Four years in the blink of an eye...

Hard to believe this was the night before my wedding to Andy four years ago...



We were so blessed to have the majority of those we love so much with us. I don't have the driver here with the professional photos, but I like these photos just the same:





Four years on found me sitting in a team meeting at work, when a knock upon the main door announced a visitor. It was a lady with a HUGE bouquet of flowers and they were for me. I hadn't received delivered flowers since before I moved over here and as a resut it was hard to wipe the grin off my face for the rest of the day.

I was meeting Sarah for lunch yesterday, and after I put my flowers on water, I headed into town to catch up with my mate. After lunching in Abbie's and leaving Sarah, I decided to have a look in the local Anne Summer's shop for a little gift for Andy.

The end result was me getting myself kit out in a sexy little number including garters and stockings with a seam up the back. This afternoon saw me frantically trying to work out how to actually put myself into this get up, prior to donning my leopard print heels and long cream coat before heading into town to meet Andy's train.

The smile on my husband's face was worth it when he saw what was under that coat, and to delay it as long as possible I suggested we stop in for a drink at the Harvest Moon.

Tonight, we're heading out for dinner-a-duex. Unfortunately I'm craving Mexican something loco, so that puts a halt to the sexcitement. Well, at least till we get home...

I always knew beagles were resourceful as well as immensely cute but seriously...

Running out the gray...

Today wasn't a great day at work. I was just a little weensy bit lippy, probably said a few sarcastic things to my boss that I shouldn't have. Although I said I was sorry to be so asinine, I don't know that I really was. I've decided that from now on I'm speaking my mind, even if it means a foot up my ass as I'm shown the door. I don't think I really mean that. Or maybe I do.

Another thing happened today: I went to the drawer where I'd stashed my Nikon Digital camera, safely in its camera case, or so I thought. Its ruined. The display screen has that smashed look about it. Someone has either taken it out and dropped it, or dropped something heavy into the drawer, directly on top of it. Either way, to say I'm pissed is an understatement. It was a Christmas gift from Andy last year. Shit. I haven't even made it a year. What is it with me and cameras...

I had something else to get off my chest but damned if I can remember what else I want to complain about. I should probably get off my arse and go to the gym. Better than sitting here being annoyed by the kids and bitching. If only I could find my mobile in order to charge it up so I can actually run to a beat.

And to think I thought today my luck might be changing for the better because I found a pound coin on the ground. Like a £1 is really that big a win.

Oh and my hair needs colouring. I feel fantastic, can you tell?

Looks like this Christmas we won't be eating off the patio furniture...



This is much better I think.

We've been debating turning our back TV room into a dining room for some time now. The boys tend to play all their games in their room, and Alex has the flat screen & satellite in his room.

Although its a very small room, we'll eventually need a sideboard or some other piece of furniture to finish it off, but I'm looking forward to decorating for the upcoming season(s), or at least trying to. And maybe, just maybe, having a small dinner party or two.

More like Sarcastic 16 than Sweet 16...

Although he wasn't quite this little and adorable when I first met him, how quickly does then turn into...



...now



Today he turned 16, on Monday he starts work experience and in July he will finish school and begin his electrical engineering course soon after.

And although I didn't suffer through the hard labour to bring him into this world, I do get the insufferable experience of raising him ;)

But aside from that, he's honestly a sixteen year old that most parents only dream of having.

And in typical Alex fashion, like a big kid, he gets a load of enjoyment out of this advert:

Date Night

Last night Andy and I decided to go see a movie, as we hadn't seen each other in two weeks and needed some time to ourselves.

It was a little busy when we went inside to join the que and as the movie was due to start in five minutes Andy was wondering if he should give me the money to pay for our tickets while he went to the concessions que. It didn't really matter though because before I could answer, the line had moved rather quickly and we were at the front. I walked up to the ticket agent and asked for two tickets to see The Women and was told the price. I turned around to take the money from Andy and he wasn't there... he was halfway to concessions. So I did the only thing I could and hollered 'Andy!', as I turned back to the ticket guy and exclaimed 'Some date eh?' Andy's face was puce as he handed me the £20 and said with a sheepish grin 'sorry Jods, I thought I'd given it to you!' That might be, or maybe he was just trying to get out of paying ;)


One of my favourite ways to relax on a
Friday night...

