Oh come on, I can hear the chuckle :)
PS. the picture has been making its way around online. I'm not sure who took it.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Duct Tape Babysitter
Monday, May 11, 2009
My Commentary on the Tamil Protests
I had a great spammers post idea for today but decided to address the Tamil protest in Toronto instead. If you haven't been following the various Tamil protest they have been holding rallies in front of the United States Consulate on University Avenue in Toronto. At times their numbers have actually delayed and/or prevented people from getting to out patient clinics at the hospitals. They have disrupted traffic in the downtown core of Toronto for several days. Yesterday almost 2,000 Tamil protesters decided it would be a great idea to close down the Gardiner for 6 hours because they want Canadian government action to stop the genocide/civil war against Tamils in Sri Lanka. It took more than 5 hours to clear the backlog due to this closure. Public safety was clearly endangered. Today they continue to disrupt traffic.
Hello!!!!!!!!!!!!
Our Canadian government just sent $3M dollars for humanitarian aid for the Tamil cause in Sri Lanka. That's $3M that could have been used to keep our local hospitals open. That's $3M that could have used in Canada to help those who are very much hurting from the recession. That's $3M that could have been used to help the Canadian homeless situation. That's $3M of our hard earned tax dollars that we pay to our Canadian government on our behalf. They are even resorting to calling anyone who doesn't support their cause a racist! Enough!
The reality of the situation and while I do empathize with the Tamil plight is Canada cannot intervene and has no way of being able to enforce any sanctions against Sri Lanka. The Canadian government has no legal jurisdiction in Sri Lanka. So far Canadians have been very tolerant of the Tamil protests not only in Toronto but in other major cities BUT our patience is wearing thin! Last night the illegal seizure of the Gardiner was the straw that broke the camel's back. Occupying a Canadian road or highway is such a fashion is illegal regardless of the cause! Each and every participant in this seizure should have been arrested and removed. They definitely should be investigated for putting their children in harms way. I believe that is called endangering the welfare of a minor that is also a chargeable offense. As newer immigrants they rely heavily on our Canadian welfare system without contributing to our tax base YET are at the moment costing us thousands of dollars over these protests. Don't forget the Tamils support the LTTE a know terrorist group. Yet when the Tigers were doing the killing and maiming over the 26 yr old war the Tamils had no complaints. It's only since the Sri Lanka government started winning the war that now the Tamils in Canada complain! Like as if blood is not already on their hands? They came here as refugees wave their Tiger flags NOT Canadian flags even though they are supposed to be Canadian YET have no problem holding a city as hostage. It is our tax dollars they are wasting!
Here's what I'm thinking. I'm sick and tired of our tax dollars being wasted and diverted out of Canada. I'm sick and tired of our tax dollars being wasted with our men in blue and mounted police trying to congenially keep the peace over illegal protests. I think what we need is a huge group of like minded folks to get together and shut down every single highway in Canada! Unfortunately that is not the Canadian way to get things done.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
BYBS - Flowers
The past week was a stressful one yet throughout the difficulties one blessing helped me keep things in perspective. Flowers became the blessing theme for the week both indoors and outdoors. I cannot imagine my life without flowers! Flowers ask nothing of you, make no demands and yet give so much. Even the flowers on plants some consider as weeds are beautiful. I can't recall ever seeing an ugly flower!
My husband surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of bright flowers to brighten the family room. A variety of narcissus, crocuses and crabapple blooms brightened the gardens. The Vinca major, Lamiums and Sweet Woodruff are blooming as are a couple of smaller flowering bushes. The lilac bushes are just starting to bloom. I discovered two new large patches of beautiful but unidentified flowers. One has bright yellow flowers with pale tips that are about 3 inch diameter. The other similar flowers that appear to be a double bloom in white with pink streaks. Both are very pretty and there appears to be a fair amount of the same plants that are not mature enough to bloom yet. The lily of the valley are up but not in full bloom yet. Even the few cheery dandelions were enough to bring a smile!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Random Act of Kindness
Bright Smiles
May 1, 2009
My husband surprised me with a bouquet of beautiful, bright flowers last week to cheer me up. What a sweetheart! I have very much appreciated their cheery colours. The last couple of weeks have been both emotionally and physically draining. Each time I felt my stress level rise, I stopped and took a few deep breaths while enjoying my flowers. Complicating things was another horrid sinus attack that lasted a little over 4 days exasperated by the damp, rainy weather. Honestly these attacks are so bad that sleep is not much of an option! I've had to make an extra effort to not let my worsening mood affect my husband or the kids.
Yesterday morning as it clouded up I could feel pressure and pain in my sinuses again not even a full 2 days after the attack had subsided! By mid-afternoon the internet signal was going up and down! So this morning I was up early hoping to get some serious blogging done. I had one picture edited and was just getting ready to re-size and save when the power went out! I powered everything back up just in time to see the television sat was down meaning the internet would be going down as well. A couple of seconds later the power went out again. So I took the hint, smiled at my flowers and climbed back into bed!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Friday, May 01, 2009
Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?
