DAY 326
Tuesday, December 9th 4:30pm....WOOHOO...on holiday!
DAY 325
Wednesday, December 10th...I had this great plan, I have several days off so "Christmas Baking" here I come. Made a batch of Oatsies, switched out the mincemeat for dates. Turned out half decent, nicely mounded with the date puree hidden in the hump of oat cookie dough. They were more like store bought...I was aiming for Mom's version but that didn't happen. Yawn!
DAY 324
Thursday, December 11th...next day foray into cookie baking... decided to do a refrigerator dough called 'Party Swirls'. You divide the dough in thirds...one portion you leave alone, second portion you colour with red food colouring...third portion you mix in melted semi-sweet chocolate. You roll out each portion into a rectangle and stack. I should have made the roll before refrigerating and it would have been easier to handle. I made the appropriate thickness of slices and tried desperately to get them in one piece onto the cookie tray...lotta patching goin on to the taunts of my hubby watching my gallant efforts at baking - "two minutes on the clock, you should be plating by now". Thought I was going to pee myself. Burnt half of 'em, so much for my efforts!
DAY 323
Friday, December 12th...not baking this day, my next unsuspecting recipe needed cream of tartar and I didn't have any. This was a sign...I was not meant to bake today...so I cleaned instead.
DAY 322
Saturday, December 13th...there was a mission today! Up early, breakfast, shower...out the door by 9am. Next $10 quilt square meeting. Navigation to the quilt shop in Fonthill was interesting indeed. They have been digging and tearing up this section of road for what seems like months now. Well, this day they decide they are going to pave. The weather is mild with melting snow and slightly drizzly...messy! Took us a bit but we were waved into the parking lot along with what seemed like a dozen other ladies. The shop was all Christmas-y and decorated quite nicely for the holiday season but we did manage to curtail our urge to purchase any of the new fangled gadgets that are guaranteed to make your quilting experience that much easier and exciting. Next I went to pick up my Epicure order which came in just in time. I now had the seasoning and clay baker for a special hot cheese dip for our Quilting Friends potluck on Monday evening. Had to do some grocery shopping and, of course, pick up the needed items for my potluck offerings as well. House is starting to echo the holiday season.
DAY 321
Sunday, December 14th...today was a somber day, but a day to celebrate the life of a lady that made a lasting impression on my husband as a boy growing up. We drove to Toronto to a memorial service. I learned today that this Aunt and Uncle were the role models for the man I married, unconsciously instilling in him family values but most of all unbounding love. They celebrated 63 years of marriage...we're two-thirds of the way there...hope we are doing them proud.
Sunday, 14 December 2014
Tuesday, 9 December 2014
COUNTDOWN ~ The spirit of giving!
DAY 326
Gift giving! You know those coveted items on your desk: scissors, letter opener, 3 hole punch and hand held calculator. Well, maybe I'm getting used to the idea of retiring and those things you guard on your desk like a watchdog really aren't that important any more. I particularly like the Monday morning search for "my" pair of scissors...who had the audacity to take them from my gadget/pen holder and use them without permission. Then you find them tucked in between the stacks of filing piling up on your desk and thank heavens you haven't really vocally chewed anyone out at this point. You say "I'm sorry" under your breath return the scissors to their proper holder until the next stationary/supply crisis.
Not today! I heard a coworker discussing an elaborate plan to share a calculator with another gal and that it would be located in the top left drawer of the desk so that both could have easy access. My calculator was fairly new, under a year old, and it was stored neatly in my drawer out of the way...can't remember when I used it last. The spirit of giving overtook me and I asked the coworker if she would like to have "my" calculator as her own. Smiles ensued, hallelujah another good deed! She also placed dibs on my emoticon stand-up flip book. The ladies in the office love to change my moods for me by flipping to the appropriate mood of the day. When it was flipped to "postal" my boss approached my desk and viewing said mood turned on his heal and beat a hasty retreat - not sure what he wanted that day. LOL
Trivia:
Gift giving! You know those coveted items on your desk: scissors, letter opener, 3 hole punch and hand held calculator. Well, maybe I'm getting used to the idea of retiring and those things you guard on your desk like a watchdog really aren't that important any more. I particularly like the Monday morning search for "my" pair of scissors...who had the audacity to take them from my gadget/pen holder and use them without permission. Then you find them tucked in between the stacks of filing piling up on your desk and thank heavens you haven't really vocally chewed anyone out at this point. You say "I'm sorry" under your breath return the scissors to their proper holder until the next stationary/supply crisis.
Not today! I heard a coworker discussing an elaborate plan to share a calculator with another gal and that it would be located in the top left drawer of the desk so that both could have easy access. My calculator was fairly new, under a year old, and it was stored neatly in my drawer out of the way...can't remember when I used it last. The spirit of giving overtook me and I asked the coworker if she would like to have "my" calculator as her own. Smiles ensued, hallelujah another good deed! She also placed dibs on my emoticon stand-up flip book. The ladies in the office love to change my moods for me by flipping to the appropriate mood of the day. When it was flipped to "postal" my boss approached my desk and viewing said mood turned on his heal and beat a hasty retreat - not sure what he wanted that day. LOLTrivia:
emoticon
Monday, 8 December 2014
COUNTDOWN ~ Short and Sweet
DAY 327
Been missing in action for a couple of days. The Blog meister took a weekend off. Accomplished a few things... knocked several things off the Christmas Shopping List; sewed block number nine of the $10. Quilt with my sister; made a donation to Movember and received some sad news that a relative had passed. All part of that big wheel called life. Have a bit of a cold/nasal congestion and now am craving some serious bedtime.
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| I actually say this! LOL |
Friday, 5 December 2014
COUNTDOWN ~ Pay It Forward
DAY 330
I had listened for days about how my co-worker was having difficulty with her wireless headset. I use the same headset but only rarely. For years I had a wired headset that was quite handy and was quite indispensable...until I was given the wireless set. She wasn't sure what was happening with the device and we determined together that it might be the rechargeable battery (they do fail once they have passed their prime). She did put in a request to our supervisor with a heads up that she would soon be needing a replacement. A search began for a headset that no one was using that could be a source for parts...she'd already been there, done that!
I kept staring at the headset in its cradle, neatly tucked in beside my phone and thought "when was the last time I used that?". In my job the calls I receive and make these days are few and far between so I disconnected the device from the phone and unplugged the power cord...disinfected the ear and mouth piece and proceeded to hand over this unit to my friend.
Well, you would have thought Christmas had come early. This was one of those "Pay it Forward" moments...my good deed for the day!
And hey, I still have the wired unit should I need it in the next 330 days!
I had listened for days about how my co-worker was having difficulty with her wireless headset. I use the same headset but only rarely. For years I had a wired headset that was quite handy and was quite indispensable...until I was given the wireless set. She wasn't sure what was happening with the device and we determined together that it might be the rechargeable battery (they do fail once they have passed their prime). She did put in a request to our supervisor with a heads up that she would soon be needing a replacement. A search began for a headset that no one was using that could be a source for parts...she'd already been there, done that!I kept staring at the headset in its cradle, neatly tucked in beside my phone and thought "when was the last time I used that?". In my job the calls I receive and make these days are few and far between so I disconnected the device from the phone and unplugged the power cord...disinfected the ear and mouth piece and proceeded to hand over this unit to my friend.
