Happy Sunday........

Well I think my photos of yesterday for the photo hunt were a bit to graphic for some and for that I apologize. So today I will make it a bit lighter....actually a lot lighter...

These are photos from around my smalltown......you can click on the photo to enlarge.

Life is a pure flame, and we live by an invisible sun within us.

~Sir Thomas Brown~

Happy Sunday all!!

Saturday Scavenger Photo Hunt

This week's Theme is Technology

When I first started thinking of this theme I immediately started thinking about the technological advancement that have been made in in some many areas. Once such area is in the medial field. The advancement that been made in diagnostics and surgical areas is amazing.
the machines like the MRI, the CT scan PET Scans, Haida scan, endoscopic diagnostics, and laproscopic surgeries have all been achieved in our lifetime

My husband over the past 2 years experienced first hand the changes in technology... First it was for his shoulder. Warning some of these photos may not be suitable for those that are weak in the stomach.

This is my hubbies shoulder first day post op. Technology is such that they were able to insert a tube into his wound which was attached to an apparatus that delivered pain medication continually for the first 48 hours.This is what the wound looked like 7 days post op. Notice the two staples one in front and one in the back. Those were the result of a laporascopic procedure being done. That's where the scope entered his shoulder. Unfortunately for my hubby the damage was to severe so they ended up opening his shoulder. However, technology was such that it at least provided an opportunity to attempt a less invasive procedure.

Warning these next photos are not for those with weak stomachs.
Last spring my husband had to have repair to his bicep. There was an infection he had to undergo two surgeries. The first photo is very graphic.....


This is his bicep they had to open it up and leave it open for two days in order to drain it. They then went in and debrided the wound again..

After the second surgery they put in that drain to drain any further excess fluid.....

This is his wound post op day 4, the drain is out, and it is healing well....thanks to technology.

IF you would like to join in on the fun please check out. tnchick for all of the instructions. Happy Hunting all!!

Give Aways

In visiting some of my blog friends I have come across a few bloggers who are having give aways just in time for Christmas....so if you are one who likes to participate in give aways and meet new bloggers this is a great way to do it.....

Elaine At Home with Elaine is giving away vintage paper. Elaine has a lovely blog all decked out for the Christmas season.

Pat over is having a giveaway to celebrate her 400th blog post as well as her second blogiversary...this gorgeous Lenox Teapot!! Click on the button below to bring you there to enter.Mille Fiori Favoriti

Now with the American Thanksgiving behind us Christmas preparations are in full swing. I generally don't think of decorating until the first weekend in December but now with only having two days off a week I don't feel like I will have much preparation time. I think I am going to put up my lights, and decorations on the weekend but not the tree. My girls will be coming on the 12th of December for a visit so I think we will do the tree then. I am kinda of excited. I won't play any Christmas music until December first...I'm a bit of a stickler about that one.

Funny I am already feeling a tad stressed about not having one darn gift bought, any baking done nothing. One blogger brought to my attention that there are only 28 days till Christmas, well my goodness if that didn't but the fire under me. I know I will get it all done,but I will have to use my spare time wisely. Geesh....can we stop the clock just for a moment.

Happy Day all!!

Home for the Holidays......

I was watching a American newscast yesterday and one of the topics discussed were store closures on Thanksgiving. I can't remember exactly which state it was but I know it was an eastern state. Anyhow, the debate was that some retailers are allowed to stay open i.e. Drug stores and other stores are not i.e. Department stores. So they took the question to the street and ask the average person what they thought.

It turns out that most people would like the option of being able to shop on Thanksgiving if they so chose. I guess I wouldn't argue with that. One of the major issues against not wanting the stores open is that they felt workers should have an opportunity to spend a day with their families....I don't think you can argue with that either so how do we find a balance?

We hear so much about the decline in the family unit. Families not spending enough time together. Again, I can't argue that. We see that statistically that there is a huge increase in children spending more time at home alone with electronics as their babysitter resulting in an increase childhood obesity being on the increase(I will save that for another post).

