Voices in my head

I am no where near ready for Christmas...I am not sure why. I have no decorations, no tree, no nothing. I have no decorations this year because I was SUPPOSED to be in the new house....but the ground hasn't even been broke yet...no its not til spring. SO, I have no Christmas ornaments.

The voices that are rattling around in my head though are saying that there are a few last minute things I have to get.

1). Rum for Eggnog

2). Hairspray

3). Face moisturizer....I am an Olay girl

4). Tin Foil - the turkey is too big

5). ummm...what was 5 again...oh yah, Margarine

6). Garilc coil or something like that for appetizers

7). A hook for my wreath

8). Gin

9). Beer

10). Drop off Comp tickets to our Gala in February to one of our liquor sponsors (thats when Ill get the boozes)

11). Pick up a few more little back up gifts.

I think thats about it.

PLUS, I am working at the hell job this weekend!

I think my first day off will be the 24th. The office here closes up today and re-opens on the 5th. Its a nice holiday, I have so many hours banked that I am taking it all off and going to work at the hell job. If I was to stay home this whole time in that little tiny apartment, I would go nutty.

So much to do, so little time!

Speaking of..

Speaking of insanity...on the weekend we were talking about Birthday twins.....

Mine is Shannen Doherty!

Aaaaarrrggghhhhh!

Insanity

To Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity

1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.

2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't DisguiseYour Voice!

3. Every Time Someone Asks YouToDo Something, ask If they want fries with that.

4. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks. Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.

5. In the Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write'ForMarijuana'

6. Skipdown the hall rather than walkand see how many looks you get.

7. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat,with a serious face.

8. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is'To Go'.

9. Sing Along At The Opera.

10. Five days in advance, tell your friends you can' t attend their party because you have a headache .

11. When the money comes out of the ATM, scream 'I Won! I Won!'

12. When leaving the zoo, start running towards the parking lot, yelling 'Run For Your Lives!
They're Loose!'

13. Tell your children over dinner, 'Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go.'

And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity

14. PICK UP A BOX OF CONDOMS AT THE PHARMACY, GO TO THE COUNTER AND ASK WERE THE FITTING ROOM IS.

The aftermath

My rant about my co-workers was a good one. We had our staff meeting and I am a firm believer in good things come to those who wait.

I also believe in what comes around, goes around...and it did. The staff meeting was in my favour and the two of them have not talked to me since...which is just fine with me.

I did break down and go to the doctor today. I have been fighting this "thing" for two weeks now. The first week I was flat on my back and this week I feel like my ears have been plugged. So needless to say, I have a good case of sinus infection. Hey, maybe I'll be all better by Christmas!

So, as I was waiting to get my drugs, I decided to look for baby clothes for my new little cousin and as well a friend of ours is ready to hatch her bundle of joy in the next few days so I thought that I should take a look to see what I could find.

I found a matching stripped shirt and grey parachute pants for the 1 month old...they are pretty cute but as for the one that isn't here yet and they don't know if its a girl or boy, so I must get something neutral....I thought of getting them a "diaper" bag and filling it with wipes, suckies, baby powder, and so forth. If I was having a kid, I think that's what I would like. A ready-to-go diaper bag....but my HEAVEN'S is all the stuff expensive!! Who can afford it!?? YIKES!

So after I got my drugs and paid for Liam's clothes, I busted outta there and headed for work.

I have nuts n bolts to make tonight and I think I will be gone from here early as I have a massage session at 1. Because of this "thing" that I have, I know can not turn my head due to muscles being tense. I have only ever gone to a massage therapist once before and it was painful!! So I am a little nervous going in.

Wish me luck! I hope I look like the chic in the pic!

Well....

Well today is? I da know what day it is today but I have done nothing here at work but clean my desk and surrounding area...that took a bit and I have fought non-stop with my power points all morning, and yesterday afternoon. I had a Vista meltdown and now it is coffee break time.





I spent this last weekend with Bruno and Wilma in Saskatoon. We had our annual early Christmas and they both spoiled me.





We all arrived Friday afternoon...truthfully Wilma and I thought that we would be able to beat Bruno in good enough time to relax and have a wee drinkie before he showed up, but we were too busy arranging the rooms and putting things out and organizing and before we knew it Bruno had arrived.





Friday night we then got into our happy clothes and with the food we brought to nosh on, we settled in and drank and ate most of the night away. We decided to open presents and it was just like we hadn't missed a beat. I think I have seen these two maybe twice this year and everytime we meet we start the conversation where we left off from the last time..... Thats how it should be!



"If her ears were clean I'd bite them off"...I think thats how it went!


Saturday moring we got up and showered and dressed, then hit the shopping mall. I had to return some pants that I had purchased from Gap. I took them home only to find out that I was one step ahead of myself and had already bought the exact same pair! Good thing I'm cute cuz I'm not too bright! Anyway...we pissed the day away in the malls.





Saturday night we had reservations to The Ivy....geez I like that place. The Company and the food was fantastic...as we met a few characters outside that night while waiting for the cab. Rocky Peanut and his entourage!

When it was time to head back to the hotel it was...with the wind chill....-45C.
Sunday morning Bruno's car needed some booster juice. It was bloody cold out!

The drive back to Border Town was uneventful thank heaven. I will say though that when I was travelling back all vehicles travelled in packs. I was in a pack of seven. I stopped in North Battleground and went in to Walmart to pick up a forgotten gift bag purchase. I was soon back on the road and heading on a desolate highway to Legs' place.

Legs' grama had her 92nd Birthday and there was a big celebration for her. It was a nice time...once I finally got there!!

Monday morning soon rolled around and alas.....back to work!


On a good note....there are only 3...yup....3 School Christmas concerts left to perform here. Thursday is the last day!!! YAY!!

Being surrounded by 300-500 snot nosed little kids and crazy parents is rather good birth control. I am cured!

True Colours Thursday - White!

White...

For the next 4 months it will be nothing but white.... FYI: avoid the white if its turned to yellow!

True Colours Thursday's host is My True Colours

Holy Dinah!

Ok...after a bout with the flu and a cold, I am back.

I have been off my feet for a week. I have lost poundage. I have a red, chapped nose. I have two puffy eyes, but I am alive.

Today I am back at work. I tried it yesterday but was sent home after two hours of blowing my nose and walking around like a zombie.

Today, I feel about 92%. This is good.

Even Legs avoided me.

I have to be good.

This weekend is the weekend I am spending an early Christmas with two of my dearest friends in the whole wide world! Bronco Bruno and Wilma.

We are heading to Saskatoon for a fun filled weekend. We are staying at the Best Western...easy access for Fairy Mae. I get lost really, really easy so as long as things are on the main drag, I can figure it out!

Belated Birthday Greets

Well, now that I am back in the land of the living, and am able to function like a relatively normal human being....
I must send warm wishes to one of my best buddies - Bruno.

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY PEANUT!!!

Tag...you're it!

Six Random facts about moi.

