a big thank you

Not that the man will ever read this message, but I just want to send a HUGE thank-you out to the snow plow driver that pulled me out of the ditch this morning. Your friendly hello, and sense of humor made this somewhat scared, and very embarrassed girl, not so embarrassed, and somewhat calm.

Often we let the hard work of these individuals pass by unnoticed. Getting from point A to point B, in the winter, would not be so easy without them.

So thank-you snow plow drivers for all the hard work you do....but please remember, the green mailbox on Douglas Line, the one with the numbers 5923, that's my mailbox, so please don't run in over.

petals

after three months...

my ring has finally arrived home from the jewelers...what a happy girl I am

the more houses i see

...the more I wish I still held child-like anticipation for the new.


The house hunt continues, and today I'm just having a hard time accepting that this is my last Christmas in my house. Moving as a child was never hard for me. It was an a new adventure, a new house to explore. Perhaps I only feel this way because we haven't found the right house yet. I trust God with our future, but, I'm still human. I hold my house with sentimental value, even though when it comes down to it, it's just a pile of bricks.

To be totally honest with you, if I were to take a virtual tour, or like-wise of my house, there would be no way that I would want to buy it. This house is old, and not nice New England, or Victorian old, and full of character. Old as in, it needs work-- like replacing our kitchen floor, because it is the most ugly, and I mean uuuuugly linoleum--straight from the 60's or 70's, but I've gotten used to it. I do love my kitchen though. The amount of work space I have is phenomenal, and I have a full walk-in pantry. Our upstairs needs to have the dry-wall finished, after pulling out all the paneling---honestly paneling? it's not even real wood paneling. There is many more plans we had, but the point is, we don't own our house, and we do not plan on continuing to pay rent at an increased rate, and increase the value of a house we don't even own--there is just no logic in that---that's not to say that we haven't' taken care of this house, because we have, and we have done things to increase the value of the house, in hope that we might get it severed from the land, but after much paper-work, meetings and time, there was no such luck.

I must trust that there is a "right" house out there for us, and we'll find it at the right time. I just have to keep remembering that it's all under control. The house we finally end up in, will be ours, it will be new, it will be nice, it will be open, and it will become even more sentimental.

happy birthday

Although I'm late on the delivery, my nineteenth birthday was on Friday. I had a blast! The birthday gathering was small, but the company made the night.

The birthday girl.

The beautiful flowers my momma gave me, and a celebratory bottle on strawberry champagne.

My beautiful sister.



The cake...a perfect blend of chocolate and vanilla swirl, frosted with whip cream, and sprinkled with organic chocolate shavings. Mmmm it was divine!

The day was filled, with family, love, tons of laughs, good food, and good friends. I look forward to the year ahead with you all. Thanks!!!

Sending a ginormous thank-you to my momma and dad for a spectacular birthday. The food was delicious, and your generosity still astounds me. Although I'm growing up, I will always be your baby girl, no matter what. Thank-you for the years of love and Christian fellowship you've given me. I am the women I am today because of you. I am by no means perfect, and there is plenty, and I mean plenty of room, and ways in which I must change and grow, but you've given me a firm foundation, and for that I am forever thankful. I look forward to my future, and I await the opportunities God will bless me with, and it is my prayer, that I may continue to grow in the years to come, becoming the women God has designed me to be.

Daniel and Julia---Thank-you for making the effort to come home for my birthday. You know I am always excited to have you home, and it was the best gift you could give me. You are two very important people to me, and I am so blessed to have you as my siblings.

Christina, I wish you and Mike and my little niece of nephew could have been here, but I look forward to seeing you at Christmas.

Darryl, it was great having you!--I know you said you wouldn't miss my birthday for anything in the world---you're too special! Never fear, you know I love you, just like I love Julia;)

Tyler, I miss having you around. Thanks for coming over for the big day---I hope to see you around more!

a day to stay home

With an Alberta Clipper on it's way in, and the wind howling, and blowing snow every which way, it was a grand day to stay inside---meaing no work for me! Thursday afternoon held a long enough drive home through the snow packed roads, and white out conditions, that there was no way I was going back out on those roads---I wished to spare my life thank you very much!!!

A day at home, in all its glory, allowed me many extra hours of sleep, a long hot soak in the tub, multiple cups of tea, and an extra day with my sister---Thursday night I hadd a surprise note from my mother telling me that Julia had decided to come home for the weekend! How estatic was I? Well I was pretty darn excited. I even went out and shoveled the drive-way. That's A LOT of snow removal, let me tell you!

As the storm quieted in mid-afternoon (only to restore itself to full strength, come evening) we had a little visitor on our window sill.

