Finding Peace

It was easy in a place like this: 

(Early morning at the Farmhouse, before the sun burned through - we spent three glorious days here)

We got back into the country a week ago Sunday morning at approximately 9:30 am and I'm still not feeling as settled as I should be. 

It was a brilliant holiday for all of us.  Everything went pretty smoothly and as well as introducing Dawn, Robert and Cameron to my family and a few friends, we showed them as much of Nova Scotia as we could, in the short time we had. I believe Andy said he took upwards of 1000 photos (and between him and my sister, there must be thousands); after I've looked through them all again, I'm going to do a couple of posts on our various days out.

Being back at work is ok and although it's busy, I work with a great bunch of people who understand why I'm not my usually upbeat self;  they were only full of kindness and hugs the few times I got a bit tearful, which has thankfully passed.  Being full on with my period certainly didn't help with the continuous battle to hold it together. Reminder to self: don't schedule the departure from home and  family when you are due to start.  It's a sure-fire countdown to meltdown. And here I was thinking how awesome it was that I wouldn't have to deal with that while I was on vacay.  

So anyway... this week is a new week and I know this 'displaced' feeling will subside bit by bit and within a few more days I should be back to what constitutes normal.  I just didn't think it was going to take so long this time round.  I could read all kinds of various meaning into this, but I won't.  

I will be grateful that I got to spend time in such a beautiful place with my family.

And it won't be long until I am back with them again.   

I had already hit publish when I realized that today is my sister's birthday:

Happy Birthday Beautiful Girl.  I loved spending time with you in Nova Scotia and although I'm sure you will get showered with wondering gifts, in this photo your are holding the best gift of all. 

Since we were last there...

A rundown of events since the last time we all together in Nova Scotia (2009):

My sister Tawny gave birth to our beautiful Clara.  The last time we were all together she was only a few months pregnant.

(Can't wait for to create more memories like these...)

Stacy has gone from this:

to this:

  (How awesome is she?)

Our sister from another mister (Dawn, aka Longbottom) has moved into her own home and gotten engaged to the love of her life;

My brother John has written and recorded an album - can't wait to go and listen to him debut it next Friday night.

Alex has made Andy and I grandparents, something we were not best pleased about at first but you get over a shock pretty quickly when this is the gorgeous result:  

  

And how could we all have had any inkling that early the following year my mother would have to face the greatest obstacle of her life? We all had no idea of the mountain she was going to have to climb, or how absolutely frightening it would be, but climb it she did.  My mother faced down cancer and came out on top - and we hope with all our hearts she stays there.

A lot has happened since the last time we were all home together in 2009 (much that I haven't mentioned but that doesn't mean I'm not thinking of you...) 

Alex now has a family of his own he so he won't be joining us this time and we will miss him - perhaps just a little, but we will. To make up for his absence we have the added joy of bringing our good friends with us and we are so looking forward to showing off my homeland, family and friends. 

We want more good time photos like this:

.

 Sunday morning can't come soon enough

I don't think even Gina has baked a vegan cake

I haven't been doing much baking lately because I'm trying to monitor my intake of unhealthy treats. Over the past few years I have grown to love pottering about in my bright, sunny kitchen and even find it quite therapeutic. I will never have a food blog or aspire to invent new recipes, but I love to try out different recipes and I'm not afraid to switch it up a bit.  I even have a few staple dishes of my own that the kids love such as Beef Wellington (ground beef style), Beef & Ale Stew, Various Pasta's and Green Thai Chicken Curry. As far as cooking goes, I think I've nailed it.

Yet baking is another story. As much as I enjoy cooking, I also love to bake;  My mother and her sisters are a deft hand in the kitchen when it comes to their baking skills.  My mom's cookies are to die for and two of my aunts make a superb apricot pound cake.  I believe my Aunt Shirley will be making one especially for Andy upon our arrival because it's one of his absolute favourites.  Yet no matter how hard I've tried, I can't make it to quite the same standard. In all honesty, I've only tried twice and although it was ok, it wasn't anything close to my Aunt Nita's or Shirley's.  And because my mom says she can't even get that cake right, I'm not going to bother. If mom can't do it, I don't think I will ever be able to master it.  Event though I might not have the baking skills that my elders do, I'm not giving up in the baking department.   The kids constantly request my Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing and I can't say I blame them - those things are like crack for chocolate cake addicts... and I even managed to get it right without even really trying.  I've only ever messed up one batch, which says enough.

On Sunday we were getting together for a little pre-Canada celebration with the Gallivan's and because Cameron is lactose intolerant I thought I'd try out the chocolate Guinness bunt cake I'd found on-line that just happens to be dairy free.

However...

It crumbled as soon as Connor and I tried to remove it from the pan and ended up in the bin (after Connor had left the kitchen of course). The number one rule of baking should be: never offer to bake a cake for a party that one has never made before...always have a trial run.  Always.

