A tiki boat riding into the sunset at the southernmost point of the United States TAKEN: APRIL 7th, 2020 |
Early morning Sunrise in Grassy Key TAKEN: APRIL 8th, 2022 |
I have no issue being FIFTY-ISH. Just get a tad impatient when a plan goes off track TAKEN: APRIL 7th, 2022 |
Since my first, these bucket list birthday (long weekend) celebrations have always evolved. First, I would like to give Air Canada a big shoutout, because their excellent round trip air fare to Miami and killer flight times, made this adventure achievable.
That said, when sipping and lounging in the pool with some very friendly American ladies my age, they disclosed that since travel locked down happened, the prices in Key West have more than tripled.
Not gonna lie, when we discovered a room for the night (in the perfect Duval Street location with parking) was a sneeze under $1,000 Canadian, we had to revamp my 'Born Day Bash' and only stay one night in Margaritaville.
That said, no regrets on the choices made, as upper, lower and middle keys are all very expensive. As our plans evolved, we realized that the money was saved for a reason.
Ultimately that (after the last couple of years) we were both worth it. At the end of the day, this adventure wasn’t about spending our time in Key West, it was about experiencing the road trip and drive.
So back to my long winded point...
The pic I am sharing was taken at the Southernmost point of the United States which is only 90 miles from Cuba. The sun was sweltering, and as you can tell by my hair and non-existing makeup, that the humidity was off the charts.
Made no matter. As my man watched in shock, I stood up on the knee wall and happily snapped a selfie.
Why not pose with next to the monument like to people I cut out of my photo?
Because the line up for an official photo op was hundreds deep and this FIFTY-ISH, very task oriented gal, had places to go, pictures to take, sun to soak up, pools to float in, and a Duval Street pub crawl to prepare for.
Ya, with regards to the latter, we had an early dinner, watched the sunset at Mallory Square, walked in and out of six of seven places sipping the same drink, and were both in bed before 10pm.
Don't judge. At least our dinner wasn’t the 4pm blue plate Florida Special at the Ponderosa.
Close, it was 6pm at El Meson de Pepe and the plates were red.
Proving we’ve still got a ton of game left in us!!!
One of our early ocean adventure with my lifelong friend (and guardian angel). TAKEN: APRIL 1994 |
To think I only went into the grocery store for a loaf of bread! TAKEN: JULY 2021 |
I read somewhere that a dog truly only has one fault, which is that their life is too short. A simple yet powerful statement that I happen to agree with 1000%.
Don’t get me wrong, in all of our years owning pups, several shoes, random clothing, expensive furniture, as well as dinner thawing on the kitchen counter have all fallen prey. All chewed and ultimately enjoyed the good old fashion canine way.
One might think that the above list would be enough fuel to encourage yours truly to get a bird; but not this cat (no pun intended).
This is the second time we've transitioned a new pup into our pack as we prepare for her beautiful senior leader to wind down. Though it's a lot of personal investment that first year, it is truly worth it.
In our situation today, our newest pup has had the benefit of some great training her matriarch never absorbed no matter how hard we tried. From the day my beloved Puddin' arrived home more than a decade ago, she has always marched to the tune of a different drummer.
Truth is we had to build her a run to keep her in check. We use to have to tie her as she simply would not listen. We have our theories as to why, and we are the first to acknowledge that we are in no way dog whispers. Again, we highlight we are just struggling parents with an audience that now have four legs rather than two.
That said, as we age and so does our pack. We hear others say "We do not want, nor will have another dog in retirement. We want to travel."
Knowing we have no desire to spend capital outside of Canada, we too want to go south in the depths of the Canadian winter months. Should all things align, we will head south, and our pups will come with. I think the key is something called 'square footage'.
Meaning our mobile DOGHOUSE will need to be much bigger than the back of our Mazda CX5 as shown in my photo!
Celebrating my 2018 birthday long weekend on the shores of South Beach, Miami. TAKEN: APRIL 2018 |
For the first time since November of 2019 and our memorable hiking of El Faro in Mazatlán Sinaloa, it is official: we are leaving on a jet plane this week.
