I'm so glad you could stop by. This is my personal blog of daily life and my journey through life. You will find a strong emphasis on family and friends as well as finding my ancestors through genealogy. Unlike my other blogs this blog is more of a catch-all so any topic is fair game.
Quite frankly our last house despite owning it and a beautiful location never became our home. I don't know why but the feeling was mutual. Our new house in the matter of seventeen days has become a home! Original paintings have been hung. I know where I'm hanging family pictures, my needlework pieces and those lovely documents that prove I'm not stupid. My pre-depression and Depression era glassware is on proud display in a beautiful china cabinet with bowed glass that hasn't been a focal point in our house/home in over ten years. Another glass cabinet that was pushed to the side joins the china cabinet to display antique canning jars, milk bottles and Fiestaware. Sitting atop that cabinet is the very last gift my Mom ever gave me before she died - a gorgeous painted vase. The handmade pieces of ceramics my husband and I made back in the 80's have come out of their hiding spots. My stunning and I do mean stunning pieces of cut lead glass grace one of our dining areas. My books are still being unpacked but one bookcase is already filled. My books bring me great pleasure, filling me with peace. Surprisingly most of them are scientific, not novels or fiction but in many ways they define me as a person. They say the best way to know someone is to view their bookshelf and my gosh that is so true with me! That reminds me, I need to check for the scheduling of this year's symposiums and drop in for a chat with a couple of my former professors. My husband's grandfather's beautiful oak desk complete with my husband's aunt's signature in one drawer is now in the computer room, a piece of pride and many, many memories. As I've unpacked, rediscovering items that have been in storage too long it hit home that the vast majority of our possessions are not about the actual item but rather the memory associated with that item. I have seriously broke out in fits of laughter at finding a long stored item while breaking out in tears at finding another as the memories come flooding back.
I had my first bath in our new home. As I stood before the mirror, tired and pretty much exhausted, looking at my reflection complete with blackened eye (yes I really did walk into a wall because I failed to use a modern invention called lighting) and greying hair, I could not help but ponder how good our lives are! This move was a good one for us, something we should have done long ago. We are walking more, reconnecting with old friends and seeing more of our family. That is never a bad thind :)
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Redneck Wine Glass
August 28, 2011
We spotted a redneck wine glass in the country store in Lexington, Michigan during our recent visit. My husband wanted to buy it but I said no at $14.99. It is cute but easily made from a mason jar and glass candlestick holder from the dollar store. In told, it would cost about $1.50 to make and I do have an abundant supply of mason jars. I might make a few for gift giving :)
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
I am a book fanatic! As a result I have a rather extensive library collection that much to the dismay of my husband and anyone else helping us move. In addition to my library collection I have binders and binders of carefully written notes for every course ever taken during my academic career spanning 4 degrees over a ten year period. Our last house was rather odd to say the least and I just don't know why. Our family photos, original artwork and the vast majority of my books were never unpacked. We simply never bonded with the house despite the beautiful location. It was our house, not our home ... something that is difficult to explain.
This new house has immediately become our home. Three of our original pieces of artwork have found their perfect spot. My gorgeous and I do me gorgeous buffet with curved glass door is now gracing our main dining area with all of my Depression and Pre-depression glass sparkling on the shelves. It's a real beauty that hasn't had a true display location for almost ten years. Another display cabinet in the main dining area is loaded with my antique canning jar, milk bottles and similar items all sparkling on their glass shelves. Then there's the books ... I'm like a kid in the candy store. All my precious books are coming out of their boxes. It's like I reacquainting with old long lost friends!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Moving can be frustrating to say the least. It is all those little things that you take for granted that suddenly aren't there. Today is day 12 without my dryer or cook stove. I dropped a box of glassware today only to realize it was a box with cut glass and a couple of pieces of antique glass. I stubbed my toes countless times, ran into boxes, have more aches and pains than I care to think about as well as racking up the bruises. I am seriously about ready to curl up in a corner and cry! My mantra is "this too shall pass" but right now it hard to keep that in mind.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
We started moving into our new house on the first but the movers didn't bring out our furniture, washer, dryer and fridge (games room) until the sixth. Bell connected the satellite tv and DSL the same day. At that point our new house was on it's way to becoming a home. I hung a couple of pieces of our original paintings we collect from a wonderful local artist. His landscapes are extremely realistic and the neat thing is each painting comes with the story of how it came to be. These paintings take on a life of their own with the looks changing depending on the light. It is easy to lose yourself in them as they mystically draw you into the landscape! I chose new knobs for the kitchen cabinets to personalize the kitchen. My husband installed the new dishwasher this morning and oh my gosh that was a chore but now it's in, it will be like childbirth with the pain quickly forgotten.
