her days with the kids being at the house during day/night could be during the week then with my going to work wouldn't be bad..do want to help someone in need so guess I have to change a bit of my way of living..adapt, key word of the day! lol

Boy-oh-boy you all sure are quick to take down your decorations. I leave some of mine up so long that people who don't know me ask why I've got my patio lights up so early in the season. I think they just give me a bit of the warm fuzzies when warm anything is appreciated.

I'm dropping in and seeing what everyone is up to, but not posting all the time.

Keep warm and keep well - and I hope no one was caught in yesterday's bad snow storm out west. The paper said many stranded overnight on the highway.

Out west is sure crazy.
My DH takes our small snowblower and blows half the "hood" and the road and ally by our home to help the single moms and seniors.People stuck all over the place including in front of our house and at the intersections all over my neighborhood. A lot is due to not being smart about the road or not having winter tires. I am lucky my DH's truck is a 4x4 so I was able to go and get supplies for the company we were supposed to have Saturday. I just drove around like there was not problem, albeit slower than normal.
My car had a bit of trouble out of the garage and down the ally but was fine going to work today I was just careful where I put it and didn't stop at the stop signs, just kind of crept up and then kept going when it was safe. I think that it helps having colder weather as the snow hasn't gone to mush yet.
I have been making sure that the birdies have seed so they have a chance and the dog with her new hair cut is out in a dash and back in so I wait for her.

Meanwhile I'm dreaming of spring and what I am going to seed.
Hope the other Alberta folks are ok too.
Ann

Have been watching the 'goings on' re weather in Alberat .. a friend in Calgary sent me some pics she had taken, LOTS of drifting for sure !!
We have ZIP!! Gawd I do so detest saying this .......>>>>>>>>>> 'Back in the day, say the 80s and before, this area had snowbanks so high ti was outrageous, it snowed COMMONLY almost everyday' ..now .. we hardly get more than a few cm. Mind , we do have snow on the ground, just not as much.

Piper is off to his first GROOMERS visit this morning .. I am so nervous for him .. guess I'm nervous for Becky the groomer too LoL
I do think he'll do fine .. but he has become SO attached to me .. hard to let him go .. so .. will let Gord do the nasty !!!

Also, sold an exercise bike we had .. every good intention of using it, but, never came to fruition ... keep moving it from room to room, finally decided to sell it .. will be taking it in this morning and delivering it.

Hey crone .. I love the lights of Xmas .. and, over the years have noticed folk leaving snippets of them here and there as they DO look kinda soothing.
My friends daughter has white mini lights across the top of her bed head board .. they look quite nice ..

Drive carefully everyone ... !!

~M~

Morning,
No snow here but they say a storm is brewing but don't think it's headed my way, hope it misses you all as well.Cybercrone, seems it's heading your way though so you best stay inside and enjoy a book!

Been busy in the mornings this week here at the office, sure does make the day fly by..

See a lot of people who have Christmas lights in clips around the house and they leave them year round, saves a lot of work come next Christmas...got home last night and saw that quite a few people in town still put the lights on; all my Christmas decorations are in totes and in back shed, haven't taken the lights off the decks because if they are damp and I store them they might be sitting in water come spring and that wouldn't be good. Will not take long once the nice dry weather is here...

Already looking at photo's of gardens on-line, by Feb. I'll have my gloves on waiting to play in dirt.

WOW .. Piper did amazingly well at the groomers .. PICS are on the PET Forum in the thread re Semmlers Miss Kate ..

Went to our Superstore today .. needed vitamins .. WAYYYYYYYYyyy on one side, and margarine/bread .. WAYyyyyy on the other side .. was greatful I can still bee bop along and DO that ... there were some elderly folk there looking for somehwere besides the front of the store to sit themself down ..
The store has been remodelled, but, it's still massive (at least to me)

SNOW is 'predicted' again here overnight .. I open the door each morning with such hesitation .. thinking I will be greeted with FEET and FEET of snow LoL .. all we get is a skiff !!

Off to shower

~M~

Hello all - sorry, been MIA with work, and church stuff.
Reprinting some of the church newsletter I was doing. Had been proofread, then afterwards the proofreader stopped the delivery and asked for it to be reprinted (800 doubled sided legal!!).
Good thing I'd only printed 400 double-sided, and got 200 of the rest printed one side. I retrieved the 400, and will changed 2010 to 2011 with my white-out! (geeze people are still putting the previous year in, 6 mo later, so I think they would have understood........)