This is a 5th grade math problem. This is not a trick question. This is a real math problem so don't say that the bus doesn't have legs.
There are 7 girls in a bus. Each girl has 7 backpacks. In each backpack, there are 7 big cats. For every big cat, there are 7 little cats.
The bus driver is not in the bus at this time.
Question:
How many legs are there in the bus?
See if you can get the right answer. Leave your answer as a comment!!!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Deserata
Deserata
Go placidy amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and agressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism
Be yourself, especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it transcends time and space.
Take kindly to the councel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome disipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labours and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be careful. Take care.
Strive to be happy.
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and agressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism
Be yourself, especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it transcends time and space.
Take kindly to the councel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome disipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labours and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be careful. Take care.
Strive to be happy.
Found in Old St. Paul's Church, Baltimore ~ circa. 1692. The author is unknown.
----
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
BYBS - The Power of the Internet
This past week it dawned on me that something I take for granted really is a blessing. I'm so used to having internet access at home and with the growing availability of wireless finding internet access (for laptop/iPod Touch). This week I used the internet for two very important causes and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to do so.
First, little 8 yr old Victoria Stafford was abducted on April 8 in Woodstock, ON and she is still missing. Two of my blogs show the Canadian Amber Alert for her. I don't know her but just felt in my heart I had to do more and what that meant to me is to use both this blog and twitter to get the word out. I made a post about her (here) and make three to four tweets daily on twitter. In some small way hopefully this will help spread the word of this missing little girl and bring her home safely.
Second, many rural hospitals in Ontario, Canada are under threat of full or partial closure. This would present a huge hardship and possible death for rural residents of Ontario. Already, many living in Ontario do not have a regular doctor so have no choice but to use emergency room services at times. Rural areas in Ontario are particularly hard hit even in the best of times but even worse during winter driving conditions. Personally I know from recent experience that drive to the emergency room can extremely stressful especially if you have to travel double the distance to get to the closest one. So when a good friend sent me the information on Help Save Our Local Hospitals rally, I turned to both blogging and twitter to help spread the word. I posted the rally info here and try to get out three or four tweets on twitter daily.
Too often we hear about the negative of the internet rather than the positive. The internet reaches people world wide and therein lies the power of the internet. I think it is such a blessing that in some small way I can use this power to get the word out about both these very important events. In even in some small way, I hope it is helping.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Help Save Our Local Hospitals
[Important information from my email files. Please support the cause.]
ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29th, JOIN THE GIANT HOSPITAL RALLY AT QUEEN’S PARK & HELP SAVE OUR LOCAL HOSPITALS!!
GET ON THE BUS!!!
This past Saturday, concerned citizens from communities across Ontario showed their anger and frustration over local hospital cuts and closures by waging protests outside the offices of their local MPPs. From Sudbury to Niagara Region, protesters’ rallying cries were the same: Save Our Local Hospitals: Hospital Cuts Threaten Our Health! This is a critical time in the fight to protect local hospital services, and as these protesters recognize, the future of health care in Ontario really does rest in our hands. This is the time to make the government aware that you will not stand idly by and let them put your health, and the health of your loved ones, at risk.
A strong and visible challenge to the provincial government’s hospital restructuring plans will be the only thing that will change the government’s current direction.
Together, we can stop the cuts and closures!!
On Wednesday, April 29th, we will continue our quest to stop the cuts with a MASS RALLY at Queen’s Park, in Toronto at 11:30am:
Thousands of people from cities and towns across Ontario facing major hospital cuts or closures are joining in solidarity to demand that McGuinty protect our local hospitals.
The legislature will be in session--
This is our chance to make McGuinty listen to the concerns of our communities!
The rally has been called by the Town of Fort Erie, working in alliance with municipalities across Ontario. The Ontario Health Coalition and local Health Coalitions across Ontario are supporting this important endeavour.
We have about 40 buses already booked, and we want to increase that number substantially--
If you can help arrange buses, carpools, and/or can help get a group together, we want to hear from you.
Please contact us at 416-441-2502 or at ohc@sympatico.ca.
People in TORONTO: Please join in solidarity with us at Queen’s Park. Your hospital services are being threatened too!!
**PLEASE RESERVE YOUR SEAT IN ADVANCE (where applicable)!**
BUSES WILL BE LEAVING FROM:
St. Catharines:
Buses leave St. Catharines at 9:30am from CAW Local 199 (124 Bunting Rd.),
returning by 3pm.To reserve a seat, contact Sue at 905-932-1646 or Susan at suzanha@yahoo.ca.
Strathroy:
Buses leave Strathroy at 8am from Food Basics at Kenwick Plaza (Front/Head Streets)
returning by 5pm. To reserve a seat, contact Joyce at 519-245-3633 or Sandra at 519-245-8829.
Wallaceburg:
Buses will leave Wallaceburg at 7am SHARP from the Sobey’s parking lot,
returning by 5pm. To reserve a seat on the bus, contact Shirley at 519-677-4474.
