thefeatherednest

Howler

2012-03-08T08:21:00.000-05:00

It is a typical "pre spring" day here in South Western Ontario. The wind is howling like a banshee, great wads of grey cloud are driving overhead, the trees are gyrating and garbage bags are flying down the road. Yesterday was only breezy with highs around 12 degrees celcius. I've yet to poke my nose out the door to experience the temps today. The wind chill will be substantial.

Sweet Secrets

2012-03-07T17:52:00.000-05:00

bare fingers
scratch
against the sky
no sign
that life is rising
but rise it does
amidst
the deep silence
of the sentinels
hoary guardians
of the secret
underfoot
sweet decay
of summers past
in the air
frosty breath hangs
falls like shards
of crystal
a waft of sweet wood smoke
born of the maple
rises

Read an E Book - 2

2012-03-06T20:12:00.000-05:00

Time for adventure number two in "buy an E Book land". This time I purchased Carving Angels
by Diane Stringam Tolley

On the Alberta/Montana Border

I'm a sucker for a Christmas story and this one has it all plus a wonderful life lesson for us all. Perfect for reading a chapter a night leading up to Christmas. Follow Papa Adam on his journey of discovery as he is led by his very own angel on earth, his little grand daughter Amy and share in their triumphant unveiling of a very special gift for Santa.

Drop in on Diane On the Alberta/ Montana Border and read her wonderful stories of life on the ranch, you'll be glad you did. Then pop over to the Kindle Store and check out her book, Carving Angels.

A Wing Too Soon

2012-03-06T08:24:00.000-05:00

huddled
shivering
poor wee soul
quivering
on a rail fence
taking the full force
of the gale
head bent
such a long journey
he'd had
and not so much
as a frozen worm
for his trouble
huh
welcome to Ontario
little robin
brace yourself
it ain't over yet

The Eleventh of Never

2012-03-05T18:24:00.002-05:00

Julie Fedderson of

Gypsy in my soul

has passed along a blog challenge to me. Thanks Julie.
So here is how this works.....You have to answer eleven questions, make up eleven new questions and tag eleven bloggers.

Julie's questions.......
1. Paper or plastic?
I assume we are talking bags here. Neither thank you very much. We use reusable cloth bags for shopping.
2. What cartoon do you still secretly enjoy watching?
That would be Bugs Bunny...ehhhh what's up doc?
3. If you could pick up an instrument and immediately know how to play, what instrument would you choose?
Probably something small and portable like the flute or the harmonica.
4. What is the song that most defines your personality?
I really never thought about it before .... maybe Stop This Train by John Mayer?????
5. What is your anger style?
Major full out no holds barred explosion.
6. What do you think will be the downfall of modern society?
Fast food.
7. What is the best character name you've ever come across?
The Aged Parent .... for some odd reason I relate to it.
8. What is your most bizarre beauty ritual?
The fact that I don't have any I guess. Soap and water...that's it. Hmmm....maybe that's where I went wrong.
9. What is your favourite scent?
No scent at all. I am highly allergic to scent.
10. Could your Significant Other identify you by just one body part and if so, which one?
I doubt he is that observant but for the sake of argument we'll say my feet.
11. What moment in your life would have won the $10,000 on America's Funniest Home Videos?
and if you think I'm going to divulge that on the WWW you're just plain silly

Second stage of this challenge is to make up eleven questions of my own.

1. If you had a choice between a healthy dinner and fast food what would you choose?
2. What was the last book you read?
3. If you could go anywhere on vacation, where would it be?
4. Are you old enough to remember wearing seamed nylons?
5. Do you believe in tipping and if so..how much?
6. Are you country or city at heart?
7. You are a contender on The Voice. What are you going to sing?
8. What do you say when someone sneezes?
9. If you had free rein to decorate....what colours would you choose?
10. How many generations back can you trace your family tree?
11. What is your favourite knock knock joke?

Okay..stage three..tag eleven other bloggers. This is where I draw the line. This challenge is time consuming. If you want to play along by all means join in but I am just going to let the ball drop here.
Thanks again Julie.....it wasn't easy but it was fun.

Read an E Book

2012-03-05T09:24:00.000-05:00

I have had the Kindle now for about two weeks. Everything is going smoothly. I have downloaded several free books and reread some old favourites. It is time now to venture into the world of "books you pay for" and the very first book to hit my list is For Auld Lang Syne Letters From Scotland by Rory D Grant.
Rory is on my blog list and I look forward to his posts.

The Scottish Scribbler

I have been wanting to read his book for quite some time now.

The book did not disappoint. I snorted with laughter as Rory attempted to send his daughters hampster to heaven and choked back tears as Tam the Herd spoke of his beautiful boys lost to the guns of war. I saw the beauties of Scotland through Rory's eyes and marvelled at the depths of sensitivity this man who has gone through so much in his life has to offer.

I spent a whole .99 cents on an ebook and got a treasure in return.

If you haven't checked out Rory's blog before, please do so now. You won't be sorry. And if you have a Kindle buy yourself a diamond for .99 cents.

The Daily Observation

2012-03-04T08:23:00.000-05:00

Much has been said about "the first day of the rest of your life". The words conjure up hope and fresh starts. I think not enough has been said about "the last day of the old life". This day is more about hope I think because it is the day that realization set in. You were on the wrong track and suddenly light broke through and you realized it didn't have to continue that way. Change was possible. "The last day of the old life" was all about sunlight and fireworks and bright red balloons and dancing.

A Fable Of Sorts

2012-03-03T17:48:00.000-05:00

A madman wanted to be King, wanted all the treasures of the kingdom and so he made a deal with the devil. The devil could ravage the kingdom, ruin the people, take their meagre belongings, drive them insane and leave them in poverty and the madman could be King. The devil sent fire, pestilence, unnatural disaster and financial ruin upon the people. The newly crowned King smiled and waved at his subjects and then went in to his beautiful white castle where he could not see the suffering of his people. The people of the kingdom revolted and occupied the palace grounds shouting and demanding a new King. The King asked the devil why he had not stopped the people and the devil replied, "I have what I want now, I have no further use for you. There is nothing left for me here." And so the mighty King was deposed and a new ruler was raised up in his place and a new deal was struck with the devil, but that's a story for another election year.

Out a Dirty Window

2012-03-03T10:17:00.000-05:00

Why is it when the wind is howling, the temps are Arctic and snow is in the air I get the urge to take pictures? It never fails. Still, not to worry, through winter weary windows there is still much beauty to be seen.

Click to enlarge .... the snow above looks more like the fake snow I used at Christmas.

Welcome To Ontario

2012-03-03T08:03:00.000-05:00

The wind is screaming, the snow is whirling and through it all I KNOW Spring is just around the corner. How, you may ask, can I be so sure?

This is how..........

My first robin sighting.... Sorry about the quality of the shot....through the kitchen window screen and all...are you kidding..there is no WAY I am opening the door in this weather. Poor little guy, he looks so cold. Welcome to Ontario baby. It will get better, I promise.

Something For The Weekend (4)

2012-03-03T06:50:00.000-05:00

Jacqueline of

maturestudenthanginginthere

has invented a little somethin' somethin' to keep us busy on a Saturday mornng. Something for the Weekend was a four week, Saturdays only, blog hop. This is the last installment (unless she has decided to keep it up a little longer hint hint).

This is my final entry.............................

A Good Read

would that my life

were a book

with a defined

beginning and end

and in between

such lovely pages

of finest velum

filled with

delightful characters

imagined by a writer

of great talent

who could

script my days

arrange my chapters

in such a way

as to provide

a perfect life

and send me

a complete

and perfect package

into the universe

Another Myth Busted

2012-03-02T19:10:00.000-05:00

Several years ago I heard that you could stand a raw egg on its fat end at the time of the Vernal Equinox and that at no other time could this be done. Of course I had to try it. Yes, the egg stood on its end. I even took a picture to prove it. It's in one of our many photo albums. Now I find out here
Phil Plait's Bad Astronomy: Misconceptions
that you can stand a raw egg on its fat end any old time you like. Rats!!!

It Can't Come Too Soon

2012-03-02T09:34:00.000-05:00

Spring.........The Vernal Equinox
March 20 at 1:14am EDT

The word equinox is derived from the Latin words meaning “equal night.” The spring and fall equinoxes are the only dates with equal daylight and dark as the Sun crosses the celestial equator. At the equinoxes, the tilt of Earth relative to the Sun is zero, which means that Earth’s axis neither points toward nor away from the Sun. (However, the tilt of Earth relative to its plane of orbit, called the ecliptic plane, is always about 23.5 degrees.)

Patiently waiting for those first harbingers of spring. Okay, maybe not SO patiently. How about you? Any signs of spring yet? Only 18 more days.

Once Upon A Time

2012-03-02T09:01:00.000-05:00

Another adventure into "Once Upon A Time" land.

In The Kingdom of Hohme

Once Upon a Time in a magical kingdom called Hohme there lived a powerful giant; King , exalted ruler, clad in battle dress, knower of all things, provider , fighter of battles, answerer of all questions, holder of the keys. Each day he mounted his trusty steed and headed to the battle fields. Each night he rode home untired and covered with the glory that was his right,. Proud, magnificent, striding into his castle......"Daddy, Daddy, we missed you." The King is on his knees.

