Well, hello all. Been so busy this summer, but no excuses for not blogging. But I'm back. A lot has happened, so it may be a long read.
We're up at the love nest, and are having a wonderful time. I was supposed to have found my co-op before June 9th but it was impossible in such a small town, so it took me awhile and today I have started working in a youth shelter run by the Salvation Army. Not the area I'm looking to work in full time, but perfect for experience, you know how unpredictable kids can be. They are between the ages of 16 - 25. Should be interesting.
Tomorrow I have a interview to do Christian Counseling at the Salvation Army Church, part-time. That's going to be fun. So, my dreams seem to be coming true and by the time we get back to Toronto, in the fall, I will be ready to take a full-time post somewhere. Yay!!
Ashley and the grandbabies came up for a week 2 weeks ago. They are getting so big and I miss them so. Would you believe Scarlett is 2 already? And yesterday was Ariel's 7th birthday. We had a lot of fun and spent most of the time at the beach.
Beach, Beach and more Beach seems to be the theme this summer. NAI hubby had 2 weeks vacation and he, Holly and I went to a terrific beach about an hour from here. It was so beautiful but even with sun block, we all got a little too much sun. However, the next day while we were in the food store, Holly suddenly exclaimed, 'OMG, what's wrong with you?' I was going to tell her, 'My mother had DID, I'm riddled with anxiety, my ex screwed me around for 20 years and my feet hurt.', however that's not what she meant. My face had swollen to twice it's size around my forehead and nose. Holly, being the compassionate and loving daughter that I raised her to be, then started yelling, 'You're the Elephant Man!, which made NIA hubby walk away from us. Sigh....
We were going to go back to the beach the next day, but when I woke up I was still very swollen. Plus, just to top it all off, poor hubby had the beginnings of cellulitis which is quite serious. So, off to the hospital hubby and I went, hoping for a group rate. Poor hubby had to go back to the hospital for 3 days straight for I.V. antibiotics. As for me, they think it's an allergy, but have put me on antibiotics for a sore on my head. What a way to end poor hubby's holidays. Plus, we had made a big picnic for the beach for nothing. We ate macaroni salad, tomato salad and sandwiches for 4 days. Ugh..
I had my 51st birthday in July, (don't tell anyone) and I think it was the best birthday I've ever had. It was perfect in every way. NIA hubby and Holly outdid themselves this year and I felt very special..and old..
Anyway, it was wonderful and I must be getting old because I find myself reflecting on how great my life is these days. I really do. I'm overly blessed and soooo happy. All my relationships are excellent and satisfying. No stress in my life at all even with my new 'elephant man' look. Actually, it's getting better. At least my new boss didn't run screaming from the office, which could have been fun.
So, (I know I always say this, but) I will be blogging more often from now on as I would like to keep a journal, of sorts, about the early days of my new career, so I can look back and laugh at myself and how unsure I am at this point. And to see how much I learn and grow. But don't worry, I won't make it too boring, I promise.
Gosh, I've missed writing this blog. It has been great having it to just jot down the crap that goes through my head. I guess you all know that.
I'll write again tomorrow and let you know how I made out at work and at the interview.
Take care and thanks for hanging in with me.
Love,

P.S. I will post new pics of grandbabies on photo blog.

How Time Flies...

