Year End is Near

Well the end of the year is near and I am at my keyboard trying to stay awake long enough to get this final post of the year posted.  I need to get a few things down and then upload some photos.  I am thrilled to have spent the last hour on the phone with a long time friend who this time persuaded me to get my blog back up and running.  When I am off work I tend to off everything to the outside world.  Since I cannot go camping - well down here we likely could it is nearly warm enough.  I tend to turtle and stay indoors and putter about inside the house.  After having 11 for Christmas dinner and then an open house the next day, I just took some time for me and D. 

I found the year difficult, and rewarding.  Many positives happened and yet quickly followed by negatives.  The job front is still not what I had anticipated upon entering the profession years ago.  The job front for me is changing I am learning to weld beginning in the new year and if that leads to something that pays well, great, if not it is a new skill for an old dog. 

I was fortunate to attend 5 NFL games this year, and had a blast at each and every one of them!  Travelled to the north a couple of times since I left and have not looked back and nor will I.  I miss a few from up there but not enough to go back. 

I am going to add a new feature tomorrow - Poetry- I do not expect to wow the world just to share some old and new. 

Here are some photos from the year:

I had to name him b/c he was just too handsome!  Claude!



Claude with a tan!





Who am I?



An army of snowmen!

Christmas in Buffalo

Tebow time!

The view from our seats



Mom first NFL game - loving it!




Reggie Bush - future hall of famer




Border crossing - wanna guess which one?



Whittles

Dear Christmas morning outside our hotel window alongside I-90

Muddy - where is he?

Yuletide fire



The year was busy, fun, happy, sad, glad, mad, bad, and so much more.  I bid you adieu 2011.  Here is looking forward to 2012.
Happy New Year
Lady of the Oak

The Holidays

The holidays were here and now they have nearly passed out of our lives and will return again next.  We had a house full of people on boxing day as we were out of the area on Christmas Day.  On the 27th we had 11 for dinner, and it was crowded but terrific!  I enjoy giving back to those who gave to me when I was a youngster and it feels good! T'was a lot of work, but so worth it.  We did a little gift exchange and had a few laughs.  My nieces were here and it was my first holiday spent with them.  It went well, a few bumps but overall fun and enjoyable. 

We had our free range, drug free 25lb turkey I named Claude!  Oh my gosh he was DELICIOUS!!! I need to get him off the carcass today and into the soup, freezer and tummies! 

The next day was an open house and a few friends dropped by and wished us cheer.  We ate our crackers and cheese and a few treats.  We got our first real snow last night it began about 4 and it is here this morning.  The wind is cold and it is wintry outside.  Today is finishing our Risk game the three of us always try to play each visit, and tidying up and taking apart my one table to move downstairs. 

That is all for now, not in the mood to sit here and type.  Just want to be busy with the to do things. 

Enjoy the day,

Lady of the Oak

Just about ready and here they come begins today and ends on Tuesday

Well the chocolates are made and wrapped with care,
the stockings are stuffed and they are full of wares,
the gifts all wrapped in cute paper,
the tree is stuffed with ornaments and cards of paper.
The food prep has commenced,
the first of the arriving guests are due,
the fridge is clean, and bright,
the steaks are seasoned beyond measure and the wine is a chillin. 
The table is nearly set,
the chairs need to be cleaned and brought inside,
the turkey meets his maker today and tomorrow will be a chillin here at our abode.

I have to get back to my to do list,

Until tomorrow or perhaps later

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Happy New Year!

Lady of the Oak

Buffalo Bound with Mom

Am leaving for Buffalo in a few, need to get dressed and going.  The snow is falling like the rain we have had the last 4 days, of course right, road trip and the snow appears.  Oh well, slow going and steady. 

Enjoy the day,

Lady of the Oak

Who Am I?

Anyone know what kind of bird this in on my back deck eating the strategically placed suet and seeds. 