Once Upon A Time

2012-03-01T13:46:00.003-05:00

Once upon a time in a castle old and cold sat a magician, a twister of words, spell caster, purveyor of dreams. By his side a smoking tallow candle, several sheets of fine vellum, ink of darkest hue, his old quill pen. Snugly wrapped in robes of fur, the fire blazing and snapping, throwing sparks, he dipped quill in ink, put voice to paper. The fire snapped, the candle guttered, quill scratched paper and the mind, oh the mind, flew to places as yet unknown, unseen. The ink spoke to the paper and the paper told tales of goblins and fairies, princesses and princes, monsters and ghosts. A small voice, not the voice of the mysterious world of the mind, not the voice of the ink and paper, no .... a small voice, a precious voice, "Poppa, will you come and tell me a bedtime story?" The magician rises and leaving the warmth of the fire follows the tousle headed child to its bedchamber, his clutched papers a child's passport to the land of dreams.

It Wasn't Only Dim In The House

2012-02-29T18:16:00.000-05:00

T'was a strange day and all. We had ice pellets, snow, rain, freezing rain, more snow, wind and then, just when we thought it couldn't get any better, the power went out for about three hours. You don't realize how much you depend on hydro until the power goes out for a sustained period of time. It was dark in the house and on top of that we closed all drapes and window coverings to help keep the cold outside where it belonged. I couldn't see to read or write and my Kindle chose that moment to advise me the battery needed charging. The local radio AM station went off the air. No TV, no Internet, no computer, no Kindle, the old battery radio would only bring in a Chinese station. An hour in and the energy saving light bulb that is my brain finally lit....I do have a laptop and a rocket stick. Phew. Not too slow me.

Down The Rabbit Hole

2012-02-29T12:49:00.000-05:00

Fill the pen, put nib to paper

deep in the night
the wind
shrieking around the house
snug
under extra covers
velvet black
warm
relaxed
the mind
slips into that
strange place
between wakefulness and dream
the rabbit hole
pays tricks
of light and shadow
weaves strange tales
from which you emerge
oft times shaken
by what has been revealed

It's Here

2012-02-29T12:24:00.000-05:00

The Esterbrook has landed. Now all I need to do is practice on my penmanship.

Looking Back

2012-02-29T10:03:00.000-05:00

Laura from

ForestWalkArt

has posted some of her favourite shots in honour of leap year. This gal is an amazing photographer.

Although my shots can't hold a candle to hers, I have decided to post a few of my favourite shots today as well.

an October night sky

holly by the driveway

I really like the way the red of the branches turns a soft pink under the snow.

Across the water at Rockwood Park.

Colonel John McCrae house.

Clematis

Riverside Park

Liquid gold sky

Poised at the top, ready for the drop. Caledon Hills.

Badlands...Caledon Hills.

Sunflower. Hmmm...looks familiar. I have no idea what I did here but somehow it almost looks like a painting.

Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery

I'll leave you with a promise of spring. Happy February 29.

Maybe Not

2012-02-29T07:55:00.000-05:00

Determination is a funny thing. Yesterday I was determined to embrace the new look of the Dynamic Views on Blogger. Loved it. Unfortunately it has caused many many problems for the very people for whom I was trying to make my blog attractive and readable. No so good. No blogger wants unhappy readers who can't read their writing. So....I'm back to the old format.
Thank you all so much for getting after me right away and letting me know how the new format affected you. I was going to try it for a bit longer but as the problems mounted for all of you out there I decided it wasn't worth it. Maybe in the future they will improve it some more and we can try it again...or maybe not.

Time For A Change

2012-02-28T21:31:00.000-05:00

I've done it. I've switched over to Bloggers new Dynamic View template. I have been wanting to do this for a while but until they got the gadget issue under control I was willing to wait. All has been remedied. Do you see the dark grey bar at the far right? Run your mouse over it and you will see followers, profile, archive and blog list pop up. Just click on the one you want to view. If you don't like the layout check out the top left where you can click to chose a layout that you enjoy looking at.
So that's it my dears. The new look is here to stay.

An Award, An Award

2012-02-28T13:33:00.000-05:00

There's nothing like recognition. It lifts the spirits and rekindles Kreativity. Today, Arleen of

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe

has received this award. Arleen started blogging in January of 2011 as part of her retirement plan and hasn't looked back since.. I always get a kick out of how she starts out her blog with a little teaser and then, "and doing okay". She is one OK lady. Thank you so much Arleen for this lovely award and for your kind words about my humble little blog.
This is, fortunately, not one of those awards that require you to spill your guts in 10 or more things that no one knows about you. Fortunate because there isn't much left that no one knows about me. All I have to do here is to thank the person who passed the award on....and I have....and to pass it on to someone I think deserves it. The very first person who comes to mind is Laura of

Austanspace

Laura is on top of current events and a champion for the underdog. She provides links to articles that shed light on subjects that have been mangled and twisted for our consumption by the government and the media. She tells tales of the Beest and their close encounters of the uncomfortable kind and her preparations for "Greg Day". And so for you Laura, the Kreative Blogger award. Take it and pass it on to one other blogger who shines in their dark little corner just as you do...spreading the light and warmth to all the corners of the blogging world.

And just because I'm a rule breaking kind of a gal................if you would like the Kreative Blogger award please help yourself and enrich another bloggers life by passing it on.

Thanks again Arleen..you sweetie you....

You Know I Love You Honey, But...

2012-02-28T10:34:00.000-05:00

Husbands are wonderful things, handy for lifting the heavy stuff, reaching the high stuff and cleaning up the dirty stuff. There is a limit to how much of that needs doing however and the rest of the time they spend underfoot. Retired husbands, particularly those with no other interests than planting themselves firmly in the road of what YOU are doing, spend a lot of time underfoot. It requires a great deal of thought and energy (something I'm short of) to keep them entertained and in another room. I have spoken to other women with retired husbands. Apparently some of these men golf or go to the gym. A few retirees have got themselves part time jobs. One chap has a couple of hobbies he devotes a great deal of his day to. There are dogs to be walked and cars to be worked on, books to be read, things to build. Resolutely I hold up an applause meter and name the various occupations one by one to a round of deafening silence. "Well what DO you want to do?" I ask. "Don't worry about me, I'm fine." Sure he is. He's got built in entertainment. ME!! Now don't get me wrong, I can't imagine life without him. We look after each other. We are pretty much on the same page on all the important issues like what bathroom tissue to use. Each is pretty good at finding things the other has lost. I'm just saying, it would be nice to turn around and not step on him once in a while.

Kindle Update

2012-02-27T08:42:00.001-05:00

So far I am loving the Kindle. It is amazing how many features this tiny little appliance has. You can download your documents from your computer to it and link to facebook and twitter from it. I have downloaded five free books, Pride and Prejuice, A Cricket on the Hearth, Build A Man, A Diagnostic on Agatha Christie and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. It is possible to make notes and bookmark pages. Text can be adjusted for size. I am however, having one small problem with it. It isn't reading WiFi very well. Sometimes it will link and sometimes it won't. Mostly it won't. This is unfortunate as you need your WiFi to download books. If I continue to have this problem I will have to take it back. Right now I am recharging the battery in the hopes that a low battery was the reason I couldn't connect. Anybody else having this problem?

postscript....the whole problem was that the battery was low.. live and learn

Pass Your Plate

2012-02-26T14:16:00.000-05:00

Have you ever watched people eat? I enjoy sitting in a food court or restaurant watching how people manage the food on their plates. As an example, there are the barricaders who carefully build the walls of each individual food item so that nothing touches. There are the adventurers who go round and round their plate sampling from each individual continent of food one at a time until all has been consumed. The specialists are an interesting group to watch, particularly at a buffet. One item at a time is plated and consumed and the process repeated for the next item. My grandson is a separatist. All food is shoved to one side and then any items he will deign to place in his mouth are pulled out of the pile and placed separately on the blank side of the plate. My husband is an isolationist. He eats all of one item before moving on to the next. Some folks are mixers. Everything on their plate is tossed and mixed together. There is also a group I like to call the browsers who insist on trying everything on everyone else's plate. I don't mix with them. I watched one woman recently who had her plate entirely colour co-ordinated...like with like across from contrasting. Fascinating. Much like an artists colour wheel. There are so many different methods of managing a plateful of food.

Together

2012-02-26T09:05:00.000-05:00

you have your

weird quirks

and odd habits

as do I

our beliefs

are as far apart

as apart can get.

you like yellow

I like green

are a tea and coffee pairing

at the great

beef and pork divide

on different pages

of the menu

you might say

still

we agree on a few

important things

mostly

we agree to disagree

and then

get on with our

conjoined lives

two sides of a coin

forged together

that's us

Something For The Weekend (3)

2012-02-25T07:49:00.000-05:00

Jacqueline of

maturestudenthanginginthere

has invented a way to get us posting on the weekend. This is week 3 of "Something for the Weekend". Only one more week to go.

Here is my submission for this weekend.

in those dark hours
before the dawn
strange ideas
my mind doth spawn
and so I rise
and
with a yawn
put pen to paper
the dance goes on

Not Meat Loaf

2012-02-24T18:12:00.000-05:00

Since everyone thought my Meat Loaf post was about food I thought I would satiate your appetites with my supper.