This one is having a birthday today...



and if I know her, and I think I just might, she's doing it right.
Happy Birthday little sis. xo

A pretty amazing summer, even if it has rained for most of it...




Right from the start its been a cracking summer. We've had a lot of family over, starting with Dawn in June, ending with Stacy and Heather in August.

We managed to do so much, including travel to Kefalonia with Stace, which was as amazing as when we honeymooned there, in different ways of course, the number one reason being getting to share Stacy's excitement in seeing such a gorgeous place.
Not to mention the day we rolled down a huge slide in a massive ball, or completed an obstacle course in the trees of Sherwood forest...








The same can be said for Heather's first trip to the UK. Both Dawn and Stace have been here twice before, so it was kind of fun to show someone the sights who was so in awe of it all. Heather was taken aback by some of the places we visited: Lincoln, Chatsworth (where Pride & Prejudice, The Duchess were filmed), even right down to our favourite, the Harvest Moon and Jaques Cider. Seems like all my girls back home are big fans of our cozy pub, especially on quiz night...







This summer also brought with it some big changes. Work went kind of sour there for awhile, and although what was happening caused quite a lot of upheaval, things have calmed down and it looks like I will be there to weather out the storm, as things have turned around for me and the boat has stopped rocking.

I said good-bye to two fantastic friends, Carol-Anne & Madeline, who have moved back to Canada, and hopefully greener fields. Part of me still thinks they are only out there on their annual trip and will be back soon, but another part of me knows they have done what is right and that I will see them again soon. Besides, its just more extended family for me to have back home :)





Andy has been re-located to London, so for the time being will only be with us every second weekend. It'll take some getting used to, but Alex, (Connor when he is here) and Molly and I do alright on our own, and it won't be for too long. Besides, Andy and I are already trying to sort out a trip or two to London.

So a quiet weekend lays ahead of me, one that I'll probably make best use of to get back to the gym and ringing those I haven't had a chance to talk to all summer.

School's out for summer...well almost

I just got off the phone with Alex who was trying to con me into letting him have Wednesday off school. It's his last day and he was trying to say that because he only has one lesson in the morning, and then an two hour assembly, there really is no point in him going. Oh, but there is, and he will. But God love him for trying, I would have done the same. Man... but it only seems like yesterday when I was trying to pull the same con with my mom. Now that I think of it, she probably did let me stay home ;)

Connor finished last Thursday, but has to go back on the 28th August. Gross eh?

(Note: to my Canuck friends who may not be aware, kids over here have shorter summer breaks as they have many more small breaks off throughout the year i.e. a week in October, a week in May.)

Looking forward...

~ I can barely sit still because on Friday morning my sister Stacy will be arriving here to stay for nearly a whole month!!!

~ On the weekend, Stacy and I are participating in the Spheremania Challenge for Charity. If you've no idea what that is:

"SphereMania works by harnessing two willing participants in a 4m wide sphere facing each other. The sphere is then lifted hydraulically onto a giant slide which then rolls down a 200ft slide and inflatable track. The sphere is released sending participants hurtling down the slide reaching high speeds before stopping safely at the end of the track.

There is also a facility to record the experience, where either person wears a DVD camera filming the other person, as they tumble up and down and round and round.

Are we crazy - maybe. Let's hope Stacy is able to convince some of you at home to pledge her!

~ On Monday, the boys leave for a two week vacation in Turkey with their mother; its been a long time coming and I really do hope they enjoy themselves.

~ We have Stacy's mate Brian coming to visit us on the weekend of the 2nd (oh man... should we be worrying?? ;)

~ On Monday the 4th, Stacy, Andy, Brian and I leave to head over to Warrington, as Stace, Andy and I are heading to Kefalonia on Tuesday morning for a week of fantastic fun in the sun!!!(Something we don't see much of around these parts.) Brian is heading elsewhere for one his usual jaunts around Europe etc.

I'll not talk about what's on the agenda for the rest of the summer until after we get back from Greece... sorry but it seems to be overshadowing just about everything at this moment in time.

Come on Friday :)

And providing the musical interlude for us on his little blue guitar...