Hamilton:
Buses leave Hamilton at 9:45am from Limeridge Mall: corner of Upper Wentworth St (across
from the Legion Hall and near The Bay), returning by 3pm. To reserve a seat, contact Nancy at 905-385-1933.
Welland:
Buses leave Welland at 9am from Welland Market Square and will be back by 3pm.
To reserve a seat on the bus, call Fiona at 905-788-0756.
Sarnia:
Buses leave Sarnia at 7am from the north municipal parking lot at Centennial Park (across from
Stokes By The Bay) To reserve a seat, contact Arlene at 519-542-1895. A $10 reservation fee is required.
Petrolia:
Buses leave Petrolia at 7:15am from the parking lot across from the VPP, returning by 5pm.
To reserve a seat on the bus, contact Helen at 519-882-0357. A $10 reservation fee is required.
Belleville:
Buses leave Belleville at 8:30am from the Quinte Mall, behind the Shell Station/Denny’s, returning by 4pm.
To reserve a seat on the bus, contact Michael at 613-968-5550.
Port Colborne:
Buses leave Port Colborne at 8:30am from West Side Arena on Hwy 58, returning by 3pm.
To reserve a seat on the bus, contact Pat at 905-835-8249.
Picton:
Contact Barb at 613-476-4097 for information about the bus leaving from Picton & to reserve a seat.
Fort Erie:
Buses leave Fort Erie at 8:30am from the Leisureplex (1 Municipal Centre Dr.), returning by 3pm.
To reserve a seat, contact Al at 905-871-1600 x2543.
Trenton:
Buses leave Trenton at 7:45am from the Holiday Inn parking lot, returning by 5pm.
For more information, visit www.city.quintewest.on.ca
Rally together your friends, your families, your neighbours, and your coworkers, because the reality is, that when we get sick or have a health emergency, each and every one of us counts on there being a hospital close by that is able to help us in our time of need.
---
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Help Find a Little Girl
[Note: This is one of the very posts on this blog that have more than one picture but I feel it is very important. Please read and help spread the word!]
Victoria (Tori) Staffordabducted in Woodstock, Ontario April 8, 2009
Today, I would like to draw your attention to the Amber Alert on this blog. By now if you are Canadian especially living in Ontario you will have heard the story of how Victoria (Tori) Stafford was last seen leaving her school with an unknown woman on April 8, 2009. Little Tori Stafford is 8 years old. At the time the police were hesitant to rule this an abduction but have since ammended the ruling from missing to abducted. The police have made a couple of public press releases and the OPP have taken over as the lead for the intensified search for Tori. Her mother Tara McDonald talks to the press daily at 1:00 PM. She is also active on Facebook in an attempt to get the word out in the hopes of finding Tori. There have been several candlelight vigils for Tori. Purple (Tori's favourite colour) balloons were released in Woodstock in show of support for Tori and the family. A website has been started for Tori to keep those interested in up to date information (click here). If you are on twitter, please follow me (click here) as I'm trying to make up to date tweets as they happen throughout the day. If you read any tweets on twitter including mine regarding Victoria (Tori) Stafford please re-tweet!
Please if you have any information on the whereabouts of little Victoria Stafford please contact:
Oxford Community Police 519-421-2800
Woodstock Police Department 519-537-2323
Crime Stoppers (anonymous) 1-800-222-TIPS
Woodstock Police Department 519-537-2323
Crime Stoppers (anonymous) 1-800-222-TIPS
Video of Tori and the search for her safe return:
Composite picture of woman seen with Tori when she disappeared (story here):
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Why Parents Drink
[Here's a good from my email inbox files.]
A father passing by his son's bedroom was astonished to see that his bed was nicely made and everything was picked up. Then he saw an envelope, propped up prominently on the pillow that was addressed to 'Dad.' With the worst premonition he opened the envelope with trembling hands and read the letter.
Dear Dad:
It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with Mom and you.
I have been finding real passion with Stacy and she is so nice.
But I knew you would not approve of her because of all her piercing, tattoos, tight motorcycle clothes and the fact that she is much older than I am. But it' s not only the passion...Dad she's pregnant.
Stacy said that we will be very happy.
She owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter. We share a dream of having many more children.
Stacy has opened my eyes to the fact that marijuana doesn't really hurt anyone. We'll be growing it for ourselves and trading it with the other people that live nearby for cocaine and ecstasy.
In the meantime we will pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so Stacy can get better. She deserves it.
Don't worry Dad. I'm 15 and I know how to take care of myself.
Someday I'm sure that we will be back to visit so that you can get to know your grandchildren.
Love, Your Son John
PS. Dad, none of the above is true. I'm over at Tommy's house.
I Just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than a Report card That's in my center desk drawer.
I love you.
Call me when it's safe to come home.
