On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month we will remember...
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Thursday, January 08, 2015
Union Station Chicago
Union Station Chicago
January 27, 2014
We took a long weekend last January to do a bit of travelling by train last January. Honestly, I don't think we could have chose a colder weekend! It was bitterly cold as in chilled to the bone, did not thaw out until a couple of days after getting home. Union Station in Chicago was gorgeous but there was no heat! We found a little restaurant there that thankfully had heat but just barely. Still we had a hot meal before heading back into the very cold terminal to catch our train. The train ride was also bitterly cold, wind blasting in each time the door between cars opens. Along with the wind, came a good blast of fine snow. The snow was so bad, the crew closed the dining car due to drifting. The cold affected the tracks slowing the train and at one point, the crew had to stop to check the track because of an error code. Goodness, I'm shivering just writing about it!
Wednesday, January 07, 2015
Such Sad Times
We live in such sad and trying times! Like many, we were shocked and saddened at the new of the Charlie Hebdo shootings this morning. Our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives today at the hands of such senseless violence. Our thoughts are with them and France as they grieve. #JeSuisCharlie
Tuesday, January 06, 2015
Snow Piled High
Snow Piled High
January 6, 2014
As the snow continued to fall and the winds howled, the drifts grew a year ago today. Almost half of our crescent shaped window was covered by snow on the small roof below it! There really wasn't any point trying to clear the sidewalk or driveway as the street had not been plowed. It was a winter wonderland!
Monday, January 05, 2015
Snowstorm in January 2014
Snowstorm in January
January 5, 2014
A year ago today, our little corner of the world was covered with a deep blanket of snow. This picture was taken as the snowstorm let up enough to be able to see the snow accumulating on our street. By nightfall, the winds picked up causing the still falling snow to create large drifts. It was still snowing the next day, huge drifts everywhere!
Sunday, January 04, 2015
What a Difference a Year Makes!
Winter Classic 2014
January 1, 2014
My husband celebrated New Year's Day 2014 at the Winter Classic game in Anne Arbour, Michigan. It was a bitterly cold, snowy day. I think he was still froze through, this time last year! A year ago today, we were in the midst of a deep freeze with blizzard conditions. We couldn't even see the houses across the road! The weather just turned much colder here today with the first snow storms going through but so far aside of a little freezing rain and sleet, the weather has been very good compared to last year.
I am quite surprised at how good the weather has been. We were able to make the trip from Florida to home on Dec 22 without encountering any snow, just a bit of heavy rain around Atlanta. Other than that, the roads were dry. The kids were able to get their holiday travels in without driving in nasty conditions too. It's cold and the wind is howling but so far the roads are still quite drivable. It wouldn't hurt my feelings if it stayed this way all winter. Don't get me wrong. I love the look of snow, like taking a rare walk in the snow when it is crunchy, and the smell of crisp, clear winter air. I just don't like driving on snow covered, icy roads!
Saturday, January 03, 2015
Arriving Home
Arriving Home
December 23, 2014
We spent the month of October at our vacation home in sunny Florida, came home for three weeks then back down for five weeks. Those last five weeks seemed long as the weather had turned cold so we were indoors more. Still, it was warmer than Ontario! We left Florida just before 7 AM on Monday, December 22 with the intentions of stopping in Kentucky for the night. However, by the time we reached Kentucky, my husband was still feeling good and surprisingly despite being cramped in the car, I didn't feel too bad either. We stopped for a quick break and continued on planning to stop a couple of hours down the road or when we got tired. Suddenly we realized that we were only five hours from home so decided there was no point stopping overnight. We stopped for gas and close to 1:30 AM were greeted with the beautiful sight of the Ambassador Bridge, like a beacon in the night welcoming us to home sweet home, Canada. After a quick stop at Duty Free and gassing up, we crossed the bridge to clear customs then were on our way to our home. It had been a long but uneventful 18 1/2 hour drive! Home in time for the holidays...
Friday, January 02, 2015
Looking Forward to 2015
I can't believe it is 2015! I've heard so many folks say they are so glad that 2014 is over but for me, 2014 was a year of personal growth and discovery. It was rather rocky going yet anchored in the firm belief that I was on the right path. So here I am, ready to embrace the new year in all it's promise of what is yet to come. Welcome 2015!