This morning our skeleton crew came in to work in varying moods. I of course was on a high from not seeing only one movie this weekend but two. I haven't done that since being home in Nova Scotia. I'm still smiling from seeing Mama Mia last night, which my husband agreed to see with me, despite it being a major chick flick. Even Andy couldn't stop laughing at the antics of Julie Walters, who was absolutely hilarious, and although all the singing wasn't even close to that of what you would see in the West End, it was still a valiant effort on behalf of actors who don't normally sing and it was just plain FUN.

Seeing that gorgeous Greek scenery that I will soon shortly be experiencing in person was an added bonus as its not something I just have to dream about!

And of course, how could we not keep smiling when we have this kind of entertainment in an otherwise dismal office:

Although summer is proving very tempermental here, we are trying our best... these were taken at our litte Garden Party at my In-Laws yesterday...

Wendy & I


Claire & Dave

Having lunch

Scott & Connor

My boys and me...

Me & my goofball:)

An old chinse proverb:

No family can hang out the sign:
Nothing the matter here.

I believe this is true.

We've had a number of troubled times in our house. We're treading water and as long as we stay strong, we should be ok. The key is to stay strong together.

Many people are going through worse and I thank God every day we are all healthy (knock on wood).

A human heart can only withstand so much though, and to withstand what life puts in front of us, we need acceptance, understanding and the freedom to be ourselves.

Along with a whole lotta love. It has been said that sometimes love just ain't enough, but I'm determined, that in this family, it will be. (Well that and a few litres of wine maybe ;)

Loads of Laughs

As most of you are aware, Dawn aka Longbottom, flew in to Glasgow a week ago Monday to spend a few weeks with us here in the UK.

We started off her trip by staying a night with my dear friend Val and her lovely children in Glasgow City. As per usual, you do not spend a night with Val et al. and remember going to bed the previous night. Dawn has since come to realize this as well.

We enjoyed a memorable time with Val and her children in her huge jacuzzi tub in their new home. The fact that five of us managed to squeeze in still amazes me today.

Since then, we have managed the odd meal out, a visit to Nottingham on the weekend to see the Dali Lama (which I found very fulfilling, since I had never followed his teachings prior to Saturday),and of course Ali and Scott. On Saturday night we all went bowling despite the fact Dawn and I didn't have socks. Thank goodness for Molly's poo bags, as we were NOT going to put our bare feet in rented shoes!

On Sunday night Andy, LB and I met up with the gang from work and spent an amusing evening doing the pub quiz - boys against the girls. Needless to say, the girls kicked ass. This might be due in part to the fact that Sharon's man Steve had trouble figuring out how many stone tablets the 10 Commandments had been written on. The boys should never have abandoned him to go to the bar, leaving him to the wiles of the women!

I'm enjoying having my mate with me, as are the boys. It's been nice to have someone to plan meals with, walk the dog with and just hang out with. Connor has been spending as much time with us as he can, and on Wednesday will be coming to stay until Sunday night. We all want to see as much as Dawn as we can... it'll will be another year until we all meet up again. Its great to know that my English family have come to love her as much as I do.

Us girls are excitedly looking forward to the release of 'Sex and the City' tomorrow evening and will dress the part to attend this long awaited flick. Hopefully we will be able to score tickets. If not though, there will always be another evening. I'm just so thrilled that one of my nearest and dearest is here to see it with me in girlie fashion so that I need not feel envious of those back in Nova Scotia.

On Thursday we head up to the north to hopefully take the boys canoeing in the Lake District, then back to Warrington for an evening with my beloved, who will then take us on a Waterfall Hike Friday. We then come back to Grimsby for the weekend celebrations, as Longbottom turns 34 whilst she is here with us. (I'm not telling you what the plans are for her birthday as she will have to wait and find out :)

I will leave you with a funny episode that happened at lunch last Thursday with Beryl and Wendy:

We were looking at the menu board prior to placing our order when two little 'oldish' women pushed in beside us.

One kept asking the other what she wanted. The other kept replying 'I don't know, I can't see the board at this angle' as she kept trying to push further in front of us.

The third time we heard the comment, 'I don't KNOW I can't see from this angle' Dawn let out a 'Jesus Christ' and stepped back. It was not like we really had much choice.

We decided it was best to just get in the queue to pay for our food. We'd decide what we wanted along the way. As we were paying, I leaned in to Dawn and whispered, knowing full well the obnoxious toads were behind us, 'those ladies behind us are some damn cranky eh?'

