Hey Humble Readers...
Autumn has well and truly fallen on the Shire. The trees are golden, and the leaves are crunching underfoot. When they're not too soggy to crunch that is. It's been raining a lot over the last few days, and with the rain has come some crazy cold weather. Normally this time of year our daytime high is 16C... nice crisp fall weather. Today's high is 5C (and it currently feels like it's 1C). I am so close to turning on the furnace it isn't funny, but I'm trying to hold off for as long as I can.
Oh, and we woke up to a skiff of that white poop on the ground this morning. Yuck!
*****
One weather related complication that is rather unique to Canada is planning for Halloween. I'm wracking my brain trying to come up with some cute costumes for the wee-lings, that are both weather and stroller friendly (for Pip at least). I have an idea that would be super cute for Pippin, and would work over a winter coat, but it doesn't jive with him being in the stroller. Maybe I'll hold it off for next year. Ginny is another story entirely. I have a good idea if the weather is warm-ish (above freezing), but if it's chilly (read: arctic) then I don't know what we'll do. If it's super cold, then we'll probably just trick or treat around the mall (they give out candy at each store) rather than doing the neighbourhood.
*****
I've been to the gym once so far. I fully intended to go this morning, but Pip woke up screaming just as I was getting ready to go. The other night I did 8km on the stationary bike, 3km on the treadmill, and the weight circuit. It felt good, until the next morning. LOL It will be difficult to get back on the bike tomorrow morning (and yes, I WILL go).
*****
We are planning to go to a Fall Festival at a local farm on Saturday. I'm looking forward to it, just as a nice outing for all of us. The weather is supposed to be nice, and I'm hoping to get some fun pictures of the wee-lings. We are also going to be picking out our pumpkins, and maybe the last of the fresh local produce for the year.
*****
I've been doing a lot more laundry the last few days... we have been having diaper leak after diaper leak. With both wee-lings. We haven't had a dry morning in days. I'm not sure what's changed. Maybe it's time to consider moving them up into the next size.
*****
Pippin has become obsessed with the dishwasher. He pushes buttons, turns the dial to start it, and takes dirty dishes out. Silly boy. We also may have gotten a word out of our not-so-talkative little boy. I was waving at him the other day, saying bye-bye, and he looked at me, waved, and said buh-buh. Haven't been able to get him to repeat it, but it was the first actual word we've had from him.
*****
Ginny loves having "jobs to do". She helps load the washer and dryer. She sets the table (cutlery, salt and pepper, condiments), sweeps the floor under the table after lunch, sorts and folds laundry (granted it isn't neat), and helps take out the garbage.
But most of all, she loves to help make dinner. She does simple things, like transfer the diced potatoes to the pot or spread the broccoli out on the baking tray. Last night she spread mustard on the roast with a little help. The night before, she helped combine all the veggies for the casserole. Tonight she'll be helping to make the buns to go along with the chili we're having. It's fun having her help, and we get to talk about the colours of the food, about numbers (how many potatoes is Mummy peeling?), and about food groups. I've noticed an increase in her willingness to eat more vegetables (yucky hasn't been in her vocabulary in quite a while). And she's so proud when Daddy thanks her for helping.
Showing posts with label weather. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weather. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Hot
Hey Humble Readers...
Your friendly neighbourhood hobbit is a puddle tonight. It is seriously hot on the flatland. And getting hotter.
When I got up this morning to go for a walk it was already 18C (felt like 24C according to the humidex). At 5am. A week ago that was our daytime high.
The hobbit-hole faces full west, so of course we get the full brunt of the sun. This is a great in the middle of winter, but during our brief heat-waves it's pretty much unbearable.
We have two fans going in the living room and dining room, and one in each of the bedrooms. Thankfully, the wee-lings' nursery is the only room that doesn't face west, so it's not quite as hot as everywhere else. The coolest spot in our condo is in the hallway, where the thermostat is. Right now it reads 30C. That's about 86F.
Our current outdoor temp is 32C, and feels like 41C (106F) with the humidity. It's gone up two degrees in the last hour. And it's after 8pm.
The wee-lings and I spent the day not moving a whole lot, drinking a lot of water, and spraying ourselves with water (something the wee-lings found particularly amusing). I just took another shower to try to cool off, but it hasn't helped.
I know that our temps are nothing compared to what some of you experience south of here, but for those of us not acclimatized to this sort of heat it's crazy-making.
Thankfully, starting tomorrow it's going to cool off a bit, get a little bit more bearable. I don't want rain, but I don't want this either.
How do you all stay cool in the summer heat?
Your friendly neighbourhood hobbit is a puddle tonight. It is seriously hot on the flatland. And getting hotter.
When I got up this morning to go for a walk it was already 18C (felt like 24C according to the humidex). At 5am. A week ago that was our daytime high.
The hobbit-hole faces full west, so of course we get the full brunt of the sun. This is a great in the middle of winter, but during our brief heat-waves it's pretty much unbearable.
We have two fans going in the living room and dining room, and one in each of the bedrooms. Thankfully, the wee-lings' nursery is the only room that doesn't face west, so it's not quite as hot as everywhere else. The coolest spot in our condo is in the hallway, where the thermostat is. Right now it reads 30C. That's about 86F.
Our current outdoor temp is 32C, and feels like 41C (106F) with the humidity. It's gone up two degrees in the last hour. And it's after 8pm.
The wee-lings and I spent the day not moving a whole lot, drinking a lot of water, and spraying ourselves with water (something the wee-lings found particularly amusing). I just took another shower to try to cool off, but it hasn't helped.
I know that our temps are nothing compared to what some of you experience south of here, but for those of us not acclimatized to this sort of heat it's crazy-making.
Thankfully, starting tomorrow it's going to cool off a bit, get a little bit more bearable. I don't want rain, but I don't want this either.
How do you all stay cool in the summer heat?
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Sunday Night Chit Chat: Odds & Ends
Hey Humble Readers...
Well, where did that week go? Hmmm....
AF has been and gone, and kicked my ass in the process. The old witch brought a particularly nasty IBS flare along with her that made going for my walks, or anywhere else for that matter, fairly impossible. Even with AF around, and only being able to get half of my usual walks in, I still managed to lose a couple more pounds this week. Woohoo! (Take that jackass who hollered 'hey fatty!' at me today in the mall parking lot)
Summer is most certainly here on the flatland. Once the rains stopped last week we started hitting the crazy hot summer temps (30C, feels like 36C. That's hot for us anyway) that make the hobbit-hole more than a little uncomfortable. I do love this time of year though for one reason... it's daylight from five in the morning until ten at night. The joys of living this far north! The only down side to having this much daylight means that the fireworks for Canada Day tomorrow don't get started until 11:30 at night. Rather prohibitive given that we have two wee-lings and my Beloved has to work the next day.
I'm hesitant to say this just yet, but my black thumb may be turning the teensiest bit green. I planted two basil plants, three thyme, two lavender, and one gerbera daisy in pots out on the balcony and so far about half of them are doing pretty good. The basil (my nemesis) is doing really well, as is the thyme. The lavender is fading, but I honestly think I got a couple of bum plants to start with. I had thought the gerbera was a goner, but it seems to be perking up. Overall, 50% is a marked improvement. Last year when I planted basil, it completely died within two weeks of potting it, and I won't even remind you about my tomato harvest of last year.
I finished watching the first season of Game of Thrones. Loved it!! I'm not sure that I'll read the books, as my to-read list is immense right now, but I won't rule it out sometime down the road. I'm a little bummed right now though, because I'm 25th on the hold list for season 2 from the library. They have two copies, with another on order, but it will be a while yet before I get to watch it.
And because I'm a royalist, I feel I need to put this out there. My predictions for the Duchess of Cambridge's wee-ling: The baby will be born on July 15th, will be a relatively little baby (7lbs-ish), will be a girl, and she will be named Victoria (with the names Diana, Elizabeth, and some form of Carol as middle names). IF by chance it's a boy, his name will be Arthur (with Phillip, Charles, and George as middle names). What are your predictions?
Anywho, on to this week's chit chat. Here's what I'm...
Reading... Still reading Paris by Rutherfurd. Loving it! Just taking a while to get through because I've been so tired this past week. After I'm done with Paris, I'll be moving on to the sequel to The Devil Wears Prada (can't remember what it's called just now). My to-read list is getting a little out control, so I have to get moving.
Watching... Nothing at the moment, but tonight my Beloved and I will be watching "The Great Escape" (an old war movie... Beloved got it for Father's Day). I'll be recording a couple of regular Sunday night shows (Food Network Star and Whodunit) for later in the week.
Listening to... my Beloved reading Chicka Chicka Boom Boom to Ginny.
Cooking/Baking... Oh Humble Readers! The hobbit hole smells divine! Tonight we are having BBQ pulled pork sandwiches with cole slaw. I've got the pork doing it's thing in the slow cooker (the oven will not be getting turned on this week at all!) and it's all I can do to not dive into it right now. It smells sooooooooo good!
Happy I accomplished this week... Purged the wee-lings' dressers and closet, and sold $18 worth of it to the local kids consignment store (donated the rest to a thrift store). Got the wee-lings swim suits. Found some sugar-free, lactose-free chocolate ice cream bars that are only 5 grams of carbs each and they taste good! Put together the list of to do's for the hobbit hole in preparation for listing it (hopefully next summer? maybe?).
Looking forward to next week... Taking the wee-lings to the splash park tomorrow. Going through my hoarder-esque stack of magazines.
Thankful for this week... That we have fans that work hard to cool the hobbit-hole. That I get the privilege to live in this beautiful country. Even with it's flaws, I wouldn't choose to live anywhere else.
***Bonus Question*** What was your very *first* real job? Other than babysitting, which I hated, my first job was at a small town pizza restaurant as a dishwasher and as the restaurant's costumed mascot. Yup, I dressed up in a bear costume and did kids' birthday parties and stood out on the corner sweltering in the summer sun waving at the passing cars. I was even in a couple of parades. And it was supposed to be a big secret about who was in the bear costume, so I could never tell my friends what I was doing. I worked there when I was 12-13. I made pretty good money for a preteen in the 80s. $10/hour when I was the bear, $5/hour when I was dishwashing.
*****
This was posted as a part of Carla's Sunday Night Chit Chat. Click on over and see what the others are chatting about tonight.
Well, where did that week go? Hmmm....
AF has been and gone, and kicked my ass in the process. The old witch brought a particularly nasty IBS flare along with her that made going for my walks, or anywhere else for that matter, fairly impossible. Even with AF around, and only being able to get half of my usual walks in, I still managed to lose a couple more pounds this week. Woohoo! (Take that jackass who hollered 'hey fatty!' at me today in the mall parking lot)
Summer is most certainly here on the flatland. Once the rains stopped last week we started hitting the crazy hot summer temps (30C, feels like 36C. That's hot for us anyway) that make the hobbit-hole more than a little uncomfortable. I do love this time of year though for one reason... it's daylight from five in the morning until ten at night. The joys of living this far north! The only down side to having this much daylight means that the fireworks for Canada Day tomorrow don't get started until 11:30 at night. Rather prohibitive given that we have two wee-lings and my Beloved has to work the next day.
I'm hesitant to say this just yet, but my black thumb may be turning the teensiest bit green. I planted two basil plants, three thyme, two lavender, and one gerbera daisy in pots out on the balcony and so far about half of them are doing pretty good. The basil (my nemesis) is doing really well, as is the thyme. The lavender is fading, but I honestly think I got a couple of bum plants to start with. I had thought the gerbera was a goner, but it seems to be perking up. Overall, 50% is a marked improvement. Last year when I planted basil, it completely died within two weeks of potting it, and I won't even remind you about my tomato harvest of last year.
