Donkey's birthday is over for another year. I think it went good, the cake was ugly but sure tasted good, nice and light and moist. My daughter came with my little grand daughter and the neighbors came over with there daughter and company from England. All in all I think he was pleased. He received some great gifts, which I know he really loved.

My little grandson has gone home now and the house is really quiet, still a mess, haven't got to that yet. I have been trying to catch up on my link postings. And instead of being here that is what I honestly should be doing, but have lost my train of thought doing them so I have decided to take a break.

Have to get outside and cut the grass still today too, they are calling for rain tomorrow and I have to pick up my company in Toronto tomorrow, oh and take my son for his driver's license in the morning, cross your fingers he gets it this time. I think I have said it before this retirement thing is really busy.

Last night our greatest friends called Donkey to wish him a happy birthday, he was so pleased when he got off the phone. Loves talking to them, and we all wish we were closer together, it is still weird to celebrate things and they aren't with us. Soon we will all be together, only two more years!

Well I am not going to make it to drinks tonight with some old friends, I know I am pushing it thinking I have time. So much to do around here, and yet I still sit here on the puter typing away, it is one of those cases where I know I have to get motivated and it just isn't happening.

Oh and I hate going to the airport, not that it is a far drive it is just the drive. And then the parking and waiting, I am not a good waiter, actually I am not a good person to drive very far with either, it is really hard to sit still that long. But it will be worth it when they arrive and we get to hang out for the next couple of weeks. Eat too much and drink way too much, good times.
And I still have to do my link posts during those two weeks, I think I will be getting up a bit earlier to get those done. I can't stay up later, because I just have to sleep, love sleeping. I am a bad sleeper, up at least three times a night, and then up as soon as the sun is up. So when I get the chance to sleep I am in bed lickety split.

Went to the unemployment office today, they needed my record of employment, now you might be asking why, thought you aren't getting unemployment, yeah me too, so will wait and see. Have to do more statements tomorrow, these will bring me to six weeks, so might have some money from them next week. Yeah right! Lady at the unemployment office didn't know anything about the phone call saying I wasn't getting unemployment, I would think it would be right there in the computer when she pulls it up, but nope nothing, so it is really very confusing for me.

Okay I am off to go and cut grass, clean floors, make spare bed, clean bathrooms, finish laundry, do windows (I don't do that - wanted to see if you were paying attention), and you know lounge around the house in my feather stilettos and eat bon bons. Isn't that what most people do? This is what my husband thinks I do all day.

love and hugs

Well it is hump day, right isn't that what they call Wednesdays? I wonder why other than it is mid-week I guess.

Today is my wonderful husband's birthday as I mentioned yesterday. My little grandson and I made the cake, it is interesting to look at to say the least. I am sure it will taste better than it looks. I bought a bunch of balloons to decorate, well let's just say that didn't work out how I thought. The balloons are a success as far as the grandson feels, and he has pretty much claimed them all for himself. Some have gone FREE outside, they were too lonely in the house and wanted to go and see the moon. Cute!

Did I mention what we are having for dinner, well I went and picked up all the fixings, and I think I will just sit this one out. Don't have to have dinner everyday and this is one I am more than happy to miss, besides there is a very ugly cake that will need eating.

Another lovely weather day so far, they are calling for some rain, which is okay, my grass could use a drink.

Remember last week I mentioned about my unemployment, well today I have received a letter asking for my ROA, which is fine I have it, but why would they need if I am not going to receive any benefits, so I will drop it off tomorrow and wait and see. I think if I do ever receive anything from them, I just might put it aside for a bit, just in case they want it back. You know it wouldn't be their mistake it would be mine, so of course if they gave me the money and wanted it back I better for sure have it. What are they going to garnishee my old age pension, that would be funny. Last I looked I can't even afford cat food for myself with what they are going to pay me. And who am I kidding, by that time it won't even probably be still around, they will have changed the rules or something and I won't be entitled to it either.

My little grandson is going home tonight, his mom and sister are coming for dinner and cake and then he is back home to his house. It has been fun, and tiring, my house is in need of a good cleaning. That will be what my Thursday will entail. Friday I have my wonderful sister-in-law and brother-in-law coming for two weeks. Keep fingers crossed that we have continued nice weather and we can enjoy some outdoors. The yard is looking so nice and love spending as much time as possible out in it.

You might be asking what has happened to my featured Wine Korner, well the grandson is here and I just can't indulge like I like to. But did I mention he is going home!!!! That is funny because I will miss him before he is even out of the village. You are probably asking about now, "what about the sister" well let's just say thank goodness she is cute. No she really is cute but she doesn't really like it at grandma's unless her mom is here. She has a hearing disorder, as in she only listens to what she wants and then continues on to do as she pleases. Grandma doesn't do well with that! But she is cute.

