Ever watched dandelions grow? They don't appear until you mow your lawn. Then, they're everywhere. My grand-kids grow fast between visits. The Kleenex box is always full until you really need a tissue. My dress-up clothes always fit until I have to look nice for a night out. The car is always fuelled up until I'm late getting ready and I have to drive out to Carman for an appointment.
Change happens fast. It happens when we least expect it. One moment the coffee cup is full and, the next moment, it's either empty or cold.
While you're not paying attention, you've grown older and lost your elasticity. Your kids have matured, married, and now have their own kids.
Now, those damned dandelions are back, thicker than ever, and you're seriously considering hiring a lawn care company.
I'm learning to welcome change with an open wallet ...
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Winter Wonderland
Imagine, if you can, waking up to a white yard on May 1st. Yes, we had freezing rain and snow overnight. Not much snow really but too much for this time of year.
Fortunately, according to the long range forecast, warmer weather is on the way with temperatures in the low teens on the weekend and in the low 20's after that.
Living where we are, we will get long summer days with up to 16.5 hours of day-length that will make up for the long winter and spring.
We do have crocuses in bloom already with daffodils and tulips on the way. They should flourish when the warm temperatures return. I can hardly wait!
Fortunately, according to the long range forecast, warmer weather is on the way with temperatures in the low teens on the weekend and in the low 20's after that.
Living where we are, we will get long summer days with up to 16.5 hours of day-length that will make up for the long winter and spring.
We do have crocuses in bloom already with daffodils and tulips on the way. They should flourish when the warm temperatures return. I can hardly wait!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
A Pain in the ...
... back. Nasty times when you walk like a duck, your lower back in pain. I've tried various medications with limited relief. Time and rest seem to be the best medicines. Usually, it takes a week or so before I start to walk with ease again.
I rarely get back aches. I haven't had the problem for years but, this year, I've had it twice. I blame it on my relative inactivity over the winter months. My health problems really started with a severe cold/flu, just after Christmas. Many Manitobans suffered this ailment this winter.
Now, I've started walking outdoors again. Short walks to be sure but I've started. Soon, I hope to get out to some of my favourite photography locations and resume using my camera. Maybe this weekend when the temperatures are supposed to reach the high teens. The end of the longest winter I've ever experienced seems to have come to an end.
Happiness is ...
I rarely get back aches. I haven't had the problem for years but, this year, I've had it twice. I blame it on my relative inactivity over the winter months. My health problems really started with a severe cold/flu, just after Christmas. Many Manitobans suffered this ailment this winter.
Now, I've started walking outdoors again. Short walks to be sure but I've started. Soon, I hope to get out to some of my favourite photography locations and resume using my camera. Maybe this weekend when the temperatures are supposed to reach the high teens. The end of the longest winter I've ever experienced seems to have come to an end.
Happiness is ...
Friday, March 29, 2013
Lucky Me
My cousin Barb just posted on her blog about 'luck'. See her blog at http://reflectivethoughtsbybarbara.blogspot.ca/. The post was entitled 'What is luck? Are you lucky or just hard working?' Like most of her posts, it made me think of things and events in my own life.
Four years ago this month, I started this blog with a favourite quote: "don't push the river … it flows on by itself … happiness is letting the happenings happen". That was when the longest relationship in my life had recently ended.
One of the most important happenings that happened was the beginning of my friendship with Margaret, a woman who worked for me in the Research Section when I was City Entomologist. Was it 'luck' that I moved into Winnipeg, less than a block from where Margaret lived? Was it 'luck' that we both were walkers and dog lovers and met walking our mutts on a nearby trail in early March, 2010? Was it 'luck' that we eventually married on 3 December 2011?
No, I don't think I was 'lucky'. I think we were blessed. The night before we were married, I included a quote in my blog post: "True love stories never have endings" (Richard Bach).
Happiness is ...
Four years ago this month, I started this blog with a favourite quote: "don't push the river … it flows on by itself … happiness is letting the happenings happen". That was when the longest relationship in my life had recently ended.
