Now This Is Cute!

[from my email files]



Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

Online Turmoil and Tragedy

I am a huge Twitter fan to the point I follow it daily at home and when away as well as participate and have feeds on 2 of my blogs. Twitter is always on. It's not like I'm in front of it 24/7 and in fact may go several days without tweeting but I always know what's going on in my Twitter stream. Wireless and my iPod touch have made Twitter at my fingertips when I want it. I am also a huge fan of the blogosphere something you should have noticed since I have six blogs. I've kept my mouth shut long enough on the following issue!

On December 14, 2009 I watched a small part of Twitter fall apart. A mommy blogger posted a tweet to please pray for her son who had fallen in their pool. Sorry guys I am going to digress a little because many in the blogging community do not like mommy bloggers because they tend to write these phoney, paid posts. Did I mention phoney as in they live in the Philippines but can tell you exactly how to find a great insurance lawyer in Chicago? Anyway, when the tweet came through I kept my fingers crossed but all hell broke out!

On the day little 2 yr old Bryson Ross died in the family pool, his mother Shellie Ross made 84 tweets. Let's put this in perspective. On an average day I may tweet 7 to 10 times if that. Shellie actually sent tweets as her 2 yr old was dying, during the time emergency crews were trying to revive the little one, from the hospital, then more tweets of his picture and is now right back up to speed sending massive tweets on a daily basis. Onto the scene comes the mommy bloggers from momdot.com arranging a fund for little deceased Bryson's family. Innocently Madison McGraw another tweeter and blogger said 'wait a minute and make sure if you are sending money this actually happened". Well there you have it. Suddenly it was Shellie egging on the mommy bloggers who attacked Madison led on by momdot.com leader Trisha. That's were it should have ended but no it did not end there!

Trisha who runs momdot.com had a staff member/moderator Karissa who apparently heartbroken over Bryson's death and the way other mommy bloggers were acting decided to commit suicide. That should have told the mommy bloggers this is huge, leave it alone. No, what did Trisha do but announce the suicide with details of Karissa online including somehow on Karissa's own blog so obviously she had Karissa's password to post the final message. Then as if that wasn't bad enough, Trisha changed all of Karissa's advertising funds that should have gone to the dead woman's estate to her own blog so she could collect any money's earned. At the same time Trisha continued her cyber bullying something she is quite used to doing. She even went so far as to post personal information like home addresses to put Madison and her family at risk. Unfortunately Trisha has continued and will continue this tactic until she is stopped.

Ok so if you are following me so far, the police are still investigating Shellie Ross the mother who thought tweeting was a lot more important than her 2 year old son. In fairness all proceeds raised are going towards a trip to Disney World and trailer trash hubby is sporting a brand new tattoo honouring Bryson. Karissa's family were devastated at having the details of her death with pictures announced online. They had the last time I read hired a lawyer who were going after the trailer trash queen Trisha. Now Trisha has received a few death threats but none like Madison McGraw who started the questions by asking if the death of the child was for real. Police continue to investigate so hopefully charges will be laid shortly. The whole incident has hit national news and continues to unfold online. It gets uglier as the story unfolds! I fear it is going to get a lot uglier.

In the aftermath, these extremely selfish people aka Bryson Ross's family and Trisha Haas mother to Charlotte and wife to a rather geeky looking guy with a really fake smile who live in Alabama have left a trail of hurt and hatred. I would stoop to both their levels by posting their home addresses but choose not to although that information is now out in the blogosphere. Both are well below the level of the definition of being human yet somehow we have to remain stronger than they are to realize that at their hands and directly because of both of them 2 young people are dead. One was 2 year old innocent child and the other 23 year old disillusioned yound adult. Two dead at ages way too young directly as a result of neglect from those they trusted.

What Trisha and Shellie don't realize is their nasty little killing deeds are now out in the general blogosphere. And most bloggers don't give one iota about how mommy bloggers feel. We care about the blogosphere as a whole and that includes not letting blogger trash take other bloggers down because you were too busy tweeting to care for your 2 year old then blaming that blogger because they question your motives. Bloggers in the mainstream blogosphere are not into stealing from other bloggers especially when it comes to a few cents per day in advertising commissions. Shellie and Trisha you have both been outed for the trash you are!

Oh and I should point out that because of this post Shellie, Trisha and their attackers are hot on my trail. Do I care? Yes I care that these 2 idiots lower than humans are responsible for 2 deaths. Do I care? No I don't care that they try to attack me and they will quickly find out others in the blogosphere don't care about the petty little mommy bloggers. Shellie you did the crime you pay the time and it will be that way through the blogosphere. A precious little 2 yr old is dead because you could not get off line long enough to attend his needs? Anyone who can seriously put tweeting their newest tweet ahead of the welfare and safety of a toddler has some serious problems! Give it a rest. Your mommy bloggers may be all soppy but you know what deep down they are saying exactly what I'm saying. You stood there tweeting while your little boy died. How can I make your actions any blunter?

But the reality Shellie is I don't have to wake up in the morning, look in the mirror and realize I am the one and only one responsible for my child's death, you are. What really ticks me off about all of this aside of the senseless deaths is the fact reading you blog you are actually happy your little one is gone. At some point I would have just said this is a Twitter thing, it's not your business, just leave it alone but to see you put into print that you are happy your 2 yr old the one you are responsible for his death, to see you actually say you are happy he is gone. What the hell! How sick can you possibly be to be happy your child is dead and you caused it?