Her reply: 'I don't know, I can't HEAR you at this angle'.

Did they hear? Who knows, but they sure heard us roar with laughter.

Any excuse to cut out early...

So... today, as Max and I were sitting in our office doing anything but the heap of work in front of us, my phone rang. I happily picked it up as I saw it was Alex calling and not some boring vendor or even worse, a client.

My joy soon turned to angst as Alex was quick to inform me that our Molly had been sick with the runs. All over our kitchen floor. Our CARPETED kitchen floor (don't ask - we rent and would never be ridiculous enough to lay carpet in the kitchen, or better yet, bathroom). I was trying to coax him into cleaning it up, while he was saying he couldn't manage it (but really just didn't want to and who could blame him?), when Maxine suggested I get off home... you know since we were both so busy not getting anything done it wouldn't make that much of a difference. I was quick to concur since there was only an hour or so left till quitting time anyway.

I hopped on my bike and enjoyed the journey home in the fresh air, wondering what kind of nightmare awaited me at home.

It wasn't too bad, not quite the story Alex had woven, but then again, it wasn't too good. A good 20 minutes and a stiff arm later, I'd finally had the kitchen looking and smelling much more like it's meant to. Alex was a little surprised when he came in and all was as it should be, but I think it was more relief that our kitchen no longer smelt like an outhouse.

Tonight, while we were out on the field, and Molly was being a good girl and listening to me, and her mate Abby was being her usual stubborn assed self, I told Elaine about our kitchen situation. Her response was that I should have called. I responded with 'Like I'm really gonna call my friend and ask her to go clean up that kind of a mess'. She said she wouldn't mind, its not like she doesn't have a dog of her own, and that if it saves me from having to leave work, even work that I'm avoiding, then she's happy to help.

Let me tell you - she might not be the easiest gal in the world to figure out, but she sure is up there in the 'that's some mate' category.

Never Enough

I've just come back from the grocery store, where I'd filled the cart with mostly healthy items, especially zucchini and lean ground beef which I intend to bbq tonight. The weather here this week has been lovely and I want to take full advantage :) Of course I threw in a few extras, as we do, with the full intention of making myself a wrap for my late lunch. That wasn't to be the case though as I ended up buying the chili and red pepper hummus that I had walked by twice before finally giving in and buying; as I LOVE that stuff, I ended up finishing off the few Triscuit crackers I had left with the hummus. I just could not WAIT. I was drooling as soon as I put it in my trolley and could barely wait to get home. I did at least manage some self-control as I only ate the lid and 1/3 of the tub,(and its a small tub) when what I really wanted to do was finish every bit off and lick the tub clean when it was gone. I don't even need the crackers as I can and sometimes do, eat that hummus straight from the tub, and have to try very hard to restrain myself from eating the whole thing. Sadly, all my Triscuits have gone, so maybe the pull from the hummus won't be so strong; yeah ok. I'm really not kidding anyone here. There's always pita chips.

Give me more...

There is a documentary on TV at the moment called To Fat to Toddle; a professor is launching a fat camp for under fives. Call me an ass, but I think its a pretty sad state of affairs when a child under five needs fat camp. What is the world coming to? If children have never eaten it, they don't miss it. There is plenty of time to be introducing our children to sugars and high fat, over processed foods *cough* like McDonalds.

When I was a kid, those things were a treat. And yeah, yeah, I know with some people its the old metabolism dragon, but generally that is just an excuse.


But I do have understanding and empathy for this:

I was doing a step class on Friday morning and in between thinking what a rocking class it was, and how much I can't wait for Dawn to join me at the gym, to wondering when I was going to get a chance for a drink before I died, I took a few seconds to glance around and saw a woman wearing a very different pair of leggings... they were black, with a white patch on the bum. It wasn't until we were changing direction that I noticed she had a white patch on the front too. It took me maybe another half second to realize she had her leggings on inside out. Just call me slow. I then didn't know whether to laugh or be horrified for her. I suppose it was a combination of both as I chuckled and wondered when it was that she had noticed they were inside out, because it couldn't possibly have been before the start of class, and she still continued to work out! That was one lady who put her step class above vanity. Go woman go.

The ways of the world...




