NEW YEAR'S DAY 2014

Today marks the beginning of a new year; another 365 days to "get it right." To wish "Happy New Year" doesn't begin to convey our feelings. Enjoy each hour to the fullest, whether you're watching TV or dancing with the queen; be fully vested in that moment. 

Before yesterday, I would have made a different "resolution." Like "to lose weight",  but who really cares about that? 

This quote by Karl Pilkington is worth considering ... 

Let's act younger than our chronological years and drop experiences that aged us; rewrite our passion for life!

Lynn and Lew celebrated their 24th Anniversary with an annual New Year's Eve party for 60 friends. It was a noisy, fun evening! And, just what we needed last night. Satan Sambuca was drunk; we're a wee bit fuzzy on some details today! LOL

Today, it's 69F with misty rain. Mark is uncrating our TV components and readying tools for tomorrow's job. I am doing laundry! The never ending laundry. 

Oops ... paint pulled off with the sconce brackets ... DRAT. Another case of one job leading to another!

Enjoy a happy and healthy new year. 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2013

Our year ended with heavy hearts. Our dear friend, Joyce Gauthier, passed away in the early morning. We are in total shock. Joyce was so vibrant and full of life when she and Jim spent Thanksgiving with us just a month ago. Jim needs our love and prayers now. 

Family Thanksgiving at Randy St. Germain's, November 28, 2013. 

You may wonder at me "Blogging" about a friend's passing but the very last thing Joyce said to me was "Keep blogging!"

Joyce, the Scottie magnet, with Robbie (standing) and Maggie. 

Silly of me to day, but our Scottie, Maggie, latched onto Joyce like a long-lost friend when they visited last month. We all commented on it because Maggie will not sit with anyone for more than a brief (2 minutes or less) moment ... yet Maggie was glued to Joyce. 

Jim and Joyce Gauthier, with Maggie. 

Kerry Livgren wrote it; Kansas sang it; a beautiful haunting melody ... and a favorite of mine. 

"I close my eyes, only for a moment, and the moment's gone

All my dreams pass before my eyes, a curiosity

Dust in the wind, all they are is dust in the wind

Same old song, just a drop of water in an endless sea

All we do, crumbles to the ground though we refuse to see

Dust in the wind, all we are is dust in the wind

Oh, dust in the wind, all we are is dust in the wind

Don't hang on, nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky

It slips away, all your money won't another minute buy

Dust in the wind, all we are is dust in the wind

Dust in the wind, all we are is dust in the wind

Dust in the wind, everything is dust in the wind (everything is dust in the wind)."

Our grief is deep, personal sorrow. We remember your voice and the vitality you brought to every event, large or small. Every gathering was better with you there, Joyce. Rest in peace, you've earned it. We were honored to be your friend. God bless. 

MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2013

The Year of the Horse is neigh ... no nigh! LOL. 

Speedwell

At New Holland Auction, Speedwell was sold to a renderer. It was his good fortune that they forgot to load him on a trailer. Through the efforts of some dedicated rescuers, Speedwell is now in the care of Horse Rescue United in New Jersey. He is available for adoption. 

The  Chinese "Year of the Horse" starts January 31. Those born under this sign should have a great year, according to Chinese Horoscope.  Horse people are warm-hearted, able and smart ... born 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930, 1918 ...

It was a busy, runaround day but much was accomplished. Unfortunately, Peddler's Wagon wasn't open, so my Christmas tree redecoration is on hold until next week. 

Mark's project stalled until Thursday when the TV and components arrive!

Tonight, Randy cooked a batch of Chili, and we're invited.  Nice. 

TWINS ... Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger.  LOL. 

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2013

Sunday, the Lord's Day of rest ... but not for us today. LOL. 

Mark started another project before we really got started on the TV one! Hahaha ... you're going to laugh; well that's what he said to me!

While doing the electric in the attic, Mark set a 50 lb bucket of tools in the WRONG place and caved in a corner of guest room ceiling. It's cleaned up considerably since I first saw the drywall hanging down and insulation on the carpet. 

Meanwhile, Sue had "Handydoodie #2" repairing a ceiling stain in her kitchen! It was a good laugh when she sent this picture. 

