The Thinking Square

Sunny Skies

2009-05-24T19:23:00.005-04:00

We had sunny skies all weekend long!!

Gotta Luv It!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!

Full of Color

2009-05-20T14:38:00.007-04:00

My daughter wrote this and posted it on her facebook. I just loved it!!

"Life is a blank canvas, but with good friends and family it is full of color!"

12 Makes A Dozen

2009-05-20T09:15:00.001-04:00

I had the pleasure of being at a get together this past weekend where there were 12 fiddlers playing tunes together. Imagine 1 dozen fiddle players all in the same room!! Gotta Luv It

May Flowers

2009-05-19T09:53:00.001-04:00

A vase of fresh picked lily of the valley! So fragrant!
Love those May flowers.

Gotta Luv It #2

2009-05-14T09:48:00.001-04:00

John Prine is coming to town! Gotta Luv It!

Gotta Luv It

2009-05-13T19:56:00.000-04:00

Don't you just love a clean fridge. I cleaned out my fridge yesterday!! Gotta Luv It!

Another Year Has Gone By

2008-12-31T17:21:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-27T09:57:00.000-05:00

Two days have past since Christmas
the house is quiet this morning.
The girls are sleeping in under the Christmas tree, a tradition here in the past few years. Although Chico has done his best to wake them up!!

Christmas at our house was a low key
event as 3 out of 4 of us are down with nasty colds. You know that we are sick when the candy dishes still have the same candy in them that they had on Christmas Eve.

Happy Holidays!

CHICO

2008-12-04T10:21:00.001-05:00

We have a new family member.
Chico was born on August 8th and we adopted him on November 22nd.

He is too cute!!!

Never a dull moment when he's awake.

Knitting Stamps

2008-11-19T09:55:00.000-05:00

I like these stamps. I wish they were Canadian.

I have been doing a bit of knitting when I get a chance to
sit. I am glad I started my first pair of mittens in August, they
are surely needed this week. The colder weather has now arrived.
The November landscape has been covered with a dusting
of snow. It is a good reminder that Christmas is
just around the corner.

New Babies

2008-11-03T14:10:00.001-05:00

I borrowed this book from the library. I have so enjoyed seeing so many
pumpkin hats this fall on the little ones. I thought I would try my hand at
knitting some. I seem to be in the mix of a baby
explosion amongst my friends and relatives. Every time I hear news of a
new baby on the way I say "There's another 'pumpkin hat'!"
This book has so many wonderful hats besides the pumpkin hats.
Too cute.

CRAZY FIRST SNOW

2008-10-30T09:35:00.001-04:00

Nothing like jumping around in the snow in
October; especially when you know it's going to
melt. Yeah!!

I was out Tuesday night in that snow(just briefly).

I had my new wool mittens on. I took some ribbing back in July when I was knitting them. On Tuesday, October 18th I was glad to have them!

S..NO..WWWWWW......................

2008-10-28T12:51:00.001-04:00

The weather is putting
some tricks
into our Halloween week.

Very Scary!

AUTUMN

2008-10-23T09:19:00.001-04:00

Autumn... a busy season for me, so not too
much blogging happening. A quick update.

September starts out with back to school,
next thing you know it's fair time. Then
birthday season in my house is upon on us.

October we are thankful for such a full calendar.
Sweet 16 Birthdays
Thanksgiving Holiday
Surprise 50th's
Aerial Adventures
Weekends Away
Halloween Preparations
and everything else in between.

Sweet Summertime Pics

2008-09-11T09:31:00.001-04:00

The socks have come out of the drawers as another summer comes to an end.

A couple of my favorite pics from our camping trip to Silver Lake.

The Summer That I Was Ten

2008-09-07T10:57:00.000-04:00

The summer that I was 10

Can it be that there was only one summer
that I was 10?

It must have been a long one then.

May Swanson

My 10 year old having a great time on a trip to Haliburton
in July.

Artists..... A Rare Breed

2008-06-13T14:30:00.001-04:00

I visited art in the park last weekend in the Glebe there was so much to take in.

As I strolled through the maze of artists with my sister we stopped and chatted with the different artists along the way. All the artists were keen on sharing there inspiration and techniques they use for their art pieces. At the last minute I spotted a glass artist so I ventured over to see her work. I started a conversation with her but she wasn't interested in sharing anything. I have never met an artist like that, most are so excited and passionate about their work that they love to teach and share. I thought later that she should realize that nobody can steal her imagination. Why attend if you are only interested in the sale of your work, besides it's not a bake off it's an art sale.

The artwork that I have posted is the beautiful work from a young artist in Cornwall, Mi-Sun Kim Hunter. Her work was fabulous and she was so lovely to speak with.
She took the time and you just knew she enjoyed showing my sister a few of her techniques. Fantastic girl.

