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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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

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.

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!

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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?

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!

star gazing, stalker, and heaviness

1 We spent a bit of time on the deck watching the stars last night. The wind was warmer that we expected and it was quiet and relaxing. I love sitting facing the city, watching the lights twinkle and cars going up and down the steep hill that leads in and out of our little municipality.
2 Miss Tula is keeping close to home this afternoon. Is it the weather, sounds or maybe she's just tuckered out from all her exploring this morning. I'm not sure what exactly she's hunting but she's really serious and still when she's in 'stalk' mode.
3 My body feels heavy and my eyelids keep closing. Each time they are closer in duration and I realize I'll be asleep on the couch if I don't get up right now and go to bed.

bitz and bites

1 There's excitement in the air! Mr P has outdone himself and found us a hot tub us. In record time he's bought it, picked it up, gotten a crane to put it out on the upper deck and done the bulk of electrical work. We have a few kinks to iron out, it needs a good cleaning and a new cover but soon we will be easing our work out weary bones into hot water while watching the stars.

2 Friday was a work day at the Recreation Center and Monday was at the Fire Hall. Yes, you heard it hear. I work for firemen! 

3 How lucky am I to have this to look at when I'm driving home from work. 

4 We had the grandkidlets for a sleep over Saturday night. It was a busy night and with the time change we were all a bit out of it for the morning. In the afternoon though we had fun painting, playing with a yo yo, playing dress up and basking in the sun.

5 I heard that today (Monday) it was over 20C in our neck of the woods. Oh, spring I adore you.

6 Tula is slowly getting used to all of the chaos and commotion when we have others around. Each time she comes out more and stays longer. But as with most cats, when she's had enough she finds a quiet spot to sleep. Usually that spot is my office chair and today's no exception.

what was I up to?

1 Work, work, and more work. Sometimes the monotony is palpable and yet there's a certain comfort in the paycheque and the consistency.
2 The chiropractor says that the ligament in my hip is sprained. I concur and hope that the stretching and light walking will help.
3 Tula loves sleeping on her back. It looks dog-like and very submissive. She stretches her from legs high above her head and apparently isn't ticklish at all because we scratch her in her armpit and she purrs even louder.
4 Sara makes amazing cookies. Peanut butter, chocolate chip, oatmeal cookies to be exact. Crispy on the outside and gooey and soft on the inside.
5 Izzy doesn't want to go home and she's sad. Uncle Nick works hard to make her smile and when she does, Grampa says, "Isabelle, you have a beautiful smile." She smiles brighter even though the tears.
6 Turtle or hare? Turtle.
7 Are we moving into spring or is winter still fooling with us? In the early morning there's ice on the windshield but by afternoon it's warmed up and sunny.
8 The tulips are up about two inches or more in the one pot. Tula appears to have messed with some of the other planters and it'll be anyone's guess if there are flowers this season.
9 I miss G. It feels like she's been away forever and we haven't really had a chance to catch up in ages. I missed her call today because I was working and my phone was doing a crazy hangup so hopefully tomorrow we can talk for a bit.
10 Nick and Sara are spending the weekend with Chris and family just up the road. It's a strange feeling to know they are 10 minutes away but still it feels as far away as China.
11 No work for me tomorrow. We have been planning a date day and it's been put off long enough. How does this sound? Breakfast at IHOP, a walk in the woods, a bit of shopping and possibly an afternoon nap. mmmm, yes to all.
12 I'm so appreciative of this man that I share my life with. He makes me smile.

a mishmash of posts

1 Our Tula is back to normal. After days and days of sneezing, coughing and lethargy she's finally gotten some energy and is back to chasing her toy mice, and little balls that jingle in the night!
2 Working through the weekend with people I really like means that when one of us gets a fit of laughter the other just says, "pop that call over to me" and we can and do!
3 We get hit with yet another snowstorm in the night and it continued for the rest of the day. I was glad to get a ride to and from work and I think Mr P found it fun to skid and slide around each corner, especially the ones on the steep hills.
4 We are continuing to watch the Oscar nominees for Best Movie with mixed reviews. Sor far my reviews are as follows: The Grand Budapest Hotel was unique, American Sniper a definite thumbs down (too much propaganda), Whiplash loved it, Boyhood loved it and Birdman yes for the acting, no for the actual movie (I think you have to be part of the Broadway world to know what the innuendos are about), Wild was too unrealistic in many ways. What have you thought of these movies?
5 I'm watching Tula with her little mouse toy and she's tossing it about in the air, chasing it and then carrying it in her mouth to the next spot. I'm wondering if I should move my coffee mug soon before that little mouse lands in my cup!
6 An early morning call to work at the Recreation Centre to fill in for a sick employee. 
7 It's nice to see some familiar faces as they arrive for pickleball. I take a few minutes to watch them play and realize it's a pretty decent workout for most of them. 
8 Time to sign up for the next yoga class. Because I'm working for the small city where we live they give their employees free access to all their classes as long as there is space available.
9 Izzy and Kes go to playschool with Grampa. He tells me that they both kept busy with all the different stations and that Izzy particularly enjoyed learning the months of the year. When they pick me up from work that's very evident because she's singing the month song and doing exceptionally well. The only month missing was November!
10 I have a chance to just sit and watch the snowflakes hitting my windshield. It's mesermizing, almost meditative and soothes my head.
11 A friend from the past is at the bus depot when I go inside to find G. She shouts my name and I immediately turn and realize it's her and it's a mini reunion. She and another woman are waiting for a taxi but since G and I are headed there we all pile into my car and have a fun quick drive together. 
12 G and I have a chance to briefly catch up and just share each others' time while she waits for her flight. Best of friends, always. I'm keeping you in my thoughts.

A bit of a crazy week

1 Tula is having a rough time of it with sneezing and coughing. We've discovered that the SPCA gave her the wrong vaccination. She was given a vaccination for dogs not cats so she will need that and possibly the Bortadella. Poor Tula. She's very tired and lethargic and this morning is spending her day in her cat carrier (her choice).
2 Mr P talked to the SPCA and this is their remedy: feline vaccine and refund on the ear medication.
3 The coyotes were busy in the early hours this morning. We woke up to yipping and howling right below our bedroom window. Mr P took a flashlight out on the deck and we saw three of them heading up the road. Their eyes were shiny and reminded me of a horror movie.
And now for the rest of the week.
Our Tula has been very ill. She developed an irritation in her trachea and it created dehydration along with lethargy and a deep shuddering cough. Mr P took her to the vets and we had her evaluated then hydrated. She returned to us and it's been a slow road to her recovery. For a few days Mr P was giving her fluids with a small syringe and he even slept with her one night. She is mending slowly, eating some and drinking again. Our little lovely will soon been chasing our ankles again and be  back to herself. 

that day has come, kitten tales, and J

1 I knew the day would come when I'd be passed in seniority because, well, I just didn't want to chase the seniority list. And now that it's happened I'm filled with mixed emotions. Part of me wants to be angry for letting it slip away and now I'm left with less shifts, but a bigger part of me is happy about my choice. I didn't like how it felt to be that hungry, and that cutthroat. Don't get  me wrong, I like this job but I like feeling good about myself more. My tool, "Radical Acceptance."
2 Our little Tula is much more playful off of her pain medications. She attacks legs and ankles, chases her play mice and toys balls and is basically full of beans. Exactly like a wee kitten should be. 
3 J calls and we make our arrangements for her visit. She's here with just us for a few days in February so we want to make the most of it. What are the plans? Lots of touring about, house and foreclosure looking, dinners, hikes and yes, definitely we need to go to the spa! I'm so looking forward to hearing about her latest shenanigans!