Christmas 2015

1 Holidays can bring a variety of scenarios to your door can't they? We had quite a mix ourselves. The kidlets were around for Christmas dinner and a few people who had no place to go also came to our home. Zoe wouldn't let me set the table because she found the tablecloth much too tempting and the plates and cutlery would have gone flying and almost did.

2 Izzy, Kes and I made gluten free sugar cookies and there was plenty of icing to go on too. Little fingers were busy!!

3 A quick trip to see my sister and her guy. Love her front/side yard. It's magical throughout all the seasons.

4 We came home to 15 inches of snow yesterday. No snow accumulated today which was a nice treat for sore backs.
5 All the decorations are put away into homes until next year.
6 Zoe loves playing in crinkly noisy plastic bags. Lots of holes in there to keep her safe.

zoe, missing you, let the sun shine in

1 Zoe is learning to be on her own a bit more. But she really doesn't like it. Every time I come home she's right under my feet, mewing and purring and trying to trip me. I'm so lucky to be loved so  much.
2 The grandkidlets have been  under the weather for ages now. I'm missing getting my hugs and seeing their big smiles.
3 Finally, after days and days of snow and rain there is respite. Today, there is blue skies and warmer weather. Yes, I know it's December but warm and sunny is always welcome.
3a I'm sad to read the last blog post from the woman who inspired me to start my own blog. I wish her well in her new journey. However, it makes me realize how easy it is to get sidetracked and to lose sight of the things I need to stay grounded.

hello

I have been missing you. So it is time to come back to the best place that keeps me grounded.  Life has been not only busy but has come with ups and downs of the biggest and littlest kinds.  Along with the usual work and family pieces we have had a big loss and a gain. Our beloved Tula passed away in a tragic accident and it was a difficult time to put it mildly. She was a big part of our family and to see the struggle and pain was horrific. It was with heavy hearts we made the decision to put her down. And of course guilt, remorse and all the other unhelpful emotions decided to come visit. However our love is bigger than that and within a few weeks we had adopted a kitten who looks similar to our Tula but is much more of a lap cat, with a very very different personality. She is lovely and we are making a place for her in our family.

1 Zoe. A little kitten was born in an orchard and passed from home to home but now has her forever home with us.
2 Kesler is getting close to talking without prompts. He's working with behavioral interventionists and the progress is nothing short of amazing.
3 Izzy is loving her new school. She received a student of the week award. It has a special place in her room.

days, promotion, and seascape

1 The days are crisp and cold and the leaves are almost all off of the trees. I like the world with it's big bright colours and find I have to do a mind shift to adjust to the bits of starkness that barren trees present.
2 I've finally gotten the long awaited first promotion I've been working towards. My work is mostly on social media so it shouldn't really feel like work but it is. It's evident in the long hours, the roller coaster of emotions and the sense of satisfaction when there are big successes.
3 I found some photos from our summer trip. I'm nostalgic for the sea so this is a peaceful reminder of the sights, sound, and smell.

hello my friends

Oh I'm missing you all so much... sometimes life just takes over and things take a back seat to others. Life is finally settling a bit so I am taking ME time and this is one of the very best things I can do for me. So sit back and relax, this might be a long post!!
1 Mr P has come and gone. He's working away so often that his time at home is invaluable. But fighting a cold means he's not up for as many adventures and so I work while he recovers.
2 Izzy and Kesler are happy kidlets these days it seems. They are both involved in school and are thriving. Kesler is in a program called Strong Start. This introduces children to organized play and structure. He has a designated Behavioural Interventionist who work with him to connect and communicate. And I'm happy to say he's making exceptional progress and aping words but every now and then he using it in context and that gets him great accolades and cheering. Izzy is in kindergarten and also has a worker with her. She is a lively girl and the days can be long for her but she's a trooper and doing great too.
3 Miss Tula scared the daylights out of me the other day. She brought in a LIVE vole. It's a creature that is like a mole but smaller and like a mouse but bigger. And of course she let it go inside the house. Needless to say, I can scream, and scream loud!!!
4 Izzy and her mom play with makeup and paints. I think Izzy will be an amazing leopard don't you?
5 Kesler is learning to read. He's recognizing the letters and when they're put together he can read, cat, dog, pig.
6 My business consumes a big part of my day now. I'm enjoying a few days of respite but then back to it.
7 As I do some fall cleaning up outside, I find 2 black widow spiders and a giant brown recluse!!! Although the easiest thing to do is to get a spray can of raid I think it's healthier to find a natural, organic solution. Please feel free to share yours here! Thanks in advance.

