Seen here with my dads parents, my truly amazing grandparents. My Mommy knit my sweater. I LOVED that purple thing. This photo confirms that I was clearly born to be a Prince fan! TAKEN: Spring 1973 |
Saturday, April 8, 2023
G IS FOR GRANDPARENTS
Friday, April 7, 2023
F IS FOR FRIENDSHIPS
There are a lot of people that have opinions about social media. Some embrace it too freely, while others wear a tin foil hat to ward of the evil of it. I guess you could say that I fall somewhere in between.
Anyway, back in July 2007 I connected via Facebook with one of my oldest brothers' best friends.
Though growing up I was nothing other than the annoying little sister, as adults, I was happy to find someone that effectively wrote for a purpose and shared their thoughts with the masses just as I do.
It didn't stop there, I loved experiencing the travelling he and his wife did together, and each year I looked forward to his annual Christmas countdown of song offerings on his saxophone.
Once his countdown started, I found myself logging on from my desk at work to see if he'd posted yet. Such great fun.
Then, via Facebook, I saw he and his bride were heading to his old stomping ground (where I still live) for the weekend for our Fire and Ice Festival this past January. Trouble was my hubby and I were headed into the city for the concert in Toronto that Saturday night.
After a quick exchange, I was excited to discover that they would be in town the night before and wanted to get together for drinks. I hadn't seen him face to face since my fathers funeral in 2005 (and only knew what his wife looked like via Facebook).
Anyway, that Friday, he kept me posted on their timing. They'd eat dinner with friends in the centre of town and we'd plan to meet at a local pub later in the evening. Goob lives just down the street, so I invited him to come meet his uncle J's childhood friend.
My husband (in red) really didn't know what to think of this group of extroverts! TAKEN: JANUARY 27th, 2023 |
Thursday, April 6, 2023
E IS FOR EXCHANGE
Editorial cartoon from the Toronto Star that is even more applicable in today's economy. JANUARY 24th, 2016 |
So, when I selected Las Vegas as my next passport stamp, I knew cash would probably be the way to go, hence the Andrew Jackson currency hording that's been happening.
Then, when packing the weekend before takeoff, I said to my husband 'maybe we should save the cash, and use the card' (as we have an anniversary trip booked in June where American cash will be King).
To explain my methodology, not using the card is kind of a double edge sword for us. We pay our credit card off every two weeks and use it for absolutely everything, including household bills. In turn, with the mountain of points we earn, we redeem them every quarter and it's like found money we apply to our balance.
Anyway, that thought quickly passed when he returned with our next couple of twenties for our piggy bank stash and I discovered we'd paid $1.40930 Canadian for a single American dollar.
At $1.40930 for a buck, I only have one last comment. Thank goodness for the secure hotel safe.
In their wee safe space, those twenty dollar bills will blanket our passports better than us fattening the already fat fee fellas at credit card company hands down!
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
D IS FOR DECISION
Well, a killer Black Friday deal made my birthday trip decision a no brainer this year. With the intention of only ever going once, I landed in Las Vegas today.
For just over six hundred dollars each, a suite with an Eiffel Tower view overlooking the Bellagio fountains was the purchase, and for the second year in a row I have Air Canada to thanks for a crazy amazing birthday deal.
Landed about 2p.m. today and home Saturday evening about 10p.m., we have a fun fill trip planned.
Heading to TopGolf this afternoon, Cirque du Soleil Beatles ONE at the Mirage tomorrow night, renting a Slingshot to head to Red Rock Canyon and the Hoover Dam Thursday, then Freemont Street for the day Friday.
Lots to talk about and some great pics to share the rest of the month for certain.
Another 'Happy Birthday Trip' but more importantly another passport stamp for yours truly.
Feeling very blessed, as life is good!
Photo courtesy of booking.com |
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
C IS FOR CANDID
A couple of weeks ago I saw this meme floating around the social media platforms and it truly resonated. It was just a picture titled the truth in me, so I must assume the author is unknown.
I have no desire to fit in.
No plans to walk with the crowds.
I have my own mind, heart and soul.
I am me and it has taken me years to realize how important that is.
No matter who you are, you can't be more candid that that. Life is simply too short to worry about what others think; and I don't.
Now when it comes to my dogs? That's another story.
The truth is my goal in life is to always be the person my dogs already think I am!
Big day. Taking Miya Maria to meet her new sister Katie Lulu. TAKEN: JANUARY 23rd, 2023 |
Monday, April 3, 2023
B IS FOR BONFIRE
I have written here several times in the past about the simple fact that I love a great bonfire, as have all of our pups.
From a very young age, we seriously train our dogs to respect the burning fire with a key word they grow up understanding, which is the word 'danger!'
The word is used in such a tone, when combined with their name, they return to my side immediately.
So, as expected, we are well on our way to training our new addition; little Katie (who was born December 5th, 2022 - arriving to us January 31, 2023).
