Day 10 of April

Did I say spring in my last blog?    I think we can safely say that snow at the end of April can now be referred to as "Spring Flurries!" 
Thank goodness the roads are at least clear.  I am driving the new addition (the son is borrowing my CRV while he gets a tire fixed - that's a long story in itself)  Don't get me wrong I enjoy zipping along like a silver bullet, but I don't enjoy having to clean the bullet when there is wet "slush" all over it. 
  We had a little celebration over the weekend for the newest member.  A cake, some pictures, - ok, it was a very little celebration

So that was Saturday.

Sunday I committed to something that will take another item off my 50 list.  One of the items was to walk/run a 5 km race.  Well I think I have gone over that somewhat.  I signed up for the Kidney March.  It is a 3 day walk that covers 100 km.  I had looked at a few different races/causes.  I also had to look at what I was capable of and something that had meaning for me.  This March had many attributes that I could take hold of.  I don't know a lot of people with kidney problems - or maybe I know the people but just don't know about their battle.  Two significant people I know are my mom; her kidneys are starting to fail on her.  I believe the cause is mostly from all the meds she is on for other related illnesses.  The other person was my Uncle Len.  I believe he actually had to go for the dialysis.  On this walk, there are some people who actually do the walk during the day, and at night do their dialysis.  There was also a lady at the Kidney March fundraiser opener who explained why she was doing the walk.  Her husband developed kidney problems and was put on dialysis until a match could be found.  After some testing, the wife found out she was a match - she said it was an amazing feeling to know that she could donate a kidney and help free her husband from the hell he was in.  Two days before she was scheduled for surgery, she felt a pain so great, that even childbirth seemed like a headache.  Turns out she had passed a couple of kidney stones.  The doctors then told her she was no longer a candidate for donating a kidney.  Because she had developed these stones, and was now susceptible to them, she needed to keep both her kidneys.  She said it was like a grieving process.  Her husband is still doing dialysis three times a week and waiting for a new kidney.  She was so inspirational, that if I hadn't have already signed up for the walk, I would have right then and there.
  So don't be surprised if you receive an email from me, looking for your support.  In keeping with my personality, I put my request in the form of a poem.  You can go to the kidney march website.  Click on sponsor a Marcher and type in my name.
  I will keep you all posted on my training progress (did my first 5 k walk on Sunday)
Stacey

Day 9 of April

OK, I think I am pretty safe to say - "Spring is here!" 
Here are some tell tale signs:
At the beginning of the week, I seen some Canada Geese flying North (it was a small flock, but they did have a leader)
The golf course opened yesterday and I seen more players in one afternoon than I did all last season (slight exaggeration)
While we were outside last night, "flocks of mosquito's were going in for the bites"
The snow is gone from my garden beds, and they are looking for a little love!
Bill has a golf time tonight (I love golf season)
I drove past a community center last night, and the Tim Bit soccer players were out in full force!
and finally - I would rather be working out in the yard than working at all!!!!!

  Had a great visit with Mom yesterday.  We changed our Wednesday visit to a Thursday visit.  We had to meet with the caregivers at her manor - just to update her file.  Then I told Mom we should go for lunch before we went grocery shopping.  I let Mom suggest the lunch destination - and I gave her lots of suggestions - her choice - A & W....... So that's where we ended up...and I might add, I think it was the busiest place in the area - so everyone must have had the same idea.

On Wednesday, Patrick and I made a trek over to Ben and Karen's.  We had a couple of things to take care of.  Firstly, we needed a comic book from Uncle Ben's collection.  Ashley is off to comic con on the weekend, and she is going to get Stan Lee to sign one of  Uncle Ben's comics - we'll frame it and give it to him for his birthday in June.  I needed Patrick for his "comic knowledge".  And secondly, Patrick had not yet met his new cousin Tucker.

So this is the oldest grandson and the youngest.  Funny how both Patrick and Tucker have a little bit of red hair!!!

  When I was signing in to write my blog, I noticed there have been 92 hits on one of the dates In April.  I went and reread the blog to see what was so exciting.  I'm thinking that somehow people must have entered a certain word on google and my blog came up..... The only common words in that blog were Arizona, Walmart, Kohls, April 15 and convertible.  Hmmmmm, makes you wonder.

