Manic Monday!

Monday, November 25, 2013

I know it's been awhile since I last posted.  Actually, about a month.

What can I say except I've been procrastinating.  I do want to revamp my blog just not sure how yet.  So to catch you up.

Saturday the 23rd was my grandbaby's 2nd birthday and hubby and I went to see her bearing gifts.

 

 

 

As you can see I'm a proud "nana".  Our time visiting her was special because we  get to see how much she has grown in the last two years.   Happy Birthday little one.  You are loved more than you'll ever know.

 

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Now I've titled this post "Manic Monday" because from now until the end of the year I am going to be super busy.  December is always a whirlwind of activity and it arrives Sunday.  December 1st is the kid's birthday.  December 15th is hubby's birthday and of course there's Christmas on the 25th when family arrives from up north to stay until after New Year's.

 

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This week I plan to start decorating.  I have my cards written and ready to mail.  also, I have a lunch date with my good friend on Wednesday, a scheduled endoscopy on Thursday, 30th birthday dinner on Saturday for the kid and a 90th birthday party to attend on Sunday.  Need I say more?  Also, I have the "vertigo" back again and it's continuous but manageable.  It gets worse when I lean my head to the right, bend down or put my head back.  What the f---?  I guess it's a virus like the doctor said who knows?  No one else in the house has it but me.

 

So I hope everyone is keeping calm during this holiday season.  I know I am going to try.  Yet even with all the commotion, I love it.  Christmas has always been my favorite time of year.

 

Until later...

 

Ciao

 

   

Vertigo Thursday

Thursday, October 10, 2013

So we returned from Las Vegas in the wee hours of Monday morning totally exhausted.

The flight seemed long coming home because we were still on Vegas time.  Also, hubby and I were not feeling the greatest.  He was fighting a cold and I had a bit of it as well.

When we arrived at Pearson we had the long trek through Terminal 3 to the other end and "Customs" which thankfully can be done by machine now so it does save time.  Then on to "Baggage" which again was fairly quick thank goodness.

Needless to say I was dying for a smoke and just wanted to make a run for the nearest exit.

Once home hubby went straight to bed but I stayed up for a bit longer before falling into bed in a near coma.

On the whole the trip went well.  We had a much better time then on our June trip.  It was more relaxing this time around and the weather was beautiful.  The trip would have been even better had we both been feeling up to snuff.  We went to see "O" the Cirque Du Soleil show playing at the Bellagio Hotel.  It was breathtaking to say the least.  Well worth the money we spent on great seats. 

Here are some pics I took in the hotel room at "The Mirage".

So I've been to 3 cities inside of two months.   Next stop hopefully Scotland with the kid but for now I think I can put the suitcase away for awhile.

Today I'm fighting "vertigo" as my balance, etc. is off.  I went to the doctor's yesterday after experiencing dizziness and nausea since last week and that was her diagnosis.  Hopefully it will pass after a week or so and I've been told to get plenty of rest and take Gravol to help relieve the symptoms I'm experiencing.

I'm just taking it one day at a time and for the first time in years have not planned a Thanksgiving dinner.  I'm just too tired and woozy to entertain plus I'm supposed to get lots of rest.

Below is my Thanksgiving wreath I created and will replace after the weekend with Halloween décor.

Hope everyone has a fabulous Thanksgiving and long weekend.

Until later...

Ciao

Packing Day

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Well yes I'm packing again but this time it's a short trip to Las Vegas with hubby.  Looking forward to a few days away just relaxing.

So we are leaving early Thursday morning as our flight leaves at 6:30 am.  Tomorrow I'll pack the last minute items and get an early night.  I'll update you when I return.

Saturday, the kid and I went to my sister's up in Orangeville. 

Jenn and Andreas

As you can see we had a great time.

Off for a Bike Ride

Needless to say we had a ball.  Getting to spend time with my sister is important to me so it was a "perfect" day.

Here's a couple of pics of the kid who went for her very first ride on a motorcycle and she loved it.

 

 

 

So have to close for now.  Hope everyone has a great week and a great month.

 

Until later...

 

Ciao

Update on Sam

Thursday, September 19, 2013

So to update everyone on Sammy.  She has a torn knee ligament (cruciate ligament rupture) and has been given meds which will take about 8 weeks before we notice a visible improvement maybe sooner.  Also, she has some arthritis but that's to be expected considering her age.  We are not to walk her too often a it puts too much pressure on the bad knee.  Also, she may start to favor the good leg and that may cause the same tear in that knee.