Art in the Park

2008-06-05T10:49:00.001-04:00

I am so looking forward to visiting Art in the Park this weekend.
You never know what treasures you will find or what will inspire
you.

The Dentist

2008-05-14T11:41:00.000-04:00

I had a dentist appointment to have a filling repaired. After all
my fretting I was only in the chair for 15 minutes. The waiting is
worse then the actual appointment. I should know that by now.

The best part; the appointment was all over by 9:45 a.m.

I now have the rest of this gorgeous day to putter in the garden.
.

Thinking About The Earth

2008-04-23T14:55:00.001-04:00

If you own a vehicle you should have a reminder hanging from your rearview mirror
to remember to bring your reusable bags when going out shopping.
Not just grocery shopping but any kind.

Relay for Life

2008-04-21T10:58:00.001-04:00

My sister took an ordinary paper
bag and brought it to life with
this beautiful drawing. It is a luminary bag decorated for the Relay for Life fundraiser that is happening at my youngest daughters school in May. Each bag is decorated in memory of a loved one and then placed along the route for the relay.

The Mini Eggs King

2008-04-07T09:34:00.001-04:00

My better half had a birthday this weekend.
He ended up with 47 bags of mini eggs from my sister as part of his birthday gift.

He is the 'Mini Egg King'. It all started at Easter. He cannot resist chocolate and knowing I had chocolate treats for the kids hidden away for Easter morning was driving him crazy.

I went to bed Sat. night of Easter weekend and told him to wake me up later to do the Easter bunny thing. I was tired and cranky but knew that if I let him into the stash the kids would be robbed. So up I get. As I am quickly hiding my Eggies here and there I turn around to a glimpse of him, in the dim light, following me and popping them into his mouth as fast as I am hiding them. At least he left the chocolate eggs covered in tinfoil alone. I was wild and told him to get to bed and let me finish.

My sister thought the story was hilarious and decided that she would buy him 47 bags to reflect his age. I guess age has nothing to do with the way a person acts. Honestly sometimes I feel like I have three children instead of two.

April Fools'

2008-04-01T09:04:00.001-04:00

The birds were out and doing some pretty fantastic singing on this April Fools' morning. I managed to fool both my daughters before they left for school.

My oldest told me yesterday that she wouldn't be fooled this year. She fell for the old "You have a split in your pants and they are your Lulu Lemons too!" Perfect timing she had just finished all her usual primping and she was on her way out, looking good, and ready to go. I couldn't resist. We both had a good chuckle.

Good-bye to March

2008-03-31T11:46:00.001-04:00

Although we woke up to a light dusting of snow this morning it has since turned to rain. I am hoping to put away my snowboots real soon.

I shoveled of my deck last week and thought to myself as soon as the thermometer reads 10C. I am going to sit outside. I guess I should change my plan to 10C and sunshine. We are supposed to get a warm day but along with it comes some rain.

My youngest said on the way to the bus stop this morning "I hope the snow is gone by July."

It certainly has been a very long winter.

Saint Patrick's Day

2008-03-18T09:31:00.001-04:00

We 'donned' our green yesterday to celebrate
St. Patrick's Day. My sister and I joined
our very Irish friends at the pub for some Irish celebrating. No problem finding them when you arrive, mid-afternoon, at the already crowded pub. If you don't see them right away then you will most likely find them, at a supreme location, near the band.
Dancing, hooping and of course hollering....SOCIABLE!!

My youngest daughter told a classmate that she would be leaving school a little early to go out and celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Her classmate said she wasn't allowed to go to the pub because they serve beer. She answered with "Well they serve coke too, you know."

We enjoyed the music, the company and of course the kids always look forward to the tattoos that my friends seem to enjoy covering them with. The fish and chips are always a favorite as well. We were home by suppertime. Tired out from all the excitement. My youngest asked me around 8 p.m. "Do you think the girls are still out celebrating?" I said "Of course, they still have hours to go."

Hope everybody had a great St. Patrick's Day!

Another Fine Snow Day!

2008-03-08T16:46:00.001-05:00

A friend sent me this cartoon on facebook.

If you live in the Ottawa area you can relate.

The Never Ending Winter

2008-03-05T10:24:00.001-05:00

I am tired of putting my boots on! I am tired of wet mittens and snowpants! I am tired of shoveling and, oh yeah, I am tired of scraping the car!

I came across this wonderful painting and realized, although winter can be long, there is always a positive. More snow for skiing.

Happy snow day!

Calabogie Weekend

2008-02-13T09:40:00.001-05:00

We all had a fabulous time up in Calabogie this past weekend.

The birthday girl requested a 3 panel painting done using the body outlines of all the girls invited. Although not quite finished it turned out to be quite a piece.

