Family is everything (I don't care if you and your sister have had issues forever...get along!)
Duct Tape is king (was there anything Dad couldn't repair with duct tape? Vacuum hoses, garden hoses, briefcases, chairs..and it's DUCT tape not DUCK tape okay???)
Scotch neat. ('Nuff said)
Men excel at cooking (so what if it took him 75 years to embrace this, he was a late bloomer)
Pregnant daughters need extra care. (I'll always remember the winter night he left his wife to navigate the icy sidewalk alone to take my arm and get me safely to the car...hey..she wasn't pregnant was she?)
There's nothing wimpy about growing gladioli. Amazing beautiful gladioli.
When he called me a dough-head it was said affectionately of course....
Music is one of life's necessities.
Be good to your Mother. Be good to your Mother. Be good to your Mother. (I still believe Dad sent the swarm of mosquitoes to attack me at the cemetary that day in late September. I had visited him and whined that I was finding it hard to deal with the stress of visiting Mom in her advanced state of dementia...."Suck it up buttercup and visit your Mother! Oh, and stop whining")
Stubbornness is an admirable trait. (And no we WON'T debate it)
Don't spend money you don't have (I'm still struggling with that one, dough-head that I am)
Books are another of life's necessities.
When someone needs help, just do it!
Do it anonymously if possible.
Stop whining about your job. Seriously. Stop it!
Stop whining about the weather. It is what it is.
It's just a cold/flu/cut/bruise. It'll pass. Stop whining.
You know what...just stop whining .. period.
Happy Father's Day Dad. I miss you and I love you!
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Sunday, June 19, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Birthdays
Happy Birthday to Me
Happy birthday to me I’m older, you see
and there are still some things I don’t know.
Like why does it take a birthday to make
you wonder how little you know.
I’ve played ‘Kick the Can’ and ‘Hide and Go Seek’
‘Run Sheep Run’ and the lot. Hearts and Flowers’
by the hours play ‘em and what have you got ?
Happy birthday to me I’m older you see
but there are still some things I don’t know.
Like why when you give all you’ve got you can give
do people get frightened... and go.
Off and running as though in a race
afraid to laugh or cry gone to wherever
seldom if ever stopping to tell you goodbye.
Happy birthday to me. Happy birthday to me.
I’ve read all the books that I own
but none of them say why it takes a birthday
to show you how little you’ve grown.
Words and music by Rod McKuen ©1968 by Stanyan Music
LOVE this poem. Especially the last stanza. Me in a nutshell. :-)
Had a birthday yesterday. Getting old. No one told me I don't look my age. :-( I cried on my sister's
shoulder about that last night. Ha! I'm better now. We concluded the only way to take care of that problem would be for me to colour my salt and pepper hair. Well, THAT'S never going to happen because
A. I'm too lazy and coloured hair takes work
B. I like the colour it is now. and
C. I'm too lazy and coloured hair takes work.
I also mentioned my pain to my sons who briefly said all the right words and then immediately the conversation degenerated into a running joke about old women and nursing homes and feebleness. Can't take yourself too seriously at my house for long. It's just not allowed!
But it was a nice quiet birthday, the big celebration is slated for this weekend. (prezzies, cake). There's something wrong about having a birthday during the work week so we have postponed it. And I'm not getting older...I'm getting one year closer to retirement! And that CAN'T be a bad thing!
Happy birthday to me I’m older, you see
and there are still some things I don’t know.
Like why does it take a birthday to make
you wonder how little you know.
I’ve played ‘Kick the Can’ and ‘Hide and Go Seek’
‘Run Sheep Run’ and the lot. Hearts and Flowers’
by the hours play ‘em and what have you got ?
Happy birthday to me I’m older you see
but there are still some things I don’t know.
Like why when you give all you’ve got you can give
do people get frightened... and go.
Off and running as though in a race
afraid to laugh or cry gone to wherever
seldom if ever stopping to tell you goodbye.
Happy birthday to me. Happy birthday to me.
I’ve read all the books that I own
but none of them say why it takes a birthday
to show you how little you’ve grown.