And because I'm a royalist, I feel I need to put this out there. My predictions for the Duchess of Cambridge's wee-ling: The baby will be born on July 15th, will be a relatively little baby (7lbs-ish), will be a girl, and she will be named Victoria (with the names Diana, Elizabeth, and some form of Carol as middle names). IF by chance it's a boy, his name will be Arthur (with Phillip, Charles, and George as middle names). What are your predictions?
Anywho, on to this week's chit chat. Here's what I'm...
Reading... Still reading Paris by Rutherfurd. Loving it! Just taking a while to get through because I've been so tired this past week. After I'm done with Paris, I'll be moving on to the sequel to The Devil Wears Prada (can't remember what it's called just now). My to-read list is getting a little out control, so I have to get moving.
Watching... Nothing at the moment, but tonight my Beloved and I will be watching "The Great Escape" (an old war movie... Beloved got it for Father's Day). I'll be recording a couple of regular Sunday night shows (Food Network Star and Whodunit) for later in the week.
Listening to... my Beloved reading Chicka Chicka Boom Boom to Ginny.
Cooking/Baking... Oh Humble Readers! The hobbit hole smells divine! Tonight we are having BBQ pulled pork sandwiches with cole slaw. I've got the pork doing it's thing in the slow cooker (the oven will not be getting turned on this week at all!) and it's all I can do to not dive into it right now. It smells sooooooooo good!
Happy I accomplished this week... Purged the wee-lings' dressers and closet, and sold $18 worth of it to the local kids consignment store (donated the rest to a thrift store). Got the wee-lings swim suits. Found some sugar-free, lactose-free chocolate ice cream bars that are only 5 grams of carbs each and they taste good! Put together the list of to do's for the hobbit hole in preparation for listing it (hopefully next summer? maybe?).
Looking forward to next week... Taking the wee-lings to the splash park tomorrow. Going through my hoarder-esque stack of magazines.
Thankful for this week... That we have fans that work hard to cool the hobbit-hole. That I get the privilege to live in this beautiful country. Even with it's flaws, I wouldn't choose to live anywhere else.
***Bonus Question*** What was your very *first* real job? Other than babysitting, which I hated, my first job was at a small town pizza restaurant as a dishwasher and as the restaurant's costumed mascot. Yup, I dressed up in a bear costume and did kids' birthday parties and stood out on the corner sweltering in the summer sun waving at the passing cars. I was even in a couple of parades. And it was supposed to be a big secret about who was in the bear costume, so I could never tell my friends what I was doing. I worked there when I was 12-13. I made pretty good money for a preteen in the 80s. $10/hour when I was the bear, $5/hour when I was dishwashing.
*****
This was posted as a part of Carla's Sunday Night Chit Chat. Click on over and see what the others are chatting about tonight.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Wet
Hey Humble Readers...
According to Ginny, it's "drippin'" outside. Big drips and little drips. LOTS of drips.
I don't know if you've heard, or if it would even get a mention on your news, but our province is in a serious situation.
For the past 24 hours, more than two thirds of our province (geographically speaking. Probably three quarters of our population) have been under evacuation alert due to serious flooding. The big city to the south has hundreds of thousands of people evacuated and there are sections of the Trans-Canada highway (THE major highway across Canada) that have been washed out. I just heard on the news that the zoo in the big city to the south may be moving the big cats from the zoo there to the jail cells below the courthouse... crazy.
Here in the Shire, we are fine. The Shire declared a state of emergency last night. Our river is likely going to crest at around noon today (four hours from now), but the way that our city was laid out means that very few homes or businesses will be endangered by the high waters. Our primary concern is for the water treatment plant. The hobbit-hole is well above the risk of flood, thank heaven.
Rainfall has been breaking old records left and right. The last major flood in the big city to the south was in 2005, and they are saying that the water levels are twice as high as they were then.
Please send prayers and good thoughts for those who have had to leave their homes, and for the emergency responders and the military who have been called in to help.
According to Ginny, it's "drippin'" outside. Big drips and little drips. LOTS of drips.
I don't know if you've heard, or if it would even get a mention on your news, but our province is in a serious situation.
For the past 24 hours, more than two thirds of our province (geographically speaking. Probably three quarters of our population) have been under evacuation alert due to serious flooding. The big city to the south has hundreds of thousands of people evacuated and there are sections of the Trans-Canada highway (THE major highway across Canada) that have been washed out. I just heard on the news that the zoo in the big city to the south may be moving the big cats from the zoo there to the jail cells below the courthouse... crazy.
Here in the Shire, we are fine. The Shire declared a state of emergency last night. Our river is likely going to crest at around noon today (four hours from now), but the way that our city was laid out means that very few homes or businesses will be endangered by the high waters. Our primary concern is for the water treatment plant. The hobbit-hole is well above the risk of flood, thank heaven.
Rainfall has been breaking old records left and right. The last major flood in the big city to the south was in 2005, and they are saying that the water levels are twice as high as they were then.
Please send prayers and good thoughts for those who have had to leave their homes, and for the emergency responders and the military who have been called in to help.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Sunday Night Chit Chat: Hockey Widow
Hey Humble Readers...
How's your weekend been? Ours was nice... a trip to Little Town Down South to visit MIL, some shopping (I got new shoes! Woohoo), and some quiet family time. Lots of rain. We did, however, get a chance to go to the park for a little while between showers.
*****
My Beloved loves hockey and football (CFL). I am not a fan of the NHL. If I'm going to watch hockey it will be international or junior level. Thankfully, he doesn't feel the need to watch every game every week. It also helps that 'his' team (Calgary Flames) haven't been doing so well the last few years. But now that we're down to the semi-finals, I'm officially a hockey widow. Is it just me, or does it seem ridiculous that they're still playing hockey in June? And then football starts in July. *sigh*
*****
If you're driving through central Alberta anytime soon, you might want to avoid driving in the Shire. This past winter was murder on our roadways, and with all the rain we've had recently the city crews haven't been able to get out to work on the potholes. Our back lane is especially bad as we share it with a strip mall and the delivery trucks have torn the crap out of the alley (unpaved). The entrance to our parking lot is marked by a pothole that is more than a foot deep.
*****
I've been contacted by one of my bio-aunts, and she wants to come and see us. I haven't responded yet. I would like to see her, but every time I get in touch with someone from my bio-family all hell breaks loose. The phone calls and harassment begins again from my bio-mom and bio-sister. I just don't know if I'm ready to face that right now.
*****
My Beloved and I are taking a mini-holiday on Labour Day weekend. I know it's still a long way away, but I'm excited about it. We aren't going far, just down the highway to Big City To The South, for the weekend. MIL is coming here to stay with the wee-lings, and we managed to get a great deal on a nice hotel room for the weekend. It will be our first overnight trip (together) away from the wee-lings. I love my children, and I'm I excited to have a chance to get away from them for a while.
*****
On to tonight's chit chat. Here's what I'm...
Reading... The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak. This book is really good. I know next to nothing about Russian history, so this is a learning experience for me too. All about an orphan girl, a ward of the crown, who is trained to be a spy in the court of Catherine the Great. Very reminiscent of Philippa Gregory's Tudor series. I'm loving it. Next in the queue is The Art of Racing In The Rain by Garth Stein.
Watching... not really watching anything. My Beloved is surfing back and forth between the hockey game and Mythbusters.
Listening To... while I'm not listening to anything other than the tv right now, I have recently found a very old favourite and I've been listening to him on my walks in the morning. Chris De Burgh... the guy who sang Lady In Red. He's got a ton of great 'story songs' like The Traveller, Spanish Train, and Patricia the Stripper. Very nostalgic for me.
Happy I accomplished this week... I joined www.fatsecret.com ages ago, but this week I founded a challenge. A 30 Day Squat Challenge. I found the layout of the challenge on Pinterest, and there are now 115 people signed up to squat along with me this month. It's killer on the legs of course, but it's actually fun too.
Looking forward to next week... Crafting with the girls on Thursday. Working on some Christmas gifts. I already have my mom's and my MIL's Christmas gifts done (except for the frames).
Thankful for this week... The sun, when it shines.
***Bonus Question*** If you could only eat ONE FOOD for the rest of your life, what would it be? Would you believe me if I said roasted broccoli? I love that stuff! I could eat it all day long.
*****
This was posted as a part of Carla's Sunday Night Chit Chat. Click over to see what the others are chatting about tonight, and join in on the fun!
How's your weekend been? Ours was nice... a trip to Little Town Down South to visit MIL, some shopping (I got new shoes! Woohoo), and some quiet family time. Lots of rain. We did, however, get a chance to go to the park for a little while between showers.
*****
My Beloved loves hockey and football (CFL). I am not a fan of the NHL. If I'm going to watch hockey it will be international or junior level. Thankfully, he doesn't feel the need to watch every game every week. It also helps that 'his' team (Calgary Flames) haven't been doing so well the last few years. But now that we're down to the semi-finals, I'm officially a hockey widow. Is it just me, or does it seem ridiculous that they're still playing hockey in June? And then football starts in July. *sigh*
*****
If you're driving through central Alberta anytime soon, you might want to avoid driving in the Shire. This past winter was murder on our roadways, and with all the rain we've had recently the city crews haven't been able to get out to work on the potholes. Our back lane is especially bad as we share it with a strip mall and the delivery trucks have torn the crap out of the alley (unpaved). The entrance to our parking lot is marked by a pothole that is more than a foot deep.
*****
I've been contacted by one of my bio-aunts, and she wants to come and see us. I haven't responded yet. I would like to see her, but every time I get in touch with someone from my bio-family all hell breaks loose. The phone calls and harassment begins again from my bio-mom and bio-sister. I just don't know if I'm ready to face that right now.
*****
My Beloved and I are taking a mini-holiday on Labour Day weekend. I know it's still a long way away, but I'm excited about it. We aren't going far, just down the highway to Big City To The South, for the weekend. MIL is coming here to stay with the wee-lings, and we managed to get a great deal on a nice hotel room for the weekend. It will be our first overnight trip (together) away from the wee-lings. I love my children, and I'm I excited to have a chance to get away from them for a while.
*****
On to tonight's chit chat. Here's what I'm...
Reading... The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak. This book is really good. I know next to nothing about Russian history, so this is a learning experience for me too. All about an orphan girl, a ward of the crown, who is trained to be a spy in the court of Catherine the Great. Very reminiscent of Philippa Gregory's Tudor series. I'm loving it. Next in the queue is The Art of Racing In The Rain by Garth Stein.
Watching... not really watching anything. My Beloved is surfing back and forth between the hockey game and Mythbusters.
Listening To... while I'm not listening to anything other than the tv right now, I have recently found a very old favourite and I've been listening to him on my walks in the morning. Chris De Burgh... the guy who sang Lady In Red. He's got a ton of great 'story songs' like The Traveller, Spanish Train, and Patricia the Stripper. Very nostalgic for me.
Happy I accomplished this week... I joined www.fatsecret.com ages ago, but this week I founded a challenge. A 30 Day Squat Challenge. I found the layout of the challenge on Pinterest, and there are now 115 people signed up to squat along with me this month. It's killer on the legs of course, but it's actually fun too.
Looking forward to next week... Crafting with the girls on Thursday. Working on some Christmas gifts. I already have my mom's and my MIL's Christmas gifts done (except for the frames).
Thankful for this week... The sun, when it shines.
***Bonus Question*** If you could only eat ONE FOOD for the rest of your life, what would it be? Would you believe me if I said roasted broccoli? I love that stuff! I could eat it all day long.
*****
This was posted as a part of Carla's Sunday Night Chit Chat. Click over to see what the others are chatting about tonight, and join in on the fun!
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Sunday Night Chit Chat: One Extreme To The Other
Good Evening Humble Readers...
I'm hoping you've all had a lovely weekend. Ours was busy but good. Errands, housework, an impromptu date night, church, and a fun/interesting afternoon today (more on that later) made for a lot of running around, but it was good.
