Thankful Thursday!

Thursday, December 14, 2012

So I'm taking a break from my childhood journal today and want to mention how thankful I am for everything I have in my life.

My children, my hubby and of course all the good friends I've made over the years.  Some I still see and the ones I don't see still have a warm place in my heart.  I do believe people enter your life for a reason and when they leave it's because they've accomplished whatever it is they were to do.

Last Sunday was a special day because my son, his wife and baby granddaughter came for a visit.  Natalie looked beautiful in her red and black dress.  She had just been to see Santa.

 

Natalie Anne

 

 

 

The kid, Natalie and the boy

 

 

Hubby caught off guard

 

 

Hubby and Sam

 

Can't wait for Christmas!

 

So hubby and I will be away overnite on Saturday.  A little shopping, a little gambling.  Looking forward to a little time together.

 

Hope everyone has a great day and until later...

 

Ciao

Journal Continued

Saturday, December 8, 2012

This is a continuation of my post from Thursday where I'll try to capture some of my "rebellious teen years".   Honestly, it's hard to describe everything that went on in my life at that time because I would need to write a book in order to capture it all.  You are getting a "capsulized" version  Also, reading back on my last post I do apologize for the spelling errors and will try to edit this post more thoroughly but I will apologize again, in advance, because I'm sure I've missed something.

The Rebellious Teens:

So moving into my grandmother's house was quite an eye-opener.  Oh I had spent holidays there over the years but wasn't prepared for what was in store.  Looking back,  I think they were all on their best behaviour for those short visits.

Once there, a family meeting was called at the kitchen table to discuss where I would sleep and attend school in September.  I had moved there at the end of Grade 8 and had to decide which high school I would attend.  I had no clue so they chose for me.  I only knew one other person that was going to attend there and hoped she'd be in my class.  Well that didn't happen.  In fact I never saw her so I was thrown into a school where I basically knew no one but everyone else seemed to know each other.  Again, I didn't "belong".

Also, I was used to going to church every Sunday rain or shine and asked where I would go.  They looked at me dumbfounded and weren't quite sure what to say.  You see they were not church-goers although my grandmother always sent money in an envelope to some church (I'm not sure which).  Anyway, it was finally decided that I could go wherever I wanted so I was left to my own devices on that one.  I ended up going to the same church where I was babtized years before but going by myself  each week wasn't much fun so that didn't last.

Did I mention that my aunt and uncle didn't believe in spanking or physical discipline of any kind?  Thank goodness!  They were modern thinkers in that respect.  Well my grandfather was not a modern thinker but "old school" and kept a belt hanging in full view of the kitchen table in case my sisters and I got out of hand.  Luckily, I never got it (why? I don't know) and my youngest sister being  "the baby" and could do no wrong never got it either so that left Barb, the middle child.

Barb was always getting the belt.  In fact one time in particular she was whipped so bad she could barely walk because of the welts on her legs.  I grew to hate my grandfather and his cruelty toward her.  I didn't attend his funeral years later because I could never forgive him for that and never will.  It is what it is.

So I would attempt to intervene in the arguments and fights that constantly happened in our house trying to be the voice of reason, only to be told it was none of business and if I wasn't happy I could leave.  Again, I didn't "belong".  My opinion meant nothing.  So I found solice with my friends and spent more and more time away from the house.  I only went home when I absolutely had to.  My life was changing and my innocence comprimised.  Finally fed up, I decided that when I turned sixteen I would leave.

I quit school, got a job and scoured the classifieds for a place to live.

When the actual day came for me to move out on my own, the hardest thing was to leave my grandmother whom I adored. I told her that I wasn't leaving "her" just the situation.  I'll always remember that conversation and the sad look in her eyes.  I miss her terribly...

Now freedom but at what price?

To be continued....

Me and Mom

 

Ciao

Another Thoughtful Thursday

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Oh where to start. Okay well I guess with Christmas coming I've been thinking a lot lately about all my good fortune.  Oh I may not be rich financially but emotionally and spiritually I am.

Now everyone knows how I feel about "organized" religion but I do have a spiritual side. I am not the heaten some people think I am although I tend to be more pragamatis and linear in my thought process.

