~~~~~~~~HERE'S ANOTHER DANDY PIC!!!~~~~~

I took this shot just minutes ago follow the big "HO HUM" snow storm. I had to run some errands in town and for a very short time there were White Outs however I got home safely. The texture of the snow was perfect for making snow people.
L'll Sis can I interest you in a snowball fight?

Till next time...

~~~~~AN EASTER WEEKEND PHOTO OPT~~~~

1. Here is a pic of Wild Turkeys enjoying the Sunshine and just wandering
around.

2. A group of brave souls attempting to fish from the ice on the Maitland River
not far from the mouth.

3. I have saved the best to last. This is #1Son following his three hour
adventurer on the beach during his weekend visit.



Till next time...

******Here we go again!!!!!yup,

this time our area is under a
"Snowfall Warning!"

I received this info from L'll Sis who, by the way is in Florida with Hubby and has been there since Nov. '07 and won't return north till late April.
She's an avid computer buff and don't ya just love the Internet?
She wondered if I was aware of the pending storm and my reply was...

"Just another day in the neighbourhood and the snow will melt!"

I'll keep y'all posted as to how much snow we receive and if I have to do
any digging!

Till next time...

~~~~~Will you look at that.....not bad for the last day of winter!

Following a very overcast and cold winter day Mother
Nature decided to throw a little spectacular colour our way.
Pretty cool eh?

Till next time...

~~~~~Well, March 17th St. Patty's Day has come and gone and shame on me for not posting ( my dad just rolled over in his grave and said "The top of the morning to ya!").

I had a very busy day running errands and stuff and in the evening I was invited to a dinner party to celebrate the "17th" at Sam and Charlene's.

What a wonderful evening and the food was fantastic.
Charlene had prepared corned beef and cabbage and roasted baby spuds. Only she could give cabbage the special treatment that her guests could hardly believe that what they were eating was cabbage....Oh so yummy!

And following a Baileys chocolate mousse for desert she topped off the meal with Irish Cream liquor.

We chatted and laughed the evening away...making memories!

Thanks you guys for a very fun evening!

Till next time...

This top pic is of my driveway following a good workout
with the snowblower and a few hours of sunshine

My little buddies, Sam and Dixon are enjoying some refreshing
RO water from the little statue of a cat holding a dish which
their mommy gave me as a gift. Aren't Just too cute?

Till next time...

~~~~~CAN YOU BELIEVE IT ~~~~~~~

This is what I saw this morning, two deer

walking across the neighbour's lawn.

It is my first sighting of the deer this year!


ENJOY!

Till next time...

~~~~~JUST IN TIME.....On Tues. I was invited to visit dear friends Jim and Jean in Stratford for lunch and what a lovely lunch it was at the Sun Room. We had real good time chatting and laughing until the tears came.

The day was spectacular, bright sunny skies and very clear roads a perfect day ...for our area and at this time of year....to travel. Weather reports put all of us under a Winter Storm Watch and that was hard to believe as I spade along the back roads to Stratford. It had clouded over as I approached their house and the same overcast skies remained until I got home which was about 4:30 pm.

Then at about 7:oo pm. much to my surprise there was the most fantastic SUNSET I thought I would cry!

I am totally blessed to live here and witness such brilliant displays by Mother Nature.

And yes, we did get a good wallop of snow over night but not the freezing rain that other parts of the Province received.

The good part of the snow was the fact I had a real cardio workout before my noon hour fitness class that is always so much fun.

I'll fill you in on that "class" later!


Till next time...

~~~~~~~NO, NO, NO......this is not the Arctic!!!

It is the results of frozen wave action on our beautiful beach!

I took a day and what a beautiful day it was to do a little shutter bugging.

The last pic is the view from the top of our cliff looking at.... you guessed it,
more frozen wave action.

I know that this will chill out Y'all in the south!

Till next time...

OOOOUCH!~~~~~
I hear ya loud and clear~~~~~~~~~some of you didn't like the change of template so I've gone back to the one that everyone seemed to like. Enjoy!

Thanks M.E. for the nuge!


Till next time...

.....Back to Normal for me is returning to some sort of routine.

During the winter or when I'm home my days are focused with a daily visit to the local "Y" and taking advantage of the many programs they have to offer.
The program that I am really enjoying is Functional Fitness and it is offered Tues. and Thurs. It involves cross training which holds my interest since you really have to concentrate on the various moves as well as proper use of equipment and weights.

Today, is an hour with my favourite trainer, Brenda, in a class called Strength and Stretch. When I leave her class I realize that this old body can still keep up and is finally getting into shape!

Till next time...

