Summer, where are you?

May was a month that seemed to be full of discord and distress in our house… although it carried over into June, I worked hard to ensure it didn’t affect our lives more than it needed to, especially since my brother was visiting.

July has been a busy month, yet at the same time I don’t feel like I’ve accomplished very much. I would sum this up to the fact that I was feeling low with my chest infection, which I’m happy to report is now behind me. I went back to the gym on Saturday morning and have promised myself that I will work out at 3-4 times a week. If I don’t make it to the gym, I will take Molly out for an extra long walk, or go on a bike ride.

Andy and I have been using tennis rackets to bat a ball back and forth on the field for Molly on fine evenings – it’s great exercise for her, and not bad for me either, as I often race Molly for the ball if I miss (which I do more often than I like to admit. I won’t be making it to Wimbledon next year that’s for sure.)

I think I’m fed up because we aren’t having much of a summer here; I know most of my Canadian friends and family are (finally) experiencing a proper summer and Ontario is actually having a heat wave (nothing new there); I don’t feel sorry for those who are complaining, as I would love to feel some good, proper heat. When it gets too hot here (a very rare event), I don’t have a beautiful beach like Crystal Crescent to go to,

but what we have is good enough.  At the moment it's sunny and about a comfortable 20c but that will probably change in 30 minutes.

(I can only day dream of this place until next summer)

I haven’t been trying out very many new recipes lately as I’m trying not to overeat. Last night, after working out I did make a summer strawberry and almond crumble for Andy. My plan was to not have any at all, but then how can I deny myself a wee taste of something that I have made? So I did. And it was scrumptious if I say so myself. I only had a small bowl and wasn’t too hard on myself regarding the extra calorie intake as I haven’t had a glass (or bottle) of wine since the 3rd July. That’s 24 days. 24 Days... I don’t know why I’ve gone off wine. Not a bad thing I guess, as I was drinking too much of it. I’m sure most of you are aware of this, but for those of you who aren’t, wine has a lot of calories. Calories I don’t need.

In other exciting news, I’m now sleeping a bit better as I have finally booked myself an appointment with a  dentist. I have been a bit picky since moving to England in relation to finding a dentist – the few I have seen have suggested pulling a tooth rather than fixing it (not the answer) and as the dentist my husband and his children go to is definitely not up to my standard, I had been opting to visit the dentist on my trips back to Nova Scotia. However I haven’t seen that dentist in forever (I’m not telling you how long it’s been because of the shame) and I’ve decided that not seeing a dentist at all is worse than seeing a mediocre one. After looking around I have found a reputable, good dentist and have an appointment in a few weeks; And I will try my damnedest to not compare. I know they likely won’t have a hygienist clean my teeth and definitely won’t have a TV in the ceiling (mine back home didn't either, so that's ok) but if the cleaning last’s longer than ten minutes, I will not complain.

I was also delighted to stumble across two great blogs whilst searching for something completely unrelated: Ea-pea Dave's Terra Nova and Better After

The first appeals to me because of my Canadian roots, the 2nd because I can only ever dream of accomplishing the wonderful feats that are displayed over there and I might just get a little inkling of inspiration.

The Law of Averages

I’ve been living with a chest infection now the past 10 days and therefore haven’t been able to go to the gym. Meaning the last time that I had any good exercise, was the day we hiked Mount Snowden in Wales (which was a spectacular workout, even though we hiked down, not up). That makes it 12 days since I’ve worked out. It’s driving me nuts. Funny, but when I can go to the gym, I have long debates with myself about whether or not I should go; you take the option away from me and what’s the first thing I want to do? Work out. You would think I was three, not 30 something. My mom, who works out regularly and by this I mean daily, has said that there is nothing I can do about it. I know that she is right in the fact that if I were to go for just a short spin on a stationary bike at this point in time I’m likely to have a set back, thus delaying my return by even longer. Not only have I been living with bronchitis for about 25 years, my mother has been dealing with me. So I will listen to my mother and give it another few days, especially now that the antibiotics are starting to kick in.


