Wrong on so many levels

I happen to like Canadian Tire. It's where I got my new and spiffy fondue set (and if you noticed, it didn't even look like a tire). On the weekends, CT has little door buster sales. You know the type-come on in and buy this for really cheap-limit 6 or 1 or whatever. But, it does make you go if you are going shopping and can buy whatever you need at CT or another place-let's just go there and get the diet coke while its on sale too.

So, on Saturday, CT was having its little sale. I needed a few things and thought- hey. . . let's hit CT and get what we need but differently get the sale stuff. Always makes you feel good to get things cheap (no, no, make that inexpensive). I put the stuff in the cart, Larry met up with me and off we go to pay. He unloads and then puts the bags in the cart (men, they are so nice to have around). I pay. I notice the amount and think, hhmmm what did we buy or what did he put in the cart? Oh well, off we go home.

Today, I needed to take something back to CT. I started to look for receipts. The only one I could find was Saturday's. Hmmm, what is the first item, and how many did I buy???!? It's in French, I must be reading it wrong. Off to find Larry- oohhh hon, what is the item on the first line and how many did I buy? Well . . . it says you bought 66 cans of Ravioli. 66 cans. Yep. Now, that is a big difference from the 6 cans I actually bought. Let's see . . . 60 cans times 90 cents plus tax-yep that's a biggie.

Off I go to CT. I hand the girl the receipt and ask. What is the first item and how many did I buy (hey-we could be wrong). 66 cans of ravioli. I look at her. "I bought this on Saturday and the limit is 6"-she looks at me. "Really, I only bought 6". Oh, now she gets it-I see it on her face. NO problem, she will have her manager look at the video tape and refund the difference when they see what I bought. Didn't take long. So I hand her my debit card. OOOOhhh, I am sorry, but I have to give you cash back, we can't refund on debit. Out I walk with $60.

So why is this wrong on so many levels?

1. I didn't check my receipt and paid $60 more than I should. (duh)

2. The cashier hit 66 instead of 6 (that is a bit of a difference)

3. I couldn't tell what the receipt said (well, that is really just pathetic)

and finally,

4. I bought Chef Boyardee Ravioli-and had to admit it to: the cashier on Saturday when I bought it, Larry when he put it up on the counter, the return clerk and the manager when I got my money back. How embarrassing all the way around.

Random Thoughts on Tuesday

Random thoughts from an American lost in Montreal. Whoops- make that living in Montreal.

Got a fondue. Only teen aged boys can make fondue into a "man" sport. Let's see how high the flame will go and how hot we can make the cheese. Next step . . . chocolate-yummm.

Both boys were grumpy today. For different reasons, but the end result was the same. Let's drive mom crazy. It worked.

The Bay is exactly the same as it was 20 years ago. Think Dillards or May Co.

My grass is starting to grow even without rain (I knew it would stop raining as soon as I planted it).

Found a pet store, went grocery shopping, got Matthew's hair cut (sort of), walked around the mall a bit more. I may actually walk the whole mall one day . . . but you know me-get what you need and get out. I only walked around because I was waiting for Matthew to get his hair cut. He wasn't happy with getting it cut at the mall. Not at all. But we were there so HE could buy a game. Let's make it easy, hon and actually do more than one thing at a time.

I can't buy my shampoo and conditioner up here. So, I either have to find another that makes my hair silky and shiny (yeah right, like its silky and shiny now) that won't break out my skin or make me itch . . . or somehow get the shampoo up here. I guess I could drive down to the states for shampoo (ok, that sounds silly even to me . . . so you know that is what I will probably do! LOL)

The drug store at the mall is pretty cool. While it has your basic makeup, it also has the good stuff too. Wow. A lot of the brands at sepora were at this drugstore. However, I would still like to find a Walgreens type drugstore.

Everywhere I went today, I found a good parking spot (thank you parking gods for being nice to me since my children weren't!)