Well, you would have thought Christmas had come early. This was one of those "Pay it Forward" moments...my good deed for the day!
And hey, I still have the wired unit should I need it in the next 330 days!
Wednesday, 3 December 2014
COUNTDOWN ~ Board Meetng
DAY 331
Interesting thing, the Internet. One of the groups that I volunteer for has their Board meetings via Yahoo as a conference. The host for the meeting creates an invitation on Yahoo Messenger. Once logged in and accept the invitation, you are off and reading...reading more than typing. Sometimes your comments get overlooked and several conversations are going on at the same time, it just depends on who types the fastest. Looking back at the script, sometimes it has quite the comedic potential. The only drawback is that it can last for hours. As with all good Board meetings the conversation can run amuck or go on a tangent. Good though, business is discussed, matters settled and follow-up assigned. As members of this group live throughout the U.S. and Canada (mostly U.S.) as organization is American this was the only feasible way to have a board meeting. When I first joined the group and received my first newsletter I marveled at the varied locations that each Board member lived...how on earth did they hold their meetings. I did ask and was told by the Internet. Still was a bit of a mystery to me until I became a volunteer, now when I'm asked the question "how does the Board communicate"...the Internet!
Interesting thing, the Internet. One of the groups that I volunteer for has their Board meetings via Yahoo as a conference. The host for the meeting creates an invitation on Yahoo Messenger. Once logged in and accept the invitation, you are off and reading...reading more than typing. Sometimes your comments get overlooked and several conversations are going on at the same time, it just depends on who types the fastest. Looking back at the script, sometimes it has quite the comedic potential. The only drawback is that it can last for hours. As with all good Board meetings the conversation can run amuck or go on a tangent. Good though, business is discussed, matters settled and follow-up assigned. As members of this group live throughout the U.S. and Canada (mostly U.S.) as organization is American this was the only feasible way to have a board meeting. When I first joined the group and received my first newsletter I marveled at the varied locations that each Board member lived...how on earth did they hold their meetings. I did ask and was told by the Internet. Still was a bit of a mystery to me until I became a volunteer, now when I'm asked the question "how does the Board communicate"...the Internet!
Tuesday, 2 December 2014
COUNTDOWN ~ Influenza
DAY 332
The best defense against getting the "flu" is to get inoculated against the most current strain. I went for my flu shot yesterday, it was a bit late as I generally get mine when they become available in October.
Things I have learned....
1) you do not get the flu from the flu shot
2) it takes 10 - 14 days to build your immunity after the shot
and...if in that time you do come down with the flu, more than likely you came in contact with the virus in some way...handle of a shopping cart, touching an elevator button or in the direct path of a sneeze or cough.
I started getting the flu shot when my sons were little. They would bring home everything going from school and daycare. There always seemed to be a steady flow of snot. Of course, they only got the sniffly snorts. But Mom, that being moi, would be knocked flat on my back for days. One particular trip to emergency I eyed a beautiful white snow drift on the walkway leading into the clinic...and really contemplated sticking my head into the bank of snow. "just dig me out in the Spring". That winter was bad...felt good for a week and back to my bed for another ten days or so...repeat...repeat!
So I am on the side of "pros" in the list of pros and cons when recommending the flu shot. I highly recommend it. Granted you don't miss all the colds and viruses but the immunity you build up helps you to have less severe symptoms and you can at least function.
The best defense against getting the "flu" is to get inoculated against the most current strain. I went for my flu shot yesterday, it was a bit late as I generally get mine when they become available in October.
Things I have learned....
1) you do not get the flu from the flu shot
2) it takes 10 - 14 days to build your immunity after the shot
and...if in that time you do come down with the flu, more than likely you came in contact with the virus in some way...handle of a shopping cart, touching an elevator button or in the direct path of a sneeze or cough.
I started getting the flu shot when my sons were little. They would bring home everything going from school and daycare. There always seemed to be a steady flow of snot. Of course, they only got the sniffly snorts. But Mom, that being moi, would be knocked flat on my back for days. One particular trip to emergency I eyed a beautiful white snow drift on the walkway leading into the clinic...and really contemplated sticking my head into the bank of snow. "just dig me out in the Spring". That winter was bad...felt good for a week and back to my bed for another ten days or so...repeat...repeat!
So I am on the side of "pros" in the list of pros and cons when recommending the flu shot. I highly recommend it. Granted you don't miss all the colds and viruses but the immunity you build up helps you to have less severe symptoms and you can at least function.
COUNTDOWN ~ A Farewell
DAY 332
I learned today that our family doctor had died. Dr. William Allen Matheson - who I had been a patient of since ten years of age until he retired. He was 90 and according to his obituary he lived a complete, wonderful life.
There are a multitude of stories to tell. Apart from him coming to the house when I was ill as a child, uppermost in my mind was when: I spent several months in the hospital before the birth of my second son due to phlebitis in my legs. Once I gave birth (caesarian) I came up lame; I had this gawd awful pain that went up and down my leg and I could hardly walk. The attending OB wanted me to extend my stay in the hospital and go through physiotherapy 2-3 times a week. When Dr. Matheson did his rounds, I asked him about the OB's recommendation and he said "you need to go home and chase after your two boys!". He got it right!
May he rest in Peace. View obituary notice here.
I learned today that our family doctor had died. Dr. William Allen Matheson - who I had been a patient of since ten years of age until he retired. He was 90 and according to his obituary he lived a complete, wonderful life.
There are a multitude of stories to tell. Apart from him coming to the house when I was ill as a child, uppermost in my mind was when: I spent several months in the hospital before the birth of my second son due to phlebitis in my legs. Once I gave birth (caesarian) I came up lame; I had this gawd awful pain that went up and down my leg and I could hardly walk. The attending OB wanted me to extend my stay in the hospital and go through physiotherapy 2-3 times a week. When Dr. Matheson did his rounds, I asked him about the OB's recommendation and he said "you need to go home and chase after your two boys!". He got it right!
May he rest in Peace. View obituary notice here.
Sunday, 30 November 2014
COUNTDOWN ~ Smoking Pies
DAY 333
I had a special order for two coconut cream pies for the birthday of a family member. I make my own pie crust from scratch. That is always a hit or miss...just can't get the amount of cold water just right. It is either too wet or not wet enough. It was almost perfect but the first bit of pastry ripped as I lowered it into the pie plate. Some patching needed to be done but was fairly pristine by the time I finished the fluted edge. My hubby bought me a "pie chain" that is used to weigh down the pastry while baking the shell so it doesn't puff up and shrinkage from the edges is minimal. As I was doing two and had only one chain, I took out my trusty dried beans as a weight. I used waxed paper to keep the chain and beans off the surface of the pastry so that it didn't stick. The oven was set to 450oF. After a few minutes I noticed that smoke was circulating inside the oven. On closer inspection I didn't see any flames so just allowed the pastry to continue cooking. I was concerned and opened the oven door several times to make sure I wasn't creating a camp fire...all the while spewing smoke into the kitchen and onwards. Poor hubby emerged from the bedroom and thought something was wrong with his vision...and asked what I was trying to do once he realised the entire upstairs was engulfed in a blue haze.(LOL). Didn't set off the smoke alarm though, which was great because I would of had to deal with a dog that quakes so bad at the sound you would think she would shed her skin (story for another day)! Long story short the last time I used the oven I cooked sausage (uncovered) and, of course, they spewed their oily guts all over my oven...hence the smoke!
