It's a Wonderful Life

How do you show love?

2012-02-14T11:45:00.001-08:00

Today is Valentine's Day 2012

I met my husband almost 28 years ago. Married him almost 27 years ago. Want to still be with him 27 + 27 = 54 years from now. After that we plan to see each other in heaven ... for eternity. We're stuck together that way ... he and I ... him and me ... hubby and wife. I can't imagine life without him.

To celebrate the many past Valentine's Days that we have spent together, I have certainly received my overly generous share of flowers and chocolates ... But this year enough was enough. Flowers are beautiful, but so over priced this time of year. Chocolates ... well you know I WANT them, just don't need the calories associated with them.

So I begged hubby not to shower me with either.

And other than an Oh Henry! chocolate bar that he brought out and we shared at breakfast, he kept to his word.

Yet to my immense glee and surprise that wonderful man gave me something even better than flowers and chocolate.

A hand written poem

Hours after he had gone off to work, I found it on my desk waiting for me.

Of course, it was longer than this first line, but some things, like Valentine's Day love poems , should remain private ... you understand.

~ * ~ * ~

But on a similar note, I was pleased with the Valentine's Day short animation that appeared on the Google site this morning. (Find it here)

It’s the classic story of boy woos girls — but in the form of a Google doodle.

The search engine created a sweet, Valentine’s Day-themed musical animation for its homepage. In the minute-long video, scored to the tune of Tony Bennett’s “Cold, Cold Heart,” a smitten boy Googles ways to win the heart of his beloved — a rope-skipping brunette who wants nothing to do with him.

First, the boy Googles flowers, and offers her a single red rose. Rejected.

Then, a box of chocolates. Rebuffed.

A green sweater, balloon animal, pie and live rabbit also fail to do the trick. The object of his affection continues to skip, ignoring any and all advances.

Dejected, the boy re-emerges at the end of the video holding a jump rope to skip beside his amour. This, at last, is the key to her heart, and together, they skip in sync.

What a wonderful way to show love ... without all the stuff.

Memory Spoof Song

2012-02-13T20:35:00.001-08:00

I had time to kill today and came upon this spoof on memory loss. Not the mean kind of jab at dementia or Alzheimer Disease ... that's not nice or funny or even morally correct ... what I am talking about it is that slight memory loss experienced by ladies like me in that wonderful stage of 'mental pause'.

Please check out this youtube video featuring award-winning cabaret singer Pam Peterson singing a funny parody about the challenges of an aging memory. I haven't heard of Pam before today, but she is a treat to watch.

Enjoy!

Marble Rye

2012-02-11T12:48:00.000-08:00

If you are a Seinfeld fan ... like myself ... the mere mention of Marble Rye makes you smile.

How could you not chuckle while watching THAT episode?

You see George needs a marble rye
Jerry agrees to purchase one, but arrives just as the last one is sold
He tries to persuade the woman to sell her rye for $50
But she refuses
Jerry is therefore (?) forced to steal the marble rye

Oh, I can't do the episode justice ... watch an excerpt here on youtube ...

Well after years and years, I have finally purchased and experienced a marble rye. Most definitely a beautiful and tasty loaf. Now I can sleep at nights with a first hand knowledge of what all the fuss was about back on the Marble Rye episode.

Enjoy your day!

Quotable Ben

2012-02-03T19:35:00.001-08:00

Do not squander time

for that is the stuff life is made of

~ Benjamin Franklin ~

href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1803">Image: africa / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Puerto Vallarta - Part 2

2011-09-21T15:49:00.000-07:00

Here I am with a silly 'I can't believe that we are in Mexico' grin plastered on my face.

Note to self:
Don't wear a polyester tank top, a polyester long sleeve shirt, pants, socks, and runners when arriving in Mexico ...

What was I thinking???
It was hot and humid and oh, did I mention hot? We weren't in moderate British Columbia, Fraser Valley temperatures any more.

It was about at that time, complete with permanent red-faced-Lori complexion, that someone on the shuttle bus bellowed out 'Let's make a Tim Horton's stop'. We all giggled and settled into the ride to the resort hotel.

For those interested, check out this web site of our 5* Riu Vallarta hotel:

http://www.riu.com/en/Paises/mexico/nuevo-vallarta-riviera-nayarit/hotel-riu-vallarta/index.jsp

I tried to snap a few pics as we weaved in and out of traffic. Boy oh boy, do Mexicans ever slink by close to each other. I was surprised when I looked down and I swear there was only about 8" between the bus and the next car.

Anyway ... one of the first sights of interest was this thatched roof. Maybe constructed with palm leaves???? It was beautiful to me ... and we saw many like it throughout the week.

* Notice the Payless Car Rental sign ... English. Smart move for attracting tourists arriving at the airport from Canada and the USA.

Well, as I mentioned earlier, there are many signs with the Spanish and English languages ... but many without.

Don't know exactly what this road sign says, but we passed it along the way.

At one of the red lights, and standing right on the center line ... not much more than 8" like I said before ... there stood a vendor peddling his wares. See the flowers in the window? You can't tell with this shot, but they were beautiful exotic flowers too.

The bus driver ignored him and we sped onward.

Riu Vallarta is in a type of gated community about 25 minutes from the airport. Inside the gate are many condos and hotel complexes. Right away I felt safer that it had this little bit of extra security.

We arrived at about 6:00 pm ... if I can remember correctly ... I was still in a 'I can't believe that we are in Mexico' fog.

Here is a shot of our hotel lobby provided by Trip Advisor. (Note: I took many pictures, but I believe that I will supplement with a few borrowed pics. Just a heads up)

This photo of Riu Vallarta is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Beautiful tile floor, huge flower arrangement, open air ... no doors to the lobby ... just stunning. I wondered at the fact that the ceiling lights were turned off. Power outage? No. I figured out later that it is most probably to keep the heat factor to a minimum. In the evening, when needed, they were turned on. Oh, ceiling fans were twirling everywhere. There were a lot of hand painted designs on the ceiling ... and walls. Quite unique and Mexican.

Get a load of this Customer Service Desk. Intricate iron work, fantastic coffered ceilings. Love the tufted purple circular bench in the center. Probably 14 foot ceilings. All open air. Took my breath away.

And this was just the lobby.

Puerto Vallarta - Part 1

2011-09-20T22:04:00.001-07:00

After months and months of silence, I have come back to the blogging world ... and to tell you the honest truth, I'm kinda excited about it.

April, May, and June of 2011 was busy with middle child's wedding preparations and STRESS. Dreamer married Dan the Man and now live about 20 minutes away ... I will post about that grand event later.

July and August somehow didn't happen ... or at least didn't have anything contained in their days to bother posting about.

But on September 1st, Hubby announces to me that he needs to take a week off. All work and no play makes Hubby a dull boy. I quickly research hotels and B&Bs in our beautiful province of British Columbia, and await the okay to book the locations I had found. In what seemed like the last hour, we instead toss around the idea of the possibility of an Alaskan cruise.

I remembered that one of our condo tenants is a travel agent by trade. I send a quick email telling her the week we have free and the amount we would like to spend. In lightening speed she fires an email back saying that there are no cruises to be found, but what about an all inclusive to Mexico?

Mexico? Drugs ... and crime ... and kidnappings ... and the D-word that plays havoc with your intestinal tract?

"Are you kidding?" I asked.

She wasn't,
and in less than 24 hours we were booked to go to Puerto Vallarta
for the week of September 10th to 17th.

I purchased ear buds at the Dollar Store, and readied myself for the long ... almost 5 hour ... flight. I am not keen about heights, and flying is far from a fun time time for me. But with free access to many TV stations on a little screen embedded in the back of the seat in front of you, the hours quickly flew ha ha) by.

Arriving in Puerto Vallarta was uneventful except for the fact that as soon as we exited the plane, security escorted us to buses parked outside the airport building. Hmmmm we wondered, what was happening? ... The temperature inside the bus was easily in the high 30s and the humidity was unbelievable. Only a few got to sit down, the rest stood for the 'rapid transit' ride to the baggage and customs area. There we grab our bags off of the carousel and wait in the customs line. I was pleasantly surprised that all signs had English on them as well as Spanish.

We had previously been informed by our travel agent about going through customs. Customs in Mexico is a roll of the dice. Or more accurately, a push of the button. You will be asked to press a button connected to a little traffic light that will tell your future: Green light, and you just walk through, or Red light and your bags are inspected.

Hubby pressed the ominous button, and upon it flashing 'green',
we were motioned to proceed to the exit.