work, away, and shooters

1 Work, work, and more work. It seems like some weeks this is what life is comprised of and it fill the void and makes time go faster. That is just what I need when Mr P is away.
2 Miss Izzy and Mr Kesler are away visiting their family in California. Oh, I miss them so much it hurts.
3 I've started taking Greens in the morning and really like that it gives me energy, takes away the full feeling I sometimes get. I'm still not great at drinking green drinks, so I'm taking it as a shot with a water chaser!!!

dinner guests, what's for dinner, and invisible

1 We enjoyed a great night with out grandkidlets, kids, and a family friend tonight. So nice to have a houseful of people, chatting, eating, smiling, laughing, and thoroughly enjoying each other.
2 Mr P made a delicious dinner of kale salad, veggies and dip, pot of rice, and two organic chickens cooked in the crock pot. Deliciousness!!!
3 Izzy has so much fun tonight playing "stealth". She puts a green blanket on herself to hide and then slowly and carefully slides into the room and spooks us! Ah yes, Halloween is coming!!

eat this, more like myself, party on, and my darlings

1 I take the opportunity to actually make myself a "real" dinner; a pot of steamed baby potatoes and carrots and a green salad to go with it. I savour each bite knowing it's healthy nourishing food and tasty too.
2 My body and mind have been so exhausted from all the activities going on around me that it's been challenging to stay grounded and focused but tonight after an afternoon of puttering and resting I feel a bit more like "me."
3 My friend and I are planning to have an online business party. What a great opportunity to make new friends and help people get healthy too. Good times. More posts about this will be coming. I suspect we will have more than a few laughs to share.
3a I surprise the grandkidlets with a visit to their house today. Kes is busy on his ipad but Izzy comes a runnin' and launches herself into my arms. I miss them both so much and am determined to organize my work schedule so these two darlings can come for a sleepover. I need more hugs please.

alive, walk, and talk

1 It has been a most stressful week and that's putting it mildly! And we survived.
2 My dear friend J, was in a horrific car accident last Tuesday. She came by ambulance to our hospital and had neurosurgery on her lower back and is recovering slowly. There were over 12 fractures. I'm feeling grateful that she is alive and can walk. I'm feeling grateful for the neurosurgeons who worked quickly and with precision to remove the damaged vertebrae and give her a new lease on life. She can walk.
3 My sweet friend G and I finally have a chance to talk. It feels so good to just let it all out, to have her let it out and to feel the hugs through the phone line. Miss you my friend xo

another first! love you Isabelle Marie

It's a budy day today! Izzy has her first day of kindergarten and she did fabulous. Love her so much xo

fun stuff, in the sand, helper

1 She is growing up so fast our little Izzy! Love her so much!

2 The grandkidlets came for a visit today and as Mommy was vacuuming out their car and carseats they were playing in the sand pile!!! (They enjoyed their bubble bath!)

3 Tula wanted to hep me work today...I think she just wanted to chew on the cord!

my lovies, you can hear a pin drop and I like it, and brrr

1 My two lovies were here for a visit and dinner. Izzy made a very large picture for her mommy and Kesler decided a dip in the hot tub was more fun!
2 The house is quiet. I listen to the sounds of rain, a clock ticking, the dryer spinning or the cat sighing and I'm thankful. I'm thankful for the many blessings I have in my life.
3 The weather has changed. Suddenly and without warning we are into fall temperatures. The night temperatures are never that low seeing as we are in a desert climate but daytime is chilly and I notice almost everyone is wearing a sweater well, except for the two young guys in shorts and tanks totally oblivious to anything but their headphones and whatever is playing on their phones.

rainy day, shining in NY, and it's the little things

1 Another busy day but finally, yes finally the smoke is moving away from our home. I'm feeling so very very thankful for the rain and wind cooling things off and helping put out the fires surrounding us.
2 Super moon shot a friend of mine took in Astoria, NYC.
3 Listening to Tula purr contentedly while I geek a bit on my computer, blog, and sip tea.
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no more smoke in my eyes, time management, and it's not as long this time