Now, this is a self-clean oven and Allie has not indulged in this time-saving feature. Scared, damn right...not fathoming the idea of really setting my kitchen on fire. I thought I would check online for a method that would allow me to not have to use the self-clean feature but not cause any damage to the interior of the oven. Good old baking soda (make a spreadable paste by adding water); leave on 12-24 hours; use a non-abrasive scraper to help remove lifted residue; can finish clean-up with vinegar. You must use rubber gloves which is only common sense and of course lots of elbow grease. There are instructions on how to clean the racks separately; involves your bathtub, large towels, hot water and dishwashing detergent....again, time and elbow grease! I'll have to pencil that into my calendar.
Back to the pies...no issue preparing the custard so I was quite proud of myself. Wasn't quite set so methinks cream pies should be made the day before rather than day of an event.
Now, this is a self-clean oven and Allie has not indulged in this time-saving feature. Scared, damn right...not fathoming the idea of really setting my kitchen on fire. I thought I would check online for a method that would allow me to not have to use the self-clean feature but not cause any damage to the interior of the oven. Good old baking soda (make a spreadable paste by adding water); leave on 12-24 hours; use a non-abrasive scraper to help remove lifted residue; can finish clean-up with vinegar. You must use rubber gloves which is only common sense and of course lots of elbow grease. There are instructions on how to clean the racks separately; involves your bathtub, large towels, hot water and dishwashing detergent....again, time and elbow grease! I'll have to pencil that into my calendar.
Back to the pies...no issue preparing the custard so I was quite proud of myself. Wasn't quite set so methinks cream pies should be made the day before rather than day of an event.
Saturday, 29 November 2014
COUNTDOWN ~ A Blessing
DAY 335
Today we received a special blessing in preparation to continue as ministers of communion. Our current priest brought us up to date on what is expected in this ministry along with a question and answer session. Father is quick and efficient with his delivery of the mass and instills this in all the ministries. We always waited until the congregation exchanged handshakes offering peace before going to the Tabernacle, now we are to go to the Tabernacle once "Our Father" has been recited and then proceed to the alter. We were instructed of the proper reverence when approaching the Tabernacle, as well as removing and replacing the ciboriums properly.
This was a good day to meet up with friends we have made and to connect with those we don't see often as they attend mass at a different time. We noticed that there were several new ministers, which is wonderful. Father did comment that our church was rich with people willing to volunteer their time.
Today we received a special blessing in preparation to continue as ministers of communion. Our current priest brought us up to date on what is expected in this ministry along with a question and answer session. Father is quick and efficient with his delivery of the mass and instills this in all the ministries. We always waited until the congregation exchanged handshakes offering peace before going to the Tabernacle, now we are to go to the Tabernacle once "Our Father" has been recited and then proceed to the alter. We were instructed of the proper reverence when approaching the Tabernacle, as well as removing and replacing the ciboriums properly.This was a good day to meet up with friends we have made and to connect with those we don't see often as they attend mass at a different time. We noticed that there were several new ministers, which is wonderful. Father did comment that our church was rich with people willing to volunteer their time.
Friday, 28 November 2014
COUNTDOWN ~ Niagara Escarpment
DAY 336
The Niagara Escarpment is a long escarpment, or cuesta, in the United States and Canada that runs predominantly east/west from New York State, through Ontario, Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois. It is composed of the Lockport geological formation of Silurian age, and is similar to the Onondaga geological formation, which runs parallel to it and just to the south, through western New York and southern Ontario. The escarpment is most famous as the cliff over which the Niagara River plunges at Niagara Falls, for which it is named.
The Niagara Escarpment is the most prominent of several escarpments formed in the bedrock of the Great Lakes basin. From its easternmost point near Watertown, New York, the escarpment shapes in part the individual basins and landforms of Lakes Ontario, Huron and Michigan. In Rochester, New York, there are three waterfalls over the escarpment where the Genesee River flows through the city. The escarpment thence runs westward to the Niagara River forming a deep gorge north of Niagara Falls, which itself cascades over the escarpment. In southern Ontario it spans the Niagara Peninsula, closely following the Lake Ontario shore through the cities of St. Catharines, Hamilton and Dundas, where it takes a sharp turn north in the town of Milton toward Georgian Bay. It then follows the Georgian Bay shore northwestwards to form the spine of the Bruce Peninsula and Manitoulin Island, as well as several smaller islands located in northern Lake Huron where it turns westwards into the Upper Peninsula of northern Michigan, south of Sault Ste. Marie. It then extends southwards into Wisconsin following the Door Peninsula through the Bayshore Blufflands and then more inland from the western coast of Lake Michigan and Milwaukee, ending northwest of Chicago near the Wisconsin-Illinois border. Source: Wikipedia
The Niagara Escarpment is a long escarpment, or cuesta, in the United States and Canada that runs predominantly east/west from New York State, through Ontario, Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois. It is composed of the Lockport geological formation of Silurian age, and is similar to the Onondaga geological formation, which runs parallel to it and just to the south, through western New York and southern Ontario. The escarpment is most famous as the cliff over which the Niagara River plunges at Niagara Falls, for which it is named.
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| Niagara Escarpment |
COUNTDOWN ~ Snowy Adventure
DAY 337
One day late...this post! Had an adventure. In my infinite wisdom I decided that I would like to go to the One of a Kind Christmas show at Exhibition Place in Toronto. Well...driving to Toronto is one thing but leaving at rush hour not so enthralling. Hubby suggested we take the GO Train from Burlington which would cut down on the driving and would minimalize the amount of time we would spend on the "highway". First hiccup...no parking spaces left at the Burlington station...booted to Appleby line station and wah-hoo...parking up pretty close too! It was a bit of a hike from the train stop to the Direct Energy Centre located at Exhibition Place....once inside the doors another hike to the actual show itself in the Centre. It boasts one million square feet of convention space...that's big! When you live in a small-ish City where you park practically at the front door and it takes you two minutes to get to the back of the store...yah...this is big. We careened down the aisles oohing and ahhing at the different artisans. We were intrigued by special wooden puzzles, crockery tea pots, red hats, metal art and wooden furniture creations. These were truly artists - no two of a kind, similar in the fact that the material was wood, clay, beads and/or precious metals - but all had their own style and colour. Alas, we did not purchase anything other than lunch! Our trek back to the train was a little labored as the joints were protesting. Second hiccup...we boarded the train but had to exit after the third stop to wait five minutes for the next train which was an "all stop" train. Small town panic setting in! Arrived at the Applyby Line station without further ado and drove off into...third hiccup...the traffic and a storm. The storm seemed to be concentrated right at the Escarpment line, once we passed Vineland towards Welland the snowfall was less fierce. Further on into the evening we did get significant snowfall.
