Margaritafest Poster
(Lexington, Michigan)
August 26. 2011
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Heading to Lexington, Michigan
Bluewater Bridge
August 26, 2011
Despite a slow start Friday morning with me feeling quite sick by lunchtime I felt well enough to continue with our plans to go to Lexington, Michigan for the weekend. We get to Lexington by boat at least once each boating season. There are two marinas side by side in the Lexington Harbour. The smaller marina (Orford;s Marina) just as you enter the habour is a private marina while the other marina is state run. We had planned this trip for sometime as there was a special event that we wanted to see but all the slips at both marinas were booked so we had to wait for a cancellation. Luckily for us one of members in the private marina took their boat out of the water for the season so we were first on the list to get it.
It was a pleasant but choppier ride to Lexington than we expected since the winds weren't very strong. We arrived late afternoon pleased that things had gone smoothly. After docking, we headed up the hill to Steis's Villiage Inn for the all-you-can-eat walleye dinner. The hill is a feature you just can't avoid unless you want to stay in the marina the entire trip. It is a steep enough hill so you get a bit of a workout each time you have to climb. It usually works out to be three or four times a day for us. After dinner we stopped at the grocery store for a jug of water and fresh fruit then headed back to the boat to relax for the evening. It was a grand day filled with plenty of fresh air, sun and exercise! We retired early but then we usually do on these types of boating trips.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
My APO-Sulfatrim Nightmare
I was prescribed APO-Sulfatrim last Tuesday to treat my infection. I read all the side effects and what to look for. The next day with two doses into me, I noticed what appeared to be an insect bite on my left leg along with four smaller bites and a couple on my ankle. I didn't think anything of as we have a few biting insects here, some that do bite. Thursday afternoon with now four doses into me, I saw a couple of insect bites on my right ankle, again nothing to be concerned about. I had been making and canning roasted tomato sauce on the outdoor grill that is surrounded by English Ivy. Friday morning I woke drenched and running a fever that I attributed to the infection. By lunchtime I felt fine so we were on our way to Lexington, Michigan by boat for a couple of days. Saturday I noticed the original bite marks were a bit larger and there a few more of. Spider bites always evoke a strong reaction for me so again I didn't think anything of it. Sunday morning I took my final dose then snuggled back down to get a bit more sleep. My husband poked his head in the cabin to tell me there were eight to nine feet high due to the strongs winds that started the night before. I could not believe what I saw when I dressed. I was covered from head to toe with one of the nastiest rashes I've seen. I called my pharmacy who told me to get Benedryl going immediately and if there was no sign of improvement to go the ER. We hurried up the hill hoping the drug store was open. It was so I got the Benedryl and took two tablets as soon as we were outside. That was at noon and by the time we went to grocery store for water before heading down the hill to the marina, the drug store already had a closed sign. So we were quite fortunate we didn't get there later in the day.
Lexington is a small village, very much into tourism from the marinas. Arriving by boat means we have no land transportation There is no taxi service or car rental. There is no hospital but they do have a medical clinic. There is an emergency response team consisting of police, firemen and ambulances. We would have no choice but to an ambulance so it's a good thing we have travel insurance. The next alternative was to get one of our friends or family to pick me then drive me back to Canada. So we started the waiting game. The first dose of Benedryl had litte effect. The second dose showed a bit more improvement. The third dose saw a bit more improvement so I decided to see what the four would do. I was taking 50 mg for each dose, four hours apart even through the night. Each dose brought a slight improvement. I called my doctor when we arrived home this afternoon. She said to keep taking the Benedryl until all symptoms of the reaction are gone. Tomorrow I will reduce the dose to 25 mg per dose at 6 hours apart.
What a scare! My doctor and pharmacy have noted my file as 'allergic to all sulfa drugs". That's one more thing I react to. It's just too bad that I had to find out this way!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Blog Your Blessings Sunday - A Diagnosis
A very good friend of ours became quite sick ok the tail end of a camping. We were very concerned. Despite trips to ER,several and medical tests it took 25 days to finally get a diamosis. He has West Nile Disease! Treatment has begun and he is still in the hospital but is expected to make a full recovery. It will take about three months to feel back to his old self. What a blessing to get a diagnosis! It was best news last week. We are so elated.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
When I Get Sick...