1 The smoke is finally leaving the valley. It's been days and days of smoke coming up from Washington State flooding the air with thick smoke and ash. My prayers go out to everyone affected with the hope that no more lives and homes are lost.
2 I miss the kidlets so much. It seems that work has taken over and I'm just too worn out to play. Note to self: say no more often to work and yes to family time.
3 Mr P is home soon. It's amazing how different things feel when he's only gone 2 weeks instead of 3. It's always a transition at first but with time he'll feel that way too.

time capsule, goodbyes again, and smokey

1 Spending time with some of my favourite people has gone by way too fast but we managed to have lots of challenges, successes, activities, tears, laughter and new friendships.
2 It's never easy saying goodbye knowing it will be until February when we will see them again. They're generating ideas, making plans and looking to the future to create a new life right here. So exciting.
3 The smoke from the fires in the US has blown in and is creating chaos here too. It smells like wet campfire and sticks to the skin and clothing. Tula seems to have it the worst with a lot of sneezing, lethargy and no desire whatsoever to go outside.
3a You know the air quality is bad when our ER Docs advise O2 be kept in our offices in Kelowna just in case anyone having breathing complications
.‪#‎notgoodforourlungs‬ ‪#‎nocardiotoday‬ ‪#‎washingtonstatefire‬

the traveler, working from home, and wake up call

1 Mr P has gone to camp again. This time he's on a shorter rotation so he's home every 2 weeks instead of 3! He's halfway across the country but I still feel him right here with me. Best loves are like that, aren't they?!
2 Having a great morning signing up new loyal customers and distributors. Gotta love making new friends, helping people get products that work and building our retirement fund!
3 The birds had a big party this morning. I heard ospreys, blue jays and chickadees. Love their party sounds even at the crack of dawn.

summer loves

Well holy it's been a very long time since I've spoken to you all. Life just seemed to take over and there was barely time to eat and sleep. But wow have we had fun!!! Our son Nick and his wife and 3 Chinese students have been visiting since the beginning of July!! To get caught up I am just going to post some photos and get reconnected with you all again.

summary's work sometimes don't they?

1 Despite the busyness around here there's still time for a get away. It's our 12th anniversary so we headed to the grasslands to explore and spend time connecting on our special day. 

2 We saw two black bear cubs playing on the road but as soon as we approached in our car we were charged by a mama bear. Ferocious is exactly the word we both used to describe her.

3 It was hot, hot and hotter. 

4 The evening before we sat on the deck watching a lightning storm pass over a mountain in the distance. The next day on our travels south we saw 8 spots that were still smoldering and a few that we so big that they needed water bombers and bird dogs to get the dousing process going.

5 Tax time is done! So happy we all survived the madness.

6 We are both missing the grandkidlets. 

eyes, view, and satiated

1 New glasses for our Isabelle! Pink of course, her favourite colour!

2 Lucky me! I get to sit on a bench in the shade and enjoy this view on my coffee break!

3 This is definitely a summer favourite this year! Tomato, soft mozzarella, pesto leaves and asparagus drizzled with oil and balsamic vinegar! 

3, gangbusters, ouch

1 I've been hired to work for 3 weeks at the finance office at our city hall. It's tax time y'all and in a word it's CRAZY!
2 Mr P is again going like gangbusters on the backyard and deck project. So far he's brought in 64 loads of fill with his dump trailer. That's equivalent to 32 dump truck loads!!
3 Mr P was just stung by a bee, possibly a hornet. He came running inside with a stinger still in his ear!! Benadryl cream to the rescue.