One day late...this post! Had an adventure. In my infinite wisdom I decided that I would like to go to the One of a Kind Christmas show at Exhibition Place in Toronto. Well...driving to Toronto is one thing but leaving at rush hour not so enthralling. Hubby suggested we take the GO Train from Burlington which would cut down on the driving and would minimalize the amount of time we would spend on the "highway". First hiccup...no parking spaces left at the Burlington station...booted to Appleby line station and wah-hoo...parking up pretty close too! It was a bit of a hike from the train stop to the Direct Energy Centre located at Exhibition Place....once inside the doors another hike to the actual show itself in the Centre. It boasts one million square feet of convention space...that's big! When you live in a small-ish City where you park practically at the front door and it takes you two minutes to get to the back of the store...yah...this is big. We careened down the aisles oohing and ahhing at the different artisans. We were intrigued by special wooden puzzles, crockery tea pots, red hats, metal art and wooden furniture creations. These were truly artists - no two of a kind, similar in the fact that the material was wood, clay, beads and/or precious metals - but all had their own style and colour. Alas, we did not purchase anything other than lunch! Our trek back to the train was a little labored as the joints were protesting. Second hiccup...we boarded the train but had to exit after the third stop to wait five minutes for the next train which was an "all stop" train. Small town panic setting in! Arrived at the Applyby Line station without further ado and drove off into...third hiccup...the traffic and a storm. The storm seemed to be concentrated right at the Escarpment line, once we passed Vineland towards Welland the snowfall was less fierce. Further on into the evening we did get significant snowfall.
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| CN Tower in background ~ Train Station Exhibition Place |
Wednesday, 26 November 2014
COUNTDOWN ~ Lunch sans conversation!
DAY 338
What is lunch sans conversation you ask, well it is eating without talking. Why isn't there any conversation you quiz...well it is a room filled with individuals enjoying their meal so all you can hear is the clinking of the forks against their plates, the decided scrape of their knives as they slice through the meat and bread in addition to their spoons twirling the milk and sugar into their coffee . As well, it could be because the chair opposite me is empty. Why is the chair empty, your curiousity aroused....because my friend didn't show up!
What is lunch sans conversation you ask, well it is eating without talking. Why isn't there any conversation you quiz...well it is a room filled with individuals enjoying their meal so all you can hear is the clinking of the forks against their plates, the decided scrape of their knives as they slice through the meat and bread in addition to their spoons twirling the milk and sugar into their coffee . As well, it could be because the chair opposite me is empty. Why is the chair empty, your curiousity aroused....because my friend didn't show up!
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| Betty's Restaurant Niagara Falls |
Tuesday, 25 November 2014
COUNTDOWN ~ Two Days Closer
DAY 341 339
A coworker suggested I put a Countdown Clock on my blog. I think I was successful but it showed that I am at day 339....I'm two days closer to retirement...WOO-HOO!
A coworker suggested I put a Countdown Clock on my blog. I think I was successful but it showed that I am at day 339....I'm two days closer to retirement...WOO-HOO!
COUNTDOWN ~ Movember Donation Reminder
DAY 342
Have you donated to your favourite "handlebar hunk" visit: http://ca.movember.com/mospace/index/search/?q=City%20of%20Welland
Checked out my candidate today and he has an impressive presentation...worth a donation me thinks!
Have you donated to your favourite "handlebar hunk" visit: http://ca.movember.com/mospace/index/search/?q=City%20of%20Welland
Checked out my candidate today and he has an impressive presentation...worth a donation me thinks!
Sunday, 23 November 2014
COUNTDOWN ~ Lazy Day
DAY 343
Lazy day! Actually went back to bed this morning - haven't done that in a while. Puttered, sorted through the mail, paid some bills and did slow cooker beef stew. Purchased the fresh stewing beef from the Country Corner Deli in Pelham on my outing yesterday. Turned out tasty and tender. Love using the slow cooker, one pot meals means less clean-up.
When we did our Wal-Mart run we purchased the missing adapter for our Fresh Saver system. Now I'm vac packing everything but the kitchen sink...fun!
Lazy day! Actually went back to bed this morning - haven't done that in a while. Puttered, sorted through the mail, paid some bills and did slow cooker beef stew. Purchased the fresh stewing beef from the Country Corner Deli in Pelham on my outing yesterday. Turned out tasty and tender. Love using the slow cooker, one pot meals means less clean-up.
When we did our Wal-Mart run we purchased the missing adapter for our Fresh Saver system. Now I'm vac packing everything but the kitchen sink...fun!
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| FoodSaver Vacuum System |
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| Adapter for zipper bags |
Saturday, 22 November 2014
COUNTDOWN ~ Christmas in a cup
DAY 344
I managed to cross off a few things on my gift giving list today which was a very satisfied feeling. I revisited that quaint little shop in Ridgeville (see blog post 'hidden gem'). At first, there wasn't any place to park and I really couldn't see double-parking or illegally parking for fear of being ticketed or towed. Although, with it being a country lane it is possible that no one would have cared. I must mention that there is only eight available parking spots in that area of 4 or 5 shops. I decided that I should continue on with my day and go to Thorold to pick up the shoes I ordered and special compression socks. Almost made it to Highway #20 and the angel on my shoulder was urging me to turn around. As luck would have it a parking space had been freed up and I was able to make my purchases. I continued my mission to Thorold...my new orthotics needed some adjustment to them so I left the new shoes so they could fit them properly. So I parted with my two pairs of socks and a 'big ass' shoe horn...the kind you don't have to bend over to successfully slip your shoes on. Gawd, I'll miss that fight in the morning! When getting into my car I spied a bake shop across the street, I was able to get a fresh homemade apple pie for my hubby along with a date square and two empire biscuits.
Figured while I was out I would swing by the Pen Centre in St. Catharines. I had a mission. Target had advertised an Elsa Doll (from animated movie "Frozen") and it peeked my interest. This Target store is HUGE, there are two floors with an escalator or elevator to transport you to one floor or the other. Get this...a track ran on either side of the escalator which was to transport your shopping buggy...first time seeing this - excellent idea. Do you know how many people attempt to take a cart down the escalator?! Toys and doggie things were on the lower floor. Didn't have any suitable doggie sweaters for our doxies so I ventured over to the toy section and caught sight of a cardboard display with Disney characters...all the Elsa dolls were gone, lots of Anna left though. Feeling a little deflated but quickly squashed that feeling as I didn't want it to spoil my new found holiday glow. Wellll on my way out of the store there was one more stop to make. There was a Starbucks kiosk and I just had to get moi a Vendi Classic Chai Tea Latte...it was delish, Christmas in a cup! Leaving Pen Centre was no mean feat, cars vying for space to exit, you could feel the impatience...oh my it's started already. That is why I don't like shopping too late because people get grumpy and it just sucks the joy out of the room.
We did a Wal-Mart run after Church tonight so I thought I would check to see if they had any Elsa dolls. Well, they did and I was sorely disappointed...what was meant to be the top of the dress was actually plastic...I was not impressed. I figure I'll purchase a Blonde Barbie sometime down the road and make the dress - a project for retirement.
I managed to cross off a few things on my gift giving list today which was a very satisfied feeling. I revisited that quaint little shop in Ridgeville (see blog post 'hidden gem'). At first, there wasn't any place to park and I really couldn't see double-parking or illegally parking for fear of being ticketed or towed. Although, with it being a country lane it is possible that no one would have cared. I must mention that there is only eight available parking spots in that area of 4 or 5 shops. I decided that I should continue on with my day and go to Thorold to pick up the shoes I ordered and special compression socks. Almost made it to Highway #20 and the angel on my shoulder was urging me to turn around. As luck would have it a parking space had been freed up and I was able to make my purchases. I continued my mission to Thorold...my new orthotics needed some adjustment to them so I left the new shoes so they could fit them properly. So I parted with my two pairs of socks and a 'big ass' shoe horn...the kind you don't have to bend over to successfully slip your shoes on. Gawd, I'll miss that fight in the morning! When getting into my car I spied a bake shop across the street, I was able to get a fresh homemade apple pie for my hubby along with a date square and two empire biscuits.