Next was getting through the crowds of venders and time share people. We had been warned about them. They are indeed very aggressive and are quite difficult to ignore ... but we persisted and pushed and pulled our bags through the crowd through the doors and through to the outside. There we spied our Sun Quest agents in bright red t-shirts. We gave our names, they loaded our luggage, and we climbed aboard the hotel shuttle bus.

In minutes, we found ourselves rumbling down the streets of Mexico.

Gmail Motion

2011-04-01T17:08:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since posting here at It's A Wonderful Life blog. Life got in the way AGAIN.

Although not much of a personal post, check out this link for Gmail Motion. It is the wave of the future for sure. Not only has it been proved to be easy to learn, but it improves productivity at the computer AND increases physical activity.

That latter one is a definite plus especially for us bloggers.

I give it a big thumbs up.

After watching the short video presentation, click on the TRY GMAIL MOTION to check it out.

Patience is a Virtue

2011-03-02T05:30:00.006-08:00

The ability to wait for something without excessive frustration

is a valuable character trait indeed

One Year Ago

2011-02-27T22:13:00.000-08:00

One year ago ... give or take a bit ... Genius asked out his girlfriend out for the first time. They went to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. It's a wonder they were able to stick together and not lose each other in the crowds ... but they managed and have now celebrated one year together.

For a memorable occasion, Genius took her to a lovely restaurant in Cloverdale called Elizabeth's Chalet for dinner. As the pictures show, they dressed for the formal event to make it even more special.

From there the went to Granville Island and attended a play called "Almost, Maine".

They enjoyed it immensely and came back saying it was a winner.

All in all the evening was a great success and gave them memories to cherish.

Ain't love grand?

The Ring is Missing

2011-02-22T09:41:00.000-08:00

A few days after the Valentine's engagement, Dreamer was chopping vegetables for a casserole dish. All was well with the world as she peeled, and chopped, and minced while adding to the casserole.

And then she screams ...

"Oh, no. My ring is missing!"

*** Here I insert the fact that the ring was sized at 7 1/2 and Dreamer's finger is only a 6 1/2. It's amazing how one size can make all the difference! ***

Meanwhile back in the drama of it all ... Johnnie-Girl flies down from the second floor office and 'us three' go into action trying to find the missing, less-than-a-week-old engagement ring.

Fortunately Dreamer remembers seeing it on her finger AT HOME IN THE KITCHEN while chopping the veg. Fortunate, yes, as we had spent all that morning thrift store shopping and running one errand after another.

After about 10 minutes of frantic searching ... with much prayer for assistance from God Above, Johnnie-Girl miraculously fishes the ring out of the compost bucket.

Sticky and dirty and smelly ...

but the ring was found.

What a relief to Dreamer

Without a moment's hesitation she runs it up to her bedroom and places it in a secure place in her dresser drawer.

She comes back down to the kitchen and lays prostrate on the floor.

The last 10 minutes of her life had indeed paid its toll on her body.

As I type this post, Dreamer is on her way to the jeweler to have her ring sized down a notch. I heard her say that she would rather lose a finger by having the ring too small than to go through losing the ring again.

She Said Yes

2011-02-21T15:46:00.007-08:00

Well, a week has passed, but I was not allowed to share the news until now.

Last Monday ... yep it was Valentine's Day ... Dan the Man proposed to our daughter the Dreamer.

And she said Yes

The next few months ... they hope to tie the knot in May or June ... are going to be cRaZy ... to say the least. With lots of fun thrown in too.

Stay tuned as I share with you 'what I can' of the wedding preparations.

Poisoned Cookies

2011-02-18T21:00:00.001-08:00

Tonight Johnnie-Girl is going to see a movie with a bunch of fellow fun-loving young adults. At their last 'get-together' it was reminisced how they had previously snuck an entire pie into the movie theater, divided it up onto plates and handed it out to their group.

Illegal ? - YES

but also daring and wildly diabolical

In an attempt to continue tradition, Johnnie-Girl baked up a big batch of contraband movie treats.

And being a smart young thing, it soon dawned on her that cookies do not last very long in this household. What's a girl to do?

A simply constructed warning sign was soon atop the cookies

It worked like a charm ... but did have us all wondering ...

For those who dare here is the recipe that she used. It has been modified slightly from the 'Company's Coming' cookbook entitled Cookies.

Oatmeal Chip Cookies

1 cup butter or margarine, softened

2 cups brown sugar, packed

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

3 cups rolled oats

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

3/4 cup medium coconut

Cream butter and sugar together. Beat in eggs 1 at a time. Add vanilla.

Add remaining ingredients. Mix well. Drop by spoonfuls onto greased baking sheet. Bake in 350 F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes.

Makes 5 dozen

Important Note: The above mentioned cookies are POISON FREE

Demetri Martin

2011-02-09T10:37:00.000-08:00

Johnnie-Girl introduced me to the comedy of Demetri Martin on youtube.

Funny guy.

Mostly a genius dry wit, but sometimes a bit crude for my taste in comedy.

Worth a check out though ...

Mooning Required

2011-02-04T15:19:00.000-08:00

For the past few weeks I have been having great difficulty with a pinching pain in my right leg. It starts in my 'behind' ... (can I use that word in a blog?) and circles around my leg and ends on the bottom of my foot.

Ouch Big Time

Through some internet research by myself, I believe that I am having trouble with my sciatic nerve. Apparently it is the longest and widest nerve in the human body.

The pain is there when I sit, when I lay down, when I walk .... ouch ouch ouch ... and I can't seem to relieve it.

Friends and hubby suggested that I visit a massage therapist. And after putting it off for some time, I called this morning and luckily got in today. The health clinic recommended not to see a massage therapist but rather a chiropractor.

Now the first and last time I have EVER gone to a chiropractor was about 30 years ago. It was a scary and very painful experience. Although I don't even remember why I went there then, I do remember the sheer pain and the cracking of bones ... my bones.

The receptionist I talked with today, however, assured me that times have changed.

With fear and trepidation, I enter the health clinic.

The chiropractor is young ... about 35 ... but has a genuine smile. He was gentle and apologized for any pain he gave me all while explaining that he WILL get me better.

For modesty sake he gave me a large pair of stretchy shorts to put on. They helped to calm me down for the first while, but then he had to 'drop my drawers' exposing one 'cheek' to administer massage and then put on these electrodes (?) to stimulate the muscle. The electrodes felt good and then bad and then good and then bad as it buzzed away. Did I mention the need for a giant ice pack on my gluteus maximus? It was an experience for sure.

I go back to see him on Monday.

Despite the mooning requirement, I want to get relief.

Best Western Heritage Inn

2011-02-02T16:20:00.001-08:00

A couple of times during the year, hubby and I head about 10 or 15 minutes south and check in to the Best Western Heritage Inn in Bellingham, Washington. For those of you that don't know, if you stay in the USA for 48 hours, you are permitted to bring $400 each worth of merchandise and not pay duty. That equals big savings for us.

Because we crossed the border at 6:30 pm ... 3 hours AFTER we had hoped to cross ... we were rather peckish. The extra 10 minutes to Bellingham seemed too far to travel before we could eat, so we drove up and down the main street of the little town of Lynden.

It was Friday night
and we couldn't believe that the whole town was asleep!

But lucky for us, a strip mall had one shop open ... the Fairway Cafe. If you are in the neighborhood, check it out. Big portions and friendly service.

Lynden is a Dutch community and so it is no surprise to see windmills spotted here and there throughout the town.
This one is lighted up and acts as a landmark for the the mall area.

After a hearty meal, we drive a few more minutes south and find our hotel. You would think that after the 10 or so times we have stayed at this hotel, I would have taken pictures of the pretty heritage exterior ... but no ... completely forgot again.

There's always tomorrow.

Each room has a handy mini fridge, microwave and coffee maker. We always bring bottled water while traveling and pick up a few items of fruit for snacks. I like to keep things cold in the fridge.

Of course the room features a big flat screen TV, and we checked out a few DVD from the check in desk. They even supplied microwave popcorn to make movie watching that much more fun.

Nice desk for your lap top with wireless connection. Don't you love the picture on the wall?
Now there is grand entrance I would like in my home!

The restroom was nice.
We so enjoyed the large shower.
At some time they must have removed a dated bathtub and lined the area with tile. Good idea.

And finally the personal toiletries. Quality ones too. Call me cheap ... YOU'RE CHEAP ... but I take home the unused soaps and shampoos. I keep a basket of such items at home to share with guests that forgot theirs.