So... after an afternoon of picking up a few holiday clothes for Connor, I came home and tried to make the cake again, thinking maybe I hadn't baked the first one long enough.  I should have worked out as planned  because the second one flopped as well. Worse than the first.  Connor was appalled when he realised I'd thrown this one out too(we'd even had the icing pre-made this time).  Now here is the proof that I'm just a an amateur in the kitchen:  If I was a properly experienced hand at baking I would have used the cake as a base for a chocolate trifle or whatnot, as Dawn later explained her Mum used to do, when Connor was relaying why we had the gall to show up without dessert and only a salad.  (Dawn had made a beautiful lasagna.)

After listening to Connor bemoan the binning of the cake for the 100th time as well as my having apologised for not bringing the promised cake (it would have been more embarrassing to turn up with it than not, despite Connor's opinion) I told everyone not to be too bothered about not having the cake, as they will get their fair share once we are in Canada and before I could say anything more Connor piped in with 'yeah, because our Gina is proper good at baking, the best'. What more need I say?  The kids love my cooking, and they (and their friends) even enjoy a lot of my baking (especially the Christmas cookies that naturally, Mom gave me the recipes for) but I know that in their eyes I have a long way to go before I live up to Gina's standard.  And that's perfectly OK by me, I get it.  My Mom can bake and maybe, just maybe, I will have gotten as good as her by the time Jayden is old enough to brag about it.  

(In my somewhat novice defence: I think if the cake had called for eggs I might have stood a better chance; if I've learned anything from my experiences in the kitchen it's that eggs are a good binding agent.  Also, I probably should have whipped the batter a lot longer. I know that a lot of vegan's bake successfully without the use of eggs, so if you have any suggestions feel free to share.) 

Summer Cravings

Lately I have been eating a lot of hummus. A LOT.... I love it.  If you asked me what my favourite food was at the moment it would be hummus; I've been making my own and buying all sorts of different flavours.  Roasted red pepper still seems to be my flavour of choice, and I like it chunky.  I would say the healthiest way to eat hummus is on celery (shame I didn't know this as a kid - it kicks Cheese Whiz's ass), or any other type of vegetable, but I've been really enjoying it on corn or rice cakes.  Scrumptious - and so filling. 

I have also been eating a lot of salads and vegetables; if you were to give me a choice between a plate of fish and chips or roasted vegetable salad, I'd likely pick the vegetables.  Don't get me wrong I love fries, I really do.  I love chips (or crisps as they are called in England), especially cheese and onion or the sweet chili flavour. However I rarely feel good after eating heavy meals.  Sure it tastes great while I'm actually eating, but afterwards I'm often left feeling very bloated and uncomfortable... not always, but sometimes.  On Monday night Andy and I went to the Royal Oak Pub (aka The Splash) and I indulged in scampi and home-cut chips.   It was a real treat and I only thought about it for a moment before digging in and clearing my whole plate (including the peas).  We then went for a lovely walk through Hubbard's Hills with Molly and sure, I know it didn't burn off all the calories I'd consumed but I wasn't making it an issue.  It's rare that I eat such stodgy food these days...  

Like I said, I've been eating a lot of healthy grub lately, but more so because it's what I've been craving, not just because I'm trying to keep my weight down.  In the last few weeks I've also had this for lunch more than once: 

Sure it's store-bought and not what I would call 'authentic' sushi, but boy how I do it enjoy it. So much so, that I had it for my lunch today and I will be eating it again tomorrow.  I could have easily eaten both boxes today but that's just greedy (not that I'm a stranger to greed; greed and I go back a long way). Tesco have been doing these new boxes and I love them,  especially the piece of smoked mackerel, but even more so for the pickled ginger and wasabi.  I adore wasabi.  Usually you just get a squeezy tube of soy sauce. But this box has wasabi... not nearly enough, but enough to count.  

Of course I could just by my own tube of wasabi right? 

Family Gatherings

This morning I posted the following on my facebook status:  This time in three weeks, I will be waking up in my mom's house.  

It was a busy, yet fulfilling weekend at casa McAllenby;  we babysat Daisy on Friday night so her parents could have a much needed night out as well as a good night's rest. (She was a little gem, went to bed without a peep and slept till 7:35; I woke up at 6:00 wondering why she wasn't awake at her usual time but cheerfully went back to sleep for another hour.)

She is a little whirlwind :) 

Alex and Bonnie came round for the evening as well, as Alex had to work on his car;  I can't complain about a Friday night spent like this: 

We had loads of family time this weekend; on Saturday we had Andy's whole family around (including his Aunty Mavis and Uncle Brian, and our kids) for an afternoon BBQ. I spent a pleasant few hours in the kitchen getting everything ready and we all ate around the table in the backyard, laughing and sharing stories (I couldn't help but think that in a few weeks we will be doing the same with my own family.)  As Bonnie was going out with her friends later that night, and Alex had to work early on Sunday morning, we were content to have Jayden for the night (he's never any trouble - a night feed and then not up until 7ish).  As usual I was pleased to have the house full of Andy's family, even more so because as mentioned previously, we will soon be doing something similar with my own family, especially when we are staying here: 

The Farmhouse, near Mahone Bay 

It's been confirmed that it will be the following group of us for the two nights: 

Myself, Andy and Connor

Robert, Dawn and Cameron

Tawny, Taylor and Clara

Mom and Aunt Marg

Stacy and John

There is tons to do down around the Mahone Bay area and I can't wait to be with this group of my loved ones, planning our meals and activities for the few days we are all together at this gorgeous retreat. 