One of the most important happenings that happened was the beginning of my friendship with Margaret, a woman who worked for me in the Research Section when I was City Entomologist. Was it 'luck' that I moved into Winnipeg, less than a block from where Margaret lived? Was it 'luck' that we both were walkers and dog lovers and met walking our mutts on a nearby trail in early March, 2010? Was it 'luck' that we eventually married on 3 December 2011?
No, I don't think I was 'lucky'. I think we were blessed. The night before we were married, I included a quote in my blog post: "True love stories never have endings" (Richard Bach).
Happiness is ...
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Just Desserts
Everyone loves to have a special dessert after their meal. Too often, though, by the time we've finished our meal, we're too full for dessert. One way around this, if you're with your significant other, is to share a dessert.
If you're diabetic, just make sure you choose a dessert with lots of nuts in it. It'll be a little easier on your blood sugar levels.
One of my favourite desserts at home is part of a Russell Stover 'no sugar added' bar of milk chocolate with almonds. It contains a couple of artificial sweeteners. Be sure to read the fine print where it warns that these sweeteners can have a laxative effect on you!
And, remember, they're just desserts ...
If you're diabetic, just make sure you choose a dessert with lots of nuts in it. It'll be a little easier on your blood sugar levels.
One of my favourite desserts at home is part of a Russell Stover 'no sugar added' bar of milk chocolate with almonds. It contains a couple of artificial sweeteners. Be sure to read the fine print where it warns that these sweeteners can have a laxative effect on you!
And, remember, they're just desserts ...
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Spring Forward
Daylight Saving Time (DST) resumes at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 10, 2013 in Canada. It will end on Sunday, November 3, 2013 at 2 a.m. The phrase "Spring forward, Fall back" helps people remember how DST affects their clocks. "Spring Forward" affects us as individuals also.
Some people complain that DST affects their health, mood, and body clocks, and that their sleeping patterns are out of synchronization with natural photoperiods. Studies into these effects have been contradictory and confusing. Fortunately, most people adjust to the time change after a few days or within a week or so. I just like the fact that it is another sign of our coming spring.
Seems to me that this is also a good excuse for having an extra cup of coffee on Monday morning, before trundling off to work.
Some people complain that DST affects their health, mood, and body clocks, and that their sleeping patterns are out of synchronization with natural photoperiods. Studies into these effects have been contradictory and confusing. Fortunately, most people adjust to the time change after a few days or within a week or so. I just like the fact that it is another sign of our coming spring.
Seems to me that this is also a good excuse for having an extra cup of coffee on Monday morning, before trundling off to work.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
International Women's Day
On March 8th, we will celebrate International Women's Day. Many countries across the world will honour women for their contributions to our society. The focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women's economic, political and social achievements.
In some countries, the theme follows that suggest by the United Nations. This year, the UN theme follows the idea of "a promise is a promise: time for action to end violence against women". Men and boys are encouraged to stop violence against women and girls. We can only hope for the best.
At the very least, we, as men, should take time this Friday to express our love and appreciation to that special woman in our lives.
In some countries, the theme follows that suggest by the United Nations. This year, the UN theme follows the idea of "a promise is a promise: time for action to end violence against women". Men and boys are encouraged to stop violence against women and girls. We can only hope for the best.
At the very least, we, as men, should take time this Friday to express our love and appreciation to that special woman in our lives.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Happiness is a Choice
The words in the title of this post are often quoted. They have been attributed to many people but their true source is not really known.
Certainly, Aeschylus (the ancient Greek dramatist and playwright known as the founder of Greek tragedy, 525 BC-456 BC) was correct when he said "happiness is a choice that requires effort at times”.
Many times, I've researched the meaning of happiness. Almost every wise person that has ever lived has tried to explain what happiness means to him or her. I ended up being more confused than ever in this research topic until I realized happiness is like a multi-faceted gem stone. It appears slightly different to each person, depending on their point-of-view, the time of their life, and their situation.
Happiness just is ...
Certainly, Aeschylus (the ancient Greek dramatist and playwright known as the founder of Greek tragedy, 525 BC-456 BC) was correct when he said "happiness is a choice that requires effort at times”.