Being a person who works in the health care environment which operates 24/7, I know first hand what it is like working on a holiday and not being able to be with your family. Personally I think it sucks. When my children were little I worked casual(although I worked full-time hours) I was able to schedule my hours that would limit my time away from my children. I didn't want my work dictating when I can spend time with my children. I did my share of working Christmas Eve night shifts, or Mother's Day, Easter and many of the statutory holidays, but the two holidays I just would not work was Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Those days were and still are very important to me, and personally I don't care what they paid me I wouldn't work those days.

Now that my children are older I have become more flexible. I still haven't worked Christmas or Thanksgiving I certainly would not even consider going shopping on Thanksgiving nor Christmas or Boxing Day.

So I ask you, how do we as a society find balance between the business market prospering and workers being able to spend time with family on these holidays.

Happy................

Today is my darling middle daughter's 21st Birthday. I can't believe she is that old and how quickly time has flown.

I remember my mom telling me that in England where she grew up, your 21st birthday was a big celebration. The family would have a huge party and often one of the gifts you would receive was a key. I know it was to represent entering into adulthood and opening the door but I could remember the other significance so I looked it and here is what I found......

The Key

The handing over of the birthday key is a 21st tradition, symbolising the freedom to open new doors and accept new responsibilities. You can get a fresh key cut and put it in a nice presentation box or have one set in a necklace. Some people do the birthday cake in the shape of a key.

I remember getting a key for my 21st birthday. My sister Eileen gave it to me. I treasured that key. When my eldest daughter turned 21 I passed it on to her and I hope she will pass it on to her children if and when that time comes.

So here's to my darling daughter and I wish all the happiness in the world!!!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving for my friends just south of me. I want to wish them all a very Happy Thanksgiving and that you have an opportunity to spend it with those you love!

This week's H orT theme is "SOFT"



The first thing I thought of when I thought of soft was the softness of a baby's skin. This picture is of my Great nephew and his mommy........


Here he is having a nice "Soft" cuddle with his mommy


And finally here he is having fun on his nice "Soft" blanket....

If you would like to join in on the fun please check out. Skittle's Place for all the instructions.

Happy Tuesday all!!!

When you least expect it.....

Isn't life funny. Sometimes when you least expect something someone comes along and does something absolutely nice just becasue. Today was one of those days. Today hubby and I had been out doing some errands....one such errands was going for groceries. While standing in line hubby excused himself, said he was going to the truck to let our dog Bert out for a bit of a walk. As I am departing the store with the buggy full of groceries he says he has to go and make a pit stop. That's fine, I actually didn't expect him to help load the vehicle with the groceries as he has been suffering terribly with a bad back.

Anyhow, I get the truck loaded and keep an eye out in my rear view window for him, anticipating that I will back up and pick him up. I spot him coming out of the mall and I start to reverse and make my way to him.....he is carrying something in his hand. It's covered in plastic....oh what have you gone and done I think to myself. Did he just go and buy me and unexpected Christmas ornament or something? Well he gets into the truck and of course he passes the parcel to me. I take the cover off and what do I see but the most gorgeous bouquet of red roses, 2 dozen to be
exact. Needless to say I started to cry.

There is something about receiving something just because......those to me are the best gifts ever......Aren't they just lovely!!!!

I can't believe it is almost the end of November. As for many the fall is often a very busy time. With back to school,Thanksgivng and preparations for Christmas. Well before I can even start to think of Christmas I have 5 birthdays I have to tend to. One such birthday is that of my youngest daughter. She celebrated her 17th birthday at the end of last month. I travelled to the mainland to celebrate it with her. I was staying at my sister's place so I had my girls all come over to celebrate. I made dinner and we celebrated with cake and fun. One of my other sisters was able to join us so it was a lovely evening of just the ladies.

Here's me with my three daughters. Youngest of course is the middle cutting the cake. A good time was had by all.

This week we celebrate my middle daughters 21st birthday. She is getting spoilt. Her very good friend is treating her to a weekend in Vegas for her birthday. Oh my goodness! I don't ever remember my friends doing anything like that for birthdays. But it seems to be the way with both my eldest daughters....they rent limos, hotel suites, houseboats, you name it and they go all out....no wonder they never have any money....but boy do they ever have a good time. This will be middle daughters first time to Vegas and she is really excited needless to say. They are hoping to catch a show while they are there. Will see....I think party and pool side is more of what they have in mind. Anyhow, I really hope she and her girlfriends all have a wonderful time.

