his book, her book and mowing in february?

1 I'm going back in time and remembering a book my oldest son loved reading and having read to him. It was a very simple book describing a tow truck who sets out to rescue "cars in a jam". As he goes out one day, he finds a broken down truck that just happens to be another tow truck.He continues to find more tow trucks that have broken down, hooks them all up and ends up towing about four other tow trucks, each with their own problem. "Tire gone squish, bumpety-wush, gas to low, stuck in the snow..." As the tow truck is towing the other injured tows, he starts to petition his engine, his tires and all of his vital parts to function well, explaining that if he gives out, All the trucks will be in a jam. I wonder if he remembers this part, "with my red lights turning and my blue lights winking and my headlights burning and my green lights blinking" ?
2. His favourite book for his daughter is Love you Forever. "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living my baby you'll be".
3 The trees are starting to bud. I'm excited by the prospect of an early show of green leaves. Although truth be told it's so very green here we might have to mow the lawns soon.

one, good Samaritan and put back together again

1 Today Susan says she will be one of my three beautiful things a day. 
2 He played on his motorbike in the woods and came across an abandoned truck. He took pictures of it and then notified the police. After being contacted by the police and then the owner of the vehicle he'll probably go on another adventure to help the owner recover it. He is a good man.
3 Our bed is back to its original configuration. A good night's sleep is definitely coming our way. 

the cook, who and feet on the floor

1 Every now and then I have the urge to bake and today was one of those days. Two loaves of bread, one with Italian seasonings, chicken rice soup and peanut butter cinnamon buns. 
2 Who says you have to eat dessert last? 
3 The bed consisted of box spring and mattress. But climbing in I felt like the girl in the story, The Princess and the Pea. He's done away with the box spring and built a bit of a platform and then set the mattress on that. The sleigh bed looks massive now. Tonight we sleep in it...tomorrow our bodies and mostly our backs will tell us if it was a successful experiment.

tide, boots and remembrance

1 The tide is low so we head out to investigate. As we get nearer we can smell the sea and hear the waves calling out to us to come closer and we do.
2 Plaid. I'm in love with my plaid boots.
3 The licorice tea reminds me of my dad. He used to take us out fishing and bring all sorts of treats. He preferred black, but we loved the red. My sister, brother and I would bite off the ends and then pretend they were cigarettes and blow through the ends. Politically incorrect of course now, but back then très chic.

i've been had, food and confession

1 An older gentleman calls the office today. I answer, "How may I help you" and he replies, "I'd like you to come to Acapulco with me!", followed by a burst of laughter. Finally, after the laughter has stopped he says, "Gotcha" 
2 Seafood chow mien for me and spring rolls with salad and rice noodles for him and tea for us both. Once again we find ourselves at the Saigon Kitchen. Next time they visit we will take T and S.
3 I used to think herbal teas smelled and tasted like compost. Apparently either my sense of smell and taste has changed because well, I confess, I like it. Sleepytime  tea is a nighttime favourite.

cuppa, walk and soup anyone?

1 He likes his cuppa tea. <said with a British accent of course> Tonight he's working on the trailer laying wood laminate flooring so it's a nice break for him.
2 The skies cleared, the sun shone and it was delightfully warm today and I thoroughly enjoyed my brief but invigorating lunchtime walk.
3 I'm thinking it's time to be making a pot of Carrot Ginger soup or perhaps my infamous Butternut Squash soup either will go well with home made buns for the weekend.
The recipe I'm using comes from a facebook group I recently joined called: Frugal Food and Living Inspirations

Ninety Minute Rolls

2-2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 pkg. or 1 Tbsp. yeast
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup water
2 Tbsp. margarine

Mix 3/4 cup flour with sugar, yeast, and salt.
Heat milk, water and margarine until very warm (120°-130°).
Add to dry ingredients and beat 2 minutes on medium speed.
Add 1/4 cup flour. Beat 2 minutes on high. Stir in enough flour to make a stiff dough.

Knead 2-3 minutes. Place in greased bowl and let rise 15 minutes.
Divide dough into 12 pieces and shape into balls.
Place in 8-inch round cake pan or cast iron frypan. Let rise 15 minutes.

Can be brushed with butter and sprinkled with crumbled whole Rosemary and seasalt.

Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes.

To make Cinnamon Rolls : Roll dough out after rising the first time and spread with 2 tablespoons margarine. Combine 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 cup sugar and sprinkle on dough. Roll jelly-roll style and cut into 1 inch pieces. Place in pan and bake as usual.

grateful, plus and two

1 Feeling a whole lot of gratefulness for all the people in my life. You know who you are! 
2 After work it's always a plus to come to a warm and cozy house.

3 It's time for a movie on the big screen. He's got a new toy or two or more.

sleeping in, spoiling me and thanks

1 It was an odd day after yesterday's drama. (bit of a health thing going on...all is well now). I slept in til 12:30....who does that?
2 He always takes the chicken off the carcass before we eat. Spoiled much?