Les Howland in the same pose, at the same time, as Mark. LOL

Mark and I met Linda and Randy at Billy's Cafe for omelets. 

Randy was happy that Linda's feeling quite a bit better and able to go walking with him. We had just finished our food when a large group with 4 young children were seated near us and Linda quipped "It's time to get out of here!"  LOL. The same ol' Linda still there!  Hahaha. 

Mark worked on his repair project ... I REDECORATED our Christmas tree ... for next year!  (I put it away ready for display!). 

Linda and Randy came for drinks and dinner ... Mark made perogies and sausage with peas. Yummy. Linda was "with it" tonight. Hooray.   

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2013

Good Saturday morning y'all. It's now 65° and we're headed to a near record high of 85! 

Last evening, we had dinner at Sharon's & Art's home. There was a lovely article in the newspaper about them. (They are a fantastic couple who host an annual Christmas party.)  This year, 110 guests, 40 fully decorated trees, and entertainment. Mark and I were happy to be on the invitation list! 

We arrived at their home at 6 o'clock last night, rang the doorbell, opened the door and saw a flash, smoke, and "lift off" as a light bulb shot out of their ceiling fan fixture!!! What an entrance Mark and I made! LOL. 

Art found the missile on the sofa! Dinner was, by the way, very good with lots of lively conversation between twelve friends. 

Meanwhile, Sue dug through photo albums and found a pair of bathing beauties. LOL

The peonies were in full bloom at our East Kildonan home; Sue and Julie Tawns. Look at those legs!

Back row - Diane, Linda, Julie and Mom

Front row - Gregg, Ringo and Susan Tawns ... at 820 Kildonan Drive. 

This morning, Mark went hunting, but got rained out. There's only one more week of deer hunting! 

I began taking Christmas decorations down and sorting the Christmas storage closet. It's not nearly as much fun as putting the decorations up! But, as physics goes, what goes up must come down; even Christmas Decor. LOL. What a mess. 

Mark went into the attic to survey the fireplace/TV project. I now have a hole in the wall above the mantle, and he's gone to the Home Depot for "stuff"!

It's now 5:30, wine:30 and we're both pooped with aching backs. Wa-wa-waa.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013

It's a dinner party night at Sharon's and Art's !!! 

Today's rather mundane task is to take the Christmas decor from the fireplace mantel and bare it all for construction. Electrical must be added to the corner wall as well as cable hookup. Everything arrives the first week of January, so we must get jiggle with it all. LOL. (I LOVE a project!!!)

Fed X arrived with our new "French Country" end tables; 5 days earlier than promised. I must be the only customer pleased with Fed X today after their (and UPS's) dismal Christmas problem! The tables are 24" square, lathe turned legs with a shelf and drawer. Perfect for our room!

Mark puttered in his Man Cave today readying for our TV project. He said we need to buy Romex but otherwise has what is needed!  What a Boy Scout he is.

Sue and Wayne finished their landscaping update with river rock along the side walkway. 

It looks very neat and clean; and heavy rain won't affect it like it would mulch. 

Inside, Wayne and Shorty read the paper. 

It appears Shorty Hot-Pants wasn't quite finished with the Sun Sentinel's front page! LOL

Julius hasn't tired of his reindeer ... Yet!

Macy is part Pointer ... the dog biscuits are HERE, Mom. LOL 

BOXING DAY, 2013

Red-bellied woodpecker ... 

Good morning y'all. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, as we did. Our first visitor of the day was this pretty woodpecker! 

Today, Mark is testing his Keurig ... and relaxing after a very busy Christmas Day. Our dinner was great fun ... Diane had a "few" complaints which we happily received!  It's a family tradition, you see, that if someone "complains", the event is held at the offender's house next year!  Hahaha. It's a fun tradition; Kris readily accepted the deal. 

I am starting the "tidy up" for our TV project. Awesome Audio failed to get back to us with a price ... but Kris offered to help Mark. Very nice, indeed!!! It's a good time to buy the equipment, maybe on sale. We started our price research on line and then to Walmart to look at the deals. 

Later on I found Walmart.com has free shipping and will save us $240.  