~~~ Some of you are aware that I was born under the sign of ARIES and yes, I have that pioneer spirit. Today, I followed that spirit and ventured into some interesting driving.

Following my visit with dear niece and sons (hubby was on a gig) in Toronto I had a strong urg to head home even though weather warnings were discouraging anyone from venturing out today. You see two weather systems, an Alberta Clipper and a Texas Red, were to converg in our proviance just about the time of my trip.

The driving wasn't as bad as I had expected however I stayed to the main Hwys and made it home saftely. Now I can enjoy watching all that melting snow disappear.

Till next time...

......Life is returning to normal for me following the month holiday in the south.
#1 Son visited this past weekend and did a few jobs around the house. We had a lovely time and great meals.

I have just a few more days at home this week then I'm off again this time to visit #2Son and his family. On Saturday I'll visit dear neice and her family and drop off a few things to them that was sent by my sister for the grands.

Till next time...

T. G. I. H.----- That stands for " Thank God I'm Home"...I sure missed this place!

Dame near kissed the ground but it was packed with snow everywhere except my drive...thanks to my wonderful neighbour, Dave.

Now it's time to unwind following the drive through Toledo and Detroit and dealing with the snow covered Hwy. 21 all the way home.

Till next time...

THERE IS A GOD AND SHE HAS BEEN VERY KIND TO ME today ....


Yes, I drove through the area of Georgia, Tenn, and Kentucky that was effected by those torndoes.

I was on the western fringe of the storm and rain forced me off the road twice for about 1/2 hour each time.
It was about 4:00 in the after noon as I went through Cincinnati and the storm clouds were and my right and winds were blowing at about 60-70 miles per hour. To my left or west the sky was blue with very few coulds.

It was really a "WILD RIDE"!
For those of you who know me I get bored very easily and then I turn to singing or dancing well, no singing but a hell of a lot dancing with those large 18 wheelers during my adventurer on Interstate # 75.
In total today I travelled from Atlanta to Monroe Ohio where I am settled in for the night.

After I got my room I headed out for something to eat and to my surprise "SHE", gave me a finally blessing as I spotted
"TIM HORTONS". Yup, there's nothing like a bowl of soup following a horrendous day like today!

Till next time...

BOO HOO!!!!
That was me saying good bye to dear M. E. and hubby. I left their house at 7:00 AM
and made all the way north of Atlanta where I am settled for the night.
I was cut off just at the ring road around Atlanta and had to go through the bowels of the city at 4:00 PM. You can imagine the traffic and the bad language coming out of my mouth however it was ok so I con't to dance with the 18 wheelers till I arrived at this little town called Cartersville. !

Till next time...

HOLY SMOKE!...
a power failure in the middle of the Super Bowl....not that I following the game too closely. Being a Patriots fan for many years I was cheering them on and I was sure that the Pats would win the game.
I won't find out the score till the morning.
My dear friend M.E. and hubby and I are having a good old time chatting the time away and will con't to do so for the next few days.

Till next time...

RON ELLIS one of the Toronto Maple players from an earlier time and one of Dear Husband's favourites was an attraction at the Snowbirds Extraganzia. I just had to have a pic with him and along with it went a big hug.

Till next time...

ON the road again...

Here I am on Treasurer Island Florida in a motel which has a terrific gulf view, pool and beach access. I will do some trekking around for a couple of days then I will be off visiting AGAIN!!!

Till next time...

We arrived yesterday in Lake Wales to visit with Old Bro#1 and his lovely wife. Following a wild ride on the golf cart (Eva, L'll Sis and I) we headed to the pool for a swim. The pool temp was 85F and felt like bath water because the air was cool. I have keep reminding myself that it is still Jan.
While at the pool we met people from our little home town...What a small world!
Today we are off the Lakeland for the Snowbirds extravaganza and I am looking forward to it.
I'll keep you posted.

Till next time...

Here it is Jan. 25 and I have returned to L'll Sis's place after trip to the west coast to visit a friend for a couple of days.
The area of North Port and Port Charlotte is where she lives. If anyone reading this blog recognise the name Toledo Blade please leave a comment. Toledo Blade is at exit 179 on I 75 south and that area is really booming. Her complex is really beautiful and has everything she and her hubby deserve.
When leaving I decided to travel across Fl. on state hwy. 70 to Fort Pierce (I know cousin Mike will be following my trip) then up I 95 to Cocoa.
Got to run to a fitness class!

