Best/Worse/What did I learn today? Visit/chat with friends

Hello To All !

Barb - how wonderful I just knew the rain wouldn't stop ya'll... Can't wait to see pics. LOL Betty RE: the turkeys... on the way to work.....
Susan - that is fabulous.... you do so much for the church and glad you are having some nice things in return... Love the description of the Georgia beach.... would like to see one day although I am partial to the Gulf Beach in Florida... my 'home'....
Bev - Guess I'm learning a lot about dayliles... the 2 I got were "Honor his name" and "Jalapeno Pepper"... I planted next to each other... hope I won't regret that since blooms are not unlike each other but those were my spots. Ground was like cement so hope I did good enough getting them in the ground. they are between other dayliles so I know they'll grow there hopefully despite me. There were about 2 'fans' each plant.
Dianne... Love the walk this morning. Hm... refrigerator box? Does this have something to do with the hole Deb is digging?
Laura - you're doing good then... my eyesight went totally downhill at 40... LOL.....
((HUGS)) Deb... yes - we do need some time at the Beach....

I'll pop back in a bit... hope to see some pics from Thea...

((HUGS)) All,
Mary

Barb, glad to hear from you. Can't wait to hear more from Thea, and see the pictures!
Betty, now you can rest, and get a good nights sleep!

Well, you've certainly had a couple of days, Thea/Barb and now Betty is going to have her turn!! :-)
Looking forward to the pictures.
You're right, Betty - we ARE blessed with great friends. I was a little timid about asking, but I always feel "nothing ventured, nothing gained". I told them to feel ok about it if they were not wanting to. All we have to do is fill up the tank on the return (it will be a full tank when we get it). We're only driving 2 1/2 hours from home, exactly, so hope it won't take $100!! Well, we'll see. On Thursday is when Cory & Sarah are returning it and clearing out their stuff, so we get it Thursday night and pack our stuff, and leave Friday am. It's sure going to be great for a change!

btw - when we got into my car today, the temperature guage read 39c (102F)! Our parking pad is very protected from wind, etc and has a higher temp than the street, so as soon as we left the park, it dropped to 31c (88F)......

I have some pictures of Cumberland Island that we took in 1999 when we went there....... I'll have to scan them onto the computer to show you - I didn't have a digital camera then, and when I got them developed, I'm sure I no longer have the negatives. I took some pictures of some really awesomely twisted trees and they are sooooooo neat!! Made me want to climb them! lol

Spoke to Barb earlier this evening. She and Norm had a fantastic time with Thea. Barb is going to think I am daft - when she called I was in the middle of helping DH move from 1 position to another so was in a rush to get off the phone. DH asked me 'how are you going to know who she is when you get to the hotel?'Well it will be easy for me as I saw pics of Barb and Norm when they visited Judy and Steve. Barb on the other hand has no idea what I look like but I am sure once she sees this chubby curly haired person with dirt under her nails coming across the lobby she will know it is me.
Excellent on the camping trip Susan.You might get me to go camping if there was a Motorhome. Camping for me at this stage of my life is when they don't put chocolates on your pillow. Can't stand the smell of a tent. I spent several summers on the Mississippi River near Ottawa in a place we lovingly called the shack - no hydro,no running water and a two seater outhouse. Loved it!!
So Betty does your vacation start tomorrow or Tuesday?Going to give Barb and Norm directions on using the 407 to the 400 - I imagine your first time driving through that maze could be quite intimidating. When I was travelling doing shows west and north of Toronto I always took the 407. Got to my destination I think faster plus I did not have to pry my fingers off of the steering wheel before I could get out of the truck.
Laura how is your little guy about going to school now? Being bullied really could be an issue, especially when there is a bus ride involved. They were having so many problems with the kids on the buses here the B of Ed went so far as to have the HS kids picked up first and delivered to school then going to pick up the younger kids.
OK need to go and clean up the kitchen, that good fairy didn't come again tonight. Darn!!
Dianne
Yep Mary the box does have in a roundabout way something to do with the hole that Debbie wants dug.I just thought Debbie and I deserved new digs!!! Have your book ready to pass off to Barb tomorrow, so it will finally be in Betty's hands.
DH is still not eating much. Tonight I thought for sure he would enjoy his meal - we had BBQd burgers and corn on the cob not an hour out of the field.Two bites of corn and 2 bites of his burger and that was it. He says everything tastes soapy to him. I just have to keep reminding myself not to take his not eating personally. He has got so that water tastes awful to him and he hated the Crystal Light I added so I went and got some juices and Gatorade. He also will not drink Ensure or Boost. Tried a milkshake and that didn't appeal either. He does enjoy the piece of toast with peanut butter that I make for him around 2 - 3 am.