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| Empire Biscuit |
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| Starbucks Chai Latte |
Figured while I was out I would swing by the Pen Centre in St. Catharines. I had a mission. Target had advertised an Elsa Doll (from animated movie "Frozen") and it peeked my interest. This Target store is HUGE, there are two floors with an escalator or elevator to transport you to one floor or the other. Get this...a track ran on either side of the escalator which was to transport your shopping buggy...first time seeing this - excellent idea. Do you know how many people attempt to take a cart down the escalator?! Toys and doggie things were on the lower floor. Didn't have any suitable doggie sweaters for our doxies so I ventured over to the toy section and caught sight of a cardboard display with Disney characters...all the Elsa dolls were gone, lots of Anna left though. Feeling a little deflated but quickly squashed that feeling as I didn't want it to spoil my new found holiday glow. Wellll on my way out of the store there was one more stop to make. There was a Starbucks kiosk and I just had to get moi a Vendi Classic Chai Tea Latte...it was delish, Christmas in a cup! Leaving Pen Centre was no mean feat, cars vying for space to exit, you could feel the impatience...oh my it's started already. That is why I don't like shopping too late because people get grumpy and it just sucks the joy out of the room.
We did a Wal-Mart run after Church tonight so I thought I would check to see if they had any Elsa dolls. Well, they did and I was sorely disappointed...what was meant to be the top of the dress was actually plastic...I was not impressed. I figure I'll purchase a Blonde Barbie sometime down the road and make the dress - a project for retirement.
Friday, 21 November 2014
COUNTDOWN ~ tis The Season
DAY 345
Slowly the Christmas spirit is blossoming just like a Rose opening up in the face of the sun.
At the beginning of the week a few holiday decorations appeared such as plant picks with spray painted Christmas balls, berries, holly and fir fronds. A few stuffed carolers found their way onto shelves and a slightly understuffed reindeer hung from a door handle. As of 8:30 am today, it was evident that the decorating elves had done their magic and the office was entirely adorned in holiday cheer.
I have yet to hear a Christmas song on the radio although I have been informed that there is one radio station blaring these carols 24-7 already. Granted the arrival of several inches of snow has put everyone in "the mood".
Although I have been searching out "Homemade Markets and Craft Shows" I have not seriously put my gift shopping in full gear...yet! Inevitably, like so many others I will be obsessing right up to the day....wrapping gifts into the wee hours of Christmas eve. I can once again resolve to be organized and have everything done ahead of time...but I know a few people who would read this and have a good laugh.
Will venture out tomorrow...keep posted :)
Slowly the Christmas spirit is blossoming just like a Rose opening up in the face of the sun. At the beginning of the week a few holiday decorations appeared such as plant picks with spray painted Christmas balls, berries, holly and fir fronds. A few stuffed carolers found their way onto shelves and a slightly understuffed reindeer hung from a door handle. As of 8:30 am today, it was evident that the decorating elves had done their magic and the office was entirely adorned in holiday cheer.
I have yet to hear a Christmas song on the radio although I have been informed that there is one radio station blaring these carols 24-7 already. Granted the arrival of several inches of snow has put everyone in "the mood".
Although I have been searching out "Homemade Markets and Craft Shows" I have not seriously put my gift shopping in full gear...yet! Inevitably, like so many others I will be obsessing right up to the day....wrapping gifts into the wee hours of Christmas eve. I can once again resolve to be organized and have everything done ahead of time...but I know a few people who would read this and have a good laugh.
Will venture out tomorrow...keep posted :)
Thursday, 20 November 2014
COUNTDOWN ~ Just a day!
DAY 346
The purpose of my blog is to share one thing from each day as I approach my Retirement. I was hoping to convey wit, information and sometimes be clever in my dialogue.
Today was a slightly different day. Staff kicked off their 2015 United Way Fund raising with a "Tailgate Pizza Party". Pizza and Pop were dished up at the Wellness Complex Servery with clever names such as "Touchdown" which was two slices and coke, sprite or water.
Final files were sent off to the design team for the Division catalogue of programs or as we refer to it "The Wellness Guide". Back to doing the day to day creation of promotional materials for our many programs, activities and events.
Life is good, but what goes hand in hand in life is eventual demise. We attended a visitation for a friend this evening. The friend was our age, had an accident during his annual hunting trip and succumbed to his injuries. One consolation is that he died doing what he loved. Very hard for the family and friends that are left behind. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Burke family.
The purpose of my blog is to share one thing from each day as I approach my Retirement. I was hoping to convey wit, information and sometimes be clever in my dialogue.
Today was a slightly different day. Staff kicked off their 2015 United Way Fund raising with a "Tailgate Pizza Party". Pizza and Pop were dished up at the Wellness Complex Servery with clever names such as "Touchdown" which was two slices and coke, sprite or water.
Final files were sent off to the design team for the Division catalogue of programs or as we refer to it "The Wellness Guide". Back to doing the day to day creation of promotional materials for our many programs, activities and events.
Life is good, but what goes hand in hand in life is eventual demise. We attended a visitation for a friend this evening. The friend was our age, had an accident during his annual hunting trip and succumbed to his injuries. One consolation is that he died doing what he loved. Very hard for the family and friends that are left behind. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Burke family.
Wednesday, 19 November 2014
COUNTDOWN ~ Fire in the hole!
DAY 347
Burning mouth syndrome...heard of it? Neither did I until I had this queer sensation in my mouth like I had burnt my tongue on hot soup. Uncomfortable...oh yeah! Good news is the sensation disappears when you eat or sleep. Triggers are possibly hormonal, possibly stress related. Aggravated by hot drinks, much better to have ice cold drinks. Popsicles being my favourite soother. I noted, as well, using a mint chapstick helps soothe the dry lips and cool the sensation. Chewing mint gum seemed to help with the sensation as well. My family Doctor [and dentist] said there is no cure you just live with it and consolation is...it comes and goes which makes it hard to identify what is the trigger. Worse when I have a deadline to meet....did I just see a light bulb come on?!
Other names for burning mouth syndrome include scalded mouth syndrome, burning tongue syndrome, burning lips syndrome, stomatodynia and glossodynia.
Whatever pattern of mouth discomfort you have, burning mouth syndrome may last for months to years. In rare cases, symptoms may suddenly go away on their own or become less frequent. Burning mouth syndrome usually doesn't cause any noticeable physical changes to your tongue or mouth.
Underlying problems that may be linked to secondary burning mouth syndrome include:
Source: Mayo Clinic website
Burning mouth syndrome...heard of it? Neither did I until I had this queer sensation in my mouth like I had burnt my tongue on hot soup. Uncomfortable...oh yeah! Good news is the sensation disappears when you eat or sleep. Triggers are possibly hormonal, possibly stress related. Aggravated by hot drinks, much better to have ice cold drinks. Popsicles being my favourite soother. I noted, as well, using a mint chapstick helps soothe the dry lips and cool the sensation. Chewing mint gum seemed to help with the sensation as well. My family Doctor [and dentist] said there is no cure you just live with it and consolation is...it comes and goes which makes it hard to identify what is the trigger. Worse when I have a deadline to meet....did I just see a light bulb come on?!