Many times, I've researched the meaning of happiness. Almost every wise person that has ever lived has tried to explain what happiness means to him or her. I ended up being more confused than ever in this research topic until I realized happiness is like a multi-faceted gem stone. It appears slightly different to each person, depending on their point-of-view, the time of their life, and their situation.
Happiness just is ...
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Time for the First Post of 2013
It's been over a month since my last post to this blog. That's the longest I've ever gone without posting something here. My excuse? I was sick with a flu/cold bug for two weeks. It's a common bug, making the rounds throughout southern Manitoba and probably other parts of Canada. Now, that's history. Then, I had a week or so of severe back pain. That's almost history also. Not the greatest excuses, I know.
Now that I'm feeling a lot better, I expect you'll see more posts from me in the coming weeks. I did get out for an evening once, during the last month, with Margaret, to see the opening of the latest Celebrations Dinner Theatre show, "My Big Fat Winnipeg Wedding" on January 18th. It's a spoof on weddings and comedy films about matrimony. The actors for this show were great with their dancing and singing, as is usual for all CDT shows. I'm looking forward to seeing it again at some point.
So, keep watching this page for further updates from 43 Carbutt Place ...
Now that I'm feeling a lot better, I expect you'll see more posts from me in the coming weeks. I did get out for an evening once, during the last month, with Margaret, to see the opening of the latest Celebrations Dinner Theatre show, "My Big Fat Winnipeg Wedding" on January 18th. It's a spoof on weddings and comedy films about matrimony. The actors for this show were great with their dancing and singing, as is usual for all CDT shows. I'm looking forward to seeing it again at some point.
So, keep watching this page for further updates from 43 Carbutt Place ...
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
'Twas the day after Christmas ...
First, an addendum to the late house cleaners. After waiting 2 hours for the cleaners, I called their office. They told me I wasn't scheduled until the 27th. This, after repeating twice before that I was scheduled for first thing in the morning on the 24th. Well, as you might guess, that was the last dealings I will have with this company. Their motto should be "incompetence reigns supreme"! I then proceeded to start doing the vacuuming myself only to find they left the vacuum hose totally plugged up the last time they used it. It took a half hour to clear after finally running hot water through the hose. I was not a happy camper!
Christmas eve was spent at home, with Alaskan crab legs and bacon-wrapped scallops featuring high on the supper menu. Margaret and I then exchanged gifts.
Christmas morning, we headed over to Josi's for a brunch prepared by her mom and her aunt. More gift exchanging after that feast. Then, home to pick up the dogs and off to Carman to pick up Aunt Lil and drive on to Poplar Point to have Christmas supper at Margaret's sister's place. More feasting and gift exchanging. After returning Aunt Lil to her Carman home, we headed back to our place for some needed R and R. It had been a long but pleasant day.
Now, it is Boxing Day and 62% of Canadians are out shopping for bargains. We are part of the 38% who refuse to be lured by so-called bargain sales. Don't people realize that the biggest bargain is to spend no money?
Today, we rest. my only job is to make supper. Today, it's plain and simple, Chinese comfort food.
Christmas eve was spent at home, with Alaskan crab legs and bacon-wrapped scallops featuring high on the supper menu. Margaret and I then exchanged gifts.
Christmas morning, we headed over to Josi's for a brunch prepared by her mom and her aunt. More gift exchanging after that feast. Then, home to pick up the dogs and off to Carman to pick up Aunt Lil and drive on to Poplar Point to have Christmas supper at Margaret's sister's place. More feasting and gift exchanging. After returning Aunt Lil to her Carman home, we headed back to our place for some needed R and R. It had been a long but pleasant day.
Now, it is Boxing Day and 62% of Canadians are out shopping for bargains. We are part of the 38% who refuse to be lured by so-called bargain sales. Don't people realize that the biggest bargain is to spend no money?
Today, we rest. my only job is to make supper. Today, it's plain and simple, Chinese comfort food.
Monday, December 24, 2012
'Twas the night before Christmas ...
Actually, it's the morning of the day before Christmas. It's terribly cold outside: the current windchill is -40C! I'm sitting in the heated garage, with Holly and Mollie, waiting for the always late house cleaners to arrive and do their magic. They're already over an hour late.
