August 31st, 2012 - the official end of summer (not in my mind though) Where did August go? The long weekend is here and it's time to get ready for school. Wait - I'm past that stage. The only thing I have to remember is to slow down in the school zones. I even started that today, because although no students had started, the parking lots were packed with teacher cars.
No big plans for the long weekend. I'm actually working Monday, so really it's not a long weekend for me. It's just as well that I didn't take the day off, as it looks like I have another funeral to go to. It's a very sad day today, my precious Aunty Bea passed away. She was one of the most gracious, classiest, funny, gentle, talented, independant, strong woman I knew. She was 50 years old when I was born, and she never seemed old to me. So if you've done the math or if you've seen past blogs, you know she turned 100 this past May. I can see the smile on Uncle Casey and my Dad's face when she crossed over to see them. I'm sure she had many family and friends there to meet her. I would only ever want to live that old, if you could guarantee me I could be just like Auntie Bea. I am really going to miss her. I'm so glad I got the chance to sit down with her a number of years ago, and get some of the Zoback history. R.I.P Aunty Bea.
Haven't heard the son's voice in a few days, but I've seen him on different media devices, so I know he's out and about. The daughter is busy working at Spruce Meadows, so when she comes home at night, she's pretty tired and doesn't stay around too long to chat. That leaves me and Bill. But although summer is over, golf season is not (yeah) and Bill is out on the course as I type.
I guess it's time to get my desk cleared off, and put my feet up for the night.
Enjoy your weekend everyone.
Stacey
Friday, August 31, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Day 5 of August
I'm downstairs waiting on the laundry so I thought it would be a good time to get caught up on the blog.
Last weekend had a great time at Reggaefest. Not a fantastic time, but a great time. Janice and I have worked the Green Room for the past 4 years. This year, they just seemed to have too many volunteers in that area. We were basically bored. We let the other girls serve the alcohol and food, so Janice and I spent most of the time walking around talking to staff, volunteers and of course the entertainers. When you're not busy, the four hours seem to drag on. After our shift, a couple of Janice's friends came by so, we didn't really get a chance to just chill and relax. We finally left around 11:15 and walked back to Janice's place. It was a beautiful evening and the weather showed up for the show.
I spent most of last week helping the son prepare for his departure. I can't believe it's time for him to head back to University. Was he even home........ I look around the house, and oh yes he was. So Friday morning, Bill, Patrick and the daughter's boyfriend head out in the rain, with a truck full of furniture to transport the son back to school. After a quick stop in Langley to drop off the boyfriend, Bill and Patrick continue on their way. On the way home, Bill will stop back in Langley and pick up the daughter and the boyfriend and arrive home sometime in the late evening. Did I mention I've had the house to myself for the entire weekend. Today's Sunday, and it's 8:44 in the evening and I haven't even gotten out of my pj's. The laundry is up to date; the son's room is back to acceptable standards; mending in caught up; all the bathrooms have been cleaned; ironing is done...and I squeezed in a nap and a cooler. Who needs to go on a vacation - just send everyone else!!!!!!!!
Back to the grind tomorrow. Ok, not really a grind, but the PJ's will be off much earlier.
Better get the vacuum put away!
S
Last weekend had a great time at Reggaefest. Not a fantastic time, but a great time. Janice and I have worked the Green Room for the past 4 years. This year, they just seemed to have too many volunteers in that area. We were basically bored. We let the other girls serve the alcohol and food, so Janice and I spent most of the time walking around talking to staff, volunteers and of course the entertainers. When you're not busy, the four hours seem to drag on. After our shift, a couple of Janice's friends came by so, we didn't really get a chance to just chill and relax. We finally left around 11:15 and walked back to Janice's place. It was a beautiful evening and the weather showed up for the show.