Folks, I am a huge techno fan. I love the internet and I love the interaction but what I just wrote about is the down side. It's what happens when somehow you can't shut online off from off line aka real life. Shellie and her ilk clearly care more about their online world than they do about the real life people around them. Oh well if a kid drowns, it is just a little icon in their world. A little body stacked beside the wayside, a pawn in the game they are playing. So excuse me if me and the rest of the blogosphere get just a tad upset with this mentality. It's not ok. It's not a game and no it is just not ok!

A Bit More on the Canadian Geese Visits

Canadian Geese
(Branta canadensis)
January 16, 2010

Canadian geese are graceful in the water as well. I love watching them glide gracefully over the water. Occasionally one will assert his authority by posturing. This involves a semi-flight position half out of the water with wings almost fully extended. It is impressive to watch but harder to catch for photographing. Their visits have become less frequent the last couple of days as it has turned milder. They can still be heard overhead occasionally :)

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

Wordless Wednesday - Ssh!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

A Message From Transport Canada

Recent terrorist events have resulted in increased airport security. It is nice to see that Transport Canada has increased security at Canadian airports as well with the introduction of new body scanning technology that sees right through your clothing. There is the remote chance or given the level of technology now available that the resulting graphical image of a person's naked body could somehow make in online to sites such as Facebook. Now, even though Transport Canada is saying this won't happen and the images will be kept for a short period of time Surely this is contrary to Canada's Privacy Act but the general premise has been to get the scanners in place and active then worry about privacy issues later.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

Oldest Grandbaby & the Waterfowl

Mute Swans
January 16, 2010

The two oldest grandbabies are always so excited to watch the waterfowl and boats at our house. The youngest grandbaby just likes decorating the patio door with little baby prints and slobber. Last year we taught the oldest how to feed the ducks and swans from our dock. So this weekend when they visited it wasn't long into the morning that the ducks were spotted. This wasn't just a family of duck but more like a huge flock of well over a hundred ducks. We had a leisurely breakfast while chatting and watching the water while all the while oldest grandbaby eyed up those duck. As we were cleaning up Grandma's stool was getting dragged all over the kitchen looking for the bread. Then without batting an eye told Papa "come on let's feed the ducks" except he came back with "ducks don't eat bread in the winter". That didn't stop the determined little one who turned around and said "Grandma and me will be right back, bye." Mommy asked where the little one and Grandma was going to which the instant reply was "Grandma and me are feeding ducks". Hmm, I already have a little helper if I get the chickens I want this spring!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

BYBS _ Home

In celebration of what a blessing home is!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

Tiny Stephen

It is rather interesting how the Canadian people are seeing the antics of Priminister Stephen Harper. Here's another good video courtesy of The Rick Mercer Report. I'm wondering if he is getting the idea proroguing parliament was not one of his Einstein moments. Thanks Rick and keep them coming! Enjoy :)

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

A Bit of Rejection Frustration

Cheese, Meat & Vegetable Twist

January 15, 2010

As a blogger who authors multiple blogs I try to include my blogs in various directories and other sites within their niche. This past week has been downright brutal when it comes to dealing with rejection with my food blog. Now my food blog is my most popular and it is linked to a wide variety of other sites promoting cooking. Some of these sites you have to sign up for. While I was doing a bit of blog hopping I came across a site that is basically a directory of food and cooking blogs called foodblogs. I signed up and immediately applied to have my food blog (Mom's Cafe Home Cooking) included in their directory. I met all their criteria so did not expect any problems. Wrong! Apparently and this is according to them a food blog consisting of over 800 posts with more than 80% recipes with pictures is not a food blog! I emailed them back to say you must be mistaken then when I didn't hear back from them I took their over inflated, poorly designed badge off my blog and moved on. It was a tick off just in the sense they had the nerve to say my cooking blog was not a food and cooking blog but I feel in the end it's their loss!

Onto rejection number two. I joined a lovely food site called foodgawker and immediately submitting a picture of the cheese, meat & vegetable twist I had recently made along with pictures of two other dishes. You can only have 3 submissions in que so I waited to see if they were accepted. The verdic came back that all were rejected not on the basis of the recipe or blog but on the basis of the actual picture! Nowhere does it say you have to be a professional photographer only that the picture must be of food and on a food blog. The reason given for all was lighting problems ranging from harsh light to lighting/exposure issues. A re-submission of an edited version of the twist photo also came back with harsh lighting so was not accepted. This rejection has not deterred me at all. In fact I'm viewing this as a learning experience. I don't have a fancy or professional camera set-up much the same as most food bloggers don't either. Instead I will have to rely on Photoshop® to edit better which ultimately means I will be the winner with new found knowledge.

