Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to You and Yours

from Me and Mine.

Poor Susan.

I have a friend I grew up with named Susan. I call her the "red haired Susan" so the kids and Larry know I am not talking about Suzan. Over the years, Susan and I have kept in contact-some years more than others. I saw her name on facebook and emailed her and then we spoke on the phone. Heyyy, Susan, put your picture up. Her comeback was she didn't have any pictures. Gee, just grab a camera and take a picture . . . thats what I did. She went on to say that she took a couple pictures of herself and her boys but none of the THREE pictures turned out. She said, ohhh, I love your picture. At this point, I sort of said, yeah yeah I took it myself mumble mumble. Easy-just take the camera and point to yourself and shot.

I sort of feel guilty. I told her it took a couple pictures to get one that was sort of ok. Hmmm, should I tell her just how many I took that day?

Nahhhhh-let her think how easy it is. But then again, she may never post a picture of herself if she thinks she can do it with two boys and a cell phone camera. Just the kids alone dooms her to failure.

Poor Susan.

The Sky is Falling . . . part two

A few weeks ago, I posted that we had a leak in the ceiling. The owners tried to get a roofer here before winter hit . . . but we missed it by ONE day. The day the roofer was supposed to arrive, we got 8 plus inches. But, hey, everything was frozen now, so nothing could leak.




UNTIL . . . we got warm weather on Sunday. In the upper 40s, winds up to 60 miles per hour, and then . . . wait for it . . . SUN in the afternoon. I started to feel a bit nervous. Things were melting. Did that mean the roof would start again? I put a big plastic bin under where the leak was last time. A little bit of the ceiling acoustic had fallen last time, so I placed it right under that. I went to bed.






Around midnight I hear, splat. I get up and think-what is that? I walk out of our bedroom and notice lots of little pieces of white on the rug. Water in the bin and when I look down-yep, more acoustic. Glad I had that plastic bin.



Downstairs I went since I was now awake. I had covered my computer during the day because it had started a little leak outside. This was the covered area near the kitchen door. It was a bit too close to the window and I felt it would be best to be prepared. Man, glad I did. The leak was in the other window but it would have been an expensive issue if I hadn't covered the equipment. It did get a speaker and my OtLight. I think they are fine but I am waiting until I know for sure they are dry before I try them out.



Great, the roof and window in the office was leaking. I will survive. I walk into the kitchen. OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH NNOOOOOOO. It was leaking near the fridge and door. I put a pot down. I then went around the house to check. I came back, it was leaking more-ok, fine. . . another pot. A bit later, another pot. Outside was wet and the window well was getting water. Finally, Larry said, we have done what we can-time to go to bed. I did. I got up early and emptied the pots and replaced them back on the floor. In the morning, everyone went in and out trying to minimize the damage outside (yeah, pots there too), because I was worried that the window would overflow and end up in the basement. In and out-and every time, more dirt and tracks by the back door. And the water was sort of splashing when the drops hit. The water was brown because it ran over a brown beam. Let's just say-the kitchen floor has seen cleaner days.








The drips have almost stopped. Only one pot in the kitchen now. The roof got the heater plugged in. For some reason, it was unplugged and on the roof-not working. Larry talked to the owner and went on the roof and dug out the plug. Hopefully, it will help. Hopefully. Now, he wants to get on the roof again to make sure the drain is clear (its under ice and snow now). He has an idea about where the drain is on the roof. Of course, I told him NOT to go on the roof. Does he listen? NO. Do any of the men here listen? LOL . . . that would be no. But, he was able to see the problem and fix it. Again, my hero.

If this picture could talk . . .

A picture says a thousand words.

This one from 7th grade (I think) says-

1. who is this strange person with the camera

and

2. go away mom . . . pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaasssssssssssseeeeeeee!

Twas the day after Christmas

are you tired of snow yet

Someone recently IMed me and asked if I was tired of snow yet. Anne lives in Texas-snow isn't much of an issue down there where she lives in the lone star state. However, it is an issue here. We have been lucky in terms of snow as compared to last year. That said, I wasn't here last year, so this is a lot of snow for me. Besides-winter has just started.

It's funny, but so far it hasn't been much of an problem. Years ago when Larry and I were newly weds and living near Toronto, I thought I would die! It was cold and snowy. And I was miserable. Mind you, I had just moved up from Georgia and didn't really have ANY winter clothes. I was cold. I was cold all the time. I was pathetically cold all the time.