Here's wishing you all a fantastic week ahead!!!

Camera Critters

Hubby and I were out on our inaugural boating trip when we decided to go to Ford Cove on Hornby Island. Ford Cover is a very quaint little place and very picturesque. These little critters we spotted on the Beach ....there was quite a display of them....I think what caught my eye with these starfish, was their vibrant and contrasting colours...

If you would like to join in on the fun....please check out Misty Musings for all of the instructions....Happy Sunday!!!

Saturday Scavenger Photo Hunt

Well here's another meme I haven't played in a long time. It's Saturday Scavenger Photo Hunt....this weeks theme is "Birds" Yipee for me, I love birds.....if you would like to join in on the fun please check out...tnchick for the instructions.

These photos are a small sampling of some of the birds that have visited my property....

Purple finch
American Golden Finch

Great Blue Heron seen in the tree at the top of my driveway

In this small clip you can a Fox sparrow, Golden Crowned Sparrows, and you can hear a woodpecker in the background.....I hope you enjoy it. Happy Hunting!!

Head or Tails Tuesday

This weeks theme is Autumn Memory...................

One of the first things I recall about a fall memory is when I was a little girl going to school and the smell of apples and pears in my lunch bag...there was just something about that smell. Then came the smell of burning leaves after the hours of raking the leaves in the yard.

The wonderful colours of fall. The leaves turning to vibrant hue of yellows, orange and reds. The great times rolling in the mountains of raked leaves. The wonderful walks in the cool crisp fall morning air.

When my girls were little we would go for walks and collect leaves. We would bring their favourite leaves home and with my supervision we would press leaves in between two pieces of wax paper and then once they had melted together we would cut them into shapes and tape them to the windows. We loved to decorate for the fall, with garlands and gourds, harvest smelling candles, and of course the smell of baking.

With fall came canning. The girls would help me can beets, onions, and pickles. When we had the plum tree and rhubarb patch we made a lot of jams. Oh yes and let's not forget the berry picking and canning and freezing.

With fall we have Thanksgiving and Halloween, again a time for decorating and festivities. Two of my girls have birthdays in the fall, so along with all the other fall events birthday celebration are high on the list of things to celebrate and prepare for.

With fall, comes the storms. The winds really pick up in the fall and we have lots of power outages. But what I love is being close to the ocean and watching the waves come crashing in, the seagulls and eagles catching the wind and soaring high in the sky.

Here is a pictroal representation of what autumn is to me.....

Samples of canning, and pumpkin breadMaking an autumn apron for my daughter......

The temporary shelters after a wind storm......
The crazy storms on the west coast of the Island...the is a photo of the search and rescue boat doing a training session....I'd love to be on the bow of that boat....yahoo!!!

Anyhow, those are memories of Autumn to me....

If you would like to join in on the fun please check out Skittles Place for all of the instructions.

Camera Critters....

It was near the end of a glorious fishing day when we came upon this wonderful sight...these guys were right up next to our boat. There were about 30 of them.....just simply amazing....we were breathless.....These are Pacific White-sided Dolphins.....

If you would like to join in on the fun please check out Misty's Musings for all of the instructions!

Happy Sunday to you all!

Is this what it takes......

Do you remember the athlete Kareem Abdul- Jabbar? It appears that Mr.Abdul-Jabbar has been diagnosed with a rare cancer "chronic myeloid leukemia." Rare in deed. When I heard of his diagnosis a shudder went through my body. I have only heard of two other people with this disease, although I am sure that there are many more. One of the people was a patient I cared for and the other was my sister.

A Rare cancer indeed, you could imagine back in 2002 when my sister was diagnosed that we were all shocked and in disbelief. This cancer when detected generally is found in the male population and males in their 60's to 70's. My sister for obvious reason did not seem to fit this group. This disease in the simplest of terms is a disease that effects the bone marrow where blood cells are made. Her diagnosis was detected from a simple blood test. This test discovered she had what they called Myelodasplastic Syndrome. The first and only chance my sister had for survival at that time was to undergo chemotherapy and then a bone marrow transplant. Her first obstacle was trying to find a bone marrow match. Needless to say that every member in my family wanted to be a donor. It was my sister Kathleen who ended up being a perfect match. How extremely fortunate for my sister Eileen, as finding an exact match can be very difficult and time consuming...something that she didn't have. My sister Eileen underwent the transplant and spent 8 weeks in an isolation room as they had to wipe out her immune system and then hope that the bone marrow would take.