I tried to explain to Andy this morning that I will let him know when I’m returning to the gym, that his asking me is only making me feel worse. Yes, I know that I mentioned I would try to get back to the gym yesterday, but I was only fooling myself and he should have known that… I mean you would think that after nearly 10 years together he would have the ability to read my mind! I guess he’s only developed the ability to see through my clothes. Oh wait. He’s told me that when he’s staring at my chest he’s willing me to take off my top, that he doesn’t have x-ray vision. I suppose the fact that after all this time together my husband still has thoughts of my boobs isn’t a bad thing, but then again, they are spectacular if I say so myself. Yup that’s right. Even with all the inconvenience they’ve caused me, I love my boobs. But how can I not? When more than one female in my family has battled breast cancer what other option do I have? I wish more women would appreciate the boobs they have – big, small, droopy or wrinkly, because once you are faced with the option of losing one, or both, I think it sheds a different light on the situation.

So, boobs and chest cold aside, I’m just going to have to sit back and wait this bugger out for a few more days. I’m hoping that by tomorrow, or realistically, Thursday, I will be able to get on the cross trainer again. Spinning will have to take a back sit till at least the weekend.

I’m trying to keep myself distracted by reading and watching TV, without over-eating. Yes, I’m not feeling the best but there is not a damn thing wrong with my appetite.

My friend is coming over tonight to help keep me distracted and those of you who know me will have a good laugh at what she has planned; she’s bringing her math homework with her so I can help her study for her exam tomorrow. For those of you who don’t know me, let me clarify what my family and friends are probably wetting themselves with laughter over: I had to take math 5 times in three years to ensure I graduated high school with the rest of my class. It’s going to take my friend five times longer to figure it out with me helping her, I can assure you.

A Lyrical Little Country

I've only been at work two days this week - Monday and Wednesday.  I took Tuesday off as John was catching his train to London to begin his backpacking journey and I thought I'd have the afternoon off as I've been exhausted lately, with a hacking, annoying cough.  Work Wednesday was a bit of a struggle as I was constantly coughing - the more I move and talk, the more I cough.  So I decided to have today and yesterday off to rest, because I know that when I get my bronchitis, rest is best.  I will go to the doctor this afternoon just in case I need antibiotics.  I know I'm not well though when I'm not interested in long hot baths or cold crisp glasses of wine (I haven't had a glass of wine in two weeks, I seem to have gone off it at the moment, try not to be to shocked, this is a temporary situation I'm sure.

So since I am sitting at home on this beautiful day, not doing much but watching tv and reading, (in between sleeping) I thought I'd post some photos of our trip to Wales with John last week.

On Wednesday we visited Conwy, with its beautiful castle and walls that surround the town:

They don't exactly look like knights, but they are all mine ;)

 The smallest house in Britain (It costs a £1 to enter, John wasn't sure if somene really lived there)

We also stopped in at Llandudno, my other favourite Welsh town, home of the Great Orm, a little mountain we have climbed more than once....

Next time we go back to Llandudno, I'm hiking around the mountain - this road is amazing. 

On Thursday we did Snowdonia, which was breathtaking, no pun intended.  (I will post the photos over the weekend, as we have a number of fantastic shots). 

John can't believe how gorgeous Wales is and said he would never have even gone to this little British gem if we hadn't taken him; a lot of people don't realize that Wales is a country separate from England and has an astounding beauty that must not be overlooked.

Canada Day BBQ 2011

Saturday was beautiful and sunny, without the high winds that can often blow throughout our area.  Andy was up early putting the finishing touches on our garden, and whilst he and our great friends, Dawn and Robert were setting up the tent and putting out the chairs, John and I nipped to town for a few last minutes bits.  

We had a fantastic turnout and all went off without a hitch despite a few of our friends showing up a few hours earlier than expected  And on into the wee hours of Sunday morning it continued.  Oh, and my brother was a big hit, naturally. 

I have had some of my best Canada Day celebrations since moving to England... go figure eh?

Here are just a few of my favourite photos from our Canada Day in England, 2011:

Dawn and John

 Dave, Abby and Tasha (with Sarah playing Jenga in the background :)

Me and my baby brother

Beautiful Madelana

Competitive Andy R

Zoe, Tasha and Wendy

 Me and the Gallivan Girls:

Around the Fire Pit

Tasha and Andy:

Jayne, Dee and Me ;)

Den and his sausage :)

Roasting sausages on the fire pit always goes down well...

This is a cool one of Rodders 


It was an awesome tribute to my country and I love how my English family and friends love to come together each year to help me celebrate the country I may have left behind physically, but is always in my heart...