I finally unpacked my Rosetta Stone. I can now pick out the little boy holding a ball and get it right. I am sooooooo fluent in French! LOLOLLLLL

<---Thomas found my french funny. Gee, I don't know why.

Mon chat est perdu (chat absent)

I guess it's official. Missy is gone.

She got out last Wednesday night when we got home from dinner out. I opened the garage door from the house and the back door was open. I saw her run out but I thought it was KC (they sort of look the same in the darkness). However, a little while later, I saw KC in the house. Oh dear.

I went out and called, but nothing. I left the back door to the garage slightly open (however, I locked the door to the house . . . I may love my cat but don't really love intruders all that much). I have called her-hoping maybe she is hiding in or near the garage. She isn't an outside cat at all.

Today, KC sort of told me. I walked upstairs and there he was sleeping on the foot of the bed-exactly where Missy sleeps. KC NEVER sleeps on our bed-or any bed. Just not his style (he thinks he is a dog). I thought for a second Missy had somehow gotten back into the house.

So, tonight, I went into the garage to call her. The back door to the garage has been open. And I noticed that we had a visitor of the masked type (AKA raccoon). Sigh. The back door to the back yard has to be shut. I shut it tonight knowing that this was the end of any hopes Missy will come home. I wish I could have made the move easier for her somehow.

I am so sad.

It's MY birthday and I will SCREAM if I wanna

Birthdays. You tell people not to give you gifts but for some reason, they just feel they have to. I woke up to such pretty flowers and hanging plants from my three boys with the perfect cards. Thank you so much. But, they were trumped earlier by the other boy in the family . . . KC.

KC came in early in the morning, running past Thomas. Who really looks at the cat when its early and you are bleary eyed? Larry and I were still lounging in bed-half asleep. In comes the cat. Meeeoooofff, Meeouuuthhh, meeeeeeooooffff. Rather loudly and not a normal meow. Now, I know cats. You ignore em when they try to wake you up. If you give them any type of response, they know they have you. I rolled over and kept my eyes closed. Larry, on the other hand, was curious (always a mistake). He gets up and sees that KC has brought me a very special birthday present. A live chipmunk. Gee thanks KC. He is sitting in the middle of the room looking very proud. I sit up, say, thanks and lay down again. Hey, it's my birthday, I figure Larry will take care of it. Up Larry gets and back to sleep I go.

I wake shortly to the smell of fresh coffee. Hmmmm, maybe I should get up. I notice KC in the room who demands a little petting when I go brush my teeth. Then down I go for coffee. I thank Larry for taking care of the chipmunk, and he promptly tells me he hasn't. Oh, well . . . guess I will. The doorbell rings and Larry goes to answer it and I go to get dressed to work in the yard. No reason for clean jeans-they are going to get dirty. Larry calls up and tells me that some kids will be coming by another day for bottles and cans for donations. Okiesss.

I walk into the bathroom and pick up the jeans I had so carefully dumped on the floor last night. And out jumps the chipmunk right on my foot. I scream like a movie queen! It was a great scream. Loud, girlly and long. Let's be honest, who expects a chipmunk to jump out of their pants? KC jumps and starts to play with him. Sighhhhh. Larry runs upstairs to see if I am ok (it did sound like I had just be attacked by a mass murderer). I call out, I am fine-just found the chipmunk. I hear laughter echoing up the stairs.

Ok, this chipmunk has some spunk and KC isn't in the mood to make it quick. So, I finally get a box and take him outside. Yeah, yeah, I know. Circle of life, etc. And he has been traumatized and won't make it. He is making little burrows in the backyard which isn't good. All that said, he deserved a chance-he faced down KC and scared me to death.

So thanks for the present KC. Let's let him move on to another neighbor's yard. If he is dumb enough to stay around, well . . . go for it, kitty!

