Vacation Planning

I am heading out on Friday on annual vacation - this time to Newfoundland...I'll continue to post from the rock, as I visit with my parents...should be lots to write about...

Stormy will be staying behind in the north, being cared for by a friend who promised to visit him regularly, and water my garden along with the kitty. He'll surely enjoy the visits. I wish he could come along with me like he did the last time, but it's quite a bit farther to go and such an cumbersome journey, I can't put him through all that travel...he will be much happier here hanging out with his mice...I'll miss him though...I enjoy having a kitty on the bed so much. It will be lonely without him...

I wonder what's going through his mind here...turn off that damn flash?

I've Got Gas

and it cost me a fortune - gas is at $1.409/litre here in town....YIKES.

Beer Can Chicken

Yesterday I decided to check out a new way of doing chicken on the barbecue - Beer Can Chicken. I had already drank my last beer (and there is nowhere but bootleggers to buy it here in town) so I simply washed out a used beer can, filled it half full with water, then seasoned my chicken with salt, pepper, paprika and onion powder in some olive oil. Take the can and shove it up inside the chicken and set on a heated grill for about 2 hours. It was crispy and delicious! I don't know what the actual beer would have added to the flavour, but I'll find out the next time I try this.

The Charity of Newfies

I just finished reading this story and simply had to share. I've long known first hand the charity of Newfies/Newfoundlanders, having spent more than 20 years on the rock. My dad is a Newfie, my ex-husband is one, and I gave birth to one, so I was surrounded by them, particularly while living in a tiny outport for 12 years. They literally will give you the shirt off their back if you're down and out. It is not unsusual to arrive home from being away and find that someone has made you bread or sweets, or a meal. Donation rates are generally high, despite tough economic conditions. And as far as I know, Newfies have always been this way - generous at heart. And then I read that story and tears came to my eyes...I recall some of the older folks saying "there's always someone worse off than you" in reference to why it is so important to be generous.

Kudos to the Newfoundlanders!

GODDAMN MOSQUITOES

Here I sit, out on the deck with the new OFF mosquito lamp, and two citronella lamps and these stupid mosquitoes are completely oblivious...if they find their way into the actual smoke, they fly off, but otherwise, I am under attack...I think they are immune...what have we bred now...these things are as big as dogs...

Wet Noses Are GROSS

Stormy has a very wet nose. And he LOVES to touch me with it. Every chance he gets. Particularly when he is begging for some of my meal, or to get my attention. I hate it. It is a very wet nose, and he goes for the backs of my legs, or the underside of my arms...ick. Love him to pieces, but dammnit I hate that wet nose...even if it is a sign of a healthy animal. To me, it is simply cat snot. Period.

Here he is, looking as handsome as ever, my big tomcat...

Spring Gardening Session

Well, the rain stopped last night and today the sun finally came out and burned off much of the fog. I'd swear I was down east again by the state of fog here this morning! However, it eventually cleared, the sun came out, and I was off to the beach to get some sand for my planters. Soil is too expensive to fill them completely, and I need the weight to keep them from blowing away, as the summers promise to be dry. Sand will also hold the moisture better. First trip to the beach I filled my window boxes (although they are on the railing) and got a bucket full. Lacking more buckets, I dragged a sterilite container (cheap rubbermaid) and filled that half full, only to discover that wet sand is god damn heavy and I couldn't lift it. So I dragged it up to the car and then busted it up trying to lift it into the car...cheap shit.

I wisened up when I got home...I was not dragging that thing out of my car...so scooped the sand out from where it was until I could lift it out again and chucked the broken tub on the ground. The planters are all done for the most part...need to find my seeds and to pick up a few more plants in Hay River later this week. I just hope frost doesn't claim it...might cover things in plastic for a week or so at night...

Mine Eyes

I haven't talked about my eyes in some time, and considering what a big impact it has on a person's life, I thought I might update. After my last check-up, I had 20/20 vision. They told me I still had some "haze" but that my eyes were healing nicely. I think the haze has mostly faded, and now I rarely think about my eyes...which is a good sign...they don't bother me much other than a little dryness. The light sensitivity has cleared up although always wear sunglasses (and so should everyone). I can see very far into the distance and have no difficulty reading up close.