Easy Chicken Stew
four chicken breasts cubed and drenched with a mixture of flour salt pepper garlic basil and thyme to taste
whatever veggies you have on hand cubed bite size with the thought in mind of how much would be suitable for four people
chicken broth (3 cups) either home made, from a box, or made from oxo packets
1 package of club house chicken gravy (just in case things don't thicken properly)
if you need the gravy mix to thicken the stew mix it in a bit of cold water before you put it in the stew

brown chicken in olive oil in a hot pan
when browned nicely add to a large pot with the veggies and the chicken broth
bring to a boil
then reduce to simmer
for about half an hour
check the meat for doneness and the veggies for tenderness

serve with a side salad and tea biscuits hot out of the oven
fruit salad for desert

you could also thicken the stew a tad more and pour it into a pie shell for chicken pie..yum!!

Anyone for some Meat Loaf???

2012-02-24T10:06:00.000-05:00

Big Whoop

2012-02-24T07:50:00.000-05:00

Ah the hype...the media excitement....THE STORM OF THE SEASON. Get in some extra food. Have your shovels ready. By morning the commute will be treacherous. How many times have we heard that and in the morning there was about one inch of snow on the ground? Well, we heard it again last night. Pfffft. You could clear the driveway with a broom. Am I disappointed? Not on your life. Fingers crossed that the "event" is over.

It's Here, It's Here

2012-02-23T21:40:00.001-05:00

Can you tell I'm excited? I saved and saved and today I bought my Kindle.

I've hooked up to wifi and registered with Amazon and got my payment account set up. I have a free book downloaded, Pride and Prejudice. Now how the heck do I enlarge the print?
HELP!!!!

Amazing

2012-02-23T14:29:00.000-05:00

The Internet is an amazing place. Bloggerworld is an equally amazing place. Some of you may remember my posts from the time when my husbands dear Auntie passed away and her house and possessions sold.
http://mybabyjohn.blogspot.com/2010/05/faded-lady.html
and
http://mybabyjohn.blogspot.com/2010/08/at-auction.html
A couple of days ago I got an email from a young woman who had been trolling through my blog when she came upon those posts. She LIVES in the house. How cool is that? So we spent the afternoon throwing emails back and forth sharing photos and information.
It's nice to know the old house is being appreciated for the gem that it is.....even if it is a little chilly this time of year.
You never know who is reading your blog.

Horizons

2012-02-23T06:22:00.000-05:00

Last night I could see streaks of pink cloud over the roof tops of the subdivision back of our house. The sun set was somewhere out of my line of vision. Since they built out back all I see is rooftops and walls where there used to be a field that stretched off into the distance. Out front the sky was inky and again I was confronted with houses. I miss the field; the wildlife, the sound the grasses made in the wind. I think most of all though, I miss the horizon.
A horizon gives you something to focus on and a sense that there is more just beyond. This jumble of houses all around us is jarring. You feel directionless as you turn left then right then left again through the maze of streets that is the city. Every once in a while I have to go beyond the city limits where I can see the horizon and know there is more.
I think maybe I have also lost sight of the horizon in my life; that sense that there is more. I feel the need to mentally stand on my tippy toes and stretch myself to look ahead. No matter how old you are there is more.
How about you? Can you see the horizon?

Speak Up

2012-02-22T11:55:00.000-05:00

As we all know, the big bash yesterday was in honour of Gary from

klahanie

Gary is dedicated to spreading the word about the various types of mental illness and to helping remove the stigma that has been attached to these illnesses for so very long.

Attached is a list of links you can visit to learn more...one global, the rest Canadian.

WHO | Mental Health
Your Health - CTV MedNews Express | Stigma of mental illness remains a serious problem
Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health - CAMIMH
Canadian Mental Health Association
MENTAL HEALTH

Folks don't seem to talk too much about it when they are suffering from things like depression. It would help them if they did but they are afraid of being outcasts. Take the time today to ask someone how they are feeling.
I have my own story about depression and the misery it can cause. I'm sure many of you do. Don't be afraid to talk about it.

Put Them All In A Basket

2012-02-22T11:03:00.001-05:00

Now comes the task of determining who wins the (very small) giveaway connected with Gary's 5th Blogaversary Party. In case you have forgotten, or missed the fact altogether, I have a set of Canadian stamps that honour Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee to give away. Everyone who attended the bash has their name on a slip of paper in a humble kitchen bowl. I will have the hubby draw the name. Drum Roll please.......

and the winner is
lennie lee
Lenny Lee*

Lenny you need to provide me with your mailing address sweetie and I will send you your prize. Congratulations.

postscript....as of 12:00 noon your prize is winging its way to you Lenny.

The Morning After

2012-02-22T07:14:00.000-05:00

It's the morning after Gary's 5th Blogaversary party and it is very quiet at thefeatherednest this morning. My guests have all departed. The chefs and their teams have cleaned up the kitchen and trundled off home. The bands packed up their equipment around 1:00am and headed off for the nearest bar. They just never seem to get tired. All the studly waiters were paid and staggered off home to nurse their sore feet.
I seem to have fallen asleep on the bar in the gaming room. Someones sable is draped over me for a cover. That virtual champagne has more of a kick than I counted on.
Laura, I found your shoes behind the curtains in the banquet room and Pearl the clarinet player wants your phone number. I think he has a gig for Liza Bean and the group.
Gary I hope you enjoyed your party sweetie. The private jet is back at the airport now so I know you got home safely. Thank Penny again for me. Her tips on writing and blogging were invaluable. You might just check her fanny pack. I noticed she was collecting a lot of money during those seminars she was holding. Could be enough there to keep her in milk bones for quite a while.
Just passing the bathroom now and I notice Sir Paul is sleeping in the bathtub with a magic carpet over him...Hmmm....
I think I will just plop into my bed and have a little extra snoozie time this morning. Later on I'll check out the kitchen and see what there is for left overs. Oh....a half empty bottle of bubbly...I'll just take that upstairs with me. Nighty night.

HAPPY 5TH ANNIVERSARY GARY

2012-02-20T23:34:00.000-05:00

THE TIME HAS COME....WE HAVE FLUNG OPEN THE DOORS.....

HAPPY BLOGAVERSARY GARY

LET THE FUN BEGIN
(posting just a tad early for the benefit of those in a different timezone)

Strike up the band...roll out the singers...

It's here, it's here at last.....the event we've all been waiting for....Limo's and Rolls Royces are starting to arrive...
Today we celebrate. Our good friend Gary is celebrating five years of blogging. He started his blog,

klahanie

to raise awareness of mental health issues and the stigma that still surrounds these illnesses. Such dedication deserves to be rewarded with the mother of all parties.

In Gary's honour we have put a small addition on thefeatherednest in order to accommodate you all

and installed some magnificent lighting. We need all those jewels you are wearing for the occasion to sparkle.
This promises to be a glittering event....24 hours of celebration.

I've hired a band for the occasion.....

or two....

The dance floor is huge and the bands will be playing all night long. Intermission for the band will feature the stand up comedy of Mrs. Hughes...

and The Smothers Brothers....although I did hear some rumours of them being on the guest list as well..should be interesting.

We have a few delightful appetizers to whet your appetite

tea smoked chicken

salmon

ham and cheese fingers

shirmp

and of course

only the best caviar.

Champagne, 200 Brut Blanc de Blanc Comtes, is flowing by the virtual gallon

for the many many toasts to our guest of honour.

I have left the menu for the evening to our two dueling chefs, Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay. Please let them know if you have any dietary restrictions. There should be some fireworks in the kitchen tonight.

Yes, of course this is what thefeatherednest kitchen looks like. Well, tonight anyway.

So pick out your table...

and get comfortable.

My date for the evening has been invited, Sir Paul has accepted, he may even grace us with a song. Right now he's proving to us that he can cook so if there IS a ruckus in the kitchen tonight we know we can at least have mashed potatoes.
The scene is set with elegant rooms, exquisite lighting, music, entertainment, food, champagne, lots of hunky, studly waiters to bring you anything your heart desires....... all we need is you to make everything perfect.

I raise my glass to Gary. Let the toasts begin.

CONGRATULATIONS GARY HERE'S TO MANY MORE YEARS OF BLOGGING

and here, in honour of this special occasion is my date, Sir Paul, gracing us with his rendition of The Long and Winding Road. Move it along there Sir Paul, I'm feeling the urge to dance.

If you are in the mood for gambling the casino is set up right next to the banquet hall and bar.

Pick the game of your choice and the best of luck to you. Oh rats...there goes Sir Paul. Oh well...anyone else want to dance?

Transportation Issues

2012-02-20T17:50:00.000-05:00

Darlings...do all let me know if you and your date need to be picked up at the airport. I have a fleet of Rolls all ready to send out, complete with liveried chauffeurs. If you have opted for teleportation just say "beam me up Delores". My private jet stands at the ready...anything your hearts desire.
The important thing here is that you make it to the party. Gary.... A helicopter will be landing on your roof to pick up your humble self, your date, Penny and even Tristan if he would like to attend and bring a lovely young thing. Our valiant lads in the air force (airfarce?) will be providing an escort.

The Problem With Spring

2012-02-20T10:56:00.000-05:00

No, it's not spring here yet...but....Anjie

Creative Writing Prompts for Writers

has encouraged us to write a poem or story inspired by the following:

Spare us the bees raiding every flower in sight,

leaving no other pocket unturned.

and the tantrum-throwing wasps,

in venomous mood, headbutting glass.

....Dennis O'Driscoll

Let's see what we can do......