This little Blondie is as sharp as a tack and as loveable as a teddy bear. TAKEN: MARCH 3, 2023 |
With winter breaking into spring, on the last Friday in March, when I finished work at 4pm then wandered outside and built a killer bonfire.
Goob came over for dinner and to sip a bevie or two. We watched the sun go down outside and embraced the start of the weekend by listening to our favourite tunes, while basking by the glow of a bonfire.
With full bellies, a cold cooler and a warm fire, I ended up sharing with David that I expect to be working remotely 100% of the time once the lakes open. I told him that I figured I will move my home office out to the cottage as soon as we can put the water on.
With Katie being born last December, she will be almost six months old when she discovers a couple of very important things about cottage life.
That when enjoying a bonfire in the off season, there may not be any snow but there will be mosquitos.
She will learn that just like the other pups, she will be provided her own lawn chair so that she doesn't have to sit on the damp ground at night but her belly will still get bitten.
Oh, and though cottage food may taste better than what is served at the house, the calamine lotion I will be putting on her belly to stop the 'skeeter itch' does not!!
Saturday, April 1, 2023
A IS FOR ASHLEY
May my beautiful friend and coworker forever rest in peace. (Beautiful photo from her LinkedIn profile) |
It was the last Friday afternoon of this past January.
My boss and I had just finished our end of day call, when he empathetically said, “I have some news to share.” Then, after a long pause he said, “Ashley was killed in a car accident early yesterday morning.”
In that moment, it was like I had been punched in the throat. My mind began swirling, and I was in a complete state of disbelief. This girl had the most amazing energy and sense of kindness, I instantly fell into a general state of shock.
Fast forward from that Friday night to Sunday morning. I couldn’t find any information online, other than there had in fact been a vehicular fatality in that area the morning I was told she passed.
So, by mid-Sunday morning I reached out to a coworker to go fishing for facts. I couldn’t stop thinking about it and I wanted to confirm that there hadn’t been some sort of bizarre misunderstanding. She quickly confirmed it was in fact her that had died.
Flash to the next Tuesday, when the rumblings shift to the chatter that her husband was being investigated for foul play in her death. In that moment, all I could do was be angry at the potential small town gossip.
Low and behold he was formally charged that Friday with second degree murder and indignity to a dead body and is being held without bail.
His charges were then formally upgraded to first degree murder on February 17th, 2023.
Though I want to be angry at the person accused of taking her life, he doesn't deserve any space in my mind. That said, I can’t help but focus my empathy and worry to their two young children, both under the age of ten. Still processing all of this, it is so sad that they lost both of their parents that day.
Not that I am anyone special in the big scheme of all of this, I am just one of many that is extremely grateful to have been able to call Ashley Schwalm my friend. I will always miss my former coworker dearly.
Rest in peace my beloved Schwalmster.
Because if there is one thing you deserve, it's to forever sleep easy.
Sunday, February 19, 2023
OUR ANNUAL ADVENTURE
If my memory serves me correctly, Family Day became a statutory holiday in Ontario in 2008, and I remember those first few years of chilly Monday celebrations fondly.
We’d load up the mini van and go glow in the dark mini putting, five or ten-pin bowling, snow tubbing or tobogganing if weather permitted. As a family, we would always decide how we would spend the day, and officially vote on what we would have for our evening family meal.
Then, as life happens, the celebration of the mid-winter day saw the kids grown and gone and our nest completely empty.
It was at that point we transitioned the conventional holiday into ‘Family Furbaby Day’ (FFD). The one paid holiday, where I would get up and make the pups a great breakfast, before we’d head outside by noon for an adventure that was totally dedicated to them having fun.
Since its inception, we have taken FFD pics of our special day all over Muskoka. We've never really decided what we are going to do until that weekend, but we both have always known where our focus would land... On them!
My hubby taming 'The Oreo Gang (Version 2)' with a treat. TAKEN: FEBRUARY 19th, 2022 |
This year, because our newest addition was so tiny and had no hair on her belly, we decided to simply head to the cottage, hike our plowed road, and keep up top at the cottage not to wear her out.
As a precaution for the wee one, I jimmy-rigged a backpack that I would put on my front so she could see the big dogs in action and stay warm at the same time. Turns out, she’s a true Rockstar and kept up nicely with her little legs.
Anyway, I posted the photo I am sharing on another social platform today disclosing the following:
In Ontario, today is truly dedicated to work/life balance.
Personally, I only discovered the meaning of the phrase once my husband had to have life altering surgery and wasn't expected to live.
I hope everyone embraced today as we did.
#lifeisshort #lovewhatyoudo #happyfamilyday
Embrace it we did...
Turkey bacon all around at breakfast, then zoom-zoom down all the backroads with the windows open for all the smells, and great treats once on the trail.
What else can I say, other than our twelve paws and four legs loved being outdoors together on a beautiful Muskoka Monday.