Works for me.

Accuquilt Studio

2011-02-01T11:19:00.000-08:00

Today is February 2011. Did I totally miss January? I can't even remember December ....

As I hold on while the world continues to spin faster, today it dawns on me that I forgot to tell you about a Christmas present I received the middle of December. Forgetting must be a old age thing ... But my present is totally state-of-the-art ...

I got an ...

Accuquilt Studio Fabric Cutter.

Check out the tutorial videos on the AccuQuilt web site above, and you will be as wow-ed as I am.

In essence, it is a hand cranked cutting machine to accurately cut out classic quilt blocks

and cool quilt applique quickly and perfectly

They have many different 'dies' available, and although they are fairly expensive,

they are well worth it

I haven't taken any 'in action' photographs ... Accuquilt videos are much better anyway ...

but in a nutshell you place your layers of fabric (up to ten layers with the Studio model),

put a plastic sheet on top and then you crank it through the Studio in mere seconds.

Voila ... accurately cut blocks ready to sew ... and many have the dog ears cut off already!

For your information, they do instruct you to mark where the blades are on the dies with a Sharpie felt pen. And although black works, the metallic silver makes the pattern pop out of the die

and thus helps in proper placement of your fabric.

The 'picks' are used to pick out the occasional thread trapped in the blade groove.

The Studio came with one,

but for $4 at a local hardware store I picked up complete set as a back up.

This is my latest die ... Can you believe a fast and easy way to make Prairie Points?!

I hope to show how this works one day in another post.

And although the Studio is a new addition to my sewing room,

I thought that I would share with you an old friend.

This 'pleasantly plump' little sewing companion has been on my sewing room shelf for years.

She inspires me!

Chilliwack Car Wash

2011-01-24T17:37:00.000-08:00

One of my favourite things
is going through a car wash
... I know ... weird, huh?

Simple things for

simple minds I guess

During a 'road trip' to Chilliwack, we found this carwash. And because we found ourselves in a very dirty car, we followed the herd and entered the shoot.

As a side note, we ventured to Chilliwack to check out their thrift stores.

I had a list of stops, their addresses and a trusty GPS to get us there!

We had about a 20 minute wait ... if you can believe it ... to get suds-ed

and so I snapped a few pictures to keep entertained

Check this out ... Cloth Towel to wipe down the inside of your car

Armor All to nourish your interior dash et cetera

and Air Fresheners ... one vanilla scented

and the other New Car Scent ... CRAZY!

We insert our credit card in the rusted out WashWorld payment machine

We look on as the truck in front of us vanishes in the mist and spray

On a very cold winter January day, it is a wonder that we desire water to be any where near our vehicles.

I didn't get a picture, but there were icicles outside the car wash on other buildings

Suds-ed down and then ... I lost interest in him

Here is us when we entered the washing machine

Such cool patterns

Like watching a monsoon-type storm from the safety of your car

And then the peace that follows a storm ... with the back-drop of the clear mountains

And the Snow Came Down

2011-01-12T17:18:00.001-08:00

There was talk ... even a warning ... and it came. Last night we received 6 - 8 inches of snow. And as snow is known to do ... it covered everything.

Hubby woke early in anticipation of driving Johnnie-Girl to work. Her little car does not fare too well in the stuff. But once she was out to the main road, away she went. I haven't heard otherwise, so I imagine she is fine ...?

It was early in the morning when I attempted some snow shots ... Being quite the amateur photographer, they didn't turn out too well. The lighted covered patio area , however, revealed this chilly sight ... Note to Hubby: The spray nozzle must be leaking.

In the afternoon there were pretty snowy fields to admire

We have this odd tree which holds its leaves waaaay longer than any leafy tree I have seen

Notice the leaves ON TOP of the snow!

Matty loves the snow and wouldn't sit still for a portrait

Evidence of a large predator?

For God So Loved the World

2011-01-09T05:30:00.002-08:00

I know that Christmas is officially over ...

but I found this simple yet impacting youtube video that I wanted to share with you.

Jesus remains the Reason for the Season

and for the rest of the year too

Dastardly Deed

2011-01-07T11:56:00.000-08:00

It may appear that I am favouring my third born, Johnnie-Girl, this week as I am featuring her a lot lately, but the fact is that I work with the material I am presented.

A few weeks ago, Genius offered to give Johnnie-Girl a face massage as she was overly stressed with university final exams and life in general. I should point out that Genius is considering an occupational change, and is leaning towards Massage Therapy. For fun he practices on us family members on occasion, and this was simply one of those occasions.

Or so Johnnie-Girl thought.

Hours after her relaxing face massage,

she looks in the mirror to see this before her.

She had fallen victim to a

masterful prank indeed

Modern Art

2011-01-05T05:30:00.003-08:00

Before Christmas, Johnnie-Girl invested

in her first piece of modern art.

A Snow Board

She was very thrilled.

New board, bindings, boots, and jacket.

She tested the ensemble out on Monday, and came home with many happy memories ...

and an assortment of sore muscles!

Dan the Man Turns 30

2011-01-04T05:30:00.003-08:00

Dreamer's boyfriend, Dan the Man had a milestone birthday the end of December.

He turned 30

In honour of the special event, she gave him a surprise birthday party.

The theme was Senior Retirement Home and yep, it was a costumed affair.

JeBe was one of my favourites.

His cotton and icing sugared beard and eye brows

completely changed his youthful looks.

KriBa looked older, but her lovely skin gave her age away.

Girlfriend and Genius had terrific outfits,

complete with hunched backs, walker and grayed hair.

We served easily digested food for the dinner, and topped it off with cupcakes.

We had to serve easily digested food as we all know that seniors don't have any teeth!

The night was a great success,

but, alas, Dan the Man ... being an old man of 30 ...

got tuckered out after all the excitement.

White Rock Walk

2011-01-03T05:30:00.002-08:00

During the brisk, cool temperatures of winter, Hubby and I ventured out to White Rock Beach.

Years and years ago ... even before my time ... folks used to take the train out to White Rock to enjoy the peaceful ocean shores and beautiful scenery.

Although still relatively peaceful, and still beautiful, there are quite a few more visitors

and shops and restaurants and residents.

You ignore everyone else, and enjoy a nice walk along the well traveled sidewalks

and out to the pier.

The pier has been here a long time!

Halfway down the pier, I catch a shot of the official "White Rock".

The whiteness is attributed to a few coats of paint,

but the question remains ... How did it get there?

I am a sucker for pictures of textures, and the ripples of the low tide beaches caught my eye

Back on the shore, the sun is shining on some of the residences and bouncing off of the ocean

A sea gull takes a bath in the icy waters

On the pier, we spy a few crab appendages. Sure to be a treat for a sea gull when it is discovered.

A few lucky ones are allowed to moor their sail crafts along the breakwater off of the pier.

The breakwater is a beautiful sight just on its own.

Hard to believe that the shoreline was just walking trails and trees at one time.

A female sea gull stood a long time posing for me as I shot about 30 pictures.

The male counterpart was upset that I had no food offering for him and his female.

Quickly the sun went down as we returned from our pier walk.

And finally a glimpse of the cement pavers,

purchased by individuals in honour of loved ones,

that line the sidewalks along the shore.

Rather a neat idea ... I thought.

Cupcakes for Two

2011-01-02T21:22:00.002-08:00

During the holiday week ... between Christmas and New Years ... Hubby always takes a vacation. A much needed vacation. During that time he and I often ditch the kids and take a few adventures. Don't worry, no kids have been harmed during these adventures ... In fact they have long since 'ditched us'.

Anyway, after a drive out to White Rock ... I'll share those pictures with you later .. we found a Cupcake shop. Yumm-O as Rachel Ray would say.

We held back our temptation to buy a box of 12 ...

This feat was contributed to sheer will power but was combined with the hefty price of these cupcakes ...

And opted to purchase just two.

Mine was called CARAMELLA ... on the left

and Hubby picked a SNOWFLAKE cupcake

They survived the ride in the car as we drove to White Rock beach

and then further endured a short walk to a picnic table

where we decided to indulge in their goodness

As Hubby tried his, I snapped a few pictures of the occasion

Soon it was too much for me to take, so I dove into my treat.

Well worth the $3.25 a piece.

Check out this short youtube video of the shop where we purchased the cupcakes

Cupcakes by Heather and Lori

Let the Gift Opening Begin

2010-12-28T11:45:00.001-08:00

Hubby and I gave each one of our offspring a GPS for Christmas.