  Today is supposed to be a gorgeous day.  I was going to go into work for my cards this afternoon, but I'm thinking that can wait until this evening.  So keep on the look out for a silver bullet in your neck of the woods.  Top up or down, and a scantily clad 50 something woman driving..   (I consider sandals scantily clad)

Stacey

Day 8 of April

Announcement:
She wasn't expected.
She was selected.
MERCEDES R. WEE
Born: 2005
She came into our hearts and home(and garage) on April 25, 2012
We welcome her with much love and joy!
Weight:  4065
Length:  178.5
Color: Silver

A new sister for:  Billy M. Wee, Carol R.V Wee, Hy Undi Wee and Niss Anne Wee - and step-sister to Messy Wee.
She may already by 8 years old, but she still seems like a new baby to us!

Once she has settled into her new home and is more comfortable, we'll send updated pictures.

  That's right,we pick up my new baby today.  Excited - absolutely, Nervous - most definetly.  Hopefully Mother Nature will co-operate and allow me to bond with our newest addition where she is most comfortable - open road - top down!!!!!

    Stacey

Day 7 of april

This month is already half over.  Hopefully Mother Nature will look at her calendar too, and maybe make the necessary adjustments.  Compared to everything going on all over the world, we are pretty lucky if all we have to complain about is the weather.    Hearts, prayers and positive energy goes out to Boston and Texas.  Both trying to recover from horrific circumstances.  April also has been a month for the loss of some "public figures.  Roger Ebert, Margaret Thatcher, Annette Funicello, Johnathon Winters, Rita McNeil and Reveen.    All of these high profile names but there are two that bring special memories for me. 
   First Miss Funicello.  I was a big fan of the Mickey Mouse Show.  I think by the time I watched it, they might have even been reruns.  I used to watch Annette and Bobby.  Bobby was a tall skinny guy, who went on to be one of the dancers on the Lawrence Welk Show (a show that we sat down and watched every week as a family.)    I also loved the Beach movies with Annette and Franki Avalon.  There were the original Brad and Angie. 
   The house here has been quiet for a couple of days.  Ashley headed to Vegas with some girlfriends, and last I heard (via social media) they were off to see Thunder from Down Under (something I tried to get De to go with me to see)..... And Patrick will be home tonight.  So for the next 4 months, there is going to be utter chaos, way too many cars in our driveway, lots of hot tubbing and plenty of beer pong.  I'm looking forward to it.   And I have purposely printed that in my blog, so come June 1st, when I am wiping up sticky beer from the ping pong table, and trip over a body on the floor in the family room, and can't get my car out of the garage because someone is parked behind me...... I'll look back on this blog just for a little reminder............
Great weekend everyone.
Stacey

Day 6 of April

Arizona Holiday April 3 to April 8.
Well today is the last day in Arizona.
Bill managed to get us a late check out so we were able to relax and enjoy some together time around the pool this morning. Unfortunately, the wind decided to make a visit to the area and it wasn't quite as warm in the pool as it has been the previous days.
  After we checked out of our hotel, we did a little shopping.  I was trying to find some wool/yarn for mom so she could make more of the scarves she's been working on.  We tried Walmart, Michaels, Kohls, and a few others, but to no avail.  I'll just have to do some shopping when we get home.
  We returned the car to the rental place, caught the shuttle and had plenty of time to catch our flight.  This time I was able to get seats together for Bill and I. 
   Brian picked us up at the airport, and thankfully the walk to the car was very short, because we were certainly not dressed for the lovely snowy weather that awaited us.
   All in all, the holiday was one of the most relaxing we have taking in a long time (at least it was relaxing for me)

  And now it is Monday, April 15th, and we still have snow.  Not the same snow from when we arrived home, but believe it or not, and whole new batch.  I'm beginning to think my new car is why the weather is not warming up.  Maybe I wasn't meant to drive a convertible.

  Lots of things to get done this week.