Enjoying a really spectacular day.
Sunday, January 22, 2023
NEVER, UNTIL NOW!
As I shared here last summer, never, have I ever, rushed to replace a pup out of sheer emotion. And though I know you can’t ever replace a dog, when my Puddin’ died of cancer last June, our deep friendship and her beautiful characteristics left a void like no other I have ever experienced.
With my heart ache not subsiding, about three months after Puddin’ crossed the rainbow bridge, I reached out to our amazing CKC registered breeder that we purchased Miya Maria from - asking her to put me ‘on the list’ for a yellow female should her beloved Minnie have one.
I will be honest, she only breeds one litter a year, so our expectations where that we would have a wait. Then, on December 5th, I got the call.
Minnie had in fact had a litter of nine and there were two yellow females available. Now, you may think that we could have passed and waited a couple of years, but that is where this gets truly heart wrenching.
There had been complications in the night with Minnie’s delivery that included a trip to the emergency vet, the delivery of the nine babes, and a full hysterectomy for our mama: rendering her sterile.
If we wanted the same lineage and
an extension of Miya, this would be our only opportunity. My husband and I both
immediately agreed, without hesitation, we were buying another dog!
Allow me to introduce the newest member of our puppy pack - KATIE TAKEN: JANUARY 21st, 2023 |
When visiting our new girl again yesterday, we were told owners like ourselves had intended to purchase, but for reasons unknown to us have decided against. That said, because our breeder really does only work on a referral basis, I offered to get the word out as there are still a couple of these beauties available.
Now, I caution carefully. You should only reach out if you're looking to have the most amazing pet experience imaginable and for your heart to be filled with puppy love for years to come.
I can attest first hand that with my husbands health woes last year, Miya truly changed his outlook and for the first time in all the dogs we've had, he has that magical connection I had with Toby, Puddin', and continue to have with my ten year old Annie.
If you think this is something that may interest you. You can send me a personal message, or hop over to Facebook and check out Labradorables and message Leslie directly.
Better yet, here's a link: Leslie @ Labradorables
I promise, you won't be disappointed.
Oh, and be sure to let her know that the wonderful Katie Lulu sent you!
Saturday, January 21, 2023
MUSINGS BY THE BONFIRE
My wee Miya Maria and me... Musing beneath the trees. TAKEN: December 29th, 2022 |
Well, it appears I have once again survived 'Blue Monday'.
Though I'm sure some men might consider Blue Monday what follows the weekend if they didn't get laid, but I am referring to the Monday that is identified world wide as 'the most depressing day of the year.'
The exact day is calculated by assessing weather (W), post-holiday debt (d), time since Christmas (T), failing New Year's resolutions (Q), low motivation (M), and a lack of decisive action (Na). This year, it was Monday January 16th.
For fun, here is my current assessment and reflection of their criteria:
Weather – The weather man is the only dude that can do his job wrong 100% of the time and not get fired.
Post-Holiday Debt – Don’t
have any. Hard to go into debt when all you do is put up the same lights, decorate
the tree the same every year, and only purchase heart felt gifts for three loves.
Time Since Christmas – This
one has a reverse effect for me. I cringe when they start
pushing me at Hallowe’en to 'deck the stinkin' halls'.
Failing New Year’s Resolution - Didn’t make one. I set goals I want to accomplish but never make
resolutions
Low Motivation - This one did tick a
box or two this year. Unnecessary and immature drama prior to breaking for the holidays tainted my time off. There were lots of tears. I realize now it was my own fault for allowing it to bother me. It’s over now, and I was feeling great prior to January 16th .
Lack of Decisive Action: Not with
this cat. Booked and paid for my birthday trip to Vegas on Black Friday, paid off the car more than a year
early, and continually remove toxic people from my life. If there is one thing I am – it
is extremely decisive!
As an aside, for me this milestone day doesn't register in the same way it may with others. I find it important to acknowledge because it signifies the end of my season affective cocoon (aka: time change coma) and is the beacon of light at the end of the tunnel which leads me to spring. Coles notes, it means the shortest day of they year has passed and the longest day with sunlight is on the way.
As I look at the photo I am sharing, I love that I captured such a great moment. Sitting by the fire, Miya waiting for the next snowball to be thrown, with music filling our yard. It was truly a great day.
Sitting there sipping, I remember in the moment turning to my husband and raising my Yeti. "Let’s face it," I said.
"It is on days like these that I am convinced that wine was invented because God just wanted all of us to be happy!"
As we both chuckled at my spontaneity, I leaned over and clinked his can, then I continued as I always do. "Ya gotta laugh about it," I said.
Ya just always gotta laugh about it!
...Take THAT Blue Monday!!
Sunday, January 8, 2023
LETTER WRITING MEMORIES
I got a call on January 4th from my oldest brother, as we'd missed connecting over the holidays.