June's buds

ah ha

1 Time to get caught up!!! What's with that anyways? Well, too much work and not enough time to get much of anything else done?  Still, it feels good to be busy.
2 Mr P is working like crazy on our landfill adventure. Lots of soil and rocks brought in and tons more to go. We just finish one section and then make changes to the plans and we need more!! 
3 The back part of our yard is still steep so we decide to utilize every inch and see if we can make steps to the lower road. 
4 Family stop by for a night and a morning. We eat, drink and dance up a storm!! I thought we might move a bit more slowly the next day but we surprised ourselves and had a great breakfast and more visiting.
5 It's been fun getting into the routine of alternating workouts. I love walking and blitzing and am really enjoying the kettle bells as well.
6 Question to self: How much is too much?

mouser, get inside, affirmations, ouchie, smell, and two

1 Miss Tula is exhausted after catching some mice. She's growing side to side these days and now we know why. Mr P even takes a video of her playing with it. Poor thing.
2 She really wants to be outside at night but with the coyotes and other creatures out there it is not a good idea at all. 
3 Mr P and I share good the concept of affirmations. We try to have a short chat but it morphs a bit longer and we just go with it.
4 My hands are hurting and I'm going back to using some pain relief for them. I know the specific feeling that tells me that the bumps are growing. 
5 The rain smells like rain. Fresh, clean and refreshing.
6 Sitting side by side, just doing our own thing.

back to it, distractions, shade, walk it out, and blitz, pastels

1 I'm loving getting  back into an exercise routine. I've been trying to alternate between walking and kettle bells. Both give me what I need to keep focused on the goal, being "summer ready"!
2 A half day of work followed by lunch with Mr P and then driving around some neighbourhoods exploring.
3 After being in the house for a year now I realize the front door area is in the shade most of the day, so I changed a few of the plants and it's like magic. LOVE how the plants are thriving.. the others may have to be put into pots on the deck until the gardens are ready for planting, which might not be until next year. Definitely won't be until next year.
4 I wake in a grumpy mood so I take myself to the beach and walk, walk, and walk some more.
5 So if I'm walking I might as well be blitzing, and I do until I'm out of cards. I'm having fun planting seeds and waiting for my garden to grow with new business.
6 Last night's sunset.

inside or out, quest, and cleaned up

1 Monday brings sunshine in the morning but as the day goes by the rain, hail and big winds visit our house. Miss Tula isn't a big fan of foul weather and when the first few raindrops fall she in the house, purring and happy.
2 Mr P continues on his quest to get more fill brought into the backyard. It looks big when he dumps it but after he spreads it out and flattens it we both shake our heads and wonder where did it go?
3 This house is getting clean! I'm on a roll and getting it done. Beds, sheets, laundry, floors vacuumed and washed, cooking and freezing, and done!

Silent Sunday

an assortment of thoughts

1 Holy long workday Batman! It's a day of moving and shifting and eventually it's done. Thanks to my work partners for making it easier to get 'er done.
2 In the afternoon Mr P meets me at the park by the lake with a picnic lunch. We indulge in a few moments together before I'm called back to the office. It's refreshing to feel the sun and breeze after being cooped up inside all morning. 
2a 30C in the sun. Just perfect.
3 We smile at each other in our special language and only we know what we are saying. 
4 A late dinner at the local sushi place but this time we have Korean Bulgogi. It's a melt in your mouth dish that's similar to Japanese teriyaki but it's flavour is slightly different in a very pleasant and delicious way.
5 As the night sky darkens we walk along the beachfront and our path is illuminated by lights that are installed under the benches, along the walkway and from the moon shining on the water. We're the only walkers and we relish the intimacy of that.
6 The chance to say no to work and focus on some me/us time. I'm planning on a little walking/hiking, catching up on a bit of housework and then finishing a book that Chris has lent to me called, "You Can't Teach a Kid to Ride a Bike at a Seminar". No work until Tuesday.

through the week

1 Tuesday and it's time for work. 6 am why do you come so soon?
2 The day is full of ups and downs, lots of changes, lots of learning and lots of laughs to offset all the craziness of the day.
3 Girls night out for dinner. We meet up for an early evening of drinks, food, and laughs all round. It was fun to surprise one co worker with a card for her birthday!
4 Mr P and I spend our evening in the hot tub. We soak away the stresses of the day and find comfort in just sitting there, holding hands and absorbing the serenity.
5 Miss Tula catches a bird! Mr P is looking down on her as she stalks her prey and we are both more than surprised that our fat cat can actually catch a bird. She takes it around the corner and when she looks up at me with her big green eyes looking for praise, she opens her mouth and whoosh, away goes her catch!
6 We have had a few visits from the neighbourhood bear but he's not finding much of anything to munch on these days so we're feeling comfortable leaving the front door open for Tula again.
7 Love, love, love being with my girls. Being at work is just the remedy I needed to make me smile and smile I do.
8 Enjoying a cold frap on the deck while listening to the Tragically HIp and feeling a gentle breeze on my skin.
9 The day is done. Time for dinner. 

beauty, an extra day off, and thanks Chris!