On Thursday of last week, Andy and I left to spend an extraordinary long weekend in Milan, and then Trento, where our good friends Valentina and Mike live. One of the best moments of this trip, besides seeing Val and Mike and the beautiful countryside they reside in, was meeting their beautiful Lilyan and getting to know her.



Lily is the sweetest little angel with such a lovely disposition. It was wonderful to interact with her and see what a lovely family the three of them make.



Prior to heading up to Trento, Andy and I enjoyed a quiet evening in Milan, where we wandered around, taking in the sites and eating a lovely meal outside in the Duomo Square. The red wine was glorious, and Andy enjoyed his bruschetta, however we messed up on the pizza by ordering one with fish on it. But no worries, I knew we would make up for it later - which we did. (Val and Mike took us to a fantastic pizzeria where everything was delicious and the right choices were made.)

We took the train to Trento on Friday, which was mostly uneventful, and enjoyed some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen.



We were met at the train station by Mike and Val, with a beaming Lilyan in tow... the smile on that angel's face could melt an ice burg in the harshest winter, let me tell you.



The next day, we all went up to Val's parents in the mountains, where we enjoyed a great hike, after which, we were treated to the wonderful hospitality of Valentina's folks. They are absolutely lovely people and couldn't have made us feel more welcome.

The next day, we drove up into the mountains to one of the most beautiful restaurants I have ever been, for an authentic Italian lunch, which itself was a great experience. We weren't sure of everything that came out, but we tried it all. Andy amazed me by drinking a full glass of red wine! He doesn't even like white wine but I think he was carried away with the spirit of the Italian moment :) Mike then drove us up further into the mountain, and led us on another hike to a castle ruins. Again, absolutely breathtaking. We shared quite a lot of laughs along this hike, merry with wine and great company.





Because we'd eaten so much at lunch, we ended up having ice-cream for supper - and what an ice-cream selection it was. The 'gelato' in Italy is my favourite by far. None of us left that place parlour feeling disappointed!



The next day, we had to say good-bye, and make our way back to Milan. I happily had a bottle of the local red wine packed in my suitcase, that Mike and Val had so thougtfully given us.

Now the train trip back to Milan wasn't so uneventful.

Let me explain:

First of all, we missed our train out of Trento, which wasn't so bad, as it gave us time to have a snack. When we finally got on the train, we had a hard time finding a seat, but managed to sit side by side in the seats with a table. Unfortunately, we had the pleasure of sitting across from a 'foreign woman'. I hesitate to even say this, but I don't want anyone thinking this person was Italian.

Anyway, I was looking out the window, intermittently reading my book, when I heard her burp. Out loud. I thought to myself, owell, we all have accidents. A few moments later, when I looked across at her, and she was dozing, with her mouth open, in a most unattractive manner. Funnily enough, her son was sitting across the isle, snoring away. Later on, she started talking to other people in the car, other family members, or so it would seem. Why they were all spread out over the car, I can't explain.

Anyway, after another few moments had passed, she burped again. And again. And again. And made no apologies, nor seemed embarrassed. When I looked up at her in disbelief, I nearly died, as her finger was so far up her nose it looked as if it would come out her mouth. I had to look away. What a blight on the beautiful scenery outside. I put my book up in front of my face, trying my best to read and ignore the constant stattico of her burps. I then made the mistake of looking at the man across the isle from me, an Italian who had the luck of sharing with the woman's snoring lad. He shoulders were shaking as he was trying so hard to contain his laughter. That did it for me. We made eye contact and I nearly roared. I laughed so hard, my shoulders shaking as well, and tears streaming down my eyes, as I tried to keep it silent. I've never in my life encountered such a pig. Andy wasn't too shocked though, as he says he's seen this in prior travels. I guess life really is a continous lesson.

Luckily enough, our train ride to Milan was less eventful and we were happy to finally be able to make our way to the subway, to catch our last train of the day to the airport. Because we were rushing slightly, I wasn't paying enough attention when two young women cut in front of me with their pull-luggage (something that happens often in the underground). Of course, me being me, went right over it and landed on both knees. I don't know what hurt more, my knees or my pride. You'd think I'd be used to this by now, eh? Falling seems to be my speciality. The girls were horrified and kindly put out a hand to help me up,and Andy grabbed my bag as I hobbled along beside him. Yesterday, both knees were bruised and sore, with my right one looking like I had grown a second kneecap. Thankfully today the swelling has gone down and its feeling much better. How my knees aren't completely ruined, after the constant beating they get, is beyond me.

