The world through Debs eyes

A Very Special Tree...

2011-12-04T12:22:00.002-05:00

My mother turned seventy-three almost two months ago. She's always been a real go-getter and though she's gone through surgery for knee replacement and suffers with arthritis, she hasn't really slowed down.

When I was a young child, I remember it being my birthday. My mother and I were walking along Parliament Street when my mother asked me what I would like for my birthday. My reply was a watermelon. Yes, I was a very strange child and I really did want a watermelon.

Well, my mother, being ever so wanting to please, standing 4' 10" and weighing 87 pounds; bought me my watermelon.

We didn't have the cart that day as she really wasn't preparing to be taking home a watermelon. She carried that thing from Gerrard and Parliament to River and Dundas Streets.

Throughout the years, my mother and I have had our share of disagreements. Then again, it was only to be expected. We are so alike yet so different. I take after my mother in so many ways; her voice, characteristics and mannerisms.

But much of that ends when it comes down to our core beliefs, which we've butted heads over many times until we stopped trying to change each others point of view. But I know she's still praying for my soul.

Like many people, things have been tight since I'm been out of work. Barry and I decided together that having a tree was not a priority this year. We were both okay with the idea and viewed it mainly in a practical way.

Well, when I'd mentioned this to my mother, she would have none of that. My mother has a friend who works in a thrift store up the road. And at this time of the year, used artificial trees are often donated. She went there and purchased one at a great price.

And then my seventy-three year old mother, took it home on top of her cart which was already carrying groceries. She walked over 1/2 kilometre home like that. Thank fully she gave up at the steps and left it in a safe area on the main level.

The ball in this picture was Mollie's donation for decorations.

Barry and I drove to my parents apartment the other day to have a visit with them as well as get the tree home before anything happened to it, where it was sitting. My father recently had surgery for cancer and it was great to also be able to have a visit with them both.
Yesterday we had the energy to assemble our tree and decorate it. Now, in our home, decorating the tree involves Barry putting the lights on so he can synchronize them with the music and leaving the rest to me.

By the time we were done, I thought it looked very pretty and I still do.

This tree has more spirit, more energy in it than any tree I've ever had; real or artificial. It's been loved for some time before my mother carted it home for us.

And if that isn't love, I don't know what is.

Thank you Mom. I love you.

Until next time...

A Cat Named Troll...

2011-11-24T17:44:00.001-05:00

     He came into our lives when I needed him the most.

     They called him Dustball as he looked a lot like a dustball, blowing in the breeze. I will never forget the day we went to the Oliver farm to choose one of Taz' offspring. They were all orphaned at two weeks of age as their mommy, Taz, was hit by a car.

     We walked into the milking barn, expecting to perhaps take home one of the two orange kittens. Suddenly this tiny little thing came running up to my feet and stopped to look up at me. He opened his mouth but there was only a little squeak. He really was the ugliest kitten I'd ever seen.

     I instantly fell in love and he came home with us.
     Dustball didn't have much of a coat. In fact his belly was completely fur-less and what pathetic amount he had on his tail, had to be trimmed off as he was covered in poop. He did live in a barn, after all.

     When the Vet first saw him, he guessed him to be about five weeks old. He was actually nine weeks old. None the less, he was too frail for vaccinations at that time.

Dustball spent his first months being fed kitten replacement formula that I would purchase from the Pet Hospital. He grew into a healthy cat with a beautiful coat.

He also grew to be an ornery little bugger. The first time he bit me, I changed his name from Dustball to Dirtbag. He actually drew blood! Of course in our home, all of our furry family members have nick-names. They wouldn't be family members without them.

As time went on, Dustball's favourite activity was to lie on the kitchen floor and attack our feet as we went by. My son then began to call him the Foot Troll, which eventually was shortened to the Troll.

Troll in hiding

He's a spitfire, that Troll. He's my rough, tough, little cream puff. He has the character I've never known in a cat. He wrassles with our dog, Mollie and even playfully swats at her tail. He's never shown fear in all of his seven years.

A couple of years ago Troll developed his first Urinary Tract Infection. He was put on anti-biotics and the infection went away. For a short time. Not wanting him constantly on anti-biotics, I looked into more holistic ways to keep him healthy. For the most part, he did really well with very few episodes of distress.

     Until the other day. I had no idea what I was dealing with and the only thing I can really say about my calls to the Pet Hospital yesterday is there was a big miscommunication.

     By today, Troll could barely move. He had to pretty much crawl to where he wanted to get. I couldn't watch him suffer any longer so we made the appointment to have him euthanized.

     Well to my surprise, the Vet we saw today was very encouraging as she talked to us about trying to save him. She got a catheter into him and the draining started.
     Our Troll is there for the night. He has intravenous as well as the catheter doing whatever they can to get him through this.

     Now if you've read this to the end, you will understand what a fighter this boy is. I'm not ready to let him go and I know he's not ready to let go either.

Please...send him your prayers, positive energy, Power of the Paw or anything else to help Trollie get through. I know he's doing his part by fighting with everything he has.

Until next time...

My celebration of the big 5-0

2011-08-18T18:11:00.000-04:00

It seems that after such an extremely hot July that August has brought Autumn with it. Even my garden is reacting to the colder nights.

This August is also bringing in a special celebration for me as I will be turning fifty years old. It's really funny how fast that happens. One minute you're holding your new born baby and the next, you're holding your grand-child.

For years I've always detested birthdays. Maybe it's that I don't feel comfortable being the centre of attention. But all that changed when I turned forty. I learned how to say "No" and stick with it. And I learned to not allow myself to be drawn into other people's drama; something I still have to remind myself of at times.

But it left me often wondering what it will be like as I hit fifty. I've actually looked forward to it as I think of all the lessons I'm learning on this journey.

I was born with a condition called Ectodermal Dysplasia. I was very fortunate that I wasn't affected with many of the conditions that are associated with ED. However, I was born without roots for adult teeth and I remember how, that alone affected my self-esteem growing up. I could have also been bald.

Many children lose their hair due to medical conditions or are never able to grow hair. Though I'm grateful for being able to grow my hair, it hasn't been easy. I've been growing it for over 10 years now and barely made it passed my shoulder blades.

Since I started to grow my hair, I've had it all planned out that once it reached a certain length, I'd have it cut off to donate. At that time, I expected to be able to grow it a lot longer. But I do have Ectodermal Dysplasia.

Well here I am turning fifty next week, and am feeling very grateful that my hair kept it's natural colour....red. Though my hair hasn't reached the length I'd hoped for, I'm realizing that if I'm going to be able to donate it, I'm best to cut it before I go grey.

And so I started to research organizations who I could send my hair to and found a Canadian Organization called A Child's Voice Foundation. As I searched through their website, I was very impressed with what they do. And when I contacted the foundation with my proposal to raise funds, along with my hair, the response and was fantastic and quick.

My hair cutting date is Friday, August 26, 2011. I'm hoping to raise at least Five Hundred Dollars (ten dollars for each year of my life) for the foundation. I'm almost at my half-way point.