1). I am terrified for Sharks. Way back when Jaws came out. I was allowed to go. I think I was 6 or 7 years old. It was at the movie theatre during a snow storm when the lights in the movie theatre went out just as Jaws was about to chop on someone. The movie froze with the sharks mouth open before the lights went out. When the lights came back on there was Jaws in the same freeze frame - his mouth wide open!! I almost shat my pants. I have been scared of them ever since.

2). I am a klutz. I will go out of my way to trip on something...anything. I have had more broken bones by tripping, then riding my horse and falling off.

3). I have a belly button phobia. They make me queezy and want to throw up. DO NOT touch your belly button when I am around.

4). I am a cat person. I love cats. Cats will come to me. Dogs will do one of three things to me: avoid me or bite me or jump on me.

5). By pure accident, or luck...while at a concert with my mom (when I was small), Liberace spoke to me and asked me if I played the piano, I replied yes, he showed me his piano ring and told me that if I continued to play maybe I would play like him someday....that didn't pan out for me!

6). I have always wanted to be an RCMP....but married/divorced one instead...I still have a passion for it.


Passing it on...well, I think I will pass this on to whom ever would like to do this...my list is limited.

Ruthie Tuesday
Mick
Mental P Mama
Wilma
Gayle

Quotes

There's a hell of a distance between wisecracking and wit. Wit has truth in it; wisecracking is simply calisthenics with words.
- Dorthy Parker
This quote makes me think of all those who think they are smart...and...they're not!

The past is finished. There is nothing to be gained by going over it. Whatever it gave us in the experiences it brought us was something we had to know.
- Rebecca Beard
This quote reminds me of being married. YIKES!! Not too bright if it took me that long to figure out what I had to know!...wait, what did I learn?! Oh, yah, I remember now.

Go, and never darken my towels again.
- Grouch Marx (1890 - 1977) (this one cracked me up)

The Dog House

yup...its what I thought....I am in the dog house because of what happened here at work on Friday.

There are only a few people I hate in this world. Hate is a strong word. I hate both of them. Plain and simple.

These two people make my work place hell. I like my job, when they are not here. When they are here, they feed off of each other, they then gang up on a person, and let 'em have it.

I was getting the Christmas stuff from under the house seats...its a huge storage room and I hear both of them bitching to one another about the cleaning staff here. They bitched so much that they started to get riled up...their voices raised and they started to talk faster...and they were loud. They were crystal clear where I was. They didnt have a clue that I was there.

They are two of the most negative men I have ever encountered. They bitch everyone and anyone out. They are always right AND two shows that we had as regular bookings no longer book here because of them.

There have been two letters sent to the theatre about our back stage staff and how rude they are and nothing gets done.

I was once yelled at by the stage manager for touching the mail. I was about to mail all the letters until he barked "What the bloody hell business is it of your to have those?" I threw them at him and walked out the door....he followed me to MY office still beaking off to me about the damn mail. I have never touched the mail since. Our box office guru has to take them while I stand by her desk to answer the phones!

Instead...I get hauled in and am told to put my ego at the door! Are you kidding me?! My ego...I no longer have a spine let alone an ego! I am not a confrontational person, but tomorrows staff meeting could be interesting.

I have photo copied all my evidence and proof and am ready for the battle! I learned a few things when I was married to an RCMP!

What proof? OHHHH, I let an actor into the change room on Friday night! That was my downfall! The acting troupe have only rented the theatre for the past 2 days. They have the right to go where they want if back stage management is there, so I let her in. Boy, was that a mistake!
The stage manager kicked the actor out of the dressing room and came into my office and blasted me...I didnt back down and so therefore we now have a staff meeting tomorrow.

Yup.

Well, the weekend is finally over...really I didn't think I was gonna get to Monday!

I have decided to tell the boss that I am no longer willing to work with one particular Front of House Manager. I have had it.

As well the back stage manager is one of the moodiest men I have EVER met.

I am sick of guessing.

I am tired of trying to be cooperative.

My only child syndrome is about to kick in. I am not willing to play nice anymore.

There. Done.

So today is Monday and I am fighting off a potential cold. I have a scratchy throat and a wanting to be runny nose. I am also gasping for air. Being asthmatic sucks.

This week I am once again...living at work.

Dipsticks, the whole lot of 'em

AARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHH!

The back stage personel and Front of House are IDIOTS!!!!

AARRRRRRRGGGGHHHHH!

What gives people the right to "talk down" to other people in front of patrons!!!

I'm about to EXPLODE!!!

True Colours Thursday - Blue

True Colours Thursday's host is My True Colours

Well this week is Blue.

I am not a big Blue coloured fan....lets see...OH!

There is one blue I am quite fond of and it is blue sky. I love the blue sky.

This picture was taken on a trail ride I went on in August. The sky was clear, there was very little wind...it was nice.

This second pic is when we were heading back home. It was still nice out...

It was such a fantastic weekend

Mick

Well my blog friend Mick got tagged with this, and he mentioned that I may just respond... so here goes. I am a little behind....



TYPE ONLY 1 WORD. IT’S HARDER THEN YOU THINK!!!
1. Where is your cell phone? Purse
2. Your significant other? Work
3. Your hair? Blonde
4. Your mother? Passionate
5. Your father? Gone
6. Your favorite thing? Horses
7. Your dream last night? Blank
8. Your favorite drink? Gin Caesars
9. Your dream/goal? Content
10. You’re in? Apartment
11. Your fear? Sharks
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Fulfilled
13. Where were you last night? Work
14. What you’re not? Model
15. Muffins? Carrot
16. One of your wish list items? Barn
17. Where you grew up? Moosomin
18. The last thing you did? Blog
19. What are you wearing? Jeans
20. Your TV? Off
21. Your pet? Caged
22. Your computer? Here
23. Your life? good
24. Missing someone? Passionately
25. Your car? Sunfire
26. Something you’re not wearing? Bobby pins
27. Favorite Store? Gap
28. Your summer? Cool
29. Your favorite color? Green
30. When is the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? Yesterday
32. FOUR PEOPLE WHO E-MAIL ME? Wilma, Bruno, Poopsie, and Stifler's Mom
33. FOUR OF MY FAVORITE FOODS: Roast Chicken with Stuffing, Hot German Potato Salad, Eggs Benedict and Borcht
34. FOUR PLACES I WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT NOW? Farm, Los Angeles, Colombia, Home farm
35. FOUR PEOPLE I THINK WILL RESPOND: Wilma, Ruthie Tuesday, Poopsie, Bruno

Scrooge

Christmas is getting closer and I am really not...in...the...mood.

I have ZERO Christmas decorations in my little abode because...I should be in the newly built house already! and ALL of my Christmas decorations are packed in boxes...waiting to be unpacked for the new house....which we still don't have yet! SO I am a little bitter about being still in my apartment but am really bitter about all Christmas decorations packed and at the farm, in the shed, wayyyyy at the back. I already was on the hunt for them.

I don't feel like buying gifts. I don't feel like hearing the carols. I don't feel like wrapping. I am however, looking forward to the Egg Nog and Rum....but that's about it.

I have two favourite holidays and Christmas is...was...one of them.

I am not going home for Christmas but rather, am having people over on the 25th...Christmas for me is the 24th..so already I am outta whack.

