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

Blog 4 of November

It's Sunday and the weather has warmed up considerably from the past week.  It was a crazy, busy past week.  Mostly work related.  Between the playschools, home visits, and card work, the dust bunnies are starting to hang out in my house again.
  Bill and I visited the Spruce Meadows Christmas market yesterday.  It was such a warm day, and the atmosphere was as Christmasy as it could get.  And being that it was Spruce Meadows, Santa's reindeer were also there.  It was cute to see the kids getting their pictures taken with the reindeer.   Ashley was working at the Market (ticket taker) so we had a quick visit but couldn't bother her for too long as the line up for continuous to get in.  We left the Market at 5:00 and people were still arriving as we left.
  After the Market, Bill and I went out for dinner at the Cattle Baron.  I was craving me some filet mignon and I wasn't disappointed.  It's been a long time since I had a nice steak.
  Ashley came over this morning for a short visit.  (she was in the neighborhood).  After she left, I headed to work on my cards and then over to Market Mall to pick up a couple of things.  I'm proud to say I have finished Christmas shopping........for my mom.  I also picked up a few items so I can say I have officially started my Christmas shopping.    I also checked in at a couple of jewelry stores.  A couple of weeks ago, my engagement ring broke.  The gold was getting thin (it is over 30 years old) and the back finally broke.  I am going to take my ring and band and a couple of small pieces and have the gold melted and a new ring made.  I just need to find a design I am really happy with.
  Well, the Grey Cup is on the TV, Bill is in his office and Maya is snoring at my feet in my office.  The house is sure a lot quieter now.  What better time than to get my PJ's on and enjoy a nice cup of tea (or a different beverage of choice)
  Goodbye Sunday, hello Monday.
Stacey

Blog 3 of November

It is Monday, November 11th, 2013.  Hope you took the time to remember.


I actually had the day of today, and made a conscious choice to stick around home and watch some of the live coverage of Remembrance Day ceremonies.

I also managed to get caught up on on my paperwork; personal and work related.  I now have 4 children I work with.  They are all different personalities, but a lot of fun to be around.
I still have a few more errands to run before my visit with Mom tomorrow.  She needed a few grocery items, wool, frames, some Christmas gifts picked up, a scrap book and the list continues to grow.  Hopefully I haven't forgot anything when I get there tomorrow.

I have also started to think about my Christmas letter this year.  I consulted my friend Google to get some ideas.  I think I have found an idea that is too cute.

I was also lucky enough to have a couple of friends come for a visit Friday night and give me some painting advise.  Now that Ashley has moved out, her room can be restored back to it's original state.  (gone will be the red and black walls)  I started sanding today (lots of nail holes).  This is going to me my "go to" project and hopefully I won't lose interest before it's half way done.

Also went out for drinks and wings with these same ladies (and other's) on Friday night.  Bill and Ashley had gone to the KISS concert.  I didn't stay too long as I was looking forward to a quiet evening, relaxed in my PJ's and catching up on some PVR shows, and drinking some nice hot tea.

This coming week is going to be a busy one.
Curious as to what Mother Nature is going to throw at us.
Stacey

Blog 2 of November

I'm still having troubles with this blog signing in.  I know it has something to do with Google, and Chrome and, probably other stuff.   Here's hoping I don't mess it up.

Well I changed my Mom visiting day from Wednesday to Tuesday.  Had a nice visit with Mom.  She was still on cloud 9 from her birthday dinner.  Plus she has had 20 new orders for scarves.  She "talks" like it's going to be a pain, but I notice she is making at least 1 scarf a day now.  I like that she has something she enjoys and keeps her busy.  Wednesday was her actual 90th birthday.  It would have also been my Dad's 95th birthday.  It still boggles me that they both shared the same birthday, only 5 years apart.
   Yesterday after work, Ashley and I did a trip to Ikea.  I can count on one hand the number of times I have been to Ikea in the last 20 years.   I can also count on one hand the number of times Ashley and I have been shopping together in the last 5 years.  So this was an added bonus, and it was a great outing.  I know it has only been a few days since she moved out, but I notice a difference in both of us already.
  Tuesday night I also got a call, out of the blue, from the son.  That doesn't happen very often, unless he is living in the house and needs something.  The planets must be in alignment.
  Friday Bill and Ashley are off to KISS.  I declined the offer.  Seen them, enjoyed them, but not a big enough fan that another time is needed.  So I guess Friday night is might night to unwind and relax.  Yeah, because it has been a hectic week.
Off to an early meeting.
Stacey
 

Blog 1 of November

    Hmmm. It's the 3rd of November and I am having difficulty with this blog account. Not sure what planets are out of sync, or if have messed something up in the system. Hopefully this will work.
It has been a busy week. The new job is going great. Last week I worked Tuesday and Thursday at the preschool, but now I have two children I am working wit in the class.  Tomorrow I start a new preschool with two more children.  I am still working my card stores (only two more months on that) and of course it was time to take down Halloween stuff and put up the remaining Christmas supplies. Thursday night Bill and I attended the Dixie Chicks concert with some friends. It was really good but I do think their last appearance in Calgary was better.
Saturday during the day, we moved more stuff over to Ashley's new place. Because she now has her computer and internet set up, I believe she is ready to settle in. Painting her old  room is now on my list of things to do.
 Saturday night was a birthday dinner/party for my Mom's 90th birthday. And what a gathering it was. There were 50 people in total and despite the snowing conditions, everyone was there.  It was a very informal get together and I think that made for a relaxed atmosphere. The biggest accomplishment of the evening, in my opinion was having all of Mom's children, grandchildren and great grand children there (except for Patrick who is in the midst of exams at University). This is the first time this has happened in 20 years. And 20 years ago I was pregnant with Patrick so there have been an addition of 8 new members of the family since then. We gone from a group of 17 to 25.

There have been get togethers with us kids, but of course as the kids grow up, not everyone can always get together.

This is a picture of us from 2001

And this is a picture from 1996. I find it ironic that the last two pictures were both taken in Carmangay, Hmmmm, maybe we need to meet more often in Carmangay to get us all together.  Bill and I gave Mom and her friend Bev a ride home after dinner, and I'm guessing from the giddyness from Mom, that she had a wonderful time.

This morning I awoke to a time change (end of day light savings)  I'm not really sure what time I woke up as some of the clocks are changed and some were not.  I was still tired from a busy day yesterday but managed to get a lot accomplished.
Next week is going to be a busy one.
Stay warm.
Stacey