If you would like to support me in my quest, I have an online donations page.
The next evening we will be celebrating by a great fire. It will be a celebration of the journey that I call life. If you're our friend, I hope you will join us.

Until then....

The Pack Rats boots....

2011-05-18T23:23:00.000-04:00

For the last few months, one of my biggest challenges has been trying to de-clutter our house.

I've got quite a bit of old crap in miscellaneous boxes but I also have the odd bit that I want to keep and some that needs to go to the 'adult' kids. A big job for the three of us is to take a weekend, to go through our basement and sort things into piles: Donation, Yard Sale and Garbage. It's going to be a big job but the biggest of it all belongs to my husband. I call him the Pack-rat.

What's funny; at least to me, is that he was born under the Chinese sign of the Rat. He LOVES cheese and; he's tiny and cute like a rat, not to mention his incredible intelligence. But I've been saying for a few years that there was a reason I didn't see his room until he was almost completely moved in with me. I cannot believe what this man holds onto.

Now keeping in mind that he's not only a complete geek; Barry has also spent 17 years in the Canadian Reserves. I remember when I used to trip over his 100 foot antenna.

He really is a one of a kind.

When I first met Barry, he always wore the most UGLY and old construction boots that were never tied and always looked like they should have been trashed years ago. Even when we were to visit his parents, he was told to leave those things at the door while I was encouraged to leave my shoes on.

A year or two back, Barry got himself a new pair of boots. It's not taking them too long to start taking on the look of his old pair. He wears them everywhere; unless it's not appropriate.

But he won't part with the old pair. They have some kind of meaning. Are all men like this??? I mean afterall, those are the boots he wore when he worked on the original 407 project. For all the jobs he's done, there are so many memories in them. So he makes excuses to hold onto them. "They may come in handy some time....afterall so many years ago, I cut out a piece for something to do with Drew's Drums...therefore, you just never know.

This year, I decided to put my creativity to work. It's a strange kind of year where there's very little, if anything that I want to put into my garden. Our life seems to be hanging on one of those cliffs and I'm looking to see what direction we're meant to go.

In the meantime, I've had my seedlings growing inside of my home. I put two and two together and viola...

A use for both my husbands old boots and a couple of my seedlings....

This one now holds catnip. Being a perennial, I look forward to watching it grow around the boot.

I can hardly wait to see his face when this one starts to bloom. It's a butterfly flower.

It's just one idea of many. For those of you who are dealing with clutter or have dealt with it, I'd love to hear about your ideas. Or pop in once in a while to learn about some more.

Oh...and the best part??? He hasn't noticed them yet, muah-ha-ha-ha ;) I have to laugh because as I'm closing and my husband is completely oblivious a few feet from me. And I'm listening to non other than "Modest Mouse...I think I smell a rat".

It's been a slice ;)

Saying Goodbye Creatively...

2011-05-07T23:52:00.000-04:00

There's an old expression I've never liked: "there are two thing you can count on...death and taxes". I don't really mind the taxes so much but I can honestly say, I've had enough of death.
I guess that's how it seems to go as we age but it's so damned painful. I believe our soul lives on in some way. Some people may refer to heaven or hell or an energy of sorts. I feel certain in my beliefs that our loved ones haven't really left us completely. And I also believe we will meet again. Of course there are those who do not believe that at all and I would never consider it my job to change what somebody else believes in.

As I'm hitting fifty this year, death has become something I feel even more strongly about. Or maybe it's just that there's been so much of it.

What I find most intriguing is the many different traditions that we, as humans, hold. Options have become more varied and a service can be a final reflection of who we were in our human form.

There's even a company out there who claims to make a diamond out of your ashes. So much to choose from.

This time last year, we lost a dear friend. Susan was witty, colourful, and cared very much about nature. Due to her environmental concerns, Susan decided to be buried in a plain, pine box...very much as was done in the past.

I did say that Susan was very colourful, yes??? We couldn't have her buried in such a plain looking box. The solution???

Environmentally friendly paints and a wonderful group of friends who were happy to provide Susan with all the colours of the rainbow. The experience was incredible and when we were all finished, the plain, pine box was plain no more.

My Father-in-law recently passed away. He didn't have any real religious beliefs but my sister-in-law, who is in the Canadian Forces, as well as her husband, arranged to have their padre meet us at the cemetery today to say some words for my father-in-law. It was wonderful how she had the most wonderful readings and phrases that seemed to fit all of us.

It was a small, family affair and we also wanted to do something that we knew he would appreciate.

My father-in-law always loved his brandy. My husband bought it for him every birthday. He never had the opportunity to open his newest bottle. So we brought it to him.

My husband poured some brandy into a flask. I brought my Quaich, or as my sister-in-law referred to it as "a friendship cup". My Quaich was a gift to me in 2008 from a dear friend in Scotland.

We passed around the Quaich so that each of us could toast my father-in-law and when it got back to my husband, he poured what was left in the cup over the ashes. It was very symbolic as my husbands father was a proud Scot and his brandy was his special treat.

We left with the feeling that we had done what he would have liked. And in the end, I think that's what is really important.

Until we meet again....thank you Ken

2011-04-25T22:54:00.000-04:00

I remember when we first met. I fell in love with your witty sense of humour and laughed at the stories you told, while your son just glared at you. He wasn't sharing our humour at all, which made it even funnier.

It didn't take long at all for you and Mrs. D. to welcome me into your family. I've always looked forward to our visits; especially when we would all sit down stairs, by the fire, while you and Mrs. D. would share more stories.

And I'll always think of you when we play with the Wiiiiiiiiiii.

Your wit and intelligence showed through as did your many talents and I can certainly understand how Mrs. D. fell in love with you.

You were a wonderful father and grand-father.

I just want to make it clear that my only reason for saying this is NOT just that you delivered your first child, on your own, at the age of twenty-one. That alone says much about you. Then there are the many stories of canoe trips, camping trips, travel and sadness.

And my own experiences.

I will always carry with me memories of you telling me stories that Barry didn't want repeated; you and Mrs. D. and the amazing relationship you both had; how you would translate all the English humour for me to understand it...I always thought it was so sweet and didn't have the heart to tell you I could understand it just fine.

Of course there were the times you would act grumpy even though I could see right through you. I can't tell you how many times, I've told Barry he reminds me of you. That is a huge compliment to both of you.

The day before our wedding. I was a bag of nerves and the tasks I had that day didn't help. You were like a father to me. I will always remember you telling me "Eat!!" as I was blabbering away at the table, holding onto my sandwich.

And Barry will never let me forget you telling me the day we were married that there were no refunds or exchanges.

I feel honoured that I had the time to get to know you as my father in law and thank you; not only for welcoming me into your family but for your part in delivering and raising a wonderful, sensitive, witty, intelligent son.

I know you've not truly left us but it saddens me that it will be some time before we meet again. I miss you already.

In the meantime, I'll be watching for you in the night skies...you'll be the star with the cutest wink.

Has anybody seen my brain???

2011-04-24T23:30:00.001-04:00

After spending two years in isolation, I've been really working lately on getting a life again. If you read my last post, you'll get an understanding of how worked up I get making my way into town for an appointment.