All three of us wonder if this house cleaning service is worth the money and bother. It seems like it takes longer to get ready for them and then await their arrival than it would just to do the work myself. They do a good job but I think we'll have to re-evaluate this service in the new year.
Otherwise, today will be different. Margaret and I will have a buffet style dinner at home, with all sorts of tidbits on the table. Not a special seafood dinner like someone I know, but different from the usual for us, for sure. There will be scallops and crab legs in the mix. Later, we'll attend Christmas Eve services at Margaret's church here in Charleswood.
Tomorrow, we're off to Josi and Greg's place in LaSalle for Christmas brunch and gift giving with my family. Then, off to Carman to pick up Margaret's Aunt Lil and drive on to the Poplar Point area to Cathy and Ian's place where we'll have supper and more gift giving with Margaret's family.
On Boxing Day, we just plan to relax at home.
All three of us wonder if this house cleaning service is worth the money and bother. It seems like it takes longer to get ready for them and then await their arrival than it would just to do the work myself. They do a good job but I think we'll have to re-evaluate this service in the new year.
Otherwise, today will be different. Margaret and I will have a buffet style dinner at home, with all sorts of tidbits on the table. Not a special seafood dinner like someone I know, but different from the usual for us, for sure. There will be scallops and crab legs in the mix. Later, we'll attend Christmas Eve services at Margaret's church here in Charleswood.
Tomorrow, we're off to Josi and Greg's place in LaSalle for Christmas brunch and gift giving with my family. Then, off to Carman to pick up Margaret's Aunt Lil and drive on to the Poplar Point area to Cathy and Ian's place where we'll have supper and more gift giving with Margaret's family.
On Boxing Day, we just plan to relax at home.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Filling the Larder
Last night, we went to Costco to restock our pantry for the holidays and beyond. Surprisingly, the store wasn't too crowded for a Friday night in Winterpeg. We suspect that was because the crowds were at the new Ikea store that opened here on November 28th. It'll be a while before we darken the doors of that store.
We didn't get any Christmas gifts at Costco. Our cart was full of food (mostly human and some dog) and a few toiletries. I won't say how much we spent. That would be embarassing. Let's just say 'a lot' or maybe two or three times 'a lot'.
But we did have a cheap supper there before taking the cart to the car. Polish sausage in a bun with all the fixings, an order of fries (boy, were they ever good!), and diet colas (because we were counting calories after all).
I took this photo from our plastic table, on my iPhone 5, as a souvenir of our shopping adventure.
It's not the greatest shot. Probably because my hands were shaking a bit because I was so hungry and the food hadn't arrived at the table yet.
We didn't get any Christmas gifts at Costco. Our cart was full of food (mostly human and some dog) and a few toiletries. I won't say how much we spent. That would be embarassing. Let's just say 'a lot' or maybe two or three times 'a lot'.
But we did have a cheap supper there before taking the cart to the car. Polish sausage in a bun with all the fixings, an order of fries (boy, were they ever good!), and diet colas (because we were counting calories after all).
I took this photo from our plastic table, on my iPhone 5, as a souvenir of our shopping adventure.
It's not the greatest shot. Probably because my hands were shaking a bit because I was so hungry and the food hadn't arrived at the table yet.
Monday, December 3, 2012
A Heart of Gold
Ever meet someone with a heart of gold. Someone who is kind, generous, and happy. Some people have to go through most of their life before they meet one. Some people never meet someone with a heart of gold.
Me? I'm one of the very fortunate people in this crazy world. I've travelled all over this world and met some great people along the way. Turned out the person that I was looking for and that I found lived only a block away.
Someone I had first met over 30 years before. I not only met a person with a heart of gold ... I even married her. One year ago today. Happy anniversary, Margaret!
Me? I'm one of the very fortunate people in this crazy world. I've travelled all over this world and met some great people along the way. Turned out the person that I was looking for and that I found lived only a block away.
Someone I had first met over 30 years before. I not only met a person with a heart of gold ... I even married her. One year ago today. Happy anniversary, Margaret!
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