Unfortunately, all we can do is continue the meds and make her as comfortable as possible as she ages.

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Today, I am going to visit my mom for lunch and update her on my European trip.  Also, I have a goody bag of souvenirs for her which I hope she will like.

Now that she's 82 years young I try to see her a often as I can.

Mom as a Girl

 

 

Me and Mom

 

Have to run now but I'll get back to you later...

 

Ciao

 

 

My Sammy

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Normally, when I post I talk about my trails and tribulations concerning "my" health but not today.

Today it's all about Sam my beloved dog.  Sammy has been a part of our family for the pat 14 years and is like another child.

Lately, she has had a problem with one of her back legs and is limping around the house.  She is eating normally, etc. but very lethargic.  She sleeps most of the time and when she tries to get up has great difficulty.

We are taking her to the vet today because she is only getting worse.  We are thinking arthritis but not sure.

Will let you know how she fairs at the vet.

Until later...

Ciao

The Dangers of a Gluten-free Diet

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Okay, I'm borrowing the title of the cover page of Maclean's magazine as the title f my post today.

I had to check this out online since I've been on a gluten-free diet for the past 4 years.

According to Cathy Gulli, the writer of the article, the dangers that doctors are concerned about are people getting on this diet that don't "need" to be.  Some of us who suffer from Celiac disease or wheat allergies are advised by our doctors to go on the gluten-free diet but recently there has been a surge of people feeling that they would be eating healthier if they dropped wheat, rye, whey, oats and barley from their diet.  Maybe so but maybe not.

Unfortunately, according to doctors when you go on this diet you are also eliminating essential vitamins, protein and fibre.   All important to good health.

Having been on this diet I have mixed feelings.

While in Europe, I introduced a few gluten containing foods to my diet to see if I noticed any difference in my symptoms.  I gotta say, not really but the guilt made me a little sick...

I've always been of the mindset that everything is about "balance".  When I was diagnosed I was scared to death because the doctor told me that if I didn't follow the diet it could develop into stomach cancer as there was no other form of treatment.  The kid was quick to point out that I smoke so am I not afraid of lung cancer?  Mmmm......she has a point.

I don't have all the answers after all my case is a little different because no matter what I eat I experience pain.  It's just the intensity that varies.  At my latest visit to the specialist I was advised that I have "severe" diverticulitis and because the infection in the colon is so bad  would have to go to the hospital for a more intense colonoscopy.  They were afraid if they forced the scope through the infection it could tear a hole in the colon which could prove fatal.  So there you have it.  My appointment is at the end of October so hopefully they will be able to do something for me.

I wish just following a gluten-free diet would do the trick but honestly in my case it's not helping.

I will though stay on it for the most part until I get tested in October (I promised hubby) at the hospital and hopefully have more answers.

It comes down to personal choice and only you can decide if you're willing to gluten in your diet.

Whatever you decide please try to make sure that you are taking vitamin supplements, etc. as part of your routine.  Which reminds me, I need to pick some up.

Until later...

 

Ciao

Family BBQ

Friday, September 6, 2013

Well things are slowly getting back to normal.  Oh I know I've been home for a week already but the body is still weary from the trip and I've caught a bug as well.

My birthday was on the 29th of August, the day after I arrived home.  Hubby and the kid treated me to dinner at "Scaddabush" the new name for "Alice Fazooli's".  It's now an Italian Kitchen and Bar.  Some of the same staff and some new but still excellent dining.  Reasonably priced as well.  We sat out on the patio and had a great time even though I was a little out of it (partly jet lag and partly a bug).  

Did I  mention that when hubby picked up Lynn and I at the airport that he presented us each with a bouquet of flowers?  What a guy!  I think he missed me...hehe

Well on Saturday we invited my sister-in-law and brother-in-law for a BBQ so I had a chance to talk about my trip, etc.

 

The Kid

Gilda, my sister-in-law

 

Danny, my brother-in-law (a fellow Scot)

 

Hubby cooking

 

We had a great time but unfortunately the next day was spent mostly in bed unwell.

 

I have to confess that I love this weather we're having.  Fall is my favorite time of year.  I can wear my comfy moccasins and cozy sweaters....and hopefully turn on the fireplace.  It doesn't get any better.

