Jim is a fanatic about TV at this time of year. The days and evenings revolve around the curling schedule. He gets quite frustrated when he can't find a game to watch. What is the matter he mutters as he clicks the remote control searching for his passion. So, as other wives are golf widows, I have a curling couch potato in my home.
The neat thing is that his grandchildren also love the game. Jenna and Matthew are very avid curlers. I think Alyssa is developing a love for the game too. Both Dusty and Mandy can curl. It is a real prairie cult.
I spent a few hours this past week driving a friend to her doctor and also to the hospital for an Xray. I lent her my cane so she can hobble around. This has reminded me of the months I spent recuperating after surgery for my fractured leg. I needed the help of my family and friends for several months. I am so thankful that I am now ambulatory. Tomorrow, I will be the one helping her as we wonkily make our way to our seats for the symphony.
I have been busily printing pictures of our trip to PEI. I am so thankful for the digital camera which means one can take oodles of shots and only print the few that are special.
Ok - the curling is over so Jim has turned off the idiot box and is now looking for something to do.
It is time for me to crawl into bed and read. I have just begun a book called An Irish Country Doctor byPatrick Taylor. It reminds me of the wonderful Irish doctor who was my physician while we lived in Elkhorn. I do miss the personal attention our country docs gave so selflessly and so graciously, that is is if one were really ill.
Here is a toast to the family GP's of small town Canada.
Cheers from Donna
Cuddling with Grandpa
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
It's a Cold January Evening
It is a cold night. I have been too chicken to step outside other than to reach around the door to pluck my mail and daily paper out of the box. Jim hasn't even gone out to play today! We each enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate, Jim's was laced with Kahlua.
I have been on a steep learning curve trying to figure out the blog thing.I am puzzling about how to add pictures. I will succeed, I will, I will! No darned machine is going to defeat me, I whimper.My first effort ended up with the picture landing in the last blog I wrote. It is one of Kylie and Jim at the hockey arena in Charlottetown. I love the expressions on their faces. Now, it is where I wanted it. Go figure.
I am not sure if I feel blessed or lazy! The girls arranged for a cleaning lady! She has come several times and has done some really deep cleaning. Since my accident I don't have the agility for knee bends that deep cleaning entails. Our lovely helper is named Leysia. She is a quiet hard working woman who has a dignity that demands respect. I think we are very lucky to have her in our lives. Thank you daughters for recognizing our needs and giving us a such a generous gift. This one will really keep on giving.
Cheers from Donna
I have been on a steep learning curve trying to figure out the blog thing.I am puzzling about how to add pictures. I will succeed, I will, I will! No darned machine is going to defeat me, I whimper.My first effort ended up with the picture landing in the last blog I wrote. It is one of Kylie and Jim at the hockey arena in Charlottetown. I love the expressions on their faces. Now, it is where I wanted it. Go figure.
I am not sure if I feel blessed or lazy! The girls arranged for a cleaning lady! She has come several times and has done some really deep cleaning. Since my accident I don't have the agility for knee bends that deep cleaning entails. Our lovely helper is named Leysia. She is a quiet hard working woman who has a dignity that demands respect. I think we are very lucky to have her in our lives. Thank you daughters for recognizing our needs and giving us a such a generous gift. This one will really keep on giving.
Cheers from Donna
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Baby, it is cold outside!
When I opened the drapes this morning, it was to a winter wonderland, but a darned frigid one! There must have been about a foot of fresh snow on the driveway. The pristine white blanket that lay smooth with no tracks marring the surface was very beautiful. I am afraid, though, that my mind just said Brrr! I chose to stay inside and enjoy the scenery from the warmth of my home.
It was a quiet day; one I needed to recharge my battery. I read a little, watched some tv and played on the computer. This evening the neighbours came over for a card game. All in all, it was a nothing day, but a very enjoyable one.
Jim played out in the snow for a while with his snow blower. He is making noises about buying a new machine. I see this purchase on the near horizon. He deserves one as he spends many hours plowing out our driveway as well as those of several neighbours.
My daughter-in-law called about noon to report in. Dave had meetings in Moncton yesterday so the family went on an excursion and got snowed in overnight. They made it home today in time for Dave to head out to work. The snow in the Maritimes is very heavy and wet. It makes wonderful snowmen.