I spent most of last week helping the son prepare for his departure. I can't believe it's time for him to head back to University. Was he even home........ I look around the house, and oh yes he was. So Friday morning, Bill, Patrick and the daughter's boyfriend head out in the rain, with a truck full of furniture to transport the son back to school. After a quick stop in Langley to drop off the boyfriend, Bill and Patrick continue on their way. On the way home, Bill will stop back in Langley and pick up the daughter and the boyfriend and arrive home sometime in the late evening. Did I mention I've had the house to myself for the entire weekend. Today's Sunday, and it's 8:44 in the evening and I haven't even gotten out of my pj's. The laundry is up to date; the son's room is back to acceptable standards; mending in caught up; all the bathrooms have been cleaned; ironing is done...and I squeezed in a nap and a cooler. Who needs to go on a vacation - just send everyone else!!!!!!!!
Back to the grind tomorrow. Ok, not really a grind, but the PJ's will be off much earlier.
Better get the vacuum put away!
S
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Day 4 of August
I never realized how much a dentist and piano tuner have in common. First of all, they are both late. 9:45 is only 35 minutes late, but when you are trying to get rid of a barking dog, you need some sort of plan. But I guess the biggest similarity is the both lecture you on waiting so long for a check up. I will admit, 9 years is a little long on waiting to have the piano tuned (it would also be a long time in between dental check ups). I do have many excuses; I was waiting for the furnace to get cleaned - and we all know the story behind that one. Nobody but me is playing it, and I've been a little busy (ok, that was a very poor excuse). Needless to say I didn't tell Albert the piano guy any of my excuses, I just hung my head in shame, and agreed to not wait so long next time. I've even booked in my calendar a reminder for 6-8 months. And I guess the last similarity would be the cost. But considering how long it's been since the last tuning, we might still be ahead. But I have made myself a promise, to get on that piano at least once a week.
Here is a plug for another great product I have discovered; Soft Soap Body Butter Coconut Scrub. It's a very inexpensive way to bring the tropics to yor senses in the shower every morning. To me, it reminds me of suntan lotion that I wore in Hawaii. The best part, it is cheap compared to a lot of those fancy, dancy scrubs out there. Rose, I think you'll love it. I know Walmart carries it.
Only four more days until Reggaefest. This will be the fifth year that Janice and I have volunteered in the Green Room. If you get a chance to come down, it is a wonderful family venue. Lots of great music, food, and the weather is supposed to be beautiful. If you want to avoid the cost of getting in, volunteer four hours of your time, and your entrance fee is covered. Will keep you posted on how the day goes.
Well I better get stuff ready for work. I am thinking Albert might just about be finished.
Later
Stacey
Here is a plug for another great product I have discovered; Soft Soap Body Butter Coconut Scrub. It's a very inexpensive way to bring the tropics to yor senses in the shower every morning. To me, it reminds me of suntan lotion that I wore in Hawaii. The best part, it is cheap compared to a lot of those fancy, dancy scrubs out there. Rose, I think you'll love it. I know Walmart carries it.
Only four more days until Reggaefest. This will be the fifth year that Janice and I have volunteered in the Green Room. If you get a chance to come down, it is a wonderful family venue. Lots of great music, food, and the weather is supposed to be beautiful. If you want to avoid the cost of getting in, volunteer four hours of your time, and your entrance fee is covered. Will keep you posted on how the day goes.
Well I better get stuff ready for work. I am thinking Albert might just about be finished.
Later
Stacey
Monday, August 13, 2012
Day 3 of August
That is a cereal bowl filled with hail! Yes, Hail. There was a storm that passed through our part of town last night. I was sure the sky light in the bathroom was going to break. And you can only imagine what happens to a five car family, with only a three car garage. The only two cars that were safe was Bill's Bat mobile and my baby CRV. The truck was parked outside; Ashley's crv was parked outside (but it was already written off with hail damage when it belonged to Uncle Ben) and Patrick was out driving/parking in the storm, so the Hyundi has a few (quite a few) dents. Bill's to do list is getting longer and longer and longer. On the bright side (which Bill failed to see) nobody was injured. And I thought living in Calgary was a safe place, weather wise. Where is all this crazy weather coming from?