 

So tomorrow the kid and I are off to a baby shower for a dear friend of mine who is expecting around Thanksgiving.  She is having a boy named Connor and I couldn't be happier for her.

 

Hope everyone has a great day!

 

Until later...

 

 

 

Ciao

 

 

European Vacation

Monday, September 3, 2013

So good to be home and back with my friends and family.  Missed hubby and the kid like crazy!

Had a fabulous week abroad and the memories of that trip will be cherished forever.  Anyone who knows me knows that I love to travel.  With regards to Europe I've now been to England, France and Italy and plan to go to a lot more destinations in the future.

Who knew that the kid who sent away for all those travel brochures many years ago would be living her dream...

First stop - London, England

 

The Lobby at the Earlscourt - Ibis

 

 

My friend Lynn Outside the Hotel

 

 

Out and About in South Kensington and Gloucester

 

 

Million Dollar Flats

 

 

Windsor Castle

 

 

Me at St. Martin's on the Crypt

 

I snapped pics indiscriminately thinking that I could edit later.  There are too many pics to share so I have added a hodgepodge of ones I think you will find interesting.  I've tried to capture a taste of both cities.

 

The Saturday after we arrived we boarded the Eurostar for France.  I remember when they were building the "Chunnel" and said that there was no way in hell I would take a train under all that water.  Well guess what?  Never say "never".  Quite the experience.

 

Second Stop - Paris, France

 

 

Biker on the Streets of Paris

 

 

Paris Apartments

 

 

Hall of Mirrors at Versailles

 

 

Looking out at the Royal Gardens from the Palace of Versailles

 

 

Inside the Palace

 

 

Approaching Notre Dame Cathedral

 

 

Where We Stayed in Paris

 

So you see, two beautiful cities in two beautiful countries.  I was overwhelmed in both places by the sheer beauty of it all.  Everyone we met were so helpful and friendly.  Both the English and the French locals.  I would definitely make the trip again because it is impossible to see everything in such a short timespan.

 

So I'm off again with hubby in October for a few days in Las Vegas.  My new suitcase is getting a good workout.

 

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

 

Ciao

 

 

 

Slowly Organizing!

Friday, August 16, 2013

Well this will probably be my last post until after my trip.

Busy organizing what to take with me, I always "over pack" or "under pack".  This time I'm going to try and get it right.  I do want to pack light so I have room for stuff I buy over there to bring home.

So my friend and I fly out at 10:05 pm Tuesday headed for London.

Three days there and then on to Paris for four more days before heading home.

There will be a lot of firsts for me on this trip.  Seeing England (finally) and taking the "Chunnel" under the English channel to name but a few.

The only other "overseas" vacation I went on was to Italy a few years ago. 

Although that trip was fabulous, I learned that when you're a smoker like myself you have to take measures to endure the long flight without a cigarette.  Those of you reading this who are non-smokers will not understand.

When we arrived in Rome I practically ran to the designated smoking room.  Leaping over people's baggage can be dangerous!  I was on a mission and didn't care who noticed and because this trip will be a night flight I plan to take a sleeping aid and hopefully pass out until we arrive in London. I'll probably do the same on the way home from Paris even though that will be an earlier flight, it will hopefully relax me enough that I won't think about having a smoke.

 

London at Night

 

Salute!

 

So when I return I will of course of lots of pics to share.

In the meantime, the EX opened today so hopefully hubby and I will make it there before I leave.

Everyone have a great weekend and good week ahead.

Until later...

Ciao

After the Long Weekend

Monday, August 6, 2013

Hope everyone had a great long weekend, I know we did.

The kid and I took in a matinee on Friday, "The Conjuring" and boy were we disappointed.  Kind of corny and predictable.  Did not scare us one bit but when you've see the first "Paranormal Activity" you're kind of jaded.  When we came out of the show there was a torrential downpour going on outside and we still had some last minute shopping to do so we sucked it up and got done what we needed to.

Hubby and I went to see "2 Guns" Saturday night which was really entertaining.  I mean c'mon when you have two stars like Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg how can you go wrong?  Two thumbs up.

So took quite a few pics this weekend (practising my photographic skills for my trip in 2 weeks).

Here are some of the kid's beloved Sushi.

So adorable!