With mandatory masking having
ended in Ontario on Monday March 21st, and testing for fully
vaccinated travelers gone April 1st, I am excited to report that I booked us on a last-minute
five-day road trip down through the Florida Keys (flying in and out of Miami via Air Canada).
This trek has us renting a car and heading to the southernmost point in the United States, with the radio cranked and a vacation schedule packed tighter than the butt implants in Kim Kardashian's ass!
With the countdown on, I’m not sure what to expect heading into the States. Not wanting to open dialogue here about the last two years and how it was mandated or managed, I think I am just grateful that I can embrace my ingrained wanderlust again and spend my upcoming milestone birthday doing something we both love; soaking up some much needed Vitamin D.
So much has changed since we last travelled, most importantly my husband health journey.
I'll be honest, for the last number of months we talked of
several different locations in hopes we could travel in April, but access to great healthcare in close proximity
to where we were staying was how it was finally decided to rent a car and drive down to Key West and back to Miami.
Though we don't expect anything bad to happen, based on my research, I think we will be in good shape should we need it and getting either of us back to Canada should be much easier logistically.
Am I nervous? Hell ya!! But our outlook is that this is going to be great fun, and something else we can check off our bucket list.
First up, an oceanfront room is Islamorada, then day two has us doing a jet ski tour around Key West. After that, we are off on foot like we were in New Orleans for French QuarterFest.
As I'm sure you've all heard, it's always five o'clock somewhere in Margaritaville but for these five fun filled days, neither if us will be watching a clock.
Not to worry... We promise we will be very CAREFUL.
The urban dictionary defines the word bromance as the combination of two words, "brother" and "romance". It describes the unique male bonding found between "brothers from another mother".
Though both Goob and Jukebox do have friendships with ‘brothers from another mother,’ their bond with each other has been equally as strong their entire lives.
That's Goob in blue and Jukebox in stripes. The four of us enjoying Father's Day golf with the pre-surgery Poppa Bear. TAKEN: JUNE 20th, 2021 |
As a matter a fact, I can recall my serving lunch to my three littlun’s at their wee yellow and orange Little Tykes picnic table. The twins were about four and Jukebox about six years of age.
As they dined on their amazing culinary offering of PB&J, Goob looked at his brother, called him by name and proudly stated ‘...I love you’. As his sentiments were returned by his brother, their sister grabbed both of their plastic plates and threw their lunch to the dogs.
True story, I swear. I still chuckle to myself whenever I think about it.
They have always shared life
experiences. From taking diving lessons together when they were really young to junior golf memberships as teens, then onto mutual high school
and work friendships. They have truly spent their formative years as a team, which remain their
bond today.
That said, we are not a family that has not been without struggles and we've suffered growing pains like most. As parents of grown children, we’ve always been impressed that if we took issue with any behaviours or attitudes, these two never weighed in against the other.
I can think of several instances over the years where the best medicine for all of us was some distance rather than unproductive dialogue. As a family, those have been, and always will be the most challenging and trying memories; but once resolved, our family strength was regained.
As you know, there's no handbook for being the 'best parent on the face of the earth' because we were told last summer by our daughter matter-of-factly that we weren't. Just like other rents we know, we've hurt, been hurt, and ultimately healed.
Then I look at these two with their Dad. It warms my heart to know that through all of our own short comings as parents, as grown children they know we've done our best with individual circumstances at the time.
Oh, the fact that we started golfing as a crew on Sunday again?
Just one of the many small added bonuses!
What a difference 9 years makes. Can you tell I am out of practice taking a selfie? TAKEN: March 31, 2013 & April 1st, 2022 |
It’s hard to fathom that I started this wee electronic journal over ten years ago.
That day was Sunday November 20, 2011, and a grand total of thirty five people read my very first sentences stating: ‘Okay, so it’s apparent that I’ve set this thing up without a plan. Once again, the cart is before the horse.
Whatever, I’ll pat myself on the back, call it forward thinking and move on.’
With views over a million cumulatively over all platforms, the back story is that prior to deciding to write, I had been following two other writers of blogs. One was a gal I'd gone to high school with, the second a chicka whom truly inspired me, known as Cold Lake Cathy
It was her encouragement that gave me the confidence to take my first April A-Z Blogging Challenge
which began April 1st, 2013. Exactly nine years ago today.