In the end rejection can be good or bad depending on how you view it. Rejection can be frustrating especially when it first happens but it doesn't spell the end of the world :) I'm off to work with Photoshop® and get a bit of help from their group.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

Prorogue Vacations Dot Com

As most of you know Priminister Stephen Harper has prorogued parliament providing and comedians and bloggers with ample material to keep them busy until at least March 3, 2010! Here's a cute little video courtesy of Canada's leading funny man, Rick Mercer. Enjoy :)

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

Wordless Wednesday - The Pathfinder

The Pathfinder
July 12, 2009

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

It's Raining Cats and Dogs

Have you ever wondered where certain sayings like "it's raining cats and dogs" comes from? Well during my many travels I learned the meaning to this saying. In the days that thatch was used as a roofing material dogs and cats would sun themselves on the thatched roofs. If a storm blew through resulting in heavy rains the thatch became slippery causing the cats and dogs to slip from the roof essentially looking like it was raining cats and dogs. And there you go, the meaning behind a saying that at some point you will pass on to someone else :)

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

I'm Just Saying

Detroit Redwings vs Toronto Maple Leafs
October 9, 2008

[from my email files]

A little known fact....
The first testicular guard "Cup" was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974.
It took 100 years for men to realize that the brain is also important.

---
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

BYBS - Transitions

Life is all about transitions aka change. From the day you are conceived until the day you die change is a normal part of life. Now you have two choices. You both embrace and welcome change or you fight it tooth and nail but either way it will happen despite your approach. Change in and of itself it a blessing. Without it life would be rather boring, wouldn't it? This past week was all about embracing and welcoming change for the blessing that it is.


Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

Canadian Geese

Canadian Geese
(Branta canadensis)
January 16, 2010

A flock of Canadian geese (Branta canadensis) visited today enjoying a bit of down time on a sheet of floating ice. They are common visitors year round where we live. These beautiful waterfowl are usually seen in large flocks either flying overhead in their characteristic V-formation or gathering around sources of water. Canadian geese are large waterfowl that much like domestic geese can be quite aggressive. Did you know a domestic goose could be considerably more effective at protecting your home than a guard dog is? If they hit you with their wing there is enough strength to break an adult's arm! Canadian geese are the same way especially if they feel threatened which is perfectly understandable so don't get too close to a flock of them. Canadian geese present problems along some waterways and on golf courses due to their aggressive nature and droppings that can make walking where they have been a rather slippery adventure. They also present problems for the airlines with the most notable being the cause of a recent plane crash into the Hudson River in New York. Despite these problems these majestic birds capture my attention every time I see them!

The beauty of Canadian geese fascinates me. Their intelligence and behaviour intrigues me. They really have little fear of humans despite the fact they are considerably smaller than humans. I love watching them gracefully lift off from the water to start their flight then marvel at how quickly with seamless effort they form their V-formation with one arm of the V always shorter than the other. Hearing their honking overhead will have me grabbing the camera then running for just that perfect shot. So I was elated being able to get this great picture of them this morning.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Be Not Afraid I Go Before You Always

This is one of my favourite hymns. It has so much meaning! Even the melody is deeply touching. Enjoy :)

Be Not Afraid I Go Before You Always
lyrics by Bob Dufford S.J

You shall cross the barren desert
But you shall not die of thirst
You shall wander far in safety
Though you do not know the way
You shall speak your words in foreign lands
And all will understand
You shall see the face of God and live

Be not afraid
I go before you always
Come, follow me
And I will give you rest

If you pass the raging waters in the sea
You shall not drown
If you walk amid the burning flames
You shall not be harmed
If you stand before the power of hell
And death is at your side
Know that I am with you
Through it all

Be not afraid
I go before you always
Come, follow me
And I will give you rest

Blessed are your poor
For the kingdom shall be theirs
Blessed are you that weep and mourn
For one day you shall laugh
And if wicked tongues insult and hate you
All because of me
Blessed, blessed are you!

Be not afraid
I go before you always
Come, follow me
And I will give you rest

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

A Taste of Winter

A Taste of Winter
January 8, 2010

By mid-afternoon last Friday we had about 7 cm of snow. It was the first major snow fall of our winter season considerably later than normal. We've had snow for Hallowe'en some years and usually have snow in both November and December. This year nothing other than a few half hearted attempts with nothing more that a light patches of accumulation scattered around the edges of the walk. Friday we had travel plans that were immediately cancelled due to the size of this storm cell. It was immediately apparent that not only would we be dealing with the actual storm cell but additional lake effect snow. It didn't help that our plans called for traveling into worse rather than better weather conditions with weather warnings, road/lane closures, reduced visibility and icy conditions. As road conditions continued to deteriorate due to falling and drifting snow we we glad we decided to cancel our travel plans. Unfortunately it is that time of year when winter weather can be rather unpredictable which can directly affect traveling. It's always best to be safe rather than sorry when it comes to winter storms.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Wordless Wednesday - Wall Art

Wall Art
November 14, 2009

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Sun in Snow Storm

Sun in Snow Storm
January 8, 2010

I have been a skywatcher for as long as I can remember. There is just something about turning your eyes to the sky not only for the beauty but as a weather predictor. Friday morning we woke to the starts of a heavier snow storm, the first one of the season for us this year! The morning sky was so pretty with the sun trying to peak through the clouds and falling snow. It managed to turn the snow into a million diamond sparkles for about 15 minutes mid-morning. By early afternoon we had gone from just a hint of snow on the green grass to about 7 cm of snow! It was the start of hibernating for the weekend :)

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Hitching a Ride - Tundra Swans

Tundra Swan
(Cygnus columbianus)
January 7, 2010

I have often posted about the Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) that visit us almost daily. Yesterday I looked out to discover a small flock of Tundra Swans (Cygnus columbianus) aka Whistling Swan enjoy a bit of a break from their migration. Tundra Swans like sitting on floating sheets of ice so this is a common sight during the winter months.