All in all, I am very pleased with my decision to have laser surgery and would highly recommend it to anyone. What a treat it was this weekend to wake up while camping and not have to fumble for cold glasses, or to try to poke contacts into my eyes with dirty fingers...

That Was Scary...

but now it's over. I wiped my drive, with the help of Dell tech support (in India). It wasn't nearly as scary as the last time I did it...and only took 5 minutes instead of the 3 hours it took last time, doing it step by step. Phew...

My computer has been completely bogged down for months now and I have been dreading wiping it, as it involved backing up everything, including the hundreds of photos, emails, and other crap. I finally got all the backing up done tonight, and was thrilled to discover that PC restore can put my computer back to factory condition...yayyyy...

As well, I didn't get attacked by viruses the minute I logged into the net, unlike last time when I wiped my desktop computer...and I had dial-up so downloading updates took 3 days...

Now it's fresh and clean and running smoothly again...nice. And lucky...because I was about to biff it through the front window...

Well That Was Nice...BUT

Went out on a date with a man I met online yesterday. We had lunch at a nice restaurant here in YK. I didn't get a good vibe from the beginning, feeling the tension/nerves as he struggled to keep up with conversation. He was pleasant enough, BUT...I could feel that something was wrong. Then I heard from him this morning that he felt it was too early to date, as he is just out of his last relationship of 12 years...can we say REBOUND? Boing-sha-woing-woing...

I believe I was his first date too, since leaving his wife a few months ago. C'est la vie...the search continues...and Lavalife continues to suck. I deleted my profile last fall after getting thoroughly disgusted with the creeps that sought me out - men from foreign countries looking for a wife to let them into Canada, and men who went straight from Hi, how are you, can you show me your tits...

And then I built a new profile a couple of months ago...and apparently there still are no nice guys left! Not that this fellow wasn't nice...he just isn't really looking. He did seek me out, but then his nerves and "baggage" (his term) got the better of him.

Dating at 40 is rotten.

Blind Date Anxiety

Yes, you heard it right...I am going on a blind date today - lunch date at a nice restaurant. I'm in the city on duty travel, met this chap online and he asked me out to lunch. Nerves are rattled, as usual, but at least I've brought something suitable to wear, which of course as most ladies know, is the most important thing about a blind date. I was already here when he asked me out, so it was just lucky that I brought something with me, or there would have been some shopping to do.

My last blind date (seems that is all I've had since I left my husband all those years ago) was a bust. The guy treated me like some distant relative that he was forced to feed at his house, chucking the silverware across the table at me like some insolent child and not offering to take my jacket, and lack of furniture left it piled on the floor, among other things...anyhow...I'm holding out hope that this one will be better.

Dating at my age is not fun, let me tell you. At least at 18 I knew the rules and what to do. Now WHAT?

Super Stormy Saved The Day

Sitting on my small sofa, Stormy was on the back, laying down as usual, never wishing to be far. Then I sensed a fair bit of movement and turned my head and shoulders back to see what was up. He looked puzzled, and as if he was looking for something. My first thought, shit, a mosquito got in here already. They are indeed out, while not in full force, they have sent spies ahead...however there was no mosquito in sight. So I watched him for a few moments, getting a kick out of his actions...then I saw it. A spider the size of my thumb (the whole spider, not just the body) was on my sofa pillow. A brown spider on my brown sofa pillow. I almost didn't see it as it blended so very well. Clearly that was what Stormy was after, but not wanting to alert him to it, because if that spider jumped on me to get away, well...there would be screaming and one of us would be airborne...I grabbed a tissue and picked up the spider, depositing him soundly in the toilet with a flush...Stormy hasn't figured that out yet and was up on the sofa for another 10 minutes still looking for the spider.

Funny how such a tiny thing can bring out the heebie jeebies in some people. I am one of them.

Now here we have Stormy with his new race car. It's just a little one, so Teddy couldn't fit *in* it, but could be taped *to* it. Stormy got a big kick out of this and took off after Teddy with concern...