After many desperate phone calls to Dad asking for directions because they 'are completely lost',

we figured it was about time!

To Dan the Man we gifted a warm hoody.

Dreamer saw that we had them for our sub-contractors this year,

and requested that Dan 'needed' one too.

Genius purchased this domino set for his girlfriend.

Although the tin says Super Train, I believe the game is called Mexican Train.

Whatever it's called, she was thrilled.

Genius bought me this plush penguin.

It plays a silly Christmas toon while flapping its wings.

Just what every 49 year old needs!

Genius loves hard cover books.

This year on his wish list was the Silmarillion by Tolkien.

To his girlfriend we gave a Christian day planner as we were told that she works well with lists.

I also had collected many pieces of this glassware that she likes from thrift stores.

She was happy to get pieces that she didn't have already.

Johnnie-Girl needed money for university text books this year,

so opted out of the usual shower of gifts, and instead requested CA$H.

After the gift opening, a little fun with the ribbons and bows.

Maybe a little too much fun ...

And, of course, lots of food for Christmas breakfast.

And finally a thought to remember.

Mistletoe and Blessings

2010-12-27T13:30:00.001-08:00

During the Christmas breakfast preparation, I encountered Dan the Man attempting to steal a kiss from Dreamer ...

It was evident that the mistletoe hanging near by had a mesmerizing effect on this young man.

But not to worry, Johnnie-Girl 'came to her rescue' and squashed his advances before they came to fruition!

Better luck next time Dan-the-Man.

Anyone that knows me well, knows well that I love to decorate for Christmas. Although I do purchase new items, I find it is even more fun to find them at garage sales during the summer or throughout the year at thrift stores. Just as a tip I will tell you that I am purging my small, cutey-pie decorations and am rather turning my interests to the large and impressive.

Basil, my 5 1/2 foot tall Christmas soldier, was a gift from Hubby years ago and still has that WOW factor as he greets guests into our foyer.

And although Christmas didn't turn out as I had planned,

my kids gave me this plaque that reminded me of all the good things that I can be thankful for.

I have many MANY blessings to count!

So That Was Christmas

2010-12-26T21:18:00.003-08:00

The calendar on the wall shows me that Christmas is over for 2010. Without going into all the sad details, I think that our family ... well ... we frankly missed it.

So much so that we have collectively decided to unthaw the 'bird' and have a Christmas dinner in January. Also next month we will have the annual 'making of the gingerbread houses' and even the soon to be traditional 'making of the caramel apples', AND we will have a five hour presentation of our old family slides!!! Something to look forward too ... for sure

Enough said ... on with what we did fit in to this Christmas season.

One of the blessed highlights, for sure, was the Christmas Eve service at our church. A collection of many talented people singing, playing instruments and reciting scripture and the occasional inspirational story. Above is a snap shot of Dreamer and Johnnie-Girl as they belted it out in perfect harmony.
I was so proud ...

My friend, KaYo spoiled our family with a beautiful calendar and a box of Purdys chocolates.

There has been a lot of eating ... Dreamer and her boyfriend, Dan the Man,

forked it down during one of our many hurried dinners.

Johnnie-Girl went all wide eyed here as she poured back another one ...
Crystal Light drink, that is!

I thought that this was a weird shot of Dan the Man.

Here Dreamer is trying to teach Dan the Man how to play the simple tune "Heart and Soul".

He was getting pretty good at it too.

And finally us girls decided that Dan the Man's tie needed a little alteration.

What is it with men and stupid cartoon ties anyways?

New Pressure Washer

2010-12-08T05:30:00.005-08:00

On Saturday, Hubby opened an early Christmas present:

A brand new Honda 3000 PSI Pressure Washer

He is thrilled. For years we have used a small pressure washer that only had a few more 'pounds per square inch' force than a trickle out of a common garden hose. Not very efficient.

This was the year for the step up in pressure washers ... and early December was the exact time.

This was such a monumental time that Hubby actually took a few moments

and READ the assembly instructions! I had to get a picture of that.

He removed all the parts out of the box, and assembled the power washer in record time

Outside we went and prepared to rid the front sidewalks of years of green slime

With miles of hose, he began his slim-ridding journey

Oh what a wonderful life is lead with proper tools and white cement sidewalks!

Sushi Night

2010-12-07T20:36:00.000-08:00

On Friday night, Hubby, Dreamer and I went out for Sushi. Now let's be truthful here. Hubby is NOT a Sushi eater. In fact he strongly dislikes Sushi. But he is a good sport as he will come to the restaurant, orders Teriyaki chicken on rice, and sits beside us who actually eat the stuff.

I don't eat it often, but it is a treat on occasion. Dreamer could live on it.

Believe it or not, the best Sushi that we have found is served at a small place adjoining the Shell Gas Station.

Will wonders never cease!

First was vegetable tempura

Next was Dynamite Roll with a tuna roll

California Roll ... my personal fav

And finally she surprised us with a plate of this ... didn't quite get the name of it,

but we think that it was raw tuna.

It was very tasty ... and we didn't die from eating any raw fish ... a bonus for the night :o)

Operation Red Nose

2010-12-04T05:30:00.002-08:00

Christmas is around the corner, folks are traveling here and there visiting, kids are home from school ... all the more reason to take extra caution while driving.

Years ago, my hubby and I made a personal decision never to drink alcohol ... EVER. I am not here to stand on a soap box preaching the benefits of being a teetotaler, but for those that do partake, please think.

Don't drink and drive ... and ruin not only someone's Christmas, but someone's life.

The Canadian police force ... the Royal Canadian Mounted Police ... are airing this short commercial on TV for the month of December as a reminder to assign a designated driver, or use OPERATION RED NOSE. A program that gets you AND your vehicle home safely for FREE.

I implore you this Christmas

... if you choose to drink, please think

Fat Quarters and Smelly Candles

2010-12-03T10:27:00.001-08:00

I have been a little 'under-the-weather' lately and unfortunately, posting to my blog has been a low priority. Today I share with you a little this and that. Don't worry, we are still making progress on my laundry room renovation and I will show update pictures soon.

Last night I went to a 'New Things' presentation at one of my favourite quilting stores, A Great Sewing Notion. Two hours of showing and telling of the latest and greatest notions, patterns and must-haves. With an incentive of 15% off last night, I purchased my first ever Fat Quarter Pack.

For those not in the know, a Fat Quarter is an 18" by 22" piece of fabric. Four Fat Quarters make up roughly one yard (or meter ... depending where you live). My new pack is from a fabric line by Jenny Haskins and includes 18 Fat Quarters that although vary in pattern and colour, blend beautifully together. I hope to share with you a quilt made from the pack soon.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As a side note, if you look carefully in the pictures, you will see two recent thrift store finds. The Christmas basket full of many different Christmas floral picks and ribbon was only $2.50. SCORE! The gold candle holder base was only $1.50. I added to that a red candle and hurricane lamp to make a Christmas centerpiece.

And speaking of candles ... when I came home last night, I found this shocking display.

Hubby decided that the new 'Cedar Vanilla Spice' candles I purchased were a bit too aromatic for his liking. Apparently the 'delicate' scent carried an overwhelming punch all the way up the stairs and into his office thus making desk work virtually impossible.

Go figure!

Be Kind

2010-11-28T14:10:00.000-08:00

"Be kind,

for everyone you meet

is fighting a hard battle."

Plato

Greek author and philosopher in Athens

427 BC - 347 BC

It's a Snow Day

2010-11-25T16:55:00.000-08:00

Despite what many of you may think ...

Canada

is NOT under a year-round

blanket of snow!

But today, my friends, my small corner of Canada is!

We have received about 3 - 4" of snow last night and today here in the Fraser Valley.

It's a good habit to leave the front gate ajar just in case

the snow accumulates enough and makes opening it an issue.

Looks like the grape vines took a beating today

My family took four different vehicles in four different directions today to make it in to work.

Lucky me gets to stay safe at home.

The fields were pretty with untouched snow.

The dogs get spoiled on Snow Days as they are allowed to spend most of the day inside with us humans laying on the floor in front of the fireplace ... er ... the dogs lay in front of the fireplace ... not us!

Their favourite yellow ball will have to survive without them.

Lunch in Steveston

2010-11-24T12:20:00.000-08:00

Oooops ... sorry.

Major life happening lately and I haven't had a chance to post a ... well post.

Yesterday, Hubby and I actually had a snippet of time and headed out to Steveston for lunch.

Normally Steveston is known for its great fish and chips,

but being of that middle age group we try to avoid such

'messing with our arteries' kind of food

... for the most part :o)

A few years back we found Cimona.

