I'm so glad you could stop by. This is my personal blog of daily life and my journey through life. You will find a strong emphasis on family and friends as well as finding my ancestors through genealogy. Unlike my other blogs this blog is more of a catch-all so any topic is fair game.

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Sunday, February 28, 2010

BYBS - The Olympics

Blog Your Blessings Sunday
Over the past week we have had the opportunity to enjoy a fair amount of the Olympic coverage. It was a nice way to spend the evenings. We cheered on our athletes wishing we could have been there but happy that there was excellent coverage that we could follow along with the events. We couldn't have been prouder as they represented Canada while earning medals. What a wonderful event to be part of even if we couldn't be there in person.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Saturday, February 27, 2010

Arby's Restaurant Sign


Arby's Restaurant Sign
January 23, 2010

I find advertising signs fascinating and am especially fond of older signs. Chain restaurant signs are part of their brand so that in itself makes them unique. Pictured is the Arby's Restaurant sign that joined my photo collection of advertising. I liked the way it popped out against the beautiful blue sky with wispy white clouds. Talk about a great photo opportunity!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Friday, February 26, 2010

Grey Days

ice floating on water
Ice Float
January 15, 2010

Many people living in northern areas have problems with the almost endless grey days of winter, normally referred to as the winter blues. Some are so debilitated that it becomes a disorder known as SAD (seasonal affective disorder) that results in depression they need special lights and/ordrug and/or cognitive-behavioural therapy. Like many the grey days do affect me especially when there are days on end of the greyness as pictured but I have a lot of ways of dealing with the winter blues. The sun is coming out more now chasing the grey away causing the water to appear a deep turquoise and the snow to sparkle. It's enought to brighten the foulest of moods! We can already notice the days getting longer. Before we know it the endless grey days will be gone until late next fall :)

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Thursday, February 25, 2010

Golden Evening Sunset


Golden Evening Sunset
January 30, 2010

This is a wonderful time of the year to enjoy beautiful sunsets. Hints of frost, fog and snow capture the sun's sinking rays adding a fairytale quality to the sunsets. I think they are gorgeous so tend to take a lot of pictures of them. What do you think?

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Wordless Wednesday - Over We Go

road bridge
Over We Go
January 22, 2010


Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Tuesday, February 23, 2010

The Big Bang Theory

Most of my television choices consist of food, DIY, documentary and science types of shows sprinkled with Coronation Street, Law & Order and NCIS. I really don't watch much in the way of sit coms and when I do it's usually because my husband stopped to watch one while flicking channels since he refuses to watch commercials. Well one night during the normal channel flicking he came across a sit com called The Big Bang Theory. The title of the show is an actual theory as to how the universe began. We watched for a couple of minutes thinking the show was a bit goofy before the channel was flicked but then for some reason he flicked it back to watch a bit more. The following week he again flicked to the show so now we watch it most weeks. It is rather humorous! I love the catchy theme song for the show as shown in the video. Enjoy.




Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Monday, February 22, 2010

Hooded Merganser

hooded merganser visits

Hooded Merganser Duck
February 8, 2010

Here's a still photo of the Hooded Merganser duck that visited. I just love his plummage!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Sunday, February 21, 2010

BYBS - Standing Together as One

Blog Your Blessings Sunday

Have you ever had one of those weeks full of uncertainty, doubt, excitement, and an emotional roller coaster? If you are like most people of course you have. It can be extremely stress in both positive and negative ways. Last week was exactly like that for us. One thing we have learned as a couple is this is the very time we need to draw together and stand as one. This is one thing that marks the difference between couples with a strong relationship verses those that will fall apart at the hint of any disruption or discourse. I think this realization that a couple needs to present a united front has been one of our biggest blessings. It has been one of the influencing factors that has resulted in a long term marriage in a day and age where marriages are lucky to last more than a few years. This concept has served us well through good times and bad, through parenthood and continues to serve us well. What a wonderful blessing it is to be able to draw closer together than further apart!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Saturday, February 20, 2010

Snowfall


Snowfall
February 11, 2010

I have been very worried this winter over the lack of snowfall in our area this year. We basically had very little snowfall up until February to the point my husband had only used the snow shovel once and that was more as a broom to clear the walkway rather than as an actual shovel. Farmers in our area need snow accumulation for field conditions in the spring. The area waterways depend on spring run off for their levels which is directly affected by the winter snow fall. As boaters we are well aware of the implications of lower water levels.

