Patience

Patience is not one of my strengths.  You have to admire that cat

because I would be clawing away at that hole. 

However I thought I would show you a picture of my version of patience.

Well, truth be told, its more like just plain stubborn but patience sounds

so much better.  

Here is my superstar sunflower.  The only surviving member of the original planting.



Every day I check to see if its going to open.  Still nothing.  But I am not giving up hope (yet)

Tomorrow will be another test of patience.  My family from Vermont are leaving

early in the morning for their long drive back.   I will be

on pins and needles all day until I receive that phone call that they are

home safe.

Tonight we had their farewell supper.  Each year it gets sadder and more difficult

to see them leave.  There wasn't a dry eye in the house. 

Say a little prayer tomorrow for a safe journey for them.

P.S.  And don't forget to sign up for my giveaway if you haven't already.

What's new in the 'hood

I thought I'd fill you in on what's been happening around here in "Crazy-ville".  It is never dull.  

First I will start with the good, fun stuff.   I bought myself a new toy. 

A new iPad2.   Yeahhhhhh!  And to sweeten the deal I sold my original iPad to a friend so it didn't feel so extravagant.

There has been another major purchase in the house.   On Friday last week I took Aunties car into get safety inspected.  I did not have high hopes.  Her car was old and has had some major issues in the past few years but she refused to trade.  Well, as I suspected it didn't pass inspection and needed several thousand dollars of work.  

I could just imagine the drama that was destined to unfold.  You know I love Auntie, but seriously the woman could complicate a glass of water!!   I could picture her trying to pick a car and going back and forth.  I remember the drama when we had to buy a new stove.

Well, I couldn't take it.  I'm a "git er done" kind of girl.   Soooo, before I went home and told her the bad news, I went out on the dealership lot, found a good safe used car, made the deal with the salesman and had it delivered to our driveway.  

They were leaving it with her to try for a couple of days and then she could sign the papers.  Well.......she was hopping mad for a few hours.  Then she took it for a drive.  It is a little smaller so it is more comfortable for her and its so cute.  (And I did make a really good deal)  Now she is happy and the papers are being signed tomorrow.  

But it seemed like everytime I went out I noticed her car trunk was up.  Noooo, she says, I didn't pop the trunk.  Well, I say.......it didn't pop itself.  So then it happened again and I said "WHAT are you doing??  Stop pushing the trunk button on the remote"

Are you ready for this.......................

She says, "I'm not pushing the trunk button.....I'm pushing the CAR button"

  
O.M.G...........  Seriously people, does this explain why I am sometimes dancing on the edge???

LOL  I think she has it under control now.  She will never push that button again.   She was hopping mad because of course I couldn't stop laughing at her. 

One last car related news of the week.   Yesterday morning I woke early and as I passed the bathroom window at 5:45am I looked out and my house was surrounded by 3 police cars.

google image

I'm not sure which of my neighbors was in trouble but they didn't need to all park in front of MY house in the process of a raid. (or whatever it was)    At least it was too early for a lot of traffic.  I wouldn't want everyone thinking the 3 police cruisers were here. 

Anyways, thats enough neighborhood news for tonight.   Don't forget to sign up for my giveaway in my last post if you haven't already.

Blogiversary Giveaway

Today is my Blogiversary.  I can hardly believe it has been 2 years ago today since I hesitantly published that very first post.

I remember how excited I was when I received my first comment.  It was from Julie at the blog Hookworm who also became my first follower.  And 2 years later, she is still with me.  What a brave soul!  Lol  Thanks Julie!

So since then it has been 412 posts, 108 followers, and over 3700 comments.  (I think the comments are my favorite part.  You all make me laugh)   Who would have thought??   And last but certainly not least, the number of friendships that have been forged through this medium.  Very cool!

So to celebrate all this I thought we should have a GIVEAWAY

Here are the simple rules

1.  Leave me a comment on this post for 1 entry
2.  Mention this giveaway on your blog and get a 2nd entry.
3.  Post on your sidebar for a third entry.
4.  Tell me in your comment what you have done so I make sure not to cheat you an extra entry.