Sick Of Being Sick

I'm a cranky sick person. Best if I stay home, otherwise my inner bitch escapes. So I've been home for the past two days. You know, being home isn't near as fun when you're sick. I've been through a box of tissues already, I'm sure. I've got some antibiotics, but they have not kicked in yet (not that I've noticed). I'm hoping I will feel better tomorrow, otherwise I'll be home tomorrow as well. You would think it was serious....lol...it's only been a few days.

whine...

Sniff...I Need My Mom

I am under the weather. Or am I the weather? It sure is cloudy in my head, whatever is going on. Off to the health centre this morning to get checked out and left with antibiotics. Sigh...I feel like crapola...stuffy head, pain in my ear, sore throat, swollen glands, headache...ugh...I have been on the sofa all day, dozing and watching daytime television. Simon Cowell was on Ellen today...and there are clearly too many soap operas still on...

I need my mom to bring me gingerale. It doesn't taste nearly as cool and crisp when I have to slog out to the kitchen and get it myself...

Goodbye My Little Newfie

Sadly, I had little miss Via put down tonight, and it broke my heart. She had fluid on her heart and in her abdomen, and the vet feels it was a nasty viral infection that took over her little body. They did what they could, but the outcome was to be the same. I've had her with me for nearly 10 years since conception...I had her mother, Pretty for nearly 10 years, and when Pretty was 9, she had Via in a litter of one, 5 days before I moved from Newfoundland. We bustled her off into the carrier with her mother, and they travelled by car, boat, train, truck, and van to get to Waterloo. Her mother became ill several months after we arrived and had to be put down, so I was so happy her mother had this little kitten for us before she died. Via was a wonderful kitty, probably the best I've ever had. She never destroyed furniture, never made a mess, slept with me every night we were in the same house, never meowed, and was just a real snuggle bug.

Stormy was a little bastard to her and I'll carry that guilt around for a while, knowing how miserable he made her when he would pounce on her. Although they did not get along, I'm sure he will miss the companionship, if nothing else. I know I will.

Call me a crazy cat lady all you want, but I have asked for her ashes back when they are done. I'd like to get them home to Newfoundland for her some day, and until then, they will be with me.

More guilt comes when I think of the times when I shooed her away, not wanting a cat on my neck (she didn't do laps much, preferring to be up under your chin, hanging off your shoulder) at the time, so will have to live with that too. I know it's all normal guilt and will fade with time, but it doesn't make it any easier right now, as I envision her hurt look when I shooed her down in order to eat or use the computer. Now I can never hold her again, and of course, it bothers me. The Catholics don't hold the market on guilt...there is plenty left over for the agnostics...

So, my little friend. You were a faithful companion and saw me through many of the more difficult periods of my life and asked so little in return. I won't miss the white fur all over my clothes, but I will miss your little warm body at night. You've slept with me since you were old enough to climb onto the bed and helped my bed feel less lonely. I hope you are at peace now, and not in pain.

How Much Is That Kitty In The Window

Snapped this the other day while Via was basking in the sunlight...she is a heat source addict. Her favorite spot is to lay on top of the furnace duct. At night she usually sleeps with me under the covers with her head on the pillow next to me...and when that isn't available (because I am asleep and she can't get in where she wants) she will curl up behind my arse end...it must be warm there, lol...

My Mother Thinks I've Pissed The Bed

When I was younger and living at home, my mother would ask me if I pissed the bed if I got up earlier than usual, particularly on weekends. I have usually been an early riser, but today I was up at 6:45am, after waking at about 6:30 and tossed for a bit, but the brain was awake. You know the feeling...once your brain wakes up, it starts running through what you want to accomplish in the coming day, and so much so, I can't turn over for a second nap...so I get up.

There was also a party going on somewhere. I could hear music, and I know they didn't get UP and turn the music on...they are STILL up from last night. There is a party here in town every night of the week, somewhere. I usually don't hear music, but I think it's because the wind is still thus far, so sound travels very easily.

Week in Review

I haven't posted in a few days...been busy...