I love blogging because it's somewhat of a personal journal.  I get to put my thoughts down on paper and although you may not agree with what I have to say, I don't mind because we all have our own opinions and beliefs.  That's what makes people interesting to me.  The diversity of it all.

I do want to say how happy I am that I found out that I have more readers than I thought.  Not all of them are listed as "followers" but they are world-wide.  I have had friends and family tell me that they routinely read my blog and I'm flattered that they are interested in what I have to say.

The beginning:

 

I'm the one squinting from the flash (circa 1959 or 1960)

on a rare visit to see my dad and new wife

I've had a very eclectic life from an early stage.

I am what they call an "army brat" because at the age of two we lived on an army base in Picton where my father was a weapons specialist.  My sister Barbara was born there and when we moved backed to Toronto (where I was born) my youngest sister Irene was born.

Life with my parents at that time was tumultuous to say the least. We lived in a little bungalow  in the east end of the city that my grandmother had bought for my parents as a wedding gift.

My father was an alchoholic and not a very nice one at that.  I have memories of the police bringing him home drunk and disorderly on a regular basis.

I remember watching my father beat my mother for the littlest thing.  There were no anger management classes in those days. I would just stand there crying begging him to stop and finally he would.

Well Christmas came one year when I was four and I was told I was going for a visit to my aunt and uncle's in Weston over the holidays.  I was excited because I loved them dearly and they used to visit quite often (I found out later it was to make sure I was getting fed, etc.).

Anyway, little did I know it was not just a visit and that they were my new guardians.  So every night after supper I would sit by the front door waiting for them to pick me up. Of course they never came.  I used to fall asleep there on the floor so after about two weeks my aunt and uncle explained that they weren't coming and I would now be living with them.

As the years went by I grew accustomed to my new home and was enrolled in school and made friends with the neighbour's kids.  I went from a caotic life to one of structure and discipline.  I was enrolled in summer programs, ballet and tap at five and then through the years took singing, drama, recorder, piano, modern jazz, skating and swimming.    I was a brownie and girl guide.  I went to Sunday school, church camps and a host of other activities.  I was busy.  I had a good life and didn't want for anything or so it seemed.  Something was missing.  I didn't belong.  I thought maybe if my aunt and uncle adopted me and I had their last name I would fell better about myself but they refused and said I already had a last name and parents of my own.

I longed for my "real" mom and dad.  Oh I knew I had parents but they weren't in my life.  Over the years my mom would ask my aunt to pack a bag and she would pick me up to go on a trip.  I can't tell you how many times I sat on the veranda dressed and ready to go with my suitcase by my side but she never showed.  I just got used to it after awhile.

The other kids were always asking me why I lived with my aunt and uncle.  I never knew what to say so I would just make stuff up.  I do remember saying my father was a spy and my mother a movie star or a famous model...  I was convinced I was adopted because how could my parents just give me up?  So my uncle got my birth certificate to prove I wasn't.  I was so disappointed. I thought just maybe I had other parents out there that really cared about me.

I never felt I really belonged so when I was thirteen I became rebellious and wanted to leave the home that I had known from the age of four.  I longed for a diffrent life and some freedom so I moved back with my mom and sisters who were living with my grandmother in Toronto.  There were no shelters for battered women back then so my mother didn't have much of a choice when she left my father. 

Well needless to say, I went from structure back to caos in my teen years.

To be continued...

Ciao

Torrential Tuesday!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012


So I wanted to create a post today that's on the lighter side today as yesterday's post centered on a serious matter that is near and dear to my heart.

So here is a pic of our tree that we managed to get up and decorated last Wednesday night. 

 

By Day

 

 

By Night

 

I always let hubby do the lights and then I take over with the rest.  Now I just have to do some wrapping and put some presents underneath.

 

On another note:

 

I've been a bit tardy with my "Deals of the Week" and I do apologize.  I'll try to make it up to you but I've been nursing a cold and not quite up to snuff.

 

I do hope some of you were able to make the "One-of-a-Kind Craft Show that was on last weekend at the Direct Energy Building on the CNE grounds.  It's a fabulous show that boasts over 800 artists.  Unfortunately, I didn't make it sown this year, hopefully I will next year.