I can't understand how much of my independence was lost and, living rural with no car still; I find it interesting just how challenged I've been feeling.

I had an appointment with my doctor in Whitby today. The fun actually started when I was convinced that it was on the Wednesday. That would have made it yesterday.

Yesterday came and I remember my husband, Barry telling me before he left for work that he had checked the time. I also remember checking the calendar.

Now in all fairness to both of us, we had just spent a very stressful weekend with Barrys parents and a serious health issue that I won't talk about right now.

Sure enough...yesterday Barry came home from work early to get me to my appointment. To my astonishment, we arrived 24 hours and 6 minutes early. We were both sure I must have written it down wrong but when we arrived back home, I checked....all three calendars.

And on all three calendars....it read very clearly...in red ink...THURSDAY APRIL 21, 2011 @ 4:15.

So as we looked at our options, neither one of us liked the thought of Barry taking more time off work and I'd been checking out the Go Schedule lately and thought it might be a good idea to give it a try.

As I went through the schedule, I saw that with two transfers (Oshawa and Whitby), I would be taken directly to my clinic. The only decision I had to make was between where to board the bus (Peterborough or Cavan). I decided I was in the middle and chose Cavan.

That was my first mistake.

My second and worse mistake was trying to navigate the Go-Train from Oshawa to Whitby, without carrying on to Ajax. I saw a lot of the Whitby station...from closed doors. It turned out there is construction being carried on at the station and they're not opening doors from certain cars. Only they don't tell you until you're on your way so you have a whole ONE STOP to try to get to the right car.

Needless to say, by the time I actually made it to the clinic, my husband had just pulled in to pick me up....after working until 5.

So... I can now expect to be anywhere from 24 hours and 6 minutes early to two hours late.

Needless to say, I have to reschedule that one and hope I can still remember who I am by then.

It's a damned good thing I can claim old age now.

The Pity Party....

2011-04-08T00:19:00.013-04:00

We all have them....a week when it seems that nothing goes right, no matter how much we try.

Well this has been one of those weeks. There's no point in going on about every little thing this week but what really didn't help is that I had to go to the hospital for a test yesterday. Nothing life threatening; I can be grateful for that. It's the trip into town that does it to me.

Funny; this kind of goes with my post just prior to this when I talk about how independent I've always been. Growing up in Toronto, I was used to taking the Toronto Transit everywhere. But as I said...things have changed.

My body is not what it used to be; obviously or I wouldn't have been going for this test to begin with. And I was stressing out further as the time came for me to leave.

One thing I did do for myself was to find out if anybody would be home that afternoon so that I could go by for a visit with my sweet, adorable grand-daughter. Emmy will be three years old in July and is constantly amazing me. She is blessed with intelligent, wonderful parents who take the time out to teach her constantly. And though she has very little 'other' family members, she knows how much she's loved by each one of us.

Well yesterday was my big day. I had to be out the door by nine o'clock to catch the ten o'clock bus into town. It wasn't until I was going through my bag at the hospital that I noticed my camera was not in it. I hadn't left my bag unattended once.

I remembered (or so I thought), putting it into a certain 'safe' pouch with a velcro folder in a zippered compartment. I've always been extremely safe with my camera. It's my passion.

At the same time, I remembered how much I was rushing to get out the door and decided that I must have pulled it out and forgot to put it back.

Now, much of my anxiety about getting into town is just that; getting there. It's an hour long walk to the nearest bus stop and as I've said, my body is not what it used to be. My 22 year old son suggested I take the short-cut across the train tracks, which made perfect sense. What I hadn't realized was how difficult the journey would be as I was constantly stumbling.

But I managed and after my test had a wonderful visit with Emmy and my daughter-in-law, Caroline.

It wasn't until evening, at home, when I came to the conclusion that my camera was definitely missing. I didn't sleep well last night and decided this morning to hook up Mollie and we'd cover my tracks; so to speak.

We walked all the way, including the tracks but no sign of my camera. It was on our way home that I found it on the other side of the road, just off the road. It was crushed; obviously been hit by a car. And I have to say that I was just as crushed.

We got home after our three hour walk and I fell asleep on the couch feeling sorry for myself.

When my husband came home, I recall him telling me that the memory card was gone. I find that a bit funny considering somebody had to have picked my my camera, open the compartment that holds the card and my batteries, then close it back up again.

Unfortunately for whomever took the time to do that, the only pictures left on there were of our furry critters and the card worked about 80% of the time for me.

When I think about the big picture, I can't help but think of my son's journey to the bus a couple of hours after mine. He came across a dead cat on the side of the road...just a young one. And afterward he had the task of passing this news onto the owner of the cat.

In the big picture, as much as I miss it; my camera can be replaced. My dog and our cats cannot.

Woman Discovers Fire...

2011-03-28T15:18:00.006-04:00

I remember a time in my life when I was very independent; insistent to never have to depend on a man for anything.

Somehow over the years, that changed. It's not even worth my time to go over the old stuff and the beliefs I've formed over the years that were not my beliefs to start with. Not to mention how my body likes to remind me day after day. Getting older does that, doesn't it???

Today started out like one of those days. It's very sunny outside but the wind is cold. And once again I woke up with nothing to fuel up the furnace. It really is nobody's fault, unless I want to blame my own circumstances; which is a useless process that only slows me down.

There are thing's I've learned to deal with and other circumstances where I've been realizing that I wait to be rescued. Not knowingly, of course but I have at least one dear friend who was once again, going to take time from her busy schedule to try to bring me warmth.

Jo is getting married. She doesn't need this and I knew if I put my mind to it, I could get the fire up and running.

While I let Mollie out to do her 'biz', I ran around the tree line, looking for dead branches. I then found that there were also dead parts on the outside of the fallen tree and they seemed to be great for getting it going.

Mollie enjoyed helping me collect it all, of course.

As for starting the fire, I'd watched Barry do it enough times that I figured I should be able to do it by now. I obviously couldn't do it exactly the way Barry does it as he uses wood that he buys on the way home.

I had none of that and so I used whatever I could scrape up.

Well, wouldn't you know, my fire started lick-a-dee split. And it lasted pretty good...until Jo got here, of course.

We still had a great visit and were able to talk about what I need to do...which I will have to start after I clean myself off as I seem to have developed an itch from something in the back...YIKES!!!

But I've got one kick-ass fire!!!

Behind Closed Doors...

2011-03-23T12:03:00.020-04:00

Botticelli....The Three Graces

I remember when I first really got the urge to work with women who have lived with violence. I was in my thirties and at the end of my own violent marriage.

I graduated from college in 1995 but it took another 6 years to land my dream job. For me, it had the best of both worlds. I was an outreach counsellor for women who had lived with abuse. I loved the work as well as the freedom of driving to several outlying areas.

I still remember my first few days of starting out. The boss-lady showed me my desk and handed me the Policies and Procedures manual to read. Between the manual and an outdated 40 hour course for volunteers, that was the training I received to prepare me for counselling.

I was NOT prepared at all; in fact, I was quite green. I did everything I could to understand how to do what I needed to do and, do it right. I'd say, I did pretty good considering the circumstances but I never felt good enough and that never changed.