It was a busy weekend. Saturday we had a family dim sum get together. Bill's cousin Kenny was home for a few weeks. He teaches English in Korea and took his holiday time to come visit family. There was a house full and lots and lots of food. It was good to see everyone. Kenny's Mom, Auntie Mary wasn't able to join us as she was participating in the events going on in China town. Auntie Mary was pregnant with Kenny when we got married and I beileve Kenny was born 15 days after that. I was awake at 4:00 in the morning and decided to get up and get stuff ready. No use trying to sleep if I was going to be awake thinking about it anyways. I think the last person left around 3:30 in the afternoon. It was time for my nap. I had one of those "lack of sleep and dehydration" headaches. It finally left by Sunday morning.
Sunday was pretty quiet during the day. I got up early to take Mom shopping. When I talked to her Saturday night, she asked if I was busy as she needed to get out for an hour just to feel better. How could I refuse. Ever since I talked to my OT friend and found some articles on seniors, I'm am having a better understanding of what Mom must be going through. I'm pretty sure she is dealing with depression. You can talk to her one day on the phone and she sounds like the life has been squeezed out of her. Her voice is very monitone and there is no enthusiasim. And then the next day, I can be talking to her and we'll laugh and giglle the entire time on the phone. Every week when I visit her, I try and take new pictures on my i-pad to show her. Well there not really new pictures, but new to her. She loves it. And this visit, I had come across a picture of Barry on the golf course website. I made a copy of it and framed it for her. You would have thought I had just given her a million dollars. She asked me if I could get up to date pictures of her other kids. Guess I'll get working on that. So after 2 hours in Walmart, just walking, and having a smoothy we headed home. Even then Mom wanted me to come for a visit. I'm hoping to get over during the week to help her feel better. I wish I could convince her to go to activities in the manor. I think she is slowing down and she's even finding it hard to do her laundry now. I offered to do it on a weekly basis, but she's hoping Tracey will want to. Mom thinks she is doing Tracey a favor by offerering to pay her, but I think deep down, she's just hoping to see more of Tracey and Sharry. Oh well, I'll leave the offer for her.
I had hoped to accomplish a lot this morning before I left for work this afternoon. Other than my blog up date, I really haven't covered too much else on my list.
I guess procrastinating on the blog isn't helping. I better get my butt in gear.
later \
Me
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Day 2 of August
Do siblings ever stop squabbling? I guess that is a really dumb question considering I have three siblings!
And the subject of the squabbles - a clean bathroom! Really people! If everyone would just clean up after themselves when they walk out of a bathroom, the major clean-up wouldn't be that bad. I could go on and on, but I don't think there would be an end.
Had a nice long weekend. We headed over to friends for a BBQ on Sunday. Now normally, an evening BBQ is pretty tame, but this BBQ was at our tequila friends house. Need I say more. Of course I was prepared - we took my car so I could be a designated driver, and I was. We brought plastic bags in case they were needed, they weren't. Bill did however, close his eyes as soon as he sat in the car, and didn't open them again until morning (except for getting from the car to the bed). Hmmmm, I really couldn't think of anything I wanted to buy. And then it came to me. I have been bugging Bill for the past few summers that I wanted solar lights in the garden. So Monday morning I went to Walmart (end of season sale) and got my garden lights.
Monday also brought our kids home to us. Technically Ashley got home Sunday but we were home late and she left early Monday for work. Is it wrong to be looking at the calendar for our next kid break. I guess if I want to be honest, I miss them when they are gone for too long (without communication).
A funny story to tell: A few weeks ago, I sent an anonymous letter to a girlfriend. I addressed the envleope to her without a return address. It was just a cute little note (hopefully she thought it was cute too) and I gave her a few hints in the letter as to who was sending it. It didn't take Shaunan long to figure out who sent the letter. Then the following week, I get an envelope in the mail with no return address or name who the letter was for. It only had our address. In the envelope was this tiny, tarnished ring. It didn't look familar to me and didn't seem like it was worth much. Naturally I assumed Shaunan was recipicating with her own little joke. I phoned her to let her know I received it. Shaunan denied she had sent anything; she even swore on her mother's grave (1st clue, her mom is still alive). So the more she denied having any involvement, the more I thought she was involved. That was last week or the week before. Up until 30 minutes ago I still believed, despite her denial, that Shaunan was involved somehow. I mean really, what are the chances. So I'm cleaning off the kitchen counter today, and I find this envelope with the ring. Ashley walks in the door and I ask her if the ring looks familiar. Mystery solved. Seems the young man that Ashley was dating last year sent it. I guess Ashley had accidentally left the ring at his place. She didn't worry too much about it. The young man either forgot about it, or was hanging onto it. Either way, he apparently has a new love and now the ring shows up. I questioned Ashley as to why all the mystery and her answer was "mom, don't even get into it." So that's my only answer. Shaunan I apologize for thinking you were being funny.... wait that didn't sound right. Anyway, I owe you friend.