Our kids and friends have been a central component this past week helping us get moved and settled into our new home. What a true blessing to have the help of family and friends when needed the most!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
My gosh it has been a long, long week! We are adjusting to our new home but still going back and forth to the old house. I'm sick so it really is taking longer to do a lot of things and there are a few things that need to be done before the house is fully functional (eg. fixing toilets, fixing a shower, installing dishwasher, installing dryer, installing kitchen stove). So my husband fixed one of the toilets this morning. The good news is it is no longer just running. The bad new is now it is flushing itself ever 30 seconds. The outdoor grill is up an operational so we had a lovely porkchop dinner with friends over while battling mosquitoes and bees but the good thing is I ate almost my entire meal something I haven't been able to do in almost three weeks. I have reverted to falling asleep early then getting up early as opposed to falling asleep early then sleeping into late morning so I think that is a good sign as well. My husband is sleeping better as well. I don't think we realized how much the external noise disrupted our sleep. That has been one of the biggest changes in that we are getting a better quality of sleep so we are awaking considerably more refreshed and alert in the mornings. We are both having problems adjusting to the hard flooring with me being worse as far as aching but in fairness we have had a week of rain so my joints would be aching anyway. So we are adjusting but only sort-of at the moment.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Pretty in Pink
August 27, 2011
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
The problem with moving is the numbers game. Now my husband is really good at numbers and so he should be given he's a numbers man. I'm not a numbers person. As with many scientists, I am a lazy mathematician. I do the math necessary for my discipline and then just enough to keep my brain active. Other than that forget it! Moving brings a new 911 address into the picture, new postal code and new phone number. Then it adds in new access codes for tv and and in my case a new cell phone number. I'm telling you it's just a numbers game!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
My husband and I were full of anticipation waiting for the keys to our new house on September 1. Now legally the house is not in our name until September 15 but we took an early possession because at this point everything is merely a formality now. We put the word out that we were starting the move on the first and taking up to the fifteenth to finish. In reality we will be fully moved by the sixth with nothing more to do at the old house other than do any necessary cleaning. Friends and family were right there ready to help! We are so very, very blessed to have such a strong support system in our family and friends. They are absolutely amazing!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
We are in the midst of moving. Now technically we have fifteen days to do the actual move which is nice because I detest these move in one day moves. We are essentially living between two houses at the moment. We have no phone service at our old house but have a new phone number at the new house. That didn't really matter much as we were considering going to cell phone only. We don't have tv or internet at the new house until Tuesday so to blog and do my Adgitize I have to go to the old house. My new gas range, dishwasher and pub style table arrived this morning. Once the moving is done for the day my husband will connect up the stove and dishwasher. It will be a laid back evening of relaxing. I've been unpacking a putting things away as they come in so on the new house end things aren't too bad. Other than that we are plugging along, happy with our new house and can't wait until the work is done! Oh an one of our grandbabies is coming to stay overnight. We are babysitting while the parents go to a wedding tomorrow. It's too bad the pool isn't open but peaches are ripe for the picking! I'm sure grandbaby will love the new guest bedroom we've set up.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Lexington Harbor
August 27, 2011
Lexington Harbor lies at the bottom of a rather steep hill. The only way to get to the restaurants or shops is to climb that hill. On average we climb the hill three times a day and I do have to say that it is most annoying to get back to the harbor only to realize you forgot to buy a needed item so back up the hill you go. It makes for a wonderful mini-vacation filled with a fair amount of exercise. Pictured is Lexington Harbor flags on the harbor. The stone wall separates the harbor from Lake Huron. There is a paved walking path along the top of the stone wall to walk from the harbor to the lighthouse at the mouth of the harbor (southern end of harbor). It is a rather popular walk to watch the sunrise over Lake Huron. There is a public beach on Lake Huron on the north side of the harbour that is quite popular.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Hubby's Parrots
August 26, 2011
There was a contest for the best decorated boat during Margarittafest (Lexington, Michigan) which translated into hubby's parrots coming along for the ride. Jimmy Buffet fans are called Parrotheads, and believe me my husband is a Parrothead! It was hilarious watching him decorate the boat. There were six strands of party lights, two strands of rope lighting and the parrots. That wasn't enough according to Mr. Parrothead so we headed up the hill to see what else we could find...