From 2013-2020 I did my best to participate and post. But when April 2021 rolled around, my personal life as well as the entire world was in limbo and I just couldn’t motivate myself to participate.
Then, after leaving my job last fall to stay home and care for my husband, I went back through all my offerings and did a “from the archives” hybrid version.
I chose posts that resonated with me when I first wrote them and reposted each by backdating them into April 2021 using the exact day (stating the year) they originally appeared.
That lengthy exercise last fall, the reading of all offerings and choosing twenty six posts, made me realize that I
didn’t want to stop writing. It actually helped me understand how cathartic the process can be and how emotionally
attached I am to this silly little journal.
By the way, the photo above on the left is what I looked like the night before my very first A-Z post on April 1, 2013. The photo on the right, what I look like today.
These days, my coloured gray hair is thinner and much shorter. The dreaded waistline is regretfully wider, and the lifelines on my skin more apparent. Peeps, middle age is unquestionably my vibe.
The only thing similar is my overall optimism and a couple of important factoids that remain instilled since the start of my journey (as avid readers will relate):
A) The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.
B) When arguing with a stupid person, make sure they aren't doing the same thing.
C) Never push a loyal person to the point when they no longer care.
D) Always tell the truth, it gives you far less to remember.
E) Smile, it improves your face value.
F) Lastly, a great neighbour is definitely a found treasure. (For those reading, feel free to stop by the house next week and pick up dog poop. Free dog* to the first three that arrive!)
Chuckles aside, wish me luck peeps. Nine year later... I am at it AGAIN!
*Important caveat: The three dogs available upon 'great neighbour poop pick up day' are not mine - and most definitely shall be named later.
(l-r: Annie, Puddin' & wee Miya Maria) AKA: THE OREO GANG TAKEN: FEBRUARY 21, 2022 |
As you can imagine, we checked in with each other several times a day and through that first week, he would report each morning that ‘all was A-OK with the Oreo Gang.' A witty and totally relevant nickname that has stayed with my trio ever since.
Let me backup....
When we came to the realization that our beloved Puddin’ was aging, we began communicating with a breeder because we worried if something happened to her, our Annie wouldn’t be able to soldier on alone. She was over six and had never been a lone pup. She had come to us at five weeks to join Dottie and Puddin’ as a third.
Never considered a third wheel in the pack, infact, she turned into an excellent facilitator between the other two very early on. After Dot passed in July of 2019, Annie and Pud hit their stride – and I knew I never wanted to leave her on her own.
Enter wee Miya Maria. Born in April of 2021 and arriving home in June. Just look at the picture, the three of them are thick as thieves. Though full disclosure has me admit that I may have had a cookie in the air to get them to pose.
Short story long, I love my pups. So much so, that every year since our children left the nest, I have turned the Family Day holiday into Family Furbaby Day. From the time they get up in the morning until they fall asleep at night, everything revolves around them.
As you know, I have aptly labelled myself the ‘Crazy Dog Lady' but what you don’t know, is that my very favourite coffee mug reads: “MY GOAL IN LIFE IS TO BE THE PERSON MY DOGS ALREADY THINK I AM!”
How that for setting the bar high?!
She's right up there with me always keeping my glass AS WELL AS the treat jar half full instead of half empty.
An Alberta Clipper passed though Muskoka and old Bessie rose to the occasion!TAKEN: FEBRUARY 19th, 2022 |
This girl has never been anything but a pure joy to raise! TAKEN: 2015 & 2019 |
Our wee Annie was five weeks old when we brought her home. I believe she was the runt because she could pretty much fit in my hands and no ability to eat or lap water. We tended to her round the clock those first three days, which I believe saved her life.
I am a firm believer that no matter what their age, a dog
knows when you save them. Instinctually, I am sure they understand you’re
getting them though that darkness, which in turn blesses you with unconditional
loyalty for as long as they live.
Annie isn't the first dog we rescued, she was just the youngest. One was five months old, one about a year and the third a year and a half. In all instances all were eternally grateful except one. We had to put Sally down for aggression and biting.