I carried out my role the best I could for over seven years. Unfortunately, in the end, there was nothing left of me.

Through those years my health began to decline to the point when I could no longer carry on. But my eyes and my perception remained very clear.

Working for a not for profit organization has it's ups and downs. I won't speak for all agencies but I saw a lot of corruption, hypocrisy, favouritism, bullying, lies and a real lack of boundaries.

Eventually I learned that the boss-lady's priorities were not for the clients but for her to boost her own ego. During my last few years, I'd wonder why she pushed me for my yearly stats when I knew she was boosting them anyway. This of course, would make it even more difficult to top last years stats.

From the outside, the agency gives the appearance of a great place to work. We looked like one big happy family. But behind closed doors it was anything but. If we were a family, we'd be considered a very dysfunctional one.

I hadn't been working at the organization for very long when I started getting phone calls at home, insisting that I show up at the boss-lady's drunken parties. This became quite regular until I fell out of favour with her...thank goodness!!

As there were virtually no boundaries, it was not unusual to be partying at the boss-ladies home with members of our volunteer pool and board members (staff and volunteers were not to mingle during private time). Most of the board members had been on the board for years and the boss-lady had them wrapped around her fingers.

The boss-lady always liked her alcohol and though she hid in her office during Centre Events and I can't remember her ever speaking in public on the Centre's behalf; she never had a problem going out to one of her drinking establishments or fighting with her partner in the middle of the street.

After a few years I secured our own office space. The boss-lady had talked for years about wanting a satellite office. Once the space was confirmed the boss-lady made every point of letting me know that this was NOT a satellite office but just office space....in another community.

She validated her statements by making sure I never had a land line or internet connection. Many days, I was unable to make or receive calls with my cell phone. This was not only frustrating but also considered a safety risk to me.

I loved my new space though and even managed to create a food cupboard for the people I saw. It made me feel good every time I filled that cupboard but my body would pay the next day. I eventually bought myself a cart as the organization refused me. It did help somewhat but eventually my body gave out.

We had a very strict safety policy...or so the binder said. This also went completely downhill over the years to where it didn't make a difference half the time if anybody knew I'd made it home at night.

Staff meetings stopped and there was no support what-so-ever for the front line workers.

I had quite a few high risk clients...people who I felt needed more than I could give them. But that's not how it worked. I needed numbers for the funders. I always felt like I was just treading water.

It all came to a close at the end of 2008, when I had a work related incident while on outreach. What made it worse is that I realized once again that safety procedures had not been followed at the office end and; had I been killed that day, which was a good possibility, nobody would have known.

Naturally there was no support from the boss-lady with the heart of steel and when I left, I was not only dealing with this recent incident but the fall out of the last seven years. I was very bitter and it took me a long time to let it go.

This is not one of those "Poor me" blogs. Quite the contrary. I'm really happy now that I had that experience. I made a few good friends who remain my friends to this day and I learned a lot about myself.

I learned that I do have what it takes. I also learned to give myself more time in relationships for building trust and to never again give my power to anybody.

Life is a journey and it's filled with important lessons. What is really important is that we learn from them and become stronger.

Goodbye tree...

2011-01-02T20:39:00.006-05:00

Thank you tree...

For providing us

with beauty and light...
unconditional Love...

and warmth...
bringing all of your

beauty, light,

love and warmth

into the new year.

Happy Holidays...

2010-12-06T11:33:00.022-05:00

It's that time of the year again and with it come the same old arguments and beliefs about others taking Christmas away. I had one woman; a friend of my husbands; try to tell me that it's now illegal to put a Nativity Scene up in front of your house. When I pointed out to her all the beautiful Nativity Scenes that I have seen in the last few years, she told me that it was people defying the law.....right.

Last time I looked, we still live in Canada. And whether you like it or not, we are a multicultural society with many strong beliefs.

So...I did what I always do. I researched the so-called law, in order to let her know that she can put out her nativity scene without worry of the anti-Christmas police banging down her door and arresting her.

I was raised with the Baptist faith. As a child I used to love to explore the different faiths of my friends and that continued into adulthood. I love having an open mind and that is exactly what I feel I've gained from this experience. And I can feel very proud to say that I passed those same values on to my own children and they will continue to do the same.

First, I need to start by saying that nobody is out there trying to take away Christmas. There is no green grinch just waiting to pounce on your Nativity Scene or whatever you may display to celebrate what the season is for you.

I believe that faith is a very important part of us and something that is essentially needed for our emotional health. But it is also very personal and should never be opened to insults and criticisms.

It's been many years now since I stopped believing in the Christian faith and my reasons are irrelevant. I've always been very Earthy and feel my best when communicating in some way with nature.

At the same time, I have the ability to listen to somebody tell me that God is with her always. And I can believe that beyond a shadow of a doubt.

I don't believe in the same God so why would I believe this to be true?

Because it is true for the person speaking of it and I do not believe it is my right to try to take away somebody's core values and beliefs. At the same time, I appreciate and expect the same courtesy.

There will always be Christmas every year because it's too much of a tradition to have it ever fall by the wayside. However I'm sorry to have to say this to the Christians, but you don't have the monopoly on the holiday season. And you cannot force others out because we don't believe what you do.

You have to face the facts that many of your Christmas traditions were originally traditions for a pagan holiday. If anybody robbed any other faith of their beliefs, I'd say it was the very opposite of what you are taught to believe.

In ancient years the Winter Solstice was celebrated by many Countries, many cultures and many beliefs and in many ways, including Yule Winter Festivities during late December to early January beginning on the day of Winter Solstice (usually December 21st).

Eventually the Christian holiday, known as Christmas was absorbed into the Yule Winter Festivities, taking with it many of it's traditions, such as the Yule Log and the decorated tree.

According to Wikipedia the official date passed on to the people to celebrate was December 25th after the Julian calendar was adopted.

It would be a very special holiday season indeed if people would open their minds and look at the faiths of others as just that...different faiths. Everybody has a strong belief that their faith is the true faith. That is a good thing. We all need strong faith, especially during difficult times.

But keep in mind that during this period, Christians are not the only people celebrating. When I wish somebody "Happy Holidays", it's generally because I don't know what their faith is or how they will celebrate. If I know somebody's faith, then I will wish them happiness for their celebrations without prejudice.

We all have a right to our beliefs. Please remember that when you are getting frustrated at how you may feel your beliefs are being stepped on, remember we all can feel that way.

Happy Holidays to one and all.

I Work at a Call Centre...

2010-10-21T09:50:00.030-04:00

From the time I was about Eighteen years old until I was Forty, most my working life was taking the call.

I started out early in an answering service in Toronto. Back then we used the old cord boards. I didn't enjoy it very much at all and thankfully, after a month or so, was transferred upstairs where my job entailed taking the calls and paging them out; as well as monitoring alarms (fire, burglar, etc.).

I worked with a fun, wonderful group of women and even though we were all cooped up together in a room smaller than my living room; I can honestly say we had a good time. I still have fond memories of those days.

Over the years, my office skills increased and I often held the position of receptionist/switchboard operator. I learned to work a variety of switchboards and in the end was also programming them.