The rest of our day, was filled good food, good family fellowship, and a sister bonding time of shoveling more snow---all to get Darryl safely up our driveway.

The afternoon ended with a beautiful winter sky, as the sunset, and the snow clouds came in off the lake ( I do wish that building wasn't there so I could show you the full beauty of the sunset).

a cup of childhood memories

my peter rabbit cup

Winter Wonderland

Relinquishing my warm bed to face the day set before me, I became aware of the foot of snow that had fallen so quietly, outside my window during the night. At first I was shocked and disappointed to see, that the glorious fall really was over. As I trudged down the driveway to put the garbage at the curb, the familiar smell of wood burning in a wood stove, and the icy cold on my face brought back that old familiar winter atmosphere.

As much as I am dissapointed that winter has set in, I will be thankful...thankful for the beauty of the crisp linen snow that covers the tree tops, creating a natural sparkle as the sun shines, and for the gift of Christmas.

Written: November 18/2008

overwhelmed with generosity

My parent's generosity absolutely blows me out of the water. As a surprise today at dinner, my parents presented me with an early birthday gift, and what a gift it was!!!

The surprise was: a new camera!!!! I've been looking at buying a new camera for a long time. Up until now, I have used my parent's Olympus, which they purchased when digital cameras first came avaiable on the market---we're talking stone age technology, nevertheless I was thankful for the oppurtunity to use it. This camera has allowed me to take some amazing pictures, but I felt it was time for something different; a new challenge. When my Mom asked me what I would like for my birthday, I responded by sharing my thoughts for a new camera, and I suggested that perhaps she could not buy me any gifts, but perhaps put a little money towards my purchase of a new camera. Obviously, my parent's contributed more than a little.

I love my parents, and not because they bought me an amazing camera, but becasue they saw a passion being sparked within me, they listened, and heard what I was looking for in a camera, and then they helped me pursue a dream. I didn't need this camera, but my parents have graciously blessed me with an amazing piece of technology, that was neither guilted on, or expected of them. Thank you Mom and Dad, and thank-you Lord for giving me such thoughtful and considerate parent's.

Mom and Dad, your gracious generosity truly leaves me speechless. I love you guys!

What camera is it you ask? I now am the proud owner of a Kodak Easychare Z1012 IS, with 10.1 megapixels, 12X optical zoom, with a 4G memory card, and a bunch of other cool stuff I have yet to discover!

I am so blessed!

PS: In my next post I want to share my weekend, it was AMAZING!

a long few days

Although I've had the last four days off from work, the work at home never ceases.

Sunday was church followed by an afternoon of pie baking.
Monday was a one of two days for running errands all about town, and making a meal for a friend in need.
Tuesday I had company for breakfast, an afternoon jam-packed with baking, followed by dropping off the meal we made, which then had me returning home to finish our dinner.

Finally, Wednesday(today) I had myself crossing the border to pick up car parts for my brother's BMW(oh...the things I do for that boy, but I love him so). Of course, you can't go to Michigan without shopping; it's just a well known fact.

Mixed into each day was the laundry...the never ending chore! However, I like clean clothes, so I deal with it.

Ironically, this past week's weather has turned from snotty, nasty, cold weather, to a comfortable, and greatly appreciated 72 degrees. This being the week that they start playing Christmas music in the mall, ha! It almost felt like I was in Florida!

All in all, even though these past few days have been busy and a bit hectic, I am thankful for the things I was able to accomplish. Tomorrow is back to work, and therefore back to a whole different kind of hectic!!!

Take care, and I look forward to writing more later!

PS: This whole time change has my body all switched around! On my regular days off, I tend to stay up a bit later the night before and sleep in until eight-thirty, now I've been getting up at seven, or seven-thirty...on my day off!!! Cah-razy! I never thought I'd see this day. Oh well, I still feel rested, so thank you Lord for another hour in my day:)

the blessed sun returns

The last few days have been dark and dreary, and very winterish, yuck! We had a flakey taste of winter this morning, and boy oh boy, what I did not to cry! (oh, how I wanted to hop on a plane and call that, that) However, this evening for the first time in days, the sun arrayed itself on the western sky and let its beams shine heavenward, adding a touch of warmth to the chilled Autumn air. I sure am thankful for the sun!

A side note on Halloween:

This year we decided to do caramel corn for Halloween.

Here's how it turner out:

What a lovely mound of yummy, yummy caramel corn!

an insensate hour...

Tomorrow is back to work. Today was my only day off in a 6 day stretch, and boy oh boy did I cherish those extra two and a half hours of sleep this morning! Eight-thirty is such a reasonable time to get up. Now that the days are getting shorter, that is when the sun has started the climb the cold autum sky, and with it, and added touch of warmth. Five-thirty or six on the other hand, is a cold and intolerable hour to pull myself out of bed---I'm just not ready for the world at this time, especially with the cold weather.