Spring’s a beauty

so I’m told

but my lawn

is covered

with snow mold

here and there

are big dog turds

poking out

where the lawn

is bare

the driveway

I scraped and cleaned

all winter

is now a mess

with frost heave

splinters

the storm drain

just outside

our house

is plugged

overflowing

oh look, a dead mouse

just floating along

down the street

how sweet

in our back yard

a river is flowing

the pussy willows

their buds

are showing

but unless I find

a large canoe

I fear there is

naught to do

but watch them

bud and flower

and waste

ah spring

sometimes

you are not to my taste.

The Crunch Is On

2012-02-20T08:25:00.000-05:00

This is a very busy day here at thefeatherednest as we put the final touches on the setting for Gary"s

klahanie

5th Blogaversary Party.

Flower arrangements have been arriving by the dozen. The smoking tent has been set up on the lawn. Our chefs Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay have been in to take a look at the kitchen space available. They have to share and I'm expecting fireworks.

The bands have been in to set up their sound systems and do sound checks. Sounds good to me guys, especially you Gene.

Grocers delivery vans have been unloading into the kitchen and the extra fridges and freezers are groaning with the load. Neither chef will tell me what the menu is but they have advised that they are flexible when it comes to dietary restrictions.

Several truckloads of wines, spirits and the all important champagne were delivered early this morning. We need to stock two bars, one in the banquet hall and one in the gaming room.

I just love virtual parties....my budget is endless.

Now, I am off for my manicure/pedicure, facial and hair styling.

Tell me, are you excited?? I am.

I've Been Shopping

2012-02-19T13:01:00.000-05:00

Well, virtual shopping I guess. After all, I have to be drop dead gorgeous for Gary's 5th Blogaversary party here at thefeatherednest on Tuesday.

I have my dress ordered..........devil with the red dress on!! Wonder if I could find some devil horns and a tail to wear as well.

my shoes..........

and of course,

my jewels.

I was going to order a fur for myself but seeing as I don't need to travel to get to the party I passed on the furs.

I just love virtual shopping for my virtual self.

What are you going to wear?\

Are you coming to the party?

Food Frugality

2012-02-19T07:13:00.001-05:00

Different foods bring different people to mind don't they? My husband's Auntie Kay was famous for her carrot cake. Home made bread always makes me think of my Gran. Jellied salads bring to mind my Grandma Peters. My mom's lemon meringue pie and meatloaf with scalloped potatoes were THE best. Whenever I see quiche I think of my hubbie's mom. Our grandson's favourite food is chicken fingers and fries. He loves to play cook and it is ALWAYS chicken fingers and fries. People associate pork pie with me (or me with pork pie).
So many memories are attached to special foods. In both my and my husbands family's foods were home made. It was rare to find a convenience food in the house and even more rare to see us go out for dinner. The cooks got lots and lots of practice.
Something else I remember from my childhood (and hubby says the same) is that NOTHING was ever wasted. If you didn't clean your plate someone else would or it would go in the dogs dinner or the slop pail for the pigs. Food never ever landed in the garbage pail. I have to say that the odd bit from my kitchen does go in the garbage, we have no dogs or pigs to take care of the bits and bobs. Every time I throw something out my conscience bothers me.
Pearl of

Pearl, Why You Little...

was reminiscing just yesterday about a time in her life when she had to be frugal with food. She recalled her mother and grandmother making do with the neck of the chicken so the rest of the family could have the "best of the bird". I recall my mother saying that when she was growing up the men got the bulk of the meat and the best of the food because they had to go out and earn a living for the famiily. Mom and the kids made do with what was left. Pearl's post made me think back to my parents kitchen and our kitchen when we were first married. Food was a precious resource not to be squandered. It also made me realize how very fortunate we are now. I think it's time to make another donation to the food bank.

Preparing For The Party

2012-02-18T13:55:00.001-05:00

February
21 is the date to remember. A blog party in honour of our friend Gary at

klahanie

Here at thefeatherednest we are working hard to prepare; putting an addition on for the grand ballroom and banquet hall and making sure there is an extra coat of wax on the dance floor.
Guests from around the globe are invited to attend and enjoy this virtual party.
Please post about this gala event on your blog to ensure we have a good attendance.
Now, I must go shopping. I need a dress, jewels, furs, manicure.....oh heck, I need a whole new body but seeing as this is a virtual party I can have anything I want. It doesn't even matter that in real life I don't know how to dance, I can do a virtual tango on the head of a pin if I want.
Who are you bringing as a date?
I can't wait to hear about your fab outfits, ingenious transportation and famous dance partners.

Not Today

2012-02-18T07:32:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, my gouty foot encased in a warm sock and a floppy summer sandal, I was able to get as far as the post office in order to mail off some prizes. The pavement was dry, the sidewalks were clear. This morning, well, let's just say I'm housebound again for a while.

I can't decide what I want to be over the most...the gout or winter....

Floppy sandals are no good for me today. I need snowshoes. Size extra large on the left.

Something For The Weekend (2)

2012-02-18T06:34:00.000-05:00

Here we are at the weekend again.

maturestudenthanginginthere

has invented a weekend blog hop for our amusement.

Here is my entry for this weekend:

so mellow
runs my mind today
like a gentle brook
on a summer day
I feel
I could write a book today
perhaps a play
so easy
flow my thoughts this day..
squirrel..........
so mellow
runs...

INVITATION TO A BLOG PARTY

2012-02-17T13:56:00.003-05:00

YOU ARE ALL INVITED.

START SPREADING THE NEWS!!

Time for a party. Gary at

klahanie

will be celebrating his 5th anniversary as a blogger on Tuesday February 21. Let's have a party.

So.....on Tues Feb 21 lets all drop in on Gary and offer our congratulations....bring a date, dress up, we'll have music and virtual food. Comment here about your dates and your fancy dress clothes, converse with each other
Gary started his blog 5 years ago to bring awareness to mental health issues and the stigma still attached to such illnesses. As part of the party theme I will post a short article with links to various organizations throughout the day. Let's have some fun and raise some awareness and let Gary know how much we appreciate him.

Just to make things a little more fun I have a SMALL giveaway of a set of stamps commemorating Queen Elizabeths Diamond Jubilee. Random Draw on Feb 22.

Time Once More

2012-02-17T09:32:00.000-05:00

Time once more to pass on some great bloggers.

First blog on my list today is

On the Alberta/Montana Border

Diane tells stories of her childhood on the ranch as well as tales of raising her own children.

Up next

An Old Curmudgeon Speaks

Sarcastic Test Guy is fairly new to my blog list but he never fails to get the brain cooking.

Third we have

Becky Povich: Writer Searching for Bliss

Becky does Nostalgic Sundays, sure to bring a smile to the lips or a tear to the eye.

and Last but Not Least as the saying goes...

Laura at

ForestWalkArt

takes the most delightful photos.

Just a reminder that Rory

The Scottish Scribbler

is out of hospital and back on the computer.

Drop in and visit some new blogs today. You'll be glad you did.

Golden Teardrops

2012-02-17T03:56:00.001-05:00

Rick over at

Life 101

is missing his moms pie; specifically, her "apple diaper pie". From the list of ingredients provided I think it's safe to say one small piece would blow your diet for a month.

His reminiscing brought to mind my moms lemon meringue pie. It was always deep, luscious and had a frothy topping of meringue lightly browned on the tops of its whipped peaks and always there were two or three golden droplets that wept from the topping. Mom was always annoyed that she had weeping on her meringue but to me they looked like golden teardrops. I thought they were beautiful.

Here's The Thing

2012-02-16T05:36:00.000-05:00

Okay, here's the thing, I love you all dearly....but....after a frustrating morning of trying to read these ridiculous confirmation letters with their fuzzy outlines and shadows and bars of colours going through them I am ready to bang my head against the wall. I hate to say it but a few times I gave up after three shots and just didn't leave a comment. So.....if I see those hideous non words on your site I am just not going to bother to leave a comment. Breaks my heart but there it is. One has to maintain ones sanity.

Short Rant ...... My Apologies in Advance

2012-02-15T18:38:00.001-05:00

Oh my goodness (or words to that effect), what is Blogger trying to do to us? Have you seen the new confirmation (capcha or whatever) letters? I thought the old ones were tough sometimes but these are freakin' ridiculous. I have to get out my magnifying glass to determine what they are.

The Daily Observation

2012-02-15T13:22:00.000-05:00

I must be old. Things I used to own and use every day are now classified as "vintage". Does that make me a "collectible"?

The Nib of Power

2012-02-15T09:08:00.002-05:00

In these days of electronic toys, facebook and twitter, instant communication and ease of correction I have awakened this morning with a strange and exotic craving. I want a fountain pen; the kind you fill from a jar of ink. Not just any fountain pen you understand, but an Esterbrook pen, a VINTAGE Esterbrook fountain pen.

I had one in high school for shorthand class (150 wpm) and bookkeeping. Sitting here, writing about it, I can smell that pen and the ink and I am reliving the sense of excitement, the stirring of creativity, the feeling of raw power as the pen slurped up the ink and I put nib to paper. I used to use turquoise ink but now I think I would like to use deepest indigo.
At the moment I use a Hi-techpoint V7. I alternate with an automatic pencil but I am too intense when I write. I bear down too hard and the lead keeps snapping. I revert to the pen. It flows nicely, comes in many ink colours but it is not the same as my old Esterbrook.
The fountain pen forced me to slow down and take care forming letters and words. I could actually read what I had written. I'll settle for a Shaeffer but what I really want is my old Esterbrook back.

postcript

As of 12:02pm I have ordered myself a vintage Esterbrook lever style fountain pen...hip hip hooray for the internet.