Randy just phoned and they are popping in for a visit this afternoon. He treated himself to a new phone ... but it's a big learning curve. Linda was antsy today ... she couldn't relax but was talking pretty well. There's a very fine line Randy walks to keep her medicated-happy. 

We're exhausted today ... it's a Betty Ford night here. LOL. 

 

The new Vizio 47 was ordered with Panasonic Blu-ray, sound bar with wireless woofer (actually we HAVE two woofers; short ones on 6" legs LOL), and a full motion mounting bracket. American Express was pronto on verifying my purchase due to the Target fraud caper last week! I no sooner clicked "Purchase Now" and my phone rang!!! Wow; AmX also verified my Target.com order of December 22 (which I'd forgotten about and at first said, "No, I wasn't in Target!") Yikes. When the rep mentioned "online" that rang a bell. 

G'night all.  

TUESDAY, CHRISTMAS EVE, 2013

Christmas Eve! Oh the anticipation!

G'day mates. I should have a hangover after drinking wine by the bonfire ... but so far so good. I took the Scotties out for a quick piddle and was surprised - it's cool with misty rain!

Mark's carving the turkey ... LOL

Today's list ...

... make the Green Bean Casserole

... make the Broccoli Au Gratin

... peel oranges for Cranberry Relish

... peel potatoes ... boil & mash  

... assemble Lobster Bisque; sauté lobster tails in butter

I made the Lobster Bisque ...

The cooking under control, we're taking the Scotties for dinner tonight and visit Linda and Randy to shoot pool. 

We are in good spirits tonight ... our friend Joyce is recovering well from her Friday surgery! The spirit of Christmas is upon us all. 

Ho Ho Ho ... Merry Christmas. 

MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013

You better watch out

 You better not cry

Better not pout

 I'm telling you why

The CIA is coming to town

 They're making a list

And checking it twice;

 Gonna find out who's naughty and nice

The CIA is coming to town!

 They see you when you're sleeping

They know when you're awake

 They know if you've been bad or good

So be good for goodness sake!

C'mon, that's funny !

Here's Dennis Rodman at Kim Jong Un's

And here's my uncle ...

Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson ... 

being defended by Sarah Palin. 

Obama's interpreter   

Little Kim's Christmas ... 

Ouch !!!

Merry Christmas ... Off to Hawaii. 

Haha ... Good morning!  It's a balmy 76 at 10 o'clock. We're off to PUBLIX for our Christmas turkey and fixin's ... including lobster!  

The cooking has begun! 

... cornbread dressing 

... turkey in oven 

... broccoli prepped

... green beans washed

... cranberries steaming

Ho Ho Ho it's time for wine:30 LOL

Mark lit a mighty bonfire and we sat outside for four hours!

It's 72° F at 10:36 PM ... A nice night for a fire! My friend, Klaus Moeller, would say, "White man build fire, sit way back. Indian build fire, sit real close." LOL Mark had this blaze so hot we had to sit way back. 

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2013

Good morning! It's Saturday ... 4 days til Santa's visit. (Of course I believe!)

We're forecast to have 87° today!  Mark suggested we go to Palm Gardens for lunch by boat and take the dogs. That sounded like a great idea ... until he got a stiff neck and headache. :-/ Advil to his rescue. 

Harbor Shores entrance canal. 

It's a rare south wind on Lake Eustis! 

Our thermometer says 87 ... but officially it's 82 at the moment. Well, that's okay. 

Lori from Awesome Audio stopped by to bid on our TV project. We want a new DVD Blueray, Sound Bar and Samsung installed over the fireplace. No wires showing.  Estimate coming Monday!  Our 46 Vizio and components will move to the Sun Room. 

Meanwhile, I finally found two end tables and ordered them!  (I've been looking for awhile!). You see, Santa helped me find them ...  "Believe!"

Last night, Mark and I took dinner to Linda and Randy. Linda had gotten home 

two hours before and was "passed out" sitting on the sofa. We could not wake her!!!  Maggie bounded in, leapt on the sofa and gave Linda slobbery kisses! Her eyes flew open as she tried to control Mags. No wonder hospitals like therapy dogs! They are miracle workers. 

Mark sat with Linda while Randy went to Walgreens for more prescriptions. (I think the only one benefitting from these pills are "Big Pharma". 