This evening I spoke to Laurie and to Lisa. The communication system has come a long was since I was a girl. We had a "party line". This meant that several families used the same grid. Our call was one long and two short. I remember that my uncle's was two long two short. If there was a community emergency the operator would give a signal of many rings. Everyone would rush to the phone to find out what the problem was. There were no secrets as many of the customers would "rubber' which meant they would listen in to conversations to find out what was happening My mother had this habit finessed. She would grab a cup of coffee and settle down for a good listen. As we had no TV it was a great pasttime, especially in the winter when we were snowed in. Today, we email, skype or call on the phone whenever we wish. My grandmother once said she was born a hundred years too soon. I think she would really have enjoyed living in todays' techy world.
I am off to read with my e reader. Good night all.
Cheers from Donna
It was a quiet day; one I needed to recharge my battery. I read a little, watched some tv and played on the computer. This evening the neighbours came over for a card game. All in all, it was a nothing day, but a very enjoyable one.
Jim played out in the snow for a while with his snow blower. He is making noises about buying a new machine. I see this purchase on the near horizon. He deserves one as he spends many hours plowing out our driveway as well as those of several neighbours.
My daughter-in-law called about noon to report in. Dave had meetings in Moncton yesterday so the family went on an excursion and got snowed in overnight. They made it home today in time for Dave to head out to work. The snow in the Maritimes is very heavy and wet. It makes wonderful snowmen.
This evening I spoke to Laurie and to Lisa. The communication system has come a long was since I was a girl. We had a "party line". This meant that several families used the same grid. Our call was one long and two short. I remember that my uncle's was two long two short. If there was a community emergency the operator would give a signal of many rings. Everyone would rush to the phone to find out what the problem was. There were no secrets as many of the customers would "rubber' which meant they would listen in to conversations to find out what was happening My mother had this habit finessed. She would grab a cup of coffee and settle down for a good listen. As we had no TV it was a great pasttime, especially in the winter when we were snowed in. Today, we email, skype or call on the phone whenever we wish. My grandmother once said she was born a hundred years too soon. I think she would really have enjoyed living in todays' techy world.
I am off to read with my e reader. Good night all.
Cheers from Donna
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Jet lag is finally over, I hope!
I haven't dropped in for several days now. I guess I needed to rest after our trek across five provinces on the 6th. We flew from Charlottetown to Halifax; then from Halifax to Montreal and finally from there to Winnipeg. Of course, each stop required a different plane. I have finally swallowed my pride and now get wheel chair assistance at each airport. This makes travelling much simpler for us in our old age.
We were pleasantly surprised when we reached Halifax. It is an international hub and is so much larger than we expected. The building has lots of windows,is very bright and cheery. There are lots of shops along the discourse. We spent a pleasant hour there. When we reached Montreal we were given an upgrade on our boarding pass. It was a treat to sit on the Executive section - in front of the curtain rather than behind it! We were given very courteous and kind service by the attendant. The meal was delicious. Hmmm. It makes one wonder if we should cough up the extra money to use this service every time. I guess not, but it was a good thought.
Jenna is staying with us for a couple of days. It is so much fun to have her here. She spoke at the geological conference in Brandon and had, I think a great time. She will fly home on Tuesday.
Tomorrow Rick flies to BC and so Viv and Matt will come for dinner . It will be a fun time; I just wish all my kids could be here.
I love the pictures of Laurie and Rod's new home. I guess it is time to start saving my pennies for my westward excursion. I'll be buying another suitcase though, as Air Canada surely wrecked the one I was using.
I wonder if we will have a big snowstorm tomorrow? The odds are fifty - fifty!
We have quite a snow bank already.
Good night from Manitoba!
Cheers from Donna
We were pleasantly surprised when we reached Halifax. It is an international hub and is so much larger than we expected. The building has lots of windows,is very bright and cheery. There are lots of shops along the discourse. We spent a pleasant hour there. When we reached Montreal we were given an upgrade on our boarding pass. It was a treat to sit on the Executive section - in front of the curtain rather than behind it! We were given very courteous and kind service by the attendant. The meal was delicious. Hmmm. It makes one wonder if we should cough up the extra money to use this service every time. I guess not, but it was a good thought.
Jenna is staying with us for a couple of days. It is so much fun to have her here. She spoke at the geological conference in Brandon and had, I think a great time. She will fly home on Tuesday.
Tomorrow Rick flies to BC and so Viv and Matt will come for dinner . It will be a fun time; I just wish all my kids could be here.