I really don't know who is more excited: the folks back home or us English contingent.  Either way it's going to be a celebration in more than one way.  

Trains & Bays

Last weekend we stayed in the sea-side town of Whitby to celebrate Andy's birthday. 

Robert, Dawn and I took him away for a surprise evening on the Pullman Dining Service - which to those of you who aren't English Train Geeks Fanatics, means a four course meal served on a journey through the Yorkshire countryside on a steam-engined train.  We had hoped to stay in the village of Pickering but trying to find a place to stay was like trying to find a needle in a haystack (and we booked months ago.)

We had really good weather for the drive north (although it wasn't nearly as warm as it has been the last few days) and stopped at the Black Swan Inn for lunch in the gorgeous village of Helmsley.

Andy wasn't quite sure what the plan was for the weekend;  we were thrilleld to see his face light up like that of a young boy on Christmas morning when our taxi pulled up at the quaint Grosmont Station and he saw the group of well dressed people in the platform gardens drinking wine while waiting to board the train...

Not bad for the wrong side of 45 eh? I think he looks pretty hot in his new duds :) 

Everyone cleaned up nicely for the birthday boy...

We didn't get to dine in the car I had really wanted, Car 79, because it was booked out to a group of seniors all decked out in tuxedo's and pretty dresses (something they apparently do every two years)... there was a lot of noise and laughter coming from that group and a few could barely walk when we alighted from the train back at Grosmont.  (Who says the over 50 Club don't know how to have a great time?)

Of course Dawn and I had to take advantage of the stage setting for a photo op:

Showing off my best assets :) 

Someone is dancing in the background :) 

We climbed the hillside for a look around the  ruins of the Abbey in Whitby on Saturday morning, before moving on to one of my favourite places, Robin Hood's Bay.

When we got back home Sunday afternoon Andy and I cracked open a bottle of cold, white wine (yes, my man is beginning to acquire a more distinguished palate) to enjoy in the sunshine before the kids and his parents arrived later that evening.  Needless to say, I made my man a very happy birthday boy (and for more than the reasons I shared with you here, but of course I will keep the fact that I rocked his world more than once to myself. Oops sorry, well so much for decorum).

.

One of our best weekends this summer.  Here's to many more

Not long now...

32 sleeps to be precise.  32 sleeps until:

I get to wrap my arms around my mother and sisters; it's been a long 18 months.  (I can't wait to see my menfolk either but as my brother was here for nearly three months last year it's not such a desperate ache.)

I get to experience the warmth of a real summer;

I get to show our closest friends the beauty and peace of the place where I come from and introduce them to all the great people I left behind (well the ones they haven't yet met); 

I get to see Connor's joy at being back in Nova Scotia and watch him show off the place he has come to love nearly as much as I do. 

(Hard to believe how little he was during our first visit as a family in 2006)

I get to try out some new and interesting restaurants; but more importantly get to go back to this place for amazing seafood: 

I get to hug one of my oldest friends (honorary sister) and congratulate her on becoming engaged to a man that makes her happy (as well as see her new home ;) 

And after nearly two years I finally get to cuddle, play with, talk to, sing and dance with, and especially just be with, this little cherub:

(Clara was only 8 months old the first and last time I saw her)

32 Sleeps... as much as I don't want to wish the pathetic British summer away, I can't help but count down the days.  It can't come quickly enough.  

And hopefully we will get lots of opportunities for another great photo shoot like this:

(Especially now that the three of us girls have toned up, some more than another ;)

Hypo-all-the-way now...

If you know me at all you will know that my dog Molly holds a place in my life that most people don't.    

For months now she has been suffering from terrible skin allergies.  She's had several doses of antibiotics which would clear everything up for a few weeks but before long the rash/itch would be back.  I changed her food to hypo-allergenic and ordered Omega 3/Starfish oils to add to her diet.  It helped with the itch, but not so much the rash. 

So Mark (Molly's vet) and I agreed that she needed a whole series of blood work.  The result?  Molly is allergic to about four different types of grass, a few trees, nettles, dust and a multitude of other things that dogs have constant access to. Basically everything.  There are no tests for food, but after discussions with myself and a vet dermatologist, Mark reckons she is allergic to a lot of different foods as well.     