Eileen and I in September 2002, just before she started her treatments

It was December 2002 Eileen was given the go ahead to be released from hospital. She was in great spirits. She celebrated a wonderful Christmas with her family and was surround by so much love.This was taken in the later part of January 2003....She makes bald beautiful!

January 2003, she took a turn for the worst Her platelet counts were falling at alarming rates. She required platelet transfusions every other day. We all took turns taking her to those appointments. She endured so much. She tried all kinds of treatments. But it wasn't to be. My dear sister lost her battle to MDS on March 4th 2003 just, 7 months after being diagnosed and a month shy of her 50th birthday.

This photo was taken just a month before her passing....

So the other day when the news broke about Kareem, it was my husband who drew the comparison of Kareem and my sister to my attention. There are many forms of MDS which they seem to rate at low and high risk. My sister fell into the high risk category.

Since my sisters passing, my family has entered a family team in a walk called "Light the Night" walk for Lymphoma and Leukemia. This walk took place just last month. Our team ended up in the top 10 fundraising groups and my brother was in the top 5 fundraisers. My dear sister may be gone but never forgotten. The Light the Night for Lymphoma and Leukemia is not only a walk to raise money for research but a walk to draw "light" to this devastating disease. Now with Mr. Jabbar's diagnosis, maybe this might draw more attention to this rare disease and provide education and encourage more research into this disease.

I wish Kareem all the best in his journey for good health and hope he continues to have strength and courage to keep this disease at bay and to keep it in the public forefront.

Dreams.......

Lately I have been having very vivid dreams. Those kind of dreams that when you awake you wonder if it was really a dream or did you actually experience it.

The other night was no exception. I dreamt I was in a trailer like cabin. It was located next to a river. It was welcoming and warm and brought good feelings. I was surrounded by familiar faces and faces I didn't know. When I awoke from this dream I could remember most of it and thought to myself that I should write it down. But as I attempt to do this now parts of the dream elude me. What I do recall was the fast running river. The water in the river was dirty and murky...in my dream I believed it was like that because of the current. Somehow I end up getting pushed into the river....I wasn't afraid....I remember hitting the water and almost touching the bottom....when I surfaced I shouted to those on shore that it was shallow and how I almost touched bottom. The next I remember was that I was floating down the river and then scrambling to get out....I awoke shortly there after. It was the part of being pushed into the dirty murky water that stayed in my mind, and I couldn't help but wonder if there was any significance to this. So I went to look it up in a dream interpretation book. This is what I found.....

To see muddy or dirty water in your dream, indicates that you are wallowing in your negative emotions. You may need to devote some time to clarify your mind and find internal peace. Alternatively, it suggests that your thinking/judgment is unclear and clouded. If you are immersed in muddy water, then it indicates that you are in over your head in a situation and are overwhelmed by your emotions.

And then I came across this interpretation of dirty water......

To fall into muddy water, is a sign that you will make many bitter mistakes, and will suffer poignant grief therefrom.

I am sure there are other interpretations of the dream primarily the dirty water. The first interpretation seems to fit. I did fall asleep the other night upset and confused about some personal issues, and hence I think that is where the muddy waters come into play. I do believe that our dreams in part are manifested by things we experience in reality. Issues that we tend to bury or worry us or thoughts that fill our mind during the day carry on in our dream world.

I have always been fascinated by dreams. As a child I had a recurring dream for years....I still remember parts of that dream to this day....but I no longer have that dream, and the reason for that I believe is due to the fact that I dealt with the issue that was causing me to have those dreams.

I know I dream in colour. I have dreamt of brightly painted rooms, ships and bright gowns. I have felt warmth and cold in my dreams. I have certainly had my share of what I call nightmares, primarily triggered by scary movies, but some have most certainly been triggered by the events that unfold during the day.