First and foremost, we have had the most astounding change in our weather. Tuesday we had a daytime high of 1C. Today we got up to 28C... from winter to summer in the span of six days. While I'm going for my walks I've noticed that the trees are finally sporting green buds! Hooray! It's supposed to get back to seasonal by midweek, but tomorrow is supposed to be another hot one.
My Beloved and I decided, rather on the spur of the moment to go out this weekend. MIL came to spend time with the wee-lings, and we did a little antiquing (just window shopping, trying to find some interesting/affordable pieces), went for dinner, and to a movie. It was fun, and I did splurge a little bit on dinner (felt it later) but I did enjoy it. We went to see "42" as well... fabulous movie. I loved it!
The highlight of my weekend was this afternoon. One of the local malls was hosting a sort of antiques roadshow. I heard about it on the radio a few weeks ago, and made an appointment to have my family heirloom violin appraised (you can read about the violin here). The gentleman who was looking over my family treasure was intrigued by the history of the violin, even more so when he spent some time looking for my grandfather's great uncle in multiple lists of British violin makers and through auction records and not finding anything about him. It fits with the story that I've been told that he was a cabinet maker by trade. The appraiser speculated that the violin may be something that Frederick Barnes may have made it as an apprentice or perhaps as a hobby. Because there were no auction records and nothing about Barnes in the lists of UK violin makers, it's hard to establish a value. However, he said that it was beautifully constructed and even with the damage and repairs that happened when I was a child, he felt that it could easily be worth up to $3500. It's nice to know how much it's worth, but it will never be sold. It belongs to the wee-lings now. I simply hold it in trust. I just hope to hear one of them play it. I long to hear it make music.
On to this week's chit chat. Here's what I'm...
Reading - I just finished "In This Mountain" by Jan Karon early this morning. Now I'm onto "Plan D" by Sherri Shepherd. It's about her journey with type 2 diabetes and how she has managed to go from medication to controlling the disease with diet and exercise alone. I'm hoping to get some insights and ideas, and hopefully laugh a bit too.
Watching - Call the Midwife (tonight's episode was particularly heart-wrenching. Poor Sister Bernadette), Mr. Selfridge, and Bletchley Circle. I love Sunday nights on PBS!
Listening to - the neighbours thumping up and down the stairwell. There was a break-in in the building (a basement unit on the back side of the building) on Friday, and I'm finding I'm a bit hyper-aware of the outdoor sounds now.
Cooking/Baking - Typical Sunday night fare... lemon dill roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli, gravy. I did a bit of baking this weekend too... I was on the volunteer list for church this weekend, to make the communion bread. I tried a recipe I haven't used in a while, to make a brioche loaf. It tasted great, very eggy and yummy, but the shape of the loaf was a bit off. Looked a little funny when our pastor was holding it up at the front of the church. That's what I get for trying to be fancy, I guess.
Happy I accomplished this week - I hit my 10000 steps! Yesterday and today. I don't know how I'll manage it during the week, but with errands and grocery shopping it was easy to get there the last couple of days.
Looking forward to next week - I'm half excited/half dreading Pippin's birthday on Friday. How is it that my baby boy is a year old??? I'm hoping that the party comes off okay.
Thankful for today - The fact that the Big D is coming into line. That I have this chance to change my future and my health.
****Bonus Question**** What are the top 3 things on your to do list for next week? Wash all the windows. Clean the blankety-blank fridge. Bake a cake!
*****
This has been posted as a part of Carla's Sunday Night Chit Chat. Click over to see what the others are chatting about tonight, or even better yet, join in!
I'm hoping you've all had a lovely weekend. Ours was busy but good. Errands, housework, an impromptu date night, church, and a fun/interesting afternoon today (more on that later) made for a lot of running around, but it was good.
First and foremost, we have had the most astounding change in our weather. Tuesday we had a daytime high of 1C. Today we got up to 28C... from winter to summer in the span of six days. While I'm going for my walks I've noticed that the trees are finally sporting green buds! Hooray! It's supposed to get back to seasonal by midweek, but tomorrow is supposed to be another hot one.
My Beloved and I decided, rather on the spur of the moment to go out this weekend. MIL came to spend time with the wee-lings, and we did a little antiquing (just window shopping, trying to find some interesting/affordable pieces), went for dinner, and to a movie. It was fun, and I did splurge a little bit on dinner (felt it later) but I did enjoy it. We went to see "42" as well... fabulous movie. I loved it!
The highlight of my weekend was this afternoon. One of the local malls was hosting a sort of antiques roadshow. I heard about it on the radio a few weeks ago, and made an appointment to have my family heirloom violin appraised (you can read about the violin here). The gentleman who was looking over my family treasure was intrigued by the history of the violin, even more so when he spent some time looking for my grandfather's great uncle in multiple lists of British violin makers and through auction records and not finding anything about him. It fits with the story that I've been told that he was a cabinet maker by trade. The appraiser speculated that the violin may be something that Frederick Barnes may have made it as an apprentice or perhaps as a hobby. Because there were no auction records and nothing about Barnes in the lists of UK violin makers, it's hard to establish a value. However, he said that it was beautifully constructed and even with the damage and repairs that happened when I was a child, he felt that it could easily be worth up to $3500. It's nice to know how much it's worth, but it will never be sold. It belongs to the wee-lings now. I simply hold it in trust. I just hope to hear one of them play it. I long to hear it make music.
On to this week's chit chat. Here's what I'm...
Reading - I just finished "In This Mountain" by Jan Karon early this morning. Now I'm onto "Plan D" by Sherri Shepherd. It's about her journey with type 2 diabetes and how she has managed to go from medication to controlling the disease with diet and exercise alone. I'm hoping to get some insights and ideas, and hopefully laugh a bit too.
Watching - Call the Midwife (tonight's episode was particularly heart-wrenching. Poor Sister Bernadette), Mr. Selfridge, and Bletchley Circle. I love Sunday nights on PBS!
Listening to - the neighbours thumping up and down the stairwell. There was a break-in in the building (a basement unit on the back side of the building) on Friday, and I'm finding I'm a bit hyper-aware of the outdoor sounds now.
Cooking/Baking - Typical Sunday night fare... lemon dill roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli, gravy. I did a bit of baking this weekend too... I was on the volunteer list for church this weekend, to make the communion bread. I tried a recipe I haven't used in a while, to make a brioche loaf. It tasted great, very eggy and yummy, but the shape of the loaf was a bit off. Looked a little funny when our pastor was holding it up at the front of the church. That's what I get for trying to be fancy, I guess.
Happy I accomplished this week - I hit my 10000 steps! Yesterday and today. I don't know how I'll manage it during the week, but with errands and grocery shopping it was easy to get there the last couple of days.
Looking forward to next week - I'm half excited/half dreading Pippin's birthday on Friday. How is it that my baby boy is a year old??? I'm hoping that the party comes off okay.
Thankful for today - The fact that the Big D is coming into line. That I have this chance to change my future and my health.
****Bonus Question**** What are the top 3 things on your to do list for next week? Wash all the windows. Clean the blankety-blank fridge. Bake a cake!
*****
This has been posted as a part of Carla's Sunday Night Chit Chat. Click over to see what the others are chatting about tonight, or even better yet, join in!
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Spring in the Shire
Howdy Humble Readers...
I'm hoping that you're all doing well, wherever you are. I haven't been commenting much lately, but I do promise to improve that, and please know that I am reading and following what's up in your parts of the world!
*****
Spring has sprung in the Shire. Finally!! Warmer temps are here most days, and it feels good to be able to have the windows and doors open on the hobbit-hole. I confess, I did have to turn the furnace back on yesterday (if it had just been me, I would have just put on a couple of sweaters and sucked it up, but the wee-lings were cold and that changes everything). Another sign of spring... my snow mold allergy has kicked in. Oh well. It means that summer will get here eventually.
*****
I have had a miniscule interlude of single parenting. My Beloved had to go out of town for work (to be on-site at the part of the company that he does the accounting for... does that make sense?). He has been gone one night, but I sure do miss him. He should be home in the next hour or so, and I'm very glad. I really don't know how the multitude of single parents out there do it, and do it well.
*****
For the last couple of days, my morning workout has consisted of doing workout videos (can't go for my walk and leave the wee-lings at home alone, and if I don't do it early in the morning, it just doesn't happen). I've realized just what it is about workout videos that I don't like. The host/trainer. The fake cheerleading/encouragement/patronizing commentary. It gets on my nerves and makes me want to spew a string of expletives at the screen. I'm going to have to get past it, though. Because once there's snow on the ground again in the fall, I'm not going to be able to go for walks. Any good recommendations?
*****
INPUT NEEDED: Plans for wee little Pip's birthday party are coming together. I'm struggling with the menu though. We are doing a beach/surf's up theme party, and for the life of me I can't decide on what to serve. I have the cake figured out, but other than that, I'm hooped. I've been toying with the idea of shrimp or fish mini-tacos, but I'm not sure. It's an afternoon party, so it doesn't need to be too much in the way of food, but I still want something yummy and beachy. Any thoughts?
*****
Something I'm pondering today... can diabetes have an affect on my cycle? And vice-versa? For the last few months, AF has been, well, odd. I start getting cramps about 3 days before she actually shows up. I was fully expecting her to show up on Sunday, because I had wicked cramps for a few hours (needed my heating pad). The cramps died down a bit, but she didn't actually make an appearance until today. Odd. And my sugars, which had been going in the right direction, yesterday jumped up for no apparent reason. Hmmmm...
*****
Well, I have to go get to work on supper. Crock pot beef with broccoli on brown rice, with broccoli slaw. Yummy!
I'm hoping that you're all doing well, wherever you are. I haven't been commenting much lately, but I do promise to improve that, and please know that I am reading and following what's up in your parts of the world!
*****
Spring has sprung in the Shire. Finally!! Warmer temps are here most days, and it feels good to be able to have the windows and doors open on the hobbit-hole. I confess, I did have to turn the furnace back on yesterday (if it had just been me, I would have just put on a couple of sweaters and sucked it up, but the wee-lings were cold and that changes everything). Another sign of spring... my snow mold allergy has kicked in. Oh well. It means that summer will get here eventually.
*****
I have had a miniscule interlude of single parenting. My Beloved had to go out of town for work (to be on-site at the part of the company that he does the accounting for... does that make sense?). He has been gone one night, but I sure do miss him. He should be home in the next hour or so, and I'm very glad. I really don't know how the multitude of single parents out there do it, and do it well.
*****
For the last couple of days, my morning workout has consisted of doing workout videos (can't go for my walk and leave the wee-lings at home alone, and if I don't do it early in the morning, it just doesn't happen). I've realized just what it is about workout videos that I don't like. The host/trainer. The fake cheerleading/encouragement/patronizing commentary. It gets on my nerves and makes me want to spew a string of expletives at the screen. I'm going to have to get past it, though. Because once there's snow on the ground again in the fall, I'm not going to be able to go for walks. Any good recommendations?
*****
INPUT NEEDED: Plans for wee little Pip's birthday party are coming together. I'm struggling with the menu though. We are doing a beach/surf's up theme party, and for the life of me I can't decide on what to serve. I have the cake figured out, but other than that, I'm hooped. I've been toying with the idea of shrimp or fish mini-tacos, but I'm not sure. It's an afternoon party, so it doesn't need to be too much in the way of food, but I still want something yummy and beachy. Any thoughts?
*****
Something I'm pondering today... can diabetes have an affect on my cycle? And vice-versa? For the last few months, AF has been, well, odd. I start getting cramps about 3 days before she actually shows up. I was fully expecting her to show up on Sunday, because I had wicked cramps for a few hours (needed my heating pad). The cramps died down a bit, but she didn't actually make an appearance until today. Odd. And my sugars, which had been going in the right direction, yesterday jumped up for no apparent reason. Hmmmm...
*****
Well, I have to go get to work on supper. Crock pot beef with broccoli on brown rice, with broccoli slaw. Yummy!