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Margaritafest Poster
(Lexington, Michigan)
August 26. 2011
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
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
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
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
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
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
Model Train Booth at WAMBO
August 13, 2011
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
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
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
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
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
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
Harvest Moon
Aurgust 15, 2011
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
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
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
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
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
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
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
American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls
July 31, 2011
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls, Ontario
July 31, 2011
My husband and I met up with one of our friend's and his daughter in Niagara Falls (Ontario) on the Civic Holiday weekend. Niagara Falls is one of our favourite annual short vacation spots. We ususally spendthree days and two nights depending when we visit. My husband arranged for tickets to ascend the Skylon Tower, an excellent way to get amazing pictures of the falls. I post a few more pictures of the view from the Skylon Tower over the next couple of days.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
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
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
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
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
Woody Topiary
May 19, 2011
One of our granchildren absolutely loves Woody from Toy Story. I was excited to get a picture of this wonderful Woody topiary at Epcot in Walt Disney World, Orlando. I could not wait to get back to our vacation home to upload the pictures from my camera to send the little one a special message from Grandma and Papa. Disney World does such a lovey job on the toparieies. I absolutely love them as well as appreciate the multitude of hours that it takes to create and maintain these toparies. The are simply gorgeious!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Welcome to Walt Disney World
Orlando, Florida
May 19, 2011
A couple of our kids and spouses are huge Disney fans. We were blessed with one of the couples visiting us during our recent spring vacation. They spent a few days with us which was really nice as we don't get a chance to see them as often as we would like. They live the furthest from us at about a ten hour drive from us. Weather conditions October through March makes driving rather touch and go. We had seen them on the tail end of our winter vacation the first week of January. We were so excited to see them again in May!
This couple is about the biggest Disney World fans you have ever met. They visit Disney World a couple of times a year. They know how to get all the discounts and the best attractions to visit. They know where the best places to eat. We spent an entire day at Epcot at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. It was wonderful event filled day! My gosh we had such a good time! We can't wait to do it again. Over the next few days I will be sharing some of the pictures from that great day.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Standing Guard
May 18, 2011
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
I hate, absolutely detest telemarketers. Our phone number is on Canada's Do Not Call List (that's a flipping joke) and we have call block. Despite numerous phone calls from Centennial Window (1-1-519-963-0831) both before and AFTER signing up for the DNC List we continue to get calls so today when I got yet another other one, I used *67 and called them back. The stupid and I do mean stupid telemarketer on the other end seemed to think I would be foolish enough to give them our phone number so they could check to see if they were calling us. Hello! You just called me and I called you back. I don't make a habit of calling telemarketers for something to do!
So I did not give them my phone number but I did head over to the CRTC to file a complaint. They are so annoying that there is no way I would ever consider buying windows from them anyway. They are truly pathetic bottom feeders! I would never, ever do business with Centennial Windows given their shoddy business practices. I will be so glad that this phone number will cease to exist as soon as we move and that time is moving closer as I type. Oh I know at some point they may find our new phone number then I will have to fight back once again simply because they are bottom feeder telemarketers. Absolutely disgusting!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Imagine my surprise when I turned on the talking heads today to not hear one mention of Casey Anthony. I started watching the coverage of her trial back during our spring vacation in May. I watched it daily. It was a very sad case in which Casey was accused of murdering her little toddler Caylee and yet there was only scant circumstantial evidence, tampered evidence and lies in a trial that could cost Casey her life. She was facing the death penalty. I had ample opportunity to observe the talking heads. My gosh they can be quite horrid at best. The funny thing is they are condemning anyone of making money off of Caylee's death yet that is exactly what they are doing while inciting hartred and character assination. It was nice not to hear them speculate 'where's Casey' which has been their focus ever since Casey was acquitted and released from prison.
Anyway, back to the talking heads. What a horrible way to make a living off of the blood money others. I've notice the following characteristics about all of them and it really does not deviate much:
- exaggerated facial expressions - Talking heads verbalize through their teeth while exaggerating their lip shapes as much as possible. If they They feign this fake serious look most of the time but every once in awhile open their eyes huge to express shock. Then they suck in their breath to the point their head almost disappears! But I don't know where they get the air as they talk so fast they don't take time to breath which perhaps explains their pasty, bluish complexions.