Now, here I sit with a hot cup of tea, enjoying the last hours before I head to bed. I trust tomorrow will be a smooth running day at work and miraculously I will be able to feel awake and ready to go in the morning. Isn't this my wish every day?


PS: The house hunt continues! We have found some beautiful homes, and all I want is a nice kitchen. I know the Lord will provide us with the right house at the right time, just like he did with our house in Waterloo. God is good, and he knows the desires of our hearts. Bestow your desires to Him, and he will honor them.

i got caught...

...I just couldn't help it. I sat down on the coach and the blanket and pillow were there and I just got sucked in----I promise it wasn't intentional ;). ( come on though the last three days of work have been cah-razy!!!---I was just burnt out)

come on people

Why do people have to be so stinkin' rude? I had two instances today with people that were unbelievably rude. The first was a construction worker: He was standing in the road with no apparent construction going on, holding a slow/stop sign. I stopped---following the directions of the sign, and staying on my side of the road---there was no oncoming traffic, so he flipped the sign to slow, and I started going straight (slowly), suddenly he started slamming his sign on the road, and holding it out in front of my car, and yelling. Apparently I wasn't driving on the right side of him---if you want me to drive on the other side instruct me to before I start driving; by way of hand motions or something, but when the road is clear and you're not properly directing traffic, then don't yell at me, because I don't know what you want.

Secondly, I was in the corner store picking up a movie to watch, and a man walked up to the counter. Apparently, his wife didn't receive something back---something that had to do with her lottery tickets. Now, the family that owns this store are oriental, and speak fairly fluent English, but the lady was having a slight problem understanding him. He got in a big huff and got ugly with her. Why? how does it benefit the situation to fly off the handle? Truth is it doesn't. Why couldn't he have politely explained to her the issue? Same with my the construction worker, why couldn't he have kindly showed me where he wanted me to go ( Note: I've driven past this construction sight 3-5 times a week for the past 5 months and I've never had problems with any of the other workers---the guy that usually directs traffic---when needed---always stands in a good spot and shows traffic where to go). I just don't get people sometimes. I worked in the service business for 3 years, but man!!! Maybe I've just lost my edge for tolerance---I don't know?

Well, I just wanted to share that with you all, and encourage you to be tolerant, and considerate while dealing with people; smile, say please, thank-you, excuse me, and I guarantee you'll be the beloved customer, or fellow shopper/worker/ whatever role you may play. It makes for a more enjoyable day:)

the grapes of sweetness

I've tried something new today, which I have heard/learned a lot about, but have not tried. I juiced my very first basket of grapes, and what a success it was!! After steaming down an 11 quart basket of concord grapes, I now have 6 1/4 quarts of fresh, yummy, all-natural, no-preservative grape juice---I consider it more a grape concentrate though, becuase it is quite syrup like, and sweet.

Here's what I did:

I started out with one 11 quart basket of freshly picked concord grapes. As this was a first trial, I started small, but I do know of people that do up to 12 bushels of grapes, equaling roughly 50 gallons of syrup---love a duck that's a lot of grape juice!

Next, I hulled the grapes from the vine, and washed them thoroughly. (Note: this is only half the grapes)

Water is added to the steamer, and the grapes placed into the collinder insert. I added the second half of the grapes, once the grapes started to steam down, and juice was being produced.

This is the set up suggested to me to catch the juice. I transferred the juice into half-quart mason jars and sealed the lids---which sealed quite well on their own, because the juice is boiling hot, however, I did boil the jars just to make sure the lids sealed properly.

Here is the finished product---after about a 1/2 hour of prep ,1 and 1/2 hours of steaming and 15 minutes of cleaning, you've got some delicious, all-natural, anti-oxidant rich grape juice at your convience.

There you go! Oh, I though I would mention---once I find away to seperate the seeds from the peels, I plan on using the pulp to make a batch of fruit leather---waste not, want not!

adventure here we come....

Today was the perfect day for a hike---so hiking I went. The sun was shining, and the air was cold; a comfortable and refreshing cold.

Nestled in the heart of a small town, not far from me, is the most beautiful treasure... care to discover it with me?

This is where it all started: at the top of the gorge for the Hobbs Mackenzie Drain.

The first and largest set of falls running on the Drain.

A nice view of all three waterfalls.

Continuing onward...

My thinking rock. This is my special nature spot to come and think. The sound of the water running, the fresh smell of autum, sigh, it's just so refreshing. I feel care free and relaxed---it's perfect. I have some pretty special memories here, finding the strength and peace to get by.