Stacey

Day 5 of April

Sunday, April, 7, 2013
   Today is the last day of Bill's golf training.  I decided to take my time this morning, and I don't crawl out of bed until 9:00 am.  I made my way to the pool around 10:00 and did my water work out again.  The pool is a little busier this morning, and mostly with young kids.  There are a lot of people checking out today; I guess it being Sunday and all.  When I returned to the pool after lunch, it was empty except for one young gentleman swimming laps. 
  Nothing exciting to report today.  It has been a very relaxing holiday.  Being secluded in the  hotel compound, you tend to forget you are in a fairly large city.  But when you turn on the nightly news, you are reminded that yes, you are in the middle of a southern metropolis, and subject to all that goes with it.
  Bill returned from his last golf outing of this trip   Again bringing supper with him.  I should have stuck with the pizza.  I ordered the chicken parmigiana and it was a little disappointing.
  I fell asleep watching a law and order marathon (repeats of course).
Stacey

Day 4 of April

Saturday, April 6, 2013

  28 years ago today, there was a light covering of snow on the ground. The wedding party consisted of:  Anne (sister-in-law), Darla (girlfriend), Robin (sister) , Alisa (4 1/2 year old niece); Ray (friend), Harris (cousin), Ben (brother), Michael (son of cousin Ken)  A relative had made the bridesmaids dresses.  the ceremony was was at the Chinese Pentecostal church in China Town.  The ceremony was in English and Chinese, but I'm pretty sure we got married.
   The anniversary gift suggestion for year 28 is orchid.  I could always fill my gift with orchids.  I've included another picture of the actual gift (I guess the other one didn't show up)

Today was another relaxing day in Arizona.  Bill left a little later today, but was still gone by 6:00 am.  After breakfast and a quick shower, I headed out by foot to the Target nearby.  (it was 4600 steps there and back)  As I exited the hotel compound, there was a local gentleman walking by.  He announces to me "I guess we are walking partners."  Now he seemed nice enough, a little scruffy, but very friendly.  He introduced himself as Robert.  He lived a couple of blocks away.  He continued on with his story.  Seems he had purchased a bike the previous weekend, but neglected to buy a lock (his mom told him to) (I think Robert is in his late 20's maybe early 30's)  Then yesterday, some "friends" stole his bike and when he tried to take it back, they called the police.  The police made him leave his "friends" property because he couldn't produce a receipt to the prove the bike was his.  Seems he tore up the receipt after he bought his bike.... So now he was heading back to Target, to see if they had a copy of the receipt, and if not, he'd just buy another bike, exactly like his previous one.  I suggested he get a lock this time.  So now, I'm thinking in my mind, "how much further to Target, and don't let him know I'm a visiting Canadian."  We exchanged a few more details and before I knew it (oh I knew it), we were in Target.  And before I could finish my sentence "Don't forget a lock Robert," my new friend disappeared into the store without so much as a wink or a good bye.
  I expected a little more air conditioning in the store, and due to the fact there wasn't, I lost of little bit of enthusiasm in my shopping spree.  I went looking for what I came for (hat, diet coke, and batteries) and headed back outside, and back to the hotel (solo this time). 
   Back in the room, I dropped my packages, put on the swim suit and headed to the pool for the next three hours.  This time I didn't hold back, and I was humming and tapping to my music (when I wasn't in the water.)
   Bill was finished a little earlier tonight, but we still brought in supper; made for another relaxing evening.