 

"Deals of the Week"

 

No Frills is having a 1,2, and 3 dollar sale until Thursday, December 6th.  Great deals to be had.  Oh and they "price match".  Check out their flyer.

 

Loblaws Superstore is also offering some great deals that are on until Thursday, December 6th as well.

 

Canadian Tire has come along way since they just offered car accessories and power tools.  Check out their flyer with sale prices in effect until December 13th.  They also "price match".

 

Hope everyone is having a good week and until later...

 

Ciao

 



 

 



Thoughtful Monday!

Monday, December 3, 2012

I'm calling this post "Thoughtful Monday" because I got to thinking about the issue of domestic violence after watching a news broadcast regarding the Kansas Chief's player Belcher who murdered his beautiful girlfriend and the mother of their 3 month-old baby girl, Zoe.

Fellow players are mourning Belcher's death instead of the people that should be mourned, the victims in this case namely his girlfriend and her baby girl left without a mother.  I'm appalled at the ourpouring of emotion for this guy who is a cold-blooded killer that gunned down his girlfriend then shot himself.  Good riddance.  One less beater in the bunch.

In a perfect world there would be no domestic violence but unfortunately we do not live in a perfect world.  The majority of perpetrators are "so-called" men.  I use the word "men" loosely because to me they are not real men.

Real men love and care for the women in their lives.  They protect and cherish their mothers, lovers, daughters and female friends.  They nurture and advise and when they are frustrated or angry walk out of the room.  A real man can control his anger and not lash out.

I was a victim in the past of domestic violence.  I was lucky because I survived.  Thousands of women have not.

We have to make these men accountable for their actions.  How?  Just one reported incident and lock them away for good so they can't hurt anyone else.  I don't believe in rehabilitation because it's in their character.  You can improve on one's character but you can not change it.

I'm sad for all the women all over the world who endure abuse of any kind.  Some manage to get away but the memory of such violence stays with you.

Love and treasure the women and girls in your lives and they will flourish.

Ciao

Celebration Saturday!

Saturday, December 1, 2012

This post is dedicated to my daughter (aka the kid).

Twenty-nine years ago I received the best Xmas present ever, my daughter.

Not only is she my daughter but she is my best friend who has been at my side through the good times and the bad times.  Loyalty is her strong suit and thank goodness because there were some rough times but she was always there for me and still is.  Our love for each other is unconditional.

Taken in Rome

 

 

 

My Beautiful Girl

 

So tonite we celebrate over dinner with friends and family at a restaurant of her choice.

 

What she doesn't know is that every day is a celebration for just having her as my daughter.

 

I love you sweetie!

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY xoxoxoxo

 

Ciao everyone!



Manic Monday!

Monday, November 26, 2012

Why "Manic Monday"?  Well trying to sort out all the things that need to be done by Christmas.  There are a couple of bins in the basement that I need to tackle but instead made peanut butter cookies (much more fun to bake, don't you agree?).  Oh well hopefully the mood will stroke me and I'll dive in.....who knows, I may find stuff that I forgot I have which is always a nice surprise.  Still need to bake more because I am visiting my mom tomorrow but have to wait for hubby to bring home the ingredients.

Now I am must tell you that last Saturday we attended my granddaughter's 1st birthday party.

Beautiful Nat

 

 

Blue Eyes (my money shot)

 

 

As you can see she's the "belle of the ball".  It was a great afternoon and watching her open her gifts (with the help of mom) was a sight to see. 

 

Love you Natalie Anne...

 

 

 

Baby Nat With Her Mom

 

 

Me and Nat

 

 

I'm most proud of the pic I took of Nat with the green balloon.  I call this my "money shot".  Definitely the best picture I've taken so far and I noticed that I used the "Rules of Thirds" without even realizing it.  This was taught to me by a dear photographer friend of mine.  So I don't know if I can top it!  Well they say practise makes perfect.  We shall see.  I think I just got lucky.

 

Can't wait until everyone is over here on Christmas Day.  Friends and family...nothing like it in the world.  Will be snapping away all day and will post on a future blog.

 

Hope everyone has a good week and until later...