I was so excited to see a storm go through. Other than the kids that might have had the day off school and those wanting to use their snowmobiles I was likely the only adult cheering on the snow. We ended up with almost a foot of snow over a 2 day period so unfortunately my husband didn't close the office. Surprisingly the roads throughout the snow storm seemed to be pretty good. There were a few fender benders and a couple of jack-knifed trucks but that usually happens when folks refuse to slow down for winter road conditions.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Friday, February 19, 2010

Ice on the Water

ice on the water
Ice on the Water
February 8, 2010

I love watching the ice on the water. It glitters and twinkles under the sunlight then turns a shimmering golden as the sun sets on clear, sunny days. On grey days the ice casts shadows. When the ice moves due to the current it buckles forming ice caves as seen as the darker area to the middle right. It really is gorgeous to see!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Thursday, February 18, 2010

On the Path


On the Path
February 10, 2010

Mother Nature finally gave us a bit of snowfall. I know I shouldn't complain over the lack of snowfall but heck this is Ontario so I want my snow! Pictured is on pathway after the snowfall.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Wordless Wednesday - Church on the Hill

church on the hill, Joliet, Illinois
Church on the Hill
January 22, 2010



Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Ok, So I'm a Shoeaholic!

new house shoes
New House Shoes
February 13, 2010

Ok, I admit I am a shoeaholic! I'm not kidding that I love shoes. I have shoes for every occasion, shoes for outside, shoes for on the boat, shoes for inside and shoes because they are shoes. I have pairs of shoes that still have their tags on them. I have shoes inside their boxes, in plastic shoe boxes and shoes lined neatly in the closet. I have boxes of shoes in the garage, in closets and wherever I can hide them because I might just wear them again. Feeding into all this shoe frenzy is PayLess, a place were people like me can go and be in seventh heaven and one where my husband knows I'm not walking out of without a pair of shoes. It doesn't matter that I might take the shoes home and store them neatly never to be worn it matters that I just bought the cutest shoes that appealed to me at that time. My husband doesn't get this shoe thing he just tolerates it.

Last Friday we went out for dinner and stopped at PayLess because my husband needed shoes. Sure he did ;) I was just going to look but they has a buy one get one half off deal which meant I could justify adding to my shoe collection. That was my clue to leave no shoe standing. I love shoe stores! I could try on shoes all day. I finally settled on the lovely Airwalk® soft booties with a hard sole but for indoor wear. Aren't they just adorable? And I should add for only $7! My feet are nice and toasty as I prance around in my new house shoes. Hmm, I might need another trip to PayLess!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Monday, February 15, 2010

Ducks on the Water


Ducks on the Water
February 8, 2010

We have had a lot of waterfowl visiting us lately. I love their visits! Not only are they wonderful to watch in the water and as the take-off or land but they present great photo opportunities. The picture was taken from our dock. The two larger ducks with the reddish heads are Canvass Back ducks. The smaller white and black duck to the right is a Bufflehead duck. I'm not sure what the small duck near the top of the picture is. I'm still working my way through the Duck's Unlimited photo gallery to help me identify the various ducks that visit. What I find interesting is quite often there is a variety of ducks visiting at the same time. Aren't they gorgeous?

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Valentine's Day

valentine heart

May your day be filled with love and happiness this Valentine's Day.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Saturday, February 13, 2010

Hooded Merganser Duck Visits Us



I have been keeping a close eye on the various ducks that visit us this trying to identify as many as possible. the photo gallery on the Duck's Unlimited website has been a huge help. The ducks will land and stay a spell in any open water. I took this video of a Hooded Merganser duck from our dock. I just love the way he moves through the water. What a beautiful plummage!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Friday, February 12, 2010

Blue Balloon in The Dome


Blue Balloon in The Dome
January 23, 2010


We had the opportunity to visit Mitchell Park Conservatory (The Domes) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where I found an abundance of photo opportunities. Looking upwards in the tropic dome I spotted the big blue balloon. I didn't see any indication as to what this balloon was so when I got home I emailed them but they haven't responded to my question. So what the blue balloon does is up to speculation. I think it made for a lovely photo opportunity!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Wordless Wednesday - Tower

tower

Tower
January 23, 2010

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Tuesday, February 09, 2010

He Got a New Sponsor

[this just in from my email files]

Tiger Woods humour

-----

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Monday, February 08, 2010

Two All Beef Patties

my big mac
My Big Mac
January 23, 2010

Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun!