I can't believe this holiday is 1/2 over.
Stacey

Day 3 of April

Arizona Holiday - con't

Friday, April 5, 2013

Happy 20th Birthday to Patrick

This is a picture of Patrick when he was three days old (April 8, 1993) 
I talked to Patrick on Face Chat the night before.  Today is his last day of regular classes - then the exams begin.  Any birthday celebrations will have to wait until after exams.  We did send Patrick an "Edible Arrangement (fruit and chocolate).  Hopefully he receives it sometime today.
  Bill and I both set our alarms for 6:45 a.m., to ensure he left by 7:00 for his 8:00 a.m. golf sessions.  As it turns out, his eternal clock went off at 5:00 a.m. sharp.  No doubt he will be hitting the gym before golf.  And as habit has it, I don't go back to sleep, but grab my IPad and read, You  Tube, and check social media.  A quick face wash and I slip down to the breakfast and bring extra back for Bill for tomorrow. (complimentary breakfasts rarely start at 5:00 a.m.)
   By 8:30, I have put on my swimsuit, gathered reading material, sunscreen and sunglasses and I'm off to the outdoor pool.  I can't believe there are already 3 or 4 people there.  Obviously not golfers or they would be out on the course already. (to avoid the extreeme heat).  The temperature is already 23 degrees at 9:45 am.  I think I could live here, but I do need to convince Bill.  I swam 6 lengths of the pool and then grabbed a chair and settled in to relax.  I think back to those teenage years and wonder, "How did we ever just sit there and do nothing while sun bathing, and how did we stand the heat?"  How did we clear our minds, or at least what could we possibly be thinking about.  After 5 minutes, I need to sit up and at least look around.  I have the music playing in my ears, but it takes a lot of will power not to get up and dance, or at least hum. 
     I head back to the room for lunch.  The housekeeping haven't been to the room yet.  I check in the hall, and there is no sign of a cart.  Maybe they skipped our room.  My early morning wake up this morning, was now catching up with me, and I felt a nap coming on.  Just as I'm dozing off, I hear a quiet knock at the door.  A quick emptying of the garbage cans, and the visit is over.  I can finish this nap later.  Time to head out to the pool again.  Did I mention I could get used to this weather.
    The pool area was a little busier this time; there were about 8 people hanging out.  And that's ok by me.  After an hour, I was sun bather out.  Back to the room to shower off all teh sunscreen.  Bill sent me an email to let me know he'd be back around 7:30.  I suggest he picks up a pizza and we can just veg out.
  Bill gets back, showers, we eat, and then Bubba phones.  He received his fruit basket and a couple of friends of his have popped over with a cake they made (well actually they just decorated it)  He sent me a picture.  It was funny (kf you're a 20 year old boy or his 52 year old father.)  Without going into all the details, lets just say it involved a Barbie doll (me) giving birth to an icing baby (Patrick)  My comment to Patrick "Your head was much bigger than that."
  Then Bill, always one to be full of surprises gave me my anniversary card, even though it was one day early.  (I had given his when we were still in Calgary, along with a bottle of Tequila). 
  This is what I found in my card!

Wow, was all I could say.....  Are you kidding me?    REally?  Hmmm. this might have to also cover my cinco de mayo gift this year!!!!!!!! 
I'll fill in more of the details on tomorrows blog.... (car details)
Stacey

Day 2 of April

Arizona Holiday
Thursday, April 4, 2013

It is going to be another warm day here in Phoenix (technically Scottsdale).  Bill goes for his monring run, so I have lots of time to get my day started.  The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast, so we don't need to rush out.  I decided to wear my new golf outfit.  It is very bright.  I was very surprised yesterday when I bought the skort that I am down two sizes.  But of course, now I a need a new belt (didn't bring one down with me)  We had heard on the news this morning that there is a new outlet mall opening today.  After some debating we decied we would try and squeeze a visit to that mall into our day. 
  Our first stop was Barnes and Noble.  This used to be Bill's favorite music store.  Up until a couple of years ago, you could actually listen to a CD before you bought it.  They don't offer that service anymore, but that hasn't stopped us from visiting  B and N every trip to the States.  Enroute to the store I, the chauffeur once again today, made a wrong turn and we ended up in a mall across the street.  Lucky for us, we found another golf store.  We're here, we might as well go in.  Found a golf belt.  Did I mention I'm not a golfer, but I sure love the clothes.  Regained my bearings and we headed back to B and N.  Bill headed for the music, and I headed for Starbucks.    We shared a nice cool smoothie and bit the bullet and headed to the outlet mall.  I expected a lot more vehicles in the parking lot, but I guess because it was a Thursday, there weren't as many cars as there could be.  We found a parking spot, took a picture of where we were parked (when it's not a familar place, or a familar car, this is our saving grace)  We made it into about two stores and then Bill and I looked at each other and said "I'm done, how about you."  That was our new outlet mall experence."  Our kids would not be very proud of us.  I just find it hard to go shopping when I'm not really looking for anything in particular.  So other than a sub sandwhich for two, we didn't make any other purchases at the mall. 
  Once we got back to our car, we set up the GPS and let it take us home.  That was quite an adventure.  We made a couple pit stops as we drove by some stores.  For example, another golf store passed up by, so we  pulled in.  Then there was a Mercedes dealership; what the heck(hey maybe a new cinco de mayo gift).  We didn't let them know we were Canadian right away, but as soon as we did, the saleman gave us his card, and left to help someone else.  The GPS took us straight home afterwards.
  It was another early night for me, and Bill spent part of the evening in the business center dealing with work stuff.  I sure am getting a lot of books read.
Night.