Enjoy the day,

Lady of the Oak

Busy Thursday

Today is full of preparations for the holiday guests that will be arriving next week.  I spent the last 24 hours with Mom after her surgery she is doing well.  Last night Kathryn was kind enough to pick up and then drop off my new table for the dining room.  I love it!  It is really nice, and will be spectacular once it is refinished!  Great price too - FREE!  The four chairs are in the garage for now until I get the dining room a tad more organised.  The tree is up and the decorating has commenced.  We will put the rest of the decorations on tonight and then that is completed.  Today also includes a trip to Priscilla's to get eggs, the post office and begin the chocolate process once again.  I have my labels printed for the sea salt scrubs and they can be filled and placed under the tree.  Laundry is ongoing but making progress.  The two aquariums need to have some tender loving care and they will be all sparkly for the holidays.  I think that is all for today.  Gosh, I better get busy. 

My Mom will be here tomorrow and we head to Buffalo on Saturday morning to the game for Sunday against Miami. 

Enjoy the day

Lady of the Oak

Successful Surgery

Mom had her cataract surgery and the doctor said it went "perfectly".  Always great words to hear from a surgeon.  Mom just woke up and had a sound and restful sleep so that will aid in her healing time.  The coffee is brewing and the smell is delectable.  The doctor was running ahead of schedule so we were only at the hospital until 1 as opposed to 4, which was nice. 

I brought her home and got her settled and her neighbour Joan was at the hospital the same time as we were just a tad earlier - so they are both experiencing the same thing together - which is nice for them both being widows. 

I slept on Mom's camping bed and it was rather comfy.  I was surprised how quiet the city was last night.  I got some sleep and woke about my usual time and here I am. 

Today is chiropractor due to getting run into at work and then home to receive delivery of my new free dining room set a friend picked up for me yesterday with her van.  I am going to need it for the additional seating for the crowd I have coming for Christmas dinner. 

Well, that is all for today,

Enjoy the day,

Lady of the Oak

Cataract Surgery

Tis the day Mom has awaited for many months now.  Her left eye is the lens to be corrected today, she was able to save up her money to get the better of the two lenses.  To me the lens that OHIP offers is like having a cataract, the one you have to pay for is true clear sight.  I am glad Mom was able to get the better of the two lenses. 

So, it is off to the hospital to sit and wait with Mom for the day.  We need to be there for the entire day.  After that I will get Mom settled and head to my union meeting at 4:30, then back to Mom's to spend the night with her as they are not to be left unsupervised the first night.  I am looking forward to her being able to see clearly again and I know that she is as well. 

I am off,
enjoy the day,

Lady of the Oak

Christmas Shopping on a Grand Scale

Well the weekend is over and I survived a retail onslaught of major proportions!  I was a happy shopper and quite congenial with my mate.  As he led me from store to store to store.  We hunted high and low and in and out for coats, boots, presents, and the ever sought after ohhhh, awwww moments.  We looked in Macy's, Younkers, JC Penny, and the other stores in between.  We found very cool funky my kind of wrapping paper, solar lights, several very cute decorations many of which we left behind for other shoppers.  We picked up all the things on our list and more!  We discovered a new craft store for me it is called Hobby Lobby - incredible!  Tidy, did I say the store was tidy? I mean it was looked like no one had been there tidy and the place was crawling with people!  Fantastic store!  I spent and hour and a bit there whilst D was scouring Best Buy for the electronic deals.  I picked up some paper for my mosaics - see if I can figure out how to use it, some felt and a cone to make a Christmas tree for next year for the table, some much needed black grout, a cordless glue gun and some glitter glue sticks for the glue gun that D said I had to have!  I found winter boots at Dick's Sporting Goods and they are the bomb!  Light, super light, made by North Face so am hopeful they will keep my peds warm and toasty, and Clean Bottle designed by Dave! I am stoked about this .  A winter coat at JC Penny very stylish, and D a winter coat at Younkers.  Then it was off to Target to get some new glassware for us and we found the Brita bottles to try for a change. 

Enjoy the Oak

Lady of the Oak

Not much in this neck of the woods...

Not much happening here today.  It is early snow is expected and I have a double duty...ICK!  We are off to do some shopping and then the decorating can commence.  What else, oh I ran some of the Christmas plates through the dishwasher yesterday and the rest can go through the next load.  Exciting stuff eh! 