[I know my kids would have pulled this if they had thought about it :)]
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
The Ultimate in Recycling
Have you ever wished you had a better way to use those pesky pop cans? Putting them into the blue box then carting it to the road for collection seems like such a waste when these cans can be put to good use. Pictured is another photo from my email inbox that illustrates just how useful those pop cans can be. [This is not my photo so I cannot take credit for it.] Ladies and gentlemen, now is the time to be saving up all those pop cans so you too can create one of these gorgeous holiday season icons :)
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
BYBS - We All Need a Tree
Here is a great message from my email files, very fitting for Blog Your Blessings Sunday. Please click on the tree.
Have a great week!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Spring Cleaning
I started spring cleaning in the house last week so in my spare time have been blogging. It has come to my attention that my Yahoo inbox is now sitting at 8, 432 email messages while our personal email account inbox has 1097 messages with 302 unread. In reality the personal email account is much worse because some messages are automatically filtered into folders. So yours truly is going to be spending a bit of time doing some inbox spring cleaning. And what does this mean for you? Well, I am so glad you asked! It means I will be sharing some of those neat little tid bits that come into my inbox and I squirrel them away just in case they would come in handy. The important thing is each one I share with you means one more purge from my inbox. I hope you enjoy these little gems of wisdom, humour or whatever else they may be.
Hmm, at this rate I could make a whole new blog based on the contents from my inbox!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
TGIF - Live Long Enough to be a Problem for Your Kids :)
I just love opening my email inboxes each day. There's always a surprise of some sort :) This photo was included in a recent email so I can't take credit for it. I do think it is rather cute and could easily see either my husband or myself doing such a thing just for a laugh! We already play Ma and Pa Kettle Go to the Big City when we visit the kids so this would just up the ante a bit - LOL!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Grandma's Train Ride
I stayed at the kids for a couple of days after the baby was born then decided to come home to give them a bit of private family bonding time. I feel it is important for the Mom, Dad and any sibs to have a few days by themselves just to get to know the newest member of the family and to get into their own routine. Instead of them driving me part way home where we would meet up with my husband for the rest of the journey home, I thought it would be easiest for all if I took the train. The kids took me to the train station and waited until the train arrived so oldest grandbaby could wave goodbye. All was fine until she realized the train took Grandma away!
I always have my digital camera close by so riding the train was no different. I so enjoy riding the train too! There is the swaying and the hypnotic noise that just is relaxing but the real treat for me is snapping pictures of what seems like a whole different world. It gives me ample time for reflection and pondering. Here's one of the short videos I took to email oldest grandbaby. It's nothing fancy but will give her a bit different perspective.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
A Family of Foodies
Red Lobster Seafood Platter
March 21, 2009
It just dawned on me that readers of this blog seldom get to see pictures of food, unlike my cooking blog where food pictures are the norm with most posts. On the Saturday that I went down to stay at the home of oldest grandbaby we met the kids at a Red Lobster for dinner. I thought I would share a picture from that meal just to get your mouth watering ... LOL!
Breaking bread together has always been a very important part of our family. The end result has been we are all pretty much foodies! I am pleased to say that both oldest and second grandchildren have all the makings of foodies as well. I'm sure our newest grandbaby will be a foodies too :)
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Sunday, April 05, 2009
BYBS - Newest Grandbaby
Newest Grandbaby
b. April 2, 2009
As many of you know I have been away from home for the past two weeks awaiting the arrival of newest grandbaby. It was a blessing to be able to welcome this little darling into the world. He is very much loved and cherished by his Mommy, Daddy, big sister and extended family members.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Back Home
Just a quick note to let everyone know I'm back homeside. I am exhausted so tomorrow's BYBS post might be a bit later in the day especially since we are entertaining tonight. I just need to get through tonight :)
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Friday, April 03, 2009
Baby Coming Home
My how times have changed! The baby is not even 24 hours old yet but Daddy and oldest grandbaby left to go pick up Mommy and baby from the hospital. He was being circumcised this morning. They sure don't keep the Moms and babies in the hospital like they used to! I can remember being in for a full week with my first baby under the premise that new Moms needed bed rest. Now they have the Moms up and walking about as soon after delivery as possible! My husband had to wear a mask and gown when around the baby and the baby slept in the nursery. Special clothing is no longer required and the baby sleeps in the Mom's room. One of the biggest changes is the Moms are expected to bring a package of diapers and clothing for the baby as the hospitals no longer supply that. One good change is parents can no longer take the baby home without a CSA approved and properly installed car seat. Gone are the days where the baby can ride home on Mom's lap. I think this change is wonderful!
Our vehicles do not move until the seat belts are fastened and I'm a real stickler about that! Did you know that police stations across Canada will show you how to properly install the car seat if you ask? They also hold free car seat clinics where you can even get help with the installation so there is no excuse to not have a properly installed car seat! Remember the car seats are protecting one of our most precious resources!
Garden Gnome©2006-2009
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Baby (5)
Baby Aiden entered the world at 10:18 AM weighing in at 9 lb 3 oz and 23 inches long.