I can still remember my first Big Mac eons ago. Fast food wasn't a real part of my childhood so that Big Mac was special. I couldn't eat the entire sandwich then and still can't. We seldom eat fast food despite enjoying eating out. So eating a Big Mac only happens a couple of times a year usually on a whim when traveling. That's likely a good thing :)

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Sunday, February 07, 2010

BYBS - Am I a Fireman Yet

[from my email files and so fitting for Blog Your Blessings Sunday, your love and time are blessings meant to share with others]



In Calgary, Alberta a 26-year-old mother stared down at her 6 year old son, who was dying of terminal leukemia.

Although her heart was filled with sadness, she also had a strong feeling of determination. Like any parent, she wanted her son to grow up & fulfill all his dreams. Now that was no longer possible.. the leukemia would see to that. But she still wanted her son's dream to come true. She took her son' s hand and asked, 'Billy, did you ever think about what you wanted to be once you grew up? Did you ever dream and wish what you would do with your life?' Mommy, 'I always wanted to be a fireman
when I grew up..' Mom smiled back and said, 'Let's see if we can make your wish come true.'

Later that day she went to her local fire Department in Calgary , where she met Fireman Bob, who had a heart as big as Alberta. She explained her son's final wish and asked if it might be possible to give her 6 year-old son a ride around the block on a fire engine. Fireman Bob said, 'Look, we can do better than that. If you'll have your son ready at seven o'clock Wednesday morning, we'll make him an honorary Fireman for the whole day. He can come down to the fire station, eat with us, go out on all the fire calls, the whole nine yards! And if you'll give us his sizes, we'll get a real fire uniform for him, with a real fire hat - not a toy - one-with the emblem of the Calgary Fire Department on it, and a yellow slicker like we wear and rubber boots.''They're all manufactured right here in Calgary , so we can get them fast.' Three days later Fireman Bob picked up Billy, dressed him in his uniform and escorted him from his hospital bed to the waiting hook and ladder truck.

Billy got to sit on the back of the truck and help steer it back to the fire station. He was in heaven. There were three fire calls in Calgary that day and Billy got to go out on all three calls. He rode in the different fire engines, the Paramedic's' van, and even the fire chief's car. He was also videotaped for the local news program. Having his dream come true, with all the love and attention that was lavished upon him, so deeply touched Billy, that he lived three months longer than any doctor thought possible.

One night all of his vital signs began to drop dramatically and the head nurse, who believed in the hospice concept - that no one should die alone, began to call the family members to the hospital. Then she remembered the day Billy had spent as a Fireman, so she called the Fire Chief and asked if it would be possible to send a fireman in uniform to the hospital to be with Billy as he made his transition. The chief replied, 'We can do better than that. We'll be there in five minutes.. Will you please do me a favor? When you hear the sirens screaming and see the lights flashing, will you announce over the PA system that there is not a fire?' 'It's the department coming to see one of its finest members one more time. And will
you open the window to his room?'

About five minutes later a hook and ladder truck arrived at the hospital and extended its ladder up to Billy's third floor open window--------16 fire-fighters climbed up the ladder into Billy's room. With his mother's permission, they hugged him and held him and told him how much they LOVED him. With
his dying breath, Billy looked up at the fire chief and said, 'Chief, am I really a fireman now?' 'Billy, you are, and the Head Chief, Jesus, is holding your hand,' the chief said. With those words, Billy smiled and said, 'I know, He's been holding my hand all day, and the angels have been singing..'

He closed his eyes one last time.