 

Ciao

Sunny Sunday!

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Another beautiful day.  We needed the sun after so many grey days last week.  Speaking of grey, I am reading "50 Shades of Grey" and enjoying it immensely. Had to find out what all the hype was about.  So far, it's living up to it's reputation.  Will definitely be following up with the rest of the trilogy.

So last Tuesday my good friend arrived to go for lunch. 

Lynn and I

 

She is my advisor, my mentor and most of all my good friend. Both of us are enjoying our retirement and looking forward to our trip to Ireland in 2013.  The visit was too short as we have so much to talk about so will have to continue the conversation tonite during our weekly Sunday night call.

 

Still having problems uplading pics from my photo gallery to my posts so bear with me.

 

 

Lynn

 

Success!!! Now I wonder if I can upload three?  I'd probably be pushing my luck...

 

 

Me and Hubby

 

I don't believe it.  Success again!  Of course I have another advisor, mentor and good friend...my hubby.  I love this pic of us taken a few years ago at the Eaton Centre.  His love, understanding and patience has allowed me to be who I am and grow as a human being. I'm so fortunate to have him in my life...

 

Okay now before I get any more mushy  about me and hubby I have to say I am excited about Christmas.  Yes, I am calling it by it's rightful name "CHRISTMAS" not the "holidays" which apparently is more politically correct.  Oh please...  It's ridiculous how far we have carried this ludicrous idea that we may be offending non-Christian followers by calling it Christmas.  Anyone who knows me knows I am not a church goer but I am spiritual.  I believe in every person's right to follow whatever religion they want or not.  We should respect other's beliefs even if we do not agree with them because that is part of free-thinking and democracy and we are able to do this in this great country of ours.  Unfortunately, in keeping others happy we are giving up traditions that make us happy and are hundreds of years old.  We are losing our rights in the process.  It's sad really when you think about it. 

 

So there you have it.  Christmas is a wonderful time of year for all to enjoy!  With that said, I have the daunting task of digging out the Christmas decorations and getting the house in order.  I may fall in one of the boxes and hopefully someone will notice and come to my aid.

 

Hope everyone has a fabulous day and remember to get out there and take advantage of the deals because the retailers are competing for your business.  Don't forget to take along flyers for a "price match" where offered.

 

Ciao...

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Terrific Tuesday!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Hope everyone had a good weekend!  We went for dinner at our friends on Saturday night.  Here is their darling daughter.

Darling Kiana

 

We are so lucky to have the friends that we do. 

 

Will elaborate more on tomorrow's post as I have a lunch date with my good friend who will be arriving shortly.

 

Take care everyone!

 

Ciao

 

 

 

 

 



Wonderful Wednesday

Wednesday, November 14, 2012


Hi everyone!

Hope you all had a good weekend. 

Saturday we went to dinner at friends of ours who purchased a new house a couple of years ago and we were finally able to get over and see it.  I loved it.  The design is amazing and it backs out on to a huge pond filled with ducks.  So you can sit in the kitchen and have this beautiful view. 
 
The rooms are huge, especially the kitchen which I fell in love with.  Of course they negotiated with the builder to have certain features added such as pot lighting (which I love) and upgrades here and there. 

Their five-year old daughter Kianna is a little bundle of energy and couldn't wait to show us around.  Also, they have the most adorable female Siberian huskys named Aria and Kyra.  Next month they are all off to Singapore, Australia and Paris for a month long vacation....ahhh

Me and Kyra

 

 

Had lots more photos to add but having trouble uploading pics from the photo gallery.  Have to play around with my laptop and try to figure out the problem.  I need help from my techie friends...

 

So yesterday I spent the day with a good friend of mine who is now retired like myself.  It was so good to see her and there wasn't enough time in the day to talk about everything that's going on in our lives.  Whenever we're together either in person or on the phone, we can talk for hours.  The day just wasn't long enough.  She is my advisor and mentor on so many matters.

 

I'm so happy she is part of my life.

 

I attempted again to upload some more pics including ones taken yesterday but no go.  So I'll close for now until I figure out the problem.

 

Will be back with my "Deals of the Week" and you can check me out on "Pinterest" and "Twitter".

