Blog 18 of July

Only 3 days left in July.  Today started off as one of those days, that gives Mondays the bad rep that it gets.  Even after I re-read that statement, it makes sense to me - hopefully to everyone else too.
  I was hoping to get a little extra zzzz's this morning, so after I was up at 6:00 am and ate me breakfast, I climbed back into bed for some quiet time with Maya and maybe a little more beauty sleep.  The phone rang at 8:00 and it was Ashley - she had misplaced her work phone and thought maybe it was in her room downstairs - would I mind taking a look.  Couldn't see it, couldn't hear it. I left her to search else where from her weekend travels.   While I was awake now, I might as well get the day started.  I couldn't venture too far from the house in the morning, as I was meeting with a contractor to give us an estimate for parging or re-parging the house.  My plants were looking a little thirsty so I decided to start there.  Now I have one plant; it's a climbing plant and in the spring, I moved it from the bathroom to the living room.  Because it's a climbing plant, it's wound around poles, and pots, and stands, so not an easy thing to adjust.  (that has no bearing on the story, but explains why it's not one of my favorite plants)  In this plant I have a glass watering bulb. (I have a few of them)  They all needed refilling so I proceeded to take care of that job next.  As I was returning the full bulb back to my climbing plant, I pushed it a little to hard into the dirt and knocked over the plant.  Luckily I caught it before the entire pot spilled on the floor.  But during my rescue mission, I broke the glass bulb.... I think that is the third one I have broken so far.  So watering the plants turned into a lot longer job then I anticipated.
  I finished cleaning up my mess, and decided I would start cooking supper - quiche (or as my mom calls it "quicky" ) was on the menu.  I put the pie shells in the oven (that was the only thing not from scratch) and started preparing the new recipe, the phone rang again.  This time it was the contractor and he needed to change our appointment to tomorrow - he was running behind.  No problem.  I really couldn't change my plans though, because the quiche needed to be cooked so I decided to stick with my original plan - and work on laundry and vacuuming (really - that's a plan)  So I took the pie shells out of the oven, but not without burning my arm on the oven rack.  And yes, I did have on oven mitts....  All this before 10:00 a.m.
  Thankfully, the remainder of the day only got better - let me rephrase that, it didn't get worse...
  The quiche turned out wonderful - looked great and taste even better.  I can't believe I wouldn't eat these as a kid.

After supper, I ran out to do some errands.  One of those was to buy a new sleeping bag for my camping trek in September.  It has been a long time since I had to purchase a sleeping bag.  They almost look like mummy wraps now.  I found a great deal at Sport Check/Atmosphere.   Then I had a quick meeting with my quilt lady.  I am having a quilt made for Ashley for her birthday (or it might end up for Christmas) using all her ribbons from horse jumping.  I can't wait to see the finished product.
  I also wanted to add a couple of notes for people:
                   Darcy, I tried the recipe for the Almond milk shake/smoothie.  It turned out good.  It tastes great, but I don't think it tastes anything like the frosty's you get from Wendy's - the texture isn't the same.
                    De:  I love the App. for the cards that you told me about.  Unfortunately the stores I have been to so far, don't have the technology to actually scan the bar codes yet, so they just take the number from my phone.  I don't think people in line like me.  Also, my Air Miles number won't even work when Safeways tried to copy it.  I guess I'll have to go back to the bulky old cards until Calgary gets with the program.
  Will try and get an earlier start tomorrow.
Stacey

Blog 17 of July

Saturday was Training walk day.  The Kidney March People help with training walks before the big day.  Saturday was an 18 km walk day (To be honest I thought it was the 13 km day), but my girlfriend Jean and I headed out for our (or at least my) biggest walk yet. We met up with Vince (who works for the Kidney Foundation and two other ladies who are walking the walk!

This is a view of Canada Olympic Park.  We started at the Crowfoot YMCA, down Nosehill drive and into Silver Springs.  We made it all the way to Sholdice Park before we headed back to the Y.  The weather was co-operating and the sun shone for most of the walk.  Coming back, we had to make a few detours when we came upon the Bowness area.  The flood had damaged a couple of bridges.  It was also heart warming to see all of the thank you signs that families had posted in their yard, to thank the volunteers who had come out to help them in the aftermath of the flood.
  Back to the walk - we made the entire trek in exactly 4 hours and 30 minutes.  That was with a couple of stretch breaks, and two pee breaks.  As jean pointed out to me, that was half of a day walk we would do during our walk in September.  I'm getting a little less nervous when I think of it that way.
  Jean drove me home after our walk, and after putting a few things away, getting family off to their own activities, I climbed into the soaker tub and enjoyed the warm water and jets on my overused, newly found muscles.
  On Sunday morning, I woke a little tired, but no major muscles aches.  I'm feeling a lot more confidant about this journey in September.  Hopefully I can finish up on the fundraising in the next few weeks, and focus on making that final goal!!!!!!
  Trying to get paper work caught up tonight so I can sit down and enjoy my book (it's a murder mystery) and a nice steamed vanilla milk, on a comfortable lounge chair, with my Taylor Swift blanket.  K, that was way too descriptive, because now I just want to quit the paper work and get right to the book.
Night.
Stacey

Blog 16 of July

Friday, and with it brings the end of the work week (for some)
Left at 9:30 for the Camp Kindle Kids Cancer Camp.  My partner in crime today was my friend Marie.  I picked her up at the C-Train station and we followed the Shepherd convoy out to camp.  It was a little busier this week as many of the corporate sponsors were out at camp.  The weather was beautiful and we couldn't have asked for a nicer day.

