Blog 5 of December

I can't believe it has been a week since we were in Banff at Bill's company Christmas party.  Here it is, Saturday, December 21st.  The past week has been a busy, but fun week.  I am finished pre-school(s) until the New Year.  A couple more visits to card stores on Monday and Tuesday, and then a break from them until the New Year.
  It has been a week filled with Christmas parties, shopping, and a few "celebrity" interactions.  On three different occasions and three different days, I have ran into and shared a short conversation with the following:

Mr. Preston Manning.

And Mr. Henry Burris:

And Mr. Brett Wilson

  I helped one gentleman cards for his family; I critiqued another one on his gingerbread house; and I bought a Tai Chi Latte for another.   All three gentleman were gracious and very approachable.

I also had another surprise meeting today.  I was working and waiting for my Tai Chi Latte order, when I recognized the lady next to me.  I couldn't remember her name, but I remembered her son.  He used to tumble with Ashley.  Thankfully my filter buttons were turned off and I approached her and asked her if she had a son named Jamie - and yes she did.  What a small world.  And that world seems like ages ago; maybe 10 or 11 years ago. Wow.

Friday night was the annual Sura Christmas party.  Bill is fighting the flu, so Patrick and I represented the family.  It's always a fun night, and especially when a drunk Santa makes an appearance.  We are very blessed to have such good friends in our life.

Tomorrow is straighten up day.  Put away wrapping paper, finish laundry and  deliver gifts.  I can't believe  I'm ready for Christmas, and two days early.

If I don't blog before the 25th. Merry Christmas everyone!  And Happy New Year.

Stacey

Blog 4 of December

15th of December; half way through the month and 10 days until Christmas.
  I think I am ready for Christmas.  The son arrived home on the 12th and while I was at work on the Friday, he put up the Christmas tree and decorated the house.  He did a great job.
   Saturday night was Bill's company Christmas party.  It was once again held at the Banff Springs Hotel.  And for the third time (in staying there), our room was not ready when we arrived.  I was really annoyed and wanted to be really pissed, but the young lady who was checking us in, was so kind and apologetic.  They put us in a "day room" until our "suite" was ready.  The idea being we could get ready for the Christmas party with plenty of time to spare.  After about an hour, our "suite" was ready and what a suite it was.  It was on the 9th floor and the name on the door was W.W. Stinson Suite.

There was even a doorbell.  I didn't take a lot of pictures of the inside of the room because pictures wouldn't have done the room justice.  But if you're curious, some other guest did take video and post it on You Tube and it shows the room.  Just type in W.W. Stinson room Banff Springs Hotel.
  I did however take some pictures of the "million" door view from different  rooms in the suite.

You can also see what these same views look like without the snow, in that You Tube Video.  So despite the inconvenience, the room was so worth the wait. 

  The actual Christmas party was also a success this year.  Last year, Bill ended up on the phone and in meetings for most of the evening, putting out fires (company fires)  This year, was much more enjoyable.  The food was good, the band was great and the cranberry and vodka's tasted better and better.  I left the party around 1:00 a.m. and I Bill partied on with his co-workers until about 2:30.  Needless to say 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning came a little too early.  Bill headed to the gym (surprise) and I took my time getting ready for the company brunch.  

This week is going to be a busy one.  It's the last week of pre-school work; busy card work (restocking Christmas stuff) and the daughter returns home from her quick trip to Geneva.  I can't wait to hear the stories and see the pictures (that's what I asked for)

Off to bed to catch up on some much needed sleep.

Stacey

Blog 3 of December

Ahhh, I can feel the warm weather already.  The temperature warmed up considerably today.  We got to a high of - 17 c.

Really, although it feels somewhat colder with a windchill.  But considering Friday's temperature was 7 degree's colder, as you can see from my car.  The -28 was when I went to work at 8:30 am to my pre-school job and the second picture of - 24 is when I went to my card job at 11:30 a.m. And from what I remember it didn't get much warmer that that.
  I spent Saturday catching up on paper work during the day.  Bill and I went on a date night for dinner and than watched a movie at home.  If you haven't seen Burlesque with Cher, and Christina Agruillara, you should watch it.  I love the sound track.
  Today I went to work in the morning and then spent the afternoon making wontons.  Ashley and Ethan ate the last batch, so I thought I better fill up the freezer once again.  The son will be home is a few days, and the fridge and freezer are pretty empty.
  I also started cleaning out my closet.  I came across to items that I have never worn.  The first is a dress that belonged to my mom.