Has it really been that long since I wrote?? Wow!
O.k. All the latest that's fit to report. I will be finished school on Friday, May 7th and then have my big exam the following Monday, May 11th. From the 12th until July 3rd, I do my practicum and that's it, I'm done!! I am on the honour roll, can you believe it?? It was a shock to learn that. I never did well in school before, but I really enjoyed this course. I've learned a lot.
Now for the fun part...we have given up our apartment for July 1st and will be living up at the 'love nest' for the summer. I really wanted to get out of this town, as I hate it here as does Holly. We are so excited to be up north we've already started packing. I really shouldn't say 'we' as it is Holly who is getting us ready to go. She has been so helpful to us, while I've been at school. She's kept the house clean and made some great meals. I'm very proud of her. She is finally done with high school and is really looking forward to going to a bible school in Toronto in the fall. So, we will be moving to Toronto in September and I know I will be able to find a job there. I know of one place in particular that works with Native men who are alcoholics and since I'm native, I would do well there. They are a new agency and are always looking for people, so that would be great. But there are so many opportunities in Toronto, I'm sure I will find something I like.
Holly has also been working on getting her driving license and should have it by July.
Life is very exciting right now, and there's a lot of pressure for this final exam. Please say a prayer for me to remember everything as it's worth 70% of my mark. Whew!!
Right now my mood is very positive, excited even, and everything is going so well. I feel like we will be starting fresh and living a new life, which always excites me. We all have 'Jazz Wings' over this! I think I'm a gypsy at heart. I have never stayed in one place very long except when the kids were growing up and going to school. I didn't want them to have to adjust to a new school all the time, so we stayed put all through their school years. It was a good decision as now they have friends who will probably be lifelong, BFF's!
Everyone in my 'petting zoo' is doing fine except for one fatality. My sweet Heffalump died about a month ago. He first got something called 'Bumblefoot' and lost weight rapidly. Holly began to hand feed him smoothies and oatmeal and we even took him to the vet for some antibiotics. He seemed to rally a bit and gain a bit of weight. But the next week he again lost more weight. I looked in on him one day, and he looked just awful. I picked him up and held him for about an hour. He died in my arms, being petted and talked to which he loved. He tried to squeak for me but barely got it out. I know he was only a hefalump, but I was truly sad to see him go. I loved him very much and if I was feeling down, I would pet him and he'd talk to me and give me wet little kisses. I really miss him. Sleep well, my little sweetheart! I have him in the freezer so I can bury him up at the love nest.
Anyhoo, you may or may not be glad to hear I have quit smoking for nearly 2 months. My life is really not worth living anymore, and I still crave it terribly. Everyday I say to my family, 'I'm smoking tomorrow and you can't stop me!', and everyday they reply, 'O.K. Go ahead'. And every day I don't, but I haven't got a clue why not?! Can anyone give me just one good reason why I shouldn't smoke, cause I can't think of one. Everyone says, 'So you won't die.' That's it, that's the reason. Are you kidding me? Do I really want to live longer and be this miserable?? I really can't see any good reason why I can't smoke. But I tell you what...if my Doctor ever says, 'Tory, you have terminal cancer.', I will leave his office, go to the store and get the biggest pack of smokes ever. And I will enjoy every puff...so there! Sigh....
Actually, I think it would be so hypocritical of me to counsel addicts while smelling of cigarettes. That is honestly the only reason I quit. Plus Holly kept nagging about some crazy second hand smoke stuff...whatever...brat...sigh...why doesn't she move out?...sigh..
O.K. I'm over it...
Anyway, I will be able to write more often once I'm up at the love nest, as my summer will be my own. Boy, I really can't wait. Holly and I are going to be alone for a lot of the time as NIA Hubby will be staying with his mother on work days and just coming up on the weekends until his holidays kick in. So, Holly and I are going to go to garage sales, fishing, lots of swimming at the beach and in the pool after dinner. We will be going to the driving range, the farmers market, reading, I will work on my book, and she will continue with her Hebrew lessons. Not to mention I have some books pertaining to different therapeutic measures that I'd like to read before I start a job in the field. I also have several books I want to read for pleasure as I have read nothing but psych books, reports and other technical things for so many months now, I have to get caught up on the Twilight series, at least that's what my girls tell me. Actually, I read the first one and it was really good.
Anyway, Holly and I are also looking forward to experimenting with food this summer. She has become very interested in cooking lately, and has learned a lot. We watch the food network together a lot and I answer her questions. So, we've gotten together a bunch of recipes to try out. NIA hubby is mostly a meat and potato's man, so we're going to cook with recipes I don't think he'd like.
Well, this was a long post, but I have a lot of stuff happening right now.
I hope you are all well. Yes, Forsythia, I will be blogging once again starting in July. Hi Andrew, I hope you're doing good. I will catch up on all your blogs tonight.
Take care