At the airport, we grabbed our last taste of Italian food, and I of course forewent the pastry shop for a second slice of pizza. It might be airport food, but I'll take Italian airport pizza any day over British Pizza ;) Sorry, they do a lot of nice food here, but pizza isn't their specialty.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So ends yet another of our holidays. However we now have our upcoming visitors to look forward to, and of course Kefalonia.


Oh, and I have to publish this photo, Andy's pride and joy from our weekend away, taken with his new camera:

Precious Time :)


Happy Birthday Brother! Nice ice-cream cake!

Skating with the twins - Brenden and Lucas


Snow! (Sorry everyone, I know you are so so sick of it - Spring can come now :)


Happy 60th Mom!

All dressed up for the party :)

Curveballs...

It really is amazing how some things in life can change so quickly, without a moments notice.

This morning I just received word that an old friend from home has had his home burn to the ground. Fortunately, he, his wife and their four kids are ok, but they have lost everything. This came on the heels of another bit of bad news regarding a friends health, but I'm not inclined to speak about that to protect their privacy.

Last night I had Molly to the vets, as her back leg has been causing her some trouble. She's on a round of antibiotics and Andy will have to bring her back next week while I'm in NS. It could be a number of things and I'm hoping with all my heart its not early arthritis. She is such an active little dog, it would break my heart if it were to be so. But the important thing is to try and remain positive. I know she is just my dog, and that some of you will be rolling your eyes, especially in light of all the horrible things that can happen to families, but to any of you who know me, you know how much I love my Mol.

So in light of all this unsettling news, I'm trying my best to stay upbeat. I was on such a high earlier in the week what with going back to Nova Scotia. Don't get me wrong, I'm so looking forward to being with my family, to hugging mom and dad, hanging out with my sisters and brother, even just the little things like going to the gym with mom in the mornings. Oh, and the food of course... not to mention the birthday celebrations! I haven't gotten to celebrate with mom in over four years, so how could I miss 60?

When I come back from seeing my family Andy and I are hoping for a long weekend to Italy to see Valentina and her gorgeous family; then Dawn will be arriving in May, and Stacy in July. The boys are so excited to see them both its unreal. Andy and I have booked tickets to Greece again this summer, we can't help ourselves, we love it there so much, and this time we have decided to go back to the island we honeymooned on (Kafalonia) and to take Stacy with us. I was so excited when Andy suggested this, but to say Stacy is excited is an understatement. We can't wait to show her one of our most favourite places in the world, and hopefully, a dolphin or two.

Through the dark, we must always look for some light, and right now I can see the sun is shining so I'm taking my girl for her walk.

To be so beautiful at 80!

Beryl and Haviere & Tony (the owner of the Millhouse)

On Saturday afternoon, Wendy, Linda and I treated Beryl to an 80th birthday party at the Millhouse.

This amazing woman turned 80 on 18th February, but as her sons treated her to a week long trip to Portugal, we decided to extend her birthday by a few weeks, and why not? The best birthdays are the ones that run for longer than the actual day.

Beryl by the gorgeous tree dressed by Tony

Beryl was so touched and although she was brought to tears a few times I think she immensely enjoyed the afternoon. She certainly enjoyed the brilliant service and attention by Haviere, our Spanish born server.

Beryl and Haviere

They couldn't have been more accommodating, the food is glorious and not one of us girls left feeling dissatisfied. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the ladies flirt with Haviere, especially during the moments when Beryl was trying to steal kisses and Linda couldn't take her eyes from him whenever he walked by.

Me, Wendy, Linda and the birthday girl

My mother always told me that the older you get, the more freedom you have to flirt with the younger men... I certainly see this is true now. When they all expressed that they wished they were younger, Haviere replied that he too wished he was younger. When they responded with 'whatever for? you're young enough!' His response, with a charming wink at Beryl, was to say 'not young enough to go all night anymore I'm afraid'. The ladies didn't even bat an eye as they roared their approval to his banter. I can only say, I could only sit back and smile. These girls could eat me alive I think.