Better get some mending done so I can put away the sewing machine.
Later
Gater
Stacey
And the subject of the squabbles - a clean bathroom! Really people! If everyone would just clean up after themselves when they walk out of a bathroom, the major clean-up wouldn't be that bad. I could go on and on, but I don't think there would be an end.
Had a nice long weekend. We headed over to friends for a BBQ on Sunday. Now normally, an evening BBQ is pretty tame, but this BBQ was at our tequila friends house. Need I say more. Of course I was prepared - we took my car so I could be a designated driver, and I was. We brought plastic bags in case they were needed, they weren't. Bill did however, close his eyes as soon as he sat in the car, and didn't open them again until morning (except for getting from the car to the bed). Hmmmm, I really couldn't think of anything I wanted to buy. And then it came to me. I have been bugging Bill for the past few summers that I wanted solar lights in the garden. So Monday morning I went to Walmart (end of season sale) and got my garden lights.
Monday also brought our kids home to us. Technically Ashley got home Sunday but we were home late and she left early Monday for work. Is it wrong to be looking at the calendar for our next kid break. I guess if I want to be honest, I miss them when they are gone for too long (without communication).
A funny story to tell: A few weeks ago, I sent an anonymous letter to a girlfriend. I addressed the envleope to her without a return address. It was just a cute little note (hopefully she thought it was cute too) and I gave her a few hints in the letter as to who was sending it. It didn't take Shaunan long to figure out who sent the letter. Then the following week, I get an envelope in the mail with no return address or name who the letter was for. It only had our address. In the envelope was this tiny, tarnished ring. It didn't look familar to me and didn't seem like it was worth much. Naturally I assumed Shaunan was recipicating with her own little joke. I phoned her to let her know I received it. Shaunan denied she had sent anything; she even swore on her mother's grave (1st clue, her mom is still alive). So the more she denied having any involvement, the more I thought she was involved. That was last week or the week before. Up until 30 minutes ago I still believed, despite her denial, that Shaunan was involved somehow. I mean really, what are the chances. So I'm cleaning off the kitchen counter today, and I find this envelope with the ring. Ashley walks in the door and I ask her if the ring looks familiar. Mystery solved. Seems the young man that Ashley was dating last year sent it. I guess Ashley had accidentally left the ring at his place. She didn't worry too much about it. The young man either forgot about it, or was hanging onto it. Either way, he apparently has a new love and now the ring shows up. I questioned Ashley as to why all the mystery and her answer was "mom, don't even get into it." So that's my only answer. Shaunan I apologize for thinking you were being funny.... wait that didn't sound right. Anyway, I owe you friend.
Better get some mending done so I can put away the sewing machine.
Later
Gater
Stacey
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Day 1 of August
And here I was on such a roll for July. I think my I-Pad is too blame. I'd rather be on it than my computer. Keeping in mind my computer is a lap top hooked up to a monitor and keyboard. The only downside is, I'm a much faster typer when I use all my fingers and not just one or two fingers.
Although my mind tells me I'm very young, my eyes are starting to tell me otherwise. I'm busy knitting and sewing some items (gifts, so I can't tell you what exactly), and I had to purchase a needle threader. Now in the "olden" days, the needle threader was this small loopy wire attached to some "plastic/metal". When I went looking the other day, the only needle threaders I could find were like stiff floss. Actually a better describing is long, green plastic, made out of the same material that's in your toothbrush. Great concept, but the needle I was trying to thread must have been too narrow because I couldn't hit the eye of the needle on the first try, or the second and by the fifth time I was getting more frustrated than if I had tried to thread the darn needle with just the thread. I finally figured out a strategy, but I think I'll have to go looking for the old stand by.