Definition
Burning mouth syndrome is the medical term for ongoing (chronic) or recurrent burning in the mouth without an obvious cause. The discomfort may affect your tongue, gums, lips, inside of your cheeks, roof of your mouth or widespread areas of your whole mouth. Burning mouth syndrome appears suddenly and can be severe, as if you scalded your mouth.
Unfortunately, the cause of burning mouth syndrome often can't be determined. Although that makes treatment more difficult, don't despair. By working closely with your health care team, you can often get burning mouth syndrome under better control.Other names for burning mouth syndrome include scalded mouth syndrome, burning tongue syndrome, burning lips syndrome, stomatodynia and glossodynia.
Symptoms
Symptoms of burning mouth syndrome may include:
- A burning sensation that most commonly affects your tongue, but may also affect your lips, gums, palate, throat or whole mouth
- A sensation of dry mouth with increased thirst
- Taste changes, such as a bitter or metallic taste
- Loss of taste
Whatever pattern of mouth discomfort you have, burning mouth syndrome may last for months to years. In rare cases, symptoms may suddenly go away on their own or become less frequent. Burning mouth syndrome usually doesn't cause any noticeable physical changes to your tongue or mouth.
Causes
The cause of burning mouth syndrome can be classified as either primary or secondary.
Primary burning mouth syndrome
When no clinical or lab abnormalities can be identified, the condition is called primary or idiopathic burning mouth syndrome. Some research suggests that primary burning mouth syndrome is related to problems with taste and sensory nerves of the peripheral or central nervous system.Secondary burning mouth syndrome
Sometimes burning mouth syndrome is caused by an underlying medical condition. In these cases, it's called secondary burning mouth syndrome.Underlying problems that may be linked to secondary burning mouth syndrome include:
- Dry mouth (xerostomia), which can be caused by various medications, health problems, problems with salivary gland function or the side effects of cancer treatment
- Other oral conditions, such as a fungal infection of the mouth (oral thrush), an inflammatory condition called oral lichen planus, or a condition called geographic tongue that gives the tongue a map-like appearance
- Nutritional deficiencies, such as lack of iron, zinc, folate (vitamin B-9), thiamin (vitamin B-1), riboflavin (vitamin B-2), pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) and cobalamin (vitamin B-12)
- Dentures, especially if they don't fit well, which can place stress on some muscles and tissues of your mouth, or if they contain materials that irritate mouth tissues
- Allergies or reactions to foods, food flavorings, other food additives, fragrances, dyes or dental-work substances
- Reflux of stomach acid (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD) that enters your mouth from your stomach
- Certain medications, particularly high blood pressure medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Oral habits, such as tongue thrusting, biting the tip of the tongue and teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Endocrine disorders, such as diabetes or underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- Excessive mouth irritation, which may result from overbrushing your tongue, using abrasive toothpastes, overusing mouthwashes or having too many acidic drinks, such as lemon
- Psychological factors, such as anxiety, depression or stress
Risk factors
Burning mouth syndrome is uncommon. However, your risk may be greater if:
- You're a woman
- You're postmenopausal
- You're in your 50s, 60s or even 70s.
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Previous dental procedures
- Allergic reactions to food
- Medications
- Traumatic life events
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
Source: Mayo Clinic website
Tuesday, 18 November 2014
COUNTDOWN ~ "Mouse" Injury
DAY 348
Feeling a little discouraged and probably a little sorry for myself as I was no further ahead this week than the same time last week. I opted to go for a cortisone shot, last week, in my shoulder as prescribed by my family Doctor. This only after an x-ray and ultrasound to discover the damage and subsequent physiotherapy. The shoulder pain was such that the injection felt like a mere mosquito bite when it should have felt like a nasty bee sting. It went from there to not being able to raise my arm no more than elbow height for the next two days. I gradually returned to where I was before I went for the shot. What went wrong, why was this not helping? I spoke with my Physiotherapist today and she said it was 50/50...sometimes it works for an individual and sometimes it doesn't. Surprisingly this made me feel less down in the mouth and slightly more determined to make physiotherapy work for me with adjustments and strengthening exercises. It took a while for the shoulder to get where it needed physiotherapy (repetitive movement strain injury) or as I affectionately refer to it as my "mouse injury", so it will take time to recover.
Trivia:
Cortisone is a type of steroid that is produced naturally by a gland in your body called the adrenal gland. Cortisol is released from the adrenal gland when your body is under stress. Natural cortisone is released into the blood stream and is relatively short-acting.
Injectable cortisone is synthetically produced and has many different trade names (e.g. Celestone, Kenalog, etc.), but is a close derivative of your body's own product. The most significant differences are that synthetic cortisone is not injected into the blood stream, but into a particular area of inflammation. Also, the synthetic cortisone is designed to act more potently and for a longer period of time (days instead of minutes).Trivia:
Cortisone is a type of steroid that is produced naturally by a gland in your body called the adrenal gland. Cortisol is released from the adrenal gland when your body is under stress. Natural cortisone is released into the blood stream and is relatively short-acting.
Monday, 17 November 2014
COUNTDOWN ~ Soup's on!
DAY 349
What is Fennel? I don't believe I have ever had it until today. The Kitchen Servery at the Wellness Complex was serving up Sausage and Fennel soup. The broth was tomato based and the sausage was spicy. It was excellent!
So to answer my own question what is fennel....it is a bulbous vegetable with a tall, wispy, fronded top that looks rather like dill. The fronds can be used in salads, but the main attraction of fennel is the bulb itself. It's very firm and crunchy, and it tastes a bit like licorice and anise.
There are an abundance of soup recipes using fennel on the internet I will be sure to venture there!
Sunday, 16 November 2014
COUNTDOWN ~ Remote Control
DAY 350
Hunkered down with a cup of tea and the TV remote. Two hours of Once Upon A time - almost overdosing...but then it won't be on again for two weeks...withdrawal can be worse.
Next favourite is "Revenge"...love Emily/Amanda!
I also watch Resurrection which was preempted for OUAT...it was third on the like meter so didn't really matter.
The Countdown continues... please stay tuned!
Hunkered down with a cup of tea and the TV remote. Two hours of Once Upon A time - almost overdosing...but then it won't be on again for two weeks...withdrawal can be worse.Next favourite is "Revenge"...love Emily/Amanda!
I also watch Resurrection which was preempted for OUAT...it was third on the like meter so didn't really matter.The Countdown continues... please stay tuned!
COUNTDOWN - Road Trip
DAY 351
Hubby and I ventured down to Jordan, ON on Saturday for the Handmade Market. The weather was great! The sun was shining but there was a decided chill in the air which did gust from time to time. We parked at the Jordan Arena and just as we switched off the car a yellow school bus pulled up which was our shuttle to the event. The bus was awesome there were stickers of all kinds on the ceiling of the bus - what a way for kids to start their school day! It was impressive how the grounds of the Honsberger Estate were turned into an outdoor craft fair. They had several rows of tents and believe it or not it was warm and cozy inside. It was slightly crowded and at times difficult to get in close to some of the vendors. Had to squash my claustrophobic reaction to the melee.