Anyway - it's -21 now at 7pm, and that's the way it's been all day - brrrrrrrrrr
I hope everyone's staying warm!!!

That's lots of newsletters Susan .. and lots of white out too !!

No snow .. as I have said before, should pay the meteorologists by their forecasts.

Off with Lorna for bloodwork today, then some shopping for what I forgot yesterday .. sheesh, even with a LIST I forgot 3 things !!
There was a recipe for fish in our local paper last weekend, sounds so good .. so got the fish and celery/broccoli yesterday .. forgot the mushrooms .. ahh well .. the clinic Lorna goes to is right across the street from a grocery store.

Hope you all have a super day

~M~

Drive safely "M" hope all is well with Lorna..

Susan you are quite the lady..let the same lady do one of the issues herself so she sees what's she's up against..no need to be nasty, simple say you value her expert opinion and her doing so would provide others with standards.

Listening to the news before I left home, some idiot stole a municipal plow, police team tried to stop him, the man ran over one policeman who when others arrived had no vital signs, haven't heard if he's still fighting for his life or dead, then another policeman, minor injuries trying to stop the man and police had fired 3 shots, culprit injured but how badly don't know..all in same hospital..drats, what ever comes over an individual to do such things???

Oh my Betty .. I did hear of an 11yr veteran of the police force (somewhere down east) dying today, but not sure if it was in the snow plough incident or not .. horrific .. makes me ill .. I so am a pacifist ..

Did well on our excursion to town .. even went to 'Rotten Ronnies' (McDonalds) .. had coupons .. wasn;t too bad, great coffee
Came home and walked Piper and Lilly, figure that may have got rid of the FIlet o Fish I had LoL

Off to go over the fish casserole recipe .. for some reason .. I just can't let it settle in my mind .. ahh well .. am sure it'll be A OK ..

Take care all .. drive safe, and SHOVEL safe (if you have to) !!

~M~

An 11-year veteran of the Toronto police department died in hospital Wednesday after being struck by a stolen truck equipped with a snowplow.

The truck's driver, described as shoeless, was shot during his arrest and taken to hospital.

Sgt. Ryan Russell, 35, was married with a young child, police Chief Bill Blair told reporters. Russell had served with the guns and gangs unit before being promoted to sergeant six months ago. His father was a retired officer with the force, Blair said.


Am sure both their families are in need of prayers!

Snowing hard here. Started around 2 this afternoon, we closed the bank at 3 and I was home by 3:30 already there was about 4 inches, came hard and fast for a while. Still snowing just not so hard now, the wind is really picking up. Only the second snow storm we have had so really can't complain.
Just watched the news about the policeman who was killed - awful!

Maybe you'll get a snow day tomorrow, wouldn't that be nice! Glad you are home safe.

Is a terrible situation with regards to the tragedy today, one never knows.

oh Betty - how awful for that policeman to be killed that way - absolutely WRONG for that man to run him down......

Betty - she can't do the newsletter - no computer, and therefore no printer.
n/m - someone else will proofread it, and they are a lot less..... picky, however one is an English Major (she'll get the grammar, etc,) and another one an accountant (her mom is on a lot of the "scheduling" types of committees in our church, so she'll edit for dates, and "church" wordage).
At least the accountant has email, so I can send it to her, and the other is a neighbour of mine, so I can walk it over to her!!

Sorry ladies i know i've been pretty much absent for the past few months.. I have a teething baby that never seems to sleep..

I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday, I really dont have to time to keep up with you all anymore theres just so much to read if you dont do it a few times a day.. Hopefully i will get some more time in the future..

Thing here have been pretty hectic.. last time it was hubby just swiched jobs and gave up on the move to texas. Well now hes in the works of getting over to Alabama (cullman) He has sat down with a man from the shop in cullman and they said pretty much he has a job there when ever he can get over.. They will get him a working visa ect.. so we can all move there.. Needless to say I'm terrified but excited about the new path life is on.. Hopefully my mother will take over our house if not I have alot of work being added to my list of dailies as it will be up for sale :(.. Its zone 7 so i'm gaining a bit or temps plus i think i could leave my cannas in the ground there so that saving me about 40 hours a year lol...
Too bad it wasn't just a bit warmer but maybe one day..
well till next time (hopefully sooner then later)
jen

OMG how she's grown..beautiful young lady! moving, how exciting for you..what will happen to the step-daughter, will she go along with you? Alabama will get you out of the snow. Thought of you a few weeks ago, was in Windsor passing through coming from Florida, as I travelled the streets to the 401 I thought of where you might live..drats..had I had a tel# we could have had coffee ... seems you are up at 8am.. You'll feel better I'm sure not selling the house, keeping it until you make a final decision as to staying there or coming back...your mom is most likely thrilled.