This is open to followers only - but new followers are welcome and will be included.  Due to shipping costs this is only open to residents of Canada or the United States.

BONUS -  If a current follower refers me a new follower they will get a BONUS entry.  So if you are a new follower, please tell me how you found me.

Hmmmm, bet you are wondering what you will win.    Well.......its not finished yet  BUT I can show you what it look like.   Remember the new project materials I bought the other day?  Well I am making one of you another Starfish mat like this one I finished last year.

So I'm hoping you all like Starfish and I get lots and lots of entries.  That is half the fun of a giveaway.  I'll make the drawing a week from tonight.

And one more thing.........

Weekend travels

Another busy few days have come to an end.  The fun (not) started Friday.  Remember the "no free lunch guy" from last summer?  Well, he is back again and we had to all go out to dinner with him Friday night.  I dreaded it all Friday - it hung over me like a storm cloud.  You can read about last years dinner with him here.    This years version was just as not-fun.    The only good thing is that it is over for another year.

Then I had planned to take the Golden Girls and the Vermont crew on a road trip Saturday.    They only have one week left so I am trying to squeeze everything in.  Not sure how the first 3 weeks flew by so quickly.  Anyway I picked everyone up and we planned on touring the Sunrise Trail and stopping into all the little villages, shopping etc.  It ended up being the hottest day so far this year.  It was deadly. 

One bright spot in the day was a visit to the Jost Vineyards.  

I just realized I didn't take any photos inside the chalet, so I guess that means I will have to go back again.  Hehehe    We did pick up a few bottles and tasted a sample before we left.  It is a beautiful spot.  Unfortunately Saturday it was just to hot to spend alot of time outside.

We ended on a high-note with dinner at the Sandpiper Restaurant in Port Howe.  I'm going to go out on a limb here and declare that they serve the BEST fried clams in the world. 

Today was a bit cooler and I spent the day at the beach.  It was an almost perfect day - bright sun and a cool breeze.  I got settled in with a book and Bud Light and enjoyed the afternoon.  

But I once again fell prey to the zero-gravity chair.  As soon as I recline, you can guarantee that I will be asleep in 10 minutes or less.    Yup, woke up in time for supper.......with a sunburn.   They should install some kind of alarm on those chairs. 

(Six more sleeps til vacation!!)

It's time for a project

I think the reason I have felt a little out of sorts lately is that I don't have a current project.  I did finish the hooking part of the funky flower a few weeks ago but still haven't gotten around to finishing the edges.  I hate that part.  And I think it is safe to say that no hooker (rug hooker) has ever gotten their mojo back finishing old projects!

I asked you for some advice for the corner part a few weeks ago and I got many great options.  So I took a bit of all of the suggestions and this is what I ended up with.  This is a Deanne Fitzpatrick design "fresh daisy" which I tweeked a tiny bit.

The turqoise and red circles are not as bright in person as they look in this picture. 

Even though I have been busier than a one armed paper hanger, I need to have a project.  Even if I only get to work on it for a few minutes a night, it relaxes me to feel the wool and pull a few loops.  It was yesterday when I realized what was missing so shopping I went, with a tiny germ of an idea for a simple project.

This is my "treat bag" of goodies that will comprise the next hooking project.

 You know how I like a little bit of sparkly bling mixed in, and since I took a textures workshop from Deanne I have lost my fear of different types of materials.    Here is a close up of some of the ribbons for this project

And some of the yarns.   I love working with the slub yarn on the right side and that ball in the middle has big hairy chunks all through it.   FUN.....

Now its time to draw out this little idea on the burlap.  I'll keep you posted. 

And a special welcome to Annie, my newest follower.  It has been awhile since I've had a new one - I was starting to think my follow button was broken.  Lol 

Bouncing back

Seems I am bouncing back.  In fact, I started feeling more energetic around 3:30pm.  My phone rang at work and it was from the beach, with an invitation to Happy Hour Martini's and dinner. 