Somehow some of my post disappeared into thin air and what did get to DG is all jumbled up. Too tired to retype.
Sweet dreams everyone.

So great to hear about the adventures of dg members.
Dianne how far will you be driving to meet Barb?
Little man is right here upset about going to school even if I drive him. It is all he can think about.
Susan enjoy the camper. Did you have to call and change site at campground to include water and sewer?
School garden about half done. Not many people showed up. We will go back again and finish.
Judy I know you have alot on your plate. Sorry to hear about friend and business partner.
Betty hope you can sleep. When do Barb and Norm arrive?
coffee is on

Morning, I'm a happy cam perm Barb so wanted to meet up with Dianne and here it is happening..not sure what time they will arrive, afternoon? Night? Maybe Dianne will have a better idea once she meets with them.

Wow, the storms of yesterday left the cold! Am sure it will warm up as the morning progresses. Hear they are trying to confirm a tornado in Godrich.

Whatever flowers were left in the gardens for Barb got hit by heavy rains/winds..sad!!

Dianne, must be difficult trying to find eats for Warren that will give him energy, it must overwhelm you..Hope the meds are at least easing the pain.

Laura, have you spoken to the teacher to see if she has any idea what may be going on? Seems same people volunteer for everything..know when I was recreation co ordinator some of the same people were on all the committees...you are one of those people..how is the quilt coming along!

Good point Laura, Susan you may have to change campsite booking...not a long ride, you'll just so enjoy!

Waiting for in town grocery store to open, guess who forgot kit tie litter..

Should be a relaxing day..have a few pieces of wood to cut into sleighs for Barb's craft day tomorrow..all the girls will be here painting then having a BBQ..should be fun..think one or two will bring hubbies so Norm will have someone to gab with!

Be back in a bit

Good morning everyone!!

Had a hard time last night falling asleep, my mind just wouldn`t stop working...so much excitement meeting with Barb and Norm and well not so great news from back home.

But first pictures of the greatest visit (and wayyyyy too short) with Barb and Norm. Let me tell you they are the most down to earth and warmest people one can imagine. Between hugs, laughter and yes a bit of tears we talked and talked and it was like we knew each other for years. Only one regret...the visit was just not long enough...BUT there was talks to meet up again either in Montreal or maybe Lake Placid on a weekend!!!!
That day can`t come fast enough, because when we left it really felt like you are saying goodbye to family and I miss them!!!!!

Here is the first picture...meeting in the Parking lot of the Skydeck...rain just letting up long enough to exchange many hugs and to take pictures.

Yes it is official!!! Barb and Norm are baptized Canadians!!!

We actually went twice to the same Tim Hortons yesterday, once before the cruise and once after the cruise. Along the St.Lawrence are so many "look-outs" with benches and tables but since it was pouring most of the day we prefered Timmy's!!!

How great to see pictures . And plans for another get together.
It is amazing how close we become on-line and then if lucky can meet family in person.

And yes our sweeties were with us too!!! They hit it off like old friends too, I think they talked as much with each other as Barb and I did...lol

Waiting to board the cruise boat

The cruise was awesome...we took soooo many pictures and the whole time we were like "omg look over here...oh and look over there" lol

Nisting place for Birds on top of a mini lighthouse

Some of the houses on the islands are just too cute

Oooh. So love seeing photo's and listening about your day...drats, probably have about 6 or 7 hours to find me a man so Norm can have male companionship...how does one go about it???


Will be neat if you can meet us one weekend!!

Crissy, you have been quiet long enough, I'm starting to fret, worried about you!

Bridge between Canada and the USA

Did you get to see sunken ships like you see in Tobermorey?

Sitting here thinking, sure hope they like me!!