When my phone rang, my husband gently cautioned that if I answered, we would probably chat for hours. I acknowledged his comment with a nod, then picked up. I went to bed when my phone died, at 2am.
Through our long-winded catchup, he asked about any old negatives I may have in my possession (pre 35mm film) of photos my mother would have taken. On a mission, the next day I went through all the boxes in my cold storage space under our front entry stairs.
Up to my home office went boxes and bags of photos and negatives, as well as a hodgepodge of items I hadn’t looked at since we moved into our current home in 2002. I did find what he was asking about. I also found a series of handwritten letters from a girlfriend that were decades old.
Holy time warp Batman. When I began reading the letters, it's like I had been transported in a time machine. I had forgotten my college sidekick and I had stayed in touch for as long as we had.
With none of her letters dated nor having a return address, I know I had three children and she and her husband were hoping to try for their first; my only other clue are the 43 cent stamps.
Naturally curious, I headed to the internet to see what she’d been up to. My first issue was all of her letters were signed with only her first name. Though I knew her maiden name, I couldn’t for the life of me remember her married name.
Hours and hours later, and primarily seeking out obituary notices, I managed to find her. Not her specifically, but a website where she'd appeared on the ‘sunshine list’ in Peel Region.
The next piece was I remembered I had a photo of us. (I find it amazing that I have had the photo I am sharing tucked away in a photo album since it was taken.) There were six of us that travelled from Hamilton to Kitchener for the weekend to celebrate Oktoberfest, including the festive parade.
If my memory serves me correctly, it was the fella whose family hosted us that took our picture. And I remember her saying in the that moment, "we have to get a picture of us together." This was it.
I am going out on a limb here but judging by the look on my face, my guess is we were having a blast by indulging in a wee bit of alkohol spirituosen and polka party fun.
That said... I would have to double check my German with Google translator to be sure!
Us celebrating Oktoberfest in Kitchener with one of her letters as the background TAKEN: OCTOBER 1984 |
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
TWENTY REASONS WHY
My husband went back to work yesterday, so I will be flying solo around the house until Friday night.
It goes without
saying that sitting around all day was out of the question, so my first self assigned task was to productively
purge my clothing dressers, closets, and totes; you read that right, plural.
What started a three-pile exercise (out to the cottage, neatly bagged for donation, and the third for disposal) resulted in a day that proved to be cathartic as well as seriously eye opening. So much so that it genuinely resulted in me motivating myself for change.
Long term readers may remember it was ten years ago on this exact day that I decided I was going to get back in shape, and the ‘quest for my waist' began.
I hadn’t been through menopause back then, so I suspect my results a decade later will take an altered approach, not to mention considerably more work.
As a goal-oriented person, I knew I would need a way to focus. So, my personal target is to wear this wee ditty around the pool, for my birthday trip to Las Vegas in April.
These beautiful colours were last worn by me in Miami in 2018. I am truly hoping to end our five year hiatus! TAKEN: JANUARY 4th, 2023 |
Now before you start rolling your eyes, know that I am not doing this out of vanity.
Rather you should know that I am truly uncomfortable in my skin and need to make a change. Purging my clothes just gave me the motivation I needed. This over weight just simply must go!
...Now, I’m not talking 200 pounds.
I am looking to lose the extra twenty pounds that have slowly crept back and are comfortably squatting on the midsection of my body. No matter what I do, those suckers seem to want to stay indefinitely.
I'm not joking. They are stuck to me as comfortably as Jeffrey Dahmer was living in his grandmothers' basement, and today I decided that was no longer an option.
How serious am I?
When I finished my chores, I hung her up in my dressing room next to my mirror, where I will see here every time I enter the room to get dressed. As extra reinforcement, I have taped a picture of her on the front of the fridge.
Oh, and just to be clear. This isn't a 2023 resolution. It is a much needed personal solution using a colourful (albeit memorable) two piece object as a healthy reminder of my task at hand.
Wish me luck!
Saturday, December 31, 2022
REMEMBERING 2022
I don’t know about you, but I am happy to shut the door on the past year and look to the coming year with a genuine amount of hope and sincere optimism.
Personally, it has felt like I have been in mourning for the majority of the year. I didn’t write nearly as much as I had hoped because my heart was absolutely aching with both hurt and despair. Trust me, in spite of my mantra, it hasn't been something I would ever be able to laugh about.
Professionally, after taking the last three months of 2022 off to help my husband heal from a life saving surgery, I started the year with a new career challenge that has proven to be an excellent move for me. As I look toward retirement, I love that I am mentoring and team building with an amazing group of young, very upwardly mobile, professionals.
With the past year in the rearview, I have great hope for 2023. All the best in the coming year everyone. Cheers, and thanks once again for reading.
~ Rhondi
PS: For the first time, for my annual 'remembering' post, as I reminisce electronically, you can click links to journal offerings that you may have missed.
PSS: Enjoy!