I came home with a sore neck I'm blaming it on pushing cars and vans out of the snow; but maybe it was that midnight skidoo ride, or hula hooping , or gangster dancing... it feels better today.

I have to say a good time was
had by all.

A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS GIFT

2008-01-24T09:08:00.001-05:00

I am so fortunate to have such
a talented sister. This is a photo of a painting she did for me.

A new style for her and it is
awesome. I hang it proudly in
my living room. It's looks nice over the couch. It measures 3' by 4' and the colors are perfect.

Bring Your Own Bag

2008-01-17T11:14:00.001-05:00

Most of us have at least one!

Why aren't more people taking these to the
grocery store. People like to talk about the extreme weather so along with the weather broadcast
they should have a reminder for all of us to byob!

Everyday!

It's not that we don't want to, it just doesn't seem
to be high on the priority list. The weather is the only thing that slows us down maybe we should take the time to remember.

We have our keys, our wallet do we have our bags?

Funky Glass Case

2008-01-14T10:55:00.001-05:00

Afriend gave me this glass case that she knit and then felted. It was just plain navy blue when I received it I knew she wouldn't mind so I felted some colorful polka dots on it.
I sent her a photo of the additions to her work. She liked it(phew) and thought she might like to funk up a navy handbag that she has knit.

Water for Elephants

2008-01-08T17:22:00.001-05:00

My friends tease me because I have this thing about elephants.
Some people believe they bring good luck. I am one of those people who
believes that having a trinket or picture or anything with an elephant
on it is bad luck especially if the trunk is down. I don't know where I
got these ideas I just know I have them.

But I am reading a fantastic book called Water for Elephants. I recommend it whether you are supersticious or not.

Christmas Stories

2007-12-27T15:54:00.001-05:00

Now that Christmas day is behind us along with all the hustle and bustle,
I can say that reading a story out of this book, Christmas in the Martimes, each evening in the days leading up to Christmas was a nice thing to do for myself. I do believe it is becoming one of my December traditions. I recall enjoying a good collection of Christmas stories last year.

The snow is falling today which is good news for us cross country skiers. We went out for a boxing day ski yesterday and the trails were in pretty rough shape. Quite the workout! Planning another ski for Saturday I hope my muscles recover some before then.

Our family was fortunate enough to have received the Wii from Santa and everybody has had alot of fun playing. I guess I will go and see if I can squeeze in a turn before supper.

ZAZZLE

2007-11-12T11:15:00.001-05:00

Finally pulled out a folder of
my sister's fabulous art
blew off the dust and are
featuring some of her works
at Zazzle. Check out the link
at the bottom of this page.

It's been fun. We even have a U.S. postal stamp. Awesome! .

Brave Souls

2007-11-05T09:35:00.003-05:00

My sister's oldest walked
on fire Saturday night. He will wear his t-shirt proudly.

My sister just shakes her head. I enjoyed hearing all about
the adventure and can't wait to see photos.

You just never know what these teenagers will come up with next.

JACK O 'LANTERN TIME

2007-10-29T09:23:00.001-04:00

Had some fun on the weekend
carving pumpkins and then showing
them off.

Ahh! kids, big kids.

HALLOWEEN PREPARATIONS

2007-10-25T09:37:00.002-04:00

Halloween is fast approaching and with Halloween we also have a birthday in our house. Makes for a busy week!

So this weekend there will be some pumkin carving going on, pulling out of 'who knows what' putting together costumes and decorating the front yard. We bought a Halloween c.d. this year. My oldest and her friends want to dress up and hand out the candy on the front lawn.

Should be a scream!!!

My brother sent me these pictures from the Scarecrow Festival in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia.
A beautiful town that we had a chance to visit this past summer.

'EX-SCREAM BIRTHDAY'

2007-10-03T09:07:00.001-04:00

We all had a great time
at the Lafleche aerial park last weekend.

The kids were quite pumped after finishing the course which included the extreme zip lines. A little bit of nail biting for mom at times. Some tears and fears from my daughter and her friend while they were out there, but the first thing that came out of their mouths when they reached the last platform was ... I want to do it again sometime!

BAKING WITH APPLES

2007-09-27T15:56:00.001-04:00

My youngest wasn't feeling well today so we had a stay at home
day. We baked muffins; her favorite chocolate chip and my favorite apple. I love the smell of 'apple anything' baking in the oven.

LET'S DANCE

2007-09-21T09:03:00.000-04:00

My youngest had decided to take up
step dancing. It was big deal yesterday
when she purchased her dance shoes.

"You become a true dancer.....
When you get your first pair of dance shoes"
Sarah Lane
Dancer A.B.T.

Needless to say lots tap, tap, tapping going
on around here!

Settlers

2007-09-09T13:04:00.001-04:00

We have had a lot of fun playing this game over the summer.
Lots of laughs.