But we are having people over....transients...all of us who don't have family here are getting together...which will be nice.

I have the invitations already to go...well they already have been invited, but I have done up some invites just the same. There should be 8 in total. I haven't had a soiree in so long that I kinda excited about it. I do really like having soirees'. They bring people together and reconnect.

So, yah, not really looking forward to the Christmas thing but am gonna try hard.

The hell job

Well, I worked this weekend at the hell job. It went really well.

This is how it works.

I get paid by the hour PLUS commission. I hate it. The girls get snarly if you go out of turn and us oldsters nab up the customers that the new girls forget they have. We can handle 2-3 customers and they don't have the knack for it yet. It is dog eat dog! We have warned the new girls many times. You forget you have a customer and take on too many, if one of your many customer comes to us with a question or help...they are ours.

I know it is mean. But shit happens! It teaches them to be aware or their surroundings, and to get your butt in gear and learn how to work!

We have a high turnover at the hell job for a few reasons.
1). Our boss is a nut.
2). Our District Manager is very young and has no idea that you don't go drinking with the staff regularly or you end up getting no respect because you are now considered a friend.
3). Our nutty boss only hires 16-18 year olds so she can intimidate them, and then they either quit or go to school.
4). She doesn't hire oldsters like us because we don't put up with her crap.

We also have a high turnover because there is no work ethic with the younger generation.

At the hell job, this particular western wear store is so cheap that we have to do our own
cleaning there...yup! No cleaning staff is hired for this company! We not only have to sell on commission but we have to clean windows, wipe down racks, and vacuum. So while we are doing all the chores, we lose sales, which means we get no commission.

Ahh haaa...the commission.
The store has a set $ plan. If the store makes its monthly plan you get 4% of your sales...and thats only if you make your own personal plan! If the store does not make it you only get 3% and that's if you make your own personal plan too. If you do not make your own personal plan...you get 1%! And let me tell ya, that 1-3% is quite a difference! When I worked full time at the hell job I only ever got 3% twice...that was an extra 5-700 dollars. Most times I only ever made 1% which meant 100.00 extra.

Commission sucks.

So yes...the hell job is truly the hell job.

Why do I stay there?

While employed there, I have made a few true blue friends. Ones who still work there, and so it is kinda nice to be able to hide behind a rack for a few minutes just say hi and to make arrangements to go for drinks after work, and the others who have graced the doors of the western wear store and said "this woman is crazy", have left and gone on to bigger and better, like Home Depot!! We still get togther. And I have made a few horsey friends too....plus, I get a good discount.

YAY...it's Friday!

Ok...so yesterday wasnt the best day. Today, so far is...

One of the girls I work with at the hell job doesnt know it yet but the 30th will be a big day for her. Her boyfriend, bless him, is arranging a surprise engagement party for her.

He is so sweet. He has called all of her close friends and her family and we are all meeting at his folks place. He even has a place to stash all of our cars! Its going to be a blast.

This girl is, well actually her whole family is great. They have become very important to me here in the Border Town. Her sister lives in the same apartment building as I do. They are all into horses, showing and such. I have kinda adopted them as my extended family, and vice versa. I think its very nice of him to do all of this for her.

Reflection

Today has not been a good day. Much less a good week.

Legs' best friend lost his wife today. She died of an aneurysm. She has a paramedic, at work, on a split shift, decided to lay down and catch a nap...she never woke up.

They were a couple we chummed with alot.

He found out about it at work, so Legs called me and I went right over. It was tough seeing him. He was in shock but Legs was pretty shakey.

Makes me think that we must live everyday.

Is it Friday yet??? Really...

So I have been farm sitting for the past week and a half and all has been well. I pick up Grace and Wilmer tomorrow night.

I feel bad that I am not going out when they are there more often but I feel like I am imposing...and when I do go out, I just want to be outside with the horses, either grooming them or just plain sittin' out there with them..nobody to bother me, but that never happens. Wilmer, bless his heart, always comes with me, when really I just want to be left alone. OR, if I go out there, then I have to go into the house for a meal, tea, or something and I just don't want to.

I am looking forward to getting the horses over to Legs' place. There I feel a little more at home, but not really cuz we still have no house yet!, but there is no pressure to go in and have tea!

I am also looking forward to getting out to "our" farm because then I can get my dog back from my moms. I "talked" to my dog last night on the phone. Mom called last night and put the phone up to Effie and I asked how my baby girl was and she started to lick the phone....broke my heart. I miss that damn dog so much!...she is my baby.

But tomorrow is my last day at Grace's. Time to do the laundry, mop the floors, vacuum, make sure all the critters are fed and make sure the horses and cows have their hay and water.

Lots to do....

Is it Friday?

Well, it has been a better day today.

I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off!

Tonight is a good night though because I get the night off!! YAY!!

HOWEVER....the next three weeks will be outta control and the weekend with Wilma and Bruno will be well deserved.

No comment

Well, it is Monday.

I am drained...and yes I did fret all weekend.

I am pissed off, and tired of all the things that have been bothering me...well I guess this was the last straw. I have had it.

Legs came in last night and took me to the movies....Role Model..it was very funny and took my mind off things, that is until the movie was over.

Legs asked me if there was more wrong than just the taxes fiasco and I said nothing. Of course there is more there but I will tell him when I am ready......I am waiting.

I just don't give a damn about the taxes...they have damn well waited this long, they can wait til after Christmas...I am not about to ruin my plans or give away the friggin money I am trying so hard to save for Christmas. They can get payments in January. What can they do that has not already been done. Fk 'em!

Yes....so...
We have the beginnings of the dreaded Christmas School Concerts starting tonight. From now until December 19th. I didn't know we had that many schools here, but I guess we do. So the snarly parents and the stressed out teachers will be all over here like stink on a monkey!

Merry Christmas! Where is the Egg nog and rum?

And then there's today...

Everything was going great.

Until today.

I don't ask for much.

I have been divorced for three years now. First time to EVAH, be on my own....literally. I am in this rotten little one bedroom apartment that I MAKE payments on. I own my own car. My income is just above poverty level and times, I can't even afford to buy milk for heavens sake.

This month...yes, this month, I have a bank balance that is NOT in the negative!

I do believe that things are looking up! Until about two hours ago.

I went to get the mail. I actually have a really bad phobia about getting the mail. I only get it twice a month, so I don't have to deal with it. I get it and promptly pay my bills and deal with what I have to live on. End of story. I hate getting mail. Hate is with a white hot passion.

Today, I went to get the mail because payday was just yesterday. I got it, went back into my apartment to open the bills and I see a letter from the government. Hmmmm, what do they want? I paid the taxes!

So, before I go on, I must let you in on what happened in the previous months.
Stifler's Mom came over in April to help me with doing my taxes. I owed..what else is new. I sent them a note asking to check it all over....they did. They sent me a notice saying I only had to pay less than 50 bucks! I was elated, but wary. I waited til July thinking that something else HAD to come of this....nothing....so I went to the bank...paid more than what was needed just in case there was interest....TWO weeks later I get a cheque back from them for the exact same amount that I paid at the bank....WTF? This was August. I called Stifler's Mom and told her. She said cash it and hang on to EVERYTHING. So I did.