Afterwards, took Marie to meet a friend and  I headed home to get ready for dinner out.  It was the boyfriend's birthday and he wanted Chinese Food.  We met everyone down at the Regency Palace for dinner.  It was a nice get together, but the buffet wasn't as good as it used to be.  Patrick used the opportunity to confess his "oops" to his Dad.  This is the same "oops" that I had promised to keep a secret since last week (and it has been difficult).  This is what happened. Before Patrick left for Banff camp he was washing his Dad's car for him.  He put his IPhone on the roof of the car so he could listen to music.  He opened the trunk of the car to clean it out and his phone slid down the roof/back window.  Without thinking he closed the lid of the trunk, thus put a vice grip on his phone.  It still works, but there are cracks all over the phone.  I think the only reason that Patrick brought up the incident over dinner is because, Ethan's brother was also at dinner, and his phone was in such worse shape that Patrick's pretty much looked fine in comparison.  I actually took a video of Bill's reaction, and if you turn the sound down, all you can see is Bill shaking his head and then laughing.  Woo, for Patrick.
  So now dinner is over; Ashley and Ethan head to a movie; Patrick comes home with us but is heading out to meet his friends at 11:00 pm.  Bill heads to bed and I lay on the couch to read.  I know Ashley and Ethan will be home soon, so I wait for them.  I'm not sure what time they come home, but Maya and I are still on the couch. I must have dozed off shortly after that, because I don't wake up until I see Patrick come in the house.  He is looking at his phone and heads straight down stairs.  I guess he didn't see me on the couch, because he doesn't say good night.  So I grab Maya and we head to bed.  Bill is on my side of the bed, because it's closer to the open window and he must be overheating;  no problem.  I climb into bed and just get snuggled in, and my phone beeps.  It's a message from Patrick saying he's on his way home.  I can't believe how slow the server must be, because the message arrives after he's already home.  So I text back "It's ok, you're already home."  I get another quick response from him saying "What".  He must not remember that he sent me the text.  So I put my phone on the table and close my eyes.  I'm just starting to doze once again, and I hear the front door open.  Now I'm thinking someone didn't shut the door tight.  I get up, look at the clock, it's 3:00 am and here is Patrick walking in.  "Who the heck did I see earlier?"  All I can guess is maybe Ethan came back upstairs and I in my snoozy stupor I mistook him for Patrick.  Oh well, everyone is home safe and sound.  I head back to bed once again.  But now, the wind is blowing and Maya, has turned into this 5 pound fraidy cat of the wind.  I grab her and try cuddling her and petting her.  that last long enough before my arm gets tired and I stop.  She starts crying again.  So I take her out to the living room and put her in her bed and tell her to stay.  I go back to bed.  I hear her claws on the hardwood floor (remind me to cut them again tonight) and she is once again up on the bed, sitting up straight and whimpering like the bogey many is going to crawl out from under the bed.  I repeat the routine once again and take her out to the living room, put her in her bed with my stern command - STAY. She does and I return to bed once more.  I hear the click, click, click of her feet again, but then they stop and I hear Maya walk back to the living room. I'm smiling to myself, proud that I have just talk this 7 (or 8) year old chihuahua who is the boss.  That's when I hear the quiet whimpering once again, but this time coming from a farther distance.  I try to ignore it, but I know if I do, other people in the house will be woken up.  So I sneak out to the living room to see when she is hiding.  As soon as Maya sees me, she jumps up on the couch, as if to say "Thanks for rescuing mom, are we sleeping on the couch together."  I command Maya to go back to her bed so I can return to mine, which I do.  To make this long, long story (and even longer night) shorter, Maya and I ended up on the couch at 3:30 am. until 7:30 am when Bill woke me up, because my alarm had gone off.  Next time I am just shutting the stupid bedroom window and sleeping in the nude.  !!!!!!
Stacey

Blog 15 of July

I can't believe there are only seven days left in this month.  Happy Birthday wishes to my niece Jane.  She is 20 today - same age as her cousin Patrick.
  Even more scary, there are only 44 days left until the Kidney March.   It's creepy up very slowly.  I have two big training walks this weekend - 13 km on Saturday and 18k on Sunday.  Hopefully there will be bathroom breaks somewhere in that time!
  Exciting news with the Royals.  They have finally picked a name for the new Prince - George.  Now I have always thought of myself as a person who sees the glass half full, but I'm not going to lie, my first image when I heard George was.

  

I let the thought linger for a few moments and then I tried, successfully to conjure up another George image.

 

Much better.  