Aside from finding out the results of her blood work, this was the outcome of Molly's last trip to the vet:

A month's worth of strong antibiotics 

A strict diet of only hypo-allergenic food and dog treats (no people food at all, which will be hard for her dad, and yes a bit difficult for me too)

A much lighter bank account. - the vet bill is past the £300 mark, thankfully the organic food isn't as bad as I'd thought it would be because of online savings (and at least we have pet insurance for the vet fees)

Oh, and Mark, who takes such great care of Molly, informed me that he is leaving the service.  I could just about bear this news though as he'd just checked out a lump on Molly's back that he told me was nothing to worry about.  We will miss him... well Molly might not, but I will. He's cute, he's Irish and he's a good vet.  

My girl has cost a lot of money over the years, and my heart just about stops when I worry there might be something wrong with her; but she is worth it all.  Every penny, every near heart attack...  

Mutton dressed as Lamb

Looks like July has gotten off to an even worse start then the rest of the year in terms of my posting record, yet I will excuse myself as it's been a hectic one so far:

We had a great turn out for our Canada Day Party, despite the weather being tempermental;  Andy as usual pulled out all the stops and decked our yard our brilliantly with Canadian gear.  Almost everyone pitched in and brought some amazing food, the games were a lot of fun, especially the skipping (where more than one person almost lost their pants) and loads of alcohol was consumed.  Aside from someone knocking my shelf down in the bathroom, the iffy weather keeping most of us inside after 10 pm and Andy getting hit with a rough case of hayfever, it was another great party. The next morning found us discussing the possibility of downsizing it next year which is very reminiscent of a conversation we had last year... I had asked a lot less people but we still had quite a crowd.  Sometimes I shake my head at the amount of people we have made friends with over the last few years. To any of you who may struggle with not being one of the 'popular kids' at school yet wish to be, I can only say this: hang on a few years - life brings you so many surprises and you wake up one day in the not too distant future to realise you have become one of the popular crowd, just a much nicer one of your own choosing and it feels good :) 

Especially when they take the time and effort to surprise you with these:

(she's not even Canadian - I adore how much my British mates enjoy helping me celebrate Canada's b-day)

We had a fly-by visit from Roisin, Gavin and Hannah. It was short-lived but fun and so great to see my god-son and step-son hanging out and laughing.  I never would have thought Ra and I would end up with kids the same age that actually like each other. We couldn't have planned for that if we'd tried. The fact that my friend flew past her original destination (Ireland) with the kids, to come and hang out with me and my family at home has more meaning than I could convey properly.  I didn't even get tearful when we said our goodbye's at the airport because we will being seeing them in Nova Scotia very soon.  

Andy and I spent a day shopping at the Trafford Centre, Manchester.  I of course bough my third pair of shoes this spring and Andy didn't even blink an eye.  He actually made a point of walking half-way back down the huge mall to make sure I bought these beauties: 

I also bought myself a very sexy, flowing dress for our holiday in the Maldives in January.  It can't really be worn with a bra, so I will have to use some kind of tape to 'assist' my babies in staying up.  Yes, I have an impressive pair of knockers even at the age 39.5.  However they don't sit quite as high as they used to and even if they did, the only other dress that I have ever been able to wear braless was my wedding dress. So don't worry, I won't be tucking them into my waistband just yet; give me another five years or so and we might have to re-assess.  

Another worry with the dress is that it is rather low cut and shows a lot of leg (my boobs might be good, but my legs are still great... I know, I know, put your plugs in if my trumpet is hurting your ears) and I've always had a rule that only allows for the display of one or the other. The only women that can pull this off without looking like a tramp Jessica Rabbit are women with smaller breasts.  But then I thought to hell with it... I'm going to be in paradise, a couple of thousand miles away from anyone we know - if I want to dress like I'm on the red carpet this one time, then I will.  So long as my tummy is out of view, I'm good to go.  I often try to tell myself that us 'common' people are much too hard on ourselves and often think that a certain outfit, hairstyle, or even car might not be age-appropriate, yet then I look at most celebrities and see that they haven't pulled out the housecoat and grey rinse just because they are hitting middle-age, so why should we?  Middle age isn't what is used to be and I'm so relieved about that.  So long as I dress appropriate to my size and build, with a close eye on certain things that are too young for me, no matter what, I will be satisfied. And then there are even some celebrities that get it wrong and don't know when to quit dressing like a teenager:  

Or am I the only one who thinks this looks slightly sad (and no, haters, I'm not jealous because she is thin and successful and I'm not).