WELCOME TO THE LAKE

2007-07-31T19:03:00.001-04:00

One of my sisters.
I believe she donated it for
a fundraiser.
It looks like a wonderful place to escape to during these dog days of summer.

Calendar of Events

2007-07-30T16:47:00.000-04:00

Wow! July is over already.
It has been a busy month for us . I need a moment to
catch my breath.

- Back from the east coast and then off on a camping trip to Silver Lake.
-Managed to finish a 'rag quilt' with the help of my sister-in-law down east
-Home for a day and then off to Calabogie for a bacholorette party.
-Playing our new board game Settlers of Catan. Introduced to us on our trip.

-Afternoons by the pool
-A visit to Carp for outdoor bingo night.
- My sisters annual Garden party.
-Off to the movies to see Hairspray. We all left the theatre smiling.
-Getting ready for a long awaited outdoor wedding this coming weekend. The forecast looks fantastic.
July ...spent with family and friends. It's been fun!

BLUE ROCKS

2007-07-15T14:44:00.001-04:00

We had a wonderful time in Nova Scotia.

Evening Out

2007-06-22T19:17:00.001-04:00

Went downtown and met the girls under the 'spider 'for an evening out for my birthday last night.

We went in to see the Renoir exhibit and as I was sitting at the end waiting for the rest of the party to finish viewing, I picked up this book and flipped through the pages. I really liked it and knew my youngest would appreciate it, so I requested it from the library. I am looking forward to spending more time reading this book.

We all went out for a bite to eat and of course lots of chatter and laughter going on throughout the dinner.

These girls always spoil me with wonderful gifts and cards. They are truly the best. Thanks to all of you for such good times.

My Beach Birdhouse

2007-06-18T11:38:00.001-04:00

How fortunate I am to have great friends.

After admiring a friends birdhouse a couple of weeks ago, before I knew it I had one of my very own.

JUNE AFTERNOON

2007-06-05T09:50:00.001-04:00

We had a girls weekend up camping in Cobden last weekend.

We all indulged and did a foot spa as we sat around on a
gorgeous June afternoon. We soaked, peeled and pampered are feet and finished off with Foot Butter from the Rocky Mountain Soap Co.

Ooooh la la!! Our feet felt fantastic.

We spent the rest of the afternoon sipping on Margaritas and relaxing before the big game.

GO SENS GO!!

2007-06-04T19:23:00.001-04:00

We have one die hard Montreal fan in our household so he cheers for anybody but the
Sens.

He has been going around the house singing his little song to the tune of When the Saints Go Marching In.

'Oh when the Sens lose to the Ducks, oh when the Sens lose to the ducks, how I want to cheer for Temu Selanni, when the Sens lose to the Ducks.'

Well after Saturday night the song now goes a little like this 'Oh when the Sens, beat the Ducks, oh when the Sens beat the Ducks.
How I want to cheer for Ray Emery, when the Sens beat the Ducks.'

We are having alot of fun with the Stanley cup playoffs around here!

I wonder what we will be singing tomorrow.

MAY DAYS

2007-05-28T16:40:00.001-04:00

We have been
enjoying fresh bouquets of lilacs and lily of the valley all week long. My youngest has been busy making sure the vases throughout the house have fresh gatherings.

Nothing sweeter than a fresh bouquet of lily of the valley to greet you when you walk through the door.

OFF AND RUNNING

2007-05-14T09:07:00.000-04:00

My youngest decided to walk 5 km for the Brain Tumor Foundation on Sat. morning. It was a last minute decision and she managed to raise just over $100.00 in 48 hours. I dropped her off at a friends who was also participating. Then off to Carlingwood with my oldest she was looking for a bathingsuit. We arrived just after 9 a.m. what a great time to shop the traffic was light and there was hardly anybody in the stores. She managed to find a bathing suit within the first hour of looking, which was great.

Saturday afternoon found me at the Spring Garden Tour hosted by the Grassroot Grannies. A group of us ladies got together to celebrate my sisters birthday and had a lovely afternoon and then dinner out. On route to the garden tour, with all six of us in 1 van, we were stopped for a seatbelt check. The female officer was so surprised to see a van full of ladies she just had to ask where we were going. She wondered if she could tag along, we said there was one more seatbelt available.

All in all it was quite a busy day; and then the hockey game went in to overtime. I fell asleep on the couch and my youngest fell asleep in the chair. When she awoke the next morning the first words out of her mouth were "Did the Sens Win?"

CROQUET

2007-05-10T09:19:00.000-04:00

Went out after dinner last night for a game of croquet.

I've never thought of croquet as a dangerous sport, but the
mosquitoes were out and with mallet in hand it was second
nature to swing it as you tried to keep those pesky creatures at bay. You also tend to lift your mallet in the air when you make a good shot. Although there were no injuries to report the message is.... stand back from your opponents when playing croquet.