Not so sure about Nolan

As you know (if you have been reading my blog), Tricia, Nolan and Reilley came for a wonderful visit recently. A few days after they left, Larry and I were talking about grocery shopping (at times, the food I buy is an experiment and we discuss if we should try a certain brand or new food again). The topic was Beets. We had roasted beets for dinner one night and I wanted to know if Larry would like to try those again. I voted yes, Larry said, well if you want (Matthew thinks we are nuts to even consider Beets again). So, the next trip to shop-beets it is. Maybe yellow beets (and realllllly freak out the youngest in this house!).


Out of the blue Larry says: "I am not so sure about Nolan." Wow, that got my attention. What in the world did Nolan do or say to have that response from Larry? Normally, Larry is very laid back. Every time we see Nolan, my impression of him is wonderful-great-just a nice guy. He was so attentive to Reilley and takes great care with Tricia. You can tell he loves his family. The only drawback I noticed was he didn't want to carry a small Diaper Bag that looks like a purse when he isn't holding Reilley as he walked down the street by himself. Gee, its a pretty handbag-not sure what the issue is. I mean, you see men walking down french streets with pretty quilted handbags all the time. :)



Back to Larry and not so sure about Nolan. I glanced up when he said that. "I liked Nolan, is there a problem?" I should have known from the twinkle in Larry's eyes. "Yeah, he had some weird stuff he eats!" And he starts to laugh!! Ohhhh, I get it . . . Beets. Vegies even. Nolan cooked a wonderful dinner and actually had more than two vegetables-and not your normal run of the meal types either. He added things to them! The cucumbers had vinegar and dill, the potatoes were different colors (purple potatoes, anyone?), the salad had several different greens, the beets were real and not from a can. MAN, what was his problem??? OK, now, I am not so sure about Nolan either. He eats vegies! HEY, he even GROWS em at home. He had the guts to even ask if I would like some seeds!?!? Can you imagine the nerve? Wow!

Yeah, I wonder about Nolan too.

Tricia got yelled at by an angry french guy

We had a great day trip to a local historical park. Bike trails next to walking trails, water, historical markers, local art (with explanations-that always helps!). We walked from marker to marker. Lazy, pretty day. One marker for an unique piece of art (BIG rock), had the information marker across the bike path. We all walked over one at a time. Tricia was the last to decide to read what the rock was all about. I turned around and saw her start walking, she looked both ways across the bike trail and then I turned around. A minute or so went by and then I heard "DEEED YUUU LUUK BOTH WAYEES? I THINK NOT!" I turned around and there was Tricia on this side of the bike trail and a biker coming up fast yelling at her. Now, she was OFF the trail but it was too close for him I suppose. As he went by he continued until we heard him in the background fading off "YUUU DID NOT LUUUUUUK! LUUUKKK BEEFORE YUUU CROSS!" She did look, she didn't see him and slowly walked across yawning. I think it was the yawning part that may have gotten to him. Hey, she is a new mom-lack of sleep is the norm! LOL We had a great time laughing at the angry french guy on the bike . . . who knew to yell at us in English. BTW, he was going faster than the allowed bike speed limit (yeah-there's a speed limit) but we didn't know it until later and besides, I don't see us running after him yelling "Well, yeah buddy . . ., but YOU are going too fast! So, slowwww down . . . so there" (but somehow say it in French)

Annie suggested we say: "Alors, mon ami... c'est toi qui est alle(accent aigu) trop vite! Lentement!" Which means, basically "Well, my friend... it's you who went too fast! Slowly!" literally. She says it nicer than I would! LOL

Can you look and not say "Ahhhhh" (I don't think so)

Cute boys-all three of em!

The Big R (3 months old today) got to know Matthew and Thomas. He is soooooo darn cute! AND he picked our house to roll over for the first time! Way to go, Reilley!
--> Look at him stand in Thomas' lap!

Who Knew?

The trip to pick up Tricia, Nol and The Big R was a challenge . . . but we made it back to the house . . . eventually.