Today, I get the mail and see a letter from the government....I open it.....it is an enormous bill! Saying that I didnt make what I said I did on my T4's, they said I made double and they have charged me interest on top of that. I am close to owing them $1000.00.....my jaw hit the floor! Tears flowed and I called Legs....not that he can help, but I was just overwhelmed....I still am.

I honestly don't know how much more I can take. They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, but there are many nights when I lay in bed awake and just wish there were no more breaths to take. It is always a struggle and I am tired of it. I truly am tired of it.

And I ask Why me? Because I have shit for luck.

I will be going to see an accountant on Monday morning...that's all I can do for now. I just wish it wasn't the weekend because now all I will do is fret til monday morning.

HELLOOOO OUT THERE....

Oh my goodness!
I am sooo far behind in my blogging and I just feel terrible!

The last three weeks have been a zoo. I have not been home and this week I am farm sitting. So...things are winding down.

Three weekends ago I was at the Red Deer Arts Showcases, two weekends ago was the Moose Jaw arts Showcases and last weekend I was in Strasbourg and it was the TheatreOne One Act Festival.

I am however, a little under the weather because of all the running around I have been doing. In between the weekends, it has been so busy here at work. This next week...actually these next 4 weeks are going to be hell!

They are the school Christmas concerts and let me tell you....it is great birth control for me. Surrounded by kids and parents and let me tell you it is NOT the kids that drive me crazy, it is the parents...Those parents are absolute nightmares! They are bossy, demanding, rude, ego maniacs, these parents are our worst nightmare. Nothing is good enough, they push their way through lines, back stage...it is crazay!!! They think they have the rights to EVERYTHING because Precious is going to be onstage singing!

I am not looking forward to this....can you tell?

On a lighter note....
While I was at the One Act, I was able to connect with many friends whom I have not seen in quite some time. You can talk to them on Facebook and such, but it is so nice to see them in person. While I see lots of dear friends, it is always nice to make new ones as well.

I was so happy to see Wilma and Bruno.

It's funny....I have many friends but don't have many close ones...ones that you don't see in awhile but can pick up where you left off the last time, just as if time never went by. It's those friends that are dear to my heart. I have close school girlfriends that I see when I go home but I find these thespian friends are the ones who I connect with the most.

I think we all connect so well for a few reasons....The love of theatre, we are all a little eccentric, we all love our animals, and we all have a fantasic sense of humour!

Anyway, the last weekend was by far the best weekend...I am looking forward to March in Prince Albert for TheatreFest week!

A new fan

Well, here it is...Monday again...

I just got back from a great time in Moose Jaw where I reviewed potential performers to grace our presence here at the Vic.

I instantly became a fan of one particular performer...and not just because he is formerly from Punnichy Saskatchewan, but because he was truly an entertainer. He has the voice that closely resembles Elton John and George Micheal and the energy in the theatre was through the roof.

His name is Jeffery Straker. Click on him and listen...

Yahoo!

MEXICO HERE I COME!!!!

Last year I met a woman(Bubbles) who works with Stifler's Mom, and she has since become a good friend.

Stifler's Mom has a sugar daddy who is paying her way this coming February to go to Mexico, so Bubbles and I decided to go on a holiday of our own.

We booked two flights to Puerto Vallarta for this January. Now, I am not rolling in cash but we found flights and hotel under $700.00 to go to a 3.5 star all inclusive for 8 nights! I am stoked!
I plan to be lazy. I plan to have a drink in my hand from morning , ok from noon til night. I plan on doing nothing but laying under the umbrella, maybe the odd swim, but mostly tanning this pasty white hide of mine!

I haven't been anywhere since last February when I went with Legs to Vegas. I have been saving the cash to go somewhere and with someone! Now, I just gotta renew my passport which is a real pain in the a$$!!!!

Monday...

Oh heavens it is Monday again!

Where does the time go?

This weekend is Moose Jaw. This weekend is going to be a good time. This weekend in OSAC.

Organization of Saskacthewan Arts Councils.

This weekend like in Red Deer, I will be reviewing performances or acts that may be eligible to come here to our venue to perform. They start Friday night and run up til Sunday morning. Each act gets 20 minutes to showcase their talent(s). We watch, make notes as to whether the act would do well in our venue and if not, well at least it could be potential for something else that may pop up along the way.

There are workshops throughout the weekend, there are contact rooms to talk to each performers or agents and of course there is the hospitality room every night after the contact room closes, where we all get to let our hair down and to mingle.

This particular showcase I am very excited to go to as there are all sorts of people whom I have not seen in years! As well, my mommy is going to meet me there too....

Favourite Things Thursday

One of my favourite things are Barbies....

Never played with dollies as such. Cabbage Patch Kids were my "doll thing", but Barbies....now theres where its at!

I started playing with Barbies, Oh...I can't even remember when I started. I do remember though, being a late bloomer, still playing with them, with my neighbour up till about the age of 12!

I took very good care of all my Barbies. My mom insisted that I look after them, keep the boxes, or most of them, and some day they may be worth something....so I did.

I have Vinnie Barbarino,, The Fonz, Cher, Bobby Hull, Donny and Marie, Spiderman (who is my hero), Luke Skywalker and Princess Leah, Wonder Woman, Bionic Man and Woman.....and more. I also have the Christmas Barbies and Avon Barbies as well. Yup, I am a Barbie Freak. I still go down the aisles and peruse through the Barbie section to see if there is anything that may catch my eye....but most times not. They don't make 'em like they used to. I also have the cars, jeeps, RV, Stages, Gymnastics Stage.....and many more.

I kept it all. It is all boxed and stored. thinking that maybe one day if I have kids (hahahaha), they could have them, but as I get older, and don't have kids, it is all still boxed away.

Barbies are a favourite thing of mine!

This is for you Blue.

Abc Wednesday...Round 3....the letter N

The letter N this week eh?

Well I have chosen Nostalgia...why, because there is a performer who is coming here in January and it is Tommy Hunter. He brings back fond childhood memories for me...ones that I wish I could do all over again.

I grew up on television. It was my babysitter.

The Tommy Hunter Show along with The Lawrence Welk Show and Carol Burnett were family shows, where even my grama, grapa and mom would sit down after a busy farm Sunday and relax.

Nostaglia: I have fond memories of my grapa and I dancing to The Tommy Hunter Show and Lawrence Welk. I would dress up in a "fancy gown", it was actually this gawdy, all coloured dress. It had the best twirling action though...I loved it. I would twirl in circles and the "gown" would billow out. I would dance with grapa, which included the polka and waltz.

Nostalgia: Being with my grapa. I wish I could be there again.

ABC Wednesday is hosted by Denise(Mrs Nesbitt), and let's not forget Mr. Linky

Ranting

The weekend of the 31st will be a fun one as well. It is the Saskatchewan side of the showcases I saw in Red Deer, Alberta.

The nice thing about this one is that it is in Saskatchewan, where I don't have to constantly hear how great Albertans are.