I talked to Randy about noon, and Linda is having a better day. He had her sitting on the deck in the sunshine, eating lunch. That sounds much better than yesterday!

CHRISTMAS 2013

Nollaig Shona Dhuit ... (Irish)

Joyeux Noel ... (French)

Hgvaa joulua (Finnish)

Froehliche Weihnachten - German

Feliz Navidad - (Spanish)

Buone Feste Natalizie - (Italian)

Gledileg Jol - (Icelandic)

Maligayan Paska - (Phillipines)

Mele Kalikimaka - (Hawaiian)

Bwooo bwooo - Robbie begging for more. 

Now Maggie is begging. Hahaha. Why won't these two sit up at the same time?

Elf Robbie and Santa Maggie were on best behavior. Of course they had a full stocking each!  

I will add photos to this page during the day ... 

Selfie at 8 o'clock. 

Crystal and Avery (Winnipeg)

Jon & Jeremy (Asheville)

Hooray to Diane and Kris ... Christmas dinner 2014, 2015 & 2016 hosts!  Way to go!!! LOL

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013

One year has passed since you left us Mom. Although you lived a wonderful, long life, we hoped for more time.

Joyce was born in Brighton Beach, England. She crossed the Atlantic Ocean as a newborn with her war-bride mother and Canadian military father. The marriage ended in a bitter divorce when Joyce was 8. (She saw her father once in 1954.) Joyce married her high school sweetheart Archie in 1938. It wasn't an easy start. Jobs were scarce so he joined the Canadian army and served overseas during WWII.  (Linda was six years old before she knew her father!)

During the war years, Joyce drove a large box truck for the Salvation Army. She had many hilarious stories from that time!  Before "Big and Tall" shops existed, she sewed shirts for Arch as well as school dresses for her 4 girls. (We girls were always well fed and nicely dressed.)

Joyce returned to work when Arch had a heart attack at age 36. Her mother moved into our family home to care for the newest baby, Susan while Joyce worked for Office Overload. Archie recovered, sold his trucking business and went to work as a salesman for GMC. 

Kiwanis & Chippawa played a large part of their lives. Joyce was an avid member of both groups. She hosted many events and made lifelong friends through these affiliations. Other interests were bowling and curling leagues. 

In 1971 when Archie "semi-retired", Joyce worked alongside him at the Royal Manitoba Yacht Club until 1978 when they emigrated to the USA. 

In Florida, Joyce enjoyed a wonderful retirement with Archie and saw their 4 daughters and sons-in-laws immigrate. Family was the most important thing to her.

Joyce had 34 happy years in Florida. She lived in downtown Fort Lauderdale,  Bonaventure, and Nobel Point in Pompano Beach. Widowed in 2000, Joyce lived another 12 years keeping active with family and friends. Eventually, she moved to John Knox Village where she lived in a lovely apartment. When she eventually needed assistance, it was a move into the skilled nursing health care facility at JKV. 

We miss you Mom. Thank you for the special care and love you shared. 

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2013

Good Wednesday morning, a chilly one here!  Our Harbor Shores ladies group met at The Garden Gate in Mount Dora. It's such a popular tea room we had to lunch at 11 o'clock. Today, there were 15 gals. Yackity yak. LOL. 

The Garden Gate Tea Room is located in an historic building in beautiful Mount Dora, Florida.  

There's a fireplace in every tea room! 

That's our table on the right ... pure Victorian era charm. 

As we were the first customers today, it was empty and I took pictures. Another pretty parlor. 

The service was good and food, delicious!  All made fresh, on site. Next month we're going to Betty's Greenhouse, another Mount Dora favorite. 

Mark went hunting this morning and came home about 11 o'clock. He mentioned being pretty chilled. 

Diane phoned this morning for an update on Linda. She and Kris are joining us for Christmas dinner next week!

Randy popped in for coffee and updated us on his conversation with Dr. Young. Linda is in hospital tonight, and hopefully will get released tomorrow. Her doctor was looking into two vertebrae fractures, and trying to get her pain medication regulated before sending her home. 

Today, is not only date night, but the 21st anniversary of our first date. That night, all those years ago, we went for Mexican food to Cielto Lindo in Lighthouse Point. Every year on this anniversary, we go for Mexican food.