©2006-2009
Baby (3)
It's now 5:16 AM. I tried going back to bed but my mind is racing. I tried turning on the tv but can't figure out how to so I'm blogging in between pacing. Several years ago, a year and two days after having our first baby, I was in the same position. Less than three hours of getting to the hospital even though the original plan was to go for a Tim Horton's long john aka preggy craving of the day we ended up with the most beautiful baby girl you have ever seen. She was so very tiny and very, very red with a massive amount of dark hair. It's funny they say a lot of hair causes heart burn but I had none with this little one. For the first four months of her life, she never stopped crying unless she actually passed out. The colic was horrid! Then one day there was silence and I seriously thought something was wrong. When I rushed to the crib I found a happy giggling baby and she's had a smile on her face ever since :)
Over the years we watched our little girl grow to be a very accomplished woman. She is intelligent, loving and kind! In 2000 she married her high school sweetheart and so our family grew. A little over two years ago we made the journey here to welcome oldest grandbaby into our lives. It had been a very difficult time to get to that point and even then we knew it would be the only grandbaby for them so it was a very, very special yet bittersweet moment. But mother nature in her ultimate wisdom listened to that longing and surprise, surprise granted the wish of another baby to hold, nurture and love. It's been a long struggle for this little miracle baby!
On this day as our youngest grandbaby takes the journey into the world I want to be there to hold my baby, to tell her everything is going to be ok, wipe away the tears and share the joy. Instead I will be looking into the face that is the spitting image of her mother, watching yet another Dora if I can figure out how to get the tv to turn on and waiting for my husband to arrive. I know this is helping immensely since they know oldest grandbaby is safe and sound so can focus on the little one coming. In the meantime there will likely be at least one melt down because that's what toddlers do. Grandma deals with melt downs a bit differently which causes oldest grandbaby to get this puzzled look on her face as if to say "hey, why aren't you paying attention to me?" Now get this, yesterday she said "granma, granma, granma, tention!" It was too funny! Grandpa will arrive then if it looks like baby is taking a bit longer we'll go for coffee. Oldest grandbaby likes to pretend to drink coffee and that will keep her attention a bit better than waiting in the hospital. By then it should be time to visit mommy and hopefully baby -----. We will soon be able to hold the new baby with all the hopes and dreams of yet another chapter of our lives...
©2006-2009
Baby (2)
The kids just called from the hospital. They checked her in. She's a little over 4 cm dilated so depending on how it goes it could either be a long day or not. Second babies usually go a bit faster but it's no guarantee. I'm hoping it will go fast just because she has been so uncomfortable for the last couple of weeks. I called my husband who will be coming down in a few hours as there is no real point of rushing. I'm going back to bed for a bit more sleep before oldest grandbaby gets up. Trust me when that little whirlwind is awake nothing stands still! By then I should know more. Stay tuned.
©2006-2009
Baby (1)
This will likely be a busy day for posts. The kids left at 3:46 AM for the hospital. I'm waiting for the call to say it's a go before calling everyone else. Baby is coming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
©2006-2009
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Email Warning
Trust me on this one, Grandma has been around oldest grandbaby to know this warning should be headed :) Oldest grandbaby has two cats, one who's name is rather difficult for a toddler to say but the interpretation gets lots of chuckles! Grandbaby has window markers but hasn't tried this with the kitties yet. This is not my picture but thanks to a wonderful friend I'm sharing the email with you. Enjoy!
If you are an owner of a dog that belongs to a 'dangerous breed' category and you also have a small child, please take this as a warning.
Don't leave your dog with the child unattended under any circumstances.
Only a moment was enough for the following to happen!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
BYBS - Sharing Time
I've been here over a week now awaiting the arrival of newest grandbaby. Despite a promising trip to the hospital on Friday the little one has decided to wait a bit longer. In the meantime, I've been blessed with being able to spend time and share this wonderful experience with the kids. Oldest grandbaby is quite entertaining. I'm getting a lot of hugs and kisses. She is really enjoying me being here and I'm enjoying my time here as well. Please stay tuned for grandbaby's arrival.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
We're Still Waiting
It will be a week tomorrow since Grandma arrived at the home of oldest grandbaby to await the arrival of youngest grandbaby who is due according to the doctor any hour now. No, there has not been a rush to get to the hospital yet but soon. Grandma will be watching oldest grandbaby while Mommy and baby are in the hospital.
Grandma doesn't have her much beloved Photoshop on the laptop she borrowed from Grandpa so will not be able post much in the way of photos until she gets homeside. She does hope that her readers will understand. She promises to resume regular posting as soon as possible. In the meantime Grandma will keep her readers updated as to what's happening and may even find a special cartoon or joke to share as well :)
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Life Without Entrecard
A little over a week ago I removed the entrecard widgets from all of my blogs and posted why I left entrecard on the 16th. The following day after a lot of prodding entrecard removed my cooking blog but refuses to remove my other blogs. In the meantime they spammed my email inbox with 14 messages saying they had removed my cooking blog. Realizing that entrecard was still sending my other blogs traffic even though the widgets had been removed I poked a little fun at them in the entrecard fiasco inviting Graham to enroll in the Behavioural Modification School for Candidates. Despite the humorous component of entrecard refusing to remove my blogs and continuing to send me traffic, many are dying to know what my life is like without entrecard?