We have always raised and rescued females and all were spayed to prevent any unexpected visits from the stork; actually, all but my Annie.
You see, I usually wait until after their first heat and she never had her first until she was three. Her second followed 24 months later. There was never an intention to breed her, and because she was so well behaved - after six years just never bothered as she's never left my side.
Well, when my husband and I were in the city this past December, our dog sitter had friend over with his male dog. I hadn't been concerned at the time because Annie hadn't been in heat - or so I thought.
This past week, we noticed a major change in her disposition. She was moody with the rest of her pack and very clingy to me. Clingy never surprises me, because she has never more than a couple of feet away from me at all times. This was almost obsessive neediness.
Well, after a bit of research we have discovered that Annie in going to be a momma in a couple of weeks.
We've never wanted to breed any dog and this doesn't change out opinion in this situation. That said, I am taking on this situation like I do most thing.
With my glass half full, I will be simply treating it as another new adventure and promise to keep everyone posted!
#yagottalaughaboutit
Over the recent 2021 holiday break, I
watched a 7-part documentary offering on Netflix titled Pretend It’s A City, starring
New York City author and 70’s icon Fran Lebowitz.
Though she made a ton of valid points about the Big Apple within the hours I watched, in one episode, she went on a rant on how she can’t believe people travel for the purpose of enjoyment.
"When I’m
in airports and I see that there are people going on vacations, I think… How
horrible could your life be?” Then she continued with “Like, how bad is
your regular life, that you need to escape it?!”
As you know, my husband and I have travelled quite a bit and we have a pretty great ‘regular life.’ So, as soon as she said it, I instantly did a double take and wish I would have had the laser sharp wit to say what I will say here today.
"Yo, Franny...” (I'll call her that, because we quickly bonded during my very lengthy and indulgent binge watch in my jammies.) "Kiss my fat and colourful carryon caboose... and stick my boarding pass where the holiday sun don't shine!”
Overbearing travel opinions of one rich New Yorker aside, next month marks the 10th anniversary of the very first trip
my hubby and I took without our kids. I had won a $5,000 travel voucher and we decided
to travel in great style to a destination that we’d never typically be able to afford
to go. Negril, Jamaica was where we landed.
On that trip, we met a couple that we have stayed in touch with ever since. As a matter a fact, we got along so well, that we met each other again in Runaway Bay two years later; and we were invited to their wedding in Montego Bay in April of 2018. (That's the amazing HMR on the right, photobombing my man.)
Winter work (in Muskoka) vs. Winter warmth (in Runaway Bay) TAKEN: Today and February 2014 |
I totally miss travelling... Because for us it isn’t just about the time you spend together once you’ve arrived at
your destination. We enjoy the planning, research, the anticipation, and of course the most exciting part for me - the sound of my passport getting stamped.
Which takes me back to my buddy Fran. How bad is my 'regular life' if I need to escape it? I say toss that Toonie into the air, because the other side of the proverbial coin question will be: How many narrow minded people do you know that have a thick passport?!”
So, there you have it Ms. Lebowitz.
Point. Set. Match.... ME!
Fun times on our last pre-lockdown vacation to Mazatlán Mexico. Sad that (post op) travel will never be the same. BUT... We'll figure it out! TAKEN: DECEMBER 2, 2019 |
I began my work break the day
before my husband entered the hospital, and we mutually decided on day five after
his surgery, that I would not be returning to my then place of employment.
That said, not to throw baby out with
bathwater, I requested to take an addition three weeks of vacation time once we
got home. You know, in hopes my boss wouldn’t turn out to be the greedy turd my hubby warned me he was.
Alas, when the time ran out, I lost
in my true wager of hope. He won the lackluster coin toss fair and square, and as we expected I
officially left the job the Friday night before I was set to return the first Monday
in November.
Though you may be sensing this is
going to be a dark rant about a bad boss - it isn’t. He’s in the past and not the direction I’m
going. This electronic journal post is a good news story about my husband and me.
A good news story on how we spent
three life changing months, in very close proximity, essentially only in each
other’s company and we didn’t kill each other… Signifying will be a successful team
in retirement!
Now, for those of you that know
my husband, certain phrases will always come to mind. “Great guy, amazing friend,
gets along with everyone” top the list, and the list is long. The one thing I
will say, is that none of those people live with him.