Mom received this dress from a neighbor when we lived in Okotoks; so that had to be at least 50 some odd years ago.  Mom never wore the dress (she said it wasn't her style)  So she gave the dress to her Mom, Grandma Fraser.  Some how the dress got back to mom and she in turn gave it to me a long time ago, before I was married in fact.  I have always loved this dress, but it has a tear in the skirt and the material is so fragile.  I don't want to part with it, but I'm not sure what to do with it.
    Another item is a skirt that my same grandmother gave me.

Again, it was hers and as you can tell by the tiny waist (the size of the pant hanger), I don't think it would fit.  It holds sentimental value and it is in great condition.  What to do with it.  I spoke to Mom on the phone and she suggested I give the dress and skirt to a group of actors.  Hmm.  I'll have to think about that one - I thought for sure she would have more sentimental attachment to these items than me.  It's funny what's important to one person and not to another.
  So I'm ready for the work week.  It's going to be a busy one.  Christmas is coming, if you were curious.  Got to get the cards finished, presents ordered (on-line shopping) and parcels mailed.
Stay warm.
Stacey

Blog 2 of December

My goodness it is darn cold here.  It's not very often we get the deep freezes here, without a Chinook that follows shortly afterwards.  But really, if that is all I have to complain about, it is safe to say, my life is pretty good.
  The past week has been filled with many events that evoked many emotions.  This past weekend the entertainment world lost a young actor, Paul Walker.  Now I am not a big fan of the "Fast and Furious" movies, but I had seen this actor on many talk shows and his "personality" was one of those that came across as a humble,  charitable, likable nice guy.  It's never easy to hear about people who have lost their live at a young age and in an avoidable accident.  Today the world also lost a hero, Mr. Nelson Mandela.  I can honestly say, he was a person that actually opened my eyes to the inequalities in this world.  I'm sure there are two souls who have time to ponder their "mission" before returning back to this earth.
  This past Saturday, I finally picked-up the quilt that I had made for Ashley for her birthday/Christmas present.

The lady who made this quilt did a wonderful job.  Last May, I basically gave her all of Ashley's ribbons that she had won during her equestrian days.  I had no vision or idea of what I wanted.  She took the ribbons, removed all the flowerettes from them and this is the end product.  There are eight pictures that I printed out from my computer onto "quilting paper" and she incorporated them into the quilt.   Now I'm thinking I might look into getting a quilt made for Patrick using all of his soccer jerseys.  Although something tells me he won't be quite as receptive in having his jerseys cut up.  Hmmm. will have to think that one through a little bit.
  Speaking of the son, he will be home a week today.  He called tonight and he has four exams coming up in the 6 days.
  As for the daughter, she leaves next week for Geneva - yes Geneva, Switzerland.  Only for 6 days too.  There are a few people from the office heading there to watch a horse show. Who knew a job as a personal assistant could be so rewarding and beneficial.
  I have finally finished the Christmas cards and wrapping presents ----- for my Mom.  Now to get onto my own.
Stay warm and I'm off to have a Chai Tea Latte.
Stacey

Blog 1 of December

It has been a very busy weekend. And to top it off, there are only 24 Days until Christmas - yes 24 days.
  Saturday night was a small get together to celebrate a girlfriends birthday.  Happy Birthday Rosie.  Hats off to the cooks, for the great feast.  The food was delicious.

Today is Bill's birthday, and he is officially older than me again.  (there is a two month overlap.)
  His day started off a little slow.  He didn't leave the gym until 7:30 (that's late for him)  and then just as I am getting ready to hop in the shower, he returns home....seems he got to the gym and forgot his gym stuff.  Age... it can come back to bite you in the butt.
 Had another small get together for Dim sum at our house with Bill's family.  After all the food this weekend, I don't think I could eat another bite.
  This is a picture of Bill when he was just a year old.  I can't believe how much he looks like Ashley (when she was a baby).

Then this is the boy I fell in love with in High School.  I just loved his long hair.  And, he looked even better in a football uniform.  That was 34 years ago.

At 53, I think Bill as aged gracefully.  Hairs a little shorter (ok a lot shorter, but he still has hair)

After Dim sum, we had a surprise visit from Bill's Tequila buddy and his wife.  I only got a short visit in as I had promised Ashley and Ethan that I'd take them to Costco (not one of my best decisions for a Sunday)  The parking lot was packed, but the lines went pretty fast.
A few more pit stops and I was home by 4:30.  So much for a relaxing Sunday.  I can't believe Monday is almost here.  The weather forecast is calling for a blizzard tomorrow.  I might start my countdown for Hawaii.

Enjoy the week.
Stacey