 

Ciao

 

 

 

 

 

 



Remembrance Day Sunday

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Let's not forget the significance of today because it it weren't for all the soldiers who sacrificied their lives in combat we wouldn't have the freedom we have today to sit comfortably with our laptops e-mailing and  posting on our blogs.

Be forever grateful and to honor them is to never forget them.

Ciao...

Frantic Friday!

Friday, November 2, 2012

I can't believe October is over and November is already here.  Now we have Christmas to look forward to and in my case 3 birthdays fast approaching.

Natalie's b'day is November 23, the kid is December 1st and hubby's is on December 15th.  Lots to do and plan.  Also, every weekend for the month of November is booked.

Today is "Frantic Friday" with good reason.  Hubby and I purchased a new refridgerator which we've needed for years.  As soon as I saw it I knew it was the one.  You see our kitchen is not large and the space for the fridge is limited.  Samsung came out with a fridge that "fits anywhere" or so they claim.  It's a little shorter than most.  So hopefully it will fit.  We will see when it arrives.  Oh I know, "what's the big deal"?  Well, the old fridge had to be moved out of the kitchen (it's sitting in my hallway right now) and later moved down to the basement which we will use for extra storage.
 
The "really" old fridge that was already down there had to be moved out yesterday by hubby all by himself and with the number of stairs in our house, it was no easy feat.  The really old fridge was a gift from my aunt years ago and it certainly had seen better days.  It was sucking back the hydro so it had to go.  It was outside less than 1 hour and 2 guys came by and put it in their truck (probably for scrap metal). 

So there you have it.  The new one is to arrive today so of course all the rugs and furniture had to be moved and I have food in bins outside to hopefully stay cold.

Oh and did I tell you yesterday when hubby moved the really old fridge out it left a trail of water and rust which eventually came out of the basement floor, stairs, den and main floor after about 3 washings.  I worked like a dog.

I also did baking to take down to my mom's tomorrow and of course laundry. 

When I go to mom's tomorrow accompanied by the kid, I have work to do there as well because of her age and her health there's just stuff she's not able to do.  I really don't mind.  She's 81 years young and it's important that I spend as much time with her while I can.

Me & Mom

 

 

Now remember the root canal I was supposed to get last Friday.  Well I had cancelled it and guess what?  I have to get it done later today.  It just doesn't get any better...hehe.

 

Well I should send off a couple of e-mails and then wash out the fridge sitting in my hallway.

 

Hope everyone has a great day and weekend ahead.

 

I love this pic:

 

 

Dublin at Night

 

 

Ciao...



Monster Storm Monday!

Monday, October 29, 2012

Okay well I managed to tear myself away from the news coverage of Hurricane Sandy.  Difficult at best.  Southern Ontario is going to feel the effects especially between 5 pm today through till 5 am tomorrow.  This is being called a "superstorm" and with good reason.  Hopefully, it will not affect us too badly.  The eastern seaboard of the U.S. is already getting hammered.  New York has closed down the subway system.  There are no buses or trains.  Schools are closed and even the New York Stock Exchange has closed.  Also, New Jersey is already feeling the brut of the storm.  They are also calling it the "perfect" storm..very ominious. 

Now on another note.  My daughter, the "kid" is now a certified make-up artist and I couldn't be prouder.  My little entrepreneur.

 

The Kid with Maria

 

 

 At a Halloween Party

 

 

The "Kid"

 

 

You can see why I'm so proud. 

 

Anyway, must tell you that last Friday was fabulous.  Got to spend the day with my darling grandbaby, Natalie Anne and her mom at a toy warehouse and then to the mall for lunch.   Had a great time and wanted to buy every toy I saw for her but then I remembered we do have to eat...hehe.  I can't believe she will be 1 year old on November 23rd.  She is a "nana's" little dream. The spittin' image of my "boy". 

 

 

 

Nat and her Dad Months Ago

 

 

Now she is walking and growing by the day.  Ahhhh....

 

 

Anyway, will post lots of pics from her B'day party coming up.  Can't wait.

 

 

Hope everyone has a good day and please be careful this evening when the weather is supposed to take a turn for the worst.

 

Ciao!