So in between sewing, working, sleeping and more sleeping, I've been keeping the TV tuned on to the Olympics. My favorite sport so far - the synchonized diving. Those people are amazing. And of course, what would an olympics be without controversy. Ah yes badminton. The only up side to the scandal, is the publicity the sport now has. If I were a betting person (5:1) I'm sure more people will be watching the matches.
A sad story to tell. I'm losing a really old friend. My comforter. Before Bill and I were married (but engaged) I was like any young bride to be and couldn't wait to furnish our first new home. I was good friends with a girl who was into Tri-chem. For those that are too young, it was basically fabric paints, in a tube, with a paint tip. While I had this big dream to paint quilt panels and make a quilt. The pattern was called something like wedding circles. I finished the panels, quilted each one, sewed it all together and with the help of my Mom and I think my sister Robin, sewed on a backing. Well after this last wash, I'm sad to say, the backing is now is the rag pile. I was going to cut up the entire quilt, but the actual panels are still in great shape. So until I get ambitious and finish my other 543 projects, the backless quilt will still grace my bed. Please Maya don't throw up on my quilt anymore!
So the long weekend is here and it's just Bill and I again. Ashley is still somewhere in B.C. with Ethan and his family. She'll be home on Monday, sometime. And Patrick is somewhere in B.C. with Stefan and his family. He too will be home sometime on Monday. Hopefully I can get all the remaining windows washed today and tomorrow can be my day off.
Better get Bill's office windows finished before he gets home. (I don't want any supervising)
Have a great long weekend.
Stacey
Although my mind tells me I'm very young, my eyes are starting to tell me otherwise. I'm busy knitting and sewing some items (gifts, so I can't tell you what exactly), and I had to purchase a needle threader. Now in the "olden" days, the needle threader was this small loopy wire attached to some "plastic/metal". When I went looking the other day, the only needle threaders I could find were like stiff floss. Actually a better describing is long, green plastic, made out of the same material that's in your toothbrush. Great concept, but the needle I was trying to thread must have been too narrow because I couldn't hit the eye of the needle on the first try, or the second and by the fifth time I was getting more frustrated than if I had tried to thread the darn needle with just the thread. I finally figured out a strategy, but I think I'll have to go looking for the old stand by.
So in between sewing, working, sleeping and more sleeping, I've been keeping the TV tuned on to the Olympics. My favorite sport so far - the synchonized diving. Those people are amazing. And of course, what would an olympics be without controversy. Ah yes badminton. The only up side to the scandal, is the publicity the sport now has. If I were a betting person (5:1) I'm sure more people will be watching the matches.
A sad story to tell. I'm losing a really old friend. My comforter. Before Bill and I were married (but engaged) I was like any young bride to be and couldn't wait to furnish our first new home. I was good friends with a girl who was into Tri-chem. For those that are too young, it was basically fabric paints, in a tube, with a paint tip. While I had this big dream to paint quilt panels and make a quilt. The pattern was called something like wedding circles. I finished the panels, quilted each one, sewed it all together and with the help of my Mom and I think my sister Robin, sewed on a backing. Well after this last wash, I'm sad to say, the backing is now is the rag pile. I was going to cut up the entire quilt, but the actual panels are still in great shape. So until I get ambitious and finish my other 543 projects, the backless quilt will still grace my bed. Please Maya don't throw up on my quilt anymore!
So the long weekend is here and it's just Bill and I again. Ashley is still somewhere in B.C. with Ethan and his family. She'll be home on Monday, sometime. And Patrick is somewhere in B.C. with Stefan and his family. He too will be home sometime on Monday. Hopefully I can get all the remaining windows washed today and tomorrow can be my day off.
Better get Bill's office windows finished before he gets home. (I don't want any supervising)
Have a great long weekend.
Stacey
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