I honestly have to say life without entrecard is so much better! I still visit the favourite blogs I discovered through entrecard. Commenting on their blogs allows me to keep in touch and that in itself has made for a much more enjoyable blogging experience. Please keep in mind that I forfeited 17, 463 credits or in perspective approximately 29 days or 145 hours (at 5 hr daily) of faithfully using the entrecard site daily so to Graham who says the credits are free I will tell you right now they are far from free. Earning these credits rob you of time that can be used for promoting your blog in more effective ways than mindless dropping cards. Earning credits also rob you of precious time from your family and friends as well as quality blogging time. Don't forget if you don't have quality content which really does mean quality blogging time then you will not retain traffic regardless of where that traffic comes from! At first I was concerned that I would see a drop in traffic and I would be lying if I said I didn't BUT what I also saw within the first 24 hours of removing the entrecard widgets was a good 10% decrease in bounce rate. Yes, my traffic decreased but those visiting were staying on my blogs longer. Essentially by eliminating the drop and run traffic from entrecard almost immediately resulted in a higher quality of traffic and that was across all five of my blogs. The next thing I noticed was an increase in comments and they were quality comments rather than the fly by thinly veiled spam comments. Finally I noticed something that I didn't think I would notice. I found I was all of a sudden excited about blogging again! I no longer saw that I had to do so many drops to drive traffic to my blogs. I saw that the traffic was going to come if I just kept blogging and that in itself was exciting. In hindsight Graham Langdon founder of entrecard did me a huge favour by inviting me to leave. I fully expect my blogs to have a considerably longer lifespan than entrecard. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that leaving entrecard has made my blogs stronger because the focus is now on blogging where it should be. This will be my last blog post on entrecard.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Playing the Waiting Game
Grandma is helping Mommy and Daddy of oldest Grandbaby play the waiting game. Grandbaby Grandma is learning an awful lot about oldest Gradbaby's favourite television celebrity. Grandpa will visit when youngest greets the world. Grandma with stay for another day or so then will be off to visit second Grandbaby (who is now walking!) so Mommy, Daddy and oldest Grandbaby can get acquainted as a family. Stay tuned!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Sign of the Times
This photo has been making its way through emails. I did not take it so can't take credit for it. This is what happens when computers invade every aspect of our lives. It does make for a funny picture and likely got a lot of chuckles :) You don't suppose Photoshop® had anything to do with it, do you?
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
The Entrecard Fiasco (including funny video)
Entrecard has certainly created a huge fiasco for themselves. Bloggers throughout the blogosphere are either dropping entrecard entirely or taking a wait and see approach. Many are no longer accepting ads or advertising with some saying they will leave the widget on their blogs until entrecard removes them. Now I politely requested the deletion of my entrecard account but entrecard refused to delete all five blogs. That means four of my blogs are continuing to get free traffic from entrecard but entrecard is getting nothing from my blogs. Why? That's because I removed the widgets. I did not want to give them any chance of running inappropriate or offensive content on my blogs. If you are even remotely thinking of leaving entrecard manually remove the widget from your blog before requesting your account deletion. If you do not take this measure Graham will take his sweet time removing your blog from the system leaving your blog open to displaying inappropriate ads. This could cost you in terms of readers and subscribers. It could also cost you in terms of other advertisers pulling their ads due to in appropriate content. Unless you are going to babysit your blog 24/7 get the widget off if you are in this position.
Graham has displayed his immaturity and rudeness over and over again so I would like to invite him to look into the Behaviour Modification School for Candidates. This well respected Canadian training program will quickly change all of your bad habits, Graham. Smooches and thanks for the free traffic :)
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Morning Visitor
Peaking in My WindowMarch 20, 2009
Look who was peaking in my window this morning. Isn't he adorable? This cheery little fellow has been visiting our yard for a couple of weeks now. He's a very friendly little fellow that likes to sit close to our windows watching us. It's just brightens the day to see him!
This isn't the first time a bird has taken a shining to us. We had a bluejay that would sit on the windowsill and peck the window until I tossed peanuts out for him. A very friendly robin used to follow me around in my last garden. We get a fair number of Juncos here as well. They too are extremely friendly little birds!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Entrecard Refuses to Remove My Blogs!
I requested the removal of all of my blogs from the entrecard system on March 16 (why here). I received 14 messages from them saying Mom's Cafe Home Cooking had been removed. This was the principle account with all other blogs linked to it. Today I received a message that an advertisement was waiting for approval. How could that be when my account was supposed to be deleted. Searching I found that only my primary blog had been deleted but not the linked blogs. This is priceless!