 



 



Torrential Tuesday!!!

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

May I start by first apologizing for this late post.  Although I'm home now, I've been busy.

Hubby, sister-in-law and myself went to North Bay on the weekend to help celebrate hubby's dad's B'day. The kid stayed to babysit the pets and attend her Saturday course and write her final exam.  She just has one more class which involves doing my make-up and her friend's and then a "photo shoot".  Oh God!  I just hope they can airbrush my photo.  Have to glam it up that day... anything for the kid.  Her course has been a success and she was told by her teacher to go ahead and make up her business cards so she's on her way as a professional make-up artist as well as an insurance agent.  She'll be a busy girl.  I'm so proud.

 

My Beautiful Kid

 

 

So here are a few pics from our North Bay visit:

 

 

Eileen, Hubby, Gilda & Tony

 

 

Hubby

 

 

Guess Who?

 

So this Friday I have a busy day planned.  Nat's mom is picking me up and we're off to a toy Warehouse in Etobicoke.  Yay! I get to spend some time with my granddaughter. Then in the afternoon I have to get a "root canal" (lucky me).

 

Stay tuned for my regular "Deals of the Week" and I hope everyone is having a fabulous week on this torrential Tuesday.

 

Ciao...





Windy Wednesday!

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Well we're mid-way through the week and believe it or not, my days go quicker now.  No more watching the time wishing for my next break.  No more standing outside freezing to have a smoke with my pals.  I'm surprised I didn't die from pneumonia years ago...hehe.

I'm working on a couple of projects and I'll keep you all posted as to my progress.  The recovering of my diningroom chairs is on hold for now but will definitely get done in the near future.

Hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving.  Here are some pics from our dinner on Sunday.

 

Nat at Dinner

The Boy and Nat's Mom

 

 

The In-laws

 

 

Nat and Sam

 

 

Me & Hubby

 

Hope you enjoyed....

 

Ciao

 

 

Partly Sunny Saturday

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Well it's been quite the week.  Saying my good-byes at a job I've had for the past 15 years was difficult to say the least.  On one hand I was happy to be starting a new phase of my life but on the other hand I had to leave behind some terrific friends I've made over the years.  Some of which follow this blog.

I'm looking forward to having choices now.  I'm toying with a couple of ideas but hubby just wants me to relax for awhile so that's what I'm going to do.The daily routine of a full-time job was starting to wear on me especially with my health issues and the fact I'm not getting any younger.  I was definitely sleep deprived and it showed each afternoon at work.  Some days it was all I could do to stay awake.

I'll now have time to visit friends of mine and family members that I want to spend more time with and haven't had the chance. 

Yes, change is good.

Now on another subject. 

 I had some dental surgery last night and my mouth will not stop bleeding.  With the tattoo and the bloody mouth I look like I've been in a bar fight...hehe. Oh they gave me some gauze but I need a lot more and I mean a LOT MORE.  Regular painkillers are helping with the discomfort but I can imagine what the next surgery will be like as it's more complicated.  I'm scheduled to go back on the 19th.  Whoopee!!!  Oh well it needs to be done.

So I promised to post some more pics we've taken with the new camera so here goes:

Hubby took this one

 

 

 

Me and Sushi

 

 

Okay, well my computer is not cooperating and won't let download any more pics right now.  I'll try again later.  Very frustrating.

 

Anyway, fellow gluten-free friends, I must tell you about a delicious snack I bought called "Gaytan Baked Cheese Puffs".  OMG they are so good you can not tell they're gluten-free.  I'm addicted to these things.  They are available at The Bulk Barn at Square One along with a whole isle of gluten-free products.  Who knew?

 

So it's time to go do the salt and warm water rinse so until next time...

 

Ciao

Positive Change

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Well it's certainly October weather out there.  Gloomy Halloween type weather.  Hopefully the sun will peak out later.

Anyway, I've titled this post "Positive Change" for a reason.  There have been some changes in my life recently but I feel they are "positive".  Change is good and happens for a reason which we can't always see at first but understand down the road.

I've had lots of change during the course of my life as many others have.  It's how you deal with those changes that can make the difference.

I will elaborate when I post later in the week.