All in all it was lots of fun and oh yeah, I won both games...yippeee!!

A NEW HOME

2007-05-07T19:21:00.000-04:00

My sister-in-law came for a visit
on Sat. from the east coast. She
mentioned how much she liked this
glass piece of the maple leaf that I had hanging in my front garden.

I told her to take it home. After a grand afternoon of shopping in Westboro and lunch out we all relaxed back at my house with a cup of tea.

As we were saying our good-byes I told her not to forget her glass art. She looked at me and said "I didn't think you were serious." I told her I was, and to go ahead and take it. She was halfway down the laneway with her glass piece in her hand when she turned and came back and told me that I was like my mother... if someone admired something in her home she would tell them to take it. It was a nice compliment.

I guess the maple leaf will find a new home in Nova Scotia.

MORNING BREAK

2007-05-02T14:14:00.001-04:00

This morning I went for a walk along the Trans-
Canada trail with an old friend. We ventured out to
what we call the 'turtle pond' but instead found it inhabited by Canada Geese.

We both admitted to almost cancelling because there are
always household chores that need attention, but we were glad we took the time to enjoy the fabulous sunshine and a bug free walk. An hour and a half well spent.

DOTS OF FUN

2007-04-24T13:35:00.000-04:00

Found these little birdhouses
at the Dollarama. My youngest and I purchased a couple. The weather wasn't very nice out so we thought it would be a fun little indoor project.

Over the winter months I had picked up Mary Engelbreit's Home
Sweet Home book from the library
I guess her polka dots stuck with me. As soon as I started to paint these birdhouses I couldn't resist using dots...lots and lots of dots!

'GIRLS NIGHT OUT!'

2007-04-24T09:09:00.000-04:00

A wonderful time was had
by all of the women who attended the 'GIRLS NIGHT OUT' last Friday evening in Greely. A very successful fundraiser for cancer.

I cannot believe how much noise 300+ women could
make.

The birhtday girl amongst us was the life of the party and
decided she could bring home bouquets of balloons by just hanging
them out the van window. It made for a great laugh and when
we stopped in her driveway she had 3 balloons left.

APRIL 16TH??

2007-04-17T09:12:00.000-04:00

This was the view outside my kitchen window yesterday.

This would have been a welcome sight if it was a December morning but April... yuk!!!

Just to make things interesting we forgot my daughters boots at her Aunt's house on Sunday.

BUTTONS

2007-04-17T09:05:00.000-04:00

After a successful visit to the Gananoque flea
market this past weekend my jar is almost full.

I think my next pickle jar collection will be small boardgame pieces.

Let the hunt begin.

BY THE GARDEN GATE

2007-03-27T09:08:00.001-04:00

HAPPY SPRING!!!
The robins are back.Their cheerful song is a nice
greeting when you walk outside.

I have tried to post but with little extra time these days and blogger giving me grief it just hasn't happened.

I had a good afternoon out with the Irish gals for St. Patty's Day lunch. They never disappoint with their antics.

I just love my sister's latest. It holds promise of what's to come in the next few months. Lots and lots of flowers and sunshine. Yippee!

A WINTER FRIEND

2007-03-07T09:01:00.000-05:00

Always a pleasant surprise to check my e-mail and find a gift of art from my sister waiting.

Although winter can be harsh there is always beauty to behold.

APRES SKI

2007-03-05T09:24:00.000-05:00

After skiing Saturday afternoon us ski bunnies
enjoyed a glass of wine and snack together. We
all agreed that the wine my sister had brought
was "good wine".

It could of been that we all had
worked pretty hard to finish the trail because of
wax problems. Like my sister said "There is
nothing worse than a poor wax job and that
includes bikini!"

I also got a chance to watch Little Miss Sunshine this weekend which I enjoyed very much. It actually made me laugh out loud which is rare for me when watching a movie.

Away from it all

2007-02-22T21:16:00.000-05:00

Off for a ski weekend with the big girls.
I am still trying to catch up on my sleep and chores after the
big curling bonspiel last weekend. Oh and my poor muscles let's just say I will be skiing to enjoy the scenery. Taking the trails at a nice safe pace.

I do have a new c.d. that I can't wait to just sit and listen to.

The girls will make sure there are plenty of laughs and of course our semi-annual canasta marathon will be in order for the weekend.

VALENTINE SURPRISES

2007-02-14T09:09:00.000-05:00

This morning my youngest presented me with this lego valentine. It was such a pleasant surprise. Children can be so creative!

I have picked up a couple little valentine gifts for our annual scavenger hunt. I must make the clues a little more difficult this year; I have to remember that the older they get... the more clever they become. i can hear them chanting now "Mom that was too easy!"

Happy Valentine's Day!

FEBRUARY

2007-02-13T09:28:00.001-05:00

I thought i would post this picture from my sister's calendar series for February called "Are You Ready Yet?"