I love the pictures of Laurie and Rod's new home. I guess it is time to start saving my pennies for my westward excursion. I'll be buying another suitcase though, as Air Canada surely wrecked the one I was using.
I wonder if we will have a big snowstorm tomorrow? The odds are fifty - fifty!
We have quite a snow bank already.
Good night from Manitoba!
Cheers from Donna
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Goodbye PEI
It is with mixed feelings that I am packing tonight. I am sorry to leave my family and the wonderful province of PEI. On the other hand I am looking forward to returning to my home; reading the cards and messages that are waiting there and sleeping in my own bed. The icing on the cake will be seeing our Jenna. She is in Brandon for a few days as she is giving a presentation to the geology students at BU.
I have already been on the West Jet site looking at air fare for Comox, BC. I can hardly wait to see Laurie and Rod's home of which they have taken possession today. Hmmm. I could very easily become a frequent flyer!
We went to the Andrews Centre this evening to watch Jake do his hockey drills and scrimmage. It is so cute seeing the little fellows trying so hard to be Sidney Crosby. I think Jake spent more time on his butt and his tummy that he did skating tonight. He is a determined little fighter.
Ann came over from New Brunswick for a visit. She is the image of her mother! We enjoyed catching up on the news of her family. I must say she has joined the elite grandmother club. It gives us bragging rights that parents
don't have. Perhaps the next time we are here we can visit Ann and Dan in Sackville.
My packing is done and I am now going to relax and watch the Canada/Russia Jr. World Hockey final. So far, Canada has a three to nothing lead!
Go Canada, Go!
Cheers from Donna
I have already been on the West Jet site looking at air fare for Comox, BC. I can hardly wait to see Laurie and Rod's home of which they have taken possession today. Hmmm. I could very easily become a frequent flyer!
We went to the Andrews Centre this evening to watch Jake do his hockey drills and scrimmage. It is so cute seeing the little fellows trying so hard to be Sidney Crosby. I think Jake spent more time on his butt and his tummy that he did skating tonight. He is a determined little fighter.
Ann came over from New Brunswick for a visit. She is the image of her mother! We enjoyed catching up on the news of her family. I must say she has joined the elite grandmother club. It gives us bragging rights that parents
don't have. Perhaps the next time we are here we can visit Ann and Dan in Sackville.
My packing is done and I am now going to relax and watch the Canada/Russia Jr. World Hockey final. So far, Canada has a three to nothing lead!
Go Canada, Go!
Cheers from Donna
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
The Culinary School
Colleen took us to The Culinary Institute in downtown Charlottetown for lunch today. It was fabulous. The students make gourmet meals that they serve to the College students and to the public. Mmmmm.
Jim and I had the Atlantic salmon. Colleen and her Mom had pork shishkabobs. I especially enjoyed the view. The dining room faces the boardwalk that runs along the shore. We watched the seagulls diving over the stormy waters that dashed against the snow covered banks. There was a grey mist hovering over the water that lent an ethereal feeling to the scene. There is something mesmerising about seascapes for me that seems to calm my soul.
Jake had his Grammy read his bedtime story as she leaves tomorrow for Calgary. Kylie snuggled close to Grandpa as she did her `homework`which was reading our loud.
I was thinking about our families who came across the pond in the 1800`s and early 1900s. They had no instant means of communication that we enjoy today. I am so thankful that even though I now have family living on both the Atlantic and Pacific shores, I can reach them very quickly. That is my thankful thought for the day.
Cheers from Donna
Jim and I had the Atlantic salmon. Colleen and her Mom had pork shishkabobs. I especially enjoyed the view. The dining room faces the boardwalk that runs along the shore. We watched the seagulls diving over the stormy waters that dashed against the snow covered banks. There was a grey mist hovering over the water that lent an ethereal feeling to the scene. There is something mesmerising about seascapes for me that seems to calm my soul.
Jake had his Grammy read his bedtime story as she leaves tomorrow for Calgary. Kylie snuggled close to Grandpa as she did her `homework`which was reading our loud.
I was thinking about our families who came across the pond in the 1800`s and early 1900s. They had no instant means of communication that we enjoy today. I am so thankful that even though I now have family living on both the Atlantic and Pacific shores, I can reach them very quickly. That is my thankful thought for the day.