We purchased a Wool Bowl from Akai Ceramics Studio of Toronto - it is very unique and I can see a valued use when tatting or beading plus small project knitting. http://akaiceramicstudio.blogspot.ca/p/about.html
Tucked away in a corner of one of the tents two ladies were huddled up against the tent back and their display. They were "Letters from Niagara" - these ladies take black and white photographs of historic buildings, places of interest or nature that would encompass an image that looked like a letter. They take these photos and form a unique pictorial of letters. Very classic....loved it! We had a lovely chat which increased our enjoyment of the day. http://www.lettersfromniagara.com/
Further down the line we came across a lady selling doggie collars, leashes and "Puppy Petals" which has a Velcro loop to attach to their collars. Couldn't resist purchasing a couple for our low to the ground ladies - spruce 'em up for Christmas!! We had a lovely chat with this lady as well. Of course, ultimately the conversation was all about dogs and she told us of an event called "Weinerfest" Embro, ON - all dachshunds. They have events such as yogurt licking, distance racing and costume contest. I feel a road trip coming on - June, 2015 http://wienerfest.ca/
Hubby and I ventured down to Jordan, ON on Saturday for the Handmade Market. The weather was great! The sun was shining but there was a decided chill in the air which did gust from time to time. We parked at the Jordan Arena and just as we switched off the car a yellow school bus pulled up which was our shuttle to the event. The bus was awesome there were stickers of all kinds on the ceiling of the bus - what a way for kids to start their school day! It was impressive how the grounds of the Honsberger Estate were turned into an outdoor craft fair. They had several rows of tents and believe it or not it was warm and cozy inside. It was slightly crowded and at times difficult to get in close to some of the vendors. Had to squash my claustrophobic reaction to the melee.
We purchased a Wool Bowl from Akai Ceramics Studio of Toronto - it is very unique and I can see a valued use when tatting or beading plus small project knitting. http://akaiceramicstudio.blogspot.ca/p/about.htmlTucked away in a corner of one of the tents two ladies were huddled up against the tent back and their display. They were "Letters from Niagara" - these ladies take black and white photographs of historic buildings, places of interest or nature that would encompass an image that looked like a letter. They take these photos and form a unique pictorial of letters. Very classic....loved it! We had a lovely chat which increased our enjoyment of the day. http://www.lettersfromniagara.com/
Further down the line we came across a lady selling doggie collars, leashes and "Puppy Petals" which has a Velcro loop to attach to their collars. Couldn't resist purchasing a couple for our low to the ground ladies - spruce 'em up for Christmas!! We had a lovely chat with this lady as well. Of course, ultimately the conversation was all about dogs and she told us of an event called "Weinerfest" Embro, ON - all dachshunds. They have events such as yogurt licking, distance racing and costume contest. I feel a road trip coming on - June, 2015 http://wienerfest.ca/
Friday, 14 November 2014
COUNTDOWN ~ Ass Backwards
DAY 352
Kinda tired....napped after supper! Started my day ass backwards, had breakfast BEFORE my shower that just isn't done. Set the mood for the day though. Met my deadline at work just barely. Feel I'm doing that ass backward as well...all very confusing and tiring!
You know that old saying "can't teach an old dog new tricks"...fast approaching that one. (Defined: something that you say which means it is difficult to make someone change the way they do something when they have been doing it the same way for a long time)
Constantly yawning think I'll go to bed; have an adventure tomorrow - visiting the Homemade Market in Jordan Ontario
visit this link: http://www.handmademarket.ca/blog/entry/what_is_the_handmade_market_you_ask
Kinda tired....napped after supper! Started my day ass backwards, had breakfast BEFORE my shower that just isn't done. Set the mood for the day though. Met my deadline at work just barely. Feel I'm doing that ass backward as well...all very confusing and tiring!
You know that old saying "can't teach an old dog new tricks"...fast approaching that one. (Defined: something that you say which means it is difficult to make someone change the way they do something when they have been doing it the same way for a long time)
Constantly yawning think I'll go to bed; have an adventure tomorrow - visiting the Homemade Market in Jordan Ontario
visit this link: http://www.handmademarket.ca/blog/entry/what_is_the_handmade_market_you_ask
Thursday, 13 November 2014
COUNTDOWN ~ Snow
DAY 353
First sign that Winter is here and not just around the corner. I put the dogs out first thing and I could see small flakes making their way to the ground. One touched down inches in front of me as I held the door for the dogs to exit. It hit the boards of the deck and I stared at it to see how long it would stay before disappearing...it looked like it was here to stay. As the day wore on it looked like we would really start to see our fist blanket of snow. Although it did collect on the car windows and in sheltered corners it did not turn into a "Winter Wonderland".
It is truly human, that when we have the hot summery weather we complain that it is too hot but yet when we experience the cold temperatures and signs of winter approaching we complain about the cold. If I figure it out I will most certainly blog it!
TRIVIA:
Snow is precipitation in the form of flakes of crystalline water ice that falls from clouds. Since snow is composed of small ice particles, it is a granular material. It has an open and therefore soft, white, and fluffy structure, unless subjected to external pressure. Snowflakes come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Types that fall in the form of a ball due to melting and refreezing, rather than a flake, are known as hail, ice pellets or snow grains.
The process of precipitating snow is called snowfall. Snowfall tends to form within regions of upward movement of air around a type of low-pressure system known as an extratropical cyclone. Snow can fall poleward of these systems' associated warm fronts and within their comma head precipitation patterns (called such due to the comma-like shape of the cloud and precipitation pattern around the poleward and west sides of extratropical cyclones). Where relatively warm water bodies are present, for example because of water evaporation from lakes, lake-effect snowfall becomes a concern downwind of the warm lakes within the cold cyclonic flow around the backside of extratropical cyclones. Lake-effect snowfall can be heavy locally. Thundersnow is possible within a cyclone's comma head and within lake effect precipitation bands. In mountainous areas, heavy snow is possible where upslope flow is maximized within windward sides of the terrain at elevation, if the atmosphere is cold enough. Snowfall amount and its related liquid equivalent precipitation amount are measured using a variety of different rain gauges. Source: Wikipedia
First sign that Winter is here and not just around the corner. I put the dogs out first thing and I could see small flakes making their way to the ground. One touched down inches in front of me as I held the door for the dogs to exit. It hit the boards of the deck and I stared at it to see how long it would stay before disappearing...it looked like it was here to stay. As the day wore on it looked like we would really start to see our fist blanket of snow. Although it did collect on the car windows and in sheltered corners it did not turn into a "Winter Wonderland".
It is truly human, that when we have the hot summery weather we complain that it is too hot but yet when we experience the cold temperatures and signs of winter approaching we complain about the cold. If I figure it out I will most certainly blog it!
TRIVIA:
Snow is precipitation in the form of flakes of crystalline water ice that falls from clouds. Since snow is composed of small ice particles, it is a granular material. It has an open and therefore soft, white, and fluffy structure, unless subjected to external pressure. Snowflakes come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Types that fall in the form of a ball due to melting and refreezing, rather than a flake, are known as hail, ice pellets or snow grains.
The process of precipitating snow is called snowfall. Snowfall tends to form within regions of upward movement of air around a type of low-pressure system known as an extratropical cyclone. Snow can fall poleward of these systems' associated warm fronts and within their comma head precipitation patterns (called such due to the comma-like shape of the cloud and precipitation pattern around the poleward and west sides of extratropical cyclones). Where relatively warm water bodies are present, for example because of water evaporation from lakes, lake-effect snowfall becomes a concern downwind of the warm lakes within the cold cyclonic flow around the backside of extratropical cyclones. Lake-effect snowfall can be heavy locally. Thundersnow is possible within a cyclone's comma head and within lake effect precipitation bands. In mountainous areas, heavy snow is possible where upslope flow is maximized within windward sides of the terrain at elevation, if the atmosphere is cold enough. Snowfall amount and its related liquid equivalent precipitation amount are measured using a variety of different rain gauges. Source: Wikipedia
Wednesday, 12 November 2014
COUNTDOWN ~ Flatulance shhhh!