Fast forward to the present. I have two very talented sons who both work in a Call Centre. They take calls to give tech support to people who are having difficulties with their computers. I know it often takes a lot of patience to do what they do, not to mention constantly having to upgrade their knowledge each time there's a product upgrade.

Imagine...trying to give tech support to someone who barely knows how to operate a computer. I know how much patience is required to carry that out.

My older son is bilingual; he speaks French as well as English. My younger son is a musician. He's taught himself the drums, guitar and banjo; though he still has the common sense to realize you can always learn from others.

The reality is that Call Centres are probably the biggest employers in our city, if you add them up together. The people who work in these Call Centres are a variety of all ages & talents.

I always give credit to the people who occupy these positions as I know from personal experience, that they are mostly underpaid and treated with little respect. Overall, they're labeled as robots who can't do anything more than answer the phone. And it's not only the higher ups who treat them this way but often the general public. Often it's the very people they are trying to assist when they take that call.

Both my sons have made some good friendships at their place of employment. One of these friends is Gordon Phillips; another musician. Gord is not only a talented musician and writer but he also saw talent in my younger son, Andrew.

Gord wrote a song though we like to refer to it as an anthem. He approached both Drew and Barry about it and we all loved it. Drew was to sing the main vocals, as well as playing the drums. Barry's job was in what he does best. He did the recording.

As the project was in the beginning stages, Gord had a surgery date approaching. He was suffering some nerve damage and my husband, Barry literally had to duct tape the pick onto Gords fingers. But he played the bass and his talent flowed.

Gord also gave Drew a lot of coaching to bring out the best in his vocals. Drew did the main vocals, while Gord did the back up.

They brought in two people for the guitar. Adam McGlynn also works at the same Call Centre as Drew and Gord. He came in a few times to add some guitar to the song. He was great and more than happy to do his part.

Now like most creative people, Gord was very particular on how this song should sound and he wanted more in the guitar...to kind of add to Adam's tracks.

And so Kyle Mason was brought in to add those extra tracks. Kyle is the only person who participated in this project who does not, nor has he experience working in a Call Centre...to the best of my knowledge. But his tracks were incredible and I could certainly understand why Gord wanted him.

Then it was all left to my husband Barry to do his magic.

The project is finished. And, it's catching on to Call Centre people all over. How could it not?

Let me introduce to you the Call Centre Anthem: ...

I'm sure you'll love it as much as I do. And if you take that call ... or if you ever have...This song is for you!!

Officer Bubbles???.....

2010-07-20T20:12:00.008-04:00

I've never been one to protest. Oh I have my own personal set of values and I certainly am not a fan of this moron to whom we've given the title of Prime Minister. I think I just can't trust my own reactions when a peaceful protest turns to something that I consider unjust. Especially when our police force takes on the role of bully and decides to take on someone who is obviously making her protest as peaceful as possible.

I've been somewhat following the news coverage of the recent G20 summit in the GTA. I'm not going to even bring up the topic of all the wasted tax money that could have been used elsewhere. That's why we had peaceful protests to begin with.

What really bothers me the most is how our tax dollars were spent on paying bullies to harass the peaceful protesters and perhaps, as theory has it, even started much of the violence.

My husband just brought my attention to a very good example of these paid bullies. Mind you, I've seen quite a few examples up to this point.

But this one really takes the cake.

Bubbles: My two year old grand-daughter absolutely loves bubbles. They're fun and are often wonderful for many events.

I've not yet heard about being careful with bubbles because "they could take out an eye".

This is the case of Officer Bubbles.

A woman was at what appears to be the front of a barricade of bullies. She seemed to be in pretty good spirits, possibly enjoying the energy of what was going on around her. She was making some kind of statement in her own peaceful way.

She was blowing bubbles.

She even appeared to have stopped her violent bubble blowing when confronted by one of the paid bullies.

I have to use the word, bullies, as that is the role these particular type seem to enjoy. Childhood bullies often take a role of authority in their adult life as it feeds into their own feelings of superiority.

In the following video, you can plainly see how this guy is taking great pride in his bully role, even to the point of arresting the woman, after her bubble blowing had stopped. I did not see one bubble touch or injure this guy.

As much as I hate to say it, this brought out a lot of anger in me. It also made me even more aware of why I don't protest.

I know I would not have been as compliant as this woman. Oh, I'm sure I wouldn't be blowing bubbles in this guys face, though I'd be very, very tempted. I do have enough common sense to avoid a charge of assaulting a police officer with bubbles. But I know I would have ended up in some type of verbal argument with the idiot.

My only hope in this story is that Officer Bubbles becomes the object of ridicule; not only online but in his own station. For I know in this society, had I been there and told him exactly what was on my mind, I too would have been arrested.

I think all I have left to say about Officer Bubbles is....what a bloody power tripping moron.

Gone too soon....

2009-11-23T10:06:00.018-05:00

Saturday started off like an ordinary Saturday for Barry and I. He got my son Drew off to work while I allowed myself to wake up and slowly start to tidy up a bit.

We were just about to start sorting out some outdoor candy canes when Barry took a call for Drew from one his friends. I could tell from his expression that it wasn't good but nothing could have prepared me for what Barry was about to tell me when he hung up the phone.

Drew has a pretty tight group of friends for the most part. Most of them date back to high school and the various bands they formed together. It was Michael that was taking on the dreadful task Saturday of having to call all of his friends and pass on the horrible news.

Andy was a big part of this group. It was Andy, Drew & Curtis that formed the infamous Janga Brothers that will live on in our hearts forever.

Andy was also considered the more cautious one. He didn't take drugs or even smoke pot and when he drank, he drank with common sense. But somehow on Friday night, at the age of 21 years, Andy took a fall from a 7 story balcony and lost his life.

None of the close group were there that night. From what little they know, he was supposed to be attending his work party. There are more questions than answers. How could this happen to Andy who is the most cautious guy they know?

Naturally, we got Drew out of work right away. He's devastated; each and every one of his friends, including his girlfriend are devastated and I have to be honest; so am I. These kids have spent so much time at my house, I can't help but form a bit of a bond. I can't count the number of times, I'm telling them "drive safe...." as they're on the way out the door. We make sure we have a place for them to crash if they need to. This could have been my child and I feel awful for being thankful that my children are alive and well.

My heart is crying for Andy's parents. No parent deserves to go through this. No parent should have to bury their child. Dean and Andy had such a close relationship; I can't even imagine his & Maureen's pain.

Andy had a whole future ahead of him. He hadn't even finished university yet. And he would have gone far. He was intelligent and talented with a wonderful sense of humour.
Andy...I know that wherever you are, there are good people already there. So you're not alone. We'll miss you here but in time, I know we'll all meet again.

But the healing is going to take a long time. Which really makes me think; it's not always how many years we spend on this earth but how many lives we touch while we're here.

Andy touched many lives in his short life. Many tears have been shed and will be flowing for a long time yet.
Rest in peace, Andy...you will never be forgotten and always loved.