Matthew and I left a couple hours early to go downtown and find the train station. I figured we would get lost with all the lane closures, one way streets and new language. Good idea. We finally arrived and parked (and don't even think it was easy as it sounds to get to this point! LOL), we found ourselves at the main train station with a bit less than an hour to wait. We were both hungry and had lots of choices of restaurants. When we finished eating, we had 10 minutes until the train arrived.

At this point, I thought it would be a nice touch to have several pictures of the train station to show everyone on the blog (the idea here being, here is the new family, here is the train station, here is the family getting into the van . . . you get the idea-boring photojournaling). My first picture was of the sign over the information booth. Cute idea-huh? After I took the picture, a rather large security man (or policeman) walked up and said with a heavy french accent, "Excuse, Madam, May I see the photo you just took?"

My first thought was "oh shit" (yes, my exact thoughts), and I promptly flipped it over to the view mode. I showed him wondering what I did wrong and if I was going to have my camera taken. I happen to like my camera and would be sad if some bigggggggggggggg guy said, givemmmeeee.

He looked at the picture and had a semi-smile (ok-hardly a smile but it was there) and said quickly: ok. It was obvious he didn't expect to see just a picture of a sign. I wasn't near a security check point and no security personnel were in the line of vision (that I knew of, that is!) What was he looking for? baggage place? place to buy tickets? information? Ticket prices? Train schedules? some rich and famous person? I asked if it was against the rules to take pictures and he said blahlahablah (or something like that) and sort of wiggled his head and shrugged his shoulders. Hmmm, that was neither yes or no. He semi-smiled and walked away.

I took it that it was sort of ok . . . not against the rules. Matthew took it that while it was not against the rules but was frowned upon-and promptly told me NOT to take any more pictures. I decided to follow his advice since the idea was to pick up Tricia, Nolan and Reilley, not have them bail us out of jail.

I have looked up the rules online-nothing posted about not taking pictures. But, I suggest not taking them-unless you speak the language and know whatever picture you are taking that they don't want you to take but take anyway. Oh, well, Who knew?

"If you cross a river, you have gone too far"

When I moved to St. Louis, I tended to get lost. However, I loved going out and exploring. This was before I had a compass in my van. I would load the kids and off we would go on "an adventure". My motto: If you cross a river, you have gone too far.

It worked like a charm. When the kids started driving, I would remind them . . . if you cross . . . . On several occasions, the kids knew they were way off base by that little bit of wisdom.

So, today, I decided to venture off to downtown Montreal. Larry gave me maps with the warning, most of the on/off ramps are closed for construction (do you think they took their road building skills from those folks in St. Louis??). He showed me that I had to backtrack to get back to home. Yeah yeah, I can do it. Off I go. I ended up totally LOST. After an hour or so (I asked, but I am not sure what they said) . . . I decided to start driving in the general direction of home-SouthWest. I figured I would hit a highway that I recognized or something.

When I crossed the river, I knew it-I had gone too far and was really lost. I was heading toward the US. I tried to call home, but no answer. Hmmmm. Stupid phone. It was on speaker phone too-grrr. At this point, I realize that I am hungry-and what do I spy? The Golden Arches. Hey, you know what you are getting there (well, mostly). I pulled into McDonalds and ordered number 4 (which was either a Quarter Pounder or Big and Tasty/ fries and a coke). I have left the safety of the English side of Montreal-I am now in Quebec . . . french speaking Quebec. That was fine until I said "Value meal" -ohhh "that would be a double quarter pounder" (I think). "No. I want a Quarter Pounder (forget trying to get them to understand Big and Tasty at this point), fries and diet coke". Got my food and realized when I parked-no ice. I forgot, you have to ask for ice. So, I sipped my slightly warm diet coke and ate. Checking the map-it was easy to get home (I was really almost half way home).