Yes, yes, yes, I know I suck. I am so sorry about the long lull in my blog. I have actually been really busy and have a good excuse for not being here.
I stayed up at the love nest for 5 whole weeks! As you know, one of those weeks were with the grandkids. We had such a wonderful time in spite of the fact that the weather wasn't co-operating a lot. We went fishing and I watched my babies catch their first fish. Yay, a milestone I didn't miss. Scarlett started walking the day she arrived and was walking like a little soldier by the time she left. It was so cute.
I spent the rest of the time relaxing and enjoying my time up there.
Now for the big news! I started school last Monday! Yes, I actually did it, even though I didn't think I could. I am in college for the Addictions and Community Service course. I'm loving it, I really am. The teachers are fantastic and the students are wonderful as well. So far, so good as far as understanding and retaining. This was a concern for me being a 'mature' (nice word for ancient) student.
I had a couple of mishaps at school though. I fell down 2 days in a row. Embarrassing, but I'm used to that! But the second time I fell, on Thursday, I actually sprained my arm. My wrist, fingers and shoulder were throbbing and I couldn't really write very well on Friday, but it worked out. I'm so excited, as on Monday we start psychology. I am very interested in that subject, but I hope I can retain all the facts. I'll just try my hardest and pray.
So, I was thinking...what should I do about my blog as I don't want to just let it go, as I have done for the last couple of months. I have decided to leave it until the weekend, and make an effort to let you all know how it's going. That's better than nothing, right?
So, I'll meet you here next weekend to let you know how my week went.
I have missed you all, and will try not to neglect you through my schooling.
Take care all..

The Love Nest With Perks!!

I have been neglecting my blog for awhile, so sorry! I am still at the love nest but with perks...Ashley, Rob and the grand kids are up for a visit. We are having a great time with them, except Holly and I have colds for some reason.
The kids have had fun going to the beach and the pool, and Scarlett is now walking like a little soldier! She's only been walking for 6 days, but she gets around really great. It's so cute to see her older brother and sister interact with her. Most of the time, they are really good with her and she tries to play with them. So cute!!
Stephon woke up and asked his mother this morning, 'Why do we keep sleeping here, Mom?' Too funny. Ariel is getting so big now and is smart as anything. Nothing gets past her.
Of course, I will be sad when they have to leave again, but hopefully it won't be too long before we see them again. And yes, I will probably cry when they leave, as I always do. Sigh....
NAI Hubby finished his holidays Monday and had to go back to work, so we were alone all week. However, we are anticipating his arrival late this afternoon. We've missed him. The love nest just isn't the same without him around.
The kids will be taking their 3 baby lovebirds home with them, and I know Holly and I will miss them too as we have gotten a little attached to them. We have to stop that if we are going to be able to sell them the next time Poppy has a batch...sigh...
We have had really bad weather for them being up. It seems we had thunder storms just about every day. They have managed to pop out to the beach in between storms. It has been thundering all morning again today....sigh....
Anyway, more news as soon as it comes in.
Take care

Holiday Time At the Love Nest!!