Doug Heffernan would hate it

In March 2011 I made the decision to cut my hair into a bob and have spent the last 15 months growing it back out.  I have also been slowly making my way back to a lighter shade and think I'm finally there with the colour; a light brown with lots of blond steaks.  Like it normally does, my hair has grown quite quickly and this time around I've taken steps to ensure it stays fairly healthy by using good hair products and not straightening it all the time.  It's still very thick and frizzy;  not curly, not straight, often driving me to distraction.  I've lost interest in  trying to always have perfect hair via straightening and curling and wanted to find an easier way to acheive pretty styles...  I found the idea for a 'sock bun' on pinterest one day when I was looking around.  The tutorial promised that if I put my hair in the bun at night and released it in the morning it would come tumbling down around my shoulders in long, loose curls. Yeah... not quite.  But I'm not completely dismayed by this because I've taken to wearing my hair in the bun during the day:

It's super easy to do, looks tidy and keeps my hair from getting damaged.  I get loads of compliments on it, with people often saying how perfect it is and asking me how I do it (which I have to admit I like; I don't often get asked questions about hair styles, especially from the younger generation.)  From the front view I'm not sure it looks so great, but I'm happy to roll with this. 

And I swear the bun thing started before I actually became a Gran. 

 Let's hope it helps to keep my hair healthier while at the same time allowing me a cute, easygoing style, befitting of my roll as glamorous gran.  I needn't even bother to try and straighten it at the moment due to the high humidy (don't confuse this with heat - it has been damp and humid around these parts for far too long).  I straightened it yesterday and completely wasted my time; within an hour it was all frizzed up. I honestly wish I could find a product to rectify this situation. Feel free to let me know if you have a remedy.

Inspiration

When I'm struggling with low mood, I should think of this funny lady:

Get at least eight hours of beauty sleep. Nine if you're ugly." —Betty White

Still making us laugh after all these years...

 

When I don't want to consider working out I will think of this guy:

 

Spencer West

'I set out to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro not only to redefine what's possible for me, but to inspire others to overcome obstacles and challenges of their own, and to give back to communities, that need our help.' - Spencer West

What an amazing, inspirational man. Read more about his amazing journey here.

Happy Friday everyone - enjoy your weekend :)

Closed In

The office building where I work has major internal issues when it comes to heating.  In the winter our office is like Siberia and we have to layer up and wear fingerless gloves;  all winter and most of the spring I have been waiting for the weather to turn warmer so that the office might become more tolerable. (The rest of the building has problems too but the room I'm in is the worst.) In late May we had about two days of comfort before the building warmed up and now it is pretty much suffocating in our office.  With two fans on full-time (blowing the hot air around) we still have people walk in and comment about how hot it is; The rest of the building is overheated right now as well but at least there are windows that can be opened.  As my boss has been on holiday for the last few weeks I've been sitting in her room off and on, yet that room is still quite stuffy.  I'm leaving work every day with a headache and feeling completely lethargic;  it's difficult to maintain a healthy diet and exercise because of it.  Last evening I just wanted to sleep when I got home but common sense told me to get out in the fresh air and walk Molly - it didn't convince me to work out though, which didn't help matters;  my common sense usually knows what it's talking about, shame I didn't listen to it more.  What might make the heat inside a tad bit more bearable would be if it was actually hot outside;  I doubt summer is ever going to get to England.

OK, whinge session over; I swear.  If you haven't already left to go read about Mary Kate's older man or troll Pinterest I thank you. I've often wondered before if I should continue to write but I'm assured that 1 or 2 of you are still interested so I will persevere.  It makes my husband happy, if no one else... I think he still has a dream that I'm going to eventually publish something that will make money.  However as I've taken no steps to cultivate this dream, it will have to stay just that.  Besides having something to dream about makes life more bearable most of the time. Although speaking of dreams, if I actually managed to retain one or two of the saga's that visit me at night I could make a lot of money in the publishing world;  I'm usually as entertained in my sleep as I am during an episode of Dexter or True Blood;  I'm definitely more enraptured by what visits me in my sleep than what I've recently read on the pages of the Shades of Grey series.  

In between trying to cool myself off at work and endeavouring to maintain a healthy life-style (meaning exercise and cooking healthy every day) I've been making plans for our upcoming Canada Day Party (while simultaneously crossing my fingers that the weather smartens up prior to next week), looking forward to a brief visit from my friend Roisin and her kids (they are detouring to us on their way to Ireland), and trying to get invitations ready to send out for my in-law's 50th Wedding Anniversary Party that we are hosting the Saturday after we return from Canada (I know!).  I must admit, Pinterest has been my favourite website these days as I look for inspiration;  well Pinterest and Amazon.  I've been busy ordering a lot of party supplies online as I'm reckoning on this year being our best Canada Celebration to date (although I will sorely miss my brother this year).  My hubby and I are going to get our party on, instead of running ourselves ragged being brilliant hosts.  I figure we can do both right?

In relation to party planning I'm seeking your help faithful readers, in relation to cocktail recipes.  I often find gorgeous cocktail recipes on Pinterest but most of them call for some kind of frozen concentrated juice, which we unfortunately don't get over here. Do you think regular juice would work in its place?  I suppose I could just give it a try which might make more sense, as I have a feeling that the few of you who who actually follow me are based on the other side of the Atlantic, where these frozen drinks are readily available.  Doubly annoying? It isn't even something I can bring back with me on my trips home.