Till next time...

Here are the promised pix....enjoy!


We left Port Canaveral and headed for the island owned by the cruise line known as
Coco Cay. It was a blast! All that was on day 2 of the trip.

The ship had two swimming pools and two hot tubs both were filled with salt water.

Day 3 we arrived in Nassau Bahamas at about 7:30 am. and docked there till midnight.

While in Nassau we toured the island and stopped at the Fort Fincastle and at the famous
Atlantis Hotel. The hotel had a magnificent aquarium (yes, #2 Son would really love it) and the architecture was worthy of several pix which I blog later.

Till next time...

I'M BACK!!!
And the cruise was a BLAST. The wonderful, charming and comical folks in our group of eight made the adventurer. We arrived home safe and sound at least most of us did. Ha, ha, ha.

The ship, accommodation, excursions and the FOOD will be the topic for much discussion in the future while I continue my visit here in Florida.

I'll post pix as soon as I get a chance to download.

Till next time...

ONLY ONE (1) MORE SLEEP TILL... the cruise and everyone is so excited. There are eight of us in the group and sweet Isabel and Bob hosted a lovely dinner party last night so we could all meet. We had so much fun as well as a delicious meal.
Thanks Isabel and Bob!

Till next time...

"CAN YOU HEAR THAT?" That's me sighing with utter joy at the great

sounds coming from the gazebo in Old Coco Village from the little jazz band.

Notice the monkey visiting the band at break time in the third pic.

It was diapered and had very large change attached at it's waist.

It had a toy that it threw at anyone within range.

I thought it a rather sad sight.



Till next time...

Reporting in to all my readers....I made it into the Sunshine State all safe and sound and visiting with L'll Sis and hubby.
Their home is just lovely and so cozy.
Please don't be shy and leave a comment or two!

Till next time...

"" GET THE A/C ON YEKS! Wow the temp has gone up to 75F and humid. I am settled for the night in a little place Tifton Georgia.
I started out a little later this morning cause I didn't want to get out of bed it was so comfortable.
I am sorry I have no pix but as I told the UK cousins it is a little challenging taking pictures while travelling at 70-80mph and some what dangerous. I will make up for it once I arrive in Fl.
I sure love the scenery especially around Chattanooga. There were no problems getting on the ring road around Atlanta (last time I missed the ring road and went through the bowels of that Olympic city at 3;30pm. on a Friday...what an experience!) I had forgotten how big Macon has gotten in last few years.
Tomorrow I'll sail down I-75 to the Toll road around the "Mouse House"
and over to L'll sis and hubby's house in Coco.

Till next time...

Following the thunder storm which happened at 1:30am I got very little sleep and when the clocked showed 3:30 I decided to leave on the trip.
Things were going fine until Detroit. Talk about stress! No day light, fast drivers and the damn Monsoons sure caused me to really concentrate on the driving. There were lots of flooded streets and several detours but I made it ok! OH, I nearly forgot the high headwinds. I had to fill the gas tank twice during the trip.
As I was going through Toledo I witnessed a beautiful sunrise. That sure made up for all the previous stuff.
The temps increased all along the trip and now it is 70F in Knoxville where I am bedded down for the night. It was a 12 hour trip but that is the biggest section and now I will examine the map to see how far I will get tomorrow.

Till next time...

ONLY ONE (1) MORE SLEEP....until the next adventurer begins. The packing (my least favourite thing to do) is complete and I will wait and load the car at the end of the day. I hope the rain holds off. Our temp today is a whopping 54F. This is a true January thaw!

Till next time...

Here it is...2008 and the memories of 2007 still linger in my mind. Visits with family and friends, adventures far and wide and enjoying the solitary life will be the format for this new year.

The plan gets started the second week of January with an adventurer to visit with L'll Sis and hubby in Florida. Then cruising to Coco Cay and Nassau in the Bahamas for a week. I will spend some time with friends on the west coast of Florida then head inland to visit with Old Bro#1 and his wife. By then, which will have been about a month I will be eager to head for home.

Keep your eye on this blog for lots of stories and pix during my up coming adventurer!

Till next time...

NO GLOBAL WARMING HERE!!!!

As I left Son #2's house this morning it was extremely foggy however it faded as I left the Grand River valley and then I entered NARNIA.
With the brilliant sunshine and the effects of a hoar frost the views along my way home were fantastic. The temperature ranged between -9c to -6c and no wind all the way home. It was for me like having a religious experience. I do enjoy this season so much!
Enjoy the pix

Till next time...