When I get sick there are two major symptoms - my face especially my cheeks get bright red and I do mean bright red AND I spike a high temperature. I've always been like this so when my cheeks were flaming yesterday I took my temp and sure enough it was spiking AND appearing to want to continue rising, I was a bit concerned. I went back to check the warnings of the med I'm on and apparently flushing and fever can be one side effect. Ok, this is well beyond flushing but might fall under fever but still cause for concern. I decided on a cool bath and aspirin to bring the temp down.
When I'm sick I don't want to be coddled or waited on or anything. I want to be left alone (not kidding), listen to my body and heal. Heck, I know the biology and physiology behind what is happening and know how to respond. I don't want someone telling me to eat when I know clear fluids is the best course of action. Seriously, I hibernate. I know you need to starve a fever so going without food for a few days doesn't bother me one iota.
My husband tries this coddling thing when I'm sick. I puts me into the foulest mood ever something that is not conducive to healing. I can't convince him to just leave me alone. Don't talk to me, don't ask questions...just leave me alone. But it is not his nature to do that. In the long run that's likely a good thing and honestly I know he really cares, but I just want to be left alone when I'm sick.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Slowing Things Down
Between moving, canning and a rather nasty infection I have no choice but to slow things down a bit. I've tried pushing things but obviously that was not the correct plan of action. The last couple of mornings I have slept in to 11 AM but that is because the nights are so disturbed. Disturbed as in getting up and down several times through the night, fever and chills so I am exhausted. I'm going to listen to my body and slow things down a bit...
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Wordless Wednesday - Model Train Booth at WAMBO
Model Train Booth at WAMBO
August 13, 2011
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Am I Coming or Going?
Between moving and canning all the tomato products we need for the up coming year I seriously don't know whether I'm coming or going! I'm in major overdrive mode while trying to ignore the fact that I'm not feeling well. The good news is my doctor's office called this morning with my test results and were nice enough to fax a prescription to my pharmacy saving me a trip to her office! I had to go into town anyway to pick up a few canning supplies for the sauces I planned making today so I called the pharmacy before leaving the house. They hadn't received the fax yet so I decided to pick up the groceries first then check back with them before leaving town. They had the fax but said my prescription wouldn't be ready for 20 - 30 minutes. Since I had taken advantage of some great frozen fish sales I didn't want to wait that long and besides I was anxious to get the longer cook sauces on. I called my husband to pick up my prescription on his way through town. When I got home I set about getting the pizza sauce and two roasted tomato sauces going. Neither will be ready for canning until later tonight but I can get a batch of crushed tomatoes canned in the meantime.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
I Am A [only in your mind] Victim
According to the Province of Ontario, I am a victim of a violent crime not once but twice. The irony is both crimes were murder. Both have profoundly affected my life. The first really was a bit easier to deal with then the second but I am used to being followed and stalked. That's my life. It always has been and I doubt it will ever stop. But I would like to say, I'm a survivor. I've learned to protect myself and my family. I will not let the Province of Ontario or the accused tell me I am a victim. I'm sorry but that is not in my realm of thinking. I am not a victim! I live my life as I see fit and no one not even someone capable of murder is ever going to dictate or control how I live. So I am flipping the bird at two individuals who are guilty of murder. You tried to take something from me but in the end you made me stronger!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Blog Your Blessings Sunday - The Reality of Moving
It started sinking in last week that the house is sold and we are finally able to move. We increased the decluttering in anticipation. While we have been decluttering since first listing our house well over a year ago, we've decided that some larger things are not going to be moved because we would like to buy new. At the same time some of the smaller decor items won't work at the new house so those are being gathered up to give away or donate.