Memories

2012-02-14T15:35:00.000-05:00

Joanne of

Cup on the Bus

always has such interesting family history stories. Today she is talking about the Civil War and an interesting family story about spies and photographers and pack mules...you should go there....

I too have my share of old photos and tintypes and memories. As usual, it caused excess verbiage to fall out of my head and on to the page:

faded photographs

small pieces of cracked bent metal

showing images

of grim faced men and women

frightened children

admonished to

"not move"

staring out at us

daring us

to unravel the mystery

of their history

The Daily Observation

2012-02-14T11:01:00.000-05:00

Have you noticed the Daily Observation isn't daily? I'm just not that observant.

PUT A LITTLE LOVE IN YOUR HEART

It's Valentine's Day so my observation is skewed a wee.

Love yourself. If you can't love yourself, if you can't smile at your little quirks and foibles and wrap your virtual arms in a warm and loving hug around your heart how are you ever going to be able to offer pure, glowing love to anyone or anything else? Love yourself. You are definitely worth it.

Happy Valentine's Day

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

2012-02-14T05:59:00.000-05:00

source

15 Vintage Valentine Cards with Funny Messages - Oddee.com (vintage cards, funny valentine cards)

The Daily Observation

2012-02-13T09:02:00.000-05:00

Everyone needs a little space of their own. Whether it's a room, a desk, a closet or a drawer we all need that little bit of space to call our own. We all need to be able to say, "this is mine, keep out".

Druggie

2012-02-12T09:50:00.000-05:00

For the third night in a row I lay looking at the ceiling, whimpering, left foot blazing with the internal/infernal fire known as the gout. Tears running down my cheeks I begged the universe/creation force/God (my personal choice) to please, please make this stop. I'm taking the drugs. I'm staying off my feet. I've given up anything to eat that tastes any good. Please, Please make it stop. I seriously considered having the foot permanently removed from my body. There was a little thump in my head as one of my famous dust covered filing boxes hit the floor of my brain and fell open. Maybe, just maybe you idiot, you are not taking the drugs correctly. Think back...what did the pharmacist say years ago when you had the doozy of an attack that required pure poison to cure it. One capsule three times a day and one little yellow pill once a day. I'm doing that. How many hours in a day? Maybe three times a day means three times a day and not morning, noon and supper. Oh yeah!! Five am I got up and took a capsule on an empty stomach. Oh yeah!! That's what the pharmacist said to do. Food blocks absorption. I should know this. In my younger days I was a pharmacy tech. The gout is by no means gone but the fire has gone out. I may live. The pills may actually work today. Thank you to the universe/creation force/God (my personal choice) for knocking me upside the head and reminding me of how to take the meds.
The truly annoying part of all this is, I had indications three weeks ago that gout was most likely raising its ugly head and for some reason I failed to take note. If I had and had gotten into my homeopathic remedy there would have been no need to take the prescribed poison. Why do I call it poison? Any drug that requires you to take a second drug to prevent stomach bleeding is spelled poison.
The point of this demented and caffeine deprived ramble is to most seriously remind you all that your pharmacist holds the golden key to your recovery. If he/she is not forthcoming with information you can ask questions. They actually like it when people respect their knowledge and ask questions. Ask questions like; should I take this with food, I am also taking (you fill in the blanks) will this have an affect, I am allergic to (you fill in the blanks) will this have an effect, what is the most effective way to take this medication, should I take all the medication or stop when the symptoms disappear? Throw in anything else you may be wondering about. I'm telling you, they like questions.

Something For The Weekend

2012-02-11T09:20:00.000-05:00

Blogging IS Writing
That's what Jacqueline says iWrite « maturestudenthanginginthere
and I agree with her.

Four Saturdays in a row Jacqueline is holding a virtual writing class. Sign up, join in, it's going to be fun.

Here is my entry for this Saturday.............

a quiet corner
in a darkly panelled room
lamplight glowing yellow
the silence of the tomb

a piece of crisp white paper
a pen of bone and quill
ink of deepest indigo
but no, my thoughts are still

this setting is not right for me
I need a lake, I need a tree
or maybe, I just need to start
the problem could be me.

Your entry could be fiction, non fiction, poetry...whatever you like....come on, give it a shot.

Irritation

2012-02-11T07:52:00.000-05:00

On the news last night we were informed that Ontario is paying the States and other Provinces to take our excess hydro. What?? Why not give us a break on the price of hydro to encourage us to use a little more of it instead of penalizing us for using hydro in peak hours? Why not shut down one of these hellish nuclear reactors? Wouldn't that make more sense than paying someone else to take the excess off our hands? They are blaming the wind turbines for the glut of hydro. This is clean energy people. This is what we need. It's practically free. Get rid of the reactors.
On top of this insanity we are advised by the city that we have all been so cooperative with curbing our water usage that they will now have to raise the rates in order to realize enough income from the provision and cleaning of water to continue providing and cleaning. IS THERE NO MERCY?????
Where is the common sense in all of this? They tell us we MUST conserve so we do and then we are charged more for the little we are using. Our taxes go up because the power we saved has to be given away, indeed we are paying people to take it. I can buy the reasoning behind the water rate increases (sort of) but if we are producing more hydro than we need, then just STOP producing it.

Pork Pie and Cheddar Tea Biscuit Bacon Sandwiches

2012-02-10T13:38:00.000-05:00

Pork Pie steaming hot out of the oven.
1 package of ground pork
1 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup water
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 tsp of salt
1/2 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp ground cloves
pepper to taste
simmer until cooked and fragrant
stir in 1 piece of bread turned into bread dust in your chopper....
pour into one defrosted Tenderflake pie crust
top with the other pie crust
cut steam vents (I like to make a little house) and dot with butter or margarine
425 for 15 minutes then reduce the heat to 350 for a further 15 minutes
let sit for five minutes while you dish out the side salad and pickled beets

better make two.
it's good cold as well with lots of ketchup

Cheddar Tea Biscuit Bacon Sandwiches

(sorry, no photo available.....they were gone before I could get the camera)

2 cups flour
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup grated cheddar

cut in 1/2 cup shortening
add 1 cup milk

turn out onto a well floured surface and knead gently 8 to 10 times (use a light hand)

roll or pat to desired thickness cut and place on ungreased cookie sheet
425 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes...usually only takes the 12 so watch closely

cut in two while steaming hot, drench with butter or margarine and insert two or three crispy slices of bacon

stand well back.

Oh No!!

2012-02-10T09:21:00.001-05:00

Buttons. Tiny, large, fancy, utilitarian. Living on coats and shirts and trousers. They know me. They watch for me. They are EVIL. I hate them. I hate them all. I find them everywhere; in the dryer, in the washer, on the floor, outside on the driveway. I know that somewhere, in the house, lives a garment minus a button. I know that someone, maybe even me, is going to insist that I sew on the wandering button. I have a small jar full of buttons I have found. I have a growing pile of garments requiring buttons to be sewn on. Yes I have needles and thread. They live in a plastic case on top of my upper desk cabinet, covered with dust; deep, deep dust. My hubby wants to go shopping for shirts. He says, "I need some new short sleeved shirts Hon (say THAT three times fast). Unless you have time to sew some buttons on the ones in the 'button pile'." I assure him I am VERY busy. He buys more shirts. They have buttons. The plot thickens.

Tick Tick Tick

2012-02-10T09:04:00.001-05:00

Twice in the past twenty four hours I have received a message from the universe that "life is short" courtesy of my fellow bloggers. One message was from Jessica Bell of

The Alliterative Allomorph

and the other from Rick of

Life 101

Both of these bloggers touched on, in their own way, the importance of realizing that life is, indeed, short.

Is the universe trying to tell me something?

There are a number of things I intend to do someday. Perhaps I had best get at it.

Are there things that you have been putting off?

Are You Real?

2012-02-09T09:11:00.000-05:00

Show me
who you are
leave your door
ajar
let me peek
inside your cave
to see
the real you
not the you
you post on line
though I'm sure
that you is fine
it's not the
caped
and hooded you
I want to know
let me see
the spark that shines
when no other
eyes
can pry
into the real you
I will toss
my cowl aside
let you
see
into my mind
if you
will let me see
the you
that is the real you

The Daily Observation

2012-02-08T19:12:00.002-05:00

When a family gathers for dinner there is more brought to the table than mere food.

Yippee!!

2012-02-08T11:10:00.001-05:00

I seem to be on a money saving spree today.
DID YOU KNOW that a lot of the things you are purchasing can be purchased on line, free delivery, cheaper than buying them from the store? No gasoline involved? No wear and tear on your vehicle? Easy on the nerves? The rest of you are probably way ahead of me here. I've always been a late bloomer.
Anyhoo.....we now get our under the sink filtration system filters on line...cheaper delivered to the door free of cost. We get our hair products (we like the Nissim line) on line....cheaper delivered to the door free of cost. We are getting the hubbies hearing aid batteries on line now as well...cheaper yes there is a small delivery fee but calculated into the cost we are still WAY ahead. Now I am looking into our vitamins and supplements. I may start ordering those on line as well. I am on a roll....yippee. Interestingly enough these places also give coupons for a price reduction to their steady customers. What? Customer loyalty paying off? Can I hear another yippee? Well really, if you think about it, it makes sense to order on line and let the savings pay for your Internet charges.