****thanks to Tracy Rochetta for the last picture (taken at our wedding June 7, 2008)

Sheltering Form

2009-07-06T16:29:00.006-04:00

In 2004, I was invited to join a committee in Cobourg, whose ultimate goal was to place a visual display in a public park. This visual display was to honour all victims/survivors of abuse. It would give people a place for quiet meditation, while also providing a space for local groups to hold vigils and/or other events. We also hoped in bringing this visual display to fruition, we would be helping to bring more awareness to the issues that feed abuse, keeping the cycle alive.

The name of this committee was to be called TAAP (The Abuse Awareness Project). In 2006, the city of Cobourg, donated a beautiful piece of land, on the eastern tip of Victoria Park, directly across from the Lioness Pavillion. In September 2006, we blessed the space, naming it the Gathering Place.

Throughout the last 5 years, our small committee grew smaller and suffered many heartaches. Two weeks before our blessing of the Gathering Place, on September 1, 2006, our dear friend and fellow member, Barb Buller passed away suddenly. As much as we all struggled to go on, we always knew she was with us, giving us the strength we needed. And whenever things got really tough and we had to pull ourselves back up again, it was often Barb who kept us going.

It's funny how things work out and work out they did.

It started when Janice Newson, our committee backbone as I like to call her, contacted Frances Gage to ask her advice. Without going into all the details, in the end, Frances Gage generously offered to donate a sculpture that she calls "Sheltering Form".

During the time that "Sheltering Form" was in the process of being created, we (the remaining members of TAAP), were invited to Frances' workshop to get our hands in there, scraping, forming and bonding. What I will always appreciate the most from this was the opportunity to get to know an incredible, beautiful, gentle woman who has worlds of experience to share.

Not long after our unveiling on Jue 20th, 2009, my husband Barry, also a TAAP supporter since 2006, was googling for media on our event. Sadly all he found was a blog from an obnoxious neanderthal who obviously has many misogynistic beliefs. I chose to ignore it as I've learned in life that ignoramuses really are not worth my energy.

What saddened me though was finding out later that the Cobourg Star printed this rubbish. And not only did they print this rubbish but not one of the many letters that were sent to defend Frances Gage's honour were printed. How sad when the Cobourg Star gives room for a misogynistic slug to bully a woman who cannot even understand the cruelty of such comments, let alone know how to respond to them. But then that's what bully's do, isn't it?

The more I learned about who this slug was, the more I'm happy I did not respond to the rubbish, or even name it. I feel it's had enough media attention, thanks to the Cobourg Star.

This life is short enough. My friend Barb taught me that. And in the end, I want to know that I contributed to something worthwhile and that I've made some truly amazing friends along the way. Not that I've sat on my butt, doing nothing while criticizing the efforts of those who did.

Sheltering Form...it really is a big hug and I'm truly grateful to have been a part of this.

Liquid Larry and the Afterburners

2009-03-13T00:36:00.002-04:00

Since I've been off work, I've noticed how much more my life seems to be consumed by my youngest son and his music.

It's funny; I'm often finding myself remembering back to the day I brought Andrew home from the hospital. I had to wait for the orthopedic specialist, Dr. Bent, as Drew was born with a clubbed foot. The specialist needed to have a look at Drew before we left, explaining to me, what procedures would have to be done in the future and then fitted my 3 day old son with his first cast.

I remember him telling me to not expect Andrew to be athletic. I looked at the doctor and told him my son was going to be what ever he chose to be.

Drew get's so tired of hearing that story. But I never get tired of telling it. Because I've always believed that of my sons. And for some reason, Drew seemed to always want to prove it. He was the toddler, up on the monkey bars, that the elderly women would say "isn't he yours????"

What could I say? If I went to get him, he'd be kicking and screaming and I'd get those hard and I mean hard shoes in the face. No....better to wait until he's done falling and scrape him up afterward. The kid was my human Mollie. He had to learn for himself.

When Andrew decided to play the drums at 14, I really didn't give it a lot of thought. A group of them started in the basement. Most of them didn't have much talent but they kept at it.

I remember telling Drew "just make sure you have a back-up plan". And then as time went on, I remember the kids in the basement sounding less like screechy noise and more like, well....music. I actually remember one day, stopping outside the band room door and actually starting to move to the music....for the first time.

They still took a few years to mature though.

And now, I believe they've got what it takes. Let me introduce Liquid Larry and the Afterburners.

They will be playing in Toronto on March 18, 2009 at the Opera House, at 735 Queen Street East. This is a fabulous opportunity Underdogs Showcase and we're hoping to get as many of our Toronto people as possible there.

They have another gig at Johnny B's in Whitby on May 3rd. This is a 2 hour set. They got this one through a Battle of the Bands that they participated in. There are times they may not win in the way they hope but something else comes of it.

Sometimes, it's just about who sees them that night.

So....if you're ever in Peterborough, they're pretty much at the Dobro every Wednesday night...unless they're busy recording.

***Special thanks to my handsome hubby's input with the last two pictures of Liquid Larry on stage.

Love and Hope

2009-02-02T17:41:00.000-05:00

This is the picture for February on one of our calendars.
I thought it was a good starting point.

"Love makes all things possible"

Have you ever felt like you were at
a crossroad in your life but you had no control over
which direction it was going?

I spent years with a vision.
I knew what I wanted to do,
and now.....

Now it's gone.

But that's alright.

I know I can do so much more because
I feel the love of those around me...
my husband, my family and my friends.

Even from my dog, Mollie.

In my role as a counselor,
I've worked with many women who
had little or no supports from family and/or friends
and it makes a huge difference in ones life,
especially during a healing phase,
to have a good, loving support system.

Where there's Love, there's hope and
where there's hope, there's
a future.

And I believe in a hopeful future.

Life with a geek....

2009-01-25T15:07:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a day of organization around the house. I was organizing the living room and my husband, whom I lovingly refer to as the geek, decided to organize his desk space.

Barry and I have been together for 6 years or will be together for 6 years on February 1st of this year. He's different from anyone I've ever known. Well, I think he's just plain different. He's what we'd call a geek. When we met, he was designing and building control panels for reverse osmosis systems for many uses from homes to dialysis machines. He's now building (or doing the electrical, wiring, etc., for...) fire trucks, trailers to pull horses for the RCMP and assorted other vehicles.

For our first Halloween party, he went all out and painted the basement with a special UV luminescent paint that activates under black light.

It was an incredible sight to me when he flicked the switch for the lights to go off and the black lights to come on. It reminded me of something from CSI.

Naturally, every Christmas the lights are getting brighter with more of them. And yes, they are synchronized to blink with the music.

It has it's downsides though; clutter. There are wires hanging from doors, things I can't even put names to, sitting on shelves as well as what used to be my kitchen table and huge and I mean enormous wires going right through my kitchen, into the band room. I tolerate this because they are being used to record my sons band and I believe that one day, if they continue to work as a team; they can make it big.

Our music is one of my favourite perks. All of our CD's have been ripped onto a main computer to be used as our jukebox. It goes through a mixer, that goes through a small FM antenna. Barry assigns the antenna to an unused station and voila!! I can play our music from any location in or around the property by simply playing FM 88.1 on the radio. As I'm typing, Barry is playing Rita Marley, from his turntable, and it's coming through my receiver. It still impresses me.