We have already purchased a natural gas range, dishwasher, kitchen bar height mini table and chairs, a dual fuel outdoor grill (charcoal/propane) and a cordless battery powered lawnmower. We have a list of what we need to replace yet. All of our larger purchases with the exception of the grill that we bought about a month ago are scheduled to be delivered directly to the new house so we won't have to move them twice.
As I'm packing, planning and shopping I can't help but being reminded of how very blessed we are. These are tough economic times with house forecloses at an all time high. Here we have been blessed to find a gorgeous home that will save us money on several levels while allowing us to continue our laid back lifestyle. The move will allow us to spend more time at home. Family and friends are excited about our move which translates into more company, something we very much enjoy!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
A Day Spent Packing
We have spent much of the day packing. I wanted to go out on the boat but the weather forecast indicated a huge band of storms heading our way. Just perfect since most of my emergency lighting is packed. I know where it is and we have flashlights readily available so am not concerned. Our power always goes out here during storms so needing emergency lighting is a given although the last storm my husband and I sat in the sunporch enjoying nature's fireworks while the power was out.
We are definitely on the countdown to when we get the keys on September 1. It is supposed to be storming tomorrow as well so we will spend part of the day packing but my husband wants to do a bit of shopping. While we made a good dent in some of the things we need, we still have more to replace. I hate shopping :(
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Moving Preparations Escalate
The Porsche
July 31, 2011
Our moving preparations have escalated since we get the keys on September 1. Aside of packing we've been shopping. After much discussion we decided that we deserve a few new pieces of furniture for our new house. We've been married forever so want to replace the tired for new. We knew that we wanted to go to a gas range and replace the dishwasher anyway so adding in new furniture just entered the discussion. We set a budget then yesterday we went shopping. I am a very frugal person with expensive tastes especially when it comes to kitchen equipment. What is really nice is my husband and I have very similar tastes when it comes to furniture and appliances. I don't like shopping either so it works well that we have similar tastes. Yesterday we bought the dishwasher, natural gas range and bar height breakfast table set (table with two bar stools). Those items will be delivered out on September 2. We looked at the mattresses and bedroom furniture and we are about 75% sure we want the dining room set we saw.
Obviously with all the new furniture and appliance purchases that gorgeous Porsche is not going to be gracing our new driveway any time soon. I really do like the new driveway though! It is interlocking brick, so much nicer than asphalt. The sidewalks are interlocking brick as well so trés chique!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Change in Moving Plans
Our house was officially sold a couple of weeks ago with a closing date of November 1. Everything was settled as far as us moving into our new home officially on that date but we had also arranged with the sellers to take possession three weeks earlier. That way we could do whatever cleaning needed while taking our time moving things in. Everyone was happy, signed, sealed and delivered. It was a done deal with every I dotted and T crossed. Yesterday the real estate agent called us with a change of plans.
The buyer of our house had contacted them and wanted to know if we would change the closing date to October 1. There is no way for us to do that given prior travel plans. So the buyer wanted to know if we would change the closing date to September 15 which meant our agent had to go back to our sellers to see if they would change the closing date as well. The sellers have moved about 95% out of the house so an earlier closing date was fine with them and we have a provision that allows us to move in September 1. Now I am really rolling my eyes at our buyer. Honestly, during the main negotiations she would not budge at all from the November 1 closing date. It went back and forth several times with her staying firm to that closing date. Technically we could hold her to that date but we would prefer getting the move over as soon as possible and get settled before the holiday season and our winter vacation. I don't know why she changed her mind and don't really care as it means we get into our new house two months earlier!
Our moving time has been reduced from three weeks to two which is still workable. I didn't want the everyone moving on the same day scenerio with the sellers trying to get out while the buyers try to get in tripping over each other . That's just two hectic for this old gal! Now I have to go shopping for my new kitchen stove and our new bedroom furniture. The packing is going well though. It helps that we are getting rid of a lot of stuff. I need to pick up the pace considering September 1 is quickly approaching!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
Flash Backs
I hate the turmoil and chaos of moving. For some strange reason it triggers strong emotions and flash backs from my childhood, something I have worked very, very hard to keep in the deepest recesses of my memory. I don't talk about my childhood to anyone including my husband or kids. I can't explain why those particular memories start flooding back and I can't explain the vivid imagery but I can say I don't like it. I can't control it so I've learned to deal with it.