When I was looking up dream topics on the Internet I came across this and thought it as an interesting concept:

There are two kinds of dreams. There are dreams that we have while asleep and dreams that we have while we are awake. What is the connection between the two types? Both kinds of dreams are about the yearnings that are held deep inside us. Some of these desires are so secret that we dare not share them even with our closest friends. Those of us that dare to put our dreams down on paper are showing the courage and faith that they will come true. © Dream Poems from Family Friend Poem

" Oh Sleep! It is a gentle thing, Beloved from pole to pole" ~ Samuel Taylor Coleridge ~

And so with that I shall go seek slumber and hope that my thoughts take me to far away places full of whimsical fancy.....til morrow....

Lest We Never Forget....

I am sitting here staring at a blank screen, thinking about things to write. I could always write about this terrible flu I have been dealing with for the past 12 days. This headache that is so intense that it makes having your tooth pulled without any freezing a joke. I should have stocks in McNeil Pharmaceutical. Speaking of which, I really wonder how my liver is making out after all this Tylenol I have had to ingest in order to keep these wretched headaches at bay?.
But no I won't go on about the flu....no I shall rise above that and find something more enlightening to talk about. Hmmmmmmm.


Tomorrow is Remembrance Day. A day in which we take a moment to remember those who have fought in wars in order that we may have the freedoms we so enjoy today. A few years ago I posted about how I had the honour and privilege of meeting a relative of the late Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D.(1872-1918). I would like to share with you excerpts from that post I did back in 2006

"November the 11th. Remembrance Day in Canada and for my friends to the south of me it is Veteran's Day.

..... as a child I remember learning about the poem "In Flander's Field" it was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army. He was a surgeon attached to the 1st Field Artillery Brigade. He was a new doctor and he wrote about his experience as a field surgeon.

I remember reciting this poem every Remembrance Day and as a class we would draw and colour pictures of poppies, and tape them to the class windows. We often would have a visit to the class by a Veteran, who would share stories of the war with us.

Today thousands of veterans and families will gather to celebrate their loved ones lost in battle. We will dedicate a moment of silence in their remembrance. Our fellow country men and women who so bravely gave their lives so that we all my live in lands of peace and harmony.

I also think of our loved ones who are on current tour of duty and pray for their safe return home.

"IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow Between the crosses row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields."

"Lest we never forget"

Sniff, snufflle, cough and hack......

Well the flu season is in full swing.

I am sure everyone is feeling they have heard just about enough about the H1N1 virus and vaccination, but please bear with me as I would like to put my two cents in.

For the past five years I have run the "flu shot clinic" for my doctor's office and I have really enjoyed it. I think one of the things I enjoyed the most was the opportunity to talk with folks who were there not because they were ill, but rather they were trying to prevent an illness. In preparation for the clinics I always do the research on what is the contents of the vaccine, side effects and contraindications. This year was no exception.

This year in fact was far more challenging as the government was gearing up for the H1N1 campaign and were changing the rules on who and when people could get the "seasonal" flu shot and who and when people could get the H1N1 vaccine.

The government's change in the administration of the "seasonal" vaccine really threw many people for a loop. At the beginning they seemed to be changing their minds almost daily on who should get the shots, and when they should get them. As a healthcare professional I felt this very frustrating as I was being asked regularly what I thought about the vaccines, and how the government was proceeding with the administration of the drug. It was very difficult to get my head wrapped around their rationale for who would get what vaccine and for what reasons. In this case I am talking about the "seasonal" flu vaccine.

You see up until this year anyone who wanted the "seasonal" flu vaccine could get it. Healthcare workers were almost forced to get it. What I mean by that is that as a healthcare worker if you were sick with the flu and opted not to get vaccinated you were penalized. Anyhow, this year they changed all that. They decided that the first folks who should get the vaccine were people over 65 and anyone with a chronic illness. Well you can imagine the flack I got from people when I told them they didn't meet the criteria for the seasonal flu vaccine.