So, do I go home, or try again to find the train station (which I saw but could never get to on the first try)? Another sip of warm coke. Home sounds better. Off I go to cross over the water, but this time it wasn't the wrong way . . . it was the way to home.

Wish me luck tomorrow. I have to go back to downtown, during rush hour, to pick up Reilley and his mom and dad. Tomorrow has the makings of "one of those days" but if I cross the river, I know where I will be. At McDonalds-ordering Diet Coke . . . with ice.

Friday's Five Faves!

I think I will start a new Friday posting (ok, every once in a while). Each Friday (give or take), I will list 5 things I really like. From mundane to wonderful. Suggestions for future faves are always welcome.

5. DYSON SLIM Maybe this is should be number one-because I just love it (if its not too much to say you love a vacuum cleaner). Best vacuum, I have ever had-hands down.


4. That Blackberry Sorbet from Costco. Sadly, when I went back yesterday-Costco no longer carries it. sighhhhh.


3. Butter Croissants from the same Costco. Yum


2. Nice and Easy Root touch up. (not that I need any touch ups LOL)


1. Full Service Gas Stations.

Haircut anyone?

Someone in this house needs a haircut. Is he making a fashion statement? I don't think so, I think he just doesn't want to find a barber. But then again, maybe he is making a statement . . . "It's MY hair!" He still has a long way to get as long as the early 70's.

Since his hair is freshly washed in these pictures, don't you think its a good time for a haircut?

Flower Power

One thing I have noticed-everyone in this area really uses a lot of color and flowers in their landscaping. The main streets have hanging baskets of flowers and lots of flower gardens. Very pretty.

Spiders 2- Vicky 0

With the beauty and good (see the previous post below), comes a little not so pretty and sort of bad (especially if you are a bug).

I think the spiders are winning. If you take away the big spider, a lot more little spiders replace him. These guys greet me by the door. But there are several good points to these guys that lurk by the door. They (daddy long legs) tend to blend in (hence I don't see them as easily), they are very slow (no jumping at me, running up my hand, etc) and they don't do webs. Actually, they don't seem to move . . . and I think they are staying.

They like the house-its pretty, has lots of trees. With all the rain recently, there are LOTS of mosquitoes. However, the misquotes are sooo much smaller and less aggressive than those in St. Louis. You can walk around and they won't even bother you. They just fly around until they hit a web . . . and gulp--yum yum, spidiee's dinner. Matthew suggested I should try to get over the spider issue if I wanted to ever use my swing again because as he said "they seem to prefer your swing". And yes, they do. I don't think I will be swinging much anymore. But, I do need to learn to live with these guys without fear. Love thy enemy or something like that.

Beautiful afternoon!

What a beautiful day. Matthew and I went for a drive near one of the rivers. Looking for the vet's office. Turns out the office is very close to us and has the bonus of being in a very pretty spot. Down the street was a very old church.

Only 5-10 minutes away from home. Hmmmm, I wonder what it will look like with 3 feet of snow?

Just a few differences I have noticed

1. Canadians have adopted the coins for $1 and $2. I am guessing they don't even have bills in those denominations anymore. It will take me a while to adjust. I feel like a kid in the candy store paying with pennies when I try to use the dollar coins. Money jar, here's some more for ya.


2. Cigarettes are hidden from view. That's right. If you go to a store, they are behind doors (or little black blinds sort of). You can't see them but have to ask. Apparently, cigs must be hidden from anyone less than 16. I was buying gas the other day and the guy in front of me wanted some cigarettes. Not only were they hidden, but they only opened one small part to get just the brand (no showing the other brands I guess).


3. Parking in shopping areas is terrible. Not sure why, but for some reason, parking lots are not made big enough. I mean, its not that you can drive out and get a spot in the far spot of the parking lot with ease, you CAN'T get any spot with ease. Time to follow shoppers to their cars. I hate to even think about the holiday shopping days.