Now for the kid:

 

So yesterday hubby, the kid and myself went downtown for some sightseeing, etc.  We made a pit stop at the Ex Casino and then on to lunch at "William's Landing" in Liberty Village (which I highly recommend) and sat out on the upper patio looking over the street.  The weather was perfect and the food delicious.

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see we had a great time.

 

Now while I'm thinking about it I thought I should mention that in an earlier post I said that I was trying out a product called "Gluten Cutter" which I bought in the States.  Not sure what I think of the product but I do know that it contains a laxative and because I have also been diagnosed with "severe" diverticulitis I'm taking a break from them.  Maybe they would work well for someone that doesn't have any other issues, not sure.  I had also purchased a Canadian version (purchased at a health food store at Dixie Mall) that I haven't tried yet but won't until I come back from my trip and have another procedure at the hospital.  The Canadian pills are called "Gluten Relief" which basically is an enzyme blend that help the breakdown of foods containing gluten and/or dairy products.  As I said earlier, because I'm taking a break from any medication I can't comment on how well they work but will follow-up at a later date and they are not cheap -  $24.99 for 90 vegetarian capsules.  If you do try them and they do work, please e-mail me and let me know at shirleyzimbalatti@gmail.com.

 

Take care and have a fabulous week!

 

Until later...

 

Ciao

 

 

Downtown Trip

Thursday, August 1, 2013

So last Thursday the kid and I took the Go bus to Union Station and walked around downtown Toronto.  Now that was a first for me because I've never taken a Go bus.  In fact I haven't even been on a city bus in years.  Would definitely do it again.  It's economical and worry-free.  You don't have to stress about finding a parking spot and can drink all the wine you want at a café guilt-free.

We had a great time.  Stopped for lunch at a restaurant with an outdoor café (the weather was beautiful) and of course, shared a half litre of wine and people watched.  Then on to the shops and outdoor kiosks. 

I love Toronto.  Anyone who knows me knows that.  I was born there and lived most of my life there.  I've always loved downtown and my first full-time job out of school was at Yonge and Temperance St.  Working down there was fun because you had so much at your disposal.  In those days everyone had an hour for lunch so we would choose somewhere different to eat every day.  When I worked at Bay and Bloor I could walk over to the Colonnade on my lunch to television show tapings which I loved.  Those were the days...

Now although we had fun we knew we had to get back to Union Station to get the Go bus back home.  This is where we screwed up.  We were told the Go bus didn't run again until 7:20 pm. something we neglected to check out beforehand). It was 4:20 pm and we were tired from all the walking.  We had to take the Go train or wait.  We were told it was going to arrive any minute so all of a sudden I felt like a participant in the "Amazing Race Canada"!!!  The kid grabbed my hand and we were off! 

I never went up and down so many stairs in my life and I worried about my heart to be honest.  By the time we got on the train I was pale, short of breath, soaked in sweat and my heart was racing.  I thought, "Is this it?"  I'm going to die on a crowded Go train about to leave Union Station sitting between 2 girls playing on their I Phones.  I never even had dinner yet or a last smoke!  People were staring at me probably thinking they should call 911 but my breathing finally slowed and I somewhat returned to normal.

Needless to say I wanted to kiss the ground when we disembarked the train.  Quite the adventure and lesson learned.  Plan ahead...

 

Me & the Kid in Earlier Days

 

So tomorrow we are off to a matinee but staying in town.  No Go trains in the near future...

 

Until later,

 

Ciao

Wonderful Wednesday!

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Today has been a wonderful Wednesday!

The kid and I met with a dear friend of mine for lunch.  Sweet Carolyn who always puts a smile on my face.  It's always good to see her and catch up.  Afterwards, the kid and I had some errands to do and I met up with one of my previous co-workers.  It was good to see her as well.  When I was working I made some great friends over the years who I still maintain a friendship with.  This is very important to me. 

Me and Nat at my garage sale

 

 

Natalie

 

So I had my garage sale last Saturday and although I didn't make any money we had a great day with friends and family.  Started early (4 AM) getting things organized in the garage, etc. and didn't stop for the rest of the day.  After the sale hubby and I also took in Ribfest at Square One.  Needless to say fell asleep exhausted early that night.

 

 

 

My Grandbaby

 

 

 

The Kid

 

 

 

Nat with her mom

 

 

Nat with her Dad

 

So tomorrow it's off to downtown with the kid for a relaxing day of shops and cafes.

 

Until later...

 

Ciao