I didn't particularly care for the name at first, but then I realized he would be named after his great-grandfather, King George, so my sentimental side gave in.  But really, I'm not a good role model when it comes to naming children.  I'm not sure how Bill and I decided on Ashley's name, but it never dawned on me that her initials would be ANW.  Doesn't look back, but say it out loud!  Yeah, and I'm not even a big root beer fan.  Then Patrick's name came out of no where either.  I remember Bill and I did a list and he had Simon on his list - all I could think of was Simon and the Chipmunks...  Ashley wanted to name him Michelangelo, after one of the Ninja Turtles.  Again, I never thought through the initials.  P Wee - that has followed him through to his 20's, or maybe it's just me who calls him that!   And really, we end up calling them by their nicknames anyway - Goob and Bubba.  You can figure out who is who.  

Today is Wednesday, or Mom Day.  I stopped and picked a couple of items up for mom and then went for an early visit.  I helped her get her August and September birthday cards in order.  I left her with a couple of extra cards and told her, she would have to pick out my card this year!!!!  August and September are busy months for her - Dean, Doug, Amanda, Steven, Henry, Trevor, Nathan, Alisa, Stacey, Muriel.   After we finished the cards, I talked Mom into going for a walk around her building.  That is the first time I have done that walk, and it was beautiful.  Nice green grass, paved pathway, and beautiful gardens.  I think Mom was a little tired, but the weather couldn't have been nicer.  

Tomorrow is another walk day with my PREP girls.  

Congrats Kate and William!!!

Stacey

Blog 14 of July

The weekend went by way too fast and my accomplishments (other than relaxing) were few and far between.
I had great plans today, as I thought I was going to have the house to myself and I could get down to business.  Bill left early this morning to hit the gym, work at the office and then meet Bruce and Ashley and Ethan down at Salsa Fest.  I opted out of Salsa Fest this year as I found it too busy last year and the line ups were too long for salsa tasting. So that is Bill and Ashley out of the house.  That left Patrick.  I thought he was leaving at 11:30 for Banff - turns out he wasn't leaving until 1:30.  He was using the laundry room - so I couldn't start on that.  He was washing Bill's car, so I couldn't do that.  He was cooking breakfast - so I couldn't do that - oh wait I didn't want to do that, but I ended up watching stuff on the stove so he wouldn't burn the house down.  (plus ended up cleaning up his mess).
  Then there was Patrick's crisis - now I'm not allowed to blog about the actual event - just yet.  Because first he has to break the news to his Dad and that won't happen until he gets back from Banff on Friday.  So remind me Friday to tell you the woes of Patrick and .........  There was one funny story I can share.  After Patrick's incident... I asked him to move my car back into the garage.  He kindly did so, and then he threw me my car key.  I was standing at the garage door and I missed his catch.  Well my hand was just over top of the garbage can - you can probably picture the rest.  So here is Patrick, with his phone on (acting as a flashlight), fishing through the garbage (which includes the recent grass clippings from yesterday's mow) trying to find my car key.  If I could work my phone better, I would have put it on video.
  So Patrick's ride for Banff arrives at 1:45 (he's off to Banff to coach soccer for the week) and of course 15 minutes later Bill arrives home.  I'm actually looking forward to Monday to get something done.
  It's almost 8:00 pm and the house is once again empty so I am cleaning out my office and de-cluttering.  I have a card file where I keep cards from Bill and the kids.  I came across my Anniversary card from Bill for this year.  This was the one with the car surprise.   Here it is.

Then I continue through the card pile and I come across my Anniversary card from Bill from last year.  Here it is.

Hmm.  I asked Bill if he would just like me to save it so he didn't have to buy the same card next year.  The really sad part, I didn't realize it had been the same card either. Does this mean we are both getting old...

So busy week ahead - lots of appointments to make, etc.  Better get my list started.
Stacey

Blog 13 of July

Behind a couple of days.
Thursday I went for a training walk with some friends I used to work with at PREP.  It was a great outing, great walk, and great visit.  I sure do miss those ladies.  We did the Edworthy Park path.  It was weather perfect.
  Friday was The Kids Cancer Camp out at Camp Kindle.  Again, another weather perfect day.  It was a lot of fun, but then anything you do with Keith S. is fun.  Patrick had a car load of friends and Janice and I followed the convoy out.  This place is amazing and kudos for the people who put this on.  I'm looking into possibly volunteering next summer as an actual counselor.
  Got back home around 3:00 ish and Janice and I split a fruit beer and just visited.  It wasn't long after that I put my head down and I finally came too around 7:45ish. p.m. Not sure if I am finally caught up on my sleep or not.  Called Mom when I woke up and I must have awoken her as well.  She was a little more disorientated than I.  She thought it was 7:45 in the morning and was a little annoyed :1) that Bev hadn't woken her up 2) that she was still in her PJ's and 3)  that she had missed breakfast.  I explained that it was still Friday evening, and that seemed to calm her down.
  So now it's Saturday morning and the sun is shining, and the birds are singing and I'm heading outside to visit those friendly weeds. (they won't be expecting me)
  Enjoy your Saturday!!!
Stacey