Susan, you are a glutton for punishment lol Feeling better? Job going ok?

Betty yes my step daughter so far is willing to move.. Were a little worried that when it comes time to say goodbye she might have a change of heart. Her being 14 the choice is her to make weather she comes or goes.. We will have to sit down with my mother hopefully she will be willing to move here, only issue might be the cost she doesn't make much money so hopefully she can swing it.
Aww to bad coffee would have been fun, i dont really get out much these days :(

jen

Jen, let's hope she doesn't change her mind..could she stay with her mom??? hmmm forgot about what happened with her mom?? sorry! Bad memory. Who knows, if I go over towards Detroit I'll give you notice and we will have a visit..

ya she could live with her mom if she changes her mind, her mom is in Amherstburg and she would have to switch schools either way.. She seems excited to move but then again shes 14 :)

Maybe Jen it's the nice weather that's being the encouragement to follow you all! Is her mom not objecting?

Tummy churning so going to call it a night

Good Lord willing, we'll gab tomorrow!
Stay warm/stay safe..springs on it's way!

Betty we havent told anyone as of yet.. We have to see if my mom will take the house on sat and if she cant then we have to get it ready and sold, could take some time.. We dont want to tell most people until were 100% on when were leaving... Never know could take a year to sell the house.. Hopefully it wont though..

Exciting, and stressful time for you Jen. I wish you luck with your decisions and plans.
GAWD Allie has grown .. feel for ya re the teething deal .. but .. this too shall pass ..

We have a 'BIT" of snow here .. enough to cover all the sludgy mess created from the milder temps .. whether it will be a significant fall is anyone's best guess .. and I say that because the Weather Network and 3 websites are at odds with their forecasts it seems LoL

Should go and give my hands a wax bath .. been neglecting that .. always feel better following one ..

Take care all


~M~

PS .. Laurie .. How's the snow ?

We got about 8 inches of snow. Nice snow - light and fluffy. Swept it all off the deck instead of having to shovel. Came really fast though and they didn't close the schools early - by the time schools closed the bus drivers refused to drive. They thought for awhile the kids were going to spend the night at the school but I heard today they had them all home by 9 last night. Lots of talk about that today, lots of parents mad at the schools for not closing early.

YIKES ... somebody at the School Board is NOT going to be re elected next time round!!
I know here (out in the country) .. thr drivers are usually the ones that call the shots with regards to heavily suggesting early pick up and/or school closure.
Not sure if someone physically drives a few of the side roads and checks for safe passage thereof, or what .. but calls are made and the radio stations pick it up and send out the 'SNOW DAY' message.
A couple of times I have wondered why, and a couple of others have wondered 'why not' .. Inexact science I guess.
9pm is sure late for kids to be arriving home though.
I did hear Moncton got lots of snow ..

I just shoveled about an inch from the patio this morning .. likely could have swept it but .. as usual, the broom is out in the garage .. must get a PATIO broom !!

Hope everyone has a wonderful day, and, a great weekend ^_^

~M~

Laurie, listened to the news this morning and they were talking about how some school/schools remained and how horrific the driving for parents to pick the children up..I know we often talk about wether or not bus should be cancelled some days but better to be safe than sorry..

Well they say we live in snowbelt country but seems we've missed a lot of the storms so far this year but still a few more months , lots of time for snow days..keep safe if it's snowing in your neck of the woods..

Keep looking at the clock, another hour to go..tummy has sooo been churning..have someone staying with me for a few months until she could get settled after leaving her hubby, 3 teenage sons, ending up in turmoil so had to have words this morning, not good..drats I feel terrible about it!

Betty .. rule of thumb with turmoil that turns your tummy .. 'BETTER OUT, than, IN' .. and, you are like me, confrontation is NOT in my make up .. but .. sometimes it is a MUST to clear the air and set down some strategies to make life more comfortable all the way around.
YOU have opened YOUR home ..so .. you are entitled to some respect.
Feel so bad for you ..
BIG HUG ..

Ikky day here .. snow, no snow ... snow, no snow ... tummy took a flip around 11 and sent me to bed for an hour or so .. never something I do as just lay there and think of what I should be doing ...

M&Ms chinese food tonight .. Lemon chicken over rice .. awesome stuff !!!

TTFN

~M~

Jen - amazing how she's grown and cute as anything. Good luck to you as you make decisions as to moving.