It reminds me of my youngest daughter and her cousin who seem to be enjoying the backyard rink when they get together. They can hardly wait for the weekend to arrive so they can hang out and play, play, play.

Cottage Visit

2007-02-09T11:01:00.000-05:00

Off to a friend's cottage for a birthday celebration.
Always a fun bunch to spend time with up in Calabogie country.

What do you buy a woman who has everthing and could buy pretty well anything. I decided to go with a birdfeeder for her cottage. She has the perfect window for viewing the birds. How nice to sip fresh coffee on a cold winters morning; and enjoy the activity around a birdfeeder after a long busy work week.

Must get to my morning chores. Have a good weekend.

Call Me Lazy

2007-02-06T09:07:00.001-05:00

Call me lazy but I love 'slip on' footwear! I even managed to find a pair of slip on winter boots that no woman should be without! So when my
sister showed me a knitting pattern for these great felted clogs, I fell in love with them right away. Now just to find the time to knit them.

2007-01-24T10:52:00.001-05:00

Spending alot of time outdoors these days working on our backyard rink. Shovel, sweep, flood. It does get one out of doors to enjoy the winter weather we waited so long for. Good exercise too.

MONKEY BUSINESS

2007-01-23T07:55:00.000-05:00

My youngest received this Webkinz monkey for Christmas. We have had alot of fun checking out the Webkinz website and playing some of the games.

We got out for a ski on Sunday the trails were great! Very fast.
We had the pleasure of 3 deer pass in front of us if only for a fleeting moment, they must have been spooked because they were in quite a hurry. We finished our trail in record time. Each year the kids become faster and taker fewer breaks.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON CREATION

2007-01-16T10:09:00.000-05:00

This past weekend my sister and I
played around with her artwork to make
some funky switch plate covers.

They turned out pretty nice. I am going
to put this one in my bedroom.

'SNUG INSIDE'

2007-01-12T12:08:00.000-05:00

This is the pastel picture my
sister created for the month of January.
Although she did not find the time to get her
calendar together for 2007, now that all the artwork is
complete, hopefully it will be ready for 2008.

I wonder if this will be the scene outside our windows in the near future.

OLD CHRISTMAS CARDS

2007-01-11T12:24:00.000-05:00

As I was looking at an exhibit last weekend in the contemporary arts area of the National Art Gallery. An idea came to me about what to do with my old Christmas cards. The artist had used an old clothesline and thousands of squares cut out of magazines maybe about 4" by 4" and made a long 'snake like' garland. He punched a hole through the center of each piece of paper and had them threaded onto the clothesline wire. It was not very colorful but I thought I would try it with my old Christams cards, that with some amount of guilt, I had tossed into the recycle bin. I will look for a nice gold cord to use to string them and add onto it each year. I wish I would have done this with my girls birthday cards throughout their early years. I guess it's never to late to start.

CHRISTMAS SURPRISE

2007-01-10T12:27:00.000-05:00

My sister painted this wonderful picture for
my youngest who loves jungles and monkeys.

It is a great painting. I caught my daughter just laying on her bed gazing upon her new artwork, which hangs proudly in her room.

I couldn't get a decent shot, the photo just doesn't seem to do it justice. But I thought I should share this wonderful painting.

DOWNTOWN

2007-01-08T12:43:00.000-05:00

My sister, a good friend, my oldest daughter and I decided to drive downtown and see the works of Clarence Gagnon on Saturday.
The canal looked so grey and forlorn as we passed by. I missed the colorful skaters, usually out there at this time of year.

The National Gallery of Canada is such a great place to visit. It's nice to get lost in the artwork that surrounds you , room after room. I love to hear my footsteps echo on the hardwood floors.

Where are you Old Man Winter?

2007-01-05T21:42:00.000-05:00

Wouldn't it be nice to go for a ski! It's a good
thing we got out last Sunday afternoon.

Maybe we should go for a bike ride instead.
I guess we could get the rakes out and do a bit of
raking.

Where are you winter? Where have you gone?

QUIET TIME

2007-01-03T03:26:00.000-05:00

I received a kit at Christmas to make these 'thrum' socks. I am looking forward to some quiet time to sit and knit after the holidays.

The tree is down but I still have some decorations hanging around; maybe I will get to that next week once the girls are back to school.

HOLIDAY SPARKLE

2006-12-21T13:33:00.000-05:00

Christmas is just around the corner; but going into the final stretch that feeling of being hurried is upon me. So much to do.

As the calendar of holiday happenings fills up my daughters eyes begin to sparkle and I know that all the extra hustle and bustle has a special purpose.

May the Christmas spirit find it's way into your heart and home in these busy days before Christmas.

