November 25, 2004
My Bernese Mountain Dog puppy is always doing strange and funny things but his most recent 'habit' is extra interesting. Because he is big (already 100 pds) and still a puppy, he has a big crate that sits at the end of my bed and try as I might, I am often guilty of using the top of his crate as a table for laundry baskets, which seemed innocent enough until I came home today. Somehow, Yukon is getting things out of the laundry basket (it's clean laundry by the way) and into his crate. The good news is that he's not eating the clothes like he used to eat his blanket and towel but how he's getting the clothes in there is beyond me. I think this may be a case for 'hidden video camera.' You never know, maybe I could win $10,000 on American's Funniest Home Videos.
Thank goodness he doesn't' eat the clothes because today he had my really nice and favourite cardigan in there with him and other than being a little hairier than usual, it survived and has now earned a trip to the drycleaners.
Happy Turkey Day to my American friends!
November 24, 2004
Aren't surprises the best? Especially when they happen to come along just at the right time-exactly when you need them! Well, today I received a great book in the mail from my friend and natural writing genius, Rob. You can check him out at www.emptybeach.typepad.comAnyways, Rob sent me a book that he thought I might enjoy and it is entitled 'An Ornithologist's Guide To Life' by Ann Hood. It's a collection of short stories that I cannot wait to sink my teeth into.
Thanks Rob:) I just know that Santa will be good to you this year!
November 22, 2004
Today more than any other day, I wish I was a teacher. Why? Because Oprah has stacked today's audience with teachers for her most popular episode' Oprah's favourite things.' Even weirder, the second thing she gave away was my t.v. The exact one that I have-size and brand! So, Oprah and I have some of the same taste (something I've suspected all along anyways). I plan to make the trek to the windy city one day to feel the Oprah air in the studio but I really want to go to the 'favourite things' taping. I guess that's not happening this year! Okay, now Oprah just gave away my Maytag Neptune washer and dryer (this year's model which includes the new dry cleaning unit that I don't have). I can't stand it! I want to be there!
With the 'most wonderful time of the year' almost upon us, it's time for parade news! We successfully made the yearly pilgrimage to Toronto for the Santa Claus Parade. And not just any parade, the 100th! They even brought out some retro floats from days gone by. We started the day with our traditional brunch at my cousin's house (she makes a mean frittata) and the kids made gingerbread houses while we listened to jazzy holiday music while catching up. It was at this time that I realized that we were all grown up. Really. It was like we were all following in our parent's footsteps-taking over the role of 'adult' and letting our kids take over the role previously held by us, of child. It was eerie and exhilarating at the same time. It was like playing house but it was evident that we truly have 'all grown up' and that's not such a bad thing after all.
November 17, 2004
I am thinking about the bond that some people have. It's a bond unlike any other. You can't even really explain it nor do you feel the need to. It's just there and probably always will be. 3 cheers for my sister circle!
'circle' circa 1971
November 17, 2004
It's getting dark way too early every night and it's staying dark way too long every morning. Signs of winter and everything that goes with this long, dark and frigidly cold season (depending on where you are so luck to live). I guess no matter where you live, it's a time for preparation. Holiday preparation season is quickly sneaking its way in to my already full and everyday routine and it leaves me wondering how I am to juggle holiday and hibernation preparations at the same time. Both are equally important with one of these 'seasons' lasting longer than the other.
Oh, who cares-'Something About You' by Level 42 just started playing on my ipod! Music really is food for the soul so go eat some now!
November 11, 2004
My daughter and I were eating lunch today when she asked me how I 'born' her and her brother at the same time. I told her that I didn't and that her brother was born first and that's why he is older. She looked at me and said "I wanted to be born first!" I said, "sorry I didn't know" and she said, "that's okay" and went back to eating. Oh, to be four again!
Take a moment today to remember those that lost their lives for your freedom.
November 7, 2004
I am soooo excited about my new dvd, HR PufnStuf! I adored this show as a little girl and it had been on my wish list for quite awhile until John surprised me with a copy upon return from his recent travels. Witchie Poo, Freddy the Flute, Puf, talking trees (I don't find them nearly as spooky anymore) and all the other characters have just been brought back to life for the little girl inside me. Land of the Lost is next on my wish list-Christmas is coming!
I blew the 350 words a day. I simply fell off the wagon, quit, couldn't keep it up, fini, kaput. But it was a great exercise and I am going to try again. I could list all of the excuses, some more relevant and believable than others but it doesn't matter. The bottom line is to stop talking and get writing. Enough already!