1 

2 It's Victoria Day so it's a statutory holiday in Canada. Lots of activities went on this weekend, like the car show and farmer's markets and parades etc. We chose this day to stay at home and just be together, puttering, sittings, talking, and enjoying the moment.
3 Chris is a salesman. Man, is he ever! This afternoon he took the time to go over some things with me by looking at my work emails, discussing plans for future marketing strategies, home party ideas, and then he wrote out some do's and don'ts for me. So grateful.

silent sunday

long weekend shenanigans

1 Long weekends are always better with friends! Gaile and Frank come for a few days and we have indulge in good food, fine wine and great conversations. Their visit is too short but aren't visits always too short with the people we want to be with the most?

2 Mr P is a dirt hauling, digging machine. He's busy getting as much soil hauled in as he can. Friday he works overtime and gets the most loads in yet!

3 Izzy and Kesler come for a sleepover and get a chance to spend time with Nanny and Pappy (Frank and Gaile). Izzy tries so hard to remember that Frank's name is Pappy but struggles just a bit . It's hard not to smile when she talk to Nanny and says, "Can you ask your husband?" when she forgets his name.

3a Izzy and Kes get books from Nanny. She's awesome at getting just the right ones. Thank you. We all get dinner on Friday night! What a treat to not have to cook

4 It's a rainy cold Sunday but we head down to the lake regardless, because it's the World of Wheels Car Show. We dress warm enough and take an umbrella and Mother Nature is so appreciative she shines down on us the entire time we are there.

5 There's something about eating off of each other's plates. It DEFINITELY tastes better when you're vying for that specific tasty morsel.

6 Kale salad. I did not think I would like it so I am pleasantly surprised that it's my salad of choice today. It comes with a poppy seed dressing and a topping mix of pumpkin seeds, cranberries and sunflower seeds.  Thanks to Costco for that yumminess. 

grateful for my life

1 We had the grandkidlets for a sleepover this weekend. It's been a while and they are more than excited about it. Dinner, hot tub, and a short movie before bed. Kes falls asleep very quickly but Miss Izzy finds it a challenge. 
2 We indulge in a large breakfast in the morning. Kesler ate 3 platefuls of scrambled eggs and an hour later is wanting a snack. Boy, can this boy eat!
3 We thought we'd go shopping later but in the end a warm sunny day meant we napped instead.
4 Tea and cookies. Tea that's hot and cookies that are just hard enough to make them good dippers.
5 Mr P took me to get dirt! Huge truckloads of dirt in his new hydraulic dump trailer. 
6 Playing in dirt, just like a kid! Oh I love dirty boots!
7 Mother's day was wonderful. We went to a morning class to learn about Heart Math. (spiritual thinking), then home to a bbq with the kids and grandkidlets. It was a no drama day. Ahhhh, yes. 
8 Working at the Recreation office is always relaxing. It's mostly arts and crafts and this week is no exception except that I get to close each evening. Three nights I have someone there to help if needed. But come Thursday as my boss says, "I'm cutting you loose!"
9 I am addicted to chocolate... yes you heard me. I love Brownie Bark from Costco.
10 The week has flown by and each night I try to get my thoughts down on paper...but each night I'm too tired to finish. Tonight I shall finish.
11 Mr P is working hard to get the back yard filled with soil. Coming home for work today and I see he's hard at it still, using his big one tonne truck to flatten and settle the soil.
12 Miss Tula isn't as impressed. When that big truck turns on she's scoots inside and finds a nice quiet spot near the window to watch safely.
13 Viruses have attached themselves to my big computer but Mr P puts on a new antivirus on my computer and it's doing a sweep, a fix and making it all healthy again. LOL! Sounds like I'm talking about a human doesn't it? 
14 Gaile and Frank will be here on Friday for the weekend. It's been ages and I'm really looking forward to spending time with them both.
15 Mr P and I share kettle bells and do our workouts together. I am pleasantly surprised at the ease and fun involved. He's really happy. He's been wanting to do this together for ages.