Most significant moment (centre): The sudden passing of my closest friend and confidant, Brian ‘Smartie’ Smart. Who left us Easter weekend 2022. I am truly heartbroken, and the loss of his presence will be missed forever.
Monday, December 26, 2022
OUR GREAT NEIGHBOURHOOD
Our
motto: If you can’t do great things, do small things in a great way. TAKEN: DECEMBER 26th, 2022 |
Well, we woke up this Boxing Day morn and it was still snowing.
Filled with great food and good
cheer, we headed to bed just after midnight, with the general intention that
we would sleep in. Well, the holiday Gods and our canine cohorts had other plans for us.
With little motivation and the pups primed to play, I focused on preparing a fresh pot of coffee. My man then settled downstairs to watch curling
and I in the living room tackling a jigsaw puzzle. All I can say is that I knew after
three days straight of snow removal, I did NOT want to shovel today!
Anyway, as I have acknowledged here before, we live in a sleepy little town where everything is a fifteen-minute walk and a five-minute drive. We’ve owned our home and lived at this same address for more than twenty years.
Though we tend to be somewhat private people, we live in an amazing neighbourhood of likeminded peeps that embrace a true sense of community.
When my husband was medically bound to use a walker last fall, it was my neighbour to the left (whose home you see above) that arrived from work on a Friday night and immediately fired up his gas-powered leaf blower on steroids to give a gal a hand to ensure our end of season cleanup could be completed.
So, knowing we were experiencing record breaking snow fall levels, my husband announced we would repay his good will. Not because it would be expected... but more for these eight little words.
Would you want to come home to that?
Happy Holidays everyone - and remember to always pay it forward. Because a small gesture from you, could make the world of difference to someone else.
#thatisall
Wednesday, December 14, 2022
MY GOOGLE de MILO
I planned our most recent road trip to the Outer Banks using only Google Maps, AirBnB and Hotels.com; and I was generally surprised at how much effort and research it actually took.
Suffice it to say, my husband was so disconnected from the party planning process that his only action item was to type the address of where we were spending our first night into the GPS the morning we left. That said, our ten-day trip, like all our adventures was a whirlwind.
The first day was a very long one, especially for my Annie and her anxiety. So much so, that by the time we pulled into the parking lot in the Hampton Inn in Hagerstown Maryland, she bolted out of the car. Good thing we’d finally arrived... Because she was NOT getting back in!!
Next day we travelled to where we anchored with food and fixings at our house in Nags Head North Carolina. The pups settled in much better there, and their first trip along the ocean beach was truly a sight to see. Definitely worth the headache of taking longer to arrive than it would have, had we left them at home.
The one thing I will admit is that because we could only get the house within our budget for four nights, I decided to extend our coastal stay by heading up to Ocean City (via the 28.4km Chesapeake bridge and tunnels) for that Friday night and then heading to Mansfield Pennsylvania the next morning.
In hindsight, this was a tad too ambitious and far more costly than originally expected. Changing our original intent almost doubled the cost of our trip, and that path saw us hit with a whopping $400+ for the only pet friendly room I could find on the interstate; on a Saturday night.
Our only saving grace was that the pups were so exhausted from their ‘Outer Banks Shenanigans’ that they literally slept those two days home - allowing us to zoom zoom north and stop less frequently.
Once home, my husband was having trouble visualizing the trip I had planned, and what geography we'd actually covered. So, I poured us a glass of wine and we sat down at my home office computer.
With all of my receipts containing proper addresses, I produced this killer 'Google de Milo' map offering him a visual, which perfectly illustrated the many more than two thousand miles we travelled.
What a ride!
If travel is truly art, then my Google deMilo road map proves it! TAKEN: OCTOBER 2022 |
Saturday, December 10, 2022
HOLIDAY BONFIRE REALITY
Hoping to repeat this vibe during our week off over the 2022 holiday break. TAKEN: DECEMBER 28th, 2014 |
The key to 'closed cottage' enjoyment is to barrier off the lower sleeping quarters (the windows are blocked by the upper level decks and get no UV help) so our woodstove can keep the main
living area and our second floor toasty.
As I look to my two week break I am sure everything will be fine. Simply because I can't believe how much my life has changed in the last year.
I've gone to another amazing level career wise, had several unexpected life changing experiences, yet suffered such heartbreak that I am not sure how I got out of bed in the morning... The key is I did!
All of that said, here's the deal. Though I hope I will enjoy a holiday bonfire at my cottage at the end of December, if I don't, it won't matter.
...Because I will just have an killer one, that is illegal non-complaint, at the house in town!
#yagottalaughaboutit
Sunday, December 4, 2022
A SIMPLE HOLIDAY SHIFT
When we took our road trip to the Outer Banks for Canadian Thanksgiving, during those couple of thousand miles in the car, we mutually decided we would not be celebrating the holidays this year. Or, at least not as we had in the past.