Did You Know?

2012-02-08T09:43:00.002-05:00

Everyone knows the "'Til Debt Do Us Part" lady, Gail Vaz-Oxlade. She's on "Slice". Did you know she blogs?

gailvazoxlade.com

I just found out recently myself so don't feel bad if you didn't know.

Gail blogs about finances of course and lots of other stuff like family life.

We are not doing too too badly financially. I mean, everyone would like more money of course. And we have made our share of stupid mistakes over the years. Still, not bad for a couple of old farts. I have to admit though, every time I watch one of Gail's shows I learn something. Now I am reading her blog and there is lots to learn there.

The last blog that really caught my eye was about what Gail calls "sunk" costs. By that she means all those expenses we just blindly pay because we have to, for example cable and Internet. She says to look for alternatives that may be cheaper. It's a hard concept for me. I was brought up with the idea of "customer loyalty". You found a store or service provider and you stuck with them through thick and thin. I think at one point there was some benefit to this as companies appreciated customer loyalty and rewarded it.

Lately, I am beginning to wonder if there is any benefit to customer loyalty. I have shopped at the same grocery store for well over twenty years. Loyal to the core, that's me. What am I getting for my loyalty to this store? Price gouging...that's what I'm getting. I have switched stores. My grocery bills have dropped on average $30.00 per week. Maybe that doesn't sound like much but that's $120.00 per month.

My husband uses two hearing aids and the little devils chew through #10 batteries like you wouldn't believe. The Future Shop price averaged out to per battery is around $1.50 each. You pay the price because you want to hear. They have you "over a barrel". Customer loyalty hasn't done us any good. Inspired by Gail's blog I looked around on line. Listen Up Canada has the same batteries and the price per battery works out to .62 cents. Another "sunk" cost sunk. Yay!!

No matter how good you are with money (or think you are) there is something to be learned at Gail's site. Drop in. You'll be glad you did.

Contest

2012-02-07T16:38:00.002-05:00

The prizes for the limerick contest on youngish have been posted. Pop over and have a look and leave me a limerick.

A Long Night

2012-02-07T11:52:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, around 5:00pm, just outside of Waterloo (not that many miles from us) a van full of migrant workers was pushed off the road by a big truck into the side of a house. Responders advised that the van was unrecognizable. The truck driver and ten of the migrant workers were dead on the scene.
This is not world news but to the families of those men and women it is earth shaking, life changing news. To the emergency workers arriving on such a scene of carnage it was horrifying, nightmare producing news. To the people in the house and their neighbours it was frightening, gut wrenching news. To the media......oh let's not go into the media circus.....suffice it to say they took advantage of the situation.
Well all right, leg's go into the media circus. Stand one reporter out on the road in the dark in the cold repeating the same things over and over because really, what can one say when the police are saying nothing because next of kin have not yet been notified. Superimpose the image of the wind whipped, frozen reporter over the scene of red and blue lights flashing in the darkness. Provide a few shots of a lonely shoe lying on the road that may or may not belong to one of the victims. Keep this scene on the screen, blaring away about "keep tuned to this station for the latest developments". What a sick society we are that uses human tragedy as entertainment and ratings fodder.
I thought about all those people through the night, the injured survivors (there were 3), the victims, their families, the emergency workers, the witnesses....... Anyone there last night is going to need a little help to get over the shock of the magnitude of the disaster. I thought about family members getting "that call". I thought about lives cut short, half realized. It was a long night.

The Difference

2012-02-07T10:14:00.000-05:00

1%
live in fabulous homes
drive
expensive cars
dine
on only the best
jet set
to the best places
have
everything they want
or at least
know
they can buy it
clutch
their money
tight to their chest
look
with suspicion
at all the rest
how
do they manage
to be happy
with less
there's a big difference
between dollars
and sense

Searching

2012-02-06T19:48:00.001-05:00

The ground
is
rough,
littered with branches,
leaves
hiding the
small irregular stones
that whisper
Mother
Father.
The wind
is
raw,
moisture laden,
it chills to the bone,
my bone.
Here
a small child
shivers alone
beside a larger marker
indicating his parents.
There
a young man
cut down in his prime
possibly by disease
or accident?
Who will ever know now.
There, on a large stone
are all the children
of one couple.
None lived more than
three years.
Here
in this open field
they watch
and listen
as I ramble about
trying hard not to
step on anyone's feelings
as I search
for someone's lost family.
I sense them
calling me
over here...over here
please find me.

News of the Day

2012-02-06T11:58:00.000-05:00

So, what's going on with you today?

Did you watch Madonna's half time show last night? Lame or what? That's just sour grapes talking. I wish I looked 1/4 as good and had 1/8 the energy. Still.....I thought it was lame. You?

What was your favourite Super Bowl ad? I liked the M&M's.

President Obama's grannie was hurt in a car accident over the weekend. Get well soon Grannie.

And, Celine Dion's hubby bought himself a little smoked meat; the famous Schwartz's Charcuterie Hebraique in Montreal.

Canada is kicking off a months worth of festivities to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee.

Toronto outside workers have a tentative agreement on the table and Mayor Ford has lost another 4 pounds on his lose weight for charity attempt. It's starting to show in his face. Good for you Rob. Not a big fan but still, good for you.

While It Lasts

2012-02-05T16:54:00.000-05:00

Icicle trickles
dripping
off the eaves,
downspout murmurs,
the shingles
breathing steam.
Beaming through
the windows
the sun
bounces silver rays
off the taps.
It's not spring yet
but
I'll take this
while it lasts.

Almost There

2012-02-05T16:43:00.000-05:00

I'm almost ready to buy my ereader. I've been saving up my allowance (don't laugh, I'm serious). Now I need some advice. Which is best to buy in Canada, Kindle or Kobo or is there another option? I understand that Kobo comes with 100 free books. That should keep me busy for a while. Then I want to start getting all these great books I have been hearing folks talk about on their blogs. If you are in Canada and have an ereader please let me know which one I should get.

What Gives Here?

2012-02-05T12:56:00.000-05:00

Blogger is playing tricks again. Some bloggers I follow are not showing up in my reading list. I have to go to my blogs I am following list on my home page. This is annoying because I am missing some great posts. Further, I am finding that going back over my reading list at the end of the day there have been additions inserted here and there. I realize this is a free service to bloggers and "beggars can't be choosers" but if this continues I may find another service such as word press.
Is anyone else having similar problems?

Freezing In The Cold Cold Ground

2012-02-04T15:57:00.000-05:00

The snow has almost disappeared in beautiful Woodlawn Park Cemetery. There are some treacherous icy spots and the ground is rough where it has heaved. It's cold today; so cold my fingers were numb and my camera was making pitiful little whimpering noises. Still, I managed to find two of the five families requested.

This husband and wife have a commanding view.

This is a very old section. There seems to be no order or system here...stones are everywhere, facing in all directions. In other areas of the cemetery you find all newer stones or, sometimes, an eclectic mix. I get the impression that when the cemetery first opened people stomped all over the fields and just pointed to where they wanted to be planted.

This monument is engraved on two sides. Husband faces front, wife is on the side. Two sides are blank which leads me to believe that two spaces remain empty and available here. Right next to them is a smaller stone which may be a relative, perhaps a brother who died young.

They share one of the more eclectic areas of the cemetery where old and new stones mingle.

At any rate by this point my fingers were frozen stiff and the camera was wheezing so it was time to head for shelter and coffee. I still have three families to find for this lady but I think I will wait for a slightly warmer day.

How Can I Help You?

2012-02-04T09:54:00.000-05:00

What happened to service?
Hubby and I were ~~whining~~ talking about it just yesterday. We were filling up at the pumps and reminiscing about the good old days of "full" service. Remember? You drove in to the pumps and ran over a little hose that made a ding sound in the office of the garage. Someone would come running out and ask you how much gas you wanted. "Fill 'er up?" they would ask. While your tank was enjoying its big gulp your windows were washed and your oil level and tire pressure were checked. The attendant took your payment, ran into the office and came back out with your change and a smile. Thank yous were exchanged all around and off you went. No gasoline smell on your clothes. No need to get out and chill your bones in the winter. Remember?
Remember when you could go into a grocery store and a smiling employee would pull you out a cart from the lineup, check to make sure its wheels ran straight, hand you a flyer and send you off on your adventures through the store? There was a bagger at every checkout. "Would you like help out to your car?", they would ask.
Remember when the pharmacist was your friend? He knew you and your family and all your health problems. "Just a minute while I call your doctor." , he would say. You were in good hands.
Remember when you went to the bank, walked up to a teller, exchanged a few pleasantries and did your business? The teller looked after your deposits, withdrawals etc. "How can I help you today?" they would ask, with a smile.
Now we drive up to the pumps, fill the tank ourselves, pay at the pump with our credit card and leave. No human contact required. You wrestle your own cart out of the lineup and bag your own groceries. The pharmacist doesn't know you and doesn't want to. You have to know enough to ask questions about your medications. When you go to the bank you talk to a machine and do all the work yourself.
Back "in the day" service was expected and received. People had jobs. Maybe we need to start demanding service again.

Living Memories

2012-02-03T09:55:00.000-05:00

A few shots of Woodlawn Park Cemetery and some stones I shot last year on request.