Blog 12 of July

Yesterday was Wednesday, or what I call "Mom Day!"  Showed up for a visit, but Mom wanted a few groceries (thought we did that Friday)  Headed to Safeway, in the bullet (I did warn her) and picked up a couple of items.  I guess the outing was good for me too, because I picked up cake mixes, oil and eggs.  Got in one card store and headed home to see how far Bill had got with the yard work.  I don't think the yard gods want him doing anymore, because it rained in the afternoon and interrupted Bill once again.
   I am all baked out.  (If cake mixes count as baking)  Started and finished 150 cupcakes last night.  Thankfully none of them will remain in my house after tomorrow.  Heading out to volunteer at the Kids Cancer Camp on Friday and the theme is Dinosaurs.  I offered to bake some cupcakes (yes even though I knew there would be alot of people)  Kudos to Patrick for suggesting sour Dino candies for the topping because I was looking for the little plastic pre-historic creatures to decorate the top of the sweets!  There is no room in our fridge for anything right now and I must remember to put a note on the door - DO NOT TOUCH THE CUPCAKES!  
  As I was baking last night, a noisy and wet thunderstorm rolled through.  It was loud and eerie.  So much so, that even Maya needed to be held.  That put my baking duty on hold for about 15 minutes (couldn't scoop and hold the dog at the same time)  Out side the golf green was covered in white from the hail, and the funniest site was when the golfers were speeding by in their covered carts to get back to the club house; except one guy.  He actually stopped, got out of his cart (with the hail pelting down), walk to the edge of the green, looking for, what I assume would be his golf ball.  Really, are "balls" that expensive that you'd risk limb and life to look for it?  Or maybe, he just wanted to see how close he was to the pin.  Wouldn't that have been just his luck to have made a hole in one, and didn't know it!!!!!
  If any of you follow Patrick on Facebook, you'll see he has been posting some old photo's (mostly of himself) I had put a couple up, and it must have struck a sentimental nerve with him, because he went looking through the photo albums (that's usually my favorite activity)  I came across one that is one of my favorite.

This was taken at one of the cousins weddings.  It melts my heart every time.  Grandpa and his grandson and Grandma and her girls!
  Well I'm getting a late start, but am heading out shortly for my training walk.!!!  A little sun, and a little wind (just to keep the mosquito's away.)
 Stacey

Blog 11 of July

  Thanks for the walk this morning Rose, I really needed that.
Got home from my walk, and quickly showered before my window appointment got here.  This was going to be my third and last quote for replacing the glass (not the window as I originally thought I had to) and it was with Gienow (the original installer of the windows from when we built).  TJ arrived, took his measurements, and sat down at the table and set up his office - literally; pulled out his computer, printer, mouse, etc.  Gave me the quote and printed it off.  Wow, what a great price $132.00 and some odd cents.  As soon as he left called Bill with the quote.  The other quote from Crystal Glass was 300.00 and some.  This was a no brainer.  So I followed TJ's instructions and phoned the required number to book the appointment.  That's where the frustration started.  So the lady comes on the phone and asks for the address - I give to her and of course we are on file, because as I mentioned, they installed the windows when the house was built.  So she's trying to figure out which window needs replacement.  I'm asking her "Does it matter? Because I've got the quote in front of me, just take my info,,,, etc."  but no she's got to match it up.  Finally we determine, which window.  So then she asks me what quote I got.  I tell her and she said that must not include installation.  No, I tell her, it says everything is included.  Well according to her it's wrong, so she puts me on hold and calls TJ.  I wait a few minutes (seems like 5) and finally she comes back on the line and says TJ quoted using the wrong program on his computer - ooops --- too bad for them---- and she confirms they will honor the quote.  Pheww.  So yes we are getting a good deal on the glass replacement - but we're darn lucky we are.  Everything happens for a reason!!!!!
  So the window is dealt with, I need to go to Cross Iron Mills to find my IPad holder.  I'm not sure which store, but according to my friend Monica, it's near the food court.   I call up Janice and see if she up for a shopping trip.  Five hours later - I come home with no IPad holder, no runners (also looking) and sore feet.  I forgot how much I hate to shop!!!!!  I guess I'll be checking out Amazon to find what I want.
  I wanted to post another picture today.

this picture is from Patrick's 10th birthday in 2003. Six of the those kids are also in the picture from the Sunday BBQ.    Below is one of the pictures from the BBQ on Sunday.

Can you find who is who! Andrew, Patrick, Devon, Parker, Camryn and Kendal are in both pictures.  That is a 10 year span.  How cool is that.  As you can tell, I am easily impressed!!!

Better get some more phone calls made - more quotes for more fix-er-up-ers.

Stacey

Blog 10 of July

I really didn't think I was that tired, but based on how much I got done today, I must have been.
  Yesterday was a Flott BBQ.  Our friends from Texas (former neighbors) had been visiting for the past week, and I thought it would be great to plan a get together with old neighbors and friends.

Not in any particular order, here we are:  Rose, Mark, Parker, Devon, Me, Ashley,Bill, Ethan,  Andrew, Jane, Anne, De, Todd, Camryn, Kendal, Monica, Peter, Nicky, Andrew, Stefan (missing:  Susan, Bob and Mary)

I had a great time. I started preparing Saturday night and finished up the cooking before the last guest arrived Sunday at 4:30ish.  It seems like a lot of work when you stop and think about it, but I love it.....(sucker for punishment, I guess)
  The weather was fantastic, and we owe that to Bob for the sun dance.  The food turned out well. (partially thanks to Costco) Thanks to Patrick, Susan, Andrew and Stefan for picking up the ice cream cake.