- voice tone - Talking heads use almost a monotone voice except when they are trying to stress something then they raise the volume several decibels.
- self-centred - Talking heads are seriously about the most self-centred people I've seen. They get extremely upset and derragatory if anyone disagrees with their viewpoint whether it be a guest on their show or another team member. And they have no problem shooting a derragatory comment at anyone who disagrees then abruptly cutting the dissenter's air time so they cannot respond.
- failure to listen - This one really boggles my mind but talking heads do not want to listen to anyone else including their fellow talking heads. In fact if a talking head has other talking heads on as part of their panel the gackle is worse then Babalon! The main talking head as the other talking heads try to keep up so the gackle of competetion esculates. It ends up being a huge shouting match with the viewer left shaking their head just trying to understand what just happened as their stress level raises higher than if they were in an actual confrontation themselves.
- attack mode - The talking heads are always in attack mode. They don't really care who they attack whether it be the person they are reporting about or a colleague. They are in constant attack mode to the point the viewer expects them to keel over with a massive coronary attack!
- who needs facts - There is a saying in our home town that if you haven't heard a rumour by lunchtime you need to start one. That saying is so true when it comes to the talking heads. Honestly, they make-up the facts as they go then make-up facts about those made-up facts. They bring a whole new meaning to speculation and rumour starting.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
The past week was a bit odd in that my husband was away on the boat for three days so I had the house to myself. In the wee hours of Monday morning before he left I awoke in a fair amount of pain. So my great plans for doing what I wanted (even though I usually do) turned into staying indoors, working on pain control and listening to the talking heads. Oh and I prepped the house for showings that was a bit more difficult because of the pain but I managed. Then I got the call on the last day of the boat cruise that the boat broke down but they managed to limp it to safety. The good thing and most important thing is the guys were safe and sound. Boats can be replaced, they cannot. The following day we had two more house showings. My husband was sunburned and tired, I was still in pain so it wasn't the best day. The house was supposed to be shown on Friday but that was cancelled. I can't say I was disappointed but you can't sell if you don't show it. I had not been out of the house all week which really is not abnormal for me. I decided to go pick up a few groceries while my husband was golfing. We kew the kids, grandkids and grandpuppy were coming for lunch on Sunday. I came home with my goodies then set to work making sub buns. My husband was home by then and the storms rolled through knocking out our power just as the oven was heating to bake the buns. That was easily solved. The PVR on the other hand kept giving an error message that it was too cold so would turn on when the temperature reached 32ºF. Umm, I think the PVR has an attitude since the indoor temperature was a balmy 74ºF with an outdoor temperature of 92ºF. There is no way it could have a temperature issue over being too cold! The buns were out of the oven but the internet and PVR were still being quite fickle. I can't wait to get moved to where we don't have to deal with satellite services! Anyway, we decided to just call it a night. It had been a long, tiring week. Yet today was a wonderful end to last week and beautiful start for the coming week!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
A couple of years ago I was bashed, and I do mean bashed for not using my real name as author of my blogs. Using a pseudonym has long been acceptable in the literary field and that has been widely acceptable in the blogsphere. The bottom line is whether anyone else agrees with it or not, those who are important to me knows my online nym and my real identity. I refuse to be bullied and that is exactly what it was with my online stalker trying to bully me into disclosing my real name. Then the issue became that I don't talk enough about my online stalker, I don't disclose enough about myself and guess what I apparently don't make my online stalker the centre of my universe.
My blogs are about me, all about me! They are a reflection of how I see the world, my experiences and me sharing what I know. I, as author of my blogs, allow the reader to see one very, very narrow aspect of me. What I choose to share with my readers is entirely up to me and always has been. I will not be bullied or dictated to. I resent the judgemental attitude, telling me how I present my own intellectual property is wrong. The bottom line is under the Canadian Constitution I have every right to present my intellectual property any way I see fit. So my blogs are all about me but if you really want to know me, don't rely just on my blogs. You need to develop a personal relationship, one of which I will accept enough to let you get close enough that I will even talk to you, And let me tell you I do not and never have warmed up to people. At this stage in my life, if you aren't in my inner circle of friends and family the chances of you getting into my inner circle is pretty much nil. I'm just saying.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Oh my gosh, I had the perfect post for today ending up my commentaries on the Casey Anthony trial. The bottom line is there wasn't even enough circumstantial evidence to convict Casey who was facing the death penalty if found guilty. I've watched coverage of this from almost day 1 and watched all of the trial coverage including seeing the laughing guy Jeff Ashton. There was nothing in the evidence that would convince me this young mother deserved the death penalty. Complicating matters was the mouths of the talking heads, specifically Nancy Grace of HLN, a subsiduary of CNN. She has been extremely vile always saying it is her First Ammendment Right.