Initially, it was because we had planned to take a full two weeks off together and disappear with the dogs for another beach house experience farther down the coast.
Then,
when my company decided to close the last week of this year and the first week
of the new, our idea of hitting the open road went out the window; with me being off the second week alone.
The good news?
We
discovered we would only have one week together early enough, that we could ensure the cottage be stocked and ready to
head in and stay during what time we did have off together. A ritual we haven’t been able to enjoy together since late December 2014.
Heading down the hill (Pre-4wheeler) with provisions to ring in the New Year. TAKEN: DECEMBER 27th, 2014 |
The biggest inconvenience associated with enjoying our cottage space when it has been closed down is drawing, hauling, and boiling water out of the lake. That said, with enough split wood, the wood stove does all the work heating the water for the dishes as well as keeping us very toasty and cozy.
I have to admit, there is something to be said for the place smelling of great food that isn't grilled outside, not to mention the serenity of no one else around as we sit around the glow of an outdoor bonfire with the music cranked on a cold night. Which is probably why we've never listed it for sale. It brings out the best in both of us.
Anyway, for the very first time since becoming parents, we are establishing a 'zero gift giving zone'. I have put up a beautiful natural tree as well as my exterior lights but that is it. I guess you can say there has been a seasonal shift.
A shift because, after the last couple of years we have had, and the deep losses we have felt this year alone, we believe the true gifts are of time and love - and they will always be the two most important things we could ever hope for.
Time and unconditional love....
The perfect gifts which will NEVER appear on your credit card statement, nor have any type of buyer’s remorse attached!
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
SMARTIE MEMORIES IN NOVEMBER
Smartie getting a driving lesson from his grandson. TAKEN: AUGUST 27th, 2021 |
I am sitting at my home office desk and a wave of varying emotion just hit.
It is 3:52pm and gloomier than usual outside.
I can hear the wind howling and my phone is buzzing with severe weather warnings and the radio's been boasting cancelations all afternoon. All of it reminding me what the next few weeks will offer, which is absolutely nothing special.
As my hump day workday ends, my mind began to wonder. Tomorrow is Thursday. And as I have each week since that terrible day last April, I realized that I won’t be getting my weekly call from Smartie tomorrow; or ever again.
I remember the day we met. It was in April of 2004 and we hit it out of the park from the get-go. Both working in manufacturing, we stayed on straight evenings
so that we could save big dollars on daycare. An eighteen year friendship, that ended with his death on almost the same day in April that it started.
That said, as I type, it’s like I am stuck.
Whenever I mention him to others in passing, I instantly tear up. Which is immediately followed by
an apology disclosing, “I just can’t seem to get over his death.”
I feel a true emptiness, and all these months later his absence is still raw. Each time I get try to process why, I wonder if it could be because I wasn’t offered proper closure.
Because, for obvious reasons, I wasn’t invited to his intimate private service.
I could make excuses, but the truth of the
matter is that I disliked his wife in high school and absolutely detested
her by the time their marriage ended. Not looking to expand on why, other than
to say he was my friend, and she was not. Either way, he’s gone and I truly miss him.
As I stop typing and glance out the window, I see the snow is now blowing on a 45 degree angle.
I guess I should get my ass into the
kitchen, get some grub going, and feed the pups while we still have hydro.
Once again, thanks for listening to me blather.
Sunday, November 27, 2022
A SERIOUS DRY SPELL
Sunday, November 20, 2022
ELEVEN YEARS YOUNG
Happy Eleventh Anniversary to US! TAKEN: 1976 |
Allow me to share a photo my mother took of me outside our home in Muskoka when I was eleven years old. Oh to be able to celebrate being eleven years old again.
Wait... We can. Because today is the eleventh anniversary of my wee electronic journal Ya Gotta Laugh About It.
If you are reading this, I am both pleased and grateful to report that you are helping me celebrate my nine hundredth and seventy fourth effort since I began this ride on this day back in 2011.
Can you believe it? Eleven. Freakin'. Years!
All these years later, I am honest when I admit that the offerings I have posted are truly a part of me. Yet, I'm not quite sure what made me realize my anniversary was looming. Very in tune with my seasonal affective disorder, I'd probably put gobs of cash on the time change.
As you know, the darkness of the month of November and into December have always had me crawling into the closet, throwing a blanket over my head, with a bowl of warm gravy and a spoon; specifically, so the dogs would join me.
Some of the funniest items written had tears steaming down my face. Not of joy, but because in most cases I was processing a deep hurt and moving forward. For those that know me personally (rather than just words from a keyboard that you're reading) you know that humour has always been my go to attitude in deflecting hurt.
That said, these eleven years have produced so much great dialogue, not to mention life changing friendships.
I am grateful for all of you that have inboxed me with your comments, opinions, as well as your unconditional support and feedback over the years. It's truly been a cathartic experience arriving at today
To each and every one of you peeps... A very heartfelt THANKS!