So I'm looking forward to our Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday which we're hosting at our place.  Family, friends and wine always a good combination.   A chance to spend some time with my adorable granddaughter Natalie Anne who will be 1 year old on November 23rd.

 

She's grown a lot since these pics were taken and getting cuter by the day.  I will be posting more recent pics from our dinner this coming Sunday. She's walking now and I can't wait to see that in person.

 

So I'm practising what I learned on my photography course last Saturday.  I learned a few tricks and will download some of the shots I've been taking. I definitely recommend the "one-on-one" course they offer at "Black's".  My teacher was "Alan" who is a professional photographer as well and knew my camera blindfolded.  It's a lot to absord in a such a small period of time but I'm taking baby steps with my photography so I'm not overwelmed.

 

Now a message for my fellow Celiacs.  I'm back taking the "Culurelle" probiotic and am determined to finish the package and see if it makes a difference with my symptoms.  Time will tell.  There's also another brand of probiotic on the market called "Align".  I will try that one next.  I'm hoping one of them will help.  I know there's no cure for this disease but if I could alieve some of the symptoms I'd be a happy camper.

 

Also, I will be starting a website shortly that will be geared to my fellow Celiac and IBS sufferers where I will be keeping you up-to-date with the latest medical news, products, other websites and gluten-free food availability.  Stay tuned...

 

 

 

A Day at Woodbine

 

 

In the Park

 

 

Sushi

 

More pics to come...

 

Deals of the Week

 

 

Since it's October there are ghost walks available at a reasonable price for those of you that are not faint of heart.

 

If you contact "Heritage Mississauga" at 905-828-8411 - ext. 0 you can order tickets for the Port Credit ghostwalk - $5.00 per adult and $2.00 per child.  this year it's held on October 22nd.

 

Also, there's one on Friday, Oct. 19th meeting place -  the Dixie Union Cemetary est. in 1810.  Again, for more details you can contact Heritage Mississauga by phone or go online.  Not sure which one to choose.  Maybe I'll do both.

 

I myself, have already started decorating for both Thanksgiving and Halloween.  I love this time of year.  There are great ideas online on how to decorate "on the cheap".  My favorite way of decorating.  dollarama has tons of cheap decor.  Remember the ghords, colorful fall leaves and pine combs make a great centerpiece for your table.  Just place in a clear crystal bowl and you're done.  Also, add some pumpkin scented candles to give the huoe a "fall" smell.

 

Have fun decorating and I'll be back later.  I have some pics to download..

 

Ciao

 

Terrific Thursday!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

This post is dedicated to my hubby.  My father, brother, lover and best friend. 

Tomorrow marks our 16th wedding anniversary.  Wow!  It doesn't seem that long ago that we were headed down to Las Vegas to get married (I hadn't been on a plane since 1970) but I wasn't the least bit nervous on the flight because he was there beside me. 

I had met him 2 years prior to our wedding in a club and it was an instant attraction.  I thought he was the most handsome man I had ever met.  I still do.  Little did I know he'd end up my husband.

I've always felt that everything happens for a reason and now I'm sure of it.

Thank you sweetie for everything you have given me.  I feel that no obstacle is too great to overcome with you by my side.  You protect me and keep me safe.  You give me the strength to deal with whatever life throws my way and most importantly you love me unconditionally.  When I say "I love you" you always say "I love you more".

 

 

So you see it's a terrific Thursday!!!

Satisfied Saturday!

Saturday, September 15, 2012

I know, I know.  I've procrastinated this week and am behind in my posts but I wasn't feeling my best. 

I purchased "Culturelle" last weekend at of all places, Loblaws pharmacy.  I have been looking for this product for months and not even Shopper's Drug Mart carried it.  I thought they carried everything?  Guess not. Anyway, it's a probiotic I've seen advertised on television and I've been dying to try it in hopes it will help with my Celiac symptoms.  No change so far so I'm not going to take any for a few days and see what happens. Culturelle is gluten-free but whether or not it agrees with my system remains to be seen.  I'll keep you updated.

"Deal of the Week"

Now if you're reading this post you're not at Wal-mart where you should be, taking advantage of the great deals.  Their anniversary sale started yesterday and is on until tomorrow and what a sale it is.