I know, I know, I said I wouldn't whinge and here I am doing it again.  It's the heat, I swear. 

It's not really necessary

Our Connor has hit a couple of milestones recently; yesterday he finished his last official day at upper school (education is very different in the UK).  He has three more exams to go back for at the end of the month and then that's it, he's off to college in the fall to study graphic design. 

Yesterday, he turned 16.  Yup...that's it, our youngest is growing into a man.  I don't know if I'm ready for this.  I hope he stays the easy-going and humorous boy he has always been.  Our only hope is that he dreams big and fulfills every one.

To celebrate his school leaving and upcoming birthday, I decided to make a batch of these:

Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing

(a favourite of the kids)

Connor, who has always been keen to assist me when I'm baking (I had kind of hoped he would decide on a culinary style training course there for awhile - I mean he is the right age for the next up and coming Jamie Oliver - but that's only my daydream).

So, back to the baking: we were getting on with the measuring and mixing.  I put our stick of butter in the microwave to melt and as I was crossing the room to get something out of the fridge I heard an odd, crackling noise.  Connor stopped the mixer when I suddenly turned to look at the microwave and let out a yelp.  The inside of the nuke was on fire... I quickly turned it off to the sound of Connor laughing.  He said he couldn't help it as the noise I'd made sounded like a wounded animal. (I personally thought it was more like the cry of a warrior princess).

Either way our microwave with the deluxe grill option (that was only used once - the grill, not the microwave itself) is now out of commission. Andy and I both like the way the counter looks without it.  The last time I had a good clean up I tried to rearrange the kitchen so I could have the use of that corner, but the cumbersome microwave never worked anywhere else;  We've agreed for the time or being to not replace it.  So far I'm not missing it other than the fact that it doubled nicely as a bread bin.

Merlin's Green

I've never been able to understand why England doesn't have a national holiday on St George's Day.Not when you look at it from this angle especially:  Ireland has St Patrick's Day, Scotland has St Andrew's Day, and of course North Americans have national holidays on Canada Day and Independence Day.  

Yet the government of this small Island doesn't let it's citizens enjoy a day off to celebrate it's history.  Hrmmm something just isn't right about that.

Anyway, regardless of this, with Tuesday being the diamond anniversary for Queen Elizabeth's reign, there were a ton of celebrations taking place across the country.  You might have managed to catch a few of the televised events yourself if you were at all interested.  Because the Jubilee was so close to our May Bank Holiday, they postponed May Day by a week to coincide with the Jubilee Bank Holiday, giving us a four day weekend, which is always a good thing.  Shame the weather was the pits.

On Saturday evening the community all came together in our little village and had a mini festival of sorts; there was a bouncy castle, face-painting tent, climbing wall as well as archery to name only a few of the stalls that were spread across our field.  We were impressed to see a stage being set up, which featured a number of performers throughout the evening.  There had been signs posted around the village for a number of weeks announcing a 'Festival on Merlin's Green'.  Ironically most most of us had no idea that the central field on our estate where dogs and kids usually congregate actually had a name.  

I think what impressed me the most were the amounts of family and friends who had come out in support of the event; most sporting red, white and blue paraphernalia as they drank Pimms, beer and champagne.  Some even had mini bbq's going.  It was a great feeling of community, despite the cold wind blowing and lack of sunshine. 

We all went over to check out the festivities, however Alex and Connor gave in early on and took Jayden back to the house.  Bonnie braved it out with me and Andy for about a half hour longer before we packed up ourselves and headed in to watch a movie.  

If we'd been on our own, I think we would have stuck it out with the help of a few more beer.

On Monday Andy, Connor and I met up with the Gallivan's for a two hour walk with the dogs through one of our local jaunts; we finished the walk properly with a cold pint at a quaint pub.

(I never tire of seeing wild poppies growing in the fields)

We headed over to the Gallivan's on Monday night to watch the Queen's Concert as we cheerfully sipped on champagne while eating crisps, cheese and pate.  

Not a bad celebration at all.

As I said earlier, this country should really come together once a year to celebrate itself as a nation. 

Until the government realizes this, my friends and family will have to settle for celebrating the birth of my home country once a year, at our annual Canada Day BBQ, which is now only a few weeks away. (It's not a day off here, but it's one great big bang up.)

Prickly Heat

Finally the sun has come to town.  The last week or so has been glorious and like they do, people of this town are walking around dressed like it's the height of summer.  I only spent a couple of hours off and on in the sun over the weekend and definitely didn't lay out because on Saturday my arm and chest broke out in a few blisters (yet I wasn't sunburnt or anything).  By Sunday it had spread to both arms although my right is significantly worse. So I figured I'd be best off staying out of the sun; the sun and heat I've been waiting months for.  Yesterday I thought the blisters were starting to dry out, especially those that I'd scratched but today it appears to be even worse and what's annoying is that my arm has only been exposed to the sun via the drivers side window of my truck! 