A couple of months ago we were talking about our dreams and I was telling him of mine; to drive the Alaskan Highway. A few days later he told me of his purchase.

Photo courtesy of Barry Duff

He bought it from his boss at work. It has very little mileage on it, which is good when you consider what it was used for. Barry is considering ideas of remodeling and eventually it will take us where we want to go.

We all smile and say "that's Barry". These are many of the things that I love about him.

So back to yesterday and my geek, er... husband, needing more desk space. He acquired more junk, I mean some Kee Klamp from a friend of his who runs a store, here in Peterborough. Well this Kee Klamp is or was used for stage and sound equipment (just another area Barry has expertise in). Basically, it's galvanized pipe, with elbows, etc.

So my husbands desk went from being a six foot table, along with our whole dining room table to a six foot table sitting on galvanized pipes, with shelving to hold his monitors and other electronics, sitting on more galvanized pipes, also utilizing old waterbed parts for the shelving.

And what geek desk is complete without it's own bar fridge?

Well alright, it was mine. I brought it home from my office last week but I guess the rotten bugger decided he might as well pillage it while he had the chance.

One thing I can say, watching all of this come together. It's definitely strong. And it's different. But then so is Barry.

So this is life with a geek. Some may know what it's like to get up from their chair and trip over a bag holding a 20' antenna that has future plans to be erected when "we have our own home". This has become my norm and one thing I can say is, it's always entertaining around here, especially if you love music!!!

Letting go....

2009-01-02T19:05:00.000-05:00

****This is the innocent face that was trying to steal my apple pie while I was preparing to work on this blog. She creates a plan, then puts it in action. Unfortunately for her; her brain only functions to the level of a small child.

2008 has come and gone and I've just realized that I haven't been on here since June. I've always meant to but there have been just too many dark days and I really don't like writing during those days.

It hasn't been all dark. Mollie and I got away for a weeks adventure in July to Tobermory, where we met up with some of our crazy Fundawg furiends, human and canine.

It's funny how I had started out earlier today with a thought in my head that I had intended to use as the focus in today's blog. I took that thought out with me on my walk with Mollie this afternoon.

She had a great walk. I didn't take our usual path along the Rotary Trail as it's been pretty icy lately, so I just walked her up the sideroad not far from home. Well out of nowhere comes a horse with a sulky. They turned along a driveway, came back out and back up the road. By the time, I was able to get my mitts off, camera out and on, take my picture, they had made pretty good tracks.

Mollie, being the ever alert, scent hound, sight hound, crazy hound attached to my waist, had never been that close to a horse before.

Although it was good for the horse, not to mention the gentleman riding along on the sulky, that Mollie was not able to roam free, robbing her of the opportunity to give this man the ride of his life and the poor horse nightmares for the rest of his/her life. It sure gave me a work out holding back my full 55 pounds of ADHD in full throttle for the next half kilometre of our walk, looking for her horse.

Eventually, she gave up and we were able to enjoy a liesurely walk.

The last six weeks or so of 2008 were challenging, to say the least.

I was looking back at my posting from mid-January 2008 about our move here, titled "Goodbye Slumlord". In it is the picture of the old tree in the front of our house.

In the wee hours of the morning of September 14, 2008, as I was getting ready for bed, I was looking out my bedroom window, talking to Barry. The wind was incredible. Suddenly the was a loud crack and bright blue light and loud popping noises as part of the tree came down, taking the hydro line across the highway with it. I've never seen anything like it in my life. Naturally we were without service for the night. We were alright with that. We also spent the next couple of hours out on the highway, with a couple of people who had stopped, making sure vehicles, especially trucks did not drive through the live wires.

The part that will always stay with me was when I was on the phone with the hydro people and Mollie escaped from the house. She ran right through the wires. Thankfully, she came back fairly quick, for her standards. I think she was confused by the energy that night. Coming back she was on our property, away from the wires.

If there's one thing I can say about my life is that I always try to learn from challenges I'm faced with. And I'm always stronger from them.

During that period, my husband, Barry was unemployed for two months. That tree certainly has helped give us some warm fires, combined with the wood we had already purchased in the spring.

It's still sad sometimes, seeing the stump silhouette where the tree stood proud. But it was meant to happen and some good came out of it as well. And thankfully, nobody was hurt.

I also see that stump as sort of a symbol of 2008. What it took from us. What it gave us.

And now I'm ready to face 2009. I'm ready to take on a new direction. I'm not exactly sure where it's going to take me but I'm certainly going to enjoy the ride.

May all your hopes and dreams for 2009 become realities.

Butterfly landings....

2008-06-22T22:29:00.000-04:00

I couldn't help but go back to a couple of my favourite pictures from the butterfly conservatory. I know they're not prize winners but, for me, they speak volumes about the man I love.

From the moment we walked through the doors, until we left, butterflies were constantly landing on my Barry and staying there.

Now it was common for someone to have the odd butterfly land on them and some people were not so fortunate. Barry was like a butterfly magnet. It really was funny to watch.

But in a strange way, I have to think it's just who Barry is. He has such a quiet calm energy; not like anyone I've known.

It's funny how we can find our validation in something as beautiful as butterflies. If ever I know I got it right, this is it.

Funny thing is....for the most part, as they were landing on him; he was just busy...taking pictures...totally unaware...just being.

We Did It!!!

2008-06-19T23:28:00.000-04:00

I sometimes forget there's a possibility that someone may actually read what I'm putting down here. And that somewhere out in this world, somebody actually cares how my day went.

In the work I do, I often get a very skewed view of the world. It's so easy to just see the negative side and forget that there are some really good, descent people out there.

People who care about others.

Well our day, as disorganized as it started out, was absolutely perfect. Oh we were close but it was meant to be. At the end of the day, Barry and I were legally married. And I have never in my life felt this happy.

Well obviously it wouldn't be right to post actual wedding pictures of us on here as I did not actually take them. But the pictures I've posted are all related. The pretty yellow flowers were bought by my wonderful new sister-in-law, Alison, to decorate the tables. They are now planted in my front garden.

We spent a night at the White Oaks Resort in Niagara on the Lake and played around Niagara Falls a bit. Naturally we had to visit the Butterfly Conservatory. I thought I was in Butterfly Paradise.

I just love the diversity in our world.

Oh...and I guess I could post the link to our friend who gave us an offer we couldn't refuse for our wedding pictures. At least she would be taking credit for her own work then....Let me introduce you to Jordan and, if you would like...a few wedding shots.

http://jordanlyallphotography.blogspot.com

Wedding Freak-out!!!

2008-06-04T00:52:00.000-04:00

Well it's now technically 4 day's (it's after midnight) until our wedding day and I'm in freak-out mode.

I'm trying really hard to be optimistic but my cart can only get so full before it tips.

Everything so far has been falling into place so beautifully. We've been putting this together so amazingly well. Barry reminds me of that when I start to panic. I know to let go of what I have no control of but My Dawg it is not easy. There are certain documents that are detrimental to us being married and I want to be married on Saturday.