Now, don't get me wrong, there are some really nice people in Alberta, but I am sick TO DEATH of hearing how Saskatchewan people are of below intelligence...according to a few Albertans....well alot of them really...I have pondered this alot, as to why they feel the need to disrespect we the people of Saskatchewan and the only thing I can come up with is that they are jealous of what we have here in this province. That they have to bring others down to make themselves feel better...I guess. But after awhile, I get slightly irritated, constanly hearing the negatives come from their mouths about how crappy Saskatchewan is....and quite franly I am getting a little tired of it!

Red Deer

Well, I have been away for the weekend. Legs and I went to Red Deer, Alberta. I had to work, and hard work it was....

This is one of the reasons I love my job.
I went to Red Deer to preview up and coming, and established performers, be it musicians, dancers, mimes, theatre...you name it I saw it.

It all started on Friday morning. Each performer has 15 minutes to showcase themselves. There are about 5-6 in the morning....lunch break...then another 5-6 performances.

This went on Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning. Of course, you can't forget the hospitality rooms each evening, which included, drinks, comradery, and song!

Monday morning is a little sluggish!

ABC Wednesday Round 3....the letter M

M is for Moosomin, Saskatchewan.

Moosomin is my home town.

The Town of Moosomin is a community of 2,500 people on the southeastern edge of Saskatchewan, approximately 230 km East of Regina and situated on the #1 Highway. We are a growing community noted for our pleasant residential neighbourhoods. Moosomin is surrounded by rich farmland, oil, gas and potash mining industries which help make our economy vibrant.

Moosomin was the first Saskatchewan community on "steel", with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1882. First known as "siding No. 4" and the Moosomin Station" early businesses were established and by 1884 the community had grown to include five general stores, five hotels, two livery stables, two blacksmiths, a doctor, a lawyer, butcher, one printer, amongst other businesses. Moosomin was incorporated as a Town in November, 1887, R. D. McNaughton was the first merchant to arrive in Moosomin. He founded the R. D. McNaughton Company, a general store operation that played a vital role in early settlement.

It's a great town for a family to raise the kids in. Everyone knows everyone and they all know what your doing!!!

ABC Wednesday is hosted by Denise(Mrs Nesbitt), and let's not forget Mr. Linky

ABC Wednesday Round 3...L

ABC Wednesday is hosted by Denise(Mrs Nesbitt), and let's not forget Mr. Linky.

L is for Laughter.

Sometimes when I am feeling down and out, a good bout of laughter does wonders.

However...I know that when I am nervous, or shocked, the laughter button kicks in.

The time Bruno, Kenny and I had our little roll over. I remember looking at Bruno, snapping my fingers at him, so his eyes would quit rolling, asking if we were all ok, then busting out into hysterics! Shock had set in and laughter is all we could do.

Laughter helps us in all sorts of situations and thats a good thing to have. Wouldn't the world be a sad place without laughter?

ABC Wednesday Round 3...K, L, M

ABC Wednesday is hosted by Denise(Mrs Nesbitt), and let's not forget Mr. Linky

Boy, am I behind!!

K is for Kale..
Kale: Also called borecole. a cabbagelike cultivated plant, Brassica oleracea acephala, of the mustard family, having curled or wrinkled leaves: used as a vegetable.



Ingredients
Serves 8 to 10
7 cloves garlic, unpeeled
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
2 medium acorn squash, (about 1 1/2 pounds each), halved crosswise and seeded
1/2 pound kale, stems trimmed, large ribs removed
1 teaspoon unsalted butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
2 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Heat oven to 450 degrees. Place garlic in an ovenproof ramekin, and drizzle with olive oil. Roast until light brown and very soft, about 20 minutes. Let stand until cool enough to handle; peel garlic and cut into slivers; set aside. Reduce oven temperature to 400 degrees.

Peel squash, halve lengthwise, and seed. Cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices; set aside.
Place kale in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and steam until bright green and wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat, and chop roughly. Squeeze out as much water as possible; set kale aside.

Butter a 2 1/2-quart gratin dish. Distribute half the sliced squash in the dish, reserving the prettiest slices for the top layer. In a small bowl, combine nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Distribute half the sliced garlic over squash, and sprinkle with one-third of seasoning mixture and 1 teaspoon thyme.

Arrange kale over squash, and sprinkle with one-third of the seasoning. Arrange remaining squash over kale, and sprinkle with remaining seasoning and 1 teaspoon thyme. Distribute remaining garlic over squash, tucking it between slices.

Pour cream over assembled gratin, and cover with a piece of parchment. Bake until squash is soft when pierced with the tip of a knife, 40 to 45 minutes; halfway through the baking time, remove parchment, press down on squash with a spatula to compress and distribute the liquid; cover and continue baking. Meanwhile, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

After 35 to 45 minutes, reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees. and remove the parchment paper. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over squash; return to oven, and continue to bake, uncovered, until golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes. Garnish with remaining thyme.

To reheat: Do not add final layer of breadcrumb mixture. Remove from the refrigerator, and let come to room temperature, 15 to 20 minutes. Cover with parchment paper, and reheat in a 400 degrees.oven for 20 minutes. Top with breadcrumb mixture, and bake until golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Garnish with thyme.

This is one of my favourite recipies that I wrote when I was "into" Martha Stewart. I make this alot for pot lucks, and family gatherings. It is delish!

Sky Watch Friday

Okay....I know we are to post a picture, but it's too depressing outside to post one. It is grey, cold, wet, and windy.

There, that's it.

The weather sucks.

It is definately a fall day. The leaves are blowing off the trees. The grass is turning that ugly brown, grey. The birds are flying away. The horses are fuzzy. The dog is in the dog house. The cats are turning their noses up about going outside. The cows are cuddling up to one another and hiding in the bush.

That about sums it up.

It is miserable outside which tells me winter is close......I hate winter.

If you are interested in joining Sky Watch Fridays...just ....click.....on.... this!

This just in....it is now snowing.....wahhhhhhh!!!

Okay...it is now 2:29pm and it is not snowing anymore....its just wet. Thank Heaven. I am not ready for the white stuff just yet.

What's happening

Ok...I am pretty sure its Thursday today, but I am so far behind, I am ahead!

I am late with ABC Wednesday, but may be able to squeeze in Favourite Things Thursday.

One of my new favourite things was last night, and it was Johnny Reid. He performed here last night to a sold out show and sang an extra hour. I can't tell you that he is a country singer because I feel he is not. He's grassroots, he's a bit of soul, he's a bit of everything and wonderful. His band is super nice. I haven't been quite taken with any band for quite some time. These people were all amazing.

I would have to say that Johnny Reid and his band are one of my new favourite things. They were outstanding and can hardly wait til they come back again, which we are in the makings of as we speak.

This great Favourite Things Thursday idea is by Blue!

at my wits end

I am at work today because we are having three comedians performing. The boss is sick so I said I would come in to work. I actually injested one of my shakey pills before I came. Why?

Well, I am working with three people tonight that I know DO NOT like me.

I know this, because one wigged out on me, and the other two told one of the other Front of House Managers(there are 3 employed), who just happens to be a good friend of mine.

I just now came in from getting the hospitality room prepped and have my office door open, the the other main office door open because I am travelling back and forth AND I am office management. I am in my domain.