Let the festivities begin. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

SLEDS, SLEIGHS & SNOW

2006-12-13T18:23:00.000-05:00

I just finished reading this
fabulous collection of Canadian Christmas
stories. It was nice to curl up at the end
of a busy December day to read a few pages
about Christmas's past.

I hope I enjoy my next read as much.

SHOPPING

2006-12-11T12:04:00.000-05:00

I spent the better part of my weekend shopping. I have now lived the term "shop 'till you drop".

I would like to say that I am finished my Christmas shopping, but with 2 daughters is one ever quite finished?

HOBO MITTS

2006-12-08T22:09:00.000-05:00

My daughter asked me to knit her a pair of mittens, bright orange. When she wore them to school her friends all called them HOBO mitts. She wears them proudy. Yesterday one of her friends asked if I could knit her a pair of HOBO mitts, bright yellow. You just never know what kids will like.

DECEMBER DEADLINES

2006-12-05T06:03:00.000-05:00

As the calendar is changed from November to December. I find myself with so many deadlines.

I am hoping for some calm after the 15th!

Time... it's so easily spent... just like money at Christmastime!

Evergreens Abound

2006-11-21T15:33:00.000-05:00

I went for a nice long walk with my youngest daughter and a friend yesterday, she was looking to cut some evergreen boughs. We both carried back an armful. The frosty morning air and the scent of the fresh cut branches were a delight; just the right recipe to stir up some past holiday memories.

I can't wait to sit outside on a sunny afternoon with a hot beverage and enjoy my decorations. Maybe I'll listen to some Christmas music while I'm out there.

DECK THE HALLS

2006-11-17T04:32:00.000-05:00

Working on some outdoor
Christmas dec's. Bought some ribbon this morning for these vertical swag thing..ies. If
it ever stops raining; maybe I will finish this project. Going to harvest some bittersweet vines this afternoon and hoping to gather some more grapevine as well.

Have a great weekend.

OUT FOR THE NIGHT

2006-11-11T00:43:00.000-05:00

I love this rug hooking design by Deanne Fitzpatrick. The colors are great! It evokes a wonderful feeling.

THE DANCING QUEENS

2006-11-07T18:43:00.000-05:00

Cheers to the DANCING QUEENS!!

My sister's latest watercolor and ink picture.

ON THE WAY HOME

2006-11-06T12:12:00.000-05:00

I went to Calabogie Friday night for a birthday
celebration and what a celebration it was!! We
wined and dined, laughed and danced and of
course went for a mini midnight tour (on foot of course).
We found some guitar players and sang a few songs.

On the way home Saturday my sister and I decided to stop in Burnstown. What a wonderful little village. We found so much inspiration from the galleries and gift shops that were all decked out for Christmas. It made we want to come home and decorate.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2006-10-31T12:53:00.000-05:00

We watched The Great Pumpkin last night, as we made up some treat bags. I still love to watch it. I do believe there is a little Charlie Brown in all of us and I'm sure we all know a Lucy or 2. Have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

WE HAD WIND

2006-10-30T14:49:00.000-05:00

We had a very windy day
here yesterday. My daughter's party had to be a total indoor affair.
For me having eight, 9 -year- olds carving pumpkins indoors is scarier than HALLOWEEN. The smell of fresh pumpkin waft through the house, as each pumpkin was carved into a 'Jack-o-lantern' masterpiece.

After all was said and done and the last guest departed my oldest sat down put her feet up and said "That was a great success." Me.... I just looked around and sighed....

SEASON ENDS

2006-10-27T21:28:00.000-04:00

Although our fall doesn't officially end until December; having a chilly wind blow, bare trees, and darkness at dinner time makes for a change in my season.

Like the woman in her latest painting; I hope my sister, as busy as she is, takes a few moments to reflect as one season moves into the next.

HALLOWEEN & BIRTHDAYS

2006-10-26T13:07:00.000-04:00

My youngest will
turn 9 on her birthday this November 1st. To celebrate, we are hosting
a pumpkin carving party and visiting a corn maze this weekend.

I do like the idea of carving eggplants.

Oh! To be 8 and counting down the days 'til Halloween; Oh! To be 8 and counting down the days 'til you turn 9!

AND SHE NAMED IT 'YELLOW'

2006-10-23T17:26:00.000-04:00

What goodtimes can
be had when you are surrounded by such smart, independent, creative, and great spirited friends.

An autumn weekend.....time spent by the lake.... just taking some minutes to do.... just what you wanted to.

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AWAY WE GO!

2006-10-20T12:41:00.000-04:00

The bags are packed! We're off for the weekend, rain or shine!

PUMPKIN NIGHT

2006-10-17T12:35:00.000-04:00

Pumpkin Night is my sister's latest painting. She recently took a workshop with Veronique Stefanica in North Gower. This is her second painting using gouache paints.