Just as I’m sure people that know yours truly, wonder how my hubby puts up with me, I will caution once again… you don’t
live with us. I believe we work well because we have found a great balance.
At the end of the day, we have always worked hard on good communication as well as our overall friendship with each other. We married young and started our family younger than most. Yet, we were lucky to have found a rhythm that truly bonds the both of us.
Most importantly, the
rough patches are things we still discuss openly, they aren’t tucked away. As we both recognize, those times are all a part of how we have arrived at today.
Suffice to say, because of our looming circumstance over the last year, we’ve discussed our plans for retirement and what that may look like. I guess I can say that after the last three months, now we're just excited about how that eventual transition will happen.
Which brings me to my long story/short point:
How do you know it’s your time to retire? It’s when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it!
Stay tuned. After a year, I am finally writing again... and I promise to report back on what we decide!!
There is so much emotion attached to the last year that I truly don’t know where to start.
Personally, I decided I would no longer surround myself with people that didn’t have the same core philosophies as yours truly, cleansing myself of a mountain of stress and unnecessary drama.
Professionally, I decided that health of loved ones and home life happiness trumped making ungrateful employers’ gobs of money without thanks. Who knew that at my age I could still grow a pair? Guess you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!!
All the best for 2022 everyone. Remember to keep your hands and feet in the ride at all times.
Cheers from Rhondi
Most significant moment (centre): Merry Christmas! My husband and his sister were both given a clean bill of health. What an amazing way to end the year that lasted a century.
January: Knowing that travel wouldn’t be an option, we decided
in the new year to keep the cottage deck cleared of snow so that we
could spend weekends there during the winter.
February: Back in lockdown and only interacting with our exclusive
bubble, we enjoy an amazing dinner and bonfire to celebrate Jukebox’s birthday.
March: With my husband being fast tracked for surgery, we received our first shot.
April: Rebuilding cottage decks and illustrating the crap we
found – including a kitchen sink that had been buried for decades.
May: After we had a new roof installed, we spent the weekend
repairing and staining the exterior of our home.
June: Born April 9th, 2021, we brought home the
lovely Miya Maria on June 9th (my Dad’s birthday) 2021.
July: After a 7-year hiatus, Goob got me back on the golf links on Sunday afternoons. I had no idea how much I had truly missed it.
August: Stella, our floating picnic table became the go to
pup activity (and official conversation piece) on Orillia Lake.
September: I snapped this photo moments before my husband went in to have his life
changing surgery.
October: Just eighteen days post op and we attended the beautiful
wedding of my husbands brother and his new bride.
November: Mid way though our three-month break, we found a
beautiful bouquet of the Petro Canada glasses I collect. Words can't express how I still get excited to find them.
December: Life is good. Though I left my job in October, for the first time in my life I chose life balance over work life which has made a world of difference for us.
Jukebox, Goob, and Sweetie on Huckleberry Rock. TAKEN: OCTOBER 2018 |
April 29th, 2013 - YESTERDAY Taken: April 1977 |
Spit polished, loaded up, and ready to GO! TAKEN: APRIL 16th, 2016 |
We've just acquired more than 600 vintage vinyl records. It's going to be a GREAT summer! TAKEN: MARCH 26TH, 2016 |
Happy 10th Anniversary Mikey Mike! Taken: April 2017 |
My Sweetie and me... Never to focus on the past. It's not the direction we're going. TAKEN: MARCH 11th, 2012 |
My Sweetie and me enjoying a Cafe de Monde beignets in the French Quarter, NOLA. TAKEN: MAY 30th, 2019 |
Prince at the ACC. SECTION 107 ~ ROW 16 TAKEN: NOVEMBER 25th, 2011 |
My quest for a greater QUANTITY continues TAKEN: APRIL 17th, 2018 |
The beachfront at our rental home in Elbow Cay, Abocos, Bahamas. (Photo credit & rental heads up to my very good buddy JCW) TAKEN: FEBRUARY 2015 |
April 17th, 2014 - OPTIMISTIC |
April 16th, 2013 - NOSTALGIC Taken: June 2012 |