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Digging Out
Hey Humble Readers,
Long time, no talk. I'm recovered from my stomach flu/day of pure hell last week, mostly. My tummy is still rather sensitive, but I'm doing ok and thankfully no one else in the hobbit hole contracted the wretchedness. The only positive to come out of this is that I have busted through my weightloss plateau in a big way. Of course puking and dry heaving for a full day can do that...
*****
The Shire, and indeed the whole mid to northern part of the province got slammed today with a doozy of a snow storm. About an hour north of the Shire there was a major pile up on the highway that resulted in 300 (yes, 300!) injuries. The highway was closed for several hours, and the injured were sent to hospitals in 9 different surrounding communities. So much for spring, right?
*****
We did actually manage to go out on Sunday for the afternoon and evening. I was feeling well enough to be out and about so long as we took it easy and I was able to stop to rest and drink water several times throughout the afternoon. My MIL came up, even though the roads weren't the greatest, and spent the night. My Beloved and I had lunch, toured a show home (more on that later), did a little shopping (shoes for my Beloved, Easter baskets for the wee-lings), went for dinner, and then to a movie (Identity Thief - so funny!). It was so nice to just be together, not thinking about which wee-ling needed to be fed or bathed or distracted or consoled. It was wonderful to be able to browse through stores I could never take the wee-lings to (like Pier 1), and to be silly with my Beloved. I was completely wiped out when we got home and spent all day Monday on the couch, but it was worth it.
*****
So, this show home we toured... It was a town home in a new complex that I would love to live in. And when I say love, I mean luuuuuuurrrrrrrrvvvvvvvve to live there. Seriously, the house would be perfect for us. Four bedrooms (we would have a spare bedroom!!!), three and a half baths, finished basement, with a postage stamp sized yard that is cared for through the homeowners association (whose fees are less than half of what we pay now for HOA fees). There are new schools being built nearby, and it's close to a great little shopping center with groceries, banks, and a Starbucks (I'm pathetic, I know).
The best thing is the builder of this complex has partnered with Mike Holmes as a part of his Holmes Homes program. That means that all the building materials and procedures meet Mike's high standards. The best insulation, the best high efficiency appliances, hot water tank, and furnace. Even lumber and plywood that is mold and moisture resistant. The only negatives about this townhouse complex is that we aren't in a place *right now* to put down a down payment (but we will be in about a year or so), that it's in a brand new area of town so there's not a lot of trees or parks yet (but there will be!), and it's over the dollar figure that we have been toying with (but not so far that it would be impossible for us). They are currently building phase one, so POTENTIALLY we could get in on future developments through this builder. (And if you're interested, I pinned the floor plan on my Dream House board on pinterest.)
Even if this isn't in the cards for us in the future, it's incredibly exciting for me to be thinking about what our next (forever) home is going to be. Less than two years, Humble Readers. Less than two years.
*****
I can't recall off the top of my head if I told you all this, but both my Beloved and I are getting new glasses this year. He's actually already got his and they are snazzy! It's no secret that my rx is pretty ridiculous. I'm blind as a bat without my glasses and have panic attacks if I can't find them. When the girl at the eyewear shop gave me an estimate on how much my lenses are going to cost I almost had a heart attack. I've always bought the cheapest lenses, without any bells and whistles, but we have agreed that I need better quality. Anywho, with both of us getting glasses we knew it was going to get expensive. The good news is, my Beloved just did our taxes and we will be getting back enough to cover about half of our new eyewear! The other half will be able to be put through on my Beloved's health benefits with work. Yay!
Long time, no talk. I'm recovered from my stomach flu/day of pure hell last week, mostly. My tummy is still rather sensitive, but I'm doing ok and thankfully no one else in the hobbit hole contracted the wretchedness. The only positive to come out of this is that I have busted through my weightloss plateau in a big way. Of course puking and dry heaving for a full day can do that...
*****
The Shire, and indeed the whole mid to northern part of the province got slammed today with a doozy of a snow storm. About an hour north of the Shire there was a major pile up on the highway that resulted in 300 (yes, 300!) injuries. The highway was closed for several hours, and the injured were sent to hospitals in 9 different surrounding communities. So much for spring, right?
*****
We did actually manage to go out on Sunday for the afternoon and evening. I was feeling well enough to be out and about so long as we took it easy and I was able to stop to rest and drink water several times throughout the afternoon. My MIL came up, even though the roads weren't the greatest, and spent the night. My Beloved and I had lunch, toured a show home (more on that later), did a little shopping (shoes for my Beloved, Easter baskets for the wee-lings), went for dinner, and then to a movie (Identity Thief - so funny!). It was so nice to just be together, not thinking about which wee-ling needed to be fed or bathed or distracted or consoled. It was wonderful to be able to browse through stores I could never take the wee-lings to (like Pier 1), and to be silly with my Beloved. I was completely wiped out when we got home and spent all day Monday on the couch, but it was worth it.
*****
So, this show home we toured... It was a town home in a new complex that I would love to live in. And when I say love, I mean luuuuuuurrrrrrrrvvvvvvvve to live there. Seriously, the house would be perfect for us. Four bedrooms (we would have a spare bedroom!!!), three and a half baths, finished basement, with a postage stamp sized yard that is cared for through the homeowners association (whose fees are less than half of what we pay now for HOA fees). There are new schools being built nearby, and it's close to a great little shopping center with groceries, banks, and a Starbucks (I'm pathetic, I know).
 |
| Canada's favourite handyman - Mike Holmes One of my celebrity crushes. :) |
Even if this isn't in the cards for us in the future, it's incredibly exciting for me to be thinking about what our next (forever) home is going to be. Less than two years, Humble Readers. Less than two years.
*****
I can't recall off the top of my head if I told you all this, but both my Beloved and I are getting new glasses this year. He's actually already got his and they are snazzy! It's no secret that my rx is pretty ridiculous. I'm blind as a bat without my glasses and have panic attacks if I can't find them. When the girl at the eyewear shop gave me an estimate on how much my lenses are going to cost I almost had a heart attack. I've always bought the cheapest lenses, without any bells and whistles, but we have agreed that I need better quality. Anywho, with both of us getting glasses we knew it was going to get expensive. The good news is, my Beloved just did our taxes and we will be getting back enough to cover about half of our new eyewear! The other half will be able to be put through on my Beloved's health benefits with work. Yay!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Winter Friggin' Wonderland
Hey Humble Readers...
It is still cold in the Shire, but at least not as cold as what it has been the last couple of days. It snowed for two days straight, and we are expecting more snow tonight. I understand that I live on the frozen flatland, and that snow, cold, and wind are synonymous with a Canadian prairie winter, but this feels like it has been dragging on and on. January and February are always the hardest months.
*****
I have a quandary before me. I love Downton Abbey (you hadn't figured that out yet, had you?). My Beloved got me all three seasons on dvd for Christmas, and season three arrived yesterday. I love having Sunday nights as my Downton night, but I'm finding it hard not to toss that dvd into the player right now and binge on the rest of the season. I love the anticipation as I wait for each new episode, but part of me is screaming for that instant gratification. What would you do?
BTW, last Sunday's episode? Yup, I was a wreck. Totally gutted. And my Beloved just sat there laughing at me.
*****
Humble Readers, I hesitate to bring this up, but it is the pressing issue on my mind and body this week. I will warn you that it's very tmi, but really, after all the IF stuff, I'm not shy about talking about my lady parts. At least not here. You have been warned.
I have a yeast infection. My first. Ever. And let me just tell you, this shit sucks! I am uncomfortable. I am grumpy. And who the hell said that any part of the female anatomy, let alone the lady bits, are allowed to burn and itch like that? I didn't sign up for this. I. DID. NOT. SIGN. UP. FOR. THIS!!! I caught myself daydreaming about steel wool. It's time to go to the pharmacy.
*****
In other body news... I have busted through my 19.6lb plateau! Yay! I am now officially 22lb down. I'm going shopping again this weekend (I can because I have a coupon to one of my favourite clothing stores - spend $80 save 50%) because now the only pants that fit me are the two pairs of jeans I bought at the end of December. My next major target is to be what I weighed when my Beloved and I got married. That means another 14 pounds. And if I can do it by our anniversary in April, that would be an added bonus... a little more than 10 weeks. I think that's doable.
*****
Pippin is having a rough day exploring his surroundings. He's trying hard to really crawl (rather than army crawl), but he keeps on ending up under the coffee table and bonking his little noggin. I'm hoping to get some video of him trying to crawl, because really it is just too funny. More often than not, he ends up doing a face plant into the carpet.
It is still cold in the Shire, but at least not as cold as what it has been the last couple of days. It snowed for two days straight, and we are expecting more snow tonight. I understand that I live on the frozen flatland, and that snow, cold, and wind are synonymous with a Canadian prairie winter, but this feels like it has been dragging on and on. January and February are always the hardest months.
*****
I have a quandary before me. I love Downton Abbey (you hadn't figured that out yet, had you?). My Beloved got me all three seasons on dvd for Christmas, and season three arrived yesterday. I love having Sunday nights as my Downton night, but I'm finding it hard not to toss that dvd into the player right now and binge on the rest of the season. I love the anticipation as I wait for each new episode, but part of me is screaming for that instant gratification. What would you do?
BTW, last Sunday's episode? Yup, I was a wreck. Totally gutted. And my Beloved just sat there laughing at me.
*****
Humble Readers, I hesitate to bring this up, but it is the pressing issue on my mind and body this week. I will warn you that it's very tmi, but really, after all the IF stuff, I'm not shy about talking about my lady parts. At least not here. You have been warned.
I have a yeast infection. My first. Ever. And let me just tell you, this shit sucks! I am uncomfortable. I am grumpy. And who the hell said that any part of the female anatomy, let alone the lady bits, are allowed to burn and itch like that? I didn't sign up for this. I. DID. NOT. SIGN. UP. FOR. THIS!!! I caught myself daydreaming about steel wool. It's time to go to the pharmacy.
*****
In other body news... I have busted through my 19.6lb plateau! Yay! I am now officially 22lb down. I'm going shopping again this weekend (I can because I have a coupon to one of my favourite clothing stores - spend $80 save 50%) because now the only pants that fit me are the two pairs of jeans I bought at the end of December. My next major target is to be what I weighed when my Beloved and I got married. That means another 14 pounds. And if I can do it by our anniversary in April, that would be an added bonus... a little more than 10 weeks. I think that's doable.
*****
Pippin is having a rough day exploring his surroundings. He's trying hard to really crawl (rather than army crawl), but he keeps on ending up under the coffee table and bonking his little noggin. I'm hoping to get some video of him trying to crawl, because really it is just too funny. More often than not, he ends up doing a face plant into the carpet.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Bits & Pieces
Howdy Humble Readers...
Have you ever tried to make your wishes known to and understood by an active toddler WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE A VOICE? I am 100% voiceless and can barely manage a whisper right now. Other than the voice, though, I seem to be conquering the crud. I'm sleeping better and thankfully I don't think the wee-lings have caught it at all. I'm only wishing that we had gone further with the baby sign than we did.
*****
Canadian-ism of the Day: I switched my cold remedy from the day/night pills to an old standby and seem to be getting much better results. Yes, my fellow Canucks... I have resorted to taking Buc.kley's. For those of you who aren't familiar with the dark brown bottle and the awfulness contained therein, please allow me to educate you. Imagine if you melted down Vic.k's vaporub and boiled it with pine needles... that's about what it tastes like. In fact, their company motto is "it tastes awful, but it works". And in my experience, it does.
*****
The crud has impacted my attempts at being productive, but I'm still managing to get a few things done. Yesterday I went through our closets and dressers, and bagged up 3 large black garbage bags of stuff to go to the thrift store. All my maternity wear and things I haven't worn since I was working (how has it been more than two years since I left my job at the bookstore?) were all packed up and sent on to a new home.
*****
Update on the applesauce: Ended up making enough applesauce to last us about 9 weeks! My freezer is now stocked with bags and bags of the golden loveliness.