Good food, reasonable price, perfect!

We climbed the icy exterior stairs

and found some yummy in our tummy.

Then back home we went.

Short and yet so sweet to have those snippets of us time.

Persian Proverb

2010-11-21T05:30:00.000-08:00

A drowning man is not troubled by rain.

Persian Proverb

Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Storms of Life

2010-11-14T05:30:00.000-08:00

Image: Mindy McGregor / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass ...

it's learning to dance in the rain

Laundry Room - Part 4

2010-11-12T05:30:00.000-08:00

New base cabinet. Ooooo so nice and clean.

Upper cabinets in, and I am so anxious that I start to put in our office supplies before the doors

... yes we will have real doors ... get attached

And what nice doors they are.

And across the room is another set of base and upper cabinets.

Hubby is putting in the last screws to help it hold together

Isn't it lovely?

Laundry Room - Part 3

2010-11-11T05:30:00.000-08:00

Dan the Man, (Dreamer's boyfriend) wanted in on the 'fun'

and starting cutting apart the counter tops, and ripping out the old.

Here he is pretending to help clean up the mess he made :o)

Hubby is busy working on disconnecting the washer and the sink

And to think that I am not fretting in the least about these 'cuts' in my counter top

Here comes another cut

Look at the saw dust ... a wonderful sign of progress!

New upper cabinets have already been installed.

Looking better all the time.

Two base cabinets have vanished from this side of the room

We wanted to keep the flooring as it is still in pretty good condition.

Because of this we had to keep the same cabinet layout.

The old cabinets have left the building.

Hubby packs away his tools for now, and I vacuum up the remains.

Laundry Room - Part 2

2010-11-10T05:30:00.004-08:00

First remove the cabinet doors ... no wait I haven't had them on for 15 years!

First remove all the ~~junk~~ worldly possessions from the cabinets.

Then hubby begins to unscrew the base cabinet from the wall.

You know in these pictures the old stuff doesn't look too bad.

Ha I chuckle ... don't be fooled.

These 35 year old cupboards with their leafy countertops were crying to be replaced.

The person whom we purchased the house from some 15 years ago

obviously took advice from the selling realtor

and 'updated' the cabinets before putting the house on the market.

Nothing like a coat of white paint slapped on over

molded jam smears, strands of hair and untold grime to tidy the place up.

Believe me ... it was time for them to go.

And away they went.

Next the upper cabinets.

Genius helped with the demolition.

One screw, two screw, three screw more ... and the cabinets came tumbling down!

Laundry Room - Part 1

2010-11-09T09:16:00.001-08:00

Fifteen years ago we purchased our home. It was a mess ... to say the very least.

Since then we have done major renovations ...

so much so that the untrained eye is not aware that our home is 35 years old.

All new ... except ... I should add .... the laundry room

We reasoned years ago that we would get on to the laundry room renovation ...very soon.

Because of this ~~fact~~ wishful thinking we removed the cabinet doors.

This only added to the dust problem and the over all clutter, dump station problem.

If we needed to store it, IT went into the laundry room. Ugh.

Ashanti Proverb

2010-11-07T05:30:00.001-08:00

Rain beats a leopard's skin,

but it does not wash out the spots.

Ashanti Proverb

Image: Bernie Condon / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Smile and Wave

2010-11-05T05:30:00.002-07:00

Recently I attended a funeral of a man that I didn't know.

His name was Jakob.

He was born in the Ukraine in 1921 and he passed into glory via Abbotsford, British Columbia.

Image: federico stevanin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

My dear friend, MaJa had the privilege of being his daughter-in-law.

I went to be there for her.

It was said that Jakob lead an amazing life. Wounded in the war, captured while on his way to receive medical help, and as a prisoner was used by the Germans as an interpreter as Jakob was fluent in both German and Russian.

He outlived one wife, and was married to his second until his death.

The preacher commented on the fact that it was lucky for Jakob that God has promised us mansions in heaven as Jakob had so many children, grand-children and great-grand-children that will follow him there one day.

What a glorious thought

At 89 years old, Jakob was fraile and laboured to breath during his last days here on earth.

We were told that just before he died, his countenance changed ... one said that he looked 20 years younger ... he then smiled, waved and was gone.

This account gives me goose pimples ...

he was smiling and waving not at those at his bedside,

but to those that came to greet him on the other side.

Image: Arvind Balaraman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

2 Corinthians 5:8

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body,

and to be present with the Lord

Fall Day in November

2010-11-04T05:30:00.017-07:00

The leaves are falling and many have been dried by the sun already. Hubby used his fancy machine and blew them into what wildly resembles neat piles. The piles go far in helping in the relative ease of picking them up ... one day.

Here is a great shot of my lens cover ... and some leaves all in a row

This tree was given to us a few years ago. Not sure what kind of tree it is, but its bark peels away as it grows. I rather like it.

Another friend gave us these three maple trees years and years ago when they were just twigs. I L-O-V-E how they display this brilliant colour variation every year.

Amongst the beauty always lurks some villainous bramble. I'll have to remember to scale it back with shears before it takes over.

Mattie, one of our dogs, must have dug under the fence in search of some furry creature living in the ditch. I wonder if she was successful in her attempt in finding him.

And finally the first barrel of fallen leaves. Lots of work, but the rewards are rich compost in the spring.

Storage Room - Untouched

2010-11-03T09:57:00.000-07:00

Half a dozen times a day I enter our food 'storage room' and then it dawned on me ... I don't think that I have shown you around in there. If I have, please forgive me.

No, this is not the remains of our Y2K storage. In fact I didn't really add much when the year 2000 was about to roll around. I have always 'stocked' up. I watch sales, use Costco, and well, it works for me to have food on hand. You never know when a crowd it going to stay for a meal.

I do can a bit ... that's Concord Grape Juice in the jars ... but don't have much time to do what I used to. I didn't take any pictures of my appliances ... they are white and large ... but I have a box freezer, upright freezer and second refrigerator in my storage room as well.

As you see by the disarray of 'stuff', I didn't PLAN on showing you my storage room today. No tidying up done here ... forgive the mess.

These chrome shelves from Costco were a bit of an investment shock to purchase, but they are well worth their weight in gold. Great looking, on lockable wheels, and easy to clean.

Canned goods are purchased generally in bulk. I love the boxes that some items come in. The cans roll down as the supply is depleted.

I arrange my cereal boxes in order of purchase. My family has long been trained to 'take from the left' ... like reading a book ... and NOT to take out of order to get at their favourite type.

I use ice cream buckets from a local dairy to store some items ... hair cutting supplies, clothes pins etc ... and save yogurt containers for a variety of uses.

Ice cream buckets line up on a shelf for easy display of lunch add-ons. Notice the Halloween candy purchased November 1st at half price ... SCORE.

My new enameled Kitchen Aid cast iron casserole. Also microwave popcorn packets fit nicely in dollar store plastic bins.

Costo spices lined in a row.

Small Rubbermaid totes store the kids toys. Although not played with now ... my youngest is 19 for crying out loud ... one day I WILL have grand kids!

And finally, one of the most important tips that I can give. Invest in a Shapie felt pen and label each can, box or bag that crosses your food storage room threshold. Many items don't have a visable expiry date and yet your own date with stand out to remind you when to use by.

Happy organizing

Tiramisu Toffee Dessert

2010-11-01T10:02:00.002-07:00

Hubby and I were invited to dinner at a friend's place Saturday night. I offered to bring something, ... she requested dessert.

Dessert! Not really my specialty, but ...

In haste I scrambled to my favourite food web site ... All Recipes and found a recipe that was sure to wow.

I made a few variations ... Tip: Always read the comments that others make on the recipes ... and it turned out to be a blue ribbon winner. A zillion calories, but sometimes you just have to indulge.

Tiramisu Toffee Dessert

1 (10.75 ounce) package frozen prepared pound cake, thawed; cut into 1” chunks

3/4 cup strong brewed coffee

1 cup white sugar

1/2 cup chocolate syrup

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese

2 cups heavy whipping cream

2 (1.4 ounce) bars chocolate covered English toffee, chopped (No toffee in the house, so I substituted chopped-up butterscotch chips and added chocolate shavings)

Directions

Arrange ½ of the cake chunks on the bottom of a trifle dish or glass bowl. Drizzle ½ of the coffee over cake.
Beat sugar, chocolate syrup, and cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
In another bowl beat the whipping cream at medium speed until light and fluffy.
Fold whipping cream into 'frosting' mixture.
Spread half this mixture over cake.
Sprinkle with chocolate-covered toffee candy.
Arrange remaining cake chunks on top. Drizzle with coffee. Spread remaining frosting over cake.
Sprinkle with toffee candy.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but no longer than 24 hours to set dessert and blend flavors.