Tundra Swans look quite similar to the larger Trumpeter Swan but have a small yellow mark at the base of the black bill close to the eye whereas the Trumpeter Swan doesn't have this mark. Mute Swans on the other hand have an orange bill. Tundra Swans migrate twice a year between the Canadian Artic or Alaska breeding grounds and a non-breeding ground in the US. Tundra Swans have a soft wow-wow-wow inflight honk while Trumpeter Swans have a high pitched French horn honk and Mute Swans have practically no honk. We also see Bewick's Swan, (C. c. bewickii) than has a soft ringing bark bow-wow call and Whooper Swan, (C. cygnus) that has a deep hooting call. When seen in flight all of these swans all look the same distinguishable only by their calls. All are migratory birds with the exception of Mute Swans. Tundra Swans migrate south beginning in October arriving at their wintering grounds in November to December. They begin their return journey to their breeding grounds in mid-March arriving by May.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

BYBS - Clean Bill of Health

A couple of weeks before Christmas one of our friends had to travel to be with her daughter who suffered a serious and life threatening medical emergency. Our hearts went out to her as she was away providing a lot of love and support for her daughter. We kept the family in our thoughts and prayers hoping things would be fine. My husband came home yesterday with the news that our friend's daughter after a long recovery has received a clean bill of health! We couldn't be happier to hear this awesome news. What a wonderful blessing! Major hugs to the family for surviving this curve ball life decided to throw at you.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Tiger by the Tail

Ok, you knew this had to be coming. This parody originally aired on aired on www.thebigshow.com. It is now on YouTube®, making the rounds via email and through the blogosphere. I received it through email and did get a bit of a chuckle. The thing is when you are in the public eye people are going to poke a bit of fun at you if you mess up whether it is their business or not. Sometimes when you mess up laughter is the best way to lighten the load.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Living on the Water in the Winter

Icy Waters
January 5, 2010

I grew up on the water so it is only natural for me to want to live on the water as an adult. What people not living on the water quite often don't realize is the water seriously takes on a life of its own and so it should be. Water after all is one of the most important life forces. The water has its own persona changing honestly from minute to minute, season to season. A couple of days ago we woke to clear, gorgeous turquoise water shimmering in the sun. Less than an hour later if even that the water had filled with ice. A few small open spots remained for the waterfowl to land for their daily fishing.

Pictured is the view over the water with a little liberty taken by me using Photoshop®. It's funny that I use Photoshop® on a daily basis yet forget how much fun it is to play every once in awhile. This filter just brings out the feeling of the ice on the water! I think it captures the feeling quite nicely.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Can You Spot the Problem in this Picture?

Problem?

Look closely at the picture. Can you spot the problem? Let me give you a clue. It isn't the temporarily painted walls that will shortly be a distant memory as we gut and renovate the bathroom. Still can't see the problem? If that's the case there is a very good chance you are somehow related to my husband! See that empty roll on the roller? See all those rolls sitting neatly on the side stand? Ok go back and see the empty roll? That's the problem!

I was quick to blame it on his aging eyesight which I will point out is no longer 20/20 but he is so thrilled with eyeglasses he actually washes them. Geeshs! Anyone who has worn eyeglasses for any length of time knows you don't have to wash them or even put them in that silly case. Eyeglasses thrive on abuse, the more the better but I digress. Back to the problem. It can't be an eyesight problem because I have seen him set up the percolator for morning coffee while still sleeping. He has all fingers and thumbs that as far as I know are still working because he has no problem being ambidextral with the television remote controls. It's not a comprehension problem either because I've seen him follow sport programs that you would have to have a PhD in to follow. It's not like he is lazy either and he does help around the house not only with daily housework but also household repair and maintenance. It's not a mobility issue as his arms can easily reach the roll holder right from the comforts of the throne. We don't have any pets that the roll needs to be protected from.

So after searching through several psychology books I have come to the conclusion that he has a deep seated roll phobia. This phobia results in an unconcious avoidance of the roll which leads to roll dementia affecting only the roll and nothing else. The prognosis for this rare disorder is not promising. The disorder does not respond to the regular nit picking, constant reminders or any hormone related outlashes. There is no know drug therapy. Even with considerable behaviour modification there will be a multitude of back sliding. Some treatments suggested (eg. Exlax & no roll) seriously fall under the category of cruel and unusual punishment. In lieu of getting Dr. Phil's opinion on this situation I have decided to treat this disorder myself by example. Perhaps if he sees me change the roll often enough he will overcome this phobia. It seems the best course of action that will do the least harm in this situation

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Wordless Wednesday - Victorian Architecture

Victorian Architecture
December 19, 2009

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Winter in Ontario

CN Railway Bridge
December 19, 2009

I love road trips because photo opportunities abound! See all that white stuff in the picture? Well the good news is when this picture was taken we still hadn't seen any snow accumulation in our area. Winter road trips bring on a whole new meaning with respect to travel. You can leave home where it is sunny, bright and dry then drive into blizzard like conditions. Outside of southern Ontario you are almost guaranteed to run into snowy conditions although there will be times when it isn't actually snowing out. Rather road conditions can deteriorate rapidly due to wind conditions. Other times it will be dry but cold allowing you to enjoy the winter wonderland along your journey. In southern Ontario there is a snow belt where snow fall tends to be heavier than the rest of the southern region. Quite often the snow belt will be getting heavy snowfall while the rest of southern Ontario is getting nothing. This belt is also the same path that heavy storms and tornados take. Adding to the winter weather fun in southern Ontario is lake effect snow. The lake effect snow originates off the Great Lakes and can range from light to heavy squalls often affecting visibility. Lake effect snow is very dependent on the air currents so if the winds are from the north the lake effect snow will be coming off of Lake Huron. If the winds are from the south the lake effect snow will come off of Lakes Ontario and Erie.