Excuse me but I do know a bit about the US being there on a regular basis and owning property there. The First Ammendment does not give you the right to commit character assination, lible another person or instigate hatred. I'm sorry but Nancy Grace did all of these so I do hope Casey's attoneys sue Nancy Grace as well as HLN and CNN. [Oh and Nancy if you are reading this, you are seriously a nasty piece of work! You talk about others making money off of Casey Anthony and yet that is exactly what you are doing. For shame!] Now what is very interesting is the lawyers for Doctor Conrad Murrya, the doctor going on trial for the death of Michael Jackson specifically indicated their concern over Nancy Grace's vile behaviour with respect to the Casey Anthony trial. So her comments are now wasting the court's time? Hmm, can't she be charged with that? They want the jourey sequestered immediately and when you are talking
the Michael Jackson trial that is going to be a lot longer than the
time the jurers for the Casey Anthony trial were sequestered. They
don't feel they can get a free trial based partly on the vile comments
of Nancy Grace. Now that's a shame because it is going to cost the state of Florida more money and guess what they just wasted a bundle using Jeff Ashton aka the laughing guy. Perhaps Nancy Grace's ultimate adgenda is making the state of Florida a laughing stock and they are thanks to the ilk of Nancy Gracy they certainly are looking like a laughing stock!
So Nancy Grace in all her vileness exercised her First Ammendment Rights under the guise of being a journalist. Let me tell you she is not now or ever has been a journalist. Journalism may have been an excuse to exagerate, speculate, stetch the truth or blatant lie but there is no doubt that not once has she told the truth with respect to Casey Anthoney. I do think that one aspect of the ethics of journalism is reporting the truth. What ever happened to reporting the truth? Nancy Grace has failed that every step of the way! My opinion is she is a true disgrace to journalism, HLN and CNN. She should be held accountable for the vile hatred she had managed to spread and Now if I were a talking head which I'm not I would question her mental stability. Maybe I should speculate about her motives or where she was and why she would be saying the things she is that could put her family at risk. Perhaps we could question whether she needs psychaiatric help or if she is off her meds. Honestly this talking head is causing way more problems she is worth to the networks, if you ask me. Yet she contnues to make money off of Casey Anthony. Afterall, that's what talking heads do. They make money spewing off nonsense all in the name of being a journalist exercising their First Ammendment Rights. I say BS!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Aging Gracefully
July 11, 2011
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Judge Belvin Perry was the judge in the Casey Anthony trial. Honestly my impression of him is he was so full of himself it really was pathetic. He came across as a minority with power that he was simply going to swing around because he could. He was so concerned over keeping the trial on schedule that he did hinder both the defense and prosecution. There is money pinching and being frugal but when it comes to life or death decisions a day or two extra to allow the jury to go through all the evidence should have been allowed. I really did not like Judge Perry. He charged one with 2 days in jail for making an inappropriate comment and a 28 year old 6 days for making a gesture in court and yet allowed the prosecution lawyer Jeff Ashton to grin, smirk and downright laugh in court over and over and over. He was, in my opinion a total disgrace to the bench. Ashton should have be at the very least been held in contempt of court given his behaviour. Now what Perry glossed over is I think if the defense wanted to press it they could easily get a mistrial because Perry wanted to keep court costs down. The penalty facing Casey Anthony was death. He in good conscious could say hey I kept the court costs down? What is with that? I did hear he is supposed to be penning a book over this trial. So he can make money, keep court costs down with a young woman facing death if found guilty? He had his moment of fame, his 15 minutes in the limelight but he isn't worth wasting any time on by buying whatever book he writes. He was in this trial for one thing only and that was to make money from it, not for justice. What a sham!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Casey Marie Anthony, the young mother on trial for the murder of her toddler is officially a free woman. I've been following this trial since Day 1 when we were at our vacation home in Florida, not far from where the trial was held. In this case and I honestly do not think Casey killed little Caylee, justice was served. There was no real justice for Caylee though. I doubt the cause of death or what actually happened to that poor little one will ever be disclosed. The whole family and that came up over and over during the trial lives on lies. I really do think that Casey is a victim of her family. She was the obvious scapgoat which ended up costing her 3 years in jail from charges brought against her by complaints from her very own mother. No wonder she refused to see her mother in jail! Think about it. Her mother did not protect her from being sexually abused by her father and brother THEN betrayed her again by having her charged for cheque fraud. So Cindy Marie Anthony, Casey's mom is not the little Miss Innocent Goodie Two Shoes the talking heads portrait her to be. What is very interesting is the jury actually believed that George Anthony, Casey's dad was the one responsible for Caylee's death. Any normal parent or grandparent faced with a drowned child would call 911 and with him being a retired police detective, that should have been his first response yet he didn't call 911. Then he lied about his affair losing all credibility with the jury and quite frankly with the public. I really do believe that George Anthony is the person responsible for little Caylee's death.