Our house is sold. We are moving so end of and quite frankly I can't wait to move. We are both excited to be going home to where our family and friends are. It's funny that once the news came the house was finally sold I went into a packing frenzy but the flash backs didn't happen that day or the next or the next. Oh no, they waited until the following week then hit with a vicious vengence. I seriously dread the night when dreams become reality. I will wake soaking wet and in a panic from one nightmare only to drift off into another one and so the pattern repeats itself throughout the night. I will find any excuse not to go to bed including drifting off in my favourite chair. Nothing stops the nightmares! Trust me, being sleep deprived is one hundred percent better than those nightmares...
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Blog Your Blessings Sunday - My Doctor
Being sick is not normally seen as a blessing but physiologically it is one of prominent indicators that your body needs attention. I've been having what I though was benign symptoms prior to the past week so when they escalated the first of the week I foolishly did not pay attention. I stress foolishly because I make it a point to listen to my body. Anyway, mid-week there was no ignoring symptoms because they were right there giving me a hi five followed by a whack across the head and a boot in the butt with a healthy dose of "I told you so". I broke down and called my doctor then crawled back into bed.
This is not something I do unless in desperate mode. My doctor and I have a great relationship. She knows I will not use pain killers unless absolutely necessary. She trusts my judgement, knows I do my research and am qualified to do so, knows I know my body and at the same time guides me but can be insistent if necessary. She knows I don't call for an appointment unless absolutely necessary and is very accommodating when I do. I respect her and she respects me. It is a great relationship!
So I call my doctor, asking for an appointment telling reception what was going on. Reception patched me over to my doctor's health practitioner. My health practitioner is a wonderful person as well who meshes well with my philosophy of holistic and natural health care. Based on the symptoms, tests were arranged and I was given strict guidelines as to how to manage the symptoms until the test results come back.
I'm still under the weather but am very grateful for having the doctor I do. She is a true blessing! She is a team mate in my health care not old school or not willing to listen to my viewpoints about my body but a partner in my health care. I am very blessed to have a doctor who treats me like their equal, realizes I am quite knowledgeable and respects me. Besides I really like her :)
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Fireworks Over Niagara Falls
Fireworks Over Niagara Falls
July 31, 2011
During the summer months there are firework displays on Saturdays and Sundays courtesy of the Niagara Park Commission in addition to the regular Falls illumination turning the park into a magical wonderland. There are free concerts in the park before the fireworks. Folks brings blankets to sit on the grass to enjoy the music and fireworks. It is a delighful way to spend a summer evening!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
Night Sights in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Margarittaville, Niagara Falls, Ontario
July 31, 2011
Niagara Falls is just as busy if not busier once the night life begins. We walked around during the evening stopping at a couple of outdoor patios. Then we strolled down Fallsview Ave to enjoy the free fireworks shown on Friday nights and holidays throughout the summer months. It was a hot, balmy night yet quite pleasant with the occasional cooler breeze and mist from the falls. Pictured is Jimmy Buffet's Margarittaville on the corner of Murray Street and Fallview Ave. We had stopped there for lunch planning to stop by again in the evening but it was full so we mosied along enjoying people watching as well as the sights and sounds. It was a lovely way to spend the evening!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Horseshoe Falls, Ontario, Canada
Horseshoe Falls, Ontario Canada
July 31, 2011
During our recent visit to Niagara Falls we enjoyed spending time on the Skylon observation tower deck. The Skylon offers the highest view of the falls and a spectacular three hundred and sixty degree radius of the surrounding landscape. It is well worth going up the tower! Pictured is the Horseshoe Falls with the Maid of the Mist nearing the Falls.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Wordless Wednesday - View of American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls
American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls
July 31, 2011
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Monday, August 08, 2011
Skylon Tower, Niagara Falls, Ontario
Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls, Ontario
July 31, 2011
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Sunday, August 07, 2011
Blog Your Blessings Sundy - Major Good Fortune