Hopefully Quexollarg had a great birthday (I'm not sure the DQ decorated knew they were pulling his leg)

When De told me the family was coming for a visit, I instantly knew I wanted a picture of the girls and Patrick.  I have some before and after of the three of them (I'm not sure where Ashley was, back in the day)
Before: (Jan 2005 - Patrick was almost 12-almost 13)

After: (too tall to look up at Patrick the same way, and instead of admiration, it's now "oh really"!

Before: (April 2003 - Patrick's 10th birthday)

After:

I'm sorry, but I just get sentimental looking at these pictures.  You don't realize how fast these kids grow up until go back to the pictures.

Anyway, it was a great party and a great visit.  Sure do miss the Flotts, and especially De.  De is just a baby herself, but she is a great friend and confidant and I'm glad we've kept in touch.  I think we're going to need a Texas visit soon!!!!!!!

 (one of us isn't the touchy feely type) lol

Took the gang to the airport this morning and had plans on a little shopping, but the drizzly weather didn't help me get in the shopping mood, so I just came home.  Will try again tomorrow (after the window estimate)

Stacey

Blog 9 of July

This is one of those blogs that makes you go "hmmmmmm" (or maybe pee your pants laughing)

  Yesterday I mentioned I was home alone for most of the afternoon. I had gone outside to work in the garden.  I left all my tools outside with the intention of going out later on to finish up.  I had just had a bite to eat, when I noticed it was starting to sprinkle a little bit outside (sprinkle, not tinkle).  I went onto the deck and left the screen door open so Maya could go in and out of the door without me having to cater to her.  I groomed a few of my rose bushes and all of a sudden I hear this "clunk, crash, bounce, bounce, boing, bop, bop, bop)  I knew at once that  golf ball had ventured into the yard, and maybe even onto the deck.  I quickly went  onto the deck to look for damages. Couldn't seen anything, but all that noise was impossible for the ball not to be somewhere.  My inner instincts told me to check in the house.  I took a look around and this is what I found.

Yup, resting quietly and hidden so discretely was the golf ball.

 I double checked the interior of the house (and Maya) and there seemed to be no damage.  I did find some ceiling stucco on the floor by the deck door, so the obviously the bouncing I heard was the rebounding from the ceiling.  

Where is the you-tube camera when you need one.  

If I hadn't gone out to pick up my tools, the screen would haven been closed, or even the door shut.  Or what if I had been BBQ'ing on the deck; I would have been decked!!!!!!

Morale of the story, "It's ok if you leave your gardening tools out, they might save your life."  (I now know where Patrick gets his life lessons from.)

Enjoy Saturday, it's here all day.

Stacey

Blog 8 of July

Another work week gone by, and only two days left of the Stampede.  Really, didn't we just finished getting excited about the Stampede starting!!!!
  Today was an "interesting" day.  I hope that covers the wide spectrum.  The day was supposed to start with Mom and I attending a Western brunch out in the Kananaskis.  But it got cancelled.  Mom wasn't sure why, but I'm thinking they just didn't have enough participants to take the bus all the way out there.  It was just as well though, because Mom had a doctor's appointment at 9:00 a.m.  I called her last night to confirm what time to pick her up.  Because we had to take the silver bullet, I wasn't able to bring Mom's walker, so I was thinking we needed to give ourselves plenty of time for walking with the cane.  Mom said she'd be at the door and waiting at 8:15 am.

This was a little bunny that was hiding out in the parking lot of Mom's manor.  He was so tiny and scared!!!  (sorry, focus Stacey)

When I arrived, she was still at the table because she came down late and they were running a little slow in the kitchen.  I sat down and joined Mom and her two companions while they ate breakfast.  Remind me to never apply for a job as a server at at Seniors center.  They are very impatient when it comes to their breakfast and coffee.  When the server brought Mom her plate of eggs and toast, she told him the bacon was missing.  There was another plate on his tray with toast and bacon, so mom just grabbed the bacon from the other plate.  I guess if you're hungry!!!!!
  We made the appointment and Mom did great walking with her cane.  Dr. Curtis was his usual comic self.  I love his bedside manner.  He is so good with Mom and deserves an award for taking all the guff! (from both of us)  We were in his office less than 10 minutes, and headed out the door by 9:30.  Mom told me she needed to go to Safeways for envelopes and pudding.  I tried to explain that Safeways was quite a walk but she was persistent, so we headed in the direction.  Once we go a buggy, it was a little bit easier for Mom to get around, but I could tell she was dragging.  She didn't even want to go to Target with me to pick up a couple of things.  Despite being tired, she didn't need a puffer when we got back to the bullet.
  When I had picked Mom up, she gave me a gift; a CD she purchased from a country group that had played at the Manor.  It was a couple, and the husband played the accordion - yeah!!!!  So when we got back to my car, I opened the CD, took down the roof and headed back to the manor.  I stopped a couple of times to see if Mom was OK, and wanted the roof up.  She assured me she was fine.  I through my sweater around her shoulders.  I guess she was enjoying herself.  You decide---

  Actually when I look at the picture now, she does look a lot happy than I thought she was.

