Terrific Tuesday!

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Why "terrific" Tuesday.  Well first off I hope everyone had a fabulous "Mother's Day".  I know I did.

The kid and I went to see my mom on Sunday morning and then back to our place for a dinner with the boy, Rhonda and baby Natalie.

Rhonda and her girl

 

 

The Boy

 

 

The Kid

 

 

All in all, a great day.

 

I want to mention that I've had many "mothers" through the years.

 

Of course there's my birth mother who is 82 years young next month.  Also, my aunt who raised me from the age of four until I turned 13.  She was a great role model and taught me a lot.  I we her a lot. 

 

Then there's my grandmother whom I miss dearly.  She was a very strong woman who I could talk to about anything.  We would talk for hours and she would tell me about the struggles she faced growing up in Ireland in a large family with very little money.  At the age of 12 she went to work in a factory because back then only the boys were educated.  They assumed the girls would one day get married, have children and that was that.   My grannie wanted better than that and after marrying my grandfather started to squirrel away money so they could emigrate to Canada.  It wasn't easy because she had very little education as far as schooling but she was very educated in the ways of the world.

 

 

By the time she passed away she owned 3 properties and held many investments.  She knew how to survive.

 

Love you grannie!

 

My father's second wife, Jean, was also a very strong woman.  She had such a capacity to love all her children including my two sisters from my mother and me as well.  When I was growing up and would visit her, she always treated me like one of her own.  I love her for that.

 

 

Jean

 

As I grew older I had female friends and mentors that helped me through some rough times that I also want to thank and were "surrogate" moms to me back in those days.

 

I feel very fortunate to have known such strong independent women and wish I had half their strength.

 

With all the ups and downs of motherhood, nothing is more difficult but infinitely most rewarding.

 

Happy Mother's Day to everyone that has ever known the joy of motherhood.

 

 

Me and my grandbaby

 

 

Until later...

 

Ciao



Wonderful Wednesday!

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

So hubby and I had a wonderful weekend.  We drove up north to visit hubby's dad and girlfriend.  The weather was warm and beautiful.  Clear skies and clear traffic.  You can't get any better than that.

It was nice to spend that time with him, just the two of us, which is a rare event for us.  Car trips usually include other family members but not this time.

 

Me and Hubby

On our return trip we took the scenic route which we don't usually do and also stopped at "Weber's" for one of their famous burgers.  It's located just north of Orillia on Hwy. 11.  We've drove past it for years always meaning to stop so finally we did.  Well worth it.

On another note:

I have to mention that I have a problem with most "charities".  The reason being that all the money that is collected is supposedly going for "research" .  Did you know that someone suffering from a disease such as MS has to pay approximately $2,000.00 per month for their prescription medication that isn't covered by Ontario Health Insurance?  Why aren't these charities helping with these costs?  I think the money would be better spent.  After all, donations are to benefit the people suffering with these illnesses and improve their quality of life.  Food for thought...

Tip of the Week

So it's now "ant" season and although I have Raid spray, I don't like to use it too often because of my pets.  I looked online for "home remedies" and one noted was the use of vinegar.

Okay so I tried it and it works.  Ants don't like the smell.  So the idea is to wash down your cupboards, countertops or wherever there's a problem with a mixture of water and vinegar.  I even used it on my floors.  You have to do this every few days.

For years I've been using vinegar to clean the hoses in the dishwasher (just pour it in where you add your detergent and run it through a cycle).  Also, I do the same with the clothes washer.  I pour it down the drains in the kitchen as well to clean the pipes.  It's cheap and it works.

Gluten-free Tip

Well I tried the Loblaw's gluten-free bread that the kid enjoys but thumbs down on that one.  Although most of their gluten-free products are good, for bread, nothing compares to "Rudi's" sandwich bread available at "Whole Foods".  Pricey but well worth it.

That's all for now and hope everyone has a fabulous week.

 

Me and the Kid

Ciao...

Marvelous Monday!

Monday, May 6, 2013

So last week we put the patio together what with the weather being so beautiful.  Still have to add a few touches including our Hibiscus plants which have been housebound all winter but basically done.  Will scour local garage sales for outdoor items which I do each year.

Friday, the kid was off so we did some errands and then went to the "Cherry Hill House" for lunch to check out "Victoria's Gluten-free Bistro" which I mentioned in a previous post.  "Victoria's" is located inside the "Cherry Hill House" and situated at Cawthra & Dundas on Silvercreek here in Mississauga (google online for the detailed map). I've always wanted to check this restaurant out because of it's "haunted" history.  Well we finally did. 

Now, when we got there we had to eat in the pub downstairs because the dining rooms do not open until 4 pm. for dinner and we arrived around 12:30 pm.  Still, the waitress did get us a gluten-free menu from which I ordered Bruschetta (the best I've ever tasted) and fries which are cooked in a separate kitchen to avoid cross-contamination.  I added a glass of shiraz and voila, lunch.  Delicious and affordable. 

The kid ordered from the regular menu and had the fish & chips and was not impressed with the fish.  That being said we will still definitely return for the dinner menu in the upstairs bistro after 4 pm with the rest of the family.  Maybe then I'll see a spirit or ghost because on that day they eluded me... thumbs up for "Victoria's Gluten-free Bistro".

Salute!!!

Until later...ciao

Wainy Wednesday!

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Okay well I made a joke with the name of this post because I love that guy on "The Big Bang Theory" who can't pronounce his "r's" and has to use "w's".  His name right now escapes me but he's hilarious.  I figured we need a sense of humor today what with the weather being "le miserable"!