Day 1 of April

Arizona Adventure

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

   This day came way too fast,  but even with a couple  of extra days, I would still seemed rushed.  We didn't have to leave the house for the airport until 8:15 am, so of course Bill still  had time to get a work out in.  At 5:30, Bill headed off to the gym, and I headed to the kitchen for a really early breakfast.  Thirty minutes later, I hear the garage door open.  In walks one grouchy husband.  Seems he forgot a pair of shorts.  You would think that would  be the end of the workout, but remember this is Bill, so off he headed back to the Y.  As I decided to get ready for a shower, I made one last check of my purse; iPad, check, wallet, check, passport, check, chargers, check, cell phone.......nope, not in the purse. Now  that's easy enough to find.  I grab a house phone and dial my cell phone number.  As I anticipate hearing my cell phone ring, I am surprised when the answering message comes on right away; meaning my cell phone has been turned off.  So now I am starting to panic just a little bit.  I don't usually turn my phone off, so this can only mean a few of things; I have turned my phone off ( which I knows didn't), the battery has died(which I know hasn't ), or I've lost my phone and somebody has found it, and turned it off (that must be it).  You notice I go for the most outrageous scenario.  I finally get in touch with the automated Telus system, and I get my phone cancelled.  Where and when could I have possibly lost my phone between visiting mom last night, and 5:30 this morning?  It's got to be around here somewhere.  I do another quick check if my purse.  Guess what I find at the bottom if my purse?  Lets say it together!   My cell phone.  Even I can't believe it.  So back on the house phone, back in touch with Telus automation, I reinstate my cell phone.  Finally I can hit the shower.  

  Before long it is 8:00 am and Brian our chauffeur to the airport has arrived.  The luggage gets loaded into car, and we are ready to o, but I think we're missing something.  Hmm, where's Bill?  Not back from the gym yet.  Before long Bill returns and we are on our way .  

  Arrived at the airport with plenty of time for check in.  Despite not being able to print my boarding pass at home, I was able to print my boarding pass and luggage tag at the Westjet kiosk.  For a moment the previous evening, I was worried that I had once again been chosen as one of those "special persons" for the flight.   Check in and customs were both incident free transitions.  The only delay we encountered was proceeding to our gate.  They don't open the glass doors until passengers from incoming flights have debarked and left the area.  This delay was a good time for Bill to discover that he had forgot his laptop.  He had the backpack. Heck he even had the charger, but the laptop is sitting on his desk at home.  Could  this possibly be a work free holiday.... No chance.  Seems there is an app you can buy for my iPad that will allow Bill to access work stuff.  More on the iPad later.

  So we board our on time flight.  Bill and I didn't get seats together. He was in row 2 and I was in row 11.  Both of us had middle seats, not my favorite.  Needless to say I didn't get my gravol nap, and my two male companions didn't seem like conversation magnets.  Thankfully the two and a half hour flight went by quickly.

  We arrived in Phoenix safe and sound and slightly over dressed.  A quick trip to the car rental outlet and we are on our way to our hotel. Thankfully Bill got dual drivers and I won't have to drive the entire holiday.  But for today, I am the chosen one.

  Our hotel check-in was still an hour away, so we decided to head to the golf course where Bill will be doing his golf training.  I came away with a nice golf shirt for me.  On the way back to our hotel, we stopped at a Mexican restaurant and there just happen to be another golf store next to it.  From there I came away with a golf skort.  The meal at the restaurant was really good (as was the tequila).  Without anymore pit stops we headed to our hotel.  By now it's around 6:30 so I out on my pj's and lay down for a quick nap.  That nap lasted 12 hours.