Funny how that perked me up!   This is the view I was enjoying by 5pm.

(Strictly for medicinal purposes)  hehehe

Ahhhhhh......... the triple raspberry garnish

A little grey goose, a few laughs, some mussells and scallops......

And Happy Hour ended with one of these....



Summers are rough in Nova Scotia  :)

Random Day

I'm still here.  Well, sort of.........  My summer cold ravaged body is here but inside my head seems to have turned to mush instead of brains. 

Jane got safely delivered back to the airport Sunday morning.  Her husband is gonna get an ear-ful next year if he books her another early flight.  I could still see the friggin moon in the sky when I got up to drive to the beach to pick her up.

We did manage to avoid the teary good-bye at the security gate however.  She got picked for a "random pat-down".  She was wearing a short-ish little dress.  I could not stop laughing.   I'm sure she felt differently - but it was just the diversion I needed.   Last year, as I was walking away from the gate with sad tears streaming down my face, some stupid old man stopped to mock me.  Heartless asshole!

Although I miss her, I am hoping my pace will slow down this week and I can shake this cold.  I have zero energy.  

My desk at work looks like some cruel little elf snuck in tossed piles of papers in the air.  I wish I could blame someone but sadly this is how it looks most days.  But with todays mush-brain I can't focus or concentrate.   I need to at least clear a square foot area so I can rest my head!  Lol

I did like some of your ideas for remedies.  Several of you suggested a hot toddy.  I did tweek your suggestions on the weekend and substituted for cold beer.  It was strictly for medicinal purposes as I hoped it would flush any toxins from my body.  (hehehehehe Are you guys buying that??)

Anyway, I am still here and will be trying to get back in the groove ASAP. 

Quick post

  Wouldn't you know it - I'm sick!   Between trying to work and race out to the beach each night to spend time with the company I have run out of steam.   Tuesday night after my photography class I noticed my throat felt a little scratchy.

I thought if I just got a good night's sleep I could head it off.  Well, that night was a wicked thunder and lightning storm and Millie the wonder dog went into full nervous breakdown mode.  Shaking and running laps around the top of the bed (over me) for a couple of hours.   At about 6am I had had enough and took her downstairs and left on the sofa alone!  Arrrgh!  (I know, bad Mommy) 

So yesterday morning I was tired, cranky and sick.  I tried to keep going - went to work and then to the beach.  Jane is only here for a week a year so I didn't want to not show up.  After supper, she took one look at me on the sofa and said "Just go home".   My reply........OHHH Thank you!!

Later this afternoon I am going to super-medicate and go back to bed so that hopefully I can enjoy the weekend with her before the sad trip back to the airport on Sunday.

Talk to you all again soon.

Weekend Update

More family beach fun all weekend, and we added one more to the gang.  My big sis Jane flew in on Saturday morning.  She is staying for a week! 

I picked her up at the airport and almost the moment her plane touched down - it started to rain.    Murphy's Law.  But as long as it is just for one day (it was) its OK to have a rain day at the beach. 

We got caught up on all the news and family gossip/drama.  

The sun was back today so I took the Golden Girls out to the beach and we all had a barbeque.  Well........not exactly.  The barbeque caught fire.  Not a tiny fire either.  Huge flames shooting out the top, bottom and sides.  Nothing like a little drama!  Luckily no one was hurt and we ended up cooking the meat on the electric grill. 

Here are a few shots of the beach as the tide comes in over the rocks.  The shoreline has been dramatically changed this year as a result of that terrible storm surge last November.    But it still feels great to sit on the bank with Jane and laugh and listen to the sound of the waves lapping on the shore.

Here she is talking to her hubby on the phone.  She was not a cooperative model.  She told me if I took a picture of her she would throw me over the bank.  LOL  So I took one when she wasn't looking, because I think she might have thrown me over.   I think about 40 years ago, it did happen but it was one of the boys.   :)   Its funny, when we get together at the beach where we grew up, we instantly revert to 12 years old.