It was such a brilliant afternoon, the Millhouse was so beautifully decorated for Valentine's and as its just such a lovely atmosphere, we have promised ourselves we will try and get out there more often. We have at least two upcoming visits this year that will ensure our return.

Love me long time

I'm sitting here this morning after tyding up the kitchen, eating my oatmeal and watching a few episodes of SVU. I keep looking at my stepper but have decided not to get on it yet as I have a few errands to to run first. No point in having two showers.

But before I go anywhere, I have to wait in for the technician to come and have a look at our dishwasher.

So I've decided to blog and tell you what kind of Valenine I received last Thursday.

On Valentines Day I opened my card from Andy, dressed in my red top, slapped on some red lipstick and headed to work. This was the best effort I could make, considering my husband wasn't going to be home that night due to work obligations. I wasn't really expecing anymore than that anyway - after all, we've been together six years and married for over three.

I was very entrigued though, when at 4:00 that afternoon I received an email from Andy sending me on a 'treasure hunt' of sorts. His letter told me to head down to a shop in Seaview Street, where I was to ask the clerk if there was something there for me. I was given an time-scale of 75 minutes to acheive this.

My co-workers were puzzled, wondering how I would do this in the amount of time alloted as there are dozens of shops on that particular street. I laughed as I headed out the door. There is only one shop on Seaview Street where my husband could be sending me. In The Pink. Yay.

When I entered the shop and asked the assistant if there was something there for me I was presented with only an envelope. I was a little puzzled as I thought it might be one of the pink boxes, as were Karen and her assistant. When I explained what was happening though, they were squealing with glee when I told them my husband was sending me on a Valentine's treasure hunt.

I went back home to wait until 5:15 when I could open the envelope. At 5:15 I did as instructed and had to search out a 'safe place' to find clue number 2, which I accomplished in less than 2 minutes. Clue II said I should have a bath, and do my hair. I won't tell you what else it said.

After I was ready, I had to hunt out a few other clues and instructions, again, some of which I will keep private :) but which ultimately instructed me to get dressed up, because I would be picked up at a 9 p.m. A car arrived for me, but I wasn't told where I was going until I was dropped off in town in front of Othello, a very nice Greek restaraunt in town. I quickly ran up the stairs in my high heeled red boots and as I ascended, I saw my husband sat by the bar, dressed in a suit, waiting for me.

Needless to say, I was thrilled (although by the time I was told I was going out, it was my assumption my husband was going to make the drive across the country to take me out :) and after embracing, we sat down to enjoy a glass of wine.

While we were seated at our table and after we had chosen our three course meal, my husband reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a long pink box. Inside it was a lovely bracelet I had been coveting from where else? In the Pink.

My husband proved himself to be a wonderfully enchanting man on that day and it certainly reminded me of the early days when we first fell in love with each other. I can't help but smile when I think of all the time and effort he put into making and hiding the beautifully printed cards that held the clues and that he drove across the country to spend a few short hours with me before having to drive back early the next morning.

As far as Valentine's go, I think I would be hard pressed to find someone whose Valentine's was more 'cough' romantic..

Google Anyone?

A guy who I sometimes work with always attaches a cute or funny canadian themed piece of clipart to the end of his emails to me. To most people at work I am Jods, and the other day I found this picture attached on one of M's messages. M said that apparently when one googles 'jods' this is what you get:



Besides the fact that I wish I looked this good in a pair of jodphurs, or at least owned a horse that lovely, I think my colleague has a lot of time on his hands ;) I don't think he's the only one googling anything that comes to mind, one only has to check their blogger site stats to see that.

My friend the published author!



How impressed am I? Darla, of course is being as humble as ever.

The amazing thing is, she didn't set out to publish a book, she was approached by a German organization who were very impressed with her thesis.

I couldn't be more impressed by this woman who has so much joy in her heart and does so much good in this world.

Conversation as we were pulling into our cul-de-sac...

Me: Watch that cat!

Andy: Why?

Me: It might run out in front of us.

A: So? It'll just get run over...

Me: Don't say that! If that'd happened you'd have a very upset woman on your hands...

A: They shouldn't be outside then.

Me: We'll if we had a cat I wouldn't let it be an outside cat

A: We aren't ever having a cat. I hate them.

Me: Yes we will, someday

A: NO, we won't. I hate them.

Me: Says he who won't ever put Daisy down.