Looking at these pictures I can hear the crunch of the leaves underfoot and smell the sweet, musty fragrance. Woodlawn Park Cemetery is a beautiful place, so peaceful and yet, strangely, so full of life. The souls here are very much alive.

Stones and Bones

2012-02-02T20:34:00.000-05:00

One of my hobbies is making myself available to out-of-towners who want photos of headstones for their family trees. Monday I got an email from a lady in Texas who wanted to know if I would take some shots for her. No problem, but it was a bit snowy out there. Since Monday all the snow we got in our mini blizzard has disappeared. I can't wait for Saturday. It's supposed to be sunny all day.
I popped in to the cemetery office today with my list of names and the road map of the various sections. The girls in the office are fabulous. Not only do they confirm the plot number and section but they mark on the map approximately where they think you will find the stones you are looking for. Saves a whole lot of tramping around on rough ground. When you have one hip that is bone on bone you really appreciate anything that will cut back on the walking.
Saturday I will find and photograph the stones as well as take a few shots of the "view" the departed have from their plot. Fun stuff.

Happy Groundhog Day

2012-02-02T07:09:00.000-05:00

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks or marmots, are the largest members of the squirrel family. (picture courtesy of National Geographic).
Not so far from us, in the town of Wiarton, is a famous rodent of the groundhog persuasion; Wiarton Willie.
Here is a clip from the website devoted to the furry little celebrity.

"Wiarton celebrates the Wiarton Willie Festival and is the home of Canada's most famous prognosticating groundhog, Wiarton Willie. Each February 2nd, dark and early, towns' folk and fans come out to hear Willie's prediction. Will it be an early spring or six more weeks of winter?

Many ask, "How did it all begin"? The answer is easy, Mac McKenzie, Wiartons most famous resident wanted to have a party for a hundred of his closest friends. He sent out a press release inviting them to Wiarton for Groundhog Day to break the winter doldrums and have a little fun. Well, somehow the media got hold of the story and a lone reporter came out to see what was going on. After making inquiries all over town, he was directed to the local 'establishment', where sure enough, Mac and his buds were raising an elbow or two. When Mac was asked "where is the groundhog?" he threw a fur hat into the snow. The reporter took advantage of the photo op and the rest, as they say, is history.

Three wise groundhogs, Grundoon, Muldoon and Sand Dune, broke hibernation to tell Mac of the birth of a white groundhog who would forever alter the world of weather prognostication. The white groundhog would be known for his uncanny ability to correctly predict the timing of spring and he would emerge each February 2nd to announce his prediction to those who spoke Groundhogese.

These prognostications brought locals and visitors from near and far, soon turning in to an annual festival. As Willie's fame grew, so did the Festival. It matured to become the largest winter festival in Bruce County.

Willie's position as the premier prognosticator brought more fame to the town and soon Town Fathers realized their icon needed a proper entourage and the "Shadow Cabinet" was created. The Mayor of the Land and of the Marmot, (the only person who can speak Groundhogese); Minister of Inter-Burrow Affairs, (to manage the political affairs); Minister of Hogwash and Hot Air, (to handle the media); Minister of Marmot Management, (to ensure the 'home front' is in good order); Director of Business, Buttons and Bows, (to ensure we are well decorated); Director of Surf, Sand and Fun, (to make sure there are lots of great activities to enjoy) and of course Mother Nature to make it all go well.

So famous had Willie become that in 1995 a statue was erected. With stone donated from the Adair Quarry in Hope Bay and the sculpting donated by Dave Robinson a beautiful white limestone statue called "Willie Emerging" was created. The statue is located in Bluewater Park in Wiarton and is used for many photo ops. Aside from visiting the real Willie, the statue is a 'must see' for most tourists visiting the Town of South Bruce Peninsula.

Now the week-long Festival brings in thousands of visitors and draws national and even international attention."

You know, when we lived on the farm we used to shoot...uh....never mind.

February 1, 1946

2012-02-01T15:33:00.002-05:00

Today would have been Mom and Dads 66th anniversary. They had 56 years together before Mom passed away with cancer.

Mom was a practical girl. They went to the ministers house to get married and returned to her parents home for a little family get-together after. No long white dress and veil for her, just something nice she could use again. I always liked to hear Dads version of how they met. They met at a roller skating rink and Dad said, "I bowled her over with my charm." Mom said, "Well, he bowled me over anyway."

Sweet as Pie

2012-01-31T17:53:00.000-05:00

Penny, the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star who posts occasionally on Gary's blog over at

klahanie

has passed on The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award to yours truly. I am humbled and honoured. Penny sets a high standard for bloggers.

The rules are to

#1 thank the sender of the award. Penny my dear sweet little puppy, thank you so very much for this award.

#2 list seven previously unknown facts about yourself. Oh boy, I've done this a few times and I don't think there IS anything you don't know about me. Hmmmmm...... Okay. 1. I have a THING for cemeteries. 2. I hate driving but I hate walking even more. 3. My favourite TV show at the moment is Big Bang followed closely by Storage Wars, Canadian Pickers and anything to do with reno's. 4. I've always wanted a truck. 5. I have a dairy allergy which breaks my heart. 6. I'm currently suffering from writers block (who would ever have thought that possible?). and finally 7. Other than salmon the only other fish I like is halibut in lots of batter (with fries).

and the third thing on the list of requirements is to pass the award on to seven other bloggers. Hang on to your hats cause heeerrrreeee we go.............

Violet Sky

Currently considering renewing her membership to the Royal Botanical Gardens. Pop over and find out why.

Views From the Bald Patch

Designing his dream home in a snails shell.

that girl from around the bay

Baygirl is bored and sick of winter and she wants to know what you are sick of right now.

On the Alberta/Montana Border

Diane tells wonderful stories about her childhood.

life on the muskoka river

Cathy is running a series on "letters from a friend". Not to be missed.

Carrie On Carrying On

Carrie is stuck in CandyLand. Not a bad place to be.

A Scattering

Elaine takes wonderful photos of the Ontario countryside and wildlife.

Thank you again Penny and say hello to Gary and Tristan for me. Love and doggy treats from Canada sweetie.

The Phone Rang

2012-01-31T12:36:00.001-05:00

The phone was a remarkable invention bringing people separated by miles and years back together again in the comfort of their own living rooms. It was exciting when the phone rang. The whole family hovered around to hear the latest news of babies being born and scholars graduating.
It wasn't long, though, before the phone ringing became nerve wracking.   Would it be a birth or a death, a success or an illness, good news or bad? I remember phone calls in the middle of the night; Mom calling the doctor because Gram was dead, Dad calling me because Mom had died. I remember panicked phone calls of my own to doctors, parents, daughter. I remember one particularly chilling call I placed to my Dad. The ring seemed to be going down an endless tunnel and when the phone was picked up on the other end it was a policeman telling me Dad had died of a massive heart attack. Somehow I knew even before any words were spoken there was no longer any one for me at the end of that line. I remember calls in the middle of the night from our daughter. Could we drive her and her son to the hospital? Could we come and take them away from the situation they were in? There have been calls from pranksters, sometimes in the dead of the night where no one speaks and annoying calls from telemarketers.
Now we have cell phones. Our daughters phone tinkles constantly as she receives texts and calls from her friends. Our cell phone (one for the two of us) is only on if we are out of the house and only because our daughter, who doesn't drive, might need us for an emergency.
We seldom get phone calls now, just from our daughter and the occasional telemarketer, still, we let the answering machine pick up before we decide if we are going to answer. Our parents are gone now so at least when the phone rings there isn't an icy finger down our backs.   Part of the reason for my hesitation to pick up the phone is the last job I had. For 20 years I worked in insurance. The phone jangled the entire day and with it, my nerves.
There is not much need for a phone now with email service available. My husbands sister advised us of her husbands death via email. The dealership where we get our car serviced contacts us via email. Our bills all come via email. For someone like myself with no "small talk" skills email is a blessing. I can write and rewrite and erase and start again as often as I need to in order to ensure I will be understood. Funky looking emails can be deleted without ever having to open them.
Email is a remarkable invention.

Ah Winter

2012-01-31T10:38:00.000-05:00

muffled
swaddled
wrapped
in countless woolen layers
fingers
welded together
in snow crusted mittens
clumsily searching
in Kleenex wadded pockets
for that
one
remaining
bus ticket
huddled for warmth
in a
Plexiglas bus shelter
freezing
from the knees down
in scanty pantyhose
kneecaps
having lost all feeling
she sees a quarter
winking on the pavement
and
bending to retrieve it
falls face first
in a puddle
of thickening slush

Intervention Required

2012-01-30T19:34:00.000-05:00

Our combined efforts are required.
Laura from

Austanspace

is in desperate need of encouragement. She has been so good up to this point in sticking to her high protein/no carb diet. The goal, to look ravishing for her "Greg" concert. However, those carbs are calling; singing their come hither tunes. She needs encouragement folks. She needs us to tell her she CAN do it. Drop in on her....tell her how wonderful she is....praise her for her accomplishment thus far.......remind her of her goal. DO NOT under any circumstances mention any food with carbs in it. This is a moment of extreme weakness...let's all get together and help support her.

Fallen Giants

2012-01-30T16:01:00.000-05:00

University of Guelph Arboretum bush. these trees fell several years ago in a tornado and were left where they fell to provide natural cover for wildlife.