Thursday, January 01, 2015
Happy New Year! Welcome 2015
Wishing each and everyone of you a very Happy New Year! Welcome 2015...Wednesday, August 06, 2014
The Land of Not
The nightmares have returned. I woke with a startle, breathing heavy at 3:45 AM according to my iPhone. My husband was sleeping peacefully so I dimmed the light on my iPhone then checked Twitter. Spotting a couple of tweets from one of the new folks I'm following drew me back into The Land of Not. My descent into this dark, almost void, lack luster state of mind has taken months to get to this point. Somewhere in the recesses of the nothingness, I realize this is not the place I want to be. I toss off the covers, quietly close the bedroom door, step on the scale the click on my pedometer. I make my way to the kitchen while seriously considering getting on the elliptical to escape thinking. Instead I made a cup of coffee and settled on the couch with the laptop.
I've been withdrawing for months, focusing on a couple of personal pursuits. The very thought of being around people fills me with dread so I avoid doing so. I'm even avoiding the drama of the forums I once enjoyed. Heavens, why some folks get their knickers in a knot over the simplest non-problem is beyond me! Instead of being around people, I lace up my runners to go for power walks. The ear buds, sunglasses and no nonsense fast pace is a clear indication that I have no desire to stop and chit chat.
Today is our anniversary. I need to be back in a better frame of mind! In the early morning hours, I did what I haven't done in months. I blogged! Whether blogging will draw me out of The Land of Not remains to be seen but for now, for today, it is a small step forward...
Monday, January 13, 2014
Savannah, Georgia
City Hall Downtown Savannah, Georgia
October 10, 2013
We arrived in Savannah, Georgia shortly before 10:30 AM on October 10, 2013. Within minutes of our arrival we spotted the gem of our destination, Paula Deen's restaurant The Lady & Sons where we were stopping for lunch. It wasn't open until 11 AM so my husband put our name on the reservation list then we took a brief stroll. City Hall is located in downtown Savannah, only a few short blocks from the restaurant. We parked on the road in front of the park (out of camera range) then wandered through the shady park enjoying the warmth of the morning sun. It was absolutely gorgeous, leaving us wish we had planned a longer stay in Savannah!
Sunday, January 12, 2014
The East River Mountain Tunnel
The East River Mountain Tunnel
October 9, 2013
Originally, we had planned on staying overnight in Pipe Stem, Tennessee at an interesting sounding little bed and breakfast (Nostalgia Inn). The hostess reassured us we did not need reservations, to just come. About an hour away, we called to let them know we would be arriving within the hour. Imagine our surprise to have the hostess tell us that she just wasn't up to company. Apparently she was expecting a larger group that weekend and didn't feel like cleaning again before then! It was bad enough that our plans were changed with that one phone call but worse was her beyond horrible attitude. We thanked our lucky stars know with that kind of an attitude the place would have been disappointing anyway. I guess she never heard of Karma! We moseyed on to Orangeburg, South Carolina where we had a pleasant stay for the night, happy we had made good mileage that day which would put us at our vacation home earlier than expected the following day.
Tuesday, January 07, 2014
The Big Snow Storm
Neighbour Clearing Our Driveway
January 6, 2014
Like many in southern Ontario, we are still digging out from under a very deep blanket of snow. The snow started in earnest Saturday evening, worsening Sunday. The road conditions quickly deteriorated as the winds picked up whipping the blinding snow into a frenzy. Then the freezing rain hit followed by more snow. The plows off the road resuming operations this morning to start the clearing. Residents have been asked to stay off the roads and there is a parking ban on all municipal streets to help with the clearing of the snow. Still they were hindered by cars stuck on roadways. There were reports of power outages and closures as the temperatures plummeted to record lows. A lot of cars and generators won't start due to the cold. Many are reporting frozen pips. Warming stations are open.
We are very, very blessed to have wonderful neighbours who cleared our driveway. It quickly filled in so they cleared it again! Our power has stayed on so our house is warm and cozy. One of our friend's furnace blower quit so his house is in the 60's because he can only run the furnace for very short periods of time. We lent him our electric space heaters. He doesn't want to leave his house in case the pipes freeze! The temperatures continue to fall.
This storm has had a huge impact across North America due to the polar vortex. I suspect it will be affecting many areas for several days yet...