*****
Ginny has picked up a few new words that I'm hoping she doesn't say in public, but I know she will... First, she's learned the word 'dark' and because we are approaching the darkest time of the year, she's saying it a lot. The thing is, when she says it, it doesn't sound like dark. It sounds more like a not-so-nice word for lesbian. Second, while my Beloved and I have been under the weather, she's taken to imitating us and doing this little fake cough thing. She's now picked up on the fact that we are calling it her fake cough, so she's started saying it too. Only when she says 'fake cough' it sounds a whole heck of a lot like my precious wee girl is telling me to f!#@ off. *sigh*
*****
I'm planning on writing a series of posts, starting next week, on family traditions. Be thinking about some of what you and yours do to make special days stand out and how you make the ordinary extraordinary.
*****
We are forecasted to get a pretty significant amount of snow today. 5-15cms. Lovely. Thankfully, we don't have any major plans that require being outside today. Wherever you are, please stay safe and warm. :)
Have you ever tried to make your wishes known to and understood by an active toddler WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE A VOICE? I am 100% voiceless and can barely manage a whisper right now. Other than the voice, though, I seem to be conquering the crud. I'm sleeping better and thankfully I don't think the wee-lings have caught it at all. I'm only wishing that we had gone further with the baby sign than we did.
*****
Canadian-ism of the Day: I switched my cold remedy from the day/night pills to an old standby and seem to be getting much better results. Yes, my fellow Canucks... I have resorted to taking Buc.kley's. For those of you who aren't familiar with the dark brown bottle and the awfulness contained therein, please allow me to educate you. Imagine if you melted down Vic.k's vaporub and boiled it with pine needles... that's about what it tastes like. In fact, their company motto is "it tastes awful, but it works". And in my experience, it does.
*****
The crud has impacted my attempts at being productive, but I'm still managing to get a few things done. Yesterday I went through our closets and dressers, and bagged up 3 large black garbage bags of stuff to go to the thrift store. All my maternity wear and things I haven't worn since I was working (how has it been more than two years since I left my job at the bookstore?) were all packed up and sent on to a new home.
*****
Update on the applesauce: Ended up making enough applesauce to last us about 9 weeks! My freezer is now stocked with bags and bags of the golden loveliness.
*****
Ginny has picked up a few new words that I'm hoping she doesn't say in public, but I know she will... First, she's learned the word 'dark' and because we are approaching the darkest time of the year, she's saying it a lot. The thing is, when she says it, it doesn't sound like dark. It sounds more like a not-so-nice word for lesbian. Second, while my Beloved and I have been under the weather, she's taken to imitating us and doing this little fake cough thing. She's now picked up on the fact that we are calling it her fake cough, so she's started saying it too. Only when she says 'fake cough' it sounds a whole heck of a lot like my precious wee girl is telling me to f!#@ off. *sigh*
*****
I'm planning on writing a series of posts, starting next week, on family traditions. Be thinking about some of what you and yours do to make special days stand out and how you make the ordinary extraordinary.
*****
We are forecasted to get a pretty significant amount of snow today. 5-15cms. Lovely. Thankfully, we don't have any major plans that require being outside today. Wherever you are, please stay safe and warm. :)
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Back In Action
Howdy Humble Readers!
I'm baaaaaack!
Beauregard the computer was finally returned to me last night, after I had to go into the computer store/repair shop and raise holy heck, and then had to call to speak with the manager. Needless to say, I won't be going back there again and I'm going to make sure that everyone I know hears about their crappy customer service. Three and a half weeks for a virus clean up was ridiculous!
*****
During my absence from the blogosphere, the Shire received its first snowfall of the year. Yeah, it was earlier than any of us would have liked, but considering how easy we had it last winter, I'm not surprised. Thankfully, it didn't stick around and we're back to seasonal temps for the moment. It is forecasted to get pretty chilly this weekend (daytime highs of around freezing), but so long as the snow stays away until after Halloween, I'll try to be ok with things.
*****
One thing that is always a battle at this time of year is when to turn on the furnace. I confess, I'm a miser when it comes to the utility bills, and the longer we can go without running the furnace the happier I am. Not to mention the noise... living in a small condo with its own forced air furnace means that you hear all the furnace noises. The longer I can go without that aggravation is a victory. I'm hoping to get through to the end of the month before I have to turn it on, so that means we are bundling up a bit more in the house. Despite my hobbit-ish tendencies, I'm wearing socks on a regular basis, we're all wearing more sweaters or long sleeved shirts, and Ginny has an extra blanket on her bed.
*****
I've gotten a really good start on my Christmas shopping (thanks in large part to a bogo sale at Toys R Us). The wee-lings are almost done and I actually have some really good ideas for what to get my Beloved this year. He's normally so hard to buy for. Now I just need to figure out my homemade gifts for the people at my Beloved's office.
*****
My Beloved has had a couple of job interviews in the past few weeks, but no good results. His experiences at those interviews solidified our conviction that the only way doors are going to open for him is if he gets his accounting designation. So, we bit the bullet and he's now enrolled in the CGA program. He needs to take 15 courses! And he can only take one at a time. Yikes! I'm in the process of trying to find out if there's any grants that he might qualify for to help with the cost. We're taking this step on faith, in hopes that even just being enrolled will help move him up the queue for some of these job openings. Who knows, maybe he'll get hired by a company who will help pay for his courses.
*****
AF is here, and she's kicking my ass again. I just keep hoping that things will go back to the way they were before. After Ginny was born, and my cycle came back, things were pretty much the same as they had been for most of my 30s, cramps on cd1 and cd5 with a fairly moderate flow. After Pip, things are much heavier, and cramps are non-stop from beginning to end. They aren't like the cramps I had in my teens and 20s (needed rx muscle relaxers to help control them), but I'm living on ty.lenol to get through.
*****
Well, lunch time approaches, and I've got a little girl here who's saying she's 'hun-geee'. I'm looking forward to getting caught up with you all. Hopefully I'll get a chance to read some blogs this afternoon while my wee sweet girl naps.
I'm baaaaaack!
Beauregard the computer was finally returned to me last night, after I had to go into the computer store/repair shop and raise holy heck, and then had to call to speak with the manager. Needless to say, I won't be going back there again and I'm going to make sure that everyone I know hears about their crappy customer service. Three and a half weeks for a virus clean up was ridiculous!
*****
During my absence from the blogosphere, the Shire received its first snowfall of the year. Yeah, it was earlier than any of us would have liked, but considering how easy we had it last winter, I'm not surprised. Thankfully, it didn't stick around and we're back to seasonal temps for the moment. It is forecasted to get pretty chilly this weekend (daytime highs of around freezing), but so long as the snow stays away until after Halloween, I'll try to be ok with things.
*****
One thing that is always a battle at this time of year is when to turn on the furnace. I confess, I'm a miser when it comes to the utility bills, and the longer we can go without running the furnace the happier I am. Not to mention the noise... living in a small condo with its own forced air furnace means that you hear all the furnace noises. The longer I can go without that aggravation is a victory. I'm hoping to get through to the end of the month before I have to turn it on, so that means we are bundling up a bit more in the house. Despite my hobbit-ish tendencies, I'm wearing socks on a regular basis, we're all wearing more sweaters or long sleeved shirts, and Ginny has an extra blanket on her bed.
*****
I've gotten a really good start on my Christmas shopping (thanks in large part to a bogo sale at Toys R Us). The wee-lings are almost done and I actually have some really good ideas for what to get my Beloved this year. He's normally so hard to buy for. Now I just need to figure out my homemade gifts for the people at my Beloved's office.
*****
My Beloved has had a couple of job interviews in the past few weeks, but no good results. His experiences at those interviews solidified our conviction that the only way doors are going to open for him is if he gets his accounting designation. So, we bit the bullet and he's now enrolled in the CGA program. He needs to take 15 courses! And he can only take one at a time. Yikes! I'm in the process of trying to find out if there's any grants that he might qualify for to help with the cost. We're taking this step on faith, in hopes that even just being enrolled will help move him up the queue for some of these job openings. Who knows, maybe he'll get hired by a company who will help pay for his courses.
*****
AF is here, and she's kicking my ass again. I just keep hoping that things will go back to the way they were before. After Ginny was born, and my cycle came back, things were pretty much the same as they had been for most of my 30s, cramps on cd1 and cd5 with a fairly moderate flow. After Pip, things are much heavier, and cramps are non-stop from beginning to end. They aren't like the cramps I had in my teens and 20s (needed rx muscle relaxers to help control them), but I'm living on ty.lenol to get through.
*****
Well, lunch time approaches, and I've got a little girl here who's saying she's 'hun-geee'. I'm looking forward to getting caught up with you all. Hopefully I'll get a chance to read some blogs this afternoon while my wee sweet girl naps.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Pippin @ 2 Months
Howdy Humble Readers...
We're melting here. No joke. The coolest spot in our condo is in our back hall and according to the thermostat, it's 30C. I can't imagine what the temp is in our living room and kitchen. Ugh.
Here's how our wee little mister is coping... Actually this was yesterday. Today, he's just in a diaper, but looking basically the same.
As strange as it is to say, it's been two months since Master Pippin arrived in our lives. He's growing like a weed, and he is a complete joy.
Developmentally, the big milestone this month has been the smiles. He smiles for all of us now (is it wrong for me to rejoice in the fact that he smiled at me first?), and his smiles for Ginny are different than the smiles he bestows on my Beloved. Of course, I have yet to capture them with the camera.
We're still working on getting Pip to sleep on his side. The flat spot on the back of his head doesn't seem to be as pronounced as it was when we went and saw Dr. B a couple of weeks ago, but it still needs work. He sleeps well at night most of the time, usually giving me a 4-5 hour stretch between 11pm and 4am. After that he's usually awake and hungry every 2 hours or so throughout the day. He sleeps a fair bit in the evening, normally from 7ish until 10:30.
Like Ginny when she was this age, he hates, Hates, HATES tummy time. When I hold him on my chest, or lay him on something softer (like the couch) he does well at lifting his head for a second or two and moving it around to see different things. On the floor... well, if he would stop screaming for a minute or two, then maybe he would have the energy to give the baby push ups a try.
Tomorrow night Pip goes for his 2 month vaccinations. Hopefully his reactions, if any, will be minimal. Ginny has always handled them well, so I'm crossing my fingers. And on Thursday he gets to go on his first real road trip. He will also be experiencing his first swimming pool and getting to discover the wonders of air conditioning!
*****
Be watching for a very groovy giveaway, coming soon to a hobbit-hole near you!
We're melting here. No joke. The coolest spot in our condo is in our back hall and according to the thermostat, it's 30C. I can't imagine what the temp is in our living room and kitchen. Ugh.
 |
| Rockin' the cool wet washcloth |
 |
| Blowin' bubbles! |
 |
| Cuddling with Gramma |
We're still working on getting Pip to sleep on his side. The flat spot on the back of his head doesn't seem to be as pronounced as it was when we went and saw Dr. B a couple of weeks ago, but it still needs work. He sleeps well at night most of the time, usually giving me a 4-5 hour stretch between 11pm and 4am. After that he's usually awake and hungry every 2 hours or so throughout the day. He sleeps a fair bit in the evening, normally from 7ish until 10:30.
 |
| In the stroller |
 |
| Hating the carseat almost as much as tummy time |
*****
Be watching for a very groovy giveaway, coming soon to a hobbit-hole near you!
Monday, April 23, 2012
T is For... Taliesin
Holy Hotness Humble Readers!
It's not even the end of April yet, and we hit 27C (close to 80F, I think) today! That is insane for the northern flatland! What's even crazier is that on Friday, we are supposed to be back down to 4C (mid 30s, I think) with rain and snow. Ugh! What is going on?
Anywho... we're up to the letter T in the A to z Challenge. Today I give you Taliesin, a main character in the first book of Stephen Lawhead's Pendragon Cycle. I've actually been wanting to talk about this series of novels from the beginning of this whole challenge.