yes, yes, yes, bit by bit, necessary, and sawing logs

1 We have an opportunity to make something even better so we go for it! Why not?
2 Jan hosted book club at my home on Wednesday and yes, did we ever have fun with it. She brought me a lovely white mum as a thank you. Thank you right back! What a fun evening, again.
3 Mr P is very happy to come home from his trip, go to Toastmasters and have a big plate of food waiting for him. Thank you to all the ladies from book club who fed him.
4 The chiropractor is putting me back together bit by bit. This time it feels like it's a bit quicker and for that I am even more grateful.
5 The hot tub has proven itself to be invaluable. Each night I take my weary body out and soak to relieve some of the pain.
6 Mr P and Tula decide to nap together. 

up and down, ouch, and singing it out loud

1 Our day is filled with mishaps. Chris needs medical attention and after we leave the hospital I misstep off of the sidewalk and land right side down on the pavement. No hospital visit for me thank you.
2 The hot tub soothes the aches and pains and the full moon soothes the soul.
3 Mr P is on his way home tomorrow. I'd do the happy day if I wasn't so beat up, so instead I'll just sign the happy song.

Silent Sunday

working, slimming down, satisfy me, six, lovies, and how may I direct your call?

1 Working 8-4 is much easier than 9-5. I'm not sure quite why that is but it is. Perhaps it's the location, perhaps it's the staff, or perhaps it's because of the two fifteen minute breaks and the one hour lunch. That really works for me.
2 Miss Tula is not too happy with her restricted diet. She has been birding and mousing and now her waistline is a bit thick! So it's one cup a day spread out over the day and night. 
3 We have a chance to talk and although it is brief when I hang up I'm feeling satisfied and happy for the moment.
4 Day six of work. Knowing that I have nothing scheduled for the coming week I take it regardless of the fact that it's sunny, blue skies and relatively warm out.
5 I haven't seen my lovies for more than a week with work and their outings. Miss them.
6 Switchboard operator!

back on track

1 Mr P is off on a trip up north. He's spending time with family, wiring workshops, helping with moving and a little hunting and fishing.
2 It's time for a change. Time to make things simpler and better. What does this mean? It means cutting back on work. Down to 2 jobs and feeling much much happier.
3 Miss Tula is enjoying her time outside these sunny days. Chasing flies and grasses, stalking moles and voles and mimicking birds in the hopes of catching one. 
4 The clouds move fast and furiously across the sky, morphing as they go, blocking the moon so it becomes dark and feels like someone turn off the lights.
5 My leg is mending and my knee feels pretty healthy. Time for walking. Lots of it.
6 I've given myself a 90 day challenge with running/walking. I've done it before and I'll do it again. 
7 I can feel the addiction to running in my veins after my fast walk today.
8 The kids have been coming over for lots of hot tubbing and playing. Gotta love it.
9 We have an opportunity to talk, into the wee hours and clear the air, make new plans and think about what's next.

from one to nine

1 It's fun to think up ideas for crazy wrap parties. I plan to have one at our home and one at a friends home in the city. Making up It Works goodie bags, business cards, blitz cards, price lists and more. It was nice to have help from M.

2 The grandkidlets love, love, love being in the water. It's so warm that they never want to get out. I'm happy to have this little bit of paradise to share with them.

3 Joyce is here for an appointment so we meet up for dinner and then head home for a visit and a soak. We stay up way to late but had so much fun it's worth it.

4 A few trips to Costco. Well, sometimes it's just not the right size or colour or it's a splurge that can go back. I'm determined to be less of an impulse shopper.

5 Finding a few plants to put into the large pots around the house that are perennials so that I can keep my "gardening addiction" costs lower this year.

6 Sometimes we just can't fix it. Words soothe and hugs help but it's out of our hands. So we support, love and keep moving forward.

7 Just a walk in the park, or rather a walk on the waterfront. We had a fun time wandering about and found a little creek on the other side of the road that had some benches for just sitting and hanging out.