Now we are at the stage for the H1N1 vaccine. Again, government is being very restrictive on who should be the first to get the vaccine. They decided that pregnant moms, people with chronic aliments(especially those with respiratory issues)and Indigenous people should be amongst the first. Now don't get me wrong here, but wouldn't you think that you would want your front line workers to get the shots so they could remain healthy to care for these folks or be able to go out and provide the immunization clinics? Well as far as the government is concerned that is not the case. I am not sure, but I suspect part of their decision came from the fact that they say they didn't have enough of the vaccination to go around. And yet, we hear stories of athletes getting the vaccination, politicians getting the vaccination....and yet...still a front line health care provided did not qualify for the vaccination! I am not certain what swayed the governments minds on who would be first in line, but starting last week healthcare workers who had direct contact with H1N1 patients or healthcare workers themselves who had chronic health issues i.e asthma would be able to get the shot if they wanted it, as far as I was concerned the goverment and health authorities were being reckless not to immunize those who would have direct contact with these people. It just seems like a logical thing to do(but when did the government do anything that was logical)make sure the folks that are responsible for caring for the ill are available to you...and by being available to you that would mean ensuring they are protected from the virus.

The H1N1 virus has been around for awhile now...people were getting sick with it in the spring and summer months. The government and health authorities have spent so much money on stupid mail out cards, when they should have been focusing on getting the drug approved, and ready for distribution.

This is a pandemic and we all need to keep ourselves very informed and make the decision that we believe is right for us. I am not here to debate the pros and cons of vaccinations I am hear to help ensure that folks continue to stay informed.

I think our best defense in situations like this is to use common sense, wash your hands, sneeze and cough into your arm.....don't spread your germs to others....keep a sanitizer in your bag, purse or pocket. If you have a fever and are coughing STAY home!!!!!!! Your colleagues and those that you might expose to your germs will thank you.

I really think this H1N1 virus is a huge wake up call to society. Hygiene and health smart is what is going to turn this around.

Another Memorable Weekend.....

Another full weekend come and gone....but certainly will not be forgotten.

What a weekend. Saturday had me up early to catch an early boat to the mainland. The plan was to do the Night the Light 2009 for Leukemia and Lymphoma. For the past five years my family has entered a team in remembrance of my dear sister who lost her battle with cancer. This would be my first year as previous years I have always been working. Anyhow our spirits were high. Our team beat our goal for raising over $5,000.00. We were very proud! In the 5 years that my family has participated in this walk we have raised over $15,000.00! Way to go family.

Anyhow, as I said our spirits were high. Unfortunately the weather did not want to cooperate with us. It's almost as though the weather gods waited till we started the walk for the torrential down pours to begin. I have never been so soaked....well not since I was a kid and deliberately stood under a rain spout and had the water pour down on me. It reminded me of Gene Kelly in Singing in the Rain. I actually started to do puddle dances...and a bit of a Charlie Chaplin manoeuvre through the puddles...actually I think some of these puddles were really miniature lakes....water up over our ankles at many parts of the walk. One wouldn't expect such puddles seeing as we were walking on the seawall in Stanely Park which a paved flat surface......but there they were.

It was a 5km walk...in order to keep our spirits high we sang a variety of songs, held our candles high, helium balloons abound and carried our banner with pride, and merrily made our way around the designated route. Once we got to the finish line, we took appropiate photos, the organizers had a great band there playing awesome music so we dance a bit with the band....but our soaked clothes were starting to win out. My dear sister had offered to have us all over to her place to warm up and have some cheer.

When we arrived at her place every one quickly stripped down out of their drenched clothing with the females raiding my sister closet to find something warm to put on while their clothes were in the dryer and the men were in varying stages of dress which made for very good giggles.

Speaking of giggles....don't you just love what helium does to your voice.....way to funny....my comedian sister was the first to inhale the gas....and of course she had to say the funniest thing...putting us all into fits of tears.....yes a helium party it was.

After we ran out of balloons we started to reminisce primarily speaking of my deceased sister....we realized that this was the first time in a few years that all the remaining 5 sisters had been together...it was a wonderful time or remembrance.

There were many things to celebrate on Saturday. My dear niece gave birth to her second child...a daughter .....she gave in the wee hours of Saturday morning as was home by the afternoon....proud grandma...aka my sister A. already has pictures of this darling little bundle of joy...and she truly is a lovely little thing. This past month we have had two new additions to the family....my sister A also became a grandma to a bouncing baby boy at the beginning of the month.....so her family is really starting to grow....with these to new additions I think that puts the number of great nieces and nephews up to 10! WOW!!!