Tomorrow I have been invited to go and have drinks with some friends I haven't seen in forever, and really hope that I can make it. As long as I can get done around the house what needs to be done and my link building for the day I should be good to go. I tell you this retirement life is really busy. I could still use a few more hours to my day and a long weekend a little more often.

Well kids that is it for today, we seem to be having a crisis about some paper in the livingroom and I have been requested to clean it up. Did I mention he is going home :(

love and hugs

So no takers on the old dog then??? Well we did have a better sleep last night, so he is good for a little longer. Well how about the grandson who is normally the apple of my eye. Little bum has not been getting enough sleep at grandma and papa's and oh boy is he miserable. He is presently suppose to be having a nap in grandma's bed, and of course watching tv. Wow kids watch a lot of tv, and they know what is on and when. Personally I could live without the stupid noisy thing. Not used to getting up and turning it on, usually have to turn it off if Donkey has been in a rush in the morning. What ever happened to a good book or coloring for hours on end.

Last night we had a real run for our money with my little apple of my eye, he sure didn't like us. Supper was not up to his palette, cupcakes were what he wanted and very upset when grandma said no way until some dinner was at least tried. Nope didn't happen. Little man bathed and in bed at 7, boy did we feel terrible, but he was not out, back up at 8:30 until 10, when of course now he is hungry. Anyways this morning he had 3 bowls of cereal, 2 cupcakes and some fruit gummie things. Now he is back in bed wanting the lunch that he refused to eat. Is it home time yet???

I am suppose to be baking a cake for Donkeys birthday tomorrow, well I don't have what I need, and no car seat to go and get. Papa took my truck today for some repairs and forgot to leave me the car seat. So guess who is running around like a chicken with her head cut off tomorrow. Oh and did I mention I have company arriving Friday for two weeks. Life goes on right, well grandma needs a nap and a big bottle of wine!!!

But it really is a pleasure to have my little apple here, my children never had grand parents that would take them, thinking I know why, no I am kidding. They are our youth and they keep us feeling young. A lot of fun when they have had some proper sleep, yeah me too please.

So tomorrow is my Donkeys birthday, I would tell you how old he is but I don't want you to think he is a complete cradle robber. ;) And for dinner, now hold your stomach because this is disgusting, he wants pea and bacon soup with ham and swiss sandwiches on rye bread. YUCK! We have this thing and always have that on your birthday you get to pick what you want for dinner. I remember when my children were younger they would pick something they knew their siblings hated, just because they could, forgetting that they had to eat it too. Funny! Well let me just say it won't be homemade soup, I hate peas, wouldn't eat them if my life depended on it, so it will be some disgusting canned soup, that will look and smell like you know what. Anyone want to come to dinner?

I think my little apple has finally fell asleep, so I better go and get some housework done and away from this puter. We are spending the rest of the afternoon when he gets up in the pool, well that is after he has the lunch that I wrapped up and he said was garbage, because he is probably starving the little monster.

Hope everyone has a good day, and will talk to you tomorrow, will give you a posting on the very tired grandma that I am. I should be up there napping too.

love and hugs

Welcome Monday!
Let me just start off with, that was a really nice weekend and we really enjoyed the food, the company and the great weather. And where the hell did the nice weather go?!

I have spoken too soon the sun is coming out! Love when Mother Nature listens.

So anyone wanting an old dog? Because I am going to kill mine if he keeps waking me up at 4 in the morning. Realize he is getting old, but so am I and I need my sleep, I get little enough of it now.

It was a great weekend though wasn't it! And to end a great weekend, we went and picked up my almost 4 grandson so he can come and play at papa's house. We also went yesterday and picked up some remote control boats, papa thinks they suck. But he also wanted a big one with a steering wheel. How about a big no! Start off small and then we will see how it goes.


Presently my grandson is in the living-room cleaning up toys so we can head outside and put those bad boys in the pool and have a race. I will let him win, only because I can't figure out the steering thing, just happy to get it to go forward and not always in circles. Well maybe cleaning up has a different meaning to a four year old, he is actually bouncing around with some birthday balloons for papa.

Tomorrow I have to bake a cake and decorate it, with the help of my little demon grandson, no I am kidding, he is great (when his mom isn't here - and I know you are smiling as you read that). Even was able to get him to eat some lunch, and trust me that is an accomplishment in itself. I bribed him with cupcakes - put them right in front. Mean I am.