I for one am glad to see Casey a free woman. I hope that her attorneys go full barrels against the talking heads, especially Nancy Grace. Of all the talking heads Nancy Grace has been particularly nasty but Jane Valez-Mitchell has been running a close second as to the derrogatory comments. More importantly I hope her attorneys take it a step further by suing HLN, the news station of the talking heads. And I hope the young store clerk that was attacked because she looks a bit like Casey sues the talking heads and HLN a subsiduary of CNN for their actions in promoting hatred. I hope that Casey's attornies sue CNN for allowing HLN to spew forth such hatred. There is freedom of the press but these talking heads are beyond guilty of character assination and promoting hatred. I hope that Casey's attorneys go after that horrid Facebook site promoting hatred against Casey putting her life in jeopardy. Facebook itself should remove the site which is really against the TOS anyway. What the talking heads and HLN does not seem to understand is they are directly responsible for promoting this hatred EVEN though Casey was found not guilty of murder, aggravated child abuse or aggravated manslaughter. She's not guilty! Leave her alone. Respect the jury's decision and leave her alone. She has lost everything - her child, her family, her freedom, her peace of mind, her personal right to safety - EVERYTHING! And yet the talking heads circling like vulchers looking for a feeding frenzy wanted the death sentence. FOR SHAME!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Wow, what an absolutely wonderful week spent with family and friends! We had a chance to visit with all three grandkids and their parents this past week. Our grandkids are the sweetest blessings ever. I thought being blessed with kids was amazing, watching them grow to become the wonderful adults they are even more amazing but oh my gosh grandkids are the icing on the cake!
And then there's our friends. They are some of best folks you could ever meet. They would not hesitate to give you the shirt of their back. They are always there for us, never wavering in good times and even stronger in bad times. Believe me we are so blessed to have such true friends that are always there, that we can rely on anytime and you know are just wonderful people about as close to family as you can get!
It was a wonderful week!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Ok, you think it is a funny topic but ever since my husband had his head shaved for cancer I've been thinking about my hair. It is waist long, virgin hair that is gracely aging aka getting very close to salt & pepper. It is treated with nothing more that shampoo and condition and I went to a No-poo cleansing system using cider vinegar and baking soda that I use a couple of times a month in addition to shampoo and conditioner. I wear my hair long and straight most days or a semi-pony tail secured with a clip. Occasionally in the summer I use a silicone product like Citri Shine but that's about it. Long hair need not be high maintenance either. I wash it, blow dry then style (eg. flat iron, curing iron) and believe me styling is not something I am all that interested. I really can't be bothered. As long as it is clean and looks half decent, I'm happy. I know I should not blow dry my hair but trust me it is the only way to get this amount of hair dried during the winter months and I do give it a break in the summer letting the sun dry it naturally. I have twisted it into a bun during the summer months after a day spent on the boat and honestly it will still be wet two days later! I don't think I could ever go with a short hairdo though. I've always had long hair with the exception of one defiant period where I cut it short to spite my Mom but that didn't last long.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Oh So Comfy!