Well I know that's it's been a long time since the last post, but we are up at the love nest and are having a wonderful time. It seems like we've been pretty busy, but there's been a lot of relaxing going on too. It's just the best place to be in the world, especially if you want a break from the city.
We set up our new patio set, and have eaten many meals out there. Right now it's pretty hot and humid, so we will stay in until it cools down a bit, which it should tomorrow. But that's ok, it gives me time to catch up on posting and reading my fave blogs. Hubby just went out to pick up a few things we need and Holly is listening to music. We are all bonding pretty well as a family and it's been so good for all of us being up here.
This year I have had a bad case of psoriasis, all along my right arm from my elbow to my fingers. Very itchy and annoying. When I unpacked, I found what I thought was Hubby's psoriasis ointment in my bag. I used it faithfully every day since I got here. It didn't seem to be helping much, but at least it didn't feel as itchy. Holly was sitting on the couch and she noticed the cream. She asked me if I had been using it for my psoriasis, and I replied proudly, yes, every day. She picked it up and then just looked at me like I was crazy. Now what did I do?? 'Mom, this isn't psoriasis cream.' 'Of course it is!' I replied. 'No Mom, this is vaginal cream for a yeast infection!' I was floored! 'Are you kidding???' I replied, shocked. Sure enough, that's what it was. Gosh, I'm such a dork. Of course, Holly laughed for a full 10 minutes and has mentioned it about 100 times since. What a brat! All I had to say in my defence was, 'I told you I can't see!'
Since I've been here at the love nest, I have been having some really bad coughing fits and I've almost lost my voice. (Much to the thrill of my family!) Also, my glands under my neck have swollen up, but they don't hurt. I've also had a lot of dizzy spells. So we decided to hop over to the nearest town, to see if I could get some cough meds. I told the Dr. all the symptoms, focusing on my throat and glands. I thought the dizzy spells could be from a possible ear infection or something like that. It was all good up until I told her of the dizzy spells, which were bad enough that Hubby had to hold my hand when walking from the car to anywhere. I was actually afraid that I would pass out in front of people and embarrass myself....yeah, like that would be something new for me..
Anyway, she said she was concerned about my dizziness. She layed me down and took my blood pressure, which I've never had a problem with. Of course, it was normal. Then she asked me to stand up. My blood pressure plummeted to the point that she and Hubby had to hold on to me, I was so wobbly. She thought that I was dehydrated, but was not sure why my blood pressure was doing this, so she took some blood and urine tests and I should hear by Friday. I'm fine, just a bit dizzy.
Ashley, Rob and the kids will be coming up around July 20th and I'm so looking forward to that. We'll have a great time and I've bought the kids some fun toys to play outside with. I can't wait!
After they've gone, I will be inviting Bambi out for a rest. Just a girls weekend. I'm looking forward to that a lot.
Just as I've been writing this post, a big storm has developed. There is no nicer sound than the rain on the tin roof, it's so relaxing and somehow comforting.
Saturday night the trailer park had Canada Day fireworks. We all took our lawn chairs to the center of the park where there is a big park. It was a beautiful night and they really do a good job of the fireworks. It lasts about 40 minutes or so. Would you believe I fell asleep in my lawn chair?! Even through all those pops and bangs, I managed to have a lovely nap. Hubby and Holly laughed at me, of course. They're just jealous of me...
Anyway, happy holidays all.
Take care

Happy Mother's Day To All....

I hope you all had a great weekend. I didn't realize I hadn't posted for so long, so I apologize as I have absolutley no excuse for my lack of ideas on subjects to post about.
I went for my eye surgery on Thursday, as usual. All went well, a little more painful thanI was hoping for but that was probably because I had just got over the iritis in that eye. But I lived. I do have to admit I'm not looking forward to the next five sessions.
Next weekend we may be going up to open the love nest..I can't wait for the peace and quiet. We'll get our fishing licenses and see if we can find some muskie. Heaven on the grill. Oh, and to hear all those beautiful birds. Paradise, and it's just in time. I could use a break right now, as you can all tell by now.
None of the eggs have hatched yet, but when they do, Hubby and I will take them up to the Love Nest and hand feed them up there. Holly may not want to come and 5 babies are just too much for one person.
That's all I have for now, kids, but I will make a concerted effort to post again tomorrow or Tuesday.
Take care
Tory

Ahh...nostalgia...