I really don't mind the snow although I'm not fond of the bitter cold when it hits. I actually prefer the cold to the heat in that it is easier to more clothes on to warm up where taking too many clothes off trying to cool down may get me into a bit of trouble. I love taking a nightime walk in the snow when the sky is clear, the stars are twinkling and the snow crunches when walked on. I also love newly fallen snow that blankets the yard making everything look pristine. I don't like driving or shopping in cold snowy weather so am quite content to watch the snow from the comforts of a cozy fire.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Thinking of Summer

Thinking of Summer
June 22, 2009

The holiday season has now passed so it's time to tucker down for the remainder of the winter. We haven't had any major snowfall yet but the weather has turned quite cold. Yesterday we watched as the water filled with floating sheets of ice. There is considerably more ice today. It's pretty especially when the sun peaks out for a couple of seconds. The cold snap is predicted to lift over the next day but it's still cold. I've been going through iPhoto enjoying all the great pictures taken last year. This picture caught my eye reminding me of summer that really is just around the corner. We only have 3 months of really cold weather left but I'm sure there will only be a few days of the bitter cold.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

BYBS - A New Year

Looking back on 2009 it was a year filled with family and friends, an abundance of good food and fond memories. We welcomed a new little grandbaby into our lives, marveling at what a blessing grandchildren are! Like many we saw a few problems mainly plumbing but we overcame them and life went on. We felt the effects of the recession and complained about our government's plans to tax us further yet compared to others our cup of blessings over flowed. Our garden flourished despite the unseasonably cold growing season. My tomato crop wasn't strickened with blight until quite late in the growing season even though blight was all around us. It was as if Mother Nature in her ultimate knowledge acknowledged the recession so provided a good excuse for us to stay home out of the cool, rainy weather yet when the weather should have been turning cold forcing us to turn the furnace on she gave us a break with a warmer than average fall. So as we said good-bye to 2009 and welcomed 2010 it was with joy in our hearts at the many blessings we shared over the year.

A new year is before us like a tabula rasa waiting for us to fill it day by day. I can't wait to see what blessings are in store for us in 2010!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

New Year's Resolutions

Stratford, Ontario
December 19, 2009

I'm wishing you all the best in health, happiness and prosperity during 2010! This is the time of the year that many announce their new year's resolutions presumably in an attempt to make themselves a better person in the coming year. Some of these resolutions are practical and some regardless of how hard the person tries will never be attained. I don't do new year's resolutions, never have and more than likely never will because these short lived promises don't fit into my value system. I have however hit upon a decision that took a lot of thought but unlike a resolution will take little to achieve. I have a poser who came into my life last year against my will but I have decided that I have no use for posers in my life.

Do you know what a poser is? A poser is the ultimate fake who will say or do anything including mimicking you in the hopes of getting your attention for their own personal gain with no regard to your feelings. They are a phony want-a-be-just-like-you not above the most devious means to achieve their goal and agenda. The poser doesn't care about the hurt their lies and coercion may cause the other person as long as they achieve their agenda. I have decided that I am not going to be a poser's victim, not now and not ever! So there you have it my somewhat, round-about resolution or perhaps I should say determination in this case. Unlike a resolution that may bend or even break over the year to resort to older, more comfortable ways my determination in this matter will only strengthen day by day.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Welcome 2010

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Wordless Wednesday - Smooth Waters

Smooth Waters
November 5, 2009

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Red Wing Team Gnome

Red Wing Team Gnome
December 26, 2009

My husband is one of the biggest Detroit Red Wings fans you will ever meet. I on the other hand am rather fond of gnomes and other mythical beings. I just couldn't resist bringing this little guy home to join my gnome empire. He has taken up residence in my husband's Red Wing room as the official guardian against trolls and other evil spirits. Isn't he simply adorable?


Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

On the Road

On the Road
November 23, 2009

The holiday season brings ample opportunity to be on the roads quite often in rather inclimate weather. For all the holiday traveling we have done over the years I'm always amazed we've gotten there and back safely leading me to to believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that one or more guardian angels have been watching out for us. This year has been unbelievably lovely for traveling not that we've done a lot. Still we are very blessed to have our guardian angels watching out for us whenever we do travel.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Merry Christmas

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Friends

This
Xmas,
I would
like to put
up a tree in my
heart, and instead
of hanging presents,
I would like to put the
names of all my friends.
Close friends and not so close
friends. The old friends, the new
friends. Those that I see every day
and the ones that I rarely see. The ones
that I always remember and the ones that
I sometimes forget. The ones that are always
there and the ones that seldom are. The friends of
difficult times and the ones of happy times. Friends
who, without meaning to, I have hurt, or without meaning
to have hurt me. Those that I know well and those I only know
by name. Those that owe me little and those that I owe so much.
My humble friends and my important friends. The names of all those
that have passed through my life no matter how fleetingly. A tree with
very deep roots and very long
and strong branches so that
their names may never be
plucked from my heart. So
that new names from all
over may join the existing ones. A tree with a very
pleasant shade so that our friendship may take a
moment of rest from the battles of life. "May the
happy moments of Xmas brighten every day of
the new year". These are my sincere wishes.

source: Christmas Card Verses for Your Holiday Greeting Cards


Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Wordless Wednesday - Glow Shores

Glowing Shores
November 5, 2009

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

An Old Favourite - Dallas

Dallas, a primary time soap opera first aired in April of 1978. The show revolved around the wealthy Ewing family of Texas who were into both oil and cattle. It featured Barbara Bel Geddes as Miss Ellie (Ewing), Jim Davis as Jock Ewing, Larry Hagman as JR (John Ross) Ewing, Patrick Duffy as Bobby Ewing, Linda Gray as Sue Ellen Ewing, Victoria Principal as Pamela Barnes Ewing, Charlene Tilton as Lucy Ewing Cooper, Ken Kercheval as Cliff Barnes and Steve Kanaly as Ray Krebbs. I was hooked on this show the first time it aired as a five part mini series until it ended 13 seasons later in 1991! I'm now enjoying re-runs :)

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Tami-foolery: Misled panic for placebo as H1N1 Tamiflu drug 'useless'

From the first case of Swine flu there has been massive fear mongering throughout the media perpetuated by comments from the WHO. The flu was renamed H1N1 after the misaligned concerns that people could get this flu from eating pork but not before it had a dramatic effect on pig farmers world wide. Egypt ordered all pigs in the country destroyed. Some pig herds in North America were destroyed as well but the biggest effect this flu outbreak had was people refusing to eat pork which saw the price of pork drop dramatically forcing some pig farmers to sell off their pigs and get out of pig farming. Currently it is quite easy to find pork loins and pork shoulders for as low as $1/lb in Ontario. This price is indicative to the plight of pig farmers who can't raise pigs at $1/lb! In addition to the pig farmers problems, millions of taxpayers dollars have been spent on the H1N1 vaccine and that has not been without problems.

Extremely long lines of duped people lined up for the H1N1 vaccine, standing in line for 5 or more hours to get their shots at poorly planned flu shot clinics. If anything the stress of standing in the cold and damp with little more than a few snacks meant a better chance of them getting sick than the vaccine preventing them from getting sick. There have been reports of the H1N1 vaccine being contaminated and some centres in Toronto had to destroy vaccine because it could not be used quick enough. Then the reports started surfacing not only about the ingredients in the H1N1 vaccine but also the serious side effects of the vaccine being experienced by some. In the midst of all this the fear mongering continued.

People who could not take the H1N1 vaccine were assured if they contracted the flu they could be given Tamiflu, an anti-viral drug that would lessen the effects of the flu. Now it is coming out that Tamiflu is not effective against H1N1. Here's a great video that explains more.

Despite the dire predictions of the WHO the H1N1 flu has become the pandemic that never was. In it's aftermath it has cost millions in vaccine and vaccination programs. Side effects from the vaccine have left some with problems they will continue to experience for the rest of their lives. The fear mongering created a panic but at the same time it created a lack of faith in Health Canada as to the advice they were giving out and how they handled the whole H1N1 issue. I'm curious how Health Canada is going to address the issues regarding Tamiflu.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

BYBS - A Child's Love

Two tiny little arms reached up as tears welled up and a little lip quivered as one tiny voice whispered Grandma. I pulled the little one up who snuggled in so deeply, holding tightly while still quietly sobbing. As the tears quieted the tiny little arms still held tightly while a small voice again whispered love you Grandma. I tightened my hug thinking how very lucky I was to share this precious blessing of being able to give comfort knowing this little one had reached a very special spot in my heart, one that over the years will continue to evolve. Each grandbaby holds a special spot much like our kids did a generation earlier. What a blessing it is that hearts continue to grow to hold all these special spots, each very unique, each very special and each a blessing!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Foodie Fun

My Favourite Eating Out Burger
November 13, 2009

This blog tends to get a lot of everything else I'm interested in which is great but unless you check out my cooking blog, you end up missing out on some great meals. Pictured is my favourite burger from my favourite pub & grill. The ½ lb cheeseburger comes with white cheddar cheese served with a side of dill pickles and onions. Mustard and ketchup is available on the table. That's it, no relish and no other fancy toppings, just the pure taste of an unadultered cheeseburger. The burger cut in half for easy eating and like most people I always bring half home as it is just too big for me to eat the entire burger. Doesn't it look wonderful? Is there any wonder why this is my favourite eating out burger?

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Piano Staircase

How do you get Swedish people to chose the stairs instead of the escalator? Well here is a rather unique way and one that I definitely would have fun playing on!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Wordless Wednesday - Morning Haze

Morning Haze
November 5, 2009

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Dear Grim Reaper

[from my email files, I'm just saying I can relate to the following sentiment.]
---

Dear Grim Reaper,

So far this year you've taken away my favourite dancer Michael Jackson,

- my favourite actor Patrick Swayze,
- my favourite singer Stephen Gately
- and my favourite actress Farah Fawcett.