June 23, 2011
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Cheney Mason, one of the members had a lot of negative things to say about the media leading up to and during the Casey Anthony trial. I honestly cannot help but agree with him. My husband refers to these media vultures as talking heads. The thing is the talking heads extrapolate, speculate and downright sensationalize without knowing the whole story. And while they are condemning some of trying to make money off of the death of little Caylee Anthony, they are doing the exact same thing. They have been making money off this case ever since Caylee's disappearance and have been making money doing nothing more than character accination leading up to and during the trial. So those like Nancy Grace who I find particarly nauseating that are claiming they are seeking justice for Caylee have blood money on their hands. All of a sudden Casey's boyfriend and former friends are coming forward. Do you think they are doing these interviews without being paid some type of compensation? And then there were the so called protestors at the courthouse. Now that really is a joke as the real thing they were really interested in was getting their 15 minutes of fame on television. Casey Anthony was found not guilty of murder, aggravated child abuse and aggravated manslaughter. She will be released into the community on July 17, one week from today. In the meantime the talking heads will continue to make money off of the death of little Caylee Marie Anthony. And the talking head can sleep tight at night then look at themselves in the mirror the next morning knowing they have blood money on their hands and no amount of washing ever gets rid of blood money!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
It is almost human nature to complain about the weather. Everyone can relate, it is a safe conversational topic, and no one can do anything about it. This past week it would have been difficult to find any complaints with the weather. It was gorgeous, perhaps a bit too hot for some and too humid for others, but gorgeous no the less. We had the boat out a couple of times and went to a belated Canada Day celebration complete with a pig roast and a fireworks display that would out rival many community fireworks hosted by my husband's aunt and uncle. They have a beautiful 25 acre farm with a large manmade pond. A picture of the pond is the background for my gardening blog. It was a beautiful warm summer day with an amazingly blue sky dotted with big fluffy white clouds and yet the night brought cooler air perfect for watching the fireworks display. It was the perfect ending to the perfect summer week!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Fireworks
July 1, 2011
As newlyweds we decided that buying fireworks for a personal display was not a frugal use of our funds. I can recall only once where we gave into the pleas of our kids to by a few fireworks and a couple of occasions of buying sparklers. Many communities have a fireworks display for July 1, Canada Day. We seldom attend though. I guess it is something we never got into and living in smaller communities it is easy to see any fireworks anyway. This past Canada Day we attended the community fireworks display. A large group of us gathered on the lawn of one of our friends where we had a wonderful view of the fireworks. It was a very pleasant way to spend the evening!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Casey Anthony was found not guilty of murder, not guilty of aggravated child abuse and not guilty of aggravated manslaughter but guilty on four counts of lying to a police officer on Tuesday. Today Judge Perry sentenced her to 1 year for each count for a maximum of four years less time served as well as $1,000 fine per count ($4,000). She was credited with 1,043 days served giving a release date of July 13, 2011. At that time she will be released into the community. While she will have her freedom, she still faces a multitude of legal problems. The state is suing for costs. The search party is seeking compensation from Casey and her parents. A deposition was served on Casey last night by the attorney for a woman who's name is Zenaida Fernandez Gonzalez the name used by Casey for "Zanny the Nanny" for damages she has suffered as a result of Casey's lies. Casey's parents have received death threats and Casey's defense team is very concerned about her safety once released. There is talk that Cindy Anthony (Casey's mom) may be charged with purgery. Cindy and George's (Casey's parents) neighbours are hoping they make enough money from telling their story so they can move out of the neighbourhood. So the story doesn't end with Casey's release from prison next Wednesday.
Quite frankly, I feel justice was served in this case. The prosecution failed to prove that Casey actually committed any crime other than lying to a police officer. Without that proof, the jury had no choice but to find her not guilty of murder, aggravated child abuse or aggravated manslaughter. They followed the law in that respect. Prosecutor Jeffery Ashton discredited himself throughout the trial by smirking (opening statements and during trial) to coming close to openly laughing during Jose Baez's closing statements. What I found interesting is Judge Perry gave one lady two days in jail for making a comment in court, and 28 year old Mathew Barlett six days in court along with a $400 fine plus $263 in court costs for flipping the bird at Jeff Ashton. Yet he did nothing about the shameful behaviour of Jeff Ashton other than threaten sanctions. I think Jeff Ashton thought this was a slam dunk case so got just a bit too cocky. In that respect the solid win by the defense team is a bit sweeter. Jeff Ashton announced his retirement the same day as the not guilty verdict.