4. Stores close at 6 on Saturday and Sundays. Some stores are open Monday thru Friday until 9 (yep, even the malls, wallmart, Home Depot, etc) but a lot are open Monday through Wednesday until 6 and Thursday and Friday until 9.


5. You may NOT turn right on red after stop (on the island of Montreal-I think it's ok in the rest of Quebec). I have to work at not doing this! LOL


6. Flashing green light on the traffic light means you may turn left as the opposing traffic still has red.


7. Drinking age is 18 (19 in some parts of Canada).


and finally . . .

8. Canadian Tire sells more than tires. Who would have thought! LOL (not like Dobbs at all-more like wallmart with lots of tires).

Our Poor Mower

So far the move didn't cause a lot of damage to our "stuff". Too bad we can't say that about our lawn mower. We finally get around to getting gas and go to mow the lawn. And then we look closer at the mower. It took quite the hit on the top (it is crunched in under the red "toro" emblem. The little red button is crunched in. So, our mower didn't get to mow the lawn. Luckily, we were able to borrow our neighbor's mower. While its been a couple weeks since the lawn has been mowed, it really wasn't very high.

The weather has been very cool and rainy for this time of the year. So, I decided to change the weather. How so, you might ask? Well, I raked the yard reallllllllllly well, overseeded and put starter fertilizer on the lawn. I really babied it. Now, to get the seed to work, it needs to be watered every day. The last couple weeks, it has rained every day. Now that I need it to rain, it won't and it will probably be really reallllly hot. Those in Montreal can thank me for the lack of rain that is forthcoming. No doubt, it will be a hot and dry couple of weeks.

It's only a matter of time

Cats are demanding. On the road trip to Montreal, the boys gave KC the treat of moist food. He has decided to bug me until I go to the store to fetch him some more. So far, I haven't caved . . . but its only a matter of time. I like using my keyboard and mouse, he won't move and keeps coming back after I remove him. Look, he isn't even sleeping, just laying there taking up space waiting for me to get fed up and feed him. sigghhhhhhhhhh . . . only a matter of time.

Too Much Alike

They are a little too much alike. Both give me "that look" when the camera is in hand. Both hate having their picture taken. You would think they don't trust me, after all . . . what am I going to do with these pictures . . . post em on the internet or something?!?

Nahhhh. I would never do that. :)

Whoops!

Whoops-on the day our furniture arrived, we had a little run-in with a barrel. (I won't say who, but it was the oldest man in the house . . .). And I had just bought a flower to plant in it. Now, all we have to do is find where they sell barrels here and replace it . . . then plant the flower. How much you want to bet it will be snowing by then?!?

The Ice Queen begins to Melt

I was beginning to think I had gone too far. Not that I had much choice . . . really!

Missy. Now this is a true scarediiiieeee cat. In Chesterfield, she spent most of her day under our bed. Getting her out was always a chore. The story of the last few weeks in Missy's eyes was just how much can these people throw at me. I think she broke about a week and a half ago.

First we had to take her to the vet (never fun) for her shots and healthy kitty papers. I am sorry, but this just had to be done. Then the packers came and she was locked in the bathroom as strange noises drifted up to her for two days. What is going on? THEN, the movers came. And instead of one day of loud men moving furniture, it was THREE days! (let's just say, the move wasn't as smooth as we would have liked). At the end of these days locked in the bathroom, Missy is almost beside herself. She got out and promptly hid in a great spot in the basement (thanks Thomas for finally finding her).