Just so you know,

- my favourite politician is Dalton McGuinty.

Regards,

Tom

-----
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Free BBQ Grill

[from my email files, slightly modified by me. Note the image is as appeared in the email]

-----

I know it's too late for the 4th of July, but Labor Day is right around the corner. . . .if you need a new Grill here is a bargain for you.

Stainless steel grill, for FREE. You read right......FREE!!!!!

Now available at numerous No Frills, Food Basics, Sobey' stores; Wal-Mart; even The Dollar Store !!!!

Hurry before they run out of stock!



-----

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

The Sound of Silence

Technology is a wonderful thing! Little did Alexander Graham Bell realize when he invented the telephone that it would become an insidious pest in our lives. He did not envision the fact that a phone company would charge us outrageous prices for their service then turn around and list our phone number in a directory in addition to selling our phone numbers so that every telemarketer for miles around can call us. Nor did he envision the governing party aka CRTC above this phone company aka Bell Canada would set the ground rules that basically telemarketers can call you on the phone you pay for so basically at your expense from the hours of 8 AM to 9 PM basically 7 days per week. When the populus finally had enough to complain the CRTC set us this nice concept called the National Do Not Call List for you to add your phone number to. In essence this really became a Do Call List of which those numbers were harvested as anyone dumb enough (including us) who signed up quickly found out. If you add your name to this list the telemarketers have 31 days to purge your phone number from their system which in theory sounds fine but in practice gave them carte blanche 31 days to pester the snot out of you on a daily basis. To add insult to injury anyone you had dealt with in the past or as in Bell themselves have a current account or any charity was not governed under the new rulings so they could pester the snot out of you any time they wanted but sure shooting it was usually just as you sat down to eat.

Bell Canada offers this nice little service that you do have to pay for called call display. This allows you to see who is calling you which is great unless they choose not to identify themselves then the number comes up as long distance/long distance or private number. In reality this wouldn't be necessary if Bell did not put your name and phone number in a public directory then sell this information to telemarketers. Apparently they don't get the concept that I want communication services for those I want to communicate with not telemarketers, charities and other scammers. After the Do Not Call List major fiasco we took to only answering calls that identified themselves and we took advantage of another one of Bell's paid services called call block that allowed us to stop up to 12 calls from getting through. I turned off the answering machine portion of our phone allowing unidentified calls to ring until they gave up. The end result was not dealing with these calls but a lot of telephone ringing some days. Onto the scene came our new phone system, nice and shiny silver and white like a white knight and it has been a white knight.

This system has virtually all of the extras Bell offers built in with the exception of call display, the only service we must subscribe to through Bell but stripping our line of all the extras saved us $30 per month! Now the beauty of this system is with one click of a button all unidentified calls are automatically blocked. Period! The phone doesn't ring at all. Any call that comes in as a number only can be checked online then if desired saved to the call block list meaning if they call again the number rings once then is disconnected. The phone does log these attempts and what I've noticed is especially with one persistent telemarketer it went from 10 calls the first day to 4 the next day to 1 the next day and surprisingling a break of 2 weeks then one call and nothing since. We have effectively taken back our phone lines and I have to tell you the sound of silence is golden!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

The Tiger Wood's Issue

Tiger Woods was more than likely a household word before this latest turn of events. You would have to be a hermit to not have heard about his unfortunate car accident in the wee hours of the morning that has everyone talking. It is the topic du jour on Twitter and throughout the blogosphere. The media in particular have blown this incident way out of proportion by bring in aspects of Tiger's personal life that are best left behind closed doors. One argument has been that Tiger Woods is a public figure so the public has a right to know every little detail about him. Wrong! He is not paid through public funds and while he is quite visible on the golfing circuit he is not a public figure. He does not owe the public anything. The second argument is he is a celebrity so owes his fans an explanation. Wrong! Tiger has always conducted himself professionally when golfing or acting on behalf of golfing. He consistently performs well. He is essentially giving his fans what they are after. He does not owe his fans more than that.

What strikes me sad about this whole story is it has always been the media that has put Tiger on a pedestal. They were the ones to perpetuate the ideal of him being the perfect everything. Then when the fallout from the car accident started to unfold their little bubble was burst. Tiger himself never did put himself on a pedestal. He has strived and continues to strive to be a top notch golfer. That's it. The fact that he has insisted on maintaining privacy for him and his family has only fueled the media frenzie.

Let's put this in perspective. Married couples have cheated on each other since the dawn of time. This is nothing new and definitely not news worthy. Marriages of convenience have existed since the dawn of time so again, nothing news worthy. Pre-nuptial arranges have existed since the dawn of time, again not news worthy. The only thing in this whole entire media feast is that the state troopers treated Tiger like any other citizen by issuing a citation for the accident. Tiger has never given any indication his wife abused him so that is a non-issue as well. Whether he has or has not been cheating on his wife regardless of the number of alleged women, although I do have to question the motives of those women now coming forward, this is and should remain a private issue for Tiger and Elin to deal with themselves without the glaring lights and accusations from the media. In short, it is time for the media to butt out of Tiger's private life.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Protest Against Ontario's Proposed HST

Despite considerable opposition the Ontario Provincial Government in their ulitmate wisdom tabled their proposal for the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) comprised of PST (8%) and GST (5%) resulting in the new HST (13%). This sparked my short rant on the proposed HST. The new HST will see an additional 8% tax on goods and services that previously were exempt from PST.