This time, I knew how cold it could be. I have boots, I have coats, I have sweaters, I have thermal undies (lots of thermal undies . . . and it does really help), and finally I have the robber hat. Now, if I could just remember to put on gloves, all will be fine.

All will be fine . . . except for swinging on my swing. The spiders are gone . . . the snow has arrived. If the snow is all the way up to the swing, I don't think it will swing. Not that I would even consider going out there in sub-sub-sub freezing weather and swing. But, if I did, I don't think I would have to worry about spiders. That's a bonus . . . sort of.

Son and his bugging ways

I have a child who likes to bug me. He takes great pleasure in bugging me. Normally, he reserves these times for when I am on the phone-chatting it up with friends. On more than one occasion, I am sure I have hurt a ear drum or two but suddenly saying loudly (ok, screaming) "That's ENOUGH!" or some variation on that theme.


Today, I asked the child, who likes to bug me, to make sure he finished his Christmas shopping. He didn't want to go. I told him to go. He said he would go tomorrow. I said, no-he should go now. He said-tonight. I said, jussssssssssssssst go.



So instead of going, he decided he would bug me. I tried in vain to ignore him. He isn't like KC, ignoring doesn't work-it only makes him try harder.

He got a brush . . . and started with the hair. Sigh . . . leave the hair alone.


Gee, you have split ends, did you know that?
Yesssssssssss.
Wow, you are going gray, did you know that?
siggggghhhhhhh . . . yesssssssssssssss.
I think I should be a hairdresser-you look great . . . where is your camera?
(I didn't answer him . . . I knew I was in trouble at this point).
Ohhhh, great picture, but how do I make the flash work (now, in retrospect, I know I should have NEVER told him that . . . I can still see spots).


After taking a ton of pictures, he was satisfied. He had bugged me to no end and even documented it. As he walked out of my office he said . . . "Put that on your blog" followed by a lot of laughter.

Sigh . . . kids!!!

"You're kidding . . . right?"

Poor KC. He so wants to go outside. He soooo hates the super cold. Its been below 10F (this is the HIGH of the days, not the lows) for the last 4-5 days. I will open the door and his ears go back, he looks out, looks at me, and then turns around. No going out.



Today, he saw a bird. This bird was walking near the door, in the area that has been shoveled lately. So instead of a foot or more snow, its an inch or two.



KC decided to try it. He went outside, looked for a minute, turned back to me and gave me a look that said "You're kidding . . . right?!?" He promptly came back inside. And hasn't asked to go out again. But, the weather is changing. I think we will only have one more red light day and then a warm spell-might even get up to freezing. Break out the bathing suits and flip flops, boys!

Is there anything that isn't a present?

My main man wrapped presents this weekend. He finally got around to the box from "the ladies". And let me tell you, not opening that box was a test of endurance for me! But, I was able to pull it off with flying colors. Wooooo Hoooooo.

So, I was banned from the dining room during the wrapping process. Larry takes wrapping seriously. I went to my office, not to come out until I was told all was clear. Wrap, Wrap, Wrap. I hear the noises of paper and tape.

Then Larry asks: "Is there anything that isn't a present?"

"Oh, yeah-probably candy," thinking that she may have put a bag of Hershey's Nuggets in the box like she did last time. In a few minutes, Larry brings me this.

Well, it's candy. And blueberries and ink. (Long story on the ink)

Hmmm, maybe I was a little wrong on the candy part not being a present. Yum. Gee, do I have to share with my manchild #2? It's going to be a chocolate Christmas-I can't wait! Notice the little wrapped present? It's going to be in my stocking (if I find the stockings).



The rest of the gifts are in or under the tree. I have been banned from touching gifts. I tend to guess what is in the box and it drives Larry nuts.



Thanks "Ladies"-I can't wait to open my gifts. This box has brought a lot of smiles here!!

Give me all your chocolate!

In my last blog, I suggested that someone call and complain to the weather folks up here. BUT, then, I said, NO don't because it might make them mad and do something worse.


Ok, who called? Huh? I mean really, did you have to call?


It's be the red light district here since Friday. In other words . . . cold. Not a problem if you stay inside like a rational, intelligent person. A problem for those of us who haven't finished Christmas shopping for the family. (That would be the female of the house and the oldest child). PLUS we got a foot of snow today. Thanks.



Perfect day for my "robber hat" (previously known as "terrorist hat" but Matthew said I was being politically incorrect and we decided to rename said head thing as robber hat). You know, its the black thing that goes over my head and covers everything and Sheila hates. REALLY hates it. I think she hates it as much as my cat embroidery overalls.

