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

Blog 4 of October

Did I say October, I meant December.  Just kidding.  We did have our first official snowfall yesterday.  Being that it was a Sunday, you would think people would be able to take it easy on the roads, but no, it is the first snowfall and with it comes people who forget that your driving patterns have to change.  Thank goodness I didn't have to leave the house yesterday.
  We did keep busy on Saturday though.  I went to work in the morning, and then spent the rest of the day helping Ashley move into her new place.  I love this place.....love love love it.  It took everything in my power not to want to organize things..  Hopefully everything falls into place for her. She didn't have a great start to the move - flat tire; lost her cell phone (but found it). Lost her car keys (but found them) The lost cell phone was actually a funny story - maybe not to Ashley at the time.  I wake up Sunday morning to a text from Ashley (via Ethan's phone) that she lost her cell phone at a party the night before.  So it's about 8;30 a.m; Sunday and I decide to try phoning her phone to see if anyone picks up.  Sure enough this "baritone" voice answers hello.  I play "dumb" and ask for Ashley.  Baritone replies that he doesn't know who Ashley is, but he found this phone outside of a bar Saturday night.  I thank him and ask for details to come and pick it up.  He informs me that he has already made arrangements with someone to drop it off back at the bar.  He also mentions that he and his roommate have not appreciated being woken up all night by the ringing of the phone. (who wouldn't love hearing the minions from Despicable Me, argue back and forth)  I apologize for calling so early.  He is pretty nice though, and shows some concern for me.  "You must have kinda freaked out calling your daughter early on a Sunday and having some strange guy answer."  I think I surprised him even more when I replied "Naw, she was staying at her boyfriends and I knew she was going to a party the night before!"   Touche.... So I hang up and call Ashley (on Ethan's phone)  I exclaim "Wow, you found your phone." To my surprise she says "No, not yet."  So I go through my entire story, and as we are talking, her work phone rings, and it was the baritone stranger. (did I mention she just hung up on me).  I didn't find out the end of the story until later in the day when Ashley came home (do I still call it her home?)  They left right away and went to meet the guy and Ashley offered him $100.00 for finding her phone.  He wouldn't take the money; he too had lost his phone the previous night, and someone turned it in.  He wanted to return the favor.....Karma!!!!!!
  The lost car key story wasn't so funny, only because Bill and I were getting the blame.  Again, it's still Sunday and because of the snow, Bill decides there is no need to be moving stuff.  Ashley and Ethan pop over to pick up a few things and Ashley can't find her car keys from Saturday.  She is adamant that she left them on the kitchen counter.  By now I have packed quite a few boxes from Ashley's room (not in a hurry to get that room cleaned, or am I)  The elephant in the room is suggesting I must have packed them in a box or Bill must have moved them.  Now I have been known to forget some things (Rolling Stones concert comes to mind), but really, I know what her large lanyard with keys look like.  We establish that they must be in the house or at least the yard (she did move her motorcycle).  We also establish what she was wearing and that the keys were not in any of the pockets.  About 30 minutes later, Ethan returns from his truck, with said lanyard in hand.  Seems the sweater Ashley had on, was in the truck, and guess what was in the pocket?  It took some guidance but we did get an apology (for the elephant in the room)
  Anyway, I got way off track.  I had wanted to mention the concert we went to last Monday night.

Sarah Brightman.  (or did I already mention it)  Bill is a big fan and we had seen her once before at the Saddledome.  Her original concert was last March, but it was cancelled and rescheduled for October.  Well she is an amazing singer, but her production was a little less than exciting for me. (hopefully I won't forget this show)
  Off to run errands and get the hair trimmed.
Stacey

Blog 3 of October

Ooops.  Time does really fly!!!!! Halloween is almost here and my October blogs seem to be few and far between.  Lets see if I  can recap!!!!

Celebrated Thanksgiving at my sister's home.  Bill and I and Brian and Jane were invited to join the Samer clan.  It was a nice evening.  Food was delicious and the company was very enjoyable.

Bill and I spent a few days in Seattle last week.  We left on a Wednesday and came back on the Saturday.  It was only 4 days but we crammed a lot into those few days.  We love Seattle and I am always impressed by the transit system in that city.  For $2.75 you can take the sky train from the airport directly to downtown Seattle.

We stayed at a different hotel once again.   Parking is very hard to find at the downtown hotels or when you do, it is extremely expensive.  So when we drive to Seattle, we stay just outside of the core.  When we fly, we stay right in the middle of downtown so that most things are within walking distance.  This has probably been the best hotel we have stayed at so far.  It was called the Belltown.  The room was smallish, but there was a queen bed, large desk, table, and small kitchenette with a microwave and sink.  The bathroom was small as well, but really, other than a sink, toilet and tub/shower , what else do you need.

The hotel lends out umbrellas for the rain; bikes for getting around downtown, andan  internet service center on the mail level.  It is only 4 levels high and you can go up to the roof and sit and enjoy the weather. (they say to enjoy the view, but we went up and the view at 5 stories is not that spectacular. )

Only a block away from our hotel was one of the neatest things I have seen in an inner city area.  It was a dog play park.  The park was usually busiest at night.  I could sit and watch these dogs play and socialize all day.