The the pies ta res once.....while we were all sitting and chatting my sisters H phone rings...it's my sister P's. daughter.....she was looking for her mom......well.....good new once again....my dear sweet niece was calling to say she had just got engaged!!!! Oh Thank goodness my brother in law had his camera handy as he got the most wonderful photo of my sister P. when her daughter was telling her the good news....it was absolutely priceless.....I truly feel blessed that I was there and able to speak to my niece right then. We were all in tears....tear of joy and happiness of course. So it looks like there is going to be a wedding down under in 2011....Yahoo!!

Well with all of the excitement I didn't put my head on a pillow until 0100....that may not seem late to some, but I had to be up by 0500 to catch the first ferry back to the Island.

It was a very full weekend....as as I said it will be one that will be marked on the calendar!

Photos coming....and lots more to share....but I will save that for another day!

Cheers all!

The search is on......

This past summer along with having a houseful of guests we also played host to our guests canine pets.

Hubby and I have always encouraged family members or friends to bring their dogs when they come for a visit. This summer was no exception. Our first guests brought their dog and that dog was with us for a month. Bert just loved having a buddy to play with.

It was so nice to see Bert jumping and runny about like a little puppy. It was great exercise for him and companionship. Hubby and I couldn't help but notice how much fun Bert had with the other dogs. It was so enjoyable to watch. It didn't take long to determine who was the Alpha dog, and for Bert to lay the ground rules for the other dogs.

In observing Bert's interactions with the dogs, hubby and I realized how much Bert would benefit from having a full time companion.

This isn't a decision we take lightly. It's a big responsibility. Many things need to be considered. Like the temperament of the other dog, and would the other dog be compatible with our dear Bert. Another consideration, because of my allergies I really need to minimize the dog hair....so a non shedding dog would be great. I also want a dog that has a friendly temperament.

Many of my colleagues at work have dogs and some have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to dogs. Today for example I just so happened to mention to our clerk at work about what kind of dog I would like and the next thing I knew she was showing me pictures of dogs that she thought would be appropriate for us.

The dog that caught my eye was the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier....what a darling dogIsn't that the most cuddly looking dog? I think so. My problem lies with the fact that I really don't want to get it from a breeder, but rather from a rescue. I think there are enough homeless dogs out there that I shouldn't have to go to a breeder. We got our dear Bert from the SPCA, Bert had been abandon when he was a pup and needed a home. Getting Bert was one of the best decisions hubby and I have made. We would like to provide a home to a dog who really needs a home. So we are on the search for a resuce facility which is not to far from home. I think that might be a tall order.

Getting a pet is a serious matter. One that shouldn't be taken lightly. I look at it like this; when you decide you want to start a family you think long and hard about the pros and cons , you realize that you are making a life altering decision. I believe the same principles apply when you are considering getting a pet.

So the search is on....We want a dog that will be compatible with our life style and us with their temperament, and that Bert will enjoy being around. Tall order I know......but wish us luck!

Thanksgiving Weekend

Summer has come and gone and we are well into Fall. As much as I love summer I do love the sights and smells of fall.

With this past summer being so dry we weren't allowed any fires all fires were banned. Finally this past week the fire bans were lifted and back yard burning is now allowed. There is something about the smell of an outdoor fire. The burning of the leaves and brush.....it just brings back memories....the raking of leaves.....the gathering and stacking of wood for the upcoming winter. Ah yes fall.

We just celebrated Thanksgiving this past weekend and what a full weekend it was.

Friday evening was a great start to our weekend. Hubby and I went to our local Legion for a little social. They were having a meat draw. I don't know how many of you have ever been to a meat draw. They are quite popular for places like the Legion as they are a good fundraiser. Anyhow at the meat draw you buy tickets, there is a table full of a variety of different types of meat and cuts. If you are fortunate enough to have your ticket drawn you go up to the table and pick out what meat you want. Well wouldn't you know one of my tickets was drawn. So up to the table I went. There was a beautiful pork roast, some steaks, and chicken. I am not a red meat eater but when I saw the steaks I thought of my hubby and how much he would appreciate having a nice steak. So that is what I picked. As the winner you have to draw the next number....so I put my hand in the tickets bucket mixed the tickets about turned my head and drew out a ticket and gave it to the announcer. I had just made it back to my table when he called the number.....guess what.....it was my number....what were the chances of that....A little sheepish I went up to claim my prize. This time I picked the huge pork roast that I had eyed the first time I was up there! Yippee.