Saturday, January 04, 2014
A Special Kind of Stupid
This image has been making its way through Facebook with no credit given to whoever created it. Seriously, they deserve a thumbs up! If you are on Facebook, you will likely know why I say this. Some folks seem to think everyone of their 'friends' need to know all of their drama. Of course they are the ones with a couple hundred or more 'friends'. That means they will post something about their drama du jour so not only do you get to see it, you get to enjoy their couple of hundred friends comment on their post AND as if that isn't enough, 9 times out of 10 a huge fight will break out because one of their friends didn't like something another one said. At the same time, you can't block them because that would be rude especially if they are a close friend or family member AND you can't comment because you don't want to get involved in their drama.
Last fall, friends who are also on my Facebook friends went all out gung ho on what appears to be a very nasty split-up. A large part of it captured forever on Facebook! Believe me it was and still is nasty watching the cheap jabs go back and forth. I've been sitting on my fingers, shaking my head at the stupidity being displayed. All I can say is both lawyers are going to have a field day and it's all there in black and white!
Honestly, somethings should not be discussed outside the home. Just saying...
Thursday, January 02, 2014
And So the New Year Begins
This is the time of year that many make or start their New Year's Resolutions. I do not. The past year (2013) was one in which I made three major life changing decisions that I diligently worked on throughout the year and look forward to expanding on them in 2014. So I have no resolutions to break within the first week or so of the new year then feel guilty about it. I have all the hopes and dreams for a beautiful, memorable new year filled with family and friends, love and laughter, and good times.
It was a cold, blustery, snowy winter start to the New Year here. My husband went to the Winter Classic (Maple Leafs vs Redwings) in Ann Arbor, Michigan yesterday so the house was quiet. I puttered around the house and made a few annual updates to my blogs while watching the game, looking for him in the crowd. I spotted him three times! One of our kids paused their TV and took a picture of him. It was snowing and cold so I kept an eye on the weather knowing the roads were going to be horrible for him and his friend both ways. He arrived home safe and sound, happy but tired.
And so the New Year begins...
Wednesday, January 01, 2014
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Merry Christmas
We spent October at our vacation home in the sunny south, returned home for almost three weeks then back south for another five weeks. Like many others traveling home for the holidays, we were on the road for two days arriving home Monday evening. That left us Tuesday to finish up any Christmas shopping, do a massive grocery shopping and start prepping the house for Christmas. Our large family gathering is on Boxing Day (Dec 26). We are spending a quiet Christmas Day together, wrapping presents and finishing up the house. We have steaks out for dinner. Barbequing in the snow is very much a holiday tradition for us. After dinner we will bundle up and take a drive around our little corner of beautiful Ontario, enjoying the gorgeous Christmas light displays.
Merry Christmas!
Saturday, November 30, 2013
So True!
Image courtesy of Inspirational Quotes
We've all been there! Anyone who has driven anywhere can relate to...driving along the highway, happily discussing the fault of other drivers while admiring our own driving skills, noticing every traffic sign including the one that says left lane ends ahead a mile or more before the next warning...when out of the blue some inconsiderate, self-absorbed driver jams their vehicle in the barely are car length space you left between you and the driver ahead right where the lane ends. Hey, it happens all the time...
Monday, November 11, 2013
Remembrance Day 2013
Today is Remembrance Day in Canada, a day we honour those who have served our country and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to serve our country. Because of their sacrifice, we are free! We have the freedom to do as we in our beautiful country. We are blessed to be able to freely move about our country and travel outside our country. We are beyond blessed to live in a country of abundance that our veterans fought so hard for and continue to do so.
November in our little corner of Ontario, Canada is always dull and grey. It's rare that the sun peeks it's way through. November 11 quite often is very cold, rainy or snowing or threatening to do so. It is never is pleasant weather to be out in for things like Remembrance Day services. In perspective, our veterans had no choice whether or not they wanted to be out in the weather. They couldn't just say 'Hey sarge, I'm taking a sick day.' or 'I'm staying in because this weather will mess my hairdo.' or any number of excuses we, who live in a free country can come up with for not going to a Remembrance Day service. We are beyond blessed to have folks who serve our country proudly, unselfishly and so giving of themselves to make it a better place for all of us. There is no excuse not to attend a Remembrance Day service! Lest we forget...
Saturday, November 02, 2013
Daylight Savings Time Ends 2013
Don't forget to change your clocks and check the batteries in your smoke detectors as well.
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