I fell in love with this series when I was in college. A friend and I discovered we shared a love of historical/fantasy novels, and this was tops on his list. The series, in the broadest terms, is the story of King Arthur. But it is so much more than that.
The first book, in which we meet Taliesin, actually begins in Wales and in Atlantis. It follows the stories of two very different people who are destined to come together... Taliesin and Charis.
From the beginning of his life, Taliesin is considered unlucky. But fate steps in and the road of his life changes course dramatically. While he is, by birth, a prince, it isn't until some extraordinary events take place that he is brought into the fold of the druids.
At the same time, Charis, a young princess in Atlantis, is oblivious to the war that is looming on her country's horizon. The civil war changes her world entirely. The death of her mother during an attack drives a wedge between Charis and her father, and soon she leaves the home she loves to live in the temple as a bull-dancer.
When disaster strikes Atlantis, Charis narrowly escapes the devestation with her father and half-sister, Morgian (Morgan La Fey, Morgana). They, and the few ships of survivors, make their way first to France, and then ultimately to the south coast of England, where they settle and become known as the Fair Folk.
Charis and Taliesin's destiny's become entwined when, in true fairy tale form, boy meets girl and they fall in love. After facing many challenges, they are able to marry, and they have a son, Myrddin (Merlin). Always jealous of her half-sister, Morgian decides to exact her vengance by taking the one thing she can... Taliesin.
I love Taliesin because he's certain, even from a young age, that although many around him consider him unlucky at best, and useless at worst, he knows that there is more that he has to offer to his people and the larger world around him. He knows that he has a role to play.
I wish I had that kind of certainty...
I also highly recommend books two and three in the series (Merlin and Arthur). Merlin, especially, is fairly dark, but with a purpose. There are two other books in the series (Pendragon and Grail) but Lawhead came back and wrote them a fair bit after the first three, and there is something lacking in them. In my opinion, the series ends just fine at the end of Arthur.
Has there ever been a series which you thought the author strung along just a bit to long? I can think of a few, mostly in the fantasy genre.
It's not even the end of April yet, and we hit 27C (close to 80F, I think) today! That is insane for the northern flatland! What's even crazier is that on Friday, we are supposed to be back down to 4C (mid 30s, I think) with rain and snow. Ugh! What is going on?
Anywho... we're up to the letter T in the A to z Challenge. Today I give you Taliesin, a main character in the first book of Stephen Lawhead's Pendragon Cycle. I've actually been wanting to talk about this series of novels from the beginning of this whole challenge. I fell in love with this series when I was in college. A friend and I discovered we shared a love of historical/fantasy novels, and this was tops on his list. The series, in the broadest terms, is the story of King Arthur. But it is so much more than that.
The first book, in which we meet Taliesin, actually begins in Wales and in Atlantis. It follows the stories of two very different people who are destined to come together... Taliesin and Charis.
From the beginning of his life, Taliesin is considered unlucky. But fate steps in and the road of his life changes course dramatically. While he is, by birth, a prince, it isn't until some extraordinary events take place that he is brought into the fold of the druids.
At the same time, Charis, a young princess in Atlantis, is oblivious to the war that is looming on her country's horizon. The civil war changes her world entirely. The death of her mother during an attack drives a wedge between Charis and her father, and soon she leaves the home she loves to live in the temple as a bull-dancer.
When disaster strikes Atlantis, Charis narrowly escapes the devestation with her father and half-sister, Morgian (Morgan La Fey, Morgana). They, and the few ships of survivors, make their way first to France, and then ultimately to the south coast of England, where they settle and become known as the Fair Folk.
Charis and Taliesin's destiny's become entwined when, in true fairy tale form, boy meets girl and they fall in love. After facing many challenges, they are able to marry, and they have a son, Myrddin (Merlin). Always jealous of her half-sister, Morgian decides to exact her vengance by taking the one thing she can... Taliesin.
I love Taliesin because he's certain, even from a young age, that although many around him consider him unlucky at best, and useless at worst, he knows that there is more that he has to offer to his people and the larger world around him. He knows that he has a role to play.
I wish I had that kind of certainty...
I also highly recommend books two and three in the series (Merlin and Arthur). Merlin, especially, is fairly dark, but with a purpose. There are two other books in the series (Pendragon and Grail) but Lawhead came back and wrote them a fair bit after the first three, and there is something lacking in them. In my opinion, the series ends just fine at the end of Arthur.
Has there ever been a series which you thought the author strung along just a bit to long? I can think of a few, mostly in the fantasy genre.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Die Winter Die!
Good Morning Humble Readers...
This is what we woke up to on the frozen flatland this morning.
I am so blankety-blank sick of winter it's not even funny.
It's supposed to melt in the next couple of days... but dang it, this just puts me in a bad mood.
This is what we woke up to on the frozen flatland this morning.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
D is For... Dave
Hey Humble Readers...
I hope you're all having a good evening. It's been a dopey kind of day around here. Ginny slept until 10:30 this morning, and then took a four hour nap this afternoon. Crazy! It was a good thing, tho, as I've been asleep on my feet most of the day.
The grey skies closing in all day haven't helped at all. We are expecting a big dump of snow tonight (between 15 and 25 centimeters)... typical flatland spring. Yesterday we were at 15C, and today we have a snowfall warning. Insane.
So, today is D day in the A to z Challenge...
And I have only one option for fictional character for the letter D. I have to tell you about Dave.
Dave is a middle-aged husband and father, former road manager for many big rock and roll bands, who is originally from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and now lives in a diversely populated neighbourhood in Toronto. Oh yeah, and he runs the Vinyl Cafe, a used record store who's motto is "We may not be big, but we're small".
Dave and all his cohorts (wife Morley, daughter Stephanie, son Sam, dog Arthur, cat Galway, and a host of colourful neighbours, fellow business owners, and assorted relatives) are the creation of Stuart McLean. McLean does a weekly radio show on the CBC, during which he always shares Dave and company's latest antics. Some of you may be familiar with Garrison Keillor of Lake Wobegon fame... McLean is sort of like him, but funnier in my opinion.
Dave, while very well-intentioned, often gets himself into some pretty ridiculous situations. There was the time he decided he was going to install an electrical outlet on the wall by his kitchen table, and ended up punching holes in every wall with help of several of his neighbours. There was the time he decided to toilet-train the cat, that ended up with the cat doing several laps in the toilet as the water swirled. And of course there was the whole original Christmas turkey debacle... (a story which we read aloud every holiday season).
Basically... Dave lives life. And crazy sh!t happens. But he always starts out with the best of intentions. And I kill myself laughing every time.
Kinda sounds like all of us, right? :)
If you ever get the chance, I HIGHLY recommend that you read one of the Vinyl Cafe books (Vinyl Cafe Unplugged is my favourite) or check out the podcast. My Beloved and I also listen to the audiobooks whenever we go on a road trip.
What's the funniest book you've read?
I hope you're all having a good evening. It's been a dopey kind of day around here. Ginny slept until 10:30 this morning, and then took a four hour nap this afternoon. Crazy! It was a good thing, tho, as I've been asleep on my feet most of the day.
The grey skies closing in all day haven't helped at all. We are expecting a big dump of snow tonight (between 15 and 25 centimeters)... typical flatland spring. Yesterday we were at 15C, and today we have a snowfall warning. Insane.
And I have only one option for fictional character for the letter D. I have to tell you about Dave.
Dave is a middle-aged husband and father, former road manager for many big rock and roll bands, who is originally from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and now lives in a diversely populated neighbourhood in Toronto. Oh yeah, and he runs the Vinyl Cafe, a used record store who's motto is "We may not be big, but we're small".
Dave and all his cohorts (wife Morley, daughter Stephanie, son Sam, dog Arthur, cat Galway, and a host of colourful neighbours, fellow business owners, and assorted relatives) are the creation of Stuart McLean. McLean does a weekly radio show on the CBC, during which he always shares Dave and company's latest antics. Some of you may be familiar with Garrison Keillor of Lake Wobegon fame... McLean is sort of like him, but funnier in my opinion.
Dave, while very well-intentioned, often gets himself into some pretty ridiculous situations. There was the time he decided he was going to install an electrical outlet on the wall by his kitchen table, and ended up punching holes in every wall with help of several of his neighbours. There was the time he decided to toilet-train the cat, that ended up with the cat doing several laps in the toilet as the water swirled. And of course there was the whole original Christmas turkey debacle... (a story which we read aloud every holiday season).
Basically... Dave lives life. And crazy sh!t happens. But he always starts out with the best of intentions. And I kill myself laughing every time.
Kinda sounds like all of us, right? :)
If you ever get the chance, I HIGHLY recommend that you read one of the Vinyl Cafe books (Vinyl Cafe Unplugged is my favourite) or check out the podcast. My Beloved and I also listen to the audiobooks whenever we go on a road trip.
What's the funniest book you've read?
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Week 30: Spring Is In The Air (or Not...)
Howdy Humble Readers...
I hope you all are enjoying some spring-like weather, where ever you are. It's been unseasonably warm here on the northern flatland, and with the big dump of snow we got last week everything is still sloppy and slushy. But it has been nice enough to have the windows of the house open in the afternoons. I'm loving the fresh air!!
I'm anxious for spring to get here. I'm tired of being cooped up in the house all the time. I'm hoping, once the ice and slush are gone, to be able to go for short walks in the afternoon with Ginny. She needs to get outside, and we both need to activity. The reality is, we may yet get another blast of winter. The first year that I lived in our little city it snowed at the end of May. Last year we got snow in June. It's not the norm, but it does happen.
(I wrote the above this afternoon... before we had a mini blizzard. **sigh** The weatherman told us it would be rain.)
In other news... Sadly, we found out that we aren't going to be able to go away for our anniversary next month as we had planned. I'm bummed, but hopefully we'll be able to do it next year. It just would have been nice to do something a bit big for our fifth.
And from the 'doh!' file... Because it was a bit of a hectic day, I forgot to call Dr. W's office on Friday to find out about the ultrasound results (if they were able to determine if it's placenta previa or not). I called Monday, and discovered that her office is closed for the week. I see her at the hospital next week Monday while I have an NST, but she won't have my file there, so I doubt she'll know.
On to this week's update...
How far along? 30w0d (8 weeks to go)
Maternity clothes? Yup!
Body Oddities? VERY dry skin, alternating constipation and IBS flares, acne, back ache, cracking joints, super sore & slightly leaky boobs, dry/itchy eyes, leg cramps, round ligament pain, tingly fingertips, tired, gassy, Braxton Hicks, tendonitis in my thumbs, NEW THIS WEEK: nothing much
Sleep? Hit and miss. I'm back to waking up between 3 and 4 am. I end up being awake for an hour or two and then falling asleep on the couch.
Intense Dreams? Re-reading the Hunger Games series has messed with my head. Lots of weird hunting/being hunted dreams. With a little of bombings and explosions thrown in for good measure.
Best moment this week? Making progress on my massive to do list. It feels good to be working toward something.
Worst moment? Honestly, Ginny's having a rough week. Between teething (that is showing no discernible progress), a growth spurt, and attempting the switch from two naps to one... it's been a challenging few days.
Movement? I think the Halfling has turned finally. Oh, and the little one has had the hiccups a few times this week. Still waiting for the moment when Ginny feels a kick.
Food cravings/aversions? Shamrock shakes... (thanks a lot, Amy! LOL) Thank heaven they are only available for another week. Then the temptation will be gone. Really, I just want anything ice cold.
Rings? Still on... I have, this week, reached my pre-pregnancy weight. It's a couple of weeks ahead of last time, but I'm not overly concerned. I just need to keep things under control from here on out.
Gender? I had a brief stretch when I was getting 'boy' vibes, but I'm back to thinking of the Halfling as a girl.