My Journey http://entrecard.com/details/88967
Garden Gnome Wanderings http://entrecard.com/details/108591
Garden Gnome at Home http://entrecard.com/details/88999
Canadian Perspective http://entrecard.com/details/104909
Now this raises a few questions. Why were these blogs not deleted from entrecard's system as I requested? Could it be they left these blogs on their system to inflate how many blogs are actually in the system to attract paid advertisers? Does Graham not know how to use the delete key? Does he not care that members are still trying to buy adverts on my blogs and without my approval the ads will run in 10 days meaning that member paid for advertising that will not be shown because I have removed the widgets?
Here's what I think. These four blogs were intentionally left in the entrecard system to make it appear to advertisers that there are more blogs in the system then there actually are. This really is a last ditched effort for entrecard that has already been predicted not to work. Several well known bloggers have already written on why this is destined for failure including this well respected blogger. Graham has decided to run paid advertising on the entrecard widget 50% of the time which means objectionable and undesirable content can appear on a member's website causing them to lose readers and possible breaking the TOS of other advertising they may already have on their blog. In short he is seeing member's blogs as his personal advertising space to do with what he pleases. He is losing quite a few bloggers who weathered it through his last fiasco over banning a member for a Twitter comment about his hat. Now some blog hosts such as Today.com will not be able to use the entrecard widget which means a lot more blogs are going to be leaving.
Graham does not understand that entrecard only exists because of bloggers and bloggers can certainly take it down. Bloggers can blog about it and he can't censor as he is so very famous for. He can't even comment on blogs unless the blogger wants him to because he taught us bloggers what censorship was all about, a lesson that won't be forgotten any time soon. Graham does not care about members period and he has made that abundantly clear over and over with his actions on the entrecard forums, his relationship with employees and volunteers behind the scenes, and his moderators on the forum. He's rude, obnoxious and very,very immature. More importantly he is running scared right now because the end for entrecard is right around the corner. I for one am looking forward to entrecard's demise!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Dear Entrecard Members
Morning Smoke
March 14, 2009
yeah... you have such a problem with the staff, moderators, service and policies just pack your bags and see ya later. I won't have people like you disrupt peaceful and intelligent conversation geared at everyone gaining a deeper and clearer understanding of our new policies. We don't have the time to waste when so many good natured people are asking real questions and looking for clarifications... only to get muddled by the mud you're throwing around.
Someone kick this guy off the forums and out of Entrecard...
This is now a matter of principle. How the owner can say that to a member of the community is beyond me. I did not and have never made any paid posts on my blogspot (Blogger) blogs and I have no intention of ever doing so. This moderator was upset because I questioned two points in the announced changes. First, the rule the mandatory placement of the widget above the fold did not fit with my design so I questioned that. That rule has now been modified to within 1 page scroll. The second issue was regarding the paid ads they intend to run 50% of the time and if you didn't want those ads on your blog then you would have to pay to not have them be shown. The third issue also addressed is now they will be accepting paid ads and being able to cash in your credits every member realizes a tax liability so it is Entrecard's responsibility to have their members fill out all the necessary paperwork. They have taken this step but it would strongly be in their best interest to do so before they start running paid ads. I have taken Graham's advice and left.
I valued each and everyone who dropped on my blog. I will see many of you again and continue to read my favourites as well as comment. Thanks so much all your support.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Change
Yesterday we hosted a large event so after getting the guys settled I sat down to check my email. What was supposed to be a bit of quiet time for me turned into immediate panic. One of the banner exchanges I participate in is changing their rules dictating where the widget can be on my blogs and introducing ads that I have no control over unless I pay to not have them displayed. Neither of these changes sit well with me so I went to the forums and voiced my opinion. At the same time I cancelled all advertising form this exchange. And the heated discussions have continued. The ultimate was this afternoon when one of the moderators accused me of writing paid posts on my Blogger blogs when in fact I never have and that's one thing I really don't like. I am upset and I am fuming because I put a lot of support into it. Then I did a bit of a think.
Change is always difficult but it is an opportunity for learning and growth. It can be a blessing or a curse depending on how you look at it. In this case I think I have pretty much made up my mind as to how I will proceed in the matter. In this case change is going to be a blessing because it is a change made freely based on my guiding principles. I'm sorry but I will not compromise my principles and sell myself short by allowing something on my blogs that I know my readers would not want or appreciate or even be offended. This is the first time as a blogger I've had to take a really hard line and what I quickly realized is where I draw the line in the sand and I'm sorry no one is going to cross that line. That is a blessing because I now know where I stand and what I will put up with as a blogger. Sot it was a blessing!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Dumbest Illegal Immigrant
Running stop light= $100.00
DUI= $5000.00
Not wearing a seat belt = $50.00
Putting you & your girlfriend on your fake drivers license = PRICELESS
[Note: This was forwarded to me so is I cannot take credit for it.]
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
My Weight Loss Goal for Spring
It's that time of year with bikini season just around the corner so I have decided to lose a bit of weight and get in shape to become that lean mean muscle machine I just know I can be. Here's my list of things I'm going to greatly reduce or eliminate. Combined they should get rid of a goodly amount of extra weight I've been carrying around.