3 It is my turn to receive goodness and I graciously accept. Thank you.

thankful, smiles and grandchildren

1 I'm feeling pretty thankful for the friends I have at work. 


2 He smiles in his eyes.

Kes

Izzy and Daddy

3 Our little grandson is growing so fast. Thanks to his mom for taking some photos for us. I'm looking forward to seeing him and his big sister. 5 hugs a day that's the minimum!


photo credit: michie

stormy, buttery and happy

1 The waves pound relentlessly on the rocks spraying everything in sight. I'm exhilarated by the sounds, smells and feel of it all around me. 

2 Prawns, scallops and fresh crab with freshly made bubbly garlic butter. Note to self: repeat often.
3 The storm means we have our friends stay an extra day with us. <3

nothing purchased, interlude and life

1 We meander through the shops and buy nothing. Imagine that!?

2 Coffee and a cookie turns into an hour and a half chat. Decaf mocha iced coffee and a ginger cookie was perfect!
3 A pub experience watching others that really made me appreciate the saneness of my life.

visitors, cute and well

1 T & S are visiting from Nelson. Wine, stew followed by a hot tub in the pouring rain rounds out the night.


2 A cute as ever blouse and sweater from Winners and a gorgeous green plaid scarf will work wonderfully. Thanks S for the gift!


3 Rupert is well. My heart leaps when I see him and how much he's healed. Blessings on you sweet dog~

gorging, zoning and looking forward

1 He makes the most delicious salad and I gorge myself on it.
2 It's a good night to zone out. 
3 An opportunity comes my way. The door opened! I have some projects to work with for my project management course.

snowfall, toasty and not to be

1 Almost a foot of snow has  fallen from last night to today. The roads are treacherous and I follow a line of cars that goes very slowly. Usually it takes 20 minutes to zip to work but today it takes 45. I arrive safely and the drive home is much easier.
2 The house is toasty warm from the wood stove. Love the sound of the crackling wood.
3 She gave the impression it would happen but the reality was, 'it was all just talk'. I'll leave my disappointment behind me and focus on what's ahead and all the possibilities.  When one door closes, another will open. 

car, sons and missing my hugs

Isabelle in the bath
Photo Credit her Mom

1 It's all about the snow today. I quickly call my husband to thank him and tell him how grateful I am for the ice radial tires, new filters and oil change that he did to make my car a good safe winter car.


2 A few short conversations with my sons bring a smile to my face. The oldest calls to ask for my meatball recipe and we catch up a bit. I like hearing his voice. The younger son types to me on chat and we work through some ideas that he's thinking of. I imagine his voice.


3 I hear Isabelle kiss the phone. I miss her sweet face and can't wait to feel her arms around my neck. What a great hugger she is.

hammer time, gadgets and snow

1 It's my turn to use the pliers and hammer at work. Too much fun! I remake the shelving and we'll all get to save time because we can overstock now!
2 He loves his gadgets. Tonight he's playing with his walkie talkies. I think he's using them on the work site.
3 Snow on the ground. It's cold here so the sound is crunchy and seems loud. Snowsteps.

home, toys and mailed

1 Our little man has made it home finally! He's a sleepy little lion.


2 R has new toys. A new monitor and speakers. We take turns picking out songs to listen to, adjust settings, and have a dance session in the living room.


3 My Pay it Forward gifts are mailed.  I'm looking forward to hearing their thoughts on it.
So glad I kept my word and got it done!

gone, thoroughly and open ended

1 A new hair style that's shorter and sassier! I've washed the gray right out of my hair!
2 He thoroughly enjoys his giant hot dog and coke. He tells me it's not his fault he's eating junk, after all it was only $1.50
3 2 sets of open ended needles (different sizes) are needed for the pattern I've chosen. One size is smaller for the rim and the other for the rest of the hat. I'm thinkin' hat for the knitting project. First hat failed so hat number two is sure to be successful because I have S as my teacher. 

purged, essentials, baker and a new knitting project perhaps

1 The biological room is organized and much more functional. Purge, clean,and organize, repeat as needed.
2 It is absolutely essential to have a sense of humour. Perhaps in the coming days I'll have a bigger list of 'essentials'. Okay seriously, who says coming days when they're talking to someone. Let's just say soon I'll make a list of essentials and leave it at that.
3 She is a bread maker....mmmmmm
4 Misti Net Scarf  

developing, cooking and reading

1 Developing a sense of self that includes becoming a better listener and more curious about those around me.


2 Home made potato salad with his extra touches of leftover diced ham and chicken.


3 Getting caught up somewhat on reading the blogs I follow.

fine, willingness, new and for me

1 It was a 'fine' day. I walk near the beach and smell the sea on my lunch break. That usually rejuvenates me for the afternoon.
2 A hot tub and massage will help these aching bones. He gently asks, in what order and I smile because he's willing to help. 
3 My new doctor is female, a good listener and has some solutions, or possible solutions. I'm so thankful for her kindness and good listening skills.