DAY 354
Inevitably conversation can and will revert to our bodily functions. One gal said she refused to board an elevator with this fellow (who shall remain nameless) because he always farted. Well, that kind of got everyone's attention. I took the bait, wanted to know if he was bold and noisy or quiet. She replied indignantly "silent BUT deadly" almost lost it....needed that afternoon chuckle!
TRIVIA:
Fart is a word in the English language most commonly used in reference to flatulence. The word "fart" is generally considered unsuitable in formal situations as it may be considered vulgar or offensive. Fart can be used as a noun or a verb. The immediate roots are in the Middle English words ferten, feortan or farten, kin of the Old High German word ferzan. Cognates are found in old Norse, Slavic and also Greek and Sanskrit. The word "fart" has been incorporated into the colloquial and technical speech of a number of occupations, including computing.
Rhyming slang developed the alternative form "raspberry tart", later shortened to "raspberry", and occasionally abbreviated further to "razz". This was associated with the phrase "blowing a raspberry". The word has become more prevalent, and now features in children's literature, such as the Walter the Farting Dog series of children's books, Robert Munsch's Good Families Don't and The Gas We Pass by Shinta Cho.
According to The Alphabet of Manliness, the assigning of blame for farting is part of a ritual of behaviour. This may involve deception and a back and forth rhyming game. Derived terms include fanny fart (queef), brain fart (slang for a special kind of abnormal brain activity which results in human error while performing a repetitive task, or more generally denoting a degree of mental laxity or any task-related forgetfulness, such as forgetting how to hold a fork) and old fart. Source: Wikipedia
Inevitably conversation can and will revert to our bodily functions. One gal said she refused to board an elevator with this fellow (who shall remain nameless) because he always farted. Well, that kind of got everyone's attention. I took the bait, wanted to know if he was bold and noisy or quiet. She replied indignantly "silent BUT deadly" almost lost it....needed that afternoon chuckle!
TRIVIA:
Fart is a word in the English language most commonly used in reference to flatulence. The word "fart" is generally considered unsuitable in formal situations as it may be considered vulgar or offensive. Fart can be used as a noun or a verb. The immediate roots are in the Middle English words ferten, feortan or farten, kin of the Old High German word ferzan. Cognates are found in old Norse, Slavic and also Greek and Sanskrit. The word "fart" has been incorporated into the colloquial and technical speech of a number of occupations, including computing.
Modern usage
By the early twentieth century, the word "fart" had come to be considered rather vulgar in most English-speaking cultures. While not one of George Carlin's original seven dirty words, he noted in a later routine that the word fart, ought to be added to "the list" of words that were not acceptable (for broadcast) in any context (which have non-offensive meanings), and described television as (then) a "fart-free zone". Thomas Wolfe had the phrase "a fizzing and sulphuric fart" cut out of his 1929 work Look Homeward, Angel by his publisher. Ernest Hemingway, who had the same publisher, accepted the principle that "fart" could be cut, on the grounds that no one should use words only to shock. The hippie movement in the 1970s saw a new definition develop, with the use of "fart" as a personal noun, to describe a "detestable person, or someone of small stature or limited mental capacity", gaining wider and more open usage as a result.Rhyming slang developed the alternative form "raspberry tart", later shortened to "raspberry", and occasionally abbreviated further to "razz". This was associated with the phrase "blowing a raspberry". The word has become more prevalent, and now features in children's literature, such as the Walter the Farting Dog series of children's books, Robert Munsch's Good Families Don't and The Gas We Pass by Shinta Cho.
According to The Alphabet of Manliness, the assigning of blame for farting is part of a ritual of behaviour. This may involve deception and a back and forth rhyming game. Derived terms include fanny fart (queef), brain fart (slang for a special kind of abnormal brain activity which results in human error while performing a repetitive task, or more generally denoting a degree of mental laxity or any task-related forgetfulness, such as forgetting how to hold a fork) and old fart. Source: Wikipedia
Tuesday, 11 November 2014
COUNTDOWN ~ Remembrance Day
DAY 355
Today our soldiers are remembered. A man we called "Dad"... not father, nor daddy perhaps at some time... but always "Dad". He enlisted on the outset of World War 2. His rank Sergeant of the 4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards. He was away for four long years, was injured, returned home to a young wife and to meet who was his son, a mere toddler, for the first time. The toddler spoke only French and he only English, what a learning curve for both. The family grew to four children, there were good times and there were hard times. Dad would only live just shy of his 58th birthday.
Today, you are remembered "Dad" .... may you Rest In Peace!
TRIVIA:
Prewar
In 1936 the 4th Hussars and the Princess Louise Dragoon Guards were amalgamated to form the 4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards.
Second World War
The 4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards was a Militia Regiment activated for Wartime Service with the Canadian Army (Active) in 1941. A former cavalry regiment with roots in the Ottawa area that dated back to the late 1800s it was assigned to the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps which itself had been activated in 1940. In 1942 it was redesignated the 4th Reconnaissance Regiment (4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards), the same year the first of its soldiers sailed for the United Kingdom where 4th PLDG joined 1st Canadian Infantry Division at Camp Aldershot.
4th Recce immediately began expanding its ranks, taking volunteers from infantry regiments serving in the United Kingdom and a steady flow of reinforcements from Canada. Four squadrons were eventually raised in addition to the Regimental HQ Squadron. A reserve squadron, based in Ottawa continued to provide reinforcements throughout the war as well.
Source: Wikipedia
For full write-up see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4th_Princess_Louise_Dragoon_Guards
Today our soldiers are remembered. A man we called "Dad"... not father, nor daddy perhaps at some time... but always "Dad". He enlisted on the outset of World War 2. His rank Sergeant of the 4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards. He was away for four long years, was injured, returned home to a young wife and to meet who was his son, a mere toddler, for the first time. The toddler spoke only French and he only English, what a learning curve for both. The family grew to four children, there were good times and there were hard times. Dad would only live just shy of his 58th birthday.
Today, you are remembered "Dad" .... may you Rest In Peace!
TRIVIA:
Prewar
In 1936 the 4th Hussars and the Princess Louise Dragoon Guards were amalgamated to form the 4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards.
Second World War
The 4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards was a Militia Regiment activated for Wartime Service with the Canadian Army (Active) in 1941. A former cavalry regiment with roots in the Ottawa area that dated back to the late 1800s it was assigned to the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps which itself had been activated in 1940. In 1942 it was redesignated the 4th Reconnaissance Regiment (4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards), the same year the first of its soldiers sailed for the United Kingdom where 4th PLDG joined 1st Canadian Infantry Division at Camp Aldershot.
4th Recce immediately began expanding its ranks, taking volunteers from infantry regiments serving in the United Kingdom and a steady flow of reinforcements from Canada. Four squadrons were eventually raised in addition to the Regimental HQ Squadron. A reserve squadron, based in Ottawa continued to provide reinforcements throughout the war as well.
Source: Wikipedia
For full write-up see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4th_Princess_Louise_Dragoon_Guards
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