8 We heard a large Canada Goose squawking and flapping it's wings like it was desperate to be heard. It looked at one point like it might be feeding little ones but there wasn't much of a spot for a nest so...

9 Home to sit on a warm deck in the sun. Oh, summer I feel your presence~

knee, brain, and elbow

1 My knee is still unhappy but I managed to get around despite it. More rest and less stairs is the prescription for tomorrow and perhaps a physio or massage appointment will help too.
2 Fuzzy brain after working on the slates. Apparently it's a common condition. At least that's what the other staff says.
3 She just wants to be next to me so I let her and so she comes even closer, wedging her head under my elbow. 

odds and ends of the week

1 Mr P is off and gone back to camp. I guess you may have noticed he had my attention this past week (little posting). He calls after having flown, landed, bused and unpacked. All is well as long as he gets his proper amount of sleep.
2 Back and forth. We arrived at the airport only to discover the flight has been delayed. The clerk suggests a time that the flight might actually leave so we head out to grab a quick bite to eat. While we're waiting for the food to arrive he gets a call informing him that the flight is now leaving earlier than stated. Quickly he eats my meal because it isn't as hot and I get his to go. I liked his.
3 Sam and I did a 5km walk on Saturday in support of the local food bank. It was a trail run/walk and had a ton of slippery steep hills, lots of green coming out and cheering at the end of the run. 
4 My legs and knee are screaming at me so I soak and put on a knee brace. No pity here, just a reminder that it was fun, worth it and to keep on training. Oh yes, rest sore muscles.
5 Kes really likes the new hot tub. As soon as they come inside the house, he heads right for the sliding doors and is out on the deck. He's a strong lad and can lift the lid. <Note to all: Put away the step so he can't get in>
5a Kes loves his water wings. They are snug on his arms and around his midsection. It probably works as a sensory suppression tool. He has worn them home twice now! 
6 Miss Tula is getting a big rounder than we expected. I suspect it might have something to do with the wet food she's been consuming. Dieters are never happy even when it's a cat. 

inspired

cooking, my heart, book club, and movie time

1 We work together in the kitchen today making Strachi. It is a recipe a friend gave to me years ago. It's crepes stuffed with either a ricotta cheese mixture or thick spaghetti sauce, then it's smothered in more thinner sauce and cheese and baked. mmmm
2 Isabelle tells me how happy she is to see me and that she loves me so much. My heart melts from this wee one and when I say it back she smiles and leans in for a big hug. 
3 Book club. It's that time again and our food theme is Italian. The potluck consisted of strachi, lasagna, bread salad, tomato and mozarella salad and breads. Dessert was cannolis, tiramisu and gelato. Oh right the book. We had read Unbroken. It was liked by all with the focus on redemption, forgiveness and hope. 
3a I've also seen the movie and would  recommend it. Great acting, relatively close to the storyline and dramatic but not over the top.

family ties, our day, and It Works

1 What a great day spent with family. I'm so grateful we moved to the interior. It's been a year of big personal growth and healing, time with family and being able to contribute to the lives of the wee ones and be a part of their lives.
2 There's time for lunch, a few Toopy and Binoo shows, then a grand time in the hot tub, bath and snacks before Kesler and Izzy both have naps. Oh, and let's not forget Daddy. He had a nap too.
3 We work on business and marketing ideas for my It Works business. thebeautifulbody.ca. My daughter in law was creative, helpful and really put it together for and with me. She created business cards, sample cards and then we made our own samples! We took straws and heated and sealed one end, filled the straw with gel and then sealed the other end. Next we punched holes in the cards and attached it with double sided tape and ribbons! Tomorrow I'll see how it goes over at Book Club. Feeling hopeful.

soup, crossed off, and try again

1 I made wonton soup yesterday and it was awesome! Loved how easy the broth was. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/wonton-soup-recipe.html
2 Lists. It's that time of year when I've got multiple lists to keep things in order. Today when the list is done, I even add a few and cross them off. I like how that feels.
3 It's not always easy to be mindful. Sometimes things just happen and get in the way. All we can do is try our best. Tomorrow is another day.