Happy 11th anniversary to us!!
Thursday, November 10, 2022
TWO YEARS NEXT WEEK
Discovering the beautiful resort beach on our first night in Mazatlán Sinaloa TAKEN: NOVEMBER 2019 |
It’s that time of year again, where the clocks fall back, and I fall into a six week struggle to stay awake during the day and get a good sleep at night. As a result, my day in my home office starts a half hour early, so I can tour around the Trip Central website; dreaming I will find a February deal.
It is hard to believe it has been exactly two years next week since I snapped the pic I am sharing.
Less than three months after this photo was taken, we were both so ill it was mind blowing, with nothing but speculation as to why. Then, in March of 2020 lockdown began.
Well, for the second time in less than two years, we both spent the last three weeks getting over what we suspected we had nineteen months previously. Except this time around we could test ourselves to confirm what in January 2020 we could not.
The upcoming 2023 presents a big milestone wedding anniversary in June for us which we began discussing on our drive to and from the Outer Banks. But prices are just too extreme at this juncture to make any decisions.
Though we've always set a certain amount of money aside every week to travel, with uncertainty in the economy and costs where there are now, I can't see us crossing the pond nor taking an Alaskan cruise (which has my husbands' vote).
Instead, I imagine I will keep dreaming of finding a great travel deal, then hire an excavator to put a new driveway in at the cottage... and together he and I will properly rebuild those shitty fifty-five stairs and associated landings.
Happy Anniversary to us!
Saturday, October 29, 2022
OUTER BANKS PAW PATROL
Miya waiting patiently, as my Annie checks out who is on their way to the beach. TAKEN: OCTOBER 13th, 2022 |
Of the hundreds of photos I snapped, for so many reasons, the one I am sharing is a favourite.
Extremely candid and a tad dark and stormy, this is us embracing our last morning before heading toward the Chesapeake Bay crossing to Ocean City Maryland on our way back to Canada.
I have said it before, and I will say it again, that I don’t think we are conventional travelers. When neither of our sons could stay with the girls in October, we immediately planned something where the pups could come with, which presented its own challenges.
Not only is it difficult to find pet friendly hotels along the interstate where you need them, it is very
expensive to travel with four legged companions; but in the end, well worth it.
Yes, we rented a large oceanfront house for just us and the girls. It is what we could afford and we loved it. We would return in a heartbeat.
When I listen to some talk of
their experiences, it’s always in a tone of how much it cost, or how exclusive it
was. We don’t worry about either – simply ask ourselves one question – does it
work out best for us without breaking the bank?!
Mid life has taught us both that we are in competition with no one. We have no desire to play games and lead people to believe we are better than anyone else. Our personal philosophies are simple. We wake up every morning and try to be good people.
That said, embracing that mindset has had some take advantage of the both of us.
Though my husband is quick to point out the obvious, I generally choose to help where we can, in turn expecting respect. For me personally, it took me a lot of years to understand that in order to fully embrace my own self-worth, I needed to let go of those that didn’t value me.
As a hard working goal oriented person, some of those shifts in life have been the most wide awakening journeys of all.
...But that is definitely another post.
Sunday, October 23, 2022
SOME GENERAL (LABOUR) HUMOUR
What a great weekend to rebuild a deck. (Pleased to report I didn't get yelled at, not even when I told him he was wrong!) TAKEN: OCTOBER 23, 2022 |
When we bought the cottage some twenty years ago, we had no idea how much work and expense would accompany the purchase.
Granted, we didn’t pay a million bucks for the thing, but once you make your payments, keep the heat and lights on, pay the insurance and taxes, there was never thousand dollar bills lying around.
Though the building is structurally sound, for the last few summers exterior deck boards were replaced when we knew that what we really needed to do was tear down them off, level and rebuild them. We redid our main living area section last spring, and today we tackled the lakeside deck off the kitchen.
Now, the first thing I will say is that neither of us had any ambition for our task at hand, and we admitted that to the other heading into the cottage early yesterday morning.
As we pulled in the driveway, we acknowledged we'd probably need a wheelchair to get to work Monday morn, and I had only one request of my husband which was simply…. “Please don’t yell at me.”
That said, I think we work really well together as a team. I feel I am an above average general labourer and can wield a hammer, cordless drill, measuring tape and level as good as the next helper.
All well and good there, but when we team up, my site foreman tends to have a specific issue with me.
You see, I am forever questioning his math. Partially because the rule of thumb is that you should measure twice and cut once, and my crew chief tends to measure once and cuss twice; I mean cut twice.
Informed by the boss we had just the right amount of material for this weekends project, double checking measurements began right out of the gate and we never had a single mishap. He never raised his voice or per the norm, never told me to ‘go to hell,’ not even once.
After six hours of layout and levelling yesterday and five hours of hard assembly labour today, all that is left to do is screw nail the top deck boards in place.