This past week has been a roller coaster of extreme stress, playing the waiting game and anticipation. Finally within the matter of one day, two huge deals were settled in our favour. The first is rather private so I won't discuss it but suffice to say it fell into the major good fortune category. Later that day our house was officially SOLD! The buyer removed all conditions for the purchase of our home. The following day the seller of the house we want agreed to the ammended closing date so we officially bought a new house. Then, the seller went a step further agreeing to a deal so we can move in three weeks earlier than the official closing date. To end the week on a high note my husband and I celebrated our Anniversary. In the end, the week wash highlighted by major good fortune that will take on another amazing adventure in this journey called life!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Saturday, August 06, 2011
Excited but Detaching
My gosh, everything is just happening almost too fast. We knew it would with the right buyer but I did not bank on this almost lost feeling selling the house. It isn't that I don't know where to start with the packing or what to get rid of, but rather more of lost for lack of a better word. We've had sixteen months to decide how we were going to handle this move. I know what I want to replace as far as furniture and etc. with a set budget. I already have my colours picked out for the new house AND we have arranged to be able to have access three weeks before the official closing date. I have a lot of plans for the new house!
I am seriously totally wound up aka major hyperactive. I tore apart the upstairs bathroom just after getting the news everything was official. It is empty and in ready to move condition. I've gathered up all the nautical themed decor into two boxes, one to give away and one to take to our vacation home. I've gathered up all the documentation that needs to stay with the house like manuals. Unwanted items are going out the door daily. And so the detaching begins...
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Friday, August 05, 2011
My Apologies
I really apologize for not making posts the last couple of days. Things have evolved at such a high speed here pace the past couple of days I really can't even get my head around it. Our house is officially sold! We have an official move-in date but because the house we bought is pretty much empty we can get in there three weeks earlier. That allows us to do the cleaning and painting we want to do as well as move smaller things in. We will have a mover and we are buying new furniture that will be delivered directly to our new house. We are extremely excited!
We did another walk through today. My husband was thrilled to discover the thing we nick named the pulpet was hiding the plumbing for a wet bar. I discovered three peach (? apricot) and a pear tree in the back yard! We made a list of what we need to do sort of and what we need to change before fully moving in. I cannot believe this is happening so fast! I'm elated of course but still it is almost too much to fanthom. Talk about a gorgeous house too. It isn't on the water but it is in a wonderful location that will save us a bundle while moving up all at the same time. My husband says downsizing yet square foot wise and ammenities it is anything but downsizing!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Monday, August 01, 2011
A Fun Filled Weekend
This was the long holiday weekend celebrating the Civic Holiday in Canada. We spend Saturday at the kids will most of the kids meeting there for a feastive summer barbeque on a beautiful summer day. The grandkids had a wonderful time! We spent the night at the kids then traveled to Niagara Falls the following day to meet up with one of our friends and his little one. We went up the Skylon Tower (pictures to come) and saw the movie at the iMax theatre. Last night was perfect for walking down to the Falls to enjoy the fireworks over the falls. My gosh, walking back up that hill was a chore! Then we did a bit of a pub crawl after enjoying a tasty Italian meal. It was a relatively early night with a fairly early start towards home. We took a lot of pictures so I will be sharing those once I've worked my way through the Florida spring vacation pictures.
My husband and I are celebrating a special milestone so stopped in Brampton at the casino for a couple of hours. It was a nice diversion but over stimulating with all the stress as well as recently being in Las Vegas. He lost a bit and I came ahead. We stopped for a quick bite to eat then made the final stretch home.
We are tired and the stress from the house is still wearing heavily on both of us. I'm beyond stressed! It was wonderful to be away for a couple of days. We are signing one offer tomorrow so at least we have one offer. It will remain as a first with a 48 hour clause for the buyer to remove all conditions should we choose to accept a better offer. The good news is we are showing the house again on Wednesday so perhaps that will be the better offer we are hoping for. At least now with this offer we have a tentative moving date.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
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