  That was the morning.  The afternoon was a lot less exciting (yee haw).  Bill was golfing for the day; Ashley and Ethan were working, and Patrick had gone out to Watervalley to volunteer at the Kids Cancer Camp for the day.  I couldn't venture too far as I had some glass guys coming over to give me an estimate for replacing one of the windows.  Being the beautiful day that it was, I worked in the garden and remove some of the beautiful weeds (I'm trying to be positive and wish them well - and to go away)  The smell of the flowers was breathtaking as was the visual beauty!!!

My peonies and rose bushes are in full bloom.  Even the bees are loving my garden.
So no supper is needed by anyone but me tonight.  I'm thinking a nice Caesar salad and a tequila lemonade.
Happy Friday.
Stacey

Blog 7 of July

Today started off as one of a typical day.  Headed out for my morning walk with Rose. (although we started a little later than normal  - but was still back home by 8:30ish.  I had great intentions after that.  Hit the shower and sat down on the bed to get dressed.  I don't think I actually dozed but I was started awake by the sound of someone entering the house at 9:30.  Turns out Patrick didn't have to work today, and was just coming home from his dentist appointment.  That was a blessing in disguise, because it got me motivated.  I asked the son if he wanted to run some Mother/son errands today.  (in the bullet, of course)
  Our first stop was out by Chinook center.  I needed to get a quote for a new hot tub cover and lift.  That didn't take long at all.  We headed all the way to the Passport office in the N.W.  The son is the only one who hasn't renewed his passport yet.  And this is where the adventure started.  I had a good idea that there would be a bit of a wait, as we arrived at the Government office just after noon.  The room was full, but certainly not packed.  We got up to the counter with the prepared forms.  The gentleman searched through the passport and noticed there were some marks on some of the pages.  To me it looked like ink smudge from having the passport stamped and then the page being closed and leaving the ink mark on the other page.  But apparently this is considered damaged.  Turns out another form, in addition to the prepared form we have is needed.  No problem, we can fill that out.  Oh but wait.  Now this "satellite" office cannot process this anymore  We need to either go downtown or way out in the south, past Bannister Road.  We thanked the "officer" for his help (with a fake grin on my face) and left.
  After a short discussion, and realizing we really had the time, we agreed to drive all the way out to the south (nobody wants to park downtown, especially during Stampede time).  For those that ever need to go to this office, turn at Bannister road.  Otherwise, you are screwed.  You get stuck across the train tracks, by the LRT and there is no way back without a complete turnaround on McLeod.  OK, maybe there is a way back, but we could find it.  So we finally figure out how to access the Government parking lot.  I'm relived to see that there is not a long line up or a lot of people waiting.  Again we go to the counter, and we are greeting by another gentleman.  We explain what we've been told to do.  And he nods and listens and then looks at Patrick's passport once more, and tells up we need a different form.  Seems since Patrick was under 18 on his last passport, there is a completely different form to fill out.  But, he tells us, we can fill it in there.  I just need to sign as the guarantor and show them my passport as I.D.   That would be awesome, but my passport is somewhere in Ottawa right now being processed.  Again with a smile on my face (I think it is stuck there from the previous visit) we leave office without successfully completing our  task.
  There is only one way to make this day better, a trip to Peter's Drive in for milkshakes.  And that is what we did.  Despite our outcome, it was a great day because I got to spend it with my son (who is usually never home during the day), we were cruising with the top down in the bullet on a beautiful summer day, and the Vanilla milkshake from Peter's was the icing on the cake.
  Passport renewal for Patrick will have to wait another day.

Stacey

Blog 6 of July

So much to say, not sure where to start.
  First of all De and Todd and the girls arrived right on time.  It was so good to see them.  You know time is flying by so fast when you still remember those two girls as babies and toddlers.  They have grown up into fun young teenagers!!!!  After picking up from the airport, we headed to Salt and Pepper for some Mexican food and a quick visit.  Ashley and Ethan joined Bill and I to finish off our family side.  Patrick and Elliot had gone out to enjoy Elliots last evening in town, with some Stampede bar fun!!!  After a late dinner, we deposited our guests at their hotel and headed home.  That wasn't the late part of the evening. We had given Patrick an extension on the 11:00 pm weekend day curfew and so around 12:30 I was still awake (probably from eating dinner so late) and I was feeling weird.  No pain, no headaches, just weird.  I don't know how else to describe it.  Bill was snoring, Maya had the hic cups and my mind was not co operating on trying to relax.  I'm not sure but I think I was having a small, but still effective anxiety attack.  I couldn't get it under control with my breathing, meditating and I was too tired to read.  So I grabbed my "emergency ativan" and it wasn't long before I was calmed down, and actually dozing on the couch.  That was around 1:30 a.m. and of course the time Patrick and Elliot strolled through the door.  Too much beer and not enough food, so they enjoyed a small snack of smokies and potato salad and I was able to jump into bed (Bill was still snoring and trying to take over the entire bed) and fall right to sleep.
  I think I remember saying to myself as I re crawled into bed "There is no way I am making it for my 7:00 a.m. walk with Rose in the morning.  But along comes 6:00 a.m. and we are communicating through the IPad and up and out we headed, by 6:20, no less.

This is the beautiful view of the sunrise as I am walking up the hill to meet Rose.

 And this is the view from the path we walk, it just calms one right down.

Those are pictures from our walk yesterday, but we seen the exact same thing this morning.