We had a wonderful time at our little Christmas Party.
Visiting with family and friends and of course Santa!
Listening to the stories and enjoying delicious food is
what a party is all about!

Till next time...

It's not even Christmas yet and my heart is over flowing with "JOY"!
It all started on Thurs. the 20th, while watching dear Grand Daughter perform on the tenor sax with her high school music group at a local church during the lunch hour. The entire group are a very talented group of kids and teachers. I especially enjoyed the jazz group.
On Friday for lunch I met with dear Husband's two cousins, Jane and Patti, and what a comical twosome they are! They had me laughing till my sides ached and the tears were running down my face. It was so much fun hearing their hilarious stories.
Saturday was so much fun starting with shopping with dear daughter-in-law Tee then lunch with Lilly Lady and Car Kid. We enjoy eating at the Old Marina and now that the lake is frozen over we were able to keep our view the people ice fishing.
I am so impressed with Lilly Lady who is considering some lifestyle changes..."YOU GO GIRL!"
Following lunch I was off to dear Grand Son's hockey game and what a game it was. GS got a goal and an assist as well the team had a shutout. Dear Husband would have really loved that one!
As I was waking up this morning to the wonderful sounds of giggles, wolfs and meows the hockey equipment was being loaded up again this time for a practice.
Later today we are off to a family Christmas party hosted by Old Bro#2 and I will let you know how it goes.

Till next time...

Over the past year I have become a real cat lover.
My neighbours have two cats, Dixon and Sam and
often I'll take care of them when the neighbours leave
for the weekend since travelling in the car is just an
unpleasant experience for the cats.
In appreciation they presented me with this cute cat
statue and a card with their paw prints on it.
Now how cute is that?

Till next time...

So many of you have asked to see the new chair,well here it is and it reclines!
Isn't it a beauty and so comfortable.


Till next time....

THAT IS ONE ANGRY LAKE! Notice that low water level and it is because of global warming.

Till next time...

Well, here it is...the completed sunroom with that nice toasty warm floor and new added features.

Pete you did a fantistic job...Thanks!

Till nest time...

I'M BACK!!!.....
I haven't posted for almost a month simply because I've been too BUSY with life and my head has been in the CLOUDS, so to speak.
Yesterday, Tuesday, my neighbour Dave came to the back door and invited me to go flying with him in his plane. Well, I was so surprised and excited by the invite that I jumped at the opportunity and went flying.
The hanger is located a short distance from where we live. I was fascinated watching him pull the plane out of the hanger and do his check of the plane then we got aboard and slid into the cockpit. He asked me where I wanted to go and I told him I would leave it up to him.
The instrument panel was amazing. I had been in small single props before but never paid attention to the panel or all the work involved in operating and aircraft. Headsets on and we were ready for takeoff.
The weather was fantastic for a Nov. day. Sunny, not too cold and the wind was out of the south.
We headed north up the lake along the coast as far as the Bruce Nuclear plant and then turned inland. By this time we were at 8,700 ft. and it was time to start for home when Dave shocked me by saying "Now it's your turn"! and invited me to FLY THE PLANE! HOLY SMOKES!!!.....
Now, for those that know me, taking risks and challenges is the stuff I thrive on and I was up for the challenge.
Dave explained that I needed to take the plane down to 5,500ft. and he pointed out which instruments to watch. I took control and down we went very gradually to the required height. I had a little bit of challenge with stabilizing and keeping the wings parallel but then got the hang of it. As we approached the airport he took over and brought us in making a very nice landing in spite of the cross wind and some turbulence.
Yes, dear husband's spirit was there in the back seat white knuckling the entire experience.
This is a thrill I will long remember!!!
Till next time...

Here is nephew-in-law installing radient heat
on the sunroom floor. porcelain tiles to follow.

I Just had to share these pix with y'all. This lovely piece of land
known as the "LOT" belongs to our dear neighbours who were kind
enough to invite us for a lunch and a visit. Above is the little shed
and below are the owners and neighbours.

Till next time...

What a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner L'll Sis and Hubby had at their house. The weather was sooo warm that we were able to sit outside. It was good to see everyone again...making memories!

Thanks to #1 Son who helped me clear out the sunroom in order to decorate the room (patching and painting) before nephew-in-law installs the radiant heating and ceramic tiles. N-I-L will be staying with L'll Sis and hubby while he completes the job.

Till next time...