Help!!!

2012-01-30T12:07:00.000-05:00

Some days it is so easy to write. Letters, blog posts, poetry and stories come gushing out like an arterial bleed. Some days it is not so easy to write. The mind is cement, the pen a pick axe. One tiny word at a time is scratched out. Today the mind is hardest granite and the pen useless against it. Two days in a row now there is no useful thought, no tickling of the imagination, no glimmer of inspiration. IS THERE NO HOPE?
It is time to sign up for the A to Z challenge again. The challenge runs in April. Last year I signed up for it and completed it successfully. This year I am feeling inadequate to the test. I may be running out of words.
Are you finding yourself short on inspiration these days? Are you running out of words too?

Yuck!

2012-01-28T16:09:00.000-05:00

It's been a strange week weather wise...snow, rain, snow all gone, freezing rain, a little dusting of snow and now.....this. The week to come will be equally erratic according to the weather station. I can't wait for sitting on the deck with a cup of coffee weather. At this particular moment I can't see the house across the road, the snow is that heavy.

Ribbons of Steel

2012-01-28T09:48:00.001-05:00

Anjie of

Creative Writing Prompts for Writers

has suggested that today we write about our fears; what we are afraid of or perhaps what we are afraid to say. Wow, did that open a closet of doom.

Thinking of fear makes me think of slavery. There are many ways of being bound, from the most obvious chains, shackles and ropes to the more obscure bindings that are not so obvious to others. We can be bound by promises old and new, memories, feelings of inadequacy and, of course, by fear. There are so many things to be afraid of. You can be afraid of the expected like heights, water, animals, bugs, birds, pain, disease. There are other things though, not so obvious or expected to be afraid of. You can be afraid of failure, of being wrong, of hurting others, of being a good parent, of being able to sustain a relationship. One could fill a pretty large book of all the possibilities of fear. What would it feel like to be able to shake off just one of those fears? I think it would feel like a large chain falling off your body. I think it would be freeing, exciting and I think it would create the desire to shed more fear. What would it be like to have NO fear? Some fear is a good thing. It keeps you from doing dangerous, irrational things that could hurt you. I admit to a fear of heights and I have never fallen off a cliff so I will go with that being a good fear. I admit to a fear of hurting others which probably has suppressed my ability to be totally myself, so, probably not a good fear. What are you afraid of?

On a totally unrelated subject, last night was one of the worst nights I have had in a long long time. There was to be no sleeping for me last night,. I sat up, I flattened out, I got up, I went back to bed, I read, I wrote wierd little fragments that came to mind. What a night.

I dream of peace

of freedom

how can a mind

be free

when the body

is in chains

it takes a stronger person

than I

self confined

raging against the ropes

while pulling them

ever tighter

tighter

to soar.

Odd that somehow I was thinking of fears and slavery long before I read the writing prompt. I need to find the "off" switch in my brain at night.

The other odd little piece is:

the pen a sword

a word the blade

the page bleeds

my blood

my words.

Have a great weekend everyone. Let's drop a fear or two this weekend shall we?

Thank You

2012-01-27T08:54:00.000-05:00

Today I would like to take a minute to say "thank you" to Cathy Olliffe-Webster of

life on the muskoka river

Cathy has been running a series of "Letters From A Friend" on her blog and I was blessed to be invited to send her a letter. Yesterday it ran on her blog.

Thank you so much Cathy for counting me as friend and inviting me to participate. It was an honour and a privilege.

Cathy is struggling right now with cataracts which will soon be removed. In spite of this handicap she is keeping up with her reading and blogging. Her new nickname (self imposed) is Squinty McGuinty.

Drop in on Squinty (or as I like to call her, Hawkeye). You'll be glad you did.

At The Moment

2012-01-27T08:44:00.000-05:00

Cold wet kisses from mother nature. Last night it was raining and freezing. There was no trace of snow. Today, all is hushed as the big, fat flakes come drifting down. What a crazy winter.

Today's Discovery

2012-01-27T08:05:00.000-05:00

Bubble Baths
So many of us love them and find that they reduce stress and relax us. Bubble baths have some serious side effects though. If your children are prone to bladder infections stay clear of bubble baths. In fact, doctors advise that you let your children play in clear water in the tub and save the soaping up and rinsing off for the very end of the bath. Bubble baths can contribute to dry skin particularly if you are prone to eczema and can lead to infections in the bladder, urethra, and kidneys in adults. Not too relaxing sounding is it?
Huffington Post has an interesting clip from "The Dr's" called "Bubble Bath Dangers". Worth a look.
Bubble Bath Dangers Video – 5min.com

The Dream Journal

2012-01-26T11:59:00.000-05:00

What do you see when you close your eyes?

Close to sleep but not there yet I close my eyes and am presented with the picture of an aging shed, silvering, I can see the rust on the tin roof. One side slopes down over an addition, unused but not yet derelict. The door to the hay mow gapes open. The vision is burned into my eyelids. I have never seen this shed before, or, maybe I have but it didn't register at the time.
Have a glass of wine I hear myself saying and sense my doctors disapproval. Odd. I don't drink. Odder still, I rarely see a doctor. I am aware of how out of character this is for me.

Sounds from downstairs jolt me into consciousness and I write down this strange fragment of non reality.

What is this dream like vision telling me? Am I an empty, unused shed with still some use left in it? Should I bust loose and become an alcoholic? Or maybe it's time to see a doctor? What??? What are you telling me?

My Home Town

2012-01-26T07:26:00.000-05:00

Anjie of Creative Writing Prompts fo...
recently suggested that we pick a small town and describe it in a way that is relevant to us. She suggested we find a theme to repeat.... for me the City of Guelph always makes me think of stone and water, trees and history.

Limestone

chiseled by calloused hand

now softened by time

holds its memories fast.

Ancient window frames

bake in the sun,

whisper

their stories
through countless layers
of paint.

Down by the river

willows dip branches

in cool water

where wily trout

lay in wait

for delicate treats of mayfly.

Shouts of children

playing in parks

rise to the sky.

The old ones

comfortable

on worn bleachers

watch the game of the week.

Our ancestors sleep

in shady groves

amidst granite and marble

while ribbons
of silver rails
and pewter streams
wind through their dreams,

through our lives,

and,

through our town.

2012-01-25T18:49:00.000-05:00

I have found myself, for the first time, refused by Blogger to post a comment on someone's blog. So, please don't be upset if I appear to be not commenting...I'm trying, really I am.

Scotland The Brave

2012-01-25T18:04:00.000-05:00

Sung by Canada's own John McDermott in honour of Robbie Burns Day.

In Honour of Robbie Burns Day

2012-01-25T16:08:00.001-05:00

In the beautiful Woodlawn Park Cemetery is a small tribute to a little girl .... Robbie Burns Great Grandaughter.

and here is where she lies....

In the same cemetery, the Sons of England

The Union Jack flies proudly next to this memorial.

And, just to prove the dead can still appreciate a little whimsy......

Angel Hair

2012-01-25T08:36:00.000-05:00

Angel hair
spread
over her pillow,
the night's dreams
trapped
in a web
of tangled, glossy curls.
Who will you be
when you wake,
what lessons
have you learned
in the night
and
will you teach me?

Spring Posies

2012-01-24T19:19:00.000-05:00

Deadly Daffodils

I had no idea .......................

Do NOT mix daffodils with other flowers in a bouquet without first giving them the following treatment. Daffodils produce a thick juice that is harmful to other flowers.
Prepare daffodils for mixing in a bouquet thusly:
Mix water and floral food in a container
Trim the stems of your daffodils by at least 1/2 an inch
Let them sit in the water for a good six hours
They may then be mixed in with other flowers to form an arrangement.
DO NOT retrim the stems on the daffodils as this will generate more of the fluid.

They look so innocent.

Dreamland

2012-01-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

Last night (or most likely early this morning) I dreamed I was in a playground watching a little girl play. She was around ten I think with long blond hair done in braids. Around and around on the swing she spun with her braids flying out behind her. She was wearing a dress and a light jacket. In my dream, as I watched her play, I struggled with the words to a poem about youth, freshness, surprise, unknown futures, protection.... I can still remember bits of what I was trying to get on to paper.
who are you
or rather
who will you become
you are so free
like a bird in flight
I hesitate
to teach you
what you need to know
it seems a shame
to clip your wings
I know I had three or four verses by the time I woke up. Dang. I really need to take paper and pencils to bed with me. Some people talk in their sleep, some walk, I have done these things myself, but now it appears that I am attempting to write in my sleep.

Bring a Bodyguard

2012-01-23T19:14:00.000-05:00

Yet another Canadian has met with foul play in the playground that is Mexico. A young woman from Alberta beaten and left in an elevator with every bone in her face broken or pulverized. She is in a medically induced coma until she is stable enough to transport to a hospital in Canada. Now, here is the part I don't understand (besides how any human being could do that to another human being). Why would a young woman get up in the middle of the night and go down to the lobby unescorted? Surely if she wanted something she could have gotten room service. It will be interesting to hear just exactly what was in her mind that night.
Ah the sun
golden beaches
surf
intoxicating scenery
tantalizing colour
smell
texture
come with me
as I cross
the lobby
I'm afraid
of
being
bludgeoned to death
in this
vacation
paradise.
One thing is for sure. Canadians should stay away from Mexico. They just don't have a good track record with Canadian tourists.