Words and music by Rod McKuen ©1968 by Stanyan Music
LOVE this poem. Especially the last stanza. Me in a nutshell. :-)
Had a birthday yesterday. Getting old. No one told me I don't look my age. :-( I cried on my sister's
shoulder about that last night. Ha! I'm better now. We concluded the only way to take care of that problem would be for me to colour my salt and pepper hair. Well, THAT'S never going to happen because
A. I'm too lazy and coloured hair takes work
B. I like the colour it is now. and
C. I'm too lazy and coloured hair takes work.
I also mentioned my pain to my sons who briefly said all the right words and then immediately the conversation degenerated into a running joke about old women and nursing homes and feebleness. Can't take yourself too seriously at my house for long. It's just not allowed!
But it was a nice quiet birthday, the big celebration is slated for this weekend. (prezzies, cake). There's something wrong about having a birthday during the work week so we have postponed it. And I'm not getting older...I'm getting one year closer to retirement! And that CAN'T be a bad thing!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Mother's Day
My sons never disappoint. I have a beautiful bouquet of red and yellow gerbera daisies sitting on the table beside me. Two bottles of wine chilling in the fridge. (okay, one and a half...I got my gifts on Friday ;-). We tend to celebrate special days close to, not necessarily on. We are a strange bunch.
I had a cry this morning thinking about my Mom. I miss her. She died in 2006 after struggling with Alzheimer's for 6 years. We had a difficult relationship when I was younger, especially my teen years and early adulthood. I blame the middle child syndrome and the fact that my two sisters ganged up on me mercilessly. (Yes, Lynne I said it...mercilessly)...But Mom and I were able to come to a more relaxed, mutually respectful relationship in the years before her illness. She would call me every evening after supper and I can still remember her voice on the phone. "Marilyn? How are you?" We'd chat about our day and I'd tell her what the boys were up to. She loved my dog, Bo and Bo adored her. When Mom was diagnosed with her illness and becoming a little frail and uncertain Bo stopped being so boisterous around her and would just lay on the couch beside her, solicitous and caring, and Mom would gently pet her head. We have pictures, Mom looking a little confused and Bo stretched out on the couch beside her, her protector. (Dad would take the recliner and the rest of us would sit on dining room chairs since Bo took up most of the couch and no one dared to try to move her ;-).
Mom loved being a grandmother. She knew each of the kids' favourite dishes and they were always on hand when they visited. She loved to worry. I remember when we moved out to Martensville and I had to start commuting to work. She said, "Just one more thing for me to worry about." She liked to shop and was always dressed impeccably. It was a thorn in her side that the one daughter (me ;-) who lived the closest had nothing but disdain for the whole shopping experience so when one of her other daughers visited she would always added shopping to the itinerary. She did good deeds without fanfare, never needing accolades. She was talented. She was compassionate. She was kind. She lived a life of grace. I take great pride in being told "you're just like Nana" or "you got that from Mom", but sadly, I don't hear it that often.
I miss you Mom and I love you. I think of you every day but I leave the tears for Mother's Day.
I had a cry this morning thinking about my Mom. I miss her. She died in 2006 after struggling with Alzheimer's for 6 years. We had a difficult relationship when I was younger, especially my teen years and early adulthood. I blame the middle child syndrome and the fact that my two sisters ganged up on me mercilessly. (Yes, Lynne I said it...mercilessly)...But Mom and I were able to come to a more relaxed, mutually respectful relationship in the years before her illness. She would call me every evening after supper and I can still remember her voice on the phone. "Marilyn? How are you?" We'd chat about our day and I'd tell her what the boys were up to. She loved my dog, Bo and Bo adored her. When Mom was diagnosed with her illness and becoming a little frail and uncertain Bo stopped being so boisterous around her and would just lay on the couch beside her, solicitous and caring, and Mom would gently pet her head. We have pictures, Mom looking a little confused and Bo stretched out on the couch beside her, her protector. (Dad would take the recliner and the rest of us would sit on dining room chairs since Bo took up most of the couch and no one dared to try to move her ;-).
Mom loved being a grandmother. She knew each of the kids' favourite dishes and they were always on hand when they visited. She loved to worry. I remember when we moved out to Martensville and I had to start commuting to work. She said, "Just one more thing for me to worry about." She liked to shop and was always dressed impeccably. It was a thorn in her side that the one daughter (me ;-) who lived the closest had nothing but disdain for the whole shopping experience so when one of her other daughers visited she would always added shopping to the itinerary. She did good deeds without fanfare, never needing accolades. She was talented. She was compassionate. She was kind. She lived a life of grace. I take great pride in being told "you're just like Nana" or "you got that from Mom", but sadly, I don't hear it that often.