It's beginning to look a lot like spring all of a sudden. Next month we will be able to go up and open the Love Nest...Woohoo! I miss it when it's winter.
This time of year also reminds me of times when Fang and I would take the kids camping when they were little. They had their own tent and we usually had a good time. The only thing was, once night fell, I found it very boring after the kids went to bed, just sitting there watching our campfire all evening. I loved waking up in the morning, with all the smells of people making breakfast and campfires. I loved sitting on the picnic bench after breakfast with a cup of coffee just listening to the birds sing. The kids would get busy swimming and playing. We would go on nature walks and see a rabbit or two, porcupines and chipmunks. Fang was very good at camping, a natural bushman and he made us all very comfortable.
The last time I went camping, It was just the girls and I with Bambi and her family. It was the most miserable trip of my life. The first night, the girls and I just didn't have enough blankets, so I wrapped the girls up in whatever I had and nearly froze to death. I don't think I slept at all the first night. Luckily, Fang came by and dropped off more sleeping bags for us. It rained quite a bit, and it was so chilly at night, nothing seemed to help. The blankets constantly felt wet and sandy...ugh..
I knew it would be the last time I would ever go camping in a tent. I was just getting too old for that. Now I like to camp at the love nest, or the Holiday Inn.
Oh, and the car rides from hell. Fang seemed to be a nervous driver and would constantly have road rage, swearing and carrying on every 2 seconds. Then he'd yell to the girls in the back seat, 'Stop kicking my seat!' I remember one time on the highway in the middle of nowhere, Ashley piped up, 'Mom, Holly threw her shoe out of the window!' Veins popping in my forehead, I yelled, 'Holly, why did you do that?' Holly looked sheepish...'I don't know.' I screeched, 'Did she just throw it out now?', thinking maybe we could find it. Ashley said, 'No, it was a long time ago.' 'Why didn't you tell me then?', I cried, sweat running down my face. Ashley replied calmly, 'I forgot.' Aaaarrrggg! It's funny now, but it wasn't at the time.
So for those of you who still enjoy the camping trips with the kids, have a cup of camp coffee for me, 'cause there isn't a chance in hell of me ever camping again!
I'll stick to the love nest, where 'roughing it' is one ply toilet paper and running out of ice for our cocktails, which never happens!
Take care all,
Tory

WWC ~ Envy

Who wouldn't envy a cottage in God's country? Or a lovely cruise? I miss my love nest!

Happy Labour Day, All!!

It's the long week-end folks, and off to the love nest till Tuesday or Wednesday. I will let you know how it goes.
I hope you all have a fantastic week-end and you all find your own 'love nests' with your loved ones!
Take care till then.
Tory

Sorry, Sorry, Sorry!!!

I'm finally back. So sorry it took me so long. I've been so busy. Holidays were blissfully non eventful. Just hung out at the Love Nest with my hunny. We didn't do much, just spent a lot of time together. laughing, bonding and singing along. O.K. maybe there was no singing, but I think that would have been nice, don't you?
Anyway, I had a birthday back in July, and I am so totally freaked out about it!!! I turned 49 years old. It didn't bother me when I turned 40 or 45, but 49?? One year away from 50!! Which Holly so kindly reminds me of every 10 minutes. Ooooh, kids!! That's O.K., Holly is anorexic, so to get her back I call her fat. Not to worry people, she's much better now.
To make matters worse, my Dr. changed the type of insulin I've been using. This stuff makes me ravenous. If you hear anything stirring in the night, it's me rifling through the fridge finding things to eat at 3 a.m. So, since starting this insulin, I have been gaining weight. And believe me, I wasn't exactly slim to start out with. My underwear have gotten so tight, my hips are numb.
It all came to a head last night when I stepped out of the shower and saw my reflection in the mirror. I have the profile of Alfred Hitchcock....don't laugh, it's true. I have a beard growing suddenly that could compare to any Mennonite. It's not that my hair is falling out and getting thin, it's just that it's being redirected to my chin. So, I've taken to plucking constantly. However, I swear that when I pull one hair out of my chin, three disappear from the top of my head. My stomach has turned into an apron and my knees have grown together!
Diet and exercise is out the question because I hate both. Exercise, for me, is to sit in the tub, pull the plug and fight the current. I see all those crazies who jog. If I'm jogging, it means someone is chasing me with a knife.
Ah well, life goes on.
Talk to you all soon, I promise.
Take Care
Tory

Holiday Time At the Love Nest!!