I'm not sure of the exact size, but the dogs had lots of room to run and chase toys.  There were well placed tree's etc. and benches for people to sit.  There was a fence around the entire area, and two sets of gates so that dogs couldn't sneak out.  I wonder how long it would take for Maya to clear out a place like that.  We would sure have to work on her socialization skills

An acquaintance of Bill's (some work connection) was kind enough to pick us up at our hotel on the Thursday  and give us a morning tour.  We went out of town to Snoqualmie Falls Park.  

When we first arrived the fog was so strong, you could barely see farther than the falls, but as the morning warmed up, the fog lifted and the view was inviting.

We finished off the morning tour at the Seattle Space Needle.  This is the first time we have actually gone up to the top of the needle.

Here we found a spectacular view of the city (unlike our hotel view).  Owen, (our tour guide) then treated us to lunch.  The menu seemed fancy; for example, cooked chicken on romaine.  But when the waiter brought the meal to Owen, he asked,  "Who is having the Caesar salad with chicken."  Nobody answered because we were waiting for the cooked chicken on romaine.....  Needless to say the prices matched the fancy names.

We thanked Owen for our wonderful morning.  Our next adventure came late afternoon.  We headed down to Pike's Market and sat on the pier to watch the sunset.

We were not disappointed (by the sunset)  Bill however, was annoyed at himself.  He had brought a flask of tequila with him (trust me, it was a lot less conspicuous than the "weed" smoke and the people drinking wine out of brown paper bags), and when he started taking pictures of the sunset, he laid his flask down, and forgot to put the lid on.  Half of the tequila spilled on his lap and pant leg.  Thank goodness alcohol drys fast.

 After the sun had left the sky, we headed over to the alley beside Pike's Market.  We had signed up for a Ghost Tour. Hopefully they wouldn't notice the sweet smell of Tequila following  us around.

There are different tours you can do in Seattle.  The city has such a history and a wonderful character about it.  We have done the Underground tour before.  There is also a Ghost Underground tour and a Ghost "Adult" Tour.  We chose the Ghost Alley tour.  We met at the Ghost Alley Expresso.  (It's right next to the famous gum wall.)  The buildings around the market are quite old.  One of them was the Butterworth Mortuary.  Today, there is a restaurant there, and many stories are around about the ghosts that live among the walls.

Friday we revisited Pike's Market and the pier to stroll around and of course give Bill his Seattle craving - no it's not the famous coffee, but his sourdough bread and clam chowder soup.

For some reason, except for Seattle we have never been able to find the double sour dough bread.  And yes, it has been suggested I start making my own sour dough bread.  I'll add that to my list of things to do.

Friday night was the reason we came to Seattle in the first place.  Jazz Alley

Bill is a big jazz fan (he wishes he could play the saxophone) and Jazz Alley brings in some pretty big names.  You can order dinner and watch or just come in for drinks.  This picture is from the entrance, atop the stairs.  Our seat was right in front on the stage, second table.

The group playing was "FourPlay".  Bill has most of their CD's and of course he purchased their latest and got it signed at the end of the show.  They were all fantastic musicians, but the two gentleman in the center were amazing guitarists.

That was our 4 days in a nutshell.  We arrived home Saturday night, and Sunday, it was back to work at my Card stores.

Will catch up more later.
Stacey

Blog 2 of October

I looked outside this morning and there was a layer of frost on the vehicles (all 40 of them........)
  Been trying to get caught up on the laundry.  The sad part of that, 95% of the clothes belong to me.  I guess I have too many clothes like my son (or I have been just wearing the same thing all week)
  I have also been watching a lot of "late night talk shows", but not on the television, on my IPad.  I split my relaxing bed time routine between reading and catching up on guests I really like to see.  If you get a chance to watch a You Tube video, try Jimmy Fallon where his guests are Joseph Gorden Levitt and Stephen Merchant. They do a lip syncing competition. It is so funny.    I am becoming a big fan of Mr. Levitt.  I remember him at the gawky boy on "3rd Rock from the Sun."  He has turned into this fine young actor and what would appear to be a gentleman as well.  But my new discovery is Stephen Merchant.  Now those of you who are savvy probably know him as a writer/creator from The Office.  I personally never got into that show, but love Steve Carrell.  So after watching the Jimmy Fallon episode I googled (probably would have never found him in the encyclopedias) Stephen Merchant and watched his stand-up comedy routine.  It was also very funny.  Will be following both of those gentleman's careers.
  It's going to be a relatively quiet weekend.  Bill left for Houston (yes De, Houston Texas)  He's gone to watch some car racing stuff..... So the house will be a little quiet for a couple of days.
  Ashley, Ethan and I are making pan fried dumplings Saturday morning.  I'm hope to recreate the same ones that Lora taught Anne and I to make last weekend.
  And this afternoon, I ordered tickets for a great concert coming to town.

Yup, Chicago is coming to town.  Love their music and the sounds should be awesome in the Jubilee.
  Better get the clothes out of the dryer (wouldn't want to have to rewash them again.)
Enjoy the weekend.
Stacey