Yummy in my Tummy

Halloween Confusion

2010-10-31T05:30:00.001-07:00

What do you think about Halloween?

Some candy and a bit of fun for the kids?

Image: Tina Phillips / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Check out Annie's Halloween Page here to help you ponder a few facts about this 'harmless' night.

~ * ~

I'm just asking you to keep an open mind.

Those Were the Days

2010-10-30T05:30:00.029-07:00

My dad emailed me this photograph from what we think was 1966 ...

That's 44 years ago folks.

Me and my 'brudders' in 1966

I am the makeup-smeared-clown on the right. Yes ... I was once five years old!

My younger brother is the cutie on the left.

And the #5 man ... my mom's loving attempt at sewing a Superman costume ... is my older brother.

Life was wonderful even back then

Quick Chicken Pot Pie

2010-10-28T19:43:00.001-07:00

Today I decided to convert many of my recipe card, scrap paper, and computer printed recipes to My Demy. It takes time, but it is so worth it. If you didn't get a chance to see my post on my new kitchen gadget, check it out here.

So for tonight I was inspired to make Quick Chicken Pot Pie which was on a tattered and stained recipe card. It was a family favourite when my kids were growing up, and I pleased the family again tonight by making it.

It's simple to make and simple comfort food.

Chicken Pot Pie - Serves 6

Carrot and potato simmering away

Add chopped onions to carrots & potato

Meanwhile cook the chicken

Cut butter into the dry ingredients

Add milk and stir to make soft dough

Add condensed soup, stir and add to casserole dish

Pinch off dough and 'plop' on top to cover

Bake ... but don't burn top :o)

Quick Chicken Pot Pie

1 medium carrot

1 medium potato
----------------
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 small onion
---------------
1 can mushroom or cream of chicken soup
2 cups cooked chicken - chopped
1. Chop carrot and potato and cook in small amount of salted water until tender — about 10 minutes
2. Add peas and onions and cook a few more minutes
3. Do not drain, add mushroom soup and meat. Heat through
4. Pour into greased casserole
5. Spoon biscuit mixture evenly over top
6. Bake uncovered at 425 F for 20 – 25 minutes

Biscuit Topping

2 cups flour
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cream of tarter
---------------------------
1/2 cup butter or margarine, cold
1 cup cold milk

1. Mix together first 5 ingredients
2. Cut in butter. Stir in milk

Hanging Squash

2010-10-26T05:30:00.003-07:00

We used to have 99 laying hens that provided our family with fresh eggs, and also a bit of an income.

The kids were young and needed chores to 'build their character and work ethic'. But alas now we've sold off the flock and have been purchasing the neighbour's eggs.

He drops them off on Saturday mornings directly into our sad looking rusted-out mailbox right outside our front gate. Our two dogs LOVE to see him coming, as he gives them doggie treats.

This past Saturday he left me a treat as well.

Attached to twine, a beautiful butternut squash from his garden.

THANK YOU neighbour for your genorosity

and for the lovely eggs.

Kooza

2010-10-25T05:30:00.002-07:00

A few days ago I attached a youtube video featuring the talents of Chris Wheeler who is field reporter for British Columbia. His videos are AMAZING to say the least.

I found this one video that I would like to share with you today about

Kooza by Cirque de Soleil.

MAGNIFICIENT ... DEATH DEFYING ... REALLY NEAT-O

Ahh ... Words can't describe ... Just check it out yourself

The Scriptures Say

2010-10-24T05:30:00.019-07:00

Let the words of my mouth,

and the meditation of my heart,

be acceptable in thy sight,

O LORD,

my strength, and my redeemer.

Psalm 19:14

Image: dan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Adam's River Sockeye Salmon Run

2010-10-23T10:31:00.002-07:00

Dreamer & Dan the Man

Last week Dreamer and her boyfriend (Dan the Man) traveled north to Salmon Arm to visit his brother's family.

Okay, okay, I realize that salmon don't have arms. Hardy har har

But seriously folks, they had a wonderful time visiting, and also enjoyed the beauty of Salmon Arm.

Adam's River to be specific.

Adam's River sockeye salmon run

Apparently every four years (2010, 2014, 2018 ...), Adam's River hosts a three week long party to celebrate the sockeye salmon run. Check out details here.

Sockeye salmon 'running'

For those that don't know, salmon swim back to where they were born ... hatched ... to lay their own eggs. This is what is known as a Salmon Run.

It is quite a spectacular site to behold.


Up close and personal informative salmon display

Dreamer & Dan the Man

They had a great time being in God's great outdoors and looking at the wonders of His creation. Imagine being able to be INSIDE a mighty tree trunk to take this shot!

Then finally, after a four hour drive back home, they end the day at a BC Lions football game. It doesn't appear that they are saddened by the fact that their team is doing so poorly this season :o)

~ * ~

You have to take the time to check out this video clip

of Adam's River Salmon Run

~ * ~

Four Monks

2010-10-22T05:30:00.003-07:00

Weeds Glorious Weeds

My neighbour and ourselves each have crushed gravel driveways and parking area. Certainly not beautiful like the stamped cement ones I see at executive homes, but they do the trick for our humble rural homes.

My neighbour's driveway is winding through trees and almost completely weedless. Ours, on the other hand, is vast and weedy. Remember my post called Weeds Glorious Weeds? Yep, we got weeds.

We needed help. I called my neighbour and asked her secret. Vinegar!

Here is her recipe for weed control:

8 cups white vinegar

3/4 cup salt

1 tbsp dish soap

~ * ~

Combine all ingredients in a bucket and fill a spray bottle with liquid.

Spray weeds on a clear day.

(Stubborn, large weeds take a few applications.)

Four Monks White Distilled Vinegar

I generally don't use vinegar very often, and the little bottle I had was, well, little.

So during our recent Costco run I purchased a box containing two 1 gallon bottles of Four Monks White Distilled Vinegar.

I haven't tried it yet ... rain has hindered my experiment ... but she swears by it.

I also did a little research on vinegar uses and the best site I have found is Vinegar Tips. Amazing what they claim you can do with vinegar

Church Open House

2010-10-20T10:21:00.003-07:00

Bible verse painted on church foyer wall

On Saturday, October 16th we were invited to attend the Grand Opening of the Aldergrove Canadian Reformed Church. Hubby and I certainly love looking at new construction ... especially churches.

Just before the cutting of the ribbon, Hubby bumped into an acquaintance of his. Upon introduction to his wife, I discovered that she had an integral part in the church design ... specifically the kitchen. As I leaped inside, I asked if she could give me a private tour. She consented and off we went for 2 1/2 hours of informative enjoyment. Call me weird, but really ... everyone has a passion. I 'heart' architecture and design.

With your permission, I will share some of the really good ideas that they had ...

Linoleum just in front of their kitchen serving counter that opens into the carpeted fellowship hall.

Smart thinking for those inevitable spills and mishaps.

I had inquired about this piece of counter top leaning against a wall in a side storage room ...

Celia told me that between the two islands in the center of their 'spectacular' kitchen there was a metal lip upon which the counter piece could be placed IF more island space was needed. Otherwise, the 'between' space acted as a walk-through or for storage of garbage cans etc. You have to see it, to appreciate it.


Lovely new appliances and stainless steel sinks

I was excited about the dishes that they purchased for their church. Commercial bone china ... if you can believe it.

Durable but light. The large sauce r doubles under the soup / dessert bowl AND acts in its regular role as coffee / tea saucer. WOW!

Board room table curved OUT to enable adequate viewing of all sitting down


Lovely etched glass on bottom pane in sanctuary windows

I thought this was a good idea too. Some of the views from the sanctuary windows are not pleasant. AND it is distracting seeing someone walking by outside the windows during the service. These etched panes allow the light to come in yet significantly lowers the distraction level.

And finally I
LOVE LOVE LOVE
what they chose behind the pulpit. Muted tan coloured stone with simple pot lights from above.

In my opinion it's timeless.

Bravo

Aldergrove Canadian Reformed Church

A Man Named Pearl

2010-10-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

Do you ever get a chance to skip merrily from one blog or web site to another? Well, I happened upon a bit of time and landed upon this movie trailer featured on you tube.