Silent Sunday

OT, pay attention to me, and what to wear

1 An early morning call for an OT work day. It's in my newly trained department and I am supposed to work the day alone. Thankfully I'm able to work in the emergency department and get back up to speed and another coworker works in my area. It didn't take long to get back to it but honestly after not working there since December a refresher was necessary. Thanks to Julie and Kelsey.
2 Miss Tula is wanting attention at 5 am! Um, no, not gonna happen. We have a gentle chat but seeing as she's a kitty, teenage kitty no less, I suspect we may have to talk again.
3 It feels great getting out of work clothing and into yoga pants and a big loos comfy sweater. No socks.

grateful, view, Izzy, and good news

1 Some days I just have one of those moments and when I do I are so grateful for those that care, that help and that there's an amazing team behind me. 
2 Tula has a new view from her scratching post that let's her keep an eye on the outside when it's dark, cold and rainy or she's just tired. 
3 Izzy calls to tell me that she's had a great day! I love how she wants to share all the little details and her enthusiasm overflows and I can't help but smile as we talk.
3a Chris was offered full time starting April 1! So happy for him.

going, going, gone, kisses for grama, and reach for the sky

1 After a long wet day the sun finally made an appearance just in time for sundown. It shone down on the far side of the lake and gradually moved behind the mountain and it was cool once more.
2 The grandkidlets snuggled in with me for a bit when I stopped in for a visit this afternoon. They are in the perfect place for me to kiss the tops of their heads, repeatedly.
3 Tulips are such majestic yet simple flowers. I love how proud and tall they stand withstanding the winds and rain and how they seem to stretch even higher when the sun is out.

wake up, rain and, cat love

1 Isn't it a great feeling to wake in the morning and realize you've had just the best sleep?
2 The rain comes in waves and the trees sway in the wind. The birds are quiet today, most likely they've found a spot that's dry and warm.
3 Tula isn't fond of the rain. She ventures out a few times but keeps coming in to check on me. Eventually she gives up and snuggles in on her green blanket with her paw on top of my hand. 

Sam, Tula and, being prepared

1 I get to work with Sam today. It's so easy to learn from her and to know that she's willing to go out of her way to make sure that things are done right and that we are never left to be thrown under the bus or to struggle unnecessarily. 
2 Home to a quiet house and Tula. She is always happy to see me and even now is lying right beside me purring, with one paw always touching me.
3 It's early to bed tonight after a restless sleep last night. Lots of early morning noises and the anticipation of having to be up early. A hot tub, shower and being all ready for work will make it much easier to be up in the morning. I can set my clock 15 minutes later.. or should I?

Silent Sunday

loves, life, and big smiles

1 I spent three days working at the fire hall. What a great place to work. Another learning curve, mostly data entry but technical and interesting in a  non dramatic way.

2 Izzy celebrated her 5th birthday this past week. Is it possible that time really goes this quickly? 

3 Her mommy made her the most amazing cake from scratch. She told us that it took her three days to create all of the edible decorations. Just amazing.

4 Kes is making more eye contact these days. Things are progressing and it's a joy to see. 

5 Mr P is away for a few more weeks. Last night he tells me he's packed up and ready to come home. It's a bit early but so sweet.

6 Lots of drama at work, none of it good but still we manage to make the day worthy.
7 A few conversations with friends and the world feels right again.
8 Tula is a busy girl some days.  A few of her newest activities include, climbing into dresser drawers, climbing the umbrella pole, drinking from the tap and sleeping in the bathroom sink. 
9 Does it make a difference if I soak in the hot tub in the morning, afternoon or evening? Hmm, well, morning is with coffee, afternoon is tea and in the evening definitely with a glass of wine!

quote, perk, swimmers, can't talk now, one of my nine lives, and it's up to me

1 Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get - Forrest Gump. Yup some days are exactly like that. 
2 Up early, too early but there are perks to that too. As I watch the sun rise, the day is officially, 'started.'
3 The grandkidlets thoroughly enjoyed the hot tub. They especially liked the glowing flashing squiggly toys in the dark. 
4 Talk is cheap and short! With so much going on for both of us we managed a quick bit of chat with the promise of more time tomorrow.
5 Don't you love those moments when the phone rings, the doorbells rings and the cat trips you on the stairs! Best result is landing on your feet.
6 A couple of days to do whatever I please. So I start the day with a cup of coffee and beginning a new book.