Time to get caught up on laundry and stuff; Elliots gone now, I don't have to tip toe around and keep things quiet.
Enjoy this beautiful Tuesday.  - because you can and you are able.
Stacey

Blog 5 of July

For some it is Blog 4, for some it is Blog 5.

Somehow the first Stampede weekend always seems to go by so fast.
Saturday was a family brunch over at Ben and Karen's.  It was a post birthday celebration for both Ben and Karen.  What a great gathering it was.  I had only planned on staying an hour or two, but when 3:45 rolled around, I realized I might not make it in time to Costco.  So Superstore got my business that day.
  Patrick was throwing a BBQ/party for his friends.  There was around 20 people that came and went.  Can I just mention, how lucky he is to have such great friends.  They are always polite, and appreciative for being invited into our home.  Bill and I had planned on going to a movie during the evening, but I was still pooped from the Stampede the night before.  Thankfully the afternoon rain let up and everyone was able to enjoy some time outside around the fire pit.
  Sunday was a pretty quiet day for me. I should have been doing laundry, but it was too nice out to spend all my time inside.  I did meet my friend Claire for coffee and catch up on our lives.  She is an amazing, strong woman, and I have always looked up to her for support and guidance, especially when it comes to my work problems.  She keeps me grounded and reminds me why I do what I do.
   Today, is Monday and I bit the bullet and went into work on my cards.  It is a slow time during the summer, so I'm able to relax and not rush to all my stores.  I did run into a co-worker from the Hamptons school.  We caught up and exchanged contact info.
  Tonight is Flott night.  The family arrives for their Canadian booster shots.  Can't wait to see them all.  We're heading out for supper tonight.

Better get to the airport.
Stacey

Blog 3 of July

Come Hell or High Water!!!! That's the theme this year for the Calgary Stampede - and how appropriate is that.  Well on that note, we ventured out to the grounds yesterday. (ok technically it was last night)  Bill had 4 VIP invitations to the Infield to watch the Chucks and the Grandstand show. Patrick has a friend visiting with us from the B.C. interior, so Elliot, Patrick, Bill and myself took advantage of the tickets.  The rain started just as we were leaving the house around 6:00 pm.  By the time we got downtown, it was a torrential downpour.  A short cab ride to the Stampede grounds (and our only chance of being dry) and we finally found our seats in the infield.  I was pretty sure the races were going to be cancelled by the look of the track.  It was interesting to watch how this group of cowboys determined if the races would go on.  First a few cowboys came onto the field to walk around and check out a few large puddles - they actually walked around through the water and mud.  Then a few more cowboys (or maybe they were the same cowboys) came out on horseback and walked the horses through the puddles.  I think it was then determined the field was safe, so out came the tractors (I'm pretty sure these were different cowboys) and they raked and evened the the dirt/mud.  After a 30 minute delay the Chuck wagon races got under way.

Bill suggested we sit in the back row so that when the wagons were behind us, we could stand up and watch them.  On a normal day, this would have been a great idea.  On this rainy day, we were already a little cold and wet and after the 5th or 6th race, I was too cold and uncomfortable to stand up.

  I was also amazed on how well the Stampede folks and their volunteers had cleaned up the grounds.  There was a small blip in the "evening" and understandably it was unavoidable.  During the flooding, the underground tunnel from the grandstand to the infield had been affected and the tunnel was determined unsafe. So when we entered the infield for the races, we were basically trapped there from 7:30 - until 10:00ish, or when the races were over.  Obviously it would be too dangerous to cross the tracks.  When the races were over, there was a bit of a delay because they had to pull the Grandstand stage into place.  But the real fun was getting back across the track.  Now when we arrived the track was wet, but when the races were over, the track was a mud bog.  I'm glad we weren't the first people in line, because at least we got to follow in people's footsteps.  Not that this helped.  My riding boots (and thank goodness I had to good sense to wear them) were covered in mud up past the soul by about an inch or inch and a half.  There were a lot of ladies who had worn sandals or flip flops and like the wagons, you couldn't tell the color of their shoes.    So finally we were high and dry and did I mention the rain had stopped by then.  Now it was time for the grandstand show.  And what a grandstand show it was.  I won't put any spoiler alerts up, but I was a little teary eyed at the end, and the fireworks were the best I have ever seen.

A short trek back to Bill's car downtown (we walked this time because there was no rain) and an even shorter drive home, and I think everyone was ready for bed.  The guys hosed off their runners and put them on the boot dryer.  

Hopefully I will get a chance to look around down at the grounds next weekend.  Please rain gods, take a holiday.