As he naps and I type, I will admit that I always try to learn from every project we do together.
This weekend I learned that a 4” ardox nail is not your friend if you don’t have a framing hammer, and moving forward, maybe I should be the one that doing the material takeoffs.
Not because I want to - but the boss man was five deck boards short, and we ran out of nails.
Ah, the power of this keyboard as he sleeps....
He’s not going to know he is truly entitled to tell me to ‘go to hell’ unless he actually reads this!!
Ya Gotta Laugh About It
Friday, September 30, 2022
SWEET DREAMS OF CAIRO
This photo is worth more than a hundred thousand words. It genuinely exudes my love for her. Caroline (Caï) Perrault (née Marceau) TAKEN in: MATTAWA ONTARIO 1983 |
There is no other way to share this, other than to say that my Auntie Cai was unequivocally one of the most amazing people I have ever met in my entire life, and today I had to say goodbye. She was 89.
Growing up, my aunt was a beloved mother of her four children whom she cherished.
And, as silly as this may be read, I have always thought of myself as her fifth. Then, this afternoon, I realized that those of us that thought our ourselves as her special extra 'plus one' were in the hundreds.
A well respected teacher for more than four decades, she guided yours truly, as well as all of her students like the great beacon she was.
Growing up, no matter what I had happening in my life, my aunt was always an anchor for me. Providing unconditional inspiration and endless encouragement, not to mention a calm wisdom to the somewhat harsh realities that surrounded me.
In my formative years, my summers on Lake Temiscaming were most memorable when my cousins (whom I truly deem siblings) were at the camp next door.
I remember the first grand-baby shower, I remember the first big job offer, and most importantly their guys embracing my now husband as one of their own from the time I brought him around. Most of all, I remember how being in their company, felt like I was home.
That said, just like many, we see most family members at weddings and funerals.
As we gathered after mass today to celebrate her life, I asked the quorum around me how she ended up being called Cai, where her first name was Caroline?
My cousin Tootsie answered immediately. "When she was my teacher, she told us that she always talked constantly about how she wanted to visit Cairo, the largest city in Egypt.” The nickname stuck.
As I share a picture of she and I, my eyes fill with tears. Damn, this pretty lady literally made a difference in my life!
Rest easy and sweet dreams my love. You definitely helped mould me into the person I am today. You will be loved and missed forever by all who had the pleasure to meet and know you.
Don’t forget to say hi to mom, dad, uncle Vic, and all the others in your company. Bring them up to speed about what we've been up to.
Please let them all know... We will always miss them too. xoxo
Thursday, September 22, 2022
RHONDI AND RODANTHE
Got up to let the pups out this morn, flicked several light switches on and off to ensure there wasn’t a resident skunk passing through; when the harsh reality set in.
As I stepped onto the back deck I cursed aloud at the pitch-black sky. By the glow of the exterior lights, I could see my breath. With both angst and authority, "FECK" (inserting a different vowel) was all I said.
This is the time of year where I
cherish every single ray of light until the time change. I really do love
Fall but absolutely hate the short days and long nights that remain when the beauty expires.
Pre-pandemic, the status quo had us hop a late November plane to a sunny destination and regroup in the vitamin D
department. This year, respecting my husband’s health and not wanting to venture
too far from our health care system, we decided it would be the year of the
road trip.
A series of shorter long weekend jaunts
to destinations we’ve always wanted to go at least once. Using fewer vacation
days, essentially experiencing more.
Top: Miami, via Islamorda, to Key West FLA Bottom: First stop Bethel NY, then to Woodstock NY for the Midnight Ramble TAKEN: APRIL & JULY 2022 |
April was a mid week flight into Miami then we hit the road to Key West. July felt like we were in the summer of ’69 when we landed in Bethel New York (the site of where the Woodstock Festival was held) then headed to the town of Woodstock to celebrate the life of Levon Helm and my husband’s favourite group - The Band.
We have two left before the year is out and our next one is planned for the week of Canadian Thanksgiving. Much farther in distance, this time we are taking the pups. We have rented a house on the ocean and will spend the week embracing the dunes and beautiful scenery of the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
From the OBX 4x4 highway in Corolla to see the wild horses along the beach, to the ferry ride to cross to the southern banks at Ocracoke, to a simple photo op at the house used as a movie set (Night in Rodanthe - starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane) in Hatteras.
I am truly grateful my chauffeur has the same sense of Wanderlust as I.
We are always on the same page when it comes to jamming as much as possible into any given day. So much so that when we hit the hay, at the end of the day, we know we have given it 120% in the experience department.
For the most part, we both agree that resort trips are a thing of the past. In, are us exploring the areas where we can see ourselves spending our winters as snowbirds.
We haven't decided exactly where our two weeks at Christmas will take us with our fur babies. What I do know, is that no matter where the four of us land, we're going to have a blast. Simply because...
That's how we roll!!