That is all, need to get ready for work.  I am thrilled that my PIC dropped off the poinsettia in person even though the recipient is adamant it was a nurse that dropped it off...no further comment on that from me...except to say that she did not believe that it was from me...oh well, it is there and it is checked off my to do list. 

Enjoy the day,

Lady of the Oak

Horticultural Society let down

Last night was our annual potluck dinner/meeting/flower show for our local horticultural society.  As was apparently planned the meeting was turned into a personal trip show.  The 'presentation began at 7:30 and I left at 8:30 it was still going on.  If people want to tell all about their trips and show hundreds of photos then please schedule it after the meeting not before.  I missed the meeting part of the meeting, the flower show results and came home without my pie cutter b/c it was pitch black trying to find your way around the darkened gymnasium.  I am quite disappointed that this is how our meeting was conducted after the last meeting being late due to the previous presenter taking too long.  I have found that the meetings go a lot like rote learning it is the same format each and every month.  Why not change it up a bit - how about some round table - minus the table discussions about actual gardening.  I am not learning anything about gardening sitting in a darkened room looking at pictures of foreign countries.  I was looking forward to hearing Richard a long time member who was asked to come and judge the flower competition speak about the arrangements and how to improve or what the judges look for in an arrangement.  Instead I snuck out under the cover of darkness and am saddened about the lack of empathy shown by one of our own member presenters. 

I did not start out to write a rant, but as I typed that is what it apparently turned into. 

Today is kitchen clean up and then next week will be chocolate revival.  I need to tidy of the kitchen and living room today they are driving me crazy.  As well, I need to get the garage warmed up so that I can work on my mosaic and get another coat of paint on the window frame I am working on - that I forgot to take a before picture of but will do that today as you can still see a significant amount of white paint and tell what it looked like before the red.  The stone I was creating is resting in the basement on a towel on my washer at the moment.  I am keeping it damp so I can finish scrapping it and clean it up a bit more for presentation.  Then I will make another one.  I still need to make gingerbread cookies and then my Christmas treats are finished.  I might drive to the local bulk barn to pick up more supplies today - we will see where the day leads. 

Yesterday I was hurt at work and today I am a tad achy.  I was run into from behind by a person who was running backwards.  I filled out the required paperwork and when work was finished I went straight to my chiropractors for medical treatment.  I think I am okay, but sore and stiff today. 

Today a friend is planning a quick visit to drop off some much needed tins and she found some old mason jars.  One can never have too many of either items.  So, in a little bit I need to fire up the wood stove in the garage and get the temperature warmed up in there so I can work on my mosaic this afternoon.  A busy day but manageable even with my aches and soreness it will be good to be moving about and keeping active.   

Enjoy the day,

Lady of the Oak

Potluck Wednesday

Tonight is our horticultural societies annual potluck dinner and flower competion.  I was thinking of entering a door wreath made out of natural materials - but have yet to make it, so we will see what happens with that plan.  I am off to work for a half day, then back to pick up my much missed metal Christmas tree from Dingo.  Then I can begin the process of creating a wreath if there is time.  I am taking a homemade scratch pumpkin pie tonight for my contribution.  I do not think I will stay for the entire meeting, I think after dinner I will duck out and come home and get a bit of organising finished up. 

My to do list got a bit shorter yesterday partially in thanks to an ole friend who lives TOO far away.  My pointsettia mosaic is coming along, I found more red glass.  My Mom picked me up some red vases to use but after having broken one of them the glass is not pure red it has some kind of film on it to make it look red - so after breaking a perfectly good vase it is not useful for this particular project.  I will use it for another one I am sure.  It was the thought that counts. 

Well time to finish getting ready for the day.

Enjoy the day,

Lady of the Oak

First Snow

Well last night we can officially say we had our first snow in our area.  It started as rain for a couple of days and then as the evening progressed and the temperature dropped it turned to very heavy wet snow, back and forth a couple times to rain. 