We get the cage all ready for the two day car trip. It's a 36 inch dog cage. Big and roomy. Big enough for a small kitty litter and two rather large cats. Warm towels on the floor (check), kitty litter (check), food and water dishes (check). Time for the cat. Where is she? Not in the hiding place. No where to be found. Larry finally found her behind the washer. The BIG washer. The BIG front loading HE washer on the stand. BIG. HEAVY. NOT moving anywhere with any ease, washer. Sighhhhh. I can see her if I lean over the shelves and turn my head a certain way. Ohhhhhh Missssyyyy. She is having NOTHING to do with this. All my sweet calling attracts KC. Great, but this isn't the cat I want at the moment-he is easy- he COMES to me. So, I decided to lavish lots of loves and petting on him and guess who comes out. Yeah, the little Diva. So, I pet her a bit and then ever so softly, so gently, with such love, put her in the cage. She spazzzzedddd out. Never seen a cat bounce off all sides and top like that. Funny in a sick sort of way. I tried to calm her (ha ha) and finally put a blanket on the cage. This helped. I sat looking at her, she sat looking at me and I knew-there was NO way we could open the cage door and get KC in. She would get out and we would NEVER get her back in. Larry comes down, and I tell him, we have to get another cage. Now, its late, he and Matthew are leaving in the morning. All things are planned. The stuff for the van is ready to be packed and I say-we need to add another 36 inch cage. I have to admit, he took it very much in stride. The next morning, he was off to get the cage, kitty tray, food dishes, etc. We worked the two cages into the van (amazing what you can do with the thought of a crazed cat in the back of your mind). Then off the boys go with one warning from me- under NO circumstances do you open Missy's cage.

Fast forward to the new house. Only an air mattress and no way to hide under it. What is a cat to do? She hides behind the toilet. Then she gets in the fireplace (well, KC proved to us this wasn't a good idea so we blocked the fireplace). Poor kitty, but she seems ok and is soon out and sleeping at the foot of our bed at night like she normally does. A week or so later, the furniture arrives . . . more very loud men, making very loud noises and . . . the bed is now on a box type frame where she can't get under it. Missy isn't happy. But she decided to venture out and go to the main floor, where she promptly hides behind the washer (is this a new trend?). But Larry didn't know this, and started the washer. Not a loud washer, actually, a wonderful washer. But if you are hiding behind it, I would suppose it was loud. This happened twice. I was able to get her and take her upstairs to her safe room twice. That was it. She hid in a shelf behind some boxes in the master bedroom. NEVER came out for me (Larry said, "oh she comes out and says hi to me at night"). But once I come up, she hides. She will have NOTHING to do with me. It is all my fault and forgettaboutit.

I was feeling a little low about the whole thing yesterday. My cat hates me. I mean I wouldn't even know I had this cat. She is eating, the food is missing. At least Larry sees her. Now, in case you are wondering, this is MY cat. She prefers me. Or at least she did. At night, she would sit and purr on my lap. If Matthew was near, she would come to my arm and pat it and meow (oh, mom . . . mom . . Mm . . . there's Matthew . . . I love Matthew, he is so quiet . . . mom, do you see him?) and off she would go to say hello to him.

Well, last night, she gave in. She came downstairs and said hello. Purrrrrrrrrred and meowed and acted like nothing had happened. The ice queen melted. (She is back to her hiding place this morning-but hey-one step at a time). My cat is starting to forgive me (cause you know-it was ALL MY FAULT).

Blackberries-yummmmmm

On one of my trips to Costco, I happened to see some sorbet in the frozen desert area (just looking-really). I saw a three pack that had blackberry, lemon and passion fruit. I was tempted since I happen to like blackberries (not mixed with other flavors-just blackberry). I walked away and then thought, oh commmmon, go for it. Back I went and got the pack. Impulse type of buy but Costco isn't for daily shopping-gotta get what you want when you are there. I have found going to Costco is fun but parking is hard. (Seems parking is an issue at most shopping areas around here-more on that in the future).

I waited a couple days before I tried it. WOW! I love the blackberry!! I mean, it is wonderful! So much that I went online to find it. I found it, and the site is all in french. So, I am not sure where to find it, or if it is even available at other stores (it looks like it is but the names of the stores don't look familiar . . . is it a store or is it a restaurant?)