The sad thing in all of this is a little child, Caylee is dead. If the Anthony family knows anything about it they will never talk now. Even if it was discovered that Casey did kill her daughter which I believe she did not, she cannot be charged again. It is doubtful that the cause of death of little Caylee will ever be found. Yet many lives were affected and continue to be affected by this little angel.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Luminaries of Hope
June 24, 2011
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
After a little over ten hours of deliberation, the jury found Casey Anthony not guilty of First Degree Murder, not guilty of Aggravated Manslaughter, and not guilty of Aggravated Child Abuse. They found her guilty of lying to a police officer. The sentencing will be on Thursday but with time served, with any luck she will be a free woman then.
The media is having a feeding frenzie on this one They are still condemning Casey even though she has been acquitted but they they had her guilty and on death row well before the trial. Now Jose Biaz hinted that they would be seeing some of the members of the press shortly. I would think after some of the things said by HLN journalists that some will be held accountable for the liabliss statements made against Casy. I honestly hope they particularly hit Nancy Grace hard for her vile and vicious tounge. She honestly is a nasty piece of jounalism, a definite shame to her profession!
The media is so hyped up they are even discussing where Casey will live if released on Thursday. According to Nancy Green and her narrow minded cronies, Casey has no choice but to move back in with her parents. Now I don't know what the heck they have been sniffing but Casey has a lot of options where to live if released and I certainly doubt whe will move in with her parents of whom she accused her father of molesting her since age eight. Some of these sensationalist journalists need to consider that there are safe houses, support systems and government assistence available to Casey. Oh but that would take a bit away from the sensationalism, wouldn't it?
The sad reality is a little girl, Caylee Marie Anthony is dead. Her mother, Casey Marie Anthony will now be allowed to grieve but her life will never be the same. A disfunctional family has literally been destroyed not only via the trial but by the assination by the media. Their neighbours are hoping they make a lot of money from telling their story so they can move away and life get back to normal in the neighbourhood. And in the end, Caylee Marie Anthony is dead...
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Judge Perry gave instructions to the jury and they are now in deliberation. Now it is a waiting game for the verdict. Looking at it from the outside, there really is no evidence that Casey Anthony harmed her daughter Caylee in any manner. In fact she was quoted to be a very good mother. There's no DNA evidence on the duct tape, something that would be expected if the duct tape had actually been on Caylee. There is no evidence that Casey beyond a shadow of a doubt did the searches on chloroform. Four people had access to that computer so it really could have been any of them that did those searches. There is no evidence little Caylee's body was ever in the car. There is evidence that the car did not smell and in fact the idea that the smell was so bad seems to be one planted by Casey's father George. The only thing the evidence showed is that Casey did in fact lie to law officials.
There is no doubt in my mind that Casey is indeed a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of her father and possibly her brother, Lee. There was even speculation by law officials that Lee was the father of his niece, Caylee. The hatred on Casey's face towards her father is more than apparent! There is a lot of problems and issues in this family. The sad thing is this family, as disfunctional at it was, is now completely destroyed. I doubt it could ever be healed. Part of that is due to the huge circus the media has turned this case into.
The media has been absolutely brutal in this case. In particular to the point of being nauseating is Nancy Grace who calls Casey Tot Mom. She is not only deragoatory and judgemental but just a nasty piece of work. Feeding off of someone's misfortune and judging them guilty before they have been proven to be guilty just makes her look foolish. But what goes around comes around so at some point hopefully she is on the receiving end of what she is dishing out. Now we wait for the verdict and yet the media is hounding the defense team while they are having their lunch. It's sad that the media has to be so callous!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
This past week was one of celebration. We attended the 65th birthday celebration of a very good friend during the afternoon on Canada Day (July 1). It was wonderful to be able to share in this happy event! After the birthday celebration we went to another friend's house where we enjoyed a barbeque with him and his young daughter before we all headed out to enjoy the community fireworks. We had a perfect view of them from another friend's side yard. More friends some with their children joined us for a fun filled evening. The fireworks were amazing, filling the night sky with gorgeous colours celebrating Canada's one hundred and forty-fourth birthday. What a great way to enjoy time with family and friends!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Today is Canada Day so I would like to wish all of my Canadian readers happy celebrations. We will be enjoying a wonderful day spent with family and friends.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