I don't know much about the man, or the movie, or his impact ... but I think it might be worth a look see.

A Man Named Pearl

I found another video presenting a slide show of his work.

Doesn't it inspire you?

Just a Trim Off the Back, Please

2010-10-18T05:30:00.003-07:00

Would you trust your daughter with a pair of scissors ... around your head?

I do.

Granted no need for a 'Noble Peace in the Family Prize' here. I don't think that it has much to do with the trust factor so much as a cheap gene.

And a lazy pair of jeans thrown in as well.

You see, my hair grows at an astronomical pace. How could I justify paying someone to cut my hair on a regular basis ... and where do I get the time?

Years ago when my hair was long and ... well ... just long ... Hubby squeezed his fingers into a pair of professional hair dressing scissors given to me by my sweet mother.

Now there was trust!

But I reasoned ... we had no money, and if he messed up, HE was the one who most cared about how I looked ... and besides, ALL hair-dos grow out ... eventually.

So today it's ... Snip snip snip

The kitchen floor is littered with my Nice n Easy coloured hair.

It's cheap, super fast, and proves to be a great bonding experience

~ * ~

I figure my hair style ... or lack thereof ... isn't the only thing holding me back

from becoming the next Miss Canadian Beauty Queen.

I can't twirl a baton!

Danish Proverb

2010-10-17T05:30:00.003-07:00

Better to ask twice

than to lose your way once

Danish Proverb

Image: Evgeni Dinev / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Costco Run

2010-10-16T05:30:00.004-07:00

We cross the border into the USA every couple of weeks.

Passports: It's the law

First we secure our needed passports, then we check out the web cam of the border crossing to see what the traffic is like, and finally, if everything looks good, we proceed south for about 1 or 2 minutes. We are fortunate to live very close to one of the Canadian / USA border crossings.

Passport photos never do anyone justice

We take our place in line and await our turn to cross. The interaction with the border guard does not take too long. As a seasoned border crosser, we go through a routine: Remove sunglasses, roll down windows so that he can see into the vehicle, and answer all of his questions with complete short answers. Oh, don't forget the eye contact.

Really it is never a problem.

Once waved on, we drive about 20 minutes until we arrive at our destination:

Costco USA

My daughter loves to assist me in a Costco run for one reason alone:

Many of the cashiers and stockers

... not to be confused with stalkers ...

are young men in their twenties.

Good looking young men in their twenties

I suppose that I should take comfort in the fact that my 'baby'

has all her toes and fingers

... and a complete set of raging hormones!

Moses Supposes

2010-10-15T12:02:00.000-07:00

Moses supposes his roses ... decomposes

A while back we invited dear friends over for dinner.

I provided the food,

she spoiled me with a dozen lovely roses.

Peach coloured roses with pink tips ... delightful!

But as ~~all~~ many good things come to an end,

the roses faded in time

Sadly they were leaving me

And then they were gone, and joined the ranks of compost

destined to return to the earth

To the Dump ... To the Dump

2010-10-14T21:01:00.003-07:00

To the dump, dump, dump ... Add a bit of background music and our monthly trip to the dump almost sounds glamorous ... Okay, I said almost.

Living on a rural property, and running a home business in construction, our family generates its fair share of waste.

Now before you jump on my back about saving the earth ...We compost every scrap of fruit and vegetable waste, and we recycle all paper, cardboard, plastic, glass jars, and tin cans. Come to think of it, I'm rather a card carrying Recycling Maniac.

And yet we still have garbage cans galore to take to the ~~dump~~ transfer station.

Wikipedia says ... A transfer station is a building or processing site for the temporary deposition of waste. Transfer stations are often used as places where local waste collection vehicles will deposit their waste cargo prior to loading into larger vehicles. These larger vehicles will transport the waste to the end point of disposal in an incinerator, landfill, or hazardous waste facility, or for recycling.

About once every month or so, we (okay mostly hubby) load up the filled garbage cans into one of our trailers.

The garbage trailer is in desperate need of a paint job, is quite rusted out, but it does a good job despite its sad exterior.

(I can relate to this trailer on so many levels ... tee hee)

Garbage Conveyor Belt

Our local transfer station is run very efficiently.

Cardboard Bin

Not only are we able to bring our household waste to throw into this huge garbage eating machine, but they allow a vast array of donations.

One bin provides a place for our piles of flattened cardboard boxes.

Metal Mountain

For any metal that we have, we are instructed to 'fling' it onto this monstrosity.

Looks to me like a bizarre

modern art sculpture!

Dirt, and weeds, and sticks .. Oh my!

And finally the disposal of any yard waste.

Each component of our waste is carefully separated and hopefully used in an earth friendly way.

Canadians have a great opportunity to help retain a beautiful ... and wonderful world.

Do you do your part?

Change It Up A Bit

2010-10-13T22:25:00.001-07:00

Tonight I had a little free time, and thought that I would change my blog space a bit. I like the leaves on the side, but not too keen on the brilliant white in the middle.

Do you have any thoughts on the matter?

Chipping Away the Dross

2010-10-13T10:52:00.001-07:00

"A sculptor does not use a 'manicure set' to reduce the crude,

unshapely marble to a thing of beauty.

The saw, the hammer and the chisel are cruel tools,

but without them the rough stone must remain forever formless and unbeautiful.

Michelangelo - Unfinished sculpture

To do His supreme work of grace within you,

God will take from your heart everything you love most.

Everything you trust in will go from you.

Piles of ashes will lie where your most precious treasures used to be!"

Aiden Wilson Tozer

Gifted Hands

2010-10-11T22:08:00.000-07:00

A while ago I received a gift card from House of James (a Christan book store in Abbotsford). I'm not so much into reading books, much to my shame, but I do enjoy a good movie as you may have guessed already.

Hubby and I walked into the DVD section and were set back by all the movies that they offer. After perusing the descriptions of almost all of them, we chose one called Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story.

Run, don't walk, to your local Christian book store and purchase this movie. You will not be disappointed.

Here is another youtube video of some inspiring words from Ben Carson.

And they are indeed inspiring.

Caught in a Little White Lie

2010-10-08T10:56:00.000-07:00

Dreamer emailed me this story ... not sure where she got it,

but it's worth sharing with you and giving you a chuckle.

The Church Bake Sale Cake

Alice Grayson was to bake a cake for the Baptist Church Ladies' Group in Tuscaloosa, but forgot to do it until the last minute. She remembered it the morning of the bake sale and after rummaging through cabinets, found an angel food cake mix and quickly made it while drying her hair, dressing, and helping her son pack up for Scout camp.

When she took the cake from the oven, the center had dropped flat and the cake was horribly disfigured and she exclaimed, "Oh dear, there is not time to bake another cake! This cake was important to Alice because he did so want to fit in at her new church, and in her new community of friends. So, being inventive, she looked around the house for something to build up the center of the cake. She found it in the bathroom - a roll of toilet paper. She plunked it in and then covered it with icing and crushed candy. Not only did the finished product look beautiful, it looked perfect.

And, before she left the house to drop the cake by the church and head for work, Alice woke her daughter and gave her some money and specific instructions to be at the bake sale the moment it opened at 9:30 am and to buy the cake and bring it home.

When the daughter arrived at the sale, she found the attractive, perfect cake had already been sold. Amanda grabbed her cell phone & called her mom. Alice was horrified - she was beside herself! Everyone would know! What would they think? She would be ostracized, talked about, ridiculed! All night, Alice lay awake in bed thinking about people pointing fingers at her and talking about her behind her back.

The next day, Alice promised herself she would try not to think about the cake and would attend the fancy luncheon / bridal shower at the home of a fellow church member and try to have a good time. She did not really want to attend because the hostess was a snob who more than once had looked down her nose at the fact that Alice was a single parent and not from the founding families of Tuscaloosa, but having already RSVP'd, she couldn't think of a believable excuse to stay home.

The meal was elegant, the company was definitely upper crust old south and to Alice's horror, the cake in question was presented for dessert!

Alice felt the blood drain from her body when she saw the cake!

She started out of her chair to tell the hostess all about it, but before she could get to her feet, the Mayor's wife said, "What a beautiful cake!"

Alice, still stunned, sat back in her chair when she heard the hostess (who was a prominent church member) say ...

"Thank you. I baked it myself."

Alice smiled and thought to herself, "God is good.”

Health Store Draw Basket

2010-10-07T10:40:00.001-07:00

A while ago, Hubby and I attended a health fair at a neighbouring Health Food Store. I bumped into two ladies that I haven't seen for years and so spent the majority of my time 'talking'.