LOL
This may be the issue that forces me to learn french. http://caribbeanjuice.ca/productGroup.aspx?nav_id=353&lang_id=F

Such Colors!

Canadian money-such pretty colors. It won't take long to get used to it and depend on the color as well as the amount listed when spending it. If you think about it, it's not such a bad idea have them different colors-no giving away a twenty thinking its a one.

On the other hand, I am not so sure about the $1 and $2 coins. A bit big (I added a US quarter in the picture to compare sizes) and heavy. When you carry a small purse (as I do), it doesn't take long to weigh it down with change.

Ok-maybe the change jar will be worth a LOT more in our house from now on. Hey, we could probably finance a vacation with it after a year!

The FIRST picture I hung in our house

One of the first things I did when I unpacked was to hang this picture. (Ok, to be honest, there was already a nail to hang the picture, so it was easy to put up right away)

I look at it daily and it always brings a smile . . . thanks to those special friends in St. Louis.

Love it!

Larry's Weekend Project

Have I mentioned I am a bit of a klutz? (Just ask Jean and let her fill you in on the ankle adventure). The first evening I arrived to our new home, I noticed an accident waiting to happen. The window to one of the basement rooms has an opening near the front door-right in front of my office window. No lip or little warning that you will fall into this area, just the common sense that you won't walk into it.


Now, we all know what will happen . . . I will be coming home with packages or food or whatever, and I will see someone in my office (probably Larry fixing whatever I have done lately to my computer)-and I will walk over to the window to say "Hi" and wham . . . down I go. Only a matter of time. So, great idea in mind, I went to Walmart (again, sorry Tina) and got some little fence things for your garden. That should work-even without anything to stick it into. Well, no. OK, so I put the little fence things aside to concentrate more on boxes. Larry said one evening, we could put wood around the edge and drill holes in the wood for the fence . . AND do it without touching the house.


So, off goes Larry to the local hardware type store on Saturday morning. By Saturday afternoon, I have a little warning fence (no holes or anything added to the house, just staying put by the way he made it-cool-huh?!?). When we want to remove it, all we have to do is pull it straight up. Halfway through I asked him if he thought this was a stupid idea and he looked up and said, well, it's been this way for 50 years . . . . Ok, Ok, I get the idea but how nice of him to do this for me.

KC gave his OK to the project. He was "helping" quite a bit. And all was finished just as the afternoon rain came.

I see pots of pretty flowers around it next spring.

Happy baby!

Now, this is a happy little camper! Our Grand-nephew is always smiling! And he (and his mom and dad) will be visiting us very soon. Our first visitors in Montreal.
(I wonder how many boxes will be left by the time they get here?!?)

My Swing

Ah, my swing. It's up and swinging. The boys convinced me that it needed to be off the patio and in the trees. And we are still waiting for more than half a day with out rain. Our chairs are waiting patiently for a little sun too. But the cat likes to sit there and watch the world around him.

Curiosity and the Cat.

First things first in terms of cat logic.

KC went straight to the fireplace in the bedroom and looked around. Not a bad idea until he peeked into the chimney and must have bumped it a bit. Let's just say, he was blinking black out of his eyes for a while. PLUS he got a bath from me! He hasn't done it since.

Lesson learned.

Spiders 1-Vicky 0

While they may think they are winning, the battle has just begun.

A little whining on my part brings out the knight in Matthew and he is out battling those creepy crawlies.

On my last trip to the store, I decided chemicals may help. But, I am not sure who it will take out first-me or them.

My one saving grace is I KNOW what's going to happen to these little guys when winter comes. I won't be the only one freezing. (and if they venture into the house, Knight Matthew to the rescue!) All that said about spiders, I love this house. It is truly unique and beautiful. Guess that's why the spiders like it here too.
(Yes, Jan, these are Daddy Long Legs. I wasn't too keen on getting too close to the others in case they took offence of me taking their picture. We don't want mad, vain spiders around here, ya know)