Did they have tlong waits at the border??

How far of a drive was it for you to meet up?

Here is one of the "bigger" houses on millionaires lane
Some of the houses were just breath taking!!!

LOL oh Betty...go to Timmy's and maybe you can find a companion there!!!

And don`t you worry they will LOVE you and you will them. Heck I love you and we haven`t even met yet...lol

On the cruise they talked about the sunken ships in the St. Lawrence but we didn`t get to see any...I guess they are way too deep on the River bottom.

The border Barb and Norm crossed, has not that much traffic and it took us about 1 1/2 hours to our meeting point.

This is Boldt Castle...just breath taking and such a sad story behind the beauty http://www.boldtcastle.com/visitorinfo/index.php/about/

Thea love the photos. Thank you sooo much.
Betty you are hoping who likes you??
You are such a sweet person who could not like you!!!
Wow that last house is sooo amazing. Can not even guess what it would cost.

Well Barb and I have this great idea about buying one of the Islands and making a quilting retreat on it!!! We have it all figured out...Barb will teach quilting and I do the cooking and baking, Norm and Bernie will be the groundskeepers...lol
We just need to find the cash to buy the island!!!
Ohhhhh one can only dream!!
I will let Barb post the pictures of our favourite houses of the Islands.

Well this is "wind swept" Barb!! We had the window open on the cruise deck and the breeze was just blowing in Barbs face!!!

Well like I said before...we were just like family...comfortable around each other...lol

This is Barbs's and Norm's Hotel room. We relaxed here for a bit after our cruise adventure and before supper.

Beautiful, breathtaking to say the least!

As they have seen the waterways, I was thinking of giving them options..CN tower (rotating restaurant - highest I believe to date) then Casa Loma or trip Tobermory, beautiful scenery along the way ie Wasaga Beach, just like Florida beaches, Collingwood, ski hills/Georgian Bay etc...other than that drive into Midland, Timmy's in hand, see all the store murals, Martyrs Shrine and Fort Ste Marie Among the Hurons..

Keep you visit coming!!

Last picture of our visit with Barb and Norm.
We had a wonderful Italian Dinner at a restaurant near their Hotel.

Then came the hardest part...saying goodbye :(

Barb and Norm took a lot of pictures as well and I will let Barb post them once she is at Betty's place

Lol, still amazes me how even the hubbies get involved, guess we women chat enough about the goings on in out daily chats that they have come to know us as well!

This would be the day outing

http://www.google.ca/search?q=tobermory&hl=en&client=safari&tbo=u&prmd=ivnsm&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ei=ZlFSTuGfMYjqgQf7psSBBw&ved=0CF4QsAQ&biw=1024&bih=690

Great photo's Thea, well worth the drive on an early Sunday morning...you make 2 adorable couples...

Off to Tim Hortons to find a man!!

This message was edited Aug 22, 2011 7:59 AM

Thanks for the great pictures, and stories to go with! Feels like we were almost there with you!

Thea, you posted... "Had a hard time last night falling asleep, my mind just wouldn`t stop working...so much excitement meeting with Barb and Norm and well not so great news from back home."

Sending prayers that nothing is wrong with anyone?

Oh wow Betty Tobermory looks beautiful...never even heard of it before!!! Another place to visit!!

Yesterday was for me a rollercoaster of emotions, from all the excitement visiting and meeting Barb and Norm, to driving home in torential down pour to arriving finally home to see 3 messages on my answering machine.

First msg...my oldest sister from Germany, I could hear in her voice she was very upset...wanting me to call her.
Second msg...my brother in Germany, by then I had this aweful sinking feeling in my heart.
Third msg...my sister that lives near me here in Canada...telling me to call her when I get home.

By the time I was finished listening to the last msg I knew something bad has happened back home in Germany...called my sister here in Canada (was too late to call Germany), was shaking like a leaf by then and it turns out my dear cousin passed away from a massive heart attack earlier that day. He was such a sweetheart and we had celebrated his 60th Birthday in 2009 when we were visiting Germany.
We are such a tight knit family, uncle and aunts (all in high age) that care for us since we lost both our parents and 28 cousins, so this is a real hard hit for our family and his wife. We will comfort each other and grief together as we always do.