-----

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Saturday, February 06, 2010

You Are The Apple of My Eye

Apple Store, Naperville, Illinois
You Are The Apple of My Eye
January 22, 2010

Oh my gosh! A whole Apple store and just for me? Isn't it a beauty? Well I got the picture by my husband said we did not need any new computer equipment much to my dismay. I am pretty sure I could have found something in that store that I needed ;)

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Friday, February 05, 2010

St. Joseph's Church, Joliet, Illinois

St. Joseph's Church, Joliet, Illinois
St. Joseph's Church
January 22, 2010

I find old churches and historical buildings interesting for both their history and architecture which means I have no problem going a bit out of my way to get a picture. These are the buildings that peak your curiosity begging you to discover more about them. It is always interesting to get the picture then do a bit of research on the building later and so it was with this gorgeous church.

St. Joseph's Church is located at 416 North Chicago Street in Joliet, Illinois to the north end of Joliet City Center. The church was established in 1891 to serve the growing community of Slovenian immigrants who had settled in the town at the end of the 19th century. The present church was erected in 1905. Indiana limestone and it's distinctive duel steeples render the architecture quite impressive. The next time we are in the area I will make a point to see the inside of St. Joseph's as well.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Thursday, February 04, 2010

RMR: Focus on the Olympics

It is so nice to see Prime Minister Stephen Harper out there enjoying a hockey game while Parliament is prorogued. That basically means Stephen Harper gets a 3 month salary for doing nothing as opposed to the normal nothing he does on a regular basis. Either way he gets paid for it. Anyway it is so nice of Stephen Harper to share with the Canadian populus his generosity. Given there is nothing on Canadian television we are certainly waited with baited breath to the start of the Olympics that is of course if we can afford the tv tax, additional HST and have some type of device to see it in digital form. What a wonder the internet is. Yep we now have to pay an additional 8% in HST for internet but YouTube is cheaper than buying a decoder box and saves me 8% in the process. Thank-you Stephen Harper for providing blogfodder for this blog :)



Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Wordless Wednesday - Chevrolet Wall Ad

chevrolet wall advertising
Days Gone By
January 22, 2010

Garden Gnome

©2006-2010


Tuesday, February 02, 2010


Trader Joe's
January 21, 2010

As a foodie I tend to read a lot of food related blogs and online forums. One foodie store that always comes highly recommended is Trader Joe's. Well we don't have a Trader Joe's nearby so I had to wait until I spotted one during a road trip. Imagine my squeal of excitement at finally spotting the much talked about store! My husband manuevered around traffic to park while I had visions of a few great I don't know what but I will know it when I see it foodie finds dancing through my head. Full of anticipation I drag my husband into a nicely laid out, smallish with a lot of wood accents. My disappointment grew as I went down the first aisle then continued to grow as I wandered down the second. Most foods were well over priced and they weren't even organic! I was disappointed to say the least. We left without me buying anything :(

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Monday, February 01, 2010

End of January Thoughts


Top of the Dome
January 23, 2010

My gosh January is always a busy month for us. There is the let down after a busy holiday season while getting things back to normal on gloomy, grey days. Normally we have a few snow storms to deal with as well. It is also one of our vacation months so there is usually a lot going on. Here it is the first of February and I find myself looking back wondering where January went. This year we decided not to fly anywhere for vacation. I just wasn't up to dealing with any of the current airport problems. The weather has been so unseasonable un-winter like that traveling to a warmer climate wasn't as appealing either. My husband has only had to shovel the walkway once. Most of January our lawn has been mostly green occasionally tinged with a heavy frost or a bit of light snow. I spent the first couple of weeks indoors enjoying the winter days and wildlife from the comforts o a warm, cozy house. Most of our meals revolved around homemade comfort foods and soups so there wasn't even anything dramatic going on in the kitchen. At best it was very much a sleeper month :)

Pictured is looking up at one of The Domes at the Mitchell Park Conservatory in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I thought it made for a rather interesting photo. If you would like to read more about The Domes, please check out my gardening blog, Garden Gnome Wanderings. I'm currently writing a series of posts featuring The Domes including pictures and video with the first two posts already published. There will be more coming daily this week.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010