• flew out by charter yesterday for a seminar in another city
• Tuesday was check-up day...time to pop the hood and take a look. Yup, time for the annual physical - hope that everyone takes the time to do so. Mine took quite a while, well over an hour...but the nurse was new to the centre so had to gather everything from various rooms, and it wasn't the regular day for well-woman checkups. I didn't mind...I like it when they are thorough. I had a 12-lead EKG which was fine, but I forgot to remove one of the sticky patches with the snap on it from under my boob. All day long I was wondering why my fucking bra was irritating me so much...then I got home from work and took it off (like usual - socks and bra get the fling when I get home from work) and I was still irritated...so then I found the sticky...it's no wonder I was irriated all day...
• did some power shopping yesterday and managed to pick up some new sheets. I don't know what the cats are doing my bedding but it gets shredded pretty quickly, particularly the sheets. So I don't buy expensive ones, however I do like plain cotton, no printed polyester for me! Stormy "helped" me make the bed when they were washed and dried...he loves to hide under them as I tuck things in.
• the snow is going fast, though it's been a little chillier the past few days...-6C the past two mornings. I'll be glad when the ice is out of the lake so I can get paddling
• I made a huge fucking mess last night. I was thoroughly disgusted with myself. I had gotten a snack and was settling down next to the coffee table with it, and had intended on surfing for a bit. Well, as I picked up my frosted glass of beer, it slipped and I dropped it onto the table where it bounced and I was at least able to grab it before it tipped, but not before half of the contents flew out of it, all over the table. Now anyone who knows me and has been to my house in recent years knows that I have quite a cluttered coffee table, as it is my centre...a basket of remotes (there are so damn many and I can't get one universal one to work them ALL, just some of them) and of course they got hit. They all work, but what a damn mess. I also have that rubber non-slip matting underneath two table runners to protect my table and they were a MESS. I was lucky it just splashed the corner of my laptop because if it had ruined it, it would have been punted into the driveway, through the front door...needless to say, I didn't get to snack for about a half an hour while I cleaned up the dirty mess. ARRRRGGGHHHH.
• tomorrow is Friday. Yayyyyyyy! I don't have any plans, however I do expect to be cleaning house, working on my scrapbook (I am determined to FINISH IT) and the usual puttering. There will be BBQ (coming over miss L?) I reckon and then I have to pack for my next trip away...have to head to the city for training on adoptions on Monday.

Happy Thursday everyone...

It Only Took ALL Afternoon

I finally dragged out all my scrapbooking mess and spread it over the table. It is going to stay there until I finish the damn stuff or I get sick of looking at it. I mean, it's not like I eat at the table very often. I eat where most single women eat...in front of the tv at the coffee table or standing at the kitchen sink.

I have been buying stuff to scrapbook with for a few years now but have not touched it in over 2 years. It's not like I haven't had the time either...or the subject to work with. The one I've just begun is of our trip to central America in 2004. I also have some photos taken out for several friends pages, and a few of the kid as well for her sleep book.

I still have one to do for Ireland's journey in 2001. At the very least, I do have those photos in an album with writing in the margins...but I still have a huge pile of souvenir paper stuff that I want to put in an album with photos. Sigh...it will come. I've managed to fuck around all day at this and get 2 pages done. I think I started at noon and now it's after 6pm. What in the hell was I doing all day...

The Disappearing Art of Letter Writing

As I attempted to handwrite a letter to my parents today, I realized the sad truth. Computers have spoiled me, and ruined my handwriting. I could not believe the hen scratch that came out of my hand. One would think I was writing with my toes...

Then I opened a waylaid Christmas card today that was in a parcel of old mail from my daughter (apparently, sending mail on was not a high priority for her) and in this card from my aunt and uncle was a hand written note, as usual, except this year, her handwriting is quite wobbly due to arthritis...but dammit, she wrote to me anyhow, so that's commendable.

The problem is, now I want to handwrite a note to her and my writing is atrocious...I need to practice...bring on the looseleaf. Before you know it I'll be making lists like my sister ALWAYS did (and probably still does) just to practice my handwriting. It wasn't as bad when I was in university because I had to handwrite all my exams...and if I expected to pass, it had to be legible...

off I go to practice my handwriting...