In the past week we have seen more opposition to the HST and yet the Ontario Provincial Government is determined to get the HST through legislation. What is rather funny at one point Stephen Harper said that public hearings are the cornerstone of democracy yet the government has refused to allow any public hearings with respect to the HST. The opposition party held a sit in to protest the HST and recently First Nations took to the streets of downtown Toronto in protest. They were joined by others protesting as well. Currently First Nations members are entitled to a point of sale tax rebate because they do not pay provincial sales tax. The HST will eliminate this rebate in direct violation of their treaty rights.

Get involved! Write and call your MPP and editors of newspapers. Sign petitions and join any demonstrations if at all possible. Start your own demonstration. Spread the word about any protests and demonstrations. Use as many forms of social media (eg. Twitter, Facebook, MySpace) to spread the word. Protest in as many ways as possible. The more voices heard the greater the chance of stopping the HST. Remember this tax is legalized robbery kicking people when they are already down!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Wordless Wednesday - Warm & Toasty

Warm & Toasty
November 1, 2009

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Bartender

[from my email files. For those not familiar the Toronto Maple Leafs are also known as the Make Me Laughs ;) Enjoy the chuckle.]
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A man enters a bar and orders a drink. The bar has a robot bartender. The robot serves him a perfectly prepared cocktail, and then asks him, "What's your IQ?"
The man replies "150" and the robot proceeds to make conversation
about global warming factors, quantum physics and spirituality, biochemistry, environmental interconnectedness, string theory, nano-technology, and sexual proclivities.

The customer is very impressed and thinks, "This is really cool." He decides to test the robot. He walks out of the bar, turns around, and comes back in for another drink. Again, the robot serves him the perfectly prepared drink and asks him, "What's your IQ?"

The man responds, "about a 100."

Immediately the robot starts talking, but this time, about football, baseball, nascar, super models, favourite fast foods, guns, and women.

Really impressed, the man leaves the bar and decides to give the robot one more test. He returns, the robot serves him and asks, "What's your IQ?"

The man replies, "Er, 50, I think."

And the robot says... real slowly.

"So...............You gonna follow the Leafs again this year?

-----

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Ontario's Splendor

Ontario's Splendor
November 1, 2009

Ontario is such a beautiful province that never fails to present amazing photo opportunities. My husband took this gorgeous picture at this year's hunt camp. I just love how it came out!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

BYBS - Quality Time

Last week I decided to de-clutter our bedroom closet and the dressers. So I started hauling out things of the closet during commercials and by the time my husband got home I had created absolute chaos! Our bedroom floor was covered with just a small path between various piles of clothes. The mess spilled out into the family room with one couch piled with clothes, clothes on the floor and bags in the process of being filled to be either tossed or donated. After dinner my husband offered to help. We worked at the de-cluttering process for a half hour then left the rest to the next morning. By the end of day 2 we had 2 bags for donating, a bag of clothes and box of shoes for the kids, a couple of trash bag and a bag of hangers heading out the door. In the process we shared a lot of chuckles to downright laughter. It was a wonderful way to spend a bit of quality time together :)

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

A Sad Day on Coronation Street

I am a die hard Coronation Street fan. I've watched Corrie on and off since my teens then pretty much daily since my kids were quite small. Many of the characters have become extended family members. I've laughed and cried right along with them. It is with great sadness to hear that Maggie Jones who played Blanche Hunt, Dierdre's mother since 1974 passed away on Dec 2, 2009 (more here). RIP Maggie! Thanks so much for all the talent you shared with us over the years. You will be sadly missed.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Moonlight

Moonlight
November 30, 2009

My sleep has been off lately so I have had the great pleasure to enjoy some night scenes I would otherwise miss by sleeping. This just reinforces my theory that sleep is highly over rated. Actually sleep evolved as a survival mechanism for protection against nocturnal predators. Sleep meant less chance of detection by predators the species could not see in the dark of the night and it renewed the body to avoid daytime predators. At one time it was common for humans to go to sleep just after dusk awakening at dawn ready to start another day. Fire changed the way people ate and allowed them to enjoy the later evening hours when they were not threatened by enemy attack. Fire also brought heat to indoor shelters. Indoor lighting in the form of controlled fire (candles, lamps) changed things further but nothing has had as much influence on our sleep patterns as electricity.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Wordless Wednesday - Air Canada Centre

Air Canada Centre
Toronto, Ontario

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Where's the Beef?

When it comes to advertising some television commercials have become classics. Everyone has seen them and everyone remembers them. In addition to that quite often the commercial punch line is modified to be used in other applications. Wendy's® came out with their famous Where's the Beef commercial first airing on January 10, 1984. Clara Peller with her catch phrase Where's the Beef became an instant success! The commercial was clearly aimed at the Burger King® Whopper burger. Still who can forget Clara who claimed in a 1985 commercial for Prego® pasta sauce that she had really found the beef. Here's a video of her great Wendy's® commercial for you to enjoy.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009