AN OCTOBER AFTERNOON

2006-10-16T15:37:00.000-04:00

How fortunate
we are to have the magnificant and magical Gatineau Hills so close by.

A group of us decided to hike around Pink Lake and then we explored the beautiful grounds of Mackenzie Kings Estate. What a great way to spend an afternoon in October.

AFTER THANKSGIVING

2006-10-11T12:57:00.000-04:00

Thanksgiving is now behind us and the warm sunshine of the last few days has turned to a cool rain. It is the perfect day to make turkey soup, the aroma fills the air and makes the house feel warm and comforting.

The leaves continue to fall and the kids had a great time on the weekend raking and jumping in them. I am spending some time cleaning up my flower gardens but can't seem to cut down most because I love the colors they add to the yard. I'm sure the first heavy frost will bring an end to that. So for now I will keep them.

THANKSGIVING PLANS

2006-10-04T12:36:00.000-04:00

The warm south breeze we were greeted by this morning felt good on our faces, and with just enough wind to have the leaves falling all around us made for a nice little stroll to the bus stop.

Our household will be a busy place this weekend. My eldest daughter will turn 14 on Friday and her cousin that is 2 days younger will also celebrate this holiday weekend.

I am hoping to get away Saturday morning with my sister and drive to Westport to visit some of the artists on the Fall Colors studio tour. The scenery should be spectacular with the sunshine that is predicted.

I am hosting Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday with the help of my youngest. She is in charge of the table decortations. My sister will bake her, can't have Thanksgiving without them, fabulous pies. Lots of cooking going on this weekend; from birthday cakes to turkey, should be yummy!

We also try to have a family football game on this weekend. My girls always look forward to throwing around the football. Although Dad has always been the star of the game the kids are getting older and BETTER. They now give Dad a run for his money.

I do believe Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. No gifts to buy. Just good food and family fun.

SUNNY AUTUMN DAY

2006-09-27T12:21:00.000-04:00

Oh, what a
beautiful autumn day we have today in the Ottawa area. I sound like a radio
anouncer but I love fall and love to wake up to a morning filled with sunshine; it's so much easier to get out of bed and get going on a day like today. Enjoy.

C'MON 'SPEZZ'

2006-09-25T13:15:00.000-04:00

My better half and youngest attended the hockey
game Friday night while my oldest (always looking
for something) and I did a little clothes shopping.

We decided to drop off the 2 hockey fans and then pick them up after the game. My daughter loved
the excitement that comes along with a trip to Scotiabank Place and didn't stop talking about the annoying woman that sat behind them shouting at the players throughout the game, "You can do it Eaves, c'mon Spezz." All the way home my better half and youngest kept imitating her and saying "c'mon Spezz, c'mon Spezz!"

I told them the next day I am going to call our next pet Spezz. They rolled their eyes.

COINCIDENCE

2006-09-21T12:16:00.000-04:00

I requested a copy of A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson from our local
library. The day I received the phone call to pick it up I walked into my
sister's house to find the same book on her coffee table. She said my nephew had just finished it and her husband was going to read it. How many books are out there? What are the chances that we would be reading the same book at the same time? The book was never mentioned before. Now that's a coincidence!

VERY FUNNY ha! ha!

2006-09-18T12:25:00.000-04:00

My sister had a good laugh Friday night at the fair. Actually she roarded with laughter. Her only regret was that the Silver Bees were not there to witness the whole thing and roar along with her.

I get picked out of the crowd to be made a fool of at the pig races. After making some comment about the poor guy that just got selected I was the next victim. In the spirit of good fun I made my way into the ring. After losing the obstacle course race to the other fellow I walked away with my ribbon... knowing in my heart I was the better milker of the fake cow. My sister thought it made for a great laughfest.

FAIR DAYS

2006-09-14T12:21:00.000-04:00

We drove by the Richmond fairgrounds
yesterday. We were dropping off the precious entries that have been entered
in this years fair.

There is something about seeing the fairgrounds alive with activity that brings a feeling of excitement year after year.

As all necks stretch to see what rides are being set up voices become louder and plans for the big social event are discussed.

The rain that is usually reserved for the fair seems to have arrived early. I keep telling my girls that there is sunshine in the weekend forcast. YEAH!!

SOUVENIRS

2006-09-13T12:53:00.000-04:00

WOW! John Prine performed until 11:30 p.m. last night. That's way past my bedtime. He played and played and played always keeping the audience happy with his oldies but goodies.

We have been John Prine fans for over 25 years. We have John Prine c.d.'s in the van we have John Prine t-shirts in the laundry we have John Prine sing a longs around the campfire.

It's nice to go to the concert and see so many familiar faces in the crowd. It brings back memories of good times spent playing guitar and singing together throughout the years.

I don't think there was ever a time when the guitars came out and a John Prine tune wasn't played.