So off to the pool we go, tire the little monkey out - I hope - Grandma is tired could really use a nap; remember the stupid dog, that is free to a good home, actually doesn't even have to be a good one.

Have a good day all; hope the sun is shining where you are too. See you tomorrow!

love and hugs

Well Thursday was a hot one! But I got some of the grass cut, the back anyways. Since my retirement I have taken on the cutting of the grass, what was I thinking?? It is a big job, and I can't do front and back in the same day, I would be lying on the yard dead for sure. So I get the grass all done and then out comes the weed-eater thing, not a fan, but it has to be done. Boy can I make a mess, I have so much grass in the damn pool, not to mention how often I almost trip and go in the pool. Well the stupid thing runs out of the cutting stuff, so I have to quit for the day, thank God for that! Donkey will have to figure that out for me, not mechanically inclined and have no intentions of learning, thank you very much. So now I have to get all the grass out of the pool, and that is another job I really can't say I care for. There has got to be a better way. Light goes on, I am spraying all the grass that grows too close to the decking with killer, that will fix it! Concrete the entire yard would be so much less work.

So here is a good story for my readers, because I like to think I have them. When I retired from my job, that I absolutely hated and was seriously at the point that I was going to hurt someone, I naturally applied for unemployment. Paid into it since I was 12, should get something right? Well I had read their site regarding the qualifications for unemployment and quitting, what the heck I am still going to apply. Anyways, all happy with the thoughts that maybe I will get a little bit, and can up my wine intake and not have to bother the other half to get it for me. Like that would ever happen! Well don't I get a phone call last week that no I am not entitled to unemployment, because you can't quit your job without just-cause, I guess mentally over loaded and contemplating murder doesn't quite cut it. By the way I did tell them that when I had applied and you have to write your life story for them. So don't I give this woman who is just doing her job a blast, seriously where is all the money that I contributed. Oh and you don't have a choice you have to pay into unemployment, it is not an option to any of us. Well unless you are self employed or working under the table or possibly a thief. Back to my story. So no unemployment, whatever, now I am pissy, and give Donkey the what for, like he has any control, and he gave me some good advice. Which I haven't of course followed. So yesterday I go and get the mail, walking, like I always do, need to keep in shape, and don't I have a letter from unemployment. I need to go on-line or call and fill out my weekly benefit statements. What? So on-line I go, have a new access number for the unemployment site, and they are waiting on me to fill out forms, from back in June, and I am a two weeks behind in my benefit statements, you know the thing you fill out saying whether or not you are looking for work and are available. After doing that, I think well since I am here I am going to check this out, there is a section to check at what stage your claim is at. Now remember I said they had called last week saying no; on-line says they haven't reached a decision at this time, but have received my information from today and they are processing. Come on who is messing with me! All I want is all the money that I have paid since the age of 12 back, is that too much to ask, or I am going to Welfare, no I'm not. I love our government and all they do for us, the support and recognition that we receive from them and the damn lint in our pockets. Maybe I can get a GST credit, do we still have that? Or an extra HST credit? Sorry I am making myself giggle. Sorry it was a shorter story in my head.

Well the weekend is upon us, yeah! And you won't hear from me until Monday, I have to set up some boundaries for myself or I will always be rambling on.

Looking forward to a nice weekend, my oldest son and his girlfriend are coming up to hang out at the pool, and Donkey is golfing with an old friend. I have already promised myself to not drink too much, is there ever too much? And work on my chocolate tan. Company coming a week today and I have to show off my tan, I hear they are pretty white.

Dinner last night was terrible, was just simple bbq chicken with some thai noodles, was disgusting. I wasn't in the mood to cook was hopping my honey would bring something home, well I didn't ask him, so therefore he didn't, my fault.

So everyone have a nice weekend, if you are bored, please drop by, love having drop ins, bring beer and wine; oh and something to eat, I am not cooking this weekend, Donkey can. Talk to you Monday, be safe!

love and hugs

Well what a nice surprise, my Kitten has found me! For those who don't know who my kitten is, she is a very special friend from a time too long ago. We touch base we lose base, but with those special friends it doesn't ever really matter. They will always be our friend!

Is it hot enough for everyone! Hate having to have air conditioning on, just watch the money fly around the house all in the effort to stay cool. I think I could live without it, well I know I could if Donkey didn't live here too. I wouldn't probably be alive if poor Donkey had to come home and attempt to sleep in a hot humid environment. His patience wouldn't last! And those that know me know you need patience.

