Terrific Tuesday!!!

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Why terrific?

Well we have Monday out of the way.  I now understand Bob Gelorf's song "I don't Like Mondays".

Anyway, there's some news on the homefront.  The kid is moving back home...YAH!!!

She secured a renter yesterday for her condo and will be back home here in a couple of weeks.

Now along with her will be coming her roommate Sushi the cat. I just hope that Sam my beloved dog is ready.  Actually, I think it's more that Sushi has to make the adjustment because Sam grew up with cats.  Sushi has never been around a dog.  Mmmm... should be interesting.

Well she looks innocent enough.  Right?  (I mean the cat)

Anyway on to other topics.

I want to mention all the great events that are coming up in the month of August.

First off, the "Scotiabank Caribbean Festival" is this weekend and should be a fun time.

Also, the "Pilaros Taste of the Danforth" from Aug. 10-12.  We rarely miss that one.  Great food, music and lots of vendors set up tables along the Danforth flogging their wares. Also, my mom lives within walking distance from the festival.

The "Scotiabank Buskerfest" is another favorite of ours and it's held in the Kensington Market area in downtown Toronto.  One of my favorite places.  There are costumed guys on stilts and last year they had huge dinosaurs walking the streets among the crowd.  Very cool...

Now of course all this week is the 2012 London games on television and I'm trying to watch as humanly possible.  Go Canada!!!

Check out CP24 event listings for upcoming events and festivals around T.O.

Unfortunately, summer is short so we try to cover every event possible while squeezing in BBQ's for family and friends and I hope you do too.

Also, sales are still going on everywhere.  Unbelieveable deals out there so the retailers can put out their fall and winter collections.  One shoe store I went into on the weekend had sandals on sale on one side of a rack and their new winter boots on the other.  Kind of weird...

Now for a couple of pics I thought you might like:

Obviously, I love my wine...hehe

With that I will get "my skates on" as they say in England and get ready for work.

Ciao for now...

Another Fabulous Friday!

Friday, July 27, 2012

Yes, another fabulous Friday.  Why you might ask?  Well I actuallly got some much needed sleep last night because Wednesday night and into Thursday morning southern Ontario was hit with lightening and thunderstorms.  We'll nickname it "Thunder Thursday" and I was up all night with my beloved dog, Sam.  It was like being up with a newborn. 

Although the rain was much needed, Sam wouldn't agree.  As I was trying to ignore her constant panting and pacing throughout the house that night I knew sleep for me was not in the cards.  When she finally settled down it was time for me to start my day.  Needless to say, I went to work exhausted and my eyes burning from being awake all night.  So you see last night was heaven because if there were any storms I wouldn't have heard a thing.  As soon as my head hit the pillow I was out cold.  YAH!!!!

Okay well maybe these pics are an exaggeration but I couldn't resist posting.  Lol...

On another note, I found a few pics of Dublin that I would like to share.

It's not just lephrachans!  (I'm sure I didn't spell that right).  Oh well you know what I mean.  Must remember to bring home the "Thesauraus" (probably didn't spell that right either).

Any, I'm looking forward to actually seeing Dublin next year along with Belfast in the north as my grandmother was born and raised there.

Now on another matter.

I didn't post a "deal of the week" last week but the when the kid brought over her laundry on the weekend she also brought something that I have to share.  Purex "3 in 1" complete.  These things are amazing and how they work is they look like dryer sheets but you throw one in the washer with your load of laundry and it contains detergent and fabric softener.  Then when you're ready to put your stuff in the dryer you also put that same sheet in as well and it acts like a regular dryer sheet.  They also smell clean and fresh and are less messy than liquid detergent.  Ingenious!  I'm definitely a fan and will be buying them from now on.  Not sure of the price but well worth whatever they cost. I will post the price though as soon as I find out from the kid.

My Beloved Sam

The Kid in Nassau

Well that's it for now.  Have to start my day but stay tuned for more...

Ciao!

Welcome Wednesday!

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Ahh the middle of the week.  I couldn't be happier.  Yes, I had Monday off but the weekend was a busy one and went by very quickly.

The kid is home from Nassau safe and sound.  All is right in the world.  She looks fabulous with a nice glow from all the sun and I think the break did her good.

Well I'm off to Ireland next year (an unexpected invite from a good friend)and Italy as well.  That's the plan anyway.  I've already started saving because two trips will be expensive.  Well worth it though because as you all know, I love to travel.

When I was a child, I used to drive my aunt crazy because of all the travel brochures I would send away for.  So you see this love I have started early in life.  Thank goodness hubby shares my passion.