Hubby is off for his holidays now for 2 weeks and we are leaving today for the love nest until Tuesday or so. I'll miss you all until then, but I will take lots of pictures of our adventures. Take care and be good!
Love Tory!

I'm Finally Back...thanks for your patience!!

Hi everyone. So sorry I was gone for so long. At the last minute I decided to stay at the 'love nest' on my own for a few days. I kind of enjoyed being on my own for a change but that quickly got old and I missed my hubby being there. It's almost too quiet when you're by yourself. Sigh...the love nest just isn't the same without my love being there with me.
I put some garbage outside to put in the shed and a little while later I noticed something moving outside on the lawn. It was a gopher and he kept standing up and sniffing in the direction of the garbage. 'Oh no you don't'. He was so cute and must have stayed in the yard for a full 15 minutes, giving me time to have a good look at him. We also have some little red squirrels that are so adorable. I broke up some white bread and threw it around the deck for them. A little while later I heard a knock on the door and one of the squirrels was standing there with the bread in his hand. He demanded that from now on I need to put out multigrain bread, as he is trying to watch his figure. Fine. Ungrateful..so and so...
Hubby finally showed up on Sunday and I was so happy to see him. Let's face it, gophers are not generally known for their conversational skills. They tend to only want to talk about themselves. It gets tiresome.
We piled into the car and went for dinner in a nearby town. We had a great time, and dinner was excellent.
I was especially grateful that Hubby was there that night as a huge storm came up, the most severe storm I had ever witnessed since I was 4 years old and was in a hurricane. It was very close to tornado speed winds. There was a clap of thunder so loud that it shook the whole trailer. I knew something close had been hit. We were watching it out of the patio door and I noticed that the tree directly in front of the deck, which is at least 200 ft. tall, was swaying back and forth! No, not the branches, the actual trunk! If it fell, it could possibly crush our trailer. We decided to get into the car and head out to the front of the park where there weren't as many trees. We sat at the front for awhile and it seemed to be easing off, but on the drive back, the wind picked up again and it began to hail. I was afraid that it would come through the windshield! While driving, we found the source of the big crack of lightening. A huge tree had been hit a street behind our trailer and was laying on the ground. It took a long time for the wind to settle down enough for us to go back in the trailer. I was so grateful Hubby was there and I didn't have to go through that alone. I don't know what I would have done as the trailer park is almost empty on a Sunday night.
I see that Holly hi-jacked my blog while I was away. Actually, I told her to let you all know that I was staying for the week. Thank you for your patience...you know..the Darren Hayes pix! She's crazy about him and it was a thrill for her to see him in concert.
Thanks for all of your comments while I was gone. Abbagirl, thanks for the tag and I will work on it this afternoon.
Take care all and I'm glad to be back.

I'm Back!!

Well we finally made it back. Our train arrived yesterday in Toronto at around 4p.m. Holly and I were glad to be back as neither of us likes to travel too much, but we had a wonderful time at Ashley's. Scarlett is such an easy baby to take care of, she's no trouble at all. I miss them already and cried all the way to the train station. I'm such a sap. I can't tell you how much I hated to leave that precious baby knowing that the next time I see her she will be a different kid.
But we'll be going up in August and I can't wait to hold her again.
Of course, I had a great time with my other two grandchildren. They are so smart and so much fun. Such good kids, but that doesn't happen by accident. Ashley and Rob are wonderful parents, very involved and present. I'm so proud of them.
We will be going up to our love nest tomorrow for a rest. I feel like I need it. It will be relaxing.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all my readers for the lovely comments while I was away. I appreciate each and every one of them. You guys are the best!
Talk to you later.
Tory

This One's For You Mitchgib!