While driving home my headlights stopped working - due to the theft a few years ago, they have never worked right since the wiring and steering column were trashed.  So, I only had high beams and that was not fun.  I went 401 to get home with lots of lights around me and took my time.  Once I was on my small highway I took the high beams off and drove with running lights to give my eyes a break.  About 10 minutes from home my lights came back and it was a much easier drive. 

This morning we have snow on my car - arrived home at 8:30 and none on D's car who arrived home at 9:00.  Just a bit of time difference but snow is a finicky beast. 

Had a fun visit with Lorraine last night while waiting to see Zeinin - her office was packed!  A few of us congregated in Lorraine's and had a some fun conversation. 

Today is gym, window painting, and need to pour two stepping stones this week to let them settle.  I need to get the garage warmed up first.  To the bulk store to get more chocolate if the weather holds and then finish the chocolate production so I can begin gingerbread and be done with Christmas baking. 

Enjoy the day,
Lady of the Oak

December Flowers bring...hmm, Santa?

I had to take my metal Christmas tree back to Dingo aka Dan to have him re- weld the one piece that the wind managed to bend.  Dan said he has never seen one of his trees bend like that being staked into a lawn.  I just looked at him and smiled - tis the way life is in my world Dan.  So, on Wednesday I pick up my refurbished metal Christmas tree for the front lawn.  We are going to try to find solar lights for it in the states next weekend.  In the meantime we have decorated our trees a bit differently this year.  We used the same balls but this year I added ribbon to the trunks of the trees. 

Silver tree for Raiders, next year we will have silver and gold

The flowers below are all blooming in my yard.  I took the pictures on the weekend. 

Do you know what kind of flower this is?

Flowering Cabbage

Daisy

Flowering Cabbage it looks pinker than it is

Daisy

Just lovely views in our yard on a balmy December 3 day.  The weather is fantastic, but the fact that it is due to global warming is tainting the glow of not having snow. 

Enjoy the day,
Lady of the Oak

Stunning Sunday Sunrise!

Well, I was going to post some photos of the trees in the front yard that I decorated yesterday with D.  But, this was happening just as I was opening the blinds and curtains...

So, the post I was going to post today will be uploaded tomorrow for all to see.  I just could not pay homage to the beauty of the morning sky.  As I was taking these pictures from the back deck it was beginning to rain.


Today is all about chocolate clusters, painting my old picture frame to create a new decoration, packing tins, laundry and football. 


Enjoy the day,

Lady of the Oak

Posts, Marshmallow Men, Canadian Tire, and Vietnamese Food

Today is a busy day - first off why am I am awake and out of bed at just after 4 am?  Perhaps because I feel asleep on the couch watching ok semi watching the newest Pirates movie.  I found it to be boring /big yawn!  I am not a Penelope Cruz fan and no Orlando Bloom or Keira Knightly - just not the same and Sparrow's hair was different. 

This is my only weekend this month that is not crazy busy.  The number of things that are happening this month is INSANE!  So, this weekend is a chiller one but still lots to accomplish. 

• clusters of chocolate
• marshmallow men
• get paint at Canadian Tire to paint a window sill for Christmas decoration idea
• mosaic
• laundry - I only do it on weekends - but can hang it this one outside instead of inside
• post on blog
• dry cleaning for D - hence the Vietnamese food in the same town
• cleaning and general tidy up
• FOOTBALL

For a weekend that is not suppose to be busy it sure got busy in a hurry.

Enjoy the day,

Lady of the Oak

Catch Up

Got caught up with a dear friend yesterday after a visit just last week.  We have known each other awhile and just picked up where we left off on the phone it was a great feeling to not stumble on what to talk about. 

We have seen each other through some very trying times to say the least.  I am confident we will see better days ahead. 

I have hit the gym already and am posting then it is get ready for a lovely .5 day of work with a great group of folks.  I am looking forward to the afternoon. 

The snow is quickly but softly and fluffily - I know that is not a word but it is my blog and I kinda like it! 

Enjoy the day
Lady of the Oak

Chocolate update

Pretzel production will drizzle after they have cooled.

Overview

Apricots and spearmint leaves, dipped spoons.

Dates for Rob, candied ginger.