I miss you Mom and I love you. I think of you every day but I leave the tears for Mother's Day.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Fun stuff
I had never tried any of the fun stuff from this week. I can see myself using the Smilebox and Wordle for fun. I already use something similar to the Library Thing through my account at the Wheatland Library. Makes me wonder how many other things are out there for our use that I have no clue about. I really appreciate the work that went into this Thing Programme and learned alot!. Thank you Thing People.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Elections
I swore I wasn't going to follow the election. I was going to boycott the media until mid-May but I can't help myself. I'm a junkie. I do love this country and I do care about its future. I don't think Harper is a good fit for the kind of Canada I want to live in. Sadly though, I'm in one of those ridings that is rabidly Conservative so my vote is really just a "Hey, I don't want you for my MP!" shout out. Maybe someday, but this guy does so well every election it may not be in my lifetime. He is one of the more silent of the silent 13 though. Except when he's apologizing to a Supreme Court Judge, or resigning from a Commons Cttee for inappropriate comments. But, nevermind. Your mileage may vary and I respect that. That is one thing I have noticed in this campaign. A very real and frightening lack of respect for differing views. Reminds me a bit of some recent American elections :(
Laughs are few and far between in this campaign so here's my contribution. It's non-partisan and even 'politically correct'.
While walking down the street one day a 'Member of Parliament' is
tragically hit by a truck and dies.
His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.
'Welcome to heaven,' says St. Peter. 'Before you settle in, it seems
there's a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you
see, so we're not sure what to do with you.'
'No problem, just let me in,' says the man.
'Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is
have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose
where to spend eternity.'
'Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven,' says the MP.
'I'm sorry, but we have our rules.'
And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes
down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the
middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing
in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with
him.
Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake
his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich
at the expense of the people.
They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and
champagne.
Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly & nice guy who
has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They're having such a
good time that before he realizes it, it's time to go.
Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises...
The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where
St. Peter is waiting for him.
'Now it's time to visit heaven.'
So, 24 hours pass with the MP joining a group of contented souls
moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.
'Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now
choose your eternity.'
The MP reflects for a minute, then he answers: 'Well, I would never
have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would
be better off in hell.'
So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down
to hell.
Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a
barren land covered with waste and garbage.
He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and
putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.
The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. 'I don't
understand,' stammers the MP. 'Yesterday I was here and there was a
golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne,
and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of
garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?'
The devil looks at him, smiles and says, 'Yesterday we were campaigning...
Today you voted.'
Laughs are few and far between in this campaign so here's my contribution. It's non-partisan and even 'politically correct'.
While walking down the street one day a 'Member of Parliament' is
tragically hit by a truck and dies.
His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.
'Welcome to heaven,' says St. Peter. 'Before you settle in, it seems
there's a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you
see, so we're not sure what to do with you.'
'No problem, just let me in,' says the man.
'Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is
have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose
where to spend eternity.'
'Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven,' says the MP.
'I'm sorry, but we have our rules.'
And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes
down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the
middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing
in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with
him.
Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake
his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich
at the expense of the people.
They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and
champagne.
Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly & nice guy who
has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They're having such a
good time that before he realizes it, it's time to go.
Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises...
The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where
St. Peter is waiting for him.
'Now it's time to visit heaven.'
So, 24 hours pass with the MP joining a group of contented souls
moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.
'Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now
choose your eternity.'
The MP reflects for a minute, then he answers: 'Well, I would never
have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would
be better off in hell.'
So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down
to hell.
Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a
barren land covered with waste and garbage.
He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and
putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.
The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. 'I don't
understand,' stammers the MP. 'Yesterday I was here and there was a
golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne,
and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of
garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?'
The devil looks at him, smiles and says, 'Yesterday we were campaigning...
Today you voted.'
Monday, April 18, 2011
Community Walk
This one was fun! I've used Google Maps alot to find my way around different places I've visited. I took a virtual tour of the Jack the Ripper sites in modern day London using Google Maps. (I know, dark but fascinating still). I've used Google Earth for quite awhile as well, (exploring the ocean and the stars was great fun). I love things like this so I found Community Walk very interesting as well. I'm glad this was included in the 23 Things because I've always thought GIS and on-line mapping was dry, boring and statistical and it's nice to find out I was wrong.
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