Will go now and make a few phone calls to Family. Have a wonderful day everyone and be kind to yourself and your family.

Love and many hugs
Thea

Sorry to hear that Thea! Sending lots of thoughts and prayers to you and the family.

Thea, so very sorry to hear of your families loss....those phone calls are horrible.

Thank you for sharing your trip. Looks like a wonderful time!

Sorry to hear about the news Thea..dreadful roller coaster of emotions! Sending prayers for you and yours. Will either you and/or your sister make the trip over for the funeral..I imagine with you being in pain so much it would be a gruesome trip...

My kids just got back last week from a weeks vacation in Tobermory..I'll have to get photo's of them scuba diving and swimming in the grotto..probably 3 1/2 hr. Trip one way but if you left early I. The am, broke it up with a quilt shop break in Meaford, a lunch in Sable beach it is doable..I'll make mention of it and all will be up to Barb and Norm..I can go anytime.

It's a sunshine day here, should go out and work in the garden or could sit around, when you are on holidays you ge to pick what you want to do.

Have to remind myself that the slow cooker with spaghetti sauce can go on, that way I'll not have to tend to it..you know me, easy to get sidetracked and burn supper...hope Barb warned Norm about my cooking. Lol

Hmmm could go sit near the pond with a book on the i-reader!

Thea - prayers being said for your loss and your families. So sad a note to end a beautiful time with Barb & Norm.
Loved your pictures - looks like you've been "couples" for a long time. Hoping it won't be long before you meet up again.
I feel sooo lost way out here in the west... well, it was my choice to move here, so guess I have to "lump it" LOL
I'm soooo looking forward to this weekend. We got a new spot, fully serviced - not sure what it looks like, but we asked for it to be near friends that are also camping there, in a camper.
Just spoke to another couple that we meet up with when we go to Pincher Creek (they're in Cardston, so 1 hour drive further) and he's been staving off a heart attack, and she still has a very bad back from 2 months ago. She said they haven't been to church for 3 months, and no one from the church has contacted them so they don't know how badly off they are!! I think that's Horrible, and so does she...... It's a Mormon Temple and there are sooooo many people that go there, that no one seems to miss them, apparently. Unacceptable to me. I feel like calling the Temple (I'm not a mormon) and Telling Them! Shame on their temple!!

My car registered 39c (102F) yesterday when the Weathernetwork said it would be 30c, and it's supposed to 29c again today.... wonder what that means in "real temp" today lol I'll let you know.

Norm and Barb are on their way Betty!!!! I didn't want them to leave........... you would have thought we had known each other forever. Just the bestest breakfast companions!! Thea I think you have turned Barb and Norm into Timmy fans,lol.
Laura it is about a 45 min drive into Kingstson for me - 30 min if DH is driving. Hope you can get to the bottom of what your little man is so upset about.Ask the teacheer please!!
I'll be back in a bit to tell you all about our breakast chat need to help Warren turn as he can't do it by himself anymore.
Dianne

Thea so sory for your loss.
Dianne so glad you got to meet Barb and Norm.
I did send an e-mail to his teacher and she thinks he just needs time to get adjusted to school.
Will give it some more time (end of this week) and see what next step will be.
I started driving him this week hoping that will make a difference.

Laura - does he seem happier with you driving him?

Dianne, you have no idea how excited I am that you got to meet up with them..would have been disappointing for you both not to have..should go get a Timmy's for their arrival (maybe a man) while I'm at it! So you met in Kingston? They'll probably stop off and on so I can expect them late afternoon do you think? What time did they leave..

Laura, is the school far from you? Hmm I'd not want to go back taking the bus once I got chauffeured ride each day! Do hope you find the answers!

Almost tempted to have a nap

have you found your man yet, Betty?

Betty, don't forget to give them hugs from all of us please? LOL! Your going to take a nap, knowing company is coming???

Susan, sounds like your going to have a great time camping in that motor home! Hope your weather is not too hot for you! You have been getting some hot temps lately!

Nope, think he's hidding! Drats and more drats...

LindaKay, lol, is that odd me taking a little nap?

If nothing else it will make the day go buy and we can chat all night!

This message was edited Aug 22, 2011 11:18 AM