I know I'm behind with posting but things have been a bit hectic lately and also because my self-discipline has gone out the window.  My original plan was to post daily but that's not going to happen.

I'm doing research on my mother's side of the family and trying to find out information that was never talked about.  They were very secretive and did not share family history.

My sister thankfully has researched my paternal side so I can now concentrate on my maternal ancestry.  My original plan was to go to Ireland and check the town records in Belfast where my maternal grandmother was born but that trip is on hold for the time being.  So I've decided to do it the hard way.  I'll let you know my findings. 

 

Me & Mom

 

 

 

Me with my sisters Barbara and Irene and beautiful Jean (I'm the one squinting)

 

 

So I have a lot of work to do and hopefully I will find what they were o secretive about.  Curiouser and curiouser...

 

Now on another note:

 

Loblaws now has a gluten-free sandwich bread which is "not|" frozen and in the bakery section.  Well I give it a "thumbs-up" and can't wait to make a grilled cheese (that will be the true test).  Also, I tried their chocolate chip cookies and did not like them at all.  Too heavy and just not tasty.  Everything else I've tried in the President's choice gluten-free bakery section has been outstanding and I highly recommend.

 

Until later...

 

Ciao

 

 

 

Wintery Wednesday!

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Well isn't this just fabulous weather we're having?  A winter storm warning is in effect for tomorrow.  Geez I can't wait.

Hubby and I were at Loblaws on Monday and they were already setting up the outdoor garden centre!!!  I told hubby they were jumping the gun...it's too early.

My aunt always told me not to put the winter stuff away until the May 24 weekend as our weather is just too unpredictable.  She was so right.

Now enough about the crappy weather.

This part of my post is dedicated to my sister:

I have to mention that I spoke to my sister Jennifer yesterday and it made my day.  You see that even though we "talk" on Facebook on a regular basis, there's nothing like an "actual" phone conversation.  I love my sister dearly and having lost three sisters too soon I cherish the bond that we have.

 

My Beautiful Sis, Hubby and Son

 

It seems like yesterday when I used to visit her when she was a little girl and couldn't get over what a beauty she was (and still is both inside and out). 

 

Through all the trials and tribulations I've been through in my life I'm so thankful for the people that I hold near and dear.  It's the ones who stick by you through thick and thin and never give up on you that makes all the difference.  The ones that walk away you're better without.

 

Thank you sis for not giving up on me and letting me be a part of your life.  It means the world to me.  The following pics are for you.

 

 

Me and My Baby

 

 

Me and Mom

 

 

Me and My Hubby

 

 

My Grandbaby Natalie Anne

 

 

The Kid and I in Italy

 

Take care sweet sister and can't wait to meet you for lunch!

 

Until later...

 

Ciao



 

 

 



Fabulous Friday!

Friday, April 4, 2013

I call this post "Fabulous Friday" because I actually feel that so far this week I've actually accomplished quite a bit.

Also, Sammy my beloved dog has been under the weather the last few days but is feeling much better if not quite 100%.  Something irritated her digestive system whether it was something she ate or just old age.  Not sure.  She is pretty healthy for a 13 year-old.

 

My Beloved Sammy

 

She usually runs when I pull out the camera so I took this one before she could get up.

I don't know what I'll do when the day comes for her to "move on".  I love her like my own child.

Pets give us "unconditional" love.  Something you can't get anywhere else. 

Natalie Chasing Sammy at Easter

 

 

Sammy a few years back (when she was slimmer)

 

 

Hubby and Sam

 

As you can see, I'm a proud mom.  Love ya Sam!

 

Now to change topics. 

 

Just wanted to update everyone on my new favorite restaurant, "South Street Burger Co."  Hubby and I went the other day and I brought a menu home to peruse.

 

So not only do they have burgers (and gluten-free buns) but they also have hot dogs, grilled chicken, pulled pork(one of my favorites) plus onion rings, garden salad, New York Fries and poutine.  All the toppings are free.  The burgers are 100% meat with no fillers.  Delicious!!!  We have only been to the one that just opened at Square One but there are others in Toronto and surrounding areas.  Check online for more details.

 

So there you have it.  I'll check out other places that offer "gluten-free" and keep you all updated.

 

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend and HAPPY FRIDAY!

 

 

 

 

Ciao

Tidy Tuesday!

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Well  let me start off by saying "It's a new month"  YAY!!!

I love when a new month starts and especially knowing that that spring is here and summer to follow.

Hope everyone had a happy Easter.  We celebrated with family and just to spend time with my granddaughter is so special because they grow up so quick.

 

It seems like yesterday when we were at the hospital the day she was born.

As you can see, I'm very proud.

Now the reason I call this post, "Tidy Tuesday" is I'm in the mood to start my spring cleaning.  Unfortunately, my physical energy doesn't match my mental energy.  Oh well at least I've made a start.

Now has anyone checked out the new "Target" store at Square One?  It's getting mixed reviews but I love it.  Went with hubby Saturday morning and the kid yesterday while she was off.

I like that they have "different" stuff than Wal-Mart and the prices are not bad.  I do have to go back though because I'm sure there's something that I've missed...hehe

My sis has been sending me some great gluten-free recipes so I have to get out and get some gluten-free flour.  The "Bulk Barn" at Square One is good for that.

My crafting has been put on hold temporarily as I'm researching the internet in preparation for my trip in August.  It's been booked but we still have tours to arrange in both London and Paris.

Maybe I'll look up a friend of mine who lives in Paris if I get the chance.

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

Ciao