Now in my books, talking is a necessity of life. It brings joy to me and maybe even passing some degree of joy to others.

A time to share our triumphs and challenges ... and we all experience both.

But back to the fair ... While visiting with my friends, Hubby sampled organic goodies had a complimentary therapeutic neck and shoulder massage, and put his name into a draw.

He came out of it with a tummy full of goodness,

a kink-free neck and upper back,

and you guessed it ... a winning ticket!

The store phoned here yesterday and shared the joy ... see how talking spreads a little sunshine? ... and I promptly hopped into the car and sped to retrieve his basket.

Mostly organic, the items included:

Tooth paste gel

Mustard Bath (Hmm that will be interesting)

Apple chips

Lotion

Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar Drink (not too bad)

Dental floss

An official Ear Wax Removal Kit (Everyone needs one of those!)

A pack of special 'guaranteed to freshen your breath' chewing gum

Some little pots of eye and face makeup

A collection of individual mouth wash packets

A little bottle of sea salt

And half a dozen sets of wooden disposable cutlery sets. With the term 'set', I mean knife and spork ... an odd utensil that acts as fork and spoon.

A great haul. Always fun to stretch ourselves and try new things.

Send a Tissue or Two

2010-10-05T07:37:00.002-07:00

Check it out ...

Follow this link and you can send a pack of Kleenex to a friend for free.

What a fun promotion!

(Only available in Canada and the USA)

Campbell Valley Park Walk

2010-10-04T15:16:00.003-07:00

Oh, the beauty of October.

And landing in one of my top four favourite season too!

The falling leaves, the crisp weather,

the busyness of woodland creatures readying for Winter. Lovely.

Drawn by the autumn winds, Hubby and I did an almost scandalous thing on Sunday and skipped church.

We headed out to an affluent new sub-division in Langley called High Point ... Very ritzy, very equestrian ... and toured a few of their show homes. They sell in the $1 - $2 million range, but it doesn't cost anything to take a look :o)

After that we happened upon Campbell Valley Park. The weather was perfect, so we decided to take a hike ... literally. Lower Lake Loop is described as easy hiking and measures 2.3 kms. Didn't sound too daunting. And really it wasn't. We rested only once (for me to catch my breath) and enjoyed the exercise.

We were surprised how much wild life there was. Ducks swam in the water and hunkered down in the marshland.

Black and brown squirrels abounded and were not the least bit afraid of us. Their tameness was probably due to the fact that many walkers leave seeds for them to eat.

Although I am not sure of the 'nature factor' of feeding wild animals, I must admit it certainly added interest to the walk to see them up close.

Along the way the trees were majestic and the winding path added variety around each turn.

And the birds ... so many different types of birds.

And, thankfully for me, there were a few benches along the path too.

And of course the fallen leaves.
I'm such a sucker for the crunch of walking on dried leaves.

And at the end of the hike, Hubby and I sat at a picnic table and read to each other until not only had we completed our little book, but had used up all of the day light.

~ * ~

What a wonderful day to add to my Wonderful Life Collection.

~ * ~

I do hope that you take time to walk on some fallen leaves. And be sure to tell me about it too :o)

Beverage Tags

2010-09-30T13:21:00.003-07:00

We often have a 'group' over when we entertain. Not only is it more fun with a variety of colourful personalities, but it eases up the hostessing responsibilities for me. Not the work part, although my friends do help in the kitchen, but the talking part. Now I love to talk, but sometimes it is tiring to be the conversation-carry-on-er at a party.

But enough of that.

This post is for something completely different. I'd like to share a little hostessing tip for helping your guests remember which glass belongs to who. I have tried the ugly masking tape ... YUCK ... for picnic Styrofoam cups we let everyone write their name with pen or marker ... but for something a little special ... I have always wanted Wine Glass Tags. (Just as a side note, we don't actually drink alcohol, we just enjoy using the pretty glasses).

I have been researching Glass Tags for some time now, and never could wrap my wallet around purchasing them. Specular ones are about $15 for a set of 4. Dollar Store cheap-o sets are ... well ... a dollar or two. The idea of glass tags was perplexing ... What if I had more than 4 guests which was our entertaining case most of the time? Do I purchase many different sets? But each set only varied in colour not design. Then it hit me. Why not make my own and have EVERYONE of them different? Easy to add to the set because they are ALL different.

First I collected 'wild' costume jewelery from my favourite thrift stores. Three pairs of earring for $1 and bracelets for 25 cents each.

Get a pair of snips, and cut apart the jewelery to produce a collection of beads and trinkets.

For $4.99 I bought a package of 60 wire hoops of assorted sizes. Normally they are used for earring creations, but you have to think outside the box if you want to save $$$.

What a fun morning I had creating these one of a kind Glass Tags.

I will still be looking for more bobbles to add to this collection, but who doesn't love a good garage sale or thrift store hunt!

And Then There Were None

2010-09-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

Dame Agatha Christie, (15 September 1890 – 12 January 1976), was a British crime writer of novels, short stories and plays. She also wrote romances under the name Mary Westmacott, but she is best remembered for her 80 detective novels—especially those featuring Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple.

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Christie is the best-selling writer of books of all time and, with William Shakespeare, the best-selling author of any kind. Only the Bible has sold more than her roughly four billion copies of novels. According to UNESCO, Christie is the most translated individual author, with only the collective corporate works of Walt Disney Productions surpassing her. Her books have been translated into at least 103 languages.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Her books are undeniably brilliant, but for a different slant ... check out a movie version. One of such is AND THEN THERE WERE NONE. There have been several film adaptions of the novel, but the first by Rene Clair in 1945 remains my favourite.

^{Story Outline:}

Ten people of different social classes have been invited to a mansion on the fictional Soldier Island, which is based upon Burgh Island off the coast of Devon. Upon arriving, they are told that their hosts, a Mr. and Mrs. U.N. Owen (Ulick Norman Owen and Una Nancy Owen ), are currently away, but that the guests will be attended to by Thomas and Ethel Rogers. Each guest finds in his or her room an odd bit of bric-a-brac and a framed copy of the nursery rhyme "Ten Little Soldiers" hanging on the wall.

Before dinner that evening, the guests notice ten soldier boy figurines on the dining room table. During the meal, a gramophone record plays, accusing each of the ten of murder. Each guest acknowledges an awareness of (and, in some cases, involvement with) the deaths of the persons mentioned, but denies either malice and/or legal culpability.

The guests realize they have been tricked into coming to the island, but find that they cannot leave: the boat which regularly delivers supplies has stopped arriving. They are murdered one by one, each murder paralleling a verse of the nursery rhyme, with one of the ten figurines being removed after each murder.

Check it out here on youtube.

Baby Shower for JaPo

2010-09-28T09:57:00.001-07:00

Eleven months after a young couple in our church got hitched, we are hosting a baby shower for their little one.

JaPo (again with the secret name to protect their identity), is a dear sweet baby and momma JePo has settled right into motherhood.

I don't have too many pictures, but wanted to share a few.

These little gift boxes were given as prizes to the games, as well as thank you's for those who helped with the shower.

We stuffed a 3"x4" zip locked bag with Jelly Bellies and put them into the decorative candy boxes. Although we have done this before at church, Jelly Bellies always seem to be a hit.

One of the games that a select few were asked to participate in was IDENTIFY THE CHOCOLATE BAR.
A simple enough game, except the chocolate bars were melted and then smeared into little, teeny, tiny infant diapers.

It really looked like ... well you know!

Dreamer was one of the chosen few, and really got into the bizarre fun of the game.

Most spectators laughed along as the contestants examined, smelled, and even tasted the diaper contents.

There were only a few that just couldn't stomach the thought.

Happily no one had to run out of the room!

Egyptian Head Dress

2010-09-27T11:14:00.000-07:00

Genius' girlfriend volunteers at a Christian kids club on Tuesday nights. This Tuesday is Egyptian night.

Oh, those wonderful times when you can play dress up!

They headed to a dollar store for inspiration, and came home with a costume broom of sorts with shiny gold tinsel attached to the end ... Sorry no picture ...

They popped off the handle

and proceeded to create

an Egyptian head dress.

Genius headed out to the work shop and cut a head band with frontal arched cobra out of sheet metal.

Yep, that's why we call him Genius!

They covered the head band with tin foil to protect Girlfriend's scalp from the sheet metal sharp edges AND to make it shiny and glittery.

Next they attached the 'hair' and gave it a bit of a hair cut.

And looky here,

an Egyptian head dress