- self doubt - This just has to go. I'm an accomplished person and I don't need anyone else to tell me that. What I need if for me to tell me that!
- guilt - I'm sorry but I will no longer take ownership for problems that aren't mine.
- negative self talk - This huge weight is just too big for me to lug around anymore so I'm kicking it to the door.
- anger - Some anger is a good thing but anger over long past events is just draining and weighing me down.
- impatience - I want it and I want it now! Well too bad, this bad boy is out the door to be replace by a pared down version called patience.
- one good belly laugh daily - This is going to be a tough one some days but I am determined to get my flabby abs toned up.
- pat myself on the back often - This exercise will build upper body strength while making my pecs look pretty good!
- living in the moment - This exercise will come in handy while shopping with my husband. I will simply enjoy being with him and ignore the aching back, sore feet and growling tummy. I will just slip my hand in his and be thankful for this moment.
- fire building 101 - I will write down every single thing that is keeping me angry or guilty. Then I will cart that list to the fire pit. This should build both upper and lower body strength while providing that cardiovasular work-out. I will set that list on fire and let it go. This exercise will be repeated until such time the fire department no longer has to attend.
- smile - This exercise will keep all those nasty wrinkles from forming on my face by toning the facial muscles. It will also exercise my cardiovascular system when I share a smile with someone else.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Day Light Savings Time
Ice on Water
March 7, 2009
March 7, 2009
Last Saturday night we turned back our clocks effectively initiating Day Light Savings Time (DST). So I'm happy surfing the net when I come across a blog that declares that DST does not save energy. Well I am going to dispel that myth right now! We aren't even a full week into DST and already I have saved oodles of energy. Here's some of the creative ways I've saved energy since DST began this year:
- electricity - I rolled over and didn't see any light coming in our bedroom. Assuming it was pre-dawn I pulled the covers over my head and promptly went back to sleep awakening in the late pre-lunch hour. This meant none of our normal lights were turned on that morning so right there I saved electricity. But it got better! I fumbled for the toothpicks to keep my eyes open but switching on even one light was just too bright so I turned it off. My eyes wouldn't focus enough to find the tea pot so I grabbed a glass of water and went back to bed. The tv was off too deferring to the Kodak colour episodes of CSI playing in my dreams and let me tell you it was a heck of a great episode, one I don't recalling seeing previously.
- heating - Spending all day in bed under a nice feather duvet means there's no need for the furnace to run. Good thing I turned it off the night before so the balmy just above freezing temps in the house could clean the air and kill off all those dust mites. Oh well a full day of sleep thanks to DST versus cleaning, I'm pretty sure you know which one won.
- water - Seriously saved on this one! I didn't have to shower or anything other than pull those covers up higher. I didn't run the dishwasher or washer either but that kind of thing is highly over rated when DST kicks in.
- calories - The average body needs 600 calories daily to maintain life. Thanks to DST I had ZERO! This is a real plus but when I consider the calories used rolling over, pulling up the blankets and stuffing toothpicks in my eyes while walking around in a sleep deprived stupor, heck I can eat a gazillion calories in prep for the end of DST so it will balance out.
- cooking - Not cooking saved me a lot of energy. I was going to order out but couldn't find the phone in the dark and likely wouldn't have been able to use it. Besides CSI: Criminal Dreams was on.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Spring has Sprung!
First Robin
March 5, 2009
For those who don't know in northern regions seeing a robin is the first sign of spring. I never did make that second pot of tea. Just seeing that robin was enough to make me feel a bit better. He stayed for awhile so I sat watching him pondering the upcoming spring and what we need to do. I hope he visits tomorrow!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Happy...
I'll bet you thought I would forget this very important day, didn't you? Well I didn't and I do have a very good excuse for not posting earlier. See my sometimers kicked in. I got up a bit later this morning just after 7 am clearly feeling rather horrible with the onset of yet another sinus attack. Despite wanting to crawl back into bed I made a large pot of green tea. While I waited for the kettle I got a bit of relief from a nice saline based nasal spray I found. From there I settled down to drop EC and blog, with the food channel on followed by Unsolved Mysteries then back to the food channel all the while getting up and down with no clear focus. I got pictures ready for a couple of entries on Mom's Cafe Home Cooking, answered a few emails, made a graphic for today's post. I have seriously been all over the place today! So this post has been waiting on the back burner waiting for me to write something somewhat intelligent but it has taken until now to realize I needed to do that.
Today is 03/03/09 which has some significance in the mathematical community. It means the day and the month are the square roots of the last two digits of the year. See, 3 x 3 = 9 or √9 = 3 or 32 = 9. That funky looking sign is the sign for square root. A square root of a number is a number multiplied by itself that gives you that number. Three is the square root of 9 (eg. 3 x 3 = 9). Four is the square root of 16. Five is the square root of 25 and so on. And that's about all my brain can take at the moment but I do wish you a very happy Square Root Day!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
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