A look back on how far we've come.

Almost to the river.

Where the Drain meets the Ausable River. I love the way the sun casts it's warming beems on the colourful trees.

Time to head back up. There are seven flights of stairs ahead of us: think we can make it?

Victory!

Thanks for walking with me---it was a blast!

one happy lady

I am one happy lady---I was able to have another exceptionally productive day! What made my day all that more wonderful is that I spent the majority of it in my kitchen--- My little piece of heaven on earth.

My day was comprised of:

Only the most delicious ginger bread cookies, suggested to me by Andrea over at Sgtand MrsHub.

Two full casserole dishes, of whole wheat pasta cassorole---it's like lasagna, but I used penne instead of lasagna noodles. There was one for me to freeze and one for a young mother at our church, who has pneumonia.

Note: This hasn't been cooked yet, because I'm freezing it for a quick and healthy dinner when I don't have time!

The rest of my productivity is still in the oven and the breadmaker---roastbeef, and while wheat flax bread. Yummy, I can't wait for dinner!

Oh, and the laundry, mustn't forget about the loads of laundry. I think by the end of today I just might be caught up!

I'll catch you all later, thanks for stopping by:)

Ps: Grab your hiking boots, we're going on an adventure---in my next post!

A day of work

Now that I'm curled up on the couch with a hot cup of tea; relaxing, I'll share my day:

Today was filled with cleaning, and sorting, and laundry, and more cleaning, with a few errands in town that had to be done. I was bustin' my behind today. The end result is wonderful though---my house looks and smells clean, my uniforms are washed and ready for Thursday, and I was able to rid of some more clutter. I even had dinner ready on time.

I have to say, this whole---I don't know when I'll be moving idea, really has be ridding of my clutter and extra clothing, leaving me extra shelf/drawer space, and my whole house just seems more tidy. I hope I continue to maitain a love level of clutter at the new house.

Tomorrow I will finish the laundry and hopefully get some quality time in the kitchen. I have a few new recipes I really want to test out, plus a loaf of bread would be nice. My plans for dinner are: roast beef, roasted potatoes, green beans, and probably another vegetable of which I haven't decded yet.

Well, I think I'll head to bed, for tomorrow presens a fresh day, and I want to be suited to embrace it.

The dreadful bath water...

My kitty has fleas---need I say more? I feel absolutely terrible, Bob has never had fleas in the 11 years we've had him, and in the process of ridding these pesty inhabitants I've had to give him, not one, but two baths---two baths in two days. Needless to say I'm not his most favourite person at the moment.

This may come across as cruel, but I just had to get a picture of his suffering---he's just so cute, in a kind of drowned rat kind of way.

Alas I write...

Hello and welcome to my blog....come on over and rock a while.
I'll be honest (that's a good start), I really don't know how to introduce myself, so perhaps I'll give you all a little background.

I am a country girl through and through. Although I started life in the city I moved to the country when I was 4 years old and have lived here ever since. For the longest time I hated living here, even from four years old. Schools around here weren't the same as the school I left, and no one seemed friendly. Elementry school holds my least favourite memories. When I started highschool my parents started talking about moving back to the city--- I was captivated with the idea of leaving this life behind and getting a new start with new friends and a different way of life. We never ended up moving while I was in highschool and I eventually had to re-adapt to the idea of finishing school here, with the hope of heading off to university and leaving this town for good. However, the years have gone by and my heart has changed, I have found that my journey here has been a formative basis of self-discovery. These walls have been witness to the joyful, rueful times I've gone through as a teenager and young-adult. Now when the topic of moving has come around, I don't want to give up life here for anything in the world.

However, the day will come when I will have to let go of my roots and break ground somewhere new---that day frightens me. I'm not ready to leave the comfort of the well-known behind, only to enter the unknown. God's working in my heart, and although I may never be prepared to leave, I know my leaving can only bring growth, maturity, and new perspective. I will learn to adapt---even though it may not be easy.

Within the next year I will finish my job at the gereatric care unit I work at and head back to school---where? you ask, well that I don't know yet. I have one of 2 choices so far. Regardless, I will pack up my belongings and say good-bye to my cozy country home forever. There are two thoughts that keep me motivated and somewhat optomistic: 1) The house: the next house is going to have an amazing kitchen---of that I'm sure---with a modern, yet country cozy atmosphere. 2) The people: moving will give me the oppurtunity to make great new friends, I don't know who they are or where they are, but they are there, waiting for friendship just as I will be there looking for friendship.

It was so nice sharing this with you. Stop by again soon. :)