Medical Concerns? Gestational Diabetes (insulin 5 times a day), High blood pressure (on 50mg of lobetalol 3x daily), continued heartburn (on 60mg of Pan.taloc daily), kidney stones, low lying placenta, low iron.
What I miss? Being able to get things out of the bottom of the fridge or the lower cupboards.
What I look forward to? My Dad may be coming to town for work again later this month. I'm hoping that he'll be able to spare some time to help me do a couple of things around the house.
Emotional State? Mostly okay this week. I've had some bad stretches, but overall, better than last week.
I hope you all are enjoying some spring-like weather, where ever you are. It's been unseasonably warm here on the northern flatland, and with the big dump of snow we got last week everything is still sloppy and slushy. But it has been nice enough to have the windows of the house open in the afternoons. I'm loving the fresh air!!
I'm anxious for spring to get here. I'm tired of being cooped up in the house all the time. I'm hoping, once the ice and slush are gone, to be able to go for short walks in the afternoon with Ginny. She needs to get outside, and we both need to activity. The reality is, we may yet get another blast of winter. The first year that I lived in our little city it snowed at the end of May. Last year we got snow in June. It's not the norm, but it does happen.
(I wrote the above this afternoon... before we had a mini blizzard. **sigh** The weatherman told us it would be rain.)
In other news... Sadly, we found out that we aren't going to be able to go away for our anniversary next month as we had planned. I'm bummed, but hopefully we'll be able to do it next year. It just would have been nice to do something a bit big for our fifth.
And from the 'doh!' file... Because it was a bit of a hectic day, I forgot to call Dr. W's office on Friday to find out about the ultrasound results (if they were able to determine if it's placenta previa or not). I called Monday, and discovered that her office is closed for the week. I see her at the hospital next week Monday while I have an NST, but she won't have my file there, so I doubt she'll know.
On to this week's update...
How far along? 30w0d (8 weeks to go)
Maternity clothes? Yup!
Body Oddities? VERY dry skin, alternating constipation and IBS flares, acne, back ache, cracking joints, super sore & slightly leaky boobs, dry/itchy eyes, leg cramps, round ligament pain, tingly fingertips, tired, gassy, Braxton Hicks, tendonitis in my thumbs, NEW THIS WEEK: nothing much
Sleep? Hit and miss. I'm back to waking up between 3 and 4 am. I end up being awake for an hour or two and then falling asleep on the couch.
Intense Dreams? Re-reading the Hunger Games series has messed with my head. Lots of weird hunting/being hunted dreams. With a little of bombings and explosions thrown in for good measure.
Best moment this week? Making progress on my massive to do list. It feels good to be working toward something.
Worst moment? Honestly, Ginny's having a rough week. Between teething (that is showing no discernible progress), a growth spurt, and attempting the switch from two naps to one... it's been a challenging few days.
Movement? I think the Halfling has turned finally. Oh, and the little one has had the hiccups a few times this week. Still waiting for the moment when Ginny feels a kick.
Food cravings/aversions? Shamrock shakes... (thanks a lot, Amy! LOL) Thank heaven they are only available for another week. Then the temptation will be gone. Really, I just want anything ice cold.
Rings? Still on... I have, this week, reached my pre-pregnancy weight. It's a couple of weeks ahead of last time, but I'm not overly concerned. I just need to keep things under control from here on out.
Gender? I had a brief stretch when I was getting 'boy' vibes, but I'm back to thinking of the Halfling as a girl.
Medical Concerns? Gestational Diabetes (insulin 5 times a day), High blood pressure (on 50mg of lobetalol 3x daily), continued heartburn (on 60mg of Pan.taloc daily), kidney stones, low lying placenta, low iron.
What I miss? Being able to get things out of the bottom of the fridge or the lower cupboards.
What I look forward to? My Dad may be coming to town for work again later this month. I'm hoping that he'll be able to spare some time to help me do a couple of things around the house.
Emotional State? Mostly okay this week. I've had some bad stretches, but overall, better than last week.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: All Thumbs
Hey Humble Readers...
I hope all is well in your neck of the woods. Here on the flatland, things are sloppy and slushy. We had a big dump of snow last weekend, and now it's melting like mad. We can't park in our building's lot because it's off the back lane, and the lane is a swamp at the moment. But hopefully tomorrow's unseasonally high temps will help dry things up a bit (who am I kidding???).
*****
My chiropractor is a genius. My back has actually been feeling pretty good this week, no major issues. But, as I mentioned in yesterday's weekly update... I think I might have tendonitis in my thumbs. Seriously, you don't know how much you use your thumbs until they are killer sore. I mentioned my sore thumbs at my appointment today, and he managed to not only adjust them, but I was actually feeling a lot better. They are starting to ache a little right now, but I'm hopeful that with continued adjustments they won't get any worse.
*****
I used my body pillow for the first time this pregnancy last night. I used it a lot last time because my back and hips were so sore from being on my feet all day at work. I have to say, I had quite possibly the best night's sleep I've had in months. Most nights, even good nights, I end up tossing and turning quite a bit, but last night, I didn't move one iota. I woke up in the exact same position as when I fell asleep. It was great! The only drawback was that my one arm was completely asleep, from my fingertips to my shoulder from sleeping on it.
*****
Ginny managed to break a couple of the locks we had on the lower kitchen cupboards. When we bought replacements, we bought a different style of lock... that proved absolutely impossible for both my Beloved and I to figure out. Seriously, we could get it on the cupboard knobs, but we couldn't get back into the cupboard without much foul language and pain in our fingertips from trying to get the stupid thing to slide. Needless to say, when I finally got the stupid thing unlocked, the contraption went straight into the garbage. Now I'm playing a fake out game with Ginny... every day I switch one of the remaining locks we have back and forth between the tupperware cupboard and the pots/pans cupboard.
*****
It's been a year since my Beloved went to audition for Jeopardy. We're trying not to give up hope that he will get called to be a contestant, but time is running out. Although, with our luck, he'll get the call and be expected down there in May. Whatever happens, I think we'll both be doing the online test next year.
I hope all is well in your neck of the woods. Here on the flatland, things are sloppy and slushy. We had a big dump of snow last weekend, and now it's melting like mad. We can't park in our building's lot because it's off the back lane, and the lane is a swamp at the moment. But hopefully tomorrow's unseasonally high temps will help dry things up a bit (who am I kidding???).
*****
My chiropractor is a genius. My back has actually been feeling pretty good this week, no major issues. But, as I mentioned in yesterday's weekly update... I think I might have tendonitis in my thumbs. Seriously, you don't know how much you use your thumbs until they are killer sore. I mentioned my sore thumbs at my appointment today, and he managed to not only adjust them, but I was actually feeling a lot better. They are starting to ache a little right now, but I'm hopeful that with continued adjustments they won't get any worse.
*****
I used my body pillow for the first time this pregnancy last night. I used it a lot last time because my back and hips were so sore from being on my feet all day at work. I have to say, I had quite possibly the best night's sleep I've had in months. Most nights, even good nights, I end up tossing and turning quite a bit, but last night, I didn't move one iota. I woke up in the exact same position as when I fell asleep. It was great! The only drawback was that my one arm was completely asleep, from my fingertips to my shoulder from sleeping on it.
*****
Ginny managed to break a couple of the locks we had on the lower kitchen cupboards. When we bought replacements, we bought a different style of lock... that proved absolutely impossible for both my Beloved and I to figure out. Seriously, we could get it on the cupboard knobs, but we couldn't get back into the cupboard without much foul language and pain in our fingertips from trying to get the stupid thing to slide. Needless to say, when I finally got the stupid thing unlocked, the contraption went straight into the garbage. Now I'm playing a fake out game with Ginny... every day I switch one of the remaining locks we have back and forth between the tupperware cupboard and the pots/pans cupboard.
*****
It's been a year since my Beloved went to audition for Jeopardy. We're trying not to give up hope that he will get called to be a contestant, but time is running out. Although, with our luck, he'll get the call and be expected down there in May. Whatever happens, I think we'll both be doing the online test next year.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Questions & Minutia
Hey Humble Readers,
Old Man Winter has deemed that we have had enough of a break from his presence, and has come back with a bit of a bite. After our really cold stretch (wherein Tilly the Toyota froze up completely) we had an amazingly long stretch of almost spring-like weather. No snow and mild temps for almost a month. Then last week the snow started again, but it was still not too terribly cold. Now we're back to more seasonal temps for the frozen flatland... and it's been snowing pretty much consistently since Thursday. We haven't gotten much for accumulation, but it's our normal mid winter type of snow... dusty, dry and powdery. Apparently we've lucked out though, because Big City to the North has gotten slammed with snow.
*****
It's Oscar night tonight, and as usual, I'm going to be cooking up a bunch of appetizers for my Beloved and I to munch on as I drool over the dresses and (hopefully) laugh at Billy Crystal. On the menu tonight: Baked Crab Rangoon, Creamy Chicken Puffs, Nachos, and Fresh Veggies with Hummus. I'm ashamed to admit, this year I think I have only seen one of the major nominated films. I've already informed my Beloved that as they come available on VOD, we will be renting! Normally I try to see as many of the nominated pics as possible.
*****
My Beloved and I have a bit of a quandary before us. It's not pressing, but we are trying to make a decision about sleeping arrangements for Ginny and the Halfling. Of course, for the first few months, the Halfling will be in our room. But by next fall we'll probably be looking at moving him/her in with Ginny in the nursery. At that point, Ginny may be ready for a toddler bed. Here's where the questions arise... should we buy Ginny a toddler bed, or should we buy the Halfling a convertible crib (one that can become a toddler bed, and eventually even a full size bed... like what we bought for Ginny)? To buy a crib will cost a bit more now, but it may be more cost effective in the future. A toddler bed would be cheaper at the moment, but maybe not as smart for the long term. No matter what, the little ones will have to share a room, for at least a couple of years yet, as we aren't in the position to be looking for a new house. Thoughts?
*****
You may have noticed the new tab up there at the top, my "Massive To Do List". It contains all the stuff I feel I need to get done before the Halfling makes his/her appearance. One of the items on my list is to make a bunch of freezer meals for the first few weeks at home. The thing is, most of my usual freezer meal ideas are more wintery types of food (lasagna, chili, etc). Do any of you have any good suggestions for lighter spring/summer freezer meals?
*****
Another item on my To Do list requires some help from my friends who knit. I'm a very inexperienced knitter, and I have a problem that I need to fix. Some of you may recall that I knitted a very basic baby blanket for Ginny before she was born. Sadly, Ginny has pulled a couple of big snags in it, to the point where I can't let her use the blanket in her crib because I'm scared that she could hurt herself with the long loose strands. I want to fix it if I can, but I'm just not sure how. Experienced knitters... do you think it's possible? And if so, how should I go about fixing it? Or should I just give it up, and knit her a new blanket?
*****
Thanks in advance for all your input, Humble Readers! I appreciate it!
Old Man Winter has deemed that we have had enough of a break from his presence, and has come back with a bit of a bite. After our really cold stretch (wherein Tilly the Toyota froze up completely) we had an amazingly long stretch of almost spring-like weather. No snow and mild temps for almost a month. Then last week the snow started again, but it was still not too terribly cold. Now we're back to more seasonal temps for the frozen flatland... and it's been snowing pretty much consistently since Thursday. We haven't gotten much for accumulation, but it's our normal mid winter type of snow... dusty, dry and powdery. Apparently we've lucked out though, because Big City to the North has gotten slammed with snow.
*****
It's Oscar night tonight, and as usual, I'm going to be cooking up a bunch of appetizers for my Beloved and I to munch on as I drool over the dresses and (hopefully) laugh at Billy Crystal. On the menu tonight: Baked Crab Rangoon, Creamy Chicken Puffs, Nachos, and Fresh Veggies with Hummus. I'm ashamed to admit, this year I think I have only seen one of the major nominated films. I've already informed my Beloved that as they come available on VOD, we will be renting! Normally I try to see as many of the nominated pics as possible.