Argggh!!!

The moles, freckles and hairiness I can live with, but this??? It's embarrassing if nothing else... yet it's more than that, it's itchy and uncomfortable and it's just too damn hot to wear long sleeves. I think I'd better get myself to the pharmacy because after four days of this, I think I need some help.

I don't know what's going on round here, what with Molly's skin issues and now mine.  But something is definitely up with my skin, which is normally not what I would describe as sensitive.  Last night I rubbed A535 onto my back and knees after my workout and after about 30 seconds I suddenly felt like my skin had been set on fire.  I was in agony; I honestly don't think being whipped would hurt more.  Wait, I know it doesn't (sorry but I've been there done that). Well at least by sharing that fact you'll know that I have a high pain tolerance... yet it felt like I was being flayed alive.  I'm just relieved no one was around to see me as I pranced naked around my room waiting for it to pass, while pressing a cold, wet towel against my back and sweat poured off of me in buckets.  My knees just had to suffer.  Man alive, it was awful.  I thought the cream might be out of date, hence the reaction I had but it wasn't - I checked after I sewed my head back on. 

If you're still here and I haven't put you off, would you like to know what the rest of my week has been like? Maybe not, but here goes:

The weekend was lovely as I had loads of Jayden time and on Sunday the kids came over for a bbq with me and then later we had champagne in the hottub to celebrate Jayden's arrival (I can't believe it's been six weeks today since he came into our lives.) 

I've been awake more than I've been asleep this past week and last night was particularly bad because Molly had the trots and needed out every hour or so. I had to take the morning off work as I couldn't leave her till I knew it was over (that was one mess I didn't want to come home to).

I'd taken this afternoon off by prior arrangement as Natasha had to have an investigative procedure at the hospital that her mum wasn't available for.  Turns out her prep didn't work properly so it was postponed... so today's annual leave has been a bit of a write off.  Bah, nevermind. 

It is what it is.

I can't sit out in the sun but I still rather fancy one of these:

However the only place you can get one is at the mall, which closes in less than an hour and is on the other side of town.  Iced, decaf coffee will just have to suffice.

Either way, it's Wednesday, which means the weekend is almost here and for us living in the British Isles it means a four day weekend.  Let's hope my arm is cleared up so I don't have to spend the whole time inside. Speaking of which, as mentioned previously, I think I'd better go get me some cream for my lurgy. 

Skinny-Me

Alex popped round this evening for a bit and as we were chatting in the kitchen he mentioned that Bonnie made a comment earlier in the week regarding how skinny I used to be when I was younger, which made me chuckle because I have never been what you, or anyone under 200 lbs, would call skinny.

Alex said he responded to Bonnie's statement with an 'I wouldn't really know, I never knew Jods back then' (Although he did meet me at the ripe old age of 30).  Bonnie proceeded to show him the picture that I'd posted on my facebook wall, and mistakenly led her to believe I used to be thin:

This is a picture of my little sister and her friend Christina on Sunday - the day they completed the Bluenose 1/2 Marathon in Nova Scotia.  I'd posted it on my Facebook page because I'm so very proud of my baby sister. (Bonnie wasn't the only one to comment on our looks, a few of my friends pointed out how much my sister resembles me).

I never thought for a moment we looked so much alike that someone would mistake her for me, past or present. Yet for the past 27 years I have heard how much she takes after me, the poor wee girl. But it makes me happy, if not a bit sorry for this little girl I was allowed to name, that she has been  cursed with my looks ;)

This picture sits on my window sill in the kitchen.  I can see how much we do look alike in this photo and have mentioned previously on this site that people often comment on how we practically look like twins.  Again, major bonus for me, what with being twelve years older.  Just goes to show how deceiving a picture can be.

I don't have a child of my own flesh that I could spend hours staring at and wondering if he or she looks like me. But I don't really need one anyway, not with having Stacy, who was practically my baby from the start and she's definitely my own little mini-me.  If I'd had a child of my own he or she'd probably be the image of her dad anyway; as my other sister could tell you... 

So there you have it: I have a baby sister who is beautiful, clever and oh-so-fit, and just happens to look like me.  I can't tell you how much I admire this young woman and all  that she has worked for.  She is truly an inspiration. 

Now please excuse me while I go work out.

Lessons in Lorry Driving

We had a relaxing, enjoyable weekend round these parts. Nothing too exciting, just spending time with each other, family and friends.

I managed to 'rescue' the cake by cutting the sponge in half, filling it with raspberry and cream, then topping it with a creamcheese whipped icing and fresh raspberries.  It went down a treat with the family and friends we had over on Sunday.  Oh and Andy polished off most of the cheesecake (which wasn't that brilliant on it's own) all by himself.  

Saturday afternoon I had been up at my mother-in-law's sorting out her dogs and I got home around 2:30, sorry that I had missed Alex, Bonnie and Jayden;  however I was cheerfully surprised when I walked in the living room and saw that the kids had left the baby with us while they ran their errands.  It was so cute to see Jayden and his Grandy cuddled up together.