"Give me all your chocolate . . . or else!"

I went shopping yesterday for half an hour. Today for half an hour. I am finished . . . even if I am not finished.



A few snow pictures.







I happen to like the snow overhang. It has been windy. Be careful where you stand when it starts to melt, or if it gets any bigger.



The snow plow service comes a couple times a day. The first time-not a lot of snow (see above). But the last time he came this evening, it was really cool to see how fast he goes through the snow. Be wary of large amounts of flying snow from these plows!

The Red Light

Ah, its a dreaded red light day. What does that mean? Well, our furnace is oil and electric. When the weather drops below 10F outside, the furnace goes to oil heating. At that time, the little red light (which is sort of yellow but its red, or is supposed to be red) comes on. The little red light means-the furnace is using oil PLUS the rate for electricity is at a premium. We are not supposed to use major electrical appliances and conserve at these times. No washing and drying clothes . . . cool!



It seems this red light comes on mostly at night. I tend to wash and dry at night. I never really thought about it until recently (when the dreaded red light came on and I really, really needed to wash clothes . . . so I did). I started the night time washing in California when we were NEVER supposed to use any appliances during heat waves (or suffer rolling brown outs). So, now, I need to change my habit. But then again, the red light is on during the day today.



In case you were wondering, yes, it's cold out. It's 1F with a wind chill of -18 F (this would be -17C with a wind chill of -28C for those metrically minded folks). 1 degree. That's a bit chilly. Plus its going down. Isn't it supposed to go UP during the day. What is this business of going down?? Someone needs to call the weather people up here and complain. Oh, its not snowing . . . so don't complain-it could be worse. It will be worse-only a matter of time, but don't call the weather people and complain, they might get grumpy and throw some ice at us. Snow is fine and dandy but . . . let's not do ice.



Things not to do today: Laundry. :) I can handle that.

Why the Tree isn't decorated . . .

Caesar continues to grow since my log update on him. He still loves his little round thing with the ping pong ball. He still loves my socks (and hides them). He still bugs the crap out of KC, who can't or won't go outside for more than one minute (I don't blame him!). He loves to eat-I can tell he is going to be on the tubby side. He loves to sleep on the top platform of the kitty scratch post, which was KC's hang out but somehow the kitty has made KC move on. (Sometimes its easier to move on than to stand your ground against a kitten that just doesn't get it-and keeps coming back for more . . . over and over and over again).

But MOST of all, he LOVES our Christmas Tree. I wanted to teach him not to get into it before I put the ornaments on it.

I am thinking we will have a sweetly plain tree this year . . . just lights, red bows and a cat.

She said not to open it.

The old Mom's Group had our yearly Christmas Brunch . . . without me. (sniff, sniff, whine, whine). I am thinking I sounded a little pathetic on the phone; "Oh, how nice. Lunch with the group. I know you will have fun. Well . . . have fun". Yeah, just a bit pathetic. Maybe a bit more than just a bit.



Every year we get together and have a gift exchange. This is a group of moms who have bonded since our little ones were in Kindergarten. Our "little ones" are now seniors in high school (except for that lone wolf who graduated early and moved up to the great white north). All the years, the ups and downs and the loss of one special mom, we have been through it all. Moving for me was the hardest to leave my "Old Moms". They are a special group.


Ok, enough of the sucking up. They sent me a package! Ohhhh, coool. But she told me NOT to open it-to have Larry open it and wrap the presents. (Presents are not wrapped due to customs).

Ok, so, I am not supposed to open it. I know, I won't. Really.

But, maybe . . . if it sort of came open. You know, all by itself.

Sigh. She said not to open it. So, I won't . . . I think . . . well, maybe.

Darnit. I hate it when I can't open a package. Larry better get home really fast!!

It's beginning to taste like Christmas

Its not Christmas without Gingerbread cookies. I love them. I used to burn out mixers making them. Then I found two other ways to get the cookies.

1. Marci would bring them over to me. A great big bag of them. She is a great cook. I loved it each and every year. Somehow, I don't think she is going to drive up here with her cookies. Maybe . . . but probably not.

2. The good old slice and bake. I found them at one store (and, well, ate them right away) and then asked Larry to look at Loblaws. The first employee he asked had never heard of slice and bake. But he finally found them.

Ohhh, yummmmy.

Cookies, anyone?

Reality . . . .