*****
My Beloved and I have a bit of a quandary before us. It's not pressing, but we are trying to make a decision about sleeping arrangements for Ginny and the Halfling. Of course, for the first few months, the Halfling will be in our room. But by next fall we'll probably be looking at moving him/her in with Ginny in the nursery. At that point, Ginny may be ready for a toddler bed. Here's where the questions arise... should we buy Ginny a toddler bed, or should we buy the Halfling a convertible crib (one that can become a toddler bed, and eventually even a full size bed... like what we bought for Ginny)? To buy a crib will cost a bit more now, but it may be more cost effective in the future. A toddler bed would be cheaper at the moment, but maybe not as smart for the long term. No matter what, the little ones will have to share a room, for at least a couple of years yet, as we aren't in the position to be looking for a new house. Thoughts?
*****
You may have noticed the new tab up there at the top, my "Massive To Do List". It contains all the stuff I feel I need to get done before the Halfling makes his/her appearance. One of the items on my list is to make a bunch of freezer meals for the first few weeks at home. The thing is, most of my usual freezer meal ideas are more wintery types of food (lasagna, chili, etc). Do any of you have any good suggestions for lighter spring/summer freezer meals?
*****
Another item on my To Do list requires some help from my friends who knit. I'm a very inexperienced knitter, and I have a problem that I need to fix. Some of you may recall that I knitted a very basic baby blanket for Ginny before she was born. Sadly, Ginny has pulled a couple of big snags in it, to the point where I can't let her use the blanket in her crib because I'm scared that she could hurt herself with the long loose strands. I want to fix it if I can, but I'm just not sure how. Experienced knitters... do you think it's possible? And if so, how should I go about fixing it? Or should I just give it up, and knit her a new blanket?
*****
Thanks in advance for all your input, Humble Readers! I appreciate it!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Week 21: Randomness Abounds
Good Evening Humble Readers,
It appears that winter is making a reappearance here on the un-frozen flatland. It's been so warm lately that I was beginning to wonder if our winter was only that couple of cold weeks in November. It's supposed to get down to -20C tonight, and next week we might even get some snow! Shocking! As much as I hate it, it is necessary. I know that the farmers will be in a state in a few months if we don't start getting some significant precipitation.
On a completely different note, this week is the beginning of a bit of a new experiment for my menu planning. In an attempt to change things up a bit, I decided that each week we will have one soup night, one sandwich night, and one meat-free night. I want to do this partly because I get tired of the same meat/starch/veg combos, but mostly to cut back on some of our meat consumption. Tonight was soup night, and I made mushroom barley soup which turned out pretty well, and I attempted to make some dinner rolls that didn't turn out at all (don't know what happened... my bread maker didn't mix the ingredients properly. Odd). Tomorrow is sandwich night and I'm making bbq beef sliders. I'm going to have to work on my supply of meat-free recipes. Any suggestions?
On to the update...
How far along? 21w0d
Maternity clothes? Yes, but not that I've been wearing any of them the last few days. Pjs and sweats have been the name of the game since I came down with this crud.
Body Oddities? dry skin, periods of extreme fatigue, alternating constipation and IBS flares, acne, bruises from insulin injections, back ache (I'm going to see my chiropractor next week), cracking joints, super sore & slightly leaky boobs, increased earwax (happened last time too), dry/itchy eyes. NEW THIS WEEK: nighttime leg cramps and the 'girls' have gotten significantly bigger (didn't happen last time)
Sleep? Much better. I'm still tired during the day, but I think I can attribute most of that to the crud. I don't feel the need to nap in the evenings any more and I'm able to sleep pretty much all night. Hopefully this trend will continue.
Best moment this week? Having a small burst of energy the other day and using it to go through our coat closet and sending a bunch of stuff to the thrift store.
Worst moment? Any moment that involves a coughing fit.
Movement? Lots. The Halfling has been doing a lot of flip-flopping. There doesn't seem to be a significant pattern yet, with movement coming at almost any time of day.
Food cravings/aversions? Nothing specific this week. I haven't been really hungry.
Rings? Still on, still loose
Gender? Not going to find out, although I am thoroughly planted in the she-hobbit camp. My Beloved has no inkling either way.
Intense Dreams? Lots. Many of them involve some sort of action (searching, hiding, running from someone, etc) or other intense situations. Then there are the odd ones that involve fictional characters (like Sheldon from Big Bang Theory... again). And the one that I told you all about a few days ago... where I saw the Halfling, kind of, and called her by name. I really liked that one.
Medical Concerns? Gestational Diabetes (insulin 5 times a day), High blood pressure (on 100mg of lobetalol 3x daily), continued heartburn (on 150mg of zan.tac 2x daily), kidney stones, continuing string of lousy colds
What I miss? Sushi, my favourite wine, and bladder control
What I look forward to? Feeling healthy, making progress on my organizational projects
Emotional State? Generally, I think I'm doing better. I get frustrated easily, but a lot of that is based on my physical state.
It appears that winter is making a reappearance here on the un-frozen flatland. It's been so warm lately that I was beginning to wonder if our winter was only that couple of cold weeks in November. It's supposed to get down to -20C tonight, and next week we might even get some snow! Shocking! As much as I hate it, it is necessary. I know that the farmers will be in a state in a few months if we don't start getting some significant precipitation.
On a completely different note, this week is the beginning of a bit of a new experiment for my menu planning. In an attempt to change things up a bit, I decided that each week we will have one soup night, one sandwich night, and one meat-free night. I want to do this partly because I get tired of the same meat/starch/veg combos, but mostly to cut back on some of our meat consumption. Tonight was soup night, and I made mushroom barley soup which turned out pretty well, and I attempted to make some dinner rolls that didn't turn out at all (don't know what happened... my bread maker didn't mix the ingredients properly. Odd). Tomorrow is sandwich night and I'm making bbq beef sliders. I'm going to have to work on my supply of meat-free recipes. Any suggestions?
On to the update...
How far along? 21w0d
Maternity clothes? Yes, but not that I've been wearing any of them the last few days. Pjs and sweats have been the name of the game since I came down with this crud.
Body Oddities? dry skin, periods of extreme fatigue, alternating constipation and IBS flares, acne, bruises from insulin injections, back ache (I'm going to see my chiropractor next week), cracking joints, super sore & slightly leaky boobs, increased earwax (happened last time too), dry/itchy eyes. NEW THIS WEEK: nighttime leg cramps and the 'girls' have gotten significantly bigger (didn't happen last time)
Sleep? Much better. I'm still tired during the day, but I think I can attribute most of that to the crud. I don't feel the need to nap in the evenings any more and I'm able to sleep pretty much all night. Hopefully this trend will continue.
Best moment this week? Having a small burst of energy the other day and using it to go through our coat closet and sending a bunch of stuff to the thrift store.
Worst moment? Any moment that involves a coughing fit.
Movement? Lots. The Halfling has been doing a lot of flip-flopping. There doesn't seem to be a significant pattern yet, with movement coming at almost any time of day.
Food cravings/aversions? Nothing specific this week. I haven't been really hungry.
Rings? Still on, still loose
Gender? Not going to find out, although I am thoroughly planted in the she-hobbit camp. My Beloved has no inkling either way.
Intense Dreams? Lots. Many of them involve some sort of action (searching, hiding, running from someone, etc) or other intense situations. Then there are the odd ones that involve fictional characters (like Sheldon from Big Bang Theory... again). And the one that I told you all about a few days ago... where I saw the Halfling, kind of, and called her by name. I really liked that one.
Medical Concerns? Gestational Diabetes (insulin 5 times a day), High blood pressure (on 100mg of lobetalol 3x daily), continued heartburn (on 150mg of zan.tac 2x daily), kidney stones, continuing string of lousy colds
What I miss? Sushi, my favourite wine, and bladder control
What I look forward to? Feeling healthy, making progress on my organizational projects
Emotional State? Generally, I think I'm doing better. I get frustrated easily, but a lot of that is based on my physical state.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Hobbit-ish Potpurri:
Good Evening Humble Readers...
If I wasn't sure before, it's now official... Winter has landed! We woke up to several inches of the white stuff and while it looks pretty, all I can think of is slipping and falling (and probably breaking something... I know I'm irrational). I saw the weather prediction for this winter and it makes me a little sad. A La Nina winter (more snow than usual) and temps below average. As if average wasn't cold enough. *sigh* I must remember the year I lived in Florida and actually missed winter.
*****
I finally had a bit of an epiphany... what I have been assuming is 'the crud' may be pregnancy sinusitus. I had it last time toward the end (read: November) and it may explain all my sinus issues recently. I'm going to invest in a neti pot or some saline spray and see if that helps.
*****
In other pregnancy news, I think I have officially 'popped'. Of course, with all my extra fluff, the average person wouldn't notice it, but I'm feeling a bit rounder than usual, and I've noticed that it's harder to curl up on the couch the way I usually do.
*****
I mentioned the plumbing work we had done recently on our bathroom in yesterday's post... but let me tell you, I am so stoked that I don't have to use a set of pliers to turn the water on and off anymore. It sucks that we had to shell out more than $400 (and this after paying $250 just over a month ago for repairs to the same faucet) but at least they didn't have to go into the wall or anything to replace the faucet.
*****
I managed to do something today that I don't think I could do again if I tried. I was making my breakfast, slicing some cheese to go with my eggs, when my fingers slid off the back of the knife I was using and I manged to cut the first to fingers of my left hand... WITH THE BACK OF THE KNIFE. Really, the cuts are no worse than papercuts, but man oh man did they ever sting... especially this afternoon when I was slicing onions to go in our dinner. Ouch!!!
*****
Tomorrow night is my Beloved's work Christmas party. We're going to a dinner theater. I love live theater, but we haven't seen much since we got married, so I'm super excited.
*****
Well, I'm off to bed. I went to bed early last night and actually slept for close to 6 hours in bed before my stuffy sinuses woke me up. Woohoo. We'll see if I can beat that tonight.
If I wasn't sure before, it's now official... Winter has landed! We woke up to several inches of the white stuff and while it looks pretty, all I can think of is slipping and falling (and probably breaking something... I know I'm irrational). I saw the weather prediction for this winter and it makes me a little sad. A La Nina winter (more snow than usual) and temps below average. As if average wasn't cold enough. *sigh* I must remember the year I lived in Florida and actually missed winter.
*****
I finally had a bit of an epiphany... what I have been assuming is 'the crud' may be pregnancy sinusitus. I had it last time toward the end (read: November) and it may explain all my sinus issues recently. I'm going to invest in a neti pot or some saline spray and see if that helps.
*****
In other pregnancy news, I think I have officially 'popped'. Of course, with all my extra fluff, the average person wouldn't notice it, but I'm feeling a bit rounder than usual, and I've noticed that it's harder to curl up on the couch the way I usually do.
*****
I mentioned the plumbing work we had done recently on our bathroom in yesterday's post... but let me tell you, I am so stoked that I don't have to use a set of pliers to turn the water on and off anymore. It sucks that we had to shell out more than $400 (and this after paying $250 just over a month ago for repairs to the same faucet) but at least they didn't have to go into the wall or anything to replace the faucet.
*****
I managed to do something today that I don't think I could do again if I tried. I was making my breakfast, slicing some cheese to go with my eggs, when my fingers slid off the back of the knife I was using and I manged to cut the first to fingers of my left hand... WITH THE BACK OF THE KNIFE. Really, the cuts are no worse than papercuts, but man oh man did they ever sting... especially this afternoon when I was slicing onions to go in our dinner. Ouch!!!
*****
Tomorrow night is my Beloved's work Christmas party. We're going to a dinner theater. I love live theater, but we haven't seen much since we got married, so I'm super excited.
*****
Well, I'm off to bed. I went to bed early last night and actually slept for close to 6 hours in bed before my stuffy sinuses woke me up. Woohoo. We'll see if I can beat that tonight.
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