The stage manager just walked through here, having "checked up" on me to see what I was doing, which is none of his business as he should be no where near the office and should be on the stage doing "stagey" things. He immediately closed my office door, and the main office door......HELLO!!!!....I am in here!! WTF?!

I am in a tizzy, I have the jidders, my shakey pill is not working. I am anxious, and nervous, and am pissed off.

My review comes up this next week and am scared to death to tell the boss because these three people, I feel, have him wrapped around his little finger, not only that but the boss doesn't like confrontation, so any time I have mentioned that these lovely people intimidate the hell out of me, I am the one who is told that this is and egomania business and that I will encounter all kinds of people and I MUST get along. WELL, I have yet to encounter an unprofessional performer, manager, or crew. It is only within my work place that the problem lies.

When I saw that I was working with these three, my heart sunk. I try to get along with everyone. I don't like confrontation either. But when I know that these people don't like me and I have NEVER given them reson not to, really hurts me and pisses me off at the same time.

Oh, did I mention why they don't like me?

The reason was because I help out too much. I will, if I have time, get required tables out for the Front of House Manager. I will, help out in concession, the merch table, or the box office. I never knew a person could be disliked for doing their job. Who knew? I never knew anyone who didn't want a helping hand?

Oh, and if they only knew that is in my job description.....maybe I should email it all to them!

Jinxd

OMG!!!! Did I ever, EVER jinx myself!!!

You know how I had such a wonderful day....well, that clearly has gone to hell in a hand basket!!! I have missed a few days of blogging because:

The very next day, the cows got out!!! YES, the friggin' cows.....I am afraid of cows!! SO, there is this crazy woman out in the middle of the hay field where the cows ARE NOT supposed to be, shaking a friggin' bucket with oats in it calling, "Come on girls", "come on".... I da know 75 maybe, but seemes like thousands, came for me....now I am 37 and not in great shape, but when there is a herd of cows comin' at you.....you RUN!.....so I ran back to the truck, hopped in and started driving. Thank heaven they are used to me! They all came in. I delivered the oats into the manger and every one was happy. Now to go find the hole where they got out of!


I am farm sitting...I have no idea where the hammers are, where the wire is, where the staples are. Once I found everything, it was dark. Well I guess the cows are gonna have to stay in the pen tonight and will fix the fence tomorrow.

I go up to the house....there is no DOG!!!! What the hell?!? I call and calll and call....no dog. I phone the neighbour. Ya, he saw her earlier that morning at his house! I ask why he didn't load her up and bring her back and tie her up, his answer was that he was busy.....if you know the damn animal is not supposed to be there, tie her up and call whoever she belongs to, if you know where she came from. SO, let's re-cap!

The cows got out and the dog is gone....sounds like a country song to me!


That was Tuesday.

Wednesday, still no dog and I have to go to a two day 1st aid course. The dog and the fence will have to be put on hold til the end of the day.

Wednesday night, I get home and still no dog. I take all fencing supplies....still never found the wire, but something close to it and went fence fixing. The hole the cows busted through was big! So, into the bush I go, and was it a hot day! I worked on it till nightfall. I am afraid of the dark, so I call it quits....and head in. The fence is fixed, the cows, I let out, but still no dog.

Thursday morning....the dog is on the doorstep! Holy hell! I couldn't believe it! She was immediately tied up, the cows were still in the fence. Things are looking up! Off I go to the second day of 1st Aid.

Thursday night, I get home, give horses oats and the second youngest tangles with a porcupine! She has quills in her bottom lip!!! AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!

I pulled about 5 out and she wouldn't let me touch her anymore.

Now, we are at Friday morning....which is today!

The dog is home, the cows are in and this moring Legs, came out bitching and complaining that he had to help me pull the other three remaining quills. SO....needless to say. The quills are out and I have given EVERYONE a stern talking to!

I can't wait to see what happens on the weekend....

Random thoughts

I don't have any kids nor do I see any in the future. I does kinda bug me though, when people tell me that I don't know what responsibility is until I have a kid. That I would do anything in the world for them, I would die for them, I would protect them until my dying day. And I know I would, if I had any....

Well, the same goes for my horses and dog.. I would die for them. Unlike a child that leaves home at the age of 18, an animal doesn't do that. They are with you unil they pass away. I have two elderly horses, that are over 20 and have had them since yearlings. I am now caring for the aged. They have different feed, they have to be brought in at night, I have to make sure their teeth are good. They must have a healthy, shiny coat. That they are keeping weight on.

They too, depend on me as I depend on them. They help me through thick and thin. They are there when I am happy, sad, or mad. They can't tell me when they hurt, or are pining for another horse.

It is intuition, just like mothers or fathers have for their children. They know when you are going away for a few days. They are ecstatic when you return. You have to arrange for sitters. There is a schedule to follow, which I might add would be helpful for those who don't have one for their kids! Eventhough...I don't have kids....I have been told that it is good to have structure, starting with a schedule...awww, now I am being sarcastic...

I can't stand it when someone says that I don't know what its like to have responsibility of looking after others....well, my animals may not be others in the human sense, but they are others.

ok, I feel better now.

Beautiful dayz

Last night was one of the nicest evenings I have had in a long time.

I am out at the farm this week, looking after my four legged kids and the dog.
My three year old, Katie, plays tag. Now, its probably not the best thing I can teach a 900 pound horse to do, but she only does it with me, and we have fun. It can be a little scary for someone to see a horse coming at you, but she puts the brakes on in time to touch me with her nose, I give her a cookie, and it starts all over again. I definately got my exercise last night.

I opened all the little corrals for them to nose around in and to eat all the lovely green grass before it gets too cold and turns brown. They are all getting quite fuzzy, which means the cold wind is close at hand.

My "old man", Bosley stuck fairly close to me last night and was readily available for any hug I may have had and wanted to give. He can read me like a book. I have had him since he was a yearling, he is now 22. It amazes me how attached I am to him. I have had so many others that have touched my heart but Bosley is special.

The leaves on the trees are turning colour and falling everywhere. The little dog (Penny) who now resides at the farm loves to jump up at the falling leaves. She loves barking at the squirrels who knatter away in the tall evergreen trees.

It was truly a lovely evening last night and I am hoping that tonight will be the same.

Banned Book Week

Kris, a.k.a. Mrs. B., posted about it in her page.

Below are only SOME of the most banned books in the U.S. Spread the word against freedom! Post about it too, mark which ones you have already read, and read those you haven't yet!