Speaking of air conditioning and the money that hydro sucks from us, how is everyone loving the new HST and all it is going to do for us. That's right you heard me, isn't that why our government has put it into place, make more jobs, put money back into the tax payers pockets. I don't know about you but I am not finding any money in my pockets, but it is new so maybe next month. Sorry I had a little spit up there. I did warn you that I have opinions and not everyone will agree with them. Close your eyes if you don't want to see them and just touch the screen, at least then we can still stay in-touch and you won't have to read this.
So now I go to the grocery store and have to try and figure out what is and isn't taxed. Where is that money going again? What if we only bought what doesn't have the HST on it, would that work?

But it was a beautiful day, I did get my new grass seed in place, now to watch it grow. And planted some beautiful daisies that I got at the market just up the highway. Yellow and purple, really nice, let's see if Donkey notices. He didn't had to point them out.

Dinner was an Alaskan Pollock with green onions, thai seasoning, and a mild salsa sauce. Served on a korma rice with peppers and onions. Was going to also do some yellow beans fresh from the market, but I had started into Miller time and that was going better than chucking beans. I think that is what they call it when you are taking off the ends. Correct me if I am wrong.

As far as Wine Korner - today was just all about the Miller, I lie it was BraVa - I am on a budget now, so have to watch my spending.

Oh and this is cute, my wonderful husband; who I think you have figured out, I call Donkey, took the grand-babies ice creams for a treat. And I really hope he gave them some Grandma hugs and kisses. Miss seeing them everyday!

Well today is suppose to be even hotter, hope everyone can keep cool. Just call in sick; due to a lack of interest, I can do it for you if you want. We'll hang out and have some nice cold drinks. I need to find my recipe for tequila and lichey pop, they are so good. Put Donkey to bed one Saturday at 4 in the afternoon, he isn't a tequila drinker obviously. But it was a good day!

love and hugs

Here I am again, did everyone enjoy their french fries? We didn't end up having any, even had them already, Donkey didn't want.
Then found out this morning, yesterday was also Happy Pecan Pie Day, that I know he would of wanted.

So summer is here and so far so good, I presently look like a nice piece of chocolate, and if I have my way I will be dark chocolate soon. We seem to be getting enough rain to keep everything nice and green, but also those beautiful hot days that makes everyone complain about the heat. We are just never happy, either too cold or too hot. Personally I hate the cold and everything about it, well I should correct that, I do like ice in a nice tall drink.

So yesterday I worked most of the day, because of the rain. So was able to rack up a nice amount of hours. Worked my poor fingers to raw bleeding bones, well that is what I tell the boss anyways. Who am I kidding I am the boss.

Dinner last night was BBQ burgers, some deviled eggs, (to put a smile back on my Donkeys face). And again when I figure out the whole picture thing I will include some. The deviled eggs looked yummy sitting in the frig. Oh and a salad, have to eat something healthy. Donkey took the leftovers today, hope he opens a window.

Now for the Wine Korner - nothing exotic or expensive. Just a nice strawberry zinfandel, always a good choice, especially when it is hot out. Donkey's new beer of choice is Steam Whistle, compliments of our neighbor who has introduced him to this pilsner. A nice local brewery, keep it Canadian if you can. But he was busy working outside and not wanting a beer. The yard is looking so good. We are now ready for the hot tub motor to be returned to the tub, and then the construction can begin. Damn mosquitoes, they are the reason behind all the work. You can't sit outside after 7 unless you want to be on the vampire menu. Well we will fix their little blood sucking ways!

I finished a really good book last night. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult, and I am sure most of you have seen the movie by now, I am not a tv person, would rather read the book. It was wonderful, a very good read, left me crying at the end. Love a book that can make me cry. Tears are such a waste of an emotion!

Today is a hot one!!!!! I have some soil to move and some grass seed to attempt to plant; as long as I do that before Miller time I should be okay. And of course I have to work on my tan. Days like today I wish my beautiful Grandchildren lived closer and we could play in the pool all day. Someday this will happen, especially if they move to my little village. Yes I am a grandma, and it is the best! wish I had of had them first. No offense kids! How can it get any better, you wind them up, sugar them up and then send them home. And they truly love me, even when I make them help clean the house. I have a picture of my curly haired granddaughter vacuuming before she could walk. Anyone that knows me, knows I am not kidding. Teach them young, not a bad thing. My little grandson even wipes down the counter after washing his hands, how cute is that. When my daughter is up next she will teach me how to add photos and I will share these little treasures with you.

So I guess I should head outdoors and get my chores done so I can enjoy Miller time. In this heat you need to keep hydrated!

I hope everyone has a Great Day and look forward to rambling again tomorrow.
love and hugs