I wish.....(a beach lesson learned)

I have not been a faithful blogger lately.  I have been busy with company etc, so I have not been keeping up with all of you - but I will eventually get caught up. 

It has been HOT (not complaining yet....but soon)  AND the Air Conditioning unit at work has died.  It has been 2 days and its getting pretty yucky up here.

I have been racing out to the beach every day to visit with the family.  At precisely 4:01pm you will see my car zipping out of the parking lot and heading for Amherst Shore.

I arrived yesterday and grabbed an old tank top and shorts from the back seat and flew into the over-heated cottage announcing "I gotta remove all unnecessary clothing"  Hehehe    This is probably a good time to tell you that it is customary to "relax" here in Nova Scotia cottage country.  There are no requirements to be fashionable.  However............well, I'll get to that in a minute.

I had an OK pair of shorts and a thin little black tank top.   (The "thin" part will be important soon)   After supper and a cold Bud Light, Mary and I decided to see if the tide was out enough to walk on the sand flats.  Nobody was around so away we went.

We just get to the edge of the property when the next door neighbors appear - a lovely couple from Ontario who built a summer "mansion" a few years ago.   So they run out, all hugs and kisses, lets catch up on all the news. 

So the husband latches on to me and wants to talk about all the new Capital Construction Projects the town is doing etc etc.    I can't escape.  I'm starting to panic.   Hmmmmmm, are you all thinking what I'm thinking??

WHY did I remove ALL UNNECESSARY clothing (aka BRA) and put on a paper thin tank top??????

  I was trapped for a half hour.   I honestly do not remember what I said to him or how I answered all his questions.   All I could think of was that I was learning a valuable lesson...........always wear a bra.

AWKWARD

Strolling Downtown

It has been a busy few days.  The family has arrived safe and sound.  Until I unpacked their car on Sunday I had no idea how much stuff will fit in a Buick Lucerne.  Holy Cow !!  I joked that they were only supposed to stay a month --- not 6 months.  

I didn't have any great ideas for a post tonight but since I just got back from my photography class, I thought I would show you what we did tonight.  It was a beautiful evening so we took a stroll downtown. 

Preparing and waiting

I am waiting and since you all know how impatient I am - you can imagine my state!

My favorite people are en route from Vermont to spend a month with us at the beach.  Mary and Tom (aka Nanny and Poppy) have been family friends since forever.    Although not through blood, they are family.  The kind of family you choose.  I grew up every summer with their 6 children and they all consider me their baby sister.  At least 3 of the 6 kids and their families are planning to come and spend a few days here before the month ends.

At the age of 80+ Nanny and Poppy still drive themselves here.  I won't relax until they arrive tomorrow morning.  I just got a message that they have stopped in a hotel for the night and tomorrow will only have another 4 hours to drive.   I have my car packed with extra blankets, lawn chairs and a starter grocery order for their first few days.  When they get here tomorrow I will follow them to the cottage and unpack both our cars and get them settled.   Sooooo excited to see them!

We had a great Canada Day holiday yesterday.  The weather was perfect, as was the BBQ and the Bud Light Limes.   I spent a lot of the day outside in the sun and even got a little color on those super white legs.   The only glitch in the day was the massive downpour that started about a half hour before the fireworks were scheduled to start.  The rain didn't let up so they were cancelled and rescheduled to the August 1st long weekend.    For all my American friends - I hope your July 4th celebration is as great as my holiday was.

And now I need a little help.  I finally picked up my hook again and got back to the funky flower I started weeks ago.  It felt great to get back hooking.  It's hard this time of year so every once in awhile I need a nudge.    Now I have almost all of the rug hooked except I have no idea what to do with what is left.   Help me...... please

This was one of those projects that was great in my mind but now I'm not loving it.  But I want to get it finished so I can move on.  I don't need another unfinished project.   

Soooo, friendly helpful hookers..........what do I do with the left edge and corner??

Happy Canada Day

Later today there will be some of this



And maybe even a little

of this....

Enjoy your holiday weekend