A: Daisy's different.

And what a party it was...



The fact that everyone was willing to drive an hour to celebrate with me was enough in itself.

The fact that I received lovely gifts and a large number of yummy, alcohol fueled drinks made it even better.



The fact that the food was the so scrumptious, right down to the coleslaw will give me something to dream about for a few weeks. I don't often eat ribs... but my God, they were so good I not only finished my half rack, but finished off Andy's and had a taste of Julie's since she had a different flavour. It was all fantastic.

I indulged in drinks I haven't had in years, including Black Russians and Harvey Wallbangers. But I regret none of it!



We woke up the next morning and headed back to the restaurant for even more. I haven't had pancakes so delicious since I was in Nova Scotia. Yummy!

Here's to another year growing older with loved ones by my side or if not by my side than close to my heart.

I'm a lucky girl - I know that.

How quickly they grow

When I first met Andy's children, there was a certain level of cautious trepidation on all of our parts. The older two were of course more hesitant than Connor, who seemed happy to accept me right from the get go. It didn't take long for Alex to follow suit, and I'm happy to say that Tasha and I have now seemed to reach a really great place in our relationship. She now turns to me when she needs help with certain things, i.e. a trip to the doctor or help with her CV. Its a good feeling. I knew that it would probably come with time, and time has done its thing.

Time has also brought with it a change that took me by surprise momentarily, but in hindsight I just see it for what it is: someone is growing up.

Not long after I moved here, Connor in his 7 year old innocence asked if he could call me mom. Because he has a mom, who often experiences great moments of insecurity, I didn't think this would be the best idea. Connor although he agreed, felt that my role warranted a special name and set about thinking of one. As it was Christmas when I first moved here a small tree was up in the apartment and on it were a few decorations I'd brought from home. One of them was a small little Angel with the name 'jojo' written on it.

Connor asked who Jojo was. I told him it was me. He asked where the name originated from and I explained to him that my Godson, Gavin (who was of similar age to Connor) has called me that from being a baby, since he couldn't pronounce Jody. Connor looked contemplative about this for a moment, trying to make up his mind if he was bothered that another boy held my heart as well. Then he remarked... Jojo is a good name. Can I call you that too? And of course I relented, why wouldn't I. And so I became Jojo not only to Gavin and his sister, as well as some of my family back home who'd begun using it as well, but to Connor. The other kids and Andy quickly adopted the more common nickname of Jods, something Dawn started and it has stuck. At work that is all I am ever referred to. Jody is almost non-existent.

But here I am digressing as usual.

On Wednesday of last week, Connor came into the room to ask me a question and began with Jods... I noticed, but didn't make anything of it. The next morning, he again referred to me by Jods. And just now, when he was kicking my ass at guitar hero, he called me it again. I think its time to acknowledge that he has let go of Jojo in favour of the more adult Jods.

I'm satisfied with that, although a little saddened. But they can't stay little forever, as much as we'd sometimes like them to. I reckon Gavin won't be far behind :)

Laugh if you must

For any of you that know Molly, you know that when she even hears the name Abby she goes a little ballistic. She only has to hear the jingle of Abby's tags outside the house and she's whimpering and whinging and acting a little nuts. Trying to stop the two of them from being together is only asking for trouble. The best thing to do when they run to greet each other on the field is to STAY OUT OF THE WAY.

Today, I made the mistake of doing just the opposite. I thought because they had already done their crazy dance of estatic joy on the front lawn, that I was safe.

I thought wrong.

I had just stepped on to the field to greet Elaine when I sort of saw the beige/black blur of dogball that was Molly and Abby right behind me. I felt the force of their combined weight on the back of my knees and realized I was going down. I actually had time to think of this, considering I was airborne. My right arm and shoulder took the brunt of my weight, while my hip took the remainder.

Did we laugh? Of course... it was funny, the boys even came across the road to say thanks for the laugh. We laughed even harder when I saw the pile of dog doo that I'd missed by two inches.

Am laughing now? Not really. I'm relieved that I seem to have healthy bones that don't break easily, but my shoulder and arm muscles could care less about my bones. They aren't openly screaming at me for landing on them, but they are nagging at me for not watching what the dogs were doing.

I think I'll skip the gym tonight and opt for a glass or two of wine and a hot bath :)

Molly and Abby