Scary Stories (Series) by Alvin Schwartz
Daddy's Roommate by Michael Willhoite
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Harry Potter (Series) by J.K. Rowling
Forever by Judy Blume
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Alice (Series) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman
My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
The Giver by Lois Lowry
It's Perfectly Normal by Robie HarrisGoosebumps (Series) by R.L. Stine
A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Sex by Madonna
Earth's Children (Series) by Jean M. Auel
The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
Go Ask Alice by Anonymous
Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers
In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak
The Stupids (Series) by Harry Allard
The Witches by Roald Dahl
The New Joy of Gay Sex by Charles Silverstein
Anastasia Krupnik (Series) by Lois Lowry
The Goats by Brock Cole
Kaffir Boy by Mark Mathabane
Blubber by Judy Blume
Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan
Halloween ABC by Eve Merriam
We All Fall Down by Robert Cormier
Final Exit by Derek Humphry
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
What's Happening to my Body? Book for Girls: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Daughters by Lynda Madaras
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Beloved by Toni Morrison
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
The Pigman by Paul Zindel
Bumps in the Night by Harry Allard
Deenie by Judy Blume
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
Annie on my Mind by Nancy Garden
The Boy Who Lost His Face by Louis Sachar
Cross Your Fingers, Spit in Your Hat by Alvin Schwartz
A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Sleeping Beauty Trilogy by A.N. Roquelaure (Anne Rice)
Asking About Sex and Growing Up by Joanna Cole
Cujo by Stephen King
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
The Anarchist Cookbook by William Powell
Boys and Sex by Wardell Pomeroy
Ordinary People by Judith Guest
American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
What's Happening to my Body? Book for Boys: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Sons by Lynda Madaras
Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
Crazy Lady by Jane Conly
Athletic Shorts by Chris Crutcher
Fade by Robert Cormier
Guess What? by Mem Fox
The House of Spirits by Isabel Allende
The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline Cooney
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Native Son by Richard Wright
Women on Top: How Real Life Has Changed Women's Fantasies by Nancy Friday
Curses, Hexes and Spells by Daniel Cohen
Jack by A.M. Homes
Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo A. Anaya
Where Did I Come From? by Peter Mayle
Carrie by Stephen King
Tiger Eyes by Judy Blume
On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer
Arizona Kid by Ron Koertge
Family Secrets by Norma Klein
Mommy Laid An Egg by Babette Cole
The Dead Zone by Stephen King
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
Always Running by Luis Rodriguez
Private Parts by Howard Stern
Where's Waldo? by Martin Hanford
Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene
Little Black Sambo by Helen Bannerman
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
Running Loose by Chris Crutcher
Sex Education by Jenny Davis
The Drowning of Stephen Jones by Bette Greene
Girls and Sex by Wardell Pomeroy
How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell
View from the Cherry Tree by Willo Davis Roberts
The Headless Cupid by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
The Terrorist by Caroline Cooney
Jump Ship to Freedom by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier.

So the Judy Blume book I read when I was a kid....same with Mark Twain...so that explains alot about my personality!!!

Odd Shot Monday

I always seem to have this knack for catching the animals at either yawning, licking, bawling...somehow I can click it with their mouths open and it just cracks me up. It may not be a real odd shot, but it is rare!

Odd Shots is hosted by Katney HERE!

Mondayzzz

Well the day hasn't started off so great. I am hoping it will pick up though....

BITCHOLOGY

When I stand up for myself and my beliefs, they call me a bitch.

When I stand up for those I love, they call me a bitch.

When I speak my mind, think my own thoughts or do things my own way, they call me a bitch.

Being a bitch means I won't compromise what's in my heart. It means I live my life MY way. It means I won't allow anyone to step on me.

When I refuse to tolerate injustice and speak against it, I am defined as a bitch.

The same thing happens when I take time for myself instead of being everyone's maid, or when I act a little selfish. It means I have the courage and strength to allow myself to be who I truly am and won't become anyone else's idea of what they think I 'should be.

I am outspoken, opinionated and determined. I want what I want and there is nothing wrong with that!

So try to stomp on me, try to douse my inner flame, try to squash every ounce of beauty I hold within me.
You won't succeed. And if that makes me a bitch , so be it.

I embrace the title and am proud to bear it.

Favourite Things Thursday

Well today is Favourite Things Thursday.

A favourite of mine is makeup. I love makeup. I love all the colours of eye shadow. I love how you can go to Mac or Merle Norman and get a make over. I love all the different kinds of foundation. The bronzes, blushes, eye liner. Guess that would make me a girlie-girl.

I enjoy Avon, but I mostly wear Rimmel. I find the foundation light and the colours soft for this ole skin of mine.

I think I will be one of those little old ladies in the nursing home that will have to have the really red rouge and lipstick on before I go to dinner! I think I will have my eye brows coloured in and my hair still dyed.

Yup, makeup is one of my favourite things.

This great Favourite Things Thursday idea is by Blue!

Abc Wednesday Round 3....J

ABC Wednesday is hosted by Denise(Mrs Nesbitt), and let's not forget Mr. Linky



The letter J this week.






The letter J is for Juice.



When I was in Colombia I discovered the Guava fruit and have loved it ever since.



Number 1 favourite Juice: Guava (which I recently discovered it is now sold at Walmart)
YAY!!!

Rubicon is the best juice to buy. (I think)

2). Lychee


3). Orange
4). Grape

Juice is filled with many vitamins..all sorts of good things. It can't be any imposters, you know those types of juices that have the vitamins added. They taste funny. Almost chemical. Nope, the real juice is the best.

Abc Wednesday Round 3...I (a week late)

Let me see, the letter "I", eh?

The word today is Igloo.

Now contrary to what people who live in other parts of the world think, we, here in Saskatchewan do NOT live in Igloos. Nope.

We live in actual houses.

Igloo

1.
an Eskimo house, being a dome-shaped hut usually built of blocks of hard snow.
2.
Informal. any dome-shaped construction thought to resemble an igloo: immense silos topped with steel igloos.
3.
Military. a dome-shaped building for the storage of rockets or other munitions.
4.
an excavation made by a seal in the snow over its breathing hole in the ice.

Now...with that being said, yes, we do still build them, but, we don't live in them.

ABC Wednesday is hosted by Denise(Mrs Nesbitt), and let's not forget Mr. Linky

One week later...

Well, I am afraid that I am not organized enough this Monday to have an odd shot. I do have a few but today is not the day.

I am back though from a week at Ma's on the farm. We got alot of things done this past week.

I arrived early evening last Tuesday. I drove up to the lane, opened the gate, and drove through only to be greeted by the dogs, the horses and the llama. Once I got to the house, I carted all my luggage, veggies, and coolers into the house, had a bite to eat then hit the sack.

Wednesday was a very long day. The trainer came to pick up a 6 year old gelding to start training on and it took us about 6 hours to try to load him. We had him loaded once but when it came time to unload the "bait" horse (that was patiently waiting in the trailer all that time), the other horse stepped back and literally fell out, SO he was scared to try it again and it got dark on us about 8pm and we had to caller quits.

Thursday morning the trainer arrived and we thought it would be a very long day again, but he lead the horse to the open trailer and the horse walked right in! That was short and sweet. We then proceeded to go to the trainiers house, unload the horse and start right in with the training.

We do resistance free training here, all stress free. So once the round penning starts and if thats an easy go, the rest should follow, and it did.

Friday morning my cousin and I hit for the big city. I was slated to do a bit part in a tv series that is aired on the History Channel. I showed up for filming in the slotted time, did my thing and then promptly hit back to the farm.