Stacey

Blog 2 of Julyi

I just realized it is July 3rd.  For the entire day I have been thinking it was only the second day of July.  Even when I went to the Passport office and filled in my forms, the lady confirmed it was July 2nd.  Now I'll be off for the entire month!!!!
   I got a very early start to the day.  I think it was 1:00 a.m., or maybe 3:00 a.m and finally 5:30 a.m.  Between a hot husband (from the weather, not the fact he was sleeping in his underwear) and a chihuahua who was afraid of the sound from the wind and a son who thought it would be cooler to sleep on the basement couch (instead of opening his window in his bedroom).  You might wonder how the son had any influence on my lack of sleep last night.  When the husband was up and sitting by the window to get cool and the dog was crying from the wind, coming from the said window, I decided to take myself and the dog downstairs and sleep on the couch.  It was already taken. (as I discovered when I ran into a hairy leg sticking out from the couch.)  I'm not sure if the unexpected touch, or my scream of thinking I discovered a very hairy spider that awoke the son, but he definitely awoke from his sleep.
  So at 5:30 when I heard the daughter getting ready for work, I decided I might as well stay awake for the rest of the morning, because there were still three more bodies that would be up soon and getting ready for work.
  Today is Wednesday and that means my weekly visit to Mom.  I had talked to Mom on Tuesday night and she had asked if we could make a Safeway run for a few groceries.  This was one of the factors on which vehicle I should drive today.  I debated for a few minutes.  It would be nice enough to drive the silver bullet, but it is difficult for mom to get that low and into the car.  Plus, how many groceries would she need.  In fact, how many groceries would I need.  So the CRV it was.  And a good choice it was.  When I arrived to pick up Mom, her room mate was escorting her out.  Mom had offered Bev a ride to join us (a nice surprise).  As we headed to Safeways, we went through the lights at Crowchild when Bev asked where we were going?  I told her Safeways.  She expressed her surprise,because Mom had told her we were going to Northland Mall.  Mom jumped in to defend herself and explained she said we were going to Northhill not Northland Mall.  Then I jumped in to say no, we were only going to Safeway.  Mom's reply - "That's what I mean!"  Poor Bev.  Seemed she just wanted to go to a post office to drop off a parcel, and her taxi hadn't showed up this morning.  I took a quick detour to the drug store post office and we waited for Bev. Did I mention we waited in silence, as Mom was not happy with something.  Then off to Safeways where Mom got her few groceries and I got mine.  Not a pleasant visit today, but it's like playing the lottery and we take the good numbers with the bad!
  Next stop for me was the Passport office.  My passport is expiring in October so I figured this would be a good time.  And what great timing.   As of July 1st, you can now get a 10 year passport (or the usual 5 year) and it is only 40.00 more.  It was less than an hour wait, which is great for any government office.  But around 11:00 a.m. my tummy was getting growly and I was feeling a little light headed.  I snuck out to my car and grabbed a bag of pretzels.  I ate breakfast early today, but i'm not sure if the light headedness was from lack of food or lack of sleep.  I had planned on going to one of my card stores, but once I was finished with the passport people, I headed home for a good nap.
  Supper is ready and I am sipping on a new drink i made.  There has been a lot of talk about the new "health" food, Kale!  All the shows so people mixing up a "veggie, fruity" type drink using kale.  I bought the kale today and decided to try it out.  I think I need a recipe.  I through in some kale, strawberries, blueberries, tomato juice, apple,.   and came out with a brownish, seedy, type drink.  I wouldn't call it gross because then I couldn't explain why I am drinking it still.  I also wouldn't call it delicious, or I would be on my second glass.    Next time, i am going to do a little more research before throwing just anything in my little blender.
   The rest of the week is going to be busy. Hopefully I'll get a blog in tomorrow before i head to bed.
Stacey

Blog 1 of July

Happy Birthday Canada, You don't look at day of 100!!!!!
What a busy Canada Day long weekend.
      Sunday afternoon I left Calgary around 1:30 and headed up to Glennifer Lake to hang out with Rose and friends.  Rose's place had been converted into a PJ party complete with games (Heads Up), theme song (Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke), food (it's easier to name what wasn't there), beverages (beer and vodka), entertainment (dancing toe lights) and of course great friends (Rose, Mylene a.k.a. Lynn, Tess, Juantia and myself).  We finally heard the last of the talking at 3:00 am. Monday morning.  With very few "nighttime" interruptions (pee breaks and snoring) the group was awake and up at 7:00 a.m. (there was a parade to prepare for)
  We headed to a nearby town for the Canada Day celebrations.  Luckily Rose was a great organizer and we had the boat and golf card, parked in line and decorated with lots of time to spare before the start of the parade.  You've got to love small town parades.  I remember attending Carmangay parades as a kid and then when Ashley and Patrick were small, we lived in Lloydminster and Estevan.  There is just no replacement for the warmth and hands on you get with the small town atmosphere (and the fact you can get lots of candy thrown from the floats)
  A little down time after the parade and I headed back to the city for a much needed nap.   I haven't shared a lot of details because what happens at Glennifer Lake, stays at Glennifer Lake (unless it gets posted on Facebook or my Blog!!!!)

So while I was off have fun with the girls, Ashley was busy working at a horse show.  Luckily with all this nice weather she has been able to ride her new acquisition!

And Patrick has been keeping busy as well.  Saturday he and his cousin Susan and a group of friends headed to Edmonton to compete in the Spartan competition.  Sounds like they had a blast.  Patrick said it was soo much fun, he's hoping to compete in the Calgary competition in August.

Then Sunday, Patrick and two friends headed to High River.  One of their friends Grandfather has (had) a home there that was in dire need of some clean-up.  That's what they spent their Sunday doing.

So the long weekend is over; Tuesday is just hours away, and the weather is beautiful.  The next count down will be for the Flotts arrival to Calgary.  8 days and counting.!!!!!!!

Stacey