4 I'm giving myself some flowers. 

safe, dessert and me

1 Driving home safely amidst the chaos of the freeway and an accident that has happened but avoided my car. I'm sad for those hurt, grateful for my own well being.

2 Soy vanilla ice cream and two spoons.
3 Self respect.

typical, cbc interview and hands

1 It's a typical Monday complete with cranky people, sleepy eyed staff, and one worker even looks like the Tasmanian devil! I'm grateful for my coffee even if it didn't have the whipped cream like this one that I am craving just about, now.
2  An interesting interview on CBC with Cathy O'Neil.
http://www.cbc.ca/thecurrent/episode/2012/01/09/financial-advice-for-occupy-protesters/
3 Hands that are working for the past couple of days. I get a warm fuzzy feeling when I have decent handwriting/printing. 

Sunday morning, explorers and imagining

1 Sunday morning comes and the skies are still gray, it's still raining and the waves are still pounding...love it!
2 We explore Tofino and Ucluelet by car today. One of the guests, a cop no less, has disappeared for a hike with my polka dot boots! I suspect she thought they were for guest use and absconded with them. No big deal, we'll just have to come back for another weekend.
3 I lie in bed and try to imagine the sound of the waves crashing on the beach.

Tofino, watching, night walk and luxury

1 A lovely break from the usual weekend. We head to Tofino and encounter, snow on the pass and waves and rain that are spectacular at Chesterman Beach. Here's the view from our bed and breakfast, but add more rain and wind.

2 Seafood chowder and breads for lunch at the Long Beach Resort. There are surfers, waves and beach walkers to watch as we indulge our taste buds. 
3 We walk on the beach after dark, taking our headlamps and bundling up. The wind and rain are strong as is the surf. Rogue waves lap up over my boot tops and drench my legs but my gumboots are snug and so my feet stay warm.

4 Our room is spacious yet cozy. First we dry out and then have a picnic in our room. Later we snuggle in a king size bed with the window wide open so we can listen to the rain and the pounding of the sea.

going away, sniff sniff and stretching

1 He likes organizing and planning things. Today it's a weekend getaway to the west side of the island. Tofino and Long Beach. I have few details but that's okay. I'm happy to leave it up to him.

2 My toes and feet feel great after using Foot Butter for the past few nights. If this was a scratch and sniff page I'd post it for you to enjoy too.

3 A luxurious stretch with arms overhead. My back is warm and is loosening up. 

education, name calling and playing

1 I'm taking a new course this winter/spring. Project Management 205 at Athabasca University. Online with a tutor. Fancy shmancy!

2 Our hot tub is calling my name....
3 He has fun with kitty, rubbing her tail up against her nose ever so softly. She's purring and patient then pounces on his hand but never scratches or hurts him. Kitty play time.

okay, cuppa and imagine

1 Discussion revolves around career paths and ideas and giant entertainment centers. It kinda goes sideways but ends amicably.
2 He brings me a cup of peppermint tea. Steeped just right.
3 I'm glad my aunt has had a chance to see pictures of Kes. Imagine being a great great aunt! Lovely.

gentleness, madness I say, madness and good hands

1 He makes dinner and is gentle with me tonight. It's a quiet with just the sound of wind and rain. Yes, rain again..beautiful rain.
2 Garland madness!!! The craziness continues with decorated coats and desks/computers. I think she won but am still guarded for tomorrow.
3 Our little grandson has gained weight but is still having bradycardia events. The doctors are now doing a variety of tests including looking at his heart with dyes and blood tests. I'm grateful for the hospital staff and thankful that they are taking such good care of such a precious little boy.

monday jobs, what's the big deal? and gone

1 Monday is a cleaning and organizing day. The mirror is finally put up horizontally, the floors are vacuumed and pine needles evicted and I get my paperwork for work completed.


2 Payroll owes me money. I've often wondered what the big deal is at work with staff comments on checking your pay stub...now I know.


3 He's sold a lot of extra things we have. A lot of work but worth the effort. It looks amazing to see space again...in his shop mostly!

a buddy, brunch, beach, bestie and kisses for a boy

1 Our grandson snuggling with his little giraffe we got him for Christmas.

2 New Years Day brunch. Delicious and entertaining! Eggs benedict on crab cakes  for me and eggs benny on seafood for R. 

3 After brunch we go to Harper Beach (named after the street of course NEVER the person..blech) and enjoy the bonfire and a visit with a friend after the polar bear swim is done.

4 A call with my best friend leads us to a few giggles and that warm feeling inside. I sure miss her. ♥

5 My son and his son....much love