And the weekend was over much too soon with Andy back on the road bright and early yesterday morning.

Yeah... yesterday.  What a messed up day; it began by my truck getting clipped (and nearly pushed into on coming traffic) by a lorry who was more interested in forcing me to play a game of 'cat and mouse' in my much smaller vehicle.  I was pissed off and shaken up and spent the rest of the day out of sorts, which is just perfect for a Monday don't you think?   I cannot stand drivers who suffer from road rage at the best of times, however when you drive for a living you represent the company you work for and it's reprehensible that you let your need for speed, or rage interfere with your work life.  Especially when your office is a 40 ton vehicle.  But, we all make mistakes at work and I was satisfied when the transport manager informed me that it would be investigated thoroughly and offered their sincere apologies for the bad behaviour of the driver. (He had actually rang in to the office to say he knew he clipped me, but still continued on.)  They will be calling me in a week's time to share the findings of the investigation.  As I said to the manager, I don't want anyone to lose their job, but someone sure needs to recognise that it's people's lives they are messing with when they are out on the road. 

So after a tough day at work I got myself home and took my girl Molly for a walk in the evening sun prior to working out and enjoying a healthy dinner.  

I got a call from Alex later in the evening asking me if I wanted a sleepover with our adorable little man on Friday;  after I consulted my Big Book of Plans and reported that Friday evening was wide open, the deal was done.

So there's my Friday night all planned out :) 

Nanny McAllenby and her little man Jayden. 

How could this face not make you smile? 

Andy isn't sorry

I saw this cake over at Rock Recipes (which can be found here.)

I thought it looked pretty amazing and as my husband is a total cake fiend (especially for cheesecake) I figured that I would give it my best and attempt to make it for his homecoming this weekend.

I had a fantastic day at work yesterday and because I had some time owed made my way home early to get a start on the cake. 

I could have worked out but I didn't; it was prime time to make the cake base and the cheesecake topping;  the cheesecake could set overnight and I would only need to make the whipped icing today. 

Pefectly planned right?  

This morning I did get up and go to the gym; I came home and then walked Molly.  After our walk I had a shower and took my time getting ready to go uptown with Andy as he was tied up on the phone giving someone or other a piece of his mind (I think it was the phone company).

I probably should have moved my ass a little quicker, or perhaps I should have put a sign on the cheesecake in the fridge.  But I didn't think I had to... I'd shown my husband the picture of the cake yesterday when he walked in the door asking what smelt so good.  I figured it was a given that he would leave the cheesecake alone.

That's what I get for thinking.

I couldn't believe it when I saw the rim of the cake pan in the kitchen sink when I came downstairs.  With a racing heart I ran to the fridge and saw that a huge hunk of the cheesecake was gone... and proceeded to lose my rag.

The sad thing?  He wasn't even sorry.  He tried to tell me he was sorry but he couldn't stop the grin on his face or the gleam in his eyes;  he said it was worth it though, as it was scrummy all on it's own. 

I told him I would respect him more if he just admitted that he wasn't sorry, like a certain Joey.

So he did.

Now I just need to figure out if I want to try to salvage it or just ice the cake base.

Three

I have three days left until my husband gets home. He will have been away for 12 Days.  I guess I’d better get used to this because for the next few months it will be the norm. Like it or not. Although the separation is not so easy, our bank balance will be much improved which is definitely a bonus. 

This coming weekend is a long one so I will have three days to spend with Andy, just relaxing and chilling out.  I might plan a dinner and drinks with our close friends but I will see what the feeling is once the weekend is upon us. Either way bring it on; I can’t wait to enjoy a few cold beers in the hottub with my man when he is back.

We definitely know how to relax and unwind when we need to!

Level three of the shred begins tonight.  (I’m technically behind one day but wanted to complete 10 sessions of level two prior to this last more than-slightly-obnoxious level.)  My knees are not my best friend at the moment and I think they are going to loath me with a renewed passion this evening. I’m used to arguing with my body so this is nothing new. 

Although it’s not the third of May, it is the first of May today (just in case you weren’t aware of this) and I’ve been waiting for this month for a variety of reasons (not just it's the month our gorgeous baby sister was born), but namely Andy and I get a free upgrade on our mobiles if we want it.  I thought I was content with the i-phone 3 but in actuality I’m looking forward to upgrading as there are so many apps that aren’t compatible with the three.  I didn’t think I liked the look of the i-phone 4 but it has grown on me and I think I’m ready to move on up and change the colour from black to white. But let’s get back to the topic of why I’m also happy it’s May. 

a)    It’s nearly summer (not that it counts for much in the north of England)

and

b) We only have three months till August and our trip back to Nova Scotia. Something I'm sure Connor will remind us of when he walks through the door on Friday night; it’s usually the first thing he does on his bi-weekly visits.