There was way to much meat for us so I invited some friends for Saturday night dinner.

Saturday was a busy day. Hubby had to go to work, so I busied myself preparing for my guests arrival. I was a woman on a mission. Not only was I preparing for dinner but I had to bake desserts for Saturday and to take with us for Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday. I started my preparation by cooking and canning a dozen jars of pickled beets. I know I know what was I thinking doing that along with everything else .....ah well....I just did.

After the beets were done it was onto the baking. First I baked some pumpkin cookies with butter orange icing....after that I made the pumpkin pecan pie.....and finally I made the blueberry apple crumble for Saturday nights dinner.

Desserts were cooked it was now time to start preparing the veggies and appetizers for dinner. While things were baking in the oven I cleaned the house prepared the table....and being the candle crazy woman that I am I ensured my candles were are ready to go....you know ambiance....hubby got the wood and the fire was lit....the guests arrived and we enjoyed a lovely evening of laughter. My friend brought her youngest daughter who is eight. I wondered what I had in the house that might entertain her....then it hit me.....my craft room. So I took her up to my room and asked her what she would like to do...would she like to draw, make cards, or jewelry. She opted to make jewelry...so out came the beads and the string and we took it all downstairs so she could be close with us and I set her up at the table. There she busied herself making earrings and necklaces....it was rather entertaining as she decided that she was making an earring for both my husband and her dad.....and yes they were good sports and wore the earring....well at least while she was around.

Along came Sunday. As I had already prepared the dessert the day before all I had to do was make the appetizer. This time I made a stuffed brie with cranberries roasted pecans and maple syrup wrapped in phyillo pastry.....along with that hubby had just recently made some smoked salmon so we took that with some herbed goat cheese.....I am drooling just thinking about it.

Anyhow we had lots of time to spare before we had to go for dinner. So hubby decided that he wanted to take me on an adventure. Somewhere he has wanted to take me to for a long time. It's called Mount Arrowsmith....I think I have shared photos of this mountain with you in the past. Anyhow if and when you make it to the top....you truly feel like you are on top of the world. There are a lot of logging roads and switchbacks and it is very easy to miss a turn. Which I think happened to us....but that didn't matter.....in one day we saw both the west and east side of the island....it was spectacular. On one of our missed turns...which I will call a fork in the road to adventure we came to a dead end. That was ok as it provided us with a most spectacular view of a river below and nothing but mountains.....looking up in an area that had been logged we noticed a most interesting site....it was like someone had made planks and formed them into 12' by 8' flat and leaned it up against two huge tree stumps...it just look so odd. I was curious and really wanted to get a closer look. Well what a mistake....as I started my climb I didn't realize how almost vertical this was....hubby said it was about a 25 - 30% incline....it was crazy...all I knew was that is was far more challenging than I ever thought.....it gave me a great respect for the loggers who transverse these mountains caring their chainsaws and ropes. Anyhow, I got to about 100yards of this thing when I had to take a break and sit down....whilst sitting down I looked out and realized how high I was.....I was WAY to high for my liking....it dawned on me that I would have to make my way back down....and believe me.....going up is much easier than the climb down. My hubby was down on the road by the truck....he occasionally would look up at me to make sure I was ok. At one point I tried to shout for him...but he couldn't hear me...then I attempted to whistle....he still couldn't hear me......I knew then that I had gone to far....if he couldn't hear me and if anything should happen I would be in trouble....that sealed the idea for me that I should start heading back. I finally made it back down to the truck...a little sore and scratched...but I made it. By this time we had to be heading home in order to make it for dinner on time. Remember when I talked about those switch back roads....well I think we took a left when we should have taken a right. Yes we got a tad lost....well not lost...let's say we just extended our adventure for longer than anticipated. Funny thing was that when we managed to make it back to civilization what should cross the street in front of us but a big black bear!

Yes it was a full weekend of fun, social gatherings and adventures.

I hope you had a enjoyable weekend as well!