I love it so much when you guys leave me comments. I guess as bloggers, that's what we live for. Knowing that someone took time out of their day to read our ramblings and then took more time to write a comment, well, let's just say it makes our day, doesn't it?

Yesterday mitchgib asked about the 'love nest'. I would be happy to tell you all about it as it is my 'special' place. We live in a city just outside of Toronto. As a matter of fact, I can see the CN Tower outside my window. It would take us maybe 15 - 20 minutes to get there. I was used to living in the country for 20 years and never thought I'd ever move to a city again. But after I left Fang, I had to move to the city as I didn't drive...well, if you've read my blog you know they just won't let me drive. Anyway, when I met my new and improved hubby about 5 years ago, he owned a trailer up north, about 1 and 1/2 hours drive away. It's in a wonderful trailer park practically in the middle of nowhere. When we were dating, we would go there often and it was like a piece of heaven to me. I hate living in the city and still can't get used to it. I'm absolutely OCD about the noises, the smells, the pollution and too many people around! So when hubby and I go up north, I can actually feel the stress melting from me on the drive up. It just so happens that the park is right across the street from a golf course, with a restaurant where we go for breakfast. The trailer park itself has a beautiful in ground pool and a club house where every Saturday night one of the people at the park dj's a dance, which is a lot of fun. They provide snacks and you bring your own bottle. The park itself is a co-op and is run by the members themselves. They also have bingo night and coffee time. Once a year the members have a big garage sale which is great and mostly everyone participates. A lot of the people who are in the park have been there for like 20 or 30 years! Hubby knows most of the people there because he's been there over 20 years himself. Each member owns the property their trailer is on.

Now for our trailer itself. Most times when you think of a trailer, you think small, cramped and tacky. Some of the trailers at our park are gorgeous. Big and beautiful. Our trailer is nice too. Just the right size. It has two good sized bedrooms and a full bathroom with tub. The kitchen and the dining room and living room are one big room. Enough counter space to cook anything, full size fridge and stove. And, my favorite feature...air conditioning! It's light and airy with lots of windows. A very cheerful atmosphere. When I wake in the morning to the sounds of the of all the beautiful birds I could cry. I miss this type of thing so much. I have a raccoon that I leave an egg for on the deck in front of the patio doors and I watch as he comes for it. Sometimes I look out and see bunnies sitting in the yard! I have actually been known to wake up hubby at 6 in the morning to look at an unusual bird! He doesn't care for some reason, but he always humours me, and never gets mad.

And to top it all off, we're a stone's throw from the beach, and great fishing.

So I hope you get a picture of my little peace of heaven on earth. It's all about the quiet, the peace I get from being surrounded by nature and spending some good quality time with my favorite hubby.

So, Michelle, I hope you get a place like this of your own. It makes life just that much better.

Of This and That

So, I'm back from our 'love nest'. Had a great time, so lovely and quiet there.
Some sad news...we lost a member of our little family. Poor Lucy suddenly had large lumps all over her body and she died. I believe it was cancer. They were everywhere. She will be sadly missed by all of us. Poor Holly was very sad about it, so I told her we'd get another one after the summer. She agreed. We loved you Lucy! Now, what is protocol here? Do I leave her pictures up? Take them down?? Maybe I'll leave them and write a memoriam to her. And of course, when we get a new hamster, I will introduce you to him/her.
As I do on every trip home from the love nest, I say good-bye to everything as we pass it in the car. (Like a 2 year old!) It usually goes, 'Good bye trailer, good bye pool that's not open yet, good bye golf club, good bye golf carts, good bye golf club restaurant....and so on. My husband must have the patience of a saint, as this can go on for quite awhile before I'm not amused anymore. He sits there quietly listening for the longest time, and today, he suddenly quips, 'good bye freshly paved driveway', as we drove by one. I was surprised that he's as big a freak as I am. He used to be the sane one in the family. After that, it was just huge fields on either side of the car, so I started...'good bye blade of grass!' Hubby says, 'This will take awhile.' 'Good bye blade of grass,...good bye blade of grass,' then I fell silent. Hubby looked over at me, 'You're only saying good bye to 3 blades of grass?' 'Yes,' I pouted, 'I'm not speaking to the rest of them. I'm mad at them,...they know who they are! You can never truly trust grass.'
Sometimes it just floors me how well my hubby puts up with my nonsense. It's not like it's something I do just once in awhile..It's constant. I think if it were anyone else, they would have bitch slapped me by now. I'm so lucky.