Gummi bears

They are dipped then redipped, with oreo cookie, not the most pretty of dips but yummy!

Christmas tree decorated

White Christmas tree - really ought to take it out of the wrapping.

Enjoy the day

Lady of the Oak

Rain, mosaic, chocolates

Monday consisted of rain, chocolate making and mosaic.  I listened to the rainfall and watched out the kitchen window while I began my chocolate making for the Christmas season.  Spent some time at the gym and came home and plowed forward with the chocolate session. 

Later in the day I roasted a free range organic chicken and it must weigh at least 12 pounds, it was yummy!  Then instead of cleaning up, I headed to my workshop in the garage lit a fire and began working on my latest mosaic.  I began placing glass last night and did some organizing out there as it was becoming quite messy.  With a nice toasty fire burning it felt good to be out there, it has been awhile since I worked on my project.  If I am going to have it finished by Christmas I best get my act in gear. 

Today is pouring rain at the moment, so I will do more chocolates today is dipping day and then marshmallows.  Then off to the gym, then to my workshop get it warm in there then go back out to work for awhile. 

I will post some pictures tomorrow of my in work progress mosaic and of the chocolates I have made to date.

Enjoy the day,
Lady of the Oak

Prepping

Well yesterday was productive.  Pies for two meetings are finished and on the dining room table ready to be frozen later today.  Pumpkin soup is in the pot and this time I actually wrote down what I added to it, so I can replicate if required.  Yesterday I got some dishcloths made while I caught up on silly programming on the PVR. 

Today is the beginning of chocolate production.  Tins and molds are washed, need to line them and bring the table in from the back deck to use as a prep space.  Snowflakes are first. 

It rained overnight, yet is still surprisingly mild outside.  I am going to try and get out and work on my mosaic today in the garage. 

Enjoy the day,
Lady of the Oak

Busy Saturday

Saturday is here and the day is a full one. 

a) pumpkin turned into to pulp for pies and soup
b) laundry
c) gym
d) clean the fridge
e) answer emails
f) blog post
g) water in aquarium
h) clean sheet day
i) chocolate making prep
j) find pumpkin soup recipe for Christmas day

That will keep me busy for my first day home in 9 days.  Am hoping to spend some time outdoors as well to take in the warmth of the double digit temperatures. 

Enjoy the day
Lady of the Oak

Home again

Finally home, car unloaded, chocolate in the kitchen for Christmas season, will begin making chocolates on Sunday. 

Updates and photos to follow.

Lady of the Oak

On our way home...

Well today we head for home.  We begin the long journey via the Soo this time around.  It is a bit shorter and familiar but not recently viewed geography.  We used to live up here on the north shore so it is all familiar.  Rock cuts, shore lines of Lake Superior, trees, logging trucks, and more of the same from above.  It is a nicer drive in warmer months due to the water dripping off the rock cuts creating slick conditions with a bit of sunshine, but we will travel responsibly and safely. 

Not sure when I will have a connection next, but when I do I will post. 

Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday my American friends and family.
Lady of the Oak

Oh where, oh where...

Oh where oh where could my Mother be, oh where oh where could she be?  With her hair cut short and her car so long, oh where oh where could she be?

Spending time in the north getting the long term care of my mother in law sorted out and going to catch up with a long time friend today.  We have not seen each other in many moons.  I am looking forward to catching up and getting a fantastic hug from someone who genuinely cares. 

Gotta go,
Lady of the Oak

First Snow of the Season

Well the snow arrived whilst driving on an interstate began with rain, then freezing rain, then the snow began.  The roads were slick from the rain that began to freeze then the snow made them super slippery.  Watched all kinds of cars slide into the concrete median in front of us, beside us, behind us and it was frightening.  Our wipers froze because of the rain that had previously fallen.  We arrived safe and sound at the hotel and we were happy to be out of the car. 

More to follow when I find another connection in the north of Minnesota. 

Lady of the Oak

Going to District

My little blue beaded doily I made with an Elder from Neskantaga that I won first prize with at our local fair is on its way to the district for judging. 

It will be fun to see what happens at this next level.  I am excited!

Lady of the Oak