The Spanish Steps

Pisa

View from the Vatican

On a bridge in Rome

Venice

Thought you might like to see some snaps from our trip in 2011. Hope you enjoyed. Can't wait to see Rome again.

Now for the trip to Ireland. Birthplace of the mother's mother and her mother before her. Very excited because I grew up listening to stories from "back home", seeing pictures, etc. It will be different to actually be there. The Irish influence was strong. My grandmother cooked tradional Irish meals (none of which I really cared for) but had to eat or I'd starve. Most of my aunt and uncle's friends were Irish (my uncle was born in Larne so I hope to go there) and of course there were relatives who came over for visits and brought me fine Irish linen and other Irish trinkets. We listened to the music, ate the food and I can still muster up the accent whenever I'm around someone with an Irish accent or I'm upset. Just ask hubby!

There you have it.  A trip down memory lane.

Hope the rest of the week is good for everyone and I'll be back with my "Deal of the Week".

Ciao and Erin Go Bragh!



The Passionate Eye

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

This post is one of of a more serious note.  I'm in a philosophical mood this morning so bear with me.  It is a thank you of sorts for which I will explain later in the post.

I titled it "The Passionate Eye" because I love that phrase.  It describes what we humans look through hopefully on a daily basis.  We are only visiting this planet we have named earth,  that I'm sure of.

Now I'm not speaking about religion as such.  Anyone who knows me, knows I abhore "mainstream religion" for many reasons.  I do have a spirtual side but for the most part I'm very pragmatic.

I struggle on a daily basis both emtionally and physically.  The Celiac disease I have is a most unwanted permanent visitor for which there is no cure.  My life expectancy has been shortened (apparently) so I find myself appreciating each day as it comes.  It's an emotional struggle because I hate dealing with the physical limitations.  The only thing I can do is deal with it.  This is my life and it's the cards I've been dealt.  As I'm writing this I'm in pain but nothing I can't deal with.  You see it's not just the abdominal pain but the migraines and fatigue I also have to bear. Still with that said I'm very fortunate and thankful.

I have a lot to be thankful for with a loving family and great friends that mean the world to me.  Now here comes the thank-you part.

Thank you Uncle Bert for giving me a "normal" childhood.  One I wouldn't have had if it weren't for you.  You gave me love, stability, discipline and taught me everything from tieing my shoes to riding a bicycle.  You dragged me to church every Sunday (to give me a foundation) and gave me opportunities I wouldn't have had otherwise. 

You see I was slated to go to Children's Aid and be raised by foster parents when my parents divorced.  I was four at the time and unaware that this may have been my fate.  My aunt and uncle agreed to keep me for a few years while my mother struggled to get on her feet.  I ended up staying until I was fourteen.  I fought them every step of the way beacuse I wanted my "real" parents like everyone else but they didn't give up on me.

Thank you hubby.  You're my lover, mentor, father, brother and best friend all wrapped into one.  You ground me when I need to be grounded.

Thank you to my children for they've given my unconditional love since they came into this world and a sense of purpose.

Thank you everyone that has made my life better and I love all of you for that.

Ciao

Continuous Tuesday!

Tuesday evening, July 10, 2012

This is the morning's post continued....

I snapped some pics of the patio with the added "plants".  Big difference from the pic I posted this morning, right?

I wanted to create a cozy English garden feel with a modern twist.  Lots of greenery and stone animals scattered about.  Add some lanterns, candles, lots of cushions.  I even have an antique mirror resting against the wall waiting to be hung (idea captured while eating at an outdoor patio)...

Love this vine that crawls down the legs of the table and along the floor

Wal-mart Outdoor Clock

Some of these plants are ones I purchased while "garage saleing".

Just a little imagination and not a lot of money can create your own backyard "oasis".  Get your inspiration from your surroundings.  My ideas come from anywhere and everywhere.  I just wish my camera could capture more of the ambiance but you get the idea!

Keep shopping for those bargains!  July is the month to get summer deals.

More to come...

Ciao



Terrific Tuesday!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Why terrific?  Well Monday is behind us...hehe

Anyway, how is everyone?

The last two weekends have been busy ones.  The ribfest was a blast and there's another in a couple of weeks.

My airbrush design done at the Ribfest.  The "fighting Irish".  Love it.

Anyway, I've been seriously thinking of getting a permanent tattoo.  A small shamrock on my ankle.  Will update you if I'm able to muster up the courage!

Also, this past Saturday the kid left for her trip to Nassau.

The kid and Sushi

Sushi

My Oasis before adding all my plants

The kid

Hope everyone has a great day!

Gotta run....

To be continued......

Ciao