Away Away....

Leaving tomorrow for the love nest. So, no postings for a few days. However, the minute I get back I will be blogging...blogging is my life...
I'll miss u all
Take Care
Tory

Release The Pigeons!!

So, hubby and I were away this weekend, up north to open our summer trailer. It was so quiet it was almost deafening. I just love it up there. There are so many different birds it just makes my heart sing and....no pigeons! Not that I actually have anything against pigeons, but compared to a nuthatch or blue jay..come on.
Monday we took a long drive with me hanging out of the car window with my camera trying to get some great shots of the beautiful scenery. I turned and took a few pics of my wonderful hubby. He actually posed for me while he was driving which was a bit disturbing. Anyhoo, when I looked at the pictures I was taking, I was really disappointed. They looked so dark I could hardly see anything. Holly, at my request, had turned off the flash feature. Hmmm, maybe I needed it after all. I fiddled with the camera for awhile but honestly, I know nothing about this digital thing. I cannot do anything except point and press the button. I mentioned it to hubby who looked at me as if I grown another head. 'What?' I asked. 'Maybe it would look brighter to you if you were to take off your sunglasses?' Don't you just resent a smart alec? Anyway, we had a wonderful weekend together in our 'love nest.'
So, last night we are watching the finale of 'America's Next Top Model'. (I know...losers!) Anyway, a commercial comes on just before they reveal the winner. I take this opportunity to harass my poor hubby on who he picks to win this thing. He replies, 'Miss J, or Tyra'. 'No, you have to pick one for real.' I cajole. Finally he gives me his pick. Silence. I know what's coming. He asks, 'Well, who do you pick?' I reply, 'I don't know!' Too funny.
My eldest daughter is getting ready to deliver her third child in June, and Holly and I are going up to be with her in 3 weeks or so. She is notorious for delivering early and we don't want to miss the birth. Holly and I have discussed this with our pets at length. The pets are not happy but I think they're beginning to accept it. Poppy says she's hoping to have her master plan formulated before our return. You know, the plan to kill us all in our sleep. Heffalump is worried daddy will forget to give him his carrots and celery. I want to make him feel more secure, so you know what this will entail. Picture me, holding a guinea pig up to my hubby's face, screaming..'Say it, say it..tell Lumpy you won't forget!' Holly and I decided it would be better if we didn't mention it to Tequila yet, but he'll probably find out because Poppy has a big mouth.
Have a good day all!

TGIS OR THANK GOD IT'S SATURDAY!

Well, it's Saturday..yaaaahhh! That means that I'll be going to my love nest with my sweetheart. (hubby) We have a trailer up north in the middle of beautiful country with trees and wonderful songbirds. It amazes me how on the drive up, which takes about 1 1/2 hours, the cares of my life just seem to leave me and when I'm there I absolutely forget my worries. It's like some sort of metamorphosis I go through.
I love our little going away routine too. We stop off at our neighbourhood Timmy's, (with whom I've had an affair for years!) grab a cup of java and listen to our favorite soft rock station, singing along with all our favorites. Usually, I will even throw in a dance or two, eyes closed, head bobbing madly, snapping my fingers a la Carlton from Fresh Prince of Belair, only to open my eyes and find someone in the next car looking at me like I'm crazy. Whatever...
Anyway, I'll talk to you all on Monday. Have a good one!