I truly believe that there are times in our lives we have to prove just how much we really want something. We are tested many times throughout our lives.

This is not my first marriage. It's no secret. I've not had a great past. It's been full of hurt and abuse but it's all in the past.

There's been a lot of fear with this upcoming wedding. But I think more than ever, I am faced with how much I want to be married to Barry on Saturday.

I can't understand how he has not been married. As I'm approaching my wedding day, I'm appreciating my Barry more for the wonderful man he is and will be honoured to call myself his wife.

I guess all I can really do at this point is put my faith into the universe and pray!!!

Tomorrow?

2008-01-31T01:36:00.000-05:00

It really is hard to believe how quickly time passes when you're busy packing, moving and trying to prepare for what you know you must do.

Am I prepared? I guess about as much as I can be. We know our truth and that's all we can present.

It's just going to be so nice to get back to somewhat of a normal life; without the stress of a constant battle.

It was a cold day today so I thought it would be nice to add a picture to reflect that.

One thing I can say for certain; I look forward to warmth.

After all tomorrow is another day.

Goodbye Slumlord...

2008-01-19T00:12:00.001-05:00

I can't believe it's been a week since my last post. Mind you, it's been a very productive week.

I'm hoping this will be my last post about this dump. This was not my purpose for this blog and I really don't want to spend all my energy on something so useless.

This is simply an update of sorts. Since my last post, we've found a new place to live and will be moving in two weeks; the same day as our tribunal. We've already been moving boxes, bins, etc.

It's a 100 year old farm house that has been well kept, with plenty of space and light. I absolutely love the house and I absolutely love the property. The property is perfect for a small, outdoor medieval wedding...hmmm.

Needless to say, we've been busy packing and transporting boxes, bins, etc., to the new house.

Hopefully I will get back to my original goal once we get settled in again but in the meantime I'd like to say.... Goodbye Slumlord!!!
It's been a slice!!

You've got to love Photoshop don't you?...as cheesy as it is ;)

When I arrived at our new house tonight, this is the view that greeted me. (I was there to drop off some things)

It really is interesting; the path that life chooses to take us sometimes.

My pretty girl....

2008-01-12T11:57:00.000-05:00

I actually started this blog with the intention of taking a picture a day. To be a part of a group of women, taking pictures, often with a common theme.

Somehow I ended up getting sidetracked when my basement wall came tumbling down and a battle came to a head. I hate battles; I really do. And right now I don't want to think or type about a battle.

So here's Mollie....
I found Mollie on October 28, 2006 at the Peterborough Humane Society. She's a cross between hound and pointer and when she looks at me with those hound dog eyes...well it's those eyes I fell for to begin with. She's as stubborn as she is intelligent but we've been learning a lot together. She's great at getting me out for regular walks and despite her efforts of wanting to walk me; we are improving our walk all the time.

She's my girl and she knows it.

A new day....

2008-01-10T13:07:00.000-05:00

What is it Scarlett O'Hara says? "Tomorrow is another day"

Yesterday was a day we saw coming for a very long time. We couldn't predict exactly how it would look; only that it would happen. Now we can start to put it behind us....somewhat.

There's still a lot of work to be done and there's still a battle to be won. But the crisis is over.

When I was leaving for work this morning, I found it rather funny to see a back-hoe parked in my driveway, just behind my car, beside Barry's car. I couldn't help myself. I had to take a quick picture on my way out.

The slumlord hasn't been back today. Let's hope it's a quiet day on the home front. I think we could all use some.

The Wall...last post of the night....

2008-01-09T17:35:00.001-05:00

Well it seems our little guests left just as I was finishing up that last post. Go figure.

Right about now, slumlord has received the package I left in his mailbox and is cursing my name; oh to be so loved!!!

I got outside to take a couple of shots...Yikes what a mess still.

Then we got downstairs, through the mud, to get a couple of final shots of the new and improved wall.

What's this??? The corner wall is getting ready to buckle???
I think we'll exit; stage right ;)

And something to look forward to...January 31st, 2008...Tribunal!!! Cross your fingers for us!

And the wall came tumbling down...can they put it back together???

2008-01-09T16:42:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe how fast this day has gone by. I've worked hard to get the paperwork together, only stopping once in a while to take pictures and upload them and I was successful in getting all the paperwork to the proper people on time, complete with colour photos of our beautiful basement wall (or lack thereof).

Meanwhile the moron twins, with the help on one intelligent individual (the contractor is a descent guy) have been working hard. They managed to get the forms in (I think) and last I looked, were preparing to pour concrete.

That was just before I left to register our application for tribunal. I have to admit; I did enjoy serving his papers (aka leaving them in his mailbox) while he's here freezing his butt because he couldn't be bothered. It can be so empowering when you can start finding it all funny.

Well it's dark outside and they're still moving. I just heard the rumbling of the back-hoe so I'm hoping they're not putting all the dirt back before the concrete dries; that would be typical of him.

I have to admit; I'm really tired. I've hardly slept.

And the wall came tumbling down....the saga continues....

2008-01-09T14:09:00.000-05:00

Well we didn't get much sleep last night and our thoughts for (or hopes) for sleeping in were shattered when the slumlord, in his typical fashion decided to play the hero and gallop up on his big back-hoe with his brother (the moron twins, you say???)

They've been hacking and digging away and now we have an even bigger gaping hole.

The pipe that is only inches from the back-hoe arm, if for the
septic system....YIKES!!!

I'm off today, getting some very important paper work together for the Landlord and Tenant Act. Did someone say Tribunal???

Well, I'm not exactly staying with our theme but I am having fun, taking pictures around the house.

Outside looking in

And the wall came tumbling down...

2008-01-09T03:03:00.000-05:00

It's been a few days since I've been on here. I started back to work and life just gets so hectic again. I've also been really struggling with trying to get a picture for our theme. I still didn't succeed there but I managed to get a few unexpected shots very early this morning when our basement wall finally decided to cave in.

It's been ready to give for quite a while and according to the man who owns the house, he's known about it since he's owned the house (approx 7 years).

I never imagined myself in a house with a gaping hole in the basement and if I ever could have imagined myself in this situation, I don't think I would have imagined myself laughing my ass off the way I was.

I guess sometimes there's not much left to do but laugh.

Peek-a-boo...I see you

Nothing like bringing the great outdoors, indoors ;)

I promise, I will catch-up!

Today's Pics...

2008-01-04T22:55:00.000-05:00

Well, despite the pretty sky late this afternoon, this picture really doesn't capture it.

I was tempted to dig into some of my older pics (summer) but I'm sure there will be a time when I'll have nothing and need to be digging.

This is great...looking forward to being hooked up to the rest of the group.

I'm here...

2008-01-04T12:24:00.000-05:00

Well I managed to get this thing set up although I don't have any pictures added yet. I've been kind of busy today taking down Christmas decoration's that I'd normally have taken down on the 1st of January.

I will be getting out with Mollie though and as usual, I will have my camera along so in a few hours, something will be here.

It's a fairly nice day in the Kawartha's. The sun is trying to decide whether it wants to stay or go and theres a chance we could get more snow.