A friend of mine was at the door of Wal-mart before 7 am yesterday because she knows from experience how quickly stuff goes.  They had 32" flat screens televisions for $198.00 that were gone by 7:15 am.  Wow!  I called hubby right away and he went yesterday afternoon with the kid and bought a 19" flat screen RCA for $108.00 for the kitchen.  Good deal.  He also bought lots of Tide and Bounce sheets along with other household products on for great deals.

Alo, the kid bought herself a pair of caramel brown flat-heeled boots for $29.99.  Very cute.  I plan to get myself a pair as well.  Of course they're "pleather" but I've found in the past that they are easier to clean and take care of then real leather.

------

Now on another subject, near and dear to my heart.

The great white sharks of our oceans are in jeopardy.  There is a new program on TV called "Shark Wranglers" which follows the expedition ship called the "OSearch".  The expeditions are led by Chris Fischer and 49 researchers.  Their research has resulted in the publication of 5 scientific papers on the biology and life history on the great whites. 

 

The Crew

Now I have always had a healthy fear of sharks but I respect the fact that we're invading their territory when we are in the ocean.  I've learned a lot by watching this show and how these researchers catch and tag these fish in order to track them and their habits.

 

Great White



One of the programs shows footage of a fisherman aboard a Chinese ship pulling a shark on board and hacking off it's fins while it was still alive and struggling then kicking the shark off the deck into the ocean to die.  I cried when I saw it.  All for their stupid love of "shark fin" soup. These people are less than human.  They are barbaric sadistic monsters and make me sick to my stomach.  You know what?  Learn to eat "chicken noodle" or "tomato".  Much less barbaric...you sick bastards!!!

Well now that I got that off my chest, you should check out the show.  Quite an eye-opener.  check your local listings for channel and time.

Ciao for now...

 



 

 

 

Soaker Saturday

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Well it's like a tsunami out there.  As I'm sitting here at my laptop, Sushi is sitting at the patio doors watching the torrential downpour going on outside.  She loves water which is unusual for a cat.

Miss Sushi

 

So yesterday started out okay but as the day progressed my "Celiac" symptons worsened.  Nothing seemed to help the migraine I was experiencing along with cramping and incredible fatigue.  Not a good day all around but feeling a bit better today. 

 

I've taken on a home improvement project that I'm excited about.  Recovering my diningroom chairs.  Something I've wanted to do for a while and have never tackled.  Unfortunately, over the years a couple of the chair seats have been stained and nothing I've used has worked to get them clean so "recovering" it is.

 

I have my staple gun and staples.  I've measured and will remember to add an extra 2 ins. for the overlap.  I just need to go to "Fabricland" and look at material.  Not sure what I want only that I  want colour.  My dining set is "expresso" and the seat coverings are beige with a raised lined pattern.  Quite dull actually so they could definitely use a splash of colour.  I'll look at patterns and solids to see what appeals to hubby and myself.  Yes, I'm dragging him with me so he's part of the decision making.  That way he can't complain about what we choose.

 

I'll also look on line to get some idea of what we both like.

 

Don't know if we're going today with the weather and all but we'll see.  If not today, hopefully tomorrow.  I can't wait to see how they turn out and how it will change the look of my diningroom.

 

Once done, I'll post pics of the finished product.

 

Friends of ours are coming by later to look at some stuff in our garage that they need for their new store.  It will be a second-hand store with a twist as they plan to have rooms staged like a showroom at one of the large retail stores.  It's set to open January 2013 and I wish them all the success in the world.  

 

Still have more painting to do at home and want to get it completed it before the cold weather sets in.  The basement is definitely coming along.  I'll try to tackle the cold room tomorrow.  More stuff to "toss".  Instead of pots & pans and some canned goods, I'd like it to be more of a "pantry" with all canned goods and other non-perishables.  On my list of projects.  As a good friend of mine always says, "I'm trying to keep myself accountable".

 

So it's back to work on Monday.  I'll miss being home but glad to get back to my friends at work.

 

Just a few more years...ahhh

 

I'll keep you posted on my progress with my home projects and post my "Deal of the Week"!

 

Ciao everyone...