Saturday morning, mom and I headed out bright and early to go pick and stack bales....which took all day and well into the evening. We stacked the last straw bale about 8pm, then headed into town to my cousin's place to sort recipies that my grama had and doled out to all the family members. We gathered them up and we are starting to compile a recipie book in her honour. That took till about 10pm. Mom and I by then, were pooped pee pickers and could no longer discuss the book planning. Hell, it was all I could do to keep my eyes open to drive back to the farm!

Sunday morning, we headed over to the trainers again to see how our little gelding was making out. He was learning lots and came along way from Thursday when we finally hauled him over.

Sunday late morning I said my good byes and headed back to Border Town. Just me and Gigi the hampster. I once again, had to leave my beloved dog Effie, with my Ma.

It is now Monday and the week starts all over again.....Odd shot Monday will have to wait. I am swamped at work today and tomorrow I am on another course.

The week ahead

Well, I am off to Ma Kettles this week. Apparently it is going to be jammed pack full of stuff my dear Ma wants me to do.

I am also trying to stop in Regina for a couple of acting gigs as well along the way. Thought I would kill two birds with one stone. Will keep you all posted though...wish me luck on both counts!!

Odd Shot Monday

Odd Shots is hosted by Katney HERE!

This week I took a picture of my hair...why you ask....well, there is so much static in my apartment that I have gone through two....yes TWO television sets. I am now working on my third!

So this is my odd shot of static electricity on the top of my little wee pea -sized head!

This just in...

Some people are like slinkies- Not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs

Getting Even

My ma sent this joke to me...thought it was pretty cute...thought I would share (for a change).

One December day we found an old straggly cat at our door.
She was a sorry sight. Starving, dirty, smelled terrible, skinny, and hair all matted down.
We felt sorry for her, put her in a carrier and took her to the vet.
We didn't know what to call her, so we named her 'Pussycat.'
The vet decided to keep her for a day or so. He said he would let us know when we could come and get her.
My husband (the complainer) said, 'OK, but don't forget to wash her, she stinks.'
He reminded the vet that it was his WIFE (me) that wanted the dirty cat, not him.
My husband and my Vet don't see eye to eye.
The vet calls my husband 'El-Cheap-O', and my husband calls the vet 'El-Charge-O'.
They love to hate each other, and constantly 'snip' at one another, with my husband getting in the last word on this particular occasion.
The next day my husband had an appointment with his doctor, who is located in the same building, next door to the vet. The MD's waiting room and office was full of people waiting to see the doctor.
A side door opened and the vet leaned in - he had obviously seen my husband arrive.
He looked straight at my husband and in a loud voice said,
"Your wife's pussy doesn't stink any more, and it's finally clean and shaved, so she now smells like a rose. Oh, and, by the way, I think she's pregnant. God only knows who the father is!'

Then he closed the door.

Now THAT, my friends, is getting even

Finally...Wild West Womens Weekend

Well, it took me long enough...I finally have a few pics of the WWWW.

This is us BEFORE we hit the trail. 15 miles and 5 hours later, the sorry group of us staggered in...ok not all of us were "sorry", but there were some sad lookin' riders that came back!!

This is my trusty little borrowed Arab...Gharamus. He is a little 20 year old spitfire! What a great time!

Here we are (Gharamus and I), with Bonnie and her little mare ahead of us in a pine tree covered area.

A good time was had by all and I am looking forward to it again..

Sky Watch Friday

OK....I'm gonna do this too. I read all kinds of weather reports from all over the world on these blogs spots so I will conform. The peer pressure got to me! Ahhh, who am I kidding. I find it fascinating.


The weather here today is dreary. It is supposed to rain but farmer Legs is hoping on hope that it wont. The canola is down, the barley is about ready to be cut and the hay bales are just now starting to get picked up. However...on a good note, with all this rain the pastures are still green and the wind is still warm. I took this shot off my balcony this morning. On our way into the Border Town we did encounter a few raindrops....



If you are interested in joining Sky Watch Fridays...just ....click.....on.... this!

Happy Birthday Grapa! Favourite Things Thursday

If my grandfather were alive today, we would be celebrating his birthday today. A Favourite Thing! How appropriate!

My grandfather meant and still means the world to me to this day. I miss him terribly.

He taught me alot of things. He taught me how to hammer nails, how to drive the truck, car, grain truck (stick shift and all), the tractor and the grader. He showed me how to properly shovel manure so that you could pack more on! Teehee. He taught me how to play crib. The list goes on and on....

Nobody was prepared (and when are you really?)for his death, least of all me. You just think that people who mean the most to you will live forever...physically. Now that he is gone he still teaches me things.

Patience for one. I can hardly wait to see him again, but I have to wait. It is not my time.

Secondly, humour, I think of all the good times we had. Like the time we were driving in the pasture and I ran over a boulder. We hit that rock so hard that both of our heads hit the roof of the truck, grapa's lower dentures flew out of his mouth and on to the dash. We both looked at each other. He put his teeth back in and we got out to see how much damage I did. I scraped off the bumper and the front axle was hung up on the rock. Grapa looked at me and said, "I'll get the tractor and we won't tell grama about this." To this day it still makes me laugh.

Thirdly, pathos, I have never felt a feeling like this before. With him being gone, this is what I feel....sorrow, emptiness, desolate. I hate it. I don't want to talk about that part.

But today is his birthday...so Happy Birthday Grapa!

You are never far from my thoughts, you are never far from my heart and I know you are always with me.

I love you,

Your Liebling

This great Favourite Things Thursday idea is by Blue!

ABC Wednseday Round 3.....H

The letter H is of course, also one of my favourite things...Horse.....ok, you all had to know I was going to do it!! I mean really, why would I disppoint?!

Napoleon had one.

Custer had one.

The Nez Perce Indians had them...and I have them....

A horse of course!

Horse and Rider

The prairie blows the grasses

And whips the horse’s mane.

They travel, horse and rider,

Through the sea of amber grain.

Hills roll by, and clouds pass

But steady are the horse’s hooves

Upon the wind blown grass

As they travel, horse and rider

There is no trail that they follow

No path that can be seen

There they travel, horse and rider

Upon the endless blowing green

Horse Poet

There are many, many breeds of horses and all have very special characteristics.

Appaloosas have a "hiden" gait called the Appaloosa shuffle, which is a cross between a lope (canter for all you English riders out there) and a jog (again a trot for the English rider). It is unique to watch.

Missouri Fox Trotters also have a fascinating gait. It isnt quite a trot and its not quite a walk but man, is it smooth and it is ground covering.

Horses are very sensitive to the emotions of others. They are perceptive of all things great and small. You are the predator and they are the prey...they know when to run! They all have personalities....they can be happy, sad, moody, stubborn. Just like us.

Horses come in all shapes and sizes and all colours.

Oh, and H is also for "Holy Hell!" which I say alot!!!

Holy Hell is normally said when things either frustate me or take me off guard. Holy Hell is also used when a driver on the road does something not very bright. Like sit infront of a green light while texting someone and others behind are honking for them to go. Its kind of funny to watch but also not very smart....and not to mention dangerous. That is another blog!

I could go on....but I won't.

ABC Wednesday is hosted by Denise(Mrs Nesbitt), and let's not forget Mr. Linky