I hate taking pictures of myself. I feel silly. But I do it for YOU. So, I grab the camera this afternoon and take a picture of me in front of the snow. However, you will notice that I am indoors (Ok, it may be for you, but ME has to come into it a times). You can't tell, but I have makeup on. And I know, I need a haircut. Then I thought, hey, you want to see what I normally look like? No makeup, in my office, and a little cold. Yep, this is the real me. But my feet are snug and warm in fuzzy socks and on top of my foot warmer under my desk.

Reality . . . maybe Photoshop is needed for reality. Nah. But, then again . . . .

I knew there was a reason . . .

I knew there was a reason for having kids . . . it just took me this long to figure it out.

Manchild #1 had fun removing snow, ice, snow layer off my van. It was cool the way it came off in chunks (remind me that I said that in about a month!). He worked and worked. All that was left was a nice layer of ice on the windows.

Manchild #2 stepped up to bat on the ice. He scraped and scraped. All was nice and clean. Ready to get into the garage once we take a couple boxes out this weekend. At least, until it snowed again-about 6-8 inches.

. . . "ooohhhhhh, Manchildren . . . I have a job for ya!"

His First Snow

He tries to run out at night. He tries to run out during the day. Just his thing. He tried to run out at night for the first dusting of snow. But this morning, Manchild #1 was with him and said, "Fine-go see what its all about". (Unlike me who runs after the cat and drags him back in).

Caesar was fascinated. What was this soft white stuff? He chased and pounced and ate and looked like a real cat. The snow was pretty deep but he wasn't heavy enough to break through so he only got to play with a couple of inches snow which was on top of the ice which was top of the snow.

"I know there is some wild snow around here"

"For some reason, it goes away when I grab it!"

He jumped and played until WE were cold.


Keep jumping kitty, you might get a flake or two.



Ah, the lonesome hunter. He looks like a real cat here. One second later, he was by the backdoor with us.

Did someone say snow?

Let's just say that the weekend was COLD! Below zero type cold. Vicky stays inside type cold. The type of cold where it doesn't really matter if you are speaking Fahrenheit or Centigrade temperatures, just cold. BTW, the below zero with a windchill of minus 22 was Fahrenheit.

So, today was warmer. In the twenties. It snowed today. Not a lot apparently. Hmmm, if it is up on my wheels, I am thinking it is more than a dusting. I think it was about 6 inches. The locals (or maybe everyone who lives where it snows more than 3 times a year) calls a big snow a "dump". I tend to snicker like a third grader when I hear that. But now, maybe a snow dump is sounding about right. Oh think, this is just a little snow. This is going to be an interesting winter.

But, you have to admit, snow is pretty. And with Christmas lights . . . it just makes for the season. Ok, folks, lets all start singing . . . "It's beginninngggg to look a lot like Chrristtmasss . . . ."

Vicky Cooks . . . again-sort of

This is what I was shooting for:Nice elegant dish. Simple, tasty, etc.

This is what I ending up making:

I sort of got carried away. I wanted to grill the chicken, but it was snowing and COLD (it's 1 degree F and feels like -20F as I type (notice I went for the non metric weather update for you)), the grill was in the middle of the back yard because the roof is being replaced this week (ummm, I don't think so . . . cause it's going to SNOW, but we will try). #1 came in as I was making the sauce. He decided to help (I am all for that!).

Hey, mom, this needs more than just onions.

It only calls for onions.

Well-how about carrots?

Hmm, ok.

How about this? (Red Bell Pepper)

Umm, sure.

And lets add more garlic in the sauce.

More more more. I finally said, let's stop while the stopping is good. I made enough for two BIG dinners. I don't have any left. So much for leftovers, but how cool that they ate themselves sick (almost).


I didn't have ginger root. I looked around the store. I was surprised that I couldn't find any. But this was even better. No work, no fuss.

The next item was a bit more of a challenge. But Leo in the fish department walked me to it. How did I know Leo would know? Cause Danielle in the wine department (who was giving out samples of 6 different wines), told me to go ask Leo in the fish section. Tell 'im Danielle sent ya. Welll, ok. Off I go. There were two men behind the counter. An older Asian gentleman and a younger man. I stood there for a minute. Now, who would Leo be? I was looking for a sweet cooking wine from China. I looked at Leo . . . "Leo"? Bingo. The older man was Leo. He was so tickled I knew his name.

The sauce was great. You could taste a hint of ginger and orange zest.

LOL, yeah, well, it was good. The manchildren LOVED it, the MainMan really liked it. I liked it too. It's a keeper. Maybe next time I will try to make it the way it was supposed to be made. Or not.