Cheers from Donna
Monday, January 3, 2011
Another Sad Moment before the Sun Shines
I got more sad news today. I had called my neigbours who are helping look after my house. During the chat, I asked what was happening in Brandon. She mentioned that a 36 year old fellow named Ashley Haslett had died. She knew his father. Oh my gosh! I worked with Ash years ago when he and I were assistants to Jim McCrae. Ash was a fine young man who was very intelligent and had a super personality. The world is a little dimmer now since his flame was snuffed out. Peace be with you, Ashley.
Yesterday, we gals and Jake went to Stanhope Beach for an invigorating walk. The waves were crashing onto the shore. The red soil tinted spume was churning and left globs of suds on the sand.
There were traces of snow on the grassy dunes, and lots of flotsam lying along the shore line. Jake, a typical boy was fascinated by the gory parts of the dead seal that was lying in amongst the jetsam. Kylie made history as she didn`t cry over the body. We found lots of flotsam and the beach bums collected a bit of sea glass other wise known as mermaid tears.
When I woke up this morning , it was to a Thomas Kincade painting. The snow was gently falling in huge flakes and the landscape was breathtaking. I took a few pictures but probably didn`t do justice to the scene. The kids had a blast later as they made a snowman. Jake demolished the thing before I could get a shot of it though.
It will be back to a routine tomorrow as the children head back to school. They leave here abour 7:45 and get home about 2:35. They will have lots of things to tell us after seeing their friends again.
It is time to go cheer for Canada in the last period of the Jr. Hockey game against the USA. Go, Canada, Go!
Cheers from Donna
Yesterday, we gals and Jake went to Stanhope Beach for an invigorating walk. The waves were crashing onto the shore. The red soil tinted spume was churning and left globs of suds on the sand.
There were traces of snow on the grassy dunes, and lots of flotsam lying along the shore line. Jake, a typical boy was fascinated by the gory parts of the dead seal that was lying in amongst the jetsam. Kylie made history as she didn`t cry over the body. We found lots of flotsam and the beach bums collected a bit of sea glass other wise known as mermaid tears.
When I woke up this morning , it was to a Thomas Kincade painting. The snow was gently falling in huge flakes and the landscape was breathtaking. I took a few pictures but probably didn`t do justice to the scene. The kids had a blast later as they made a snowman. Jake demolished the thing before I could get a shot of it though.
It will be back to a routine tomorrow as the children head back to school. They leave here abour 7:45 and get home about 2:35. They will have lots of things to tell us after seeing their friends again.
It is time to go cheer for Canada in the last period of the Jr. Hockey game against the USA. Go, Canada, Go!
Cheers from Donna
Sunday, January 2, 2011
A Sad Happening
Last week I read on my home page that a farmer pilot from the Boissevain area was killed in a crash.
I couldn't rest until I learned who the victim was. Every day, I searched for news. Yesterday, I finally called a friend who gave me the information. I was so dismayed to learn that it was Art Peters. Art was a son of our very wonderful Boissevain neighbours Nick and Katie.
I called Katie last evening. It was a heartbreaking conversation but one I am so glad to have made. I will never forget the sorrow and pain she expressed. Jim and I send our deepest sympathy to the family of a very fine man.
No cheers today
Donna
I couldn't rest until I learned who the victim was. Every day, I searched for news. Yesterday, I finally called a friend who gave me the information. I was so dismayed to learn that it was Art Peters. Art was a son of our very wonderful Boissevain neighbours Nick and Katie.
I called Katie last evening. It was a heartbreaking conversation but one I am so glad to have made. I will never forget the sorrow and pain she expressed. Jim and I send our deepest sympathy to the family of a very fine man.
No cheers today
Donna
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Bring on 2011
We had a glorious start to 2011 today. The sun shone and the temperature was very balmy. If this was winter on the Prairies I would like winter!
It was a lazy day for my son and for me. Dave is in the throws of flu/cold virus that I am still fighting. We spent most of the day resting. I hope we are both back to normal tomorrow.
We did go to a new Chinese Buffet restaurant for dinner though. It had a great variety of main course choices and of sweet desserts.
As I write this, the hockey fans are watching an NHL game. Tomorrow morning Jake has hockey pracice. I hope he can score a goal for his cheering section.
I have not made a resolution for 2011. I never keep them up longer than a week anyway, so why add stress?
My aspiration for this year is simply to enjoy the day and to appreciate the small things.
I hope each of you has a wonderful year.
Cheers from Donna
It was a lazy day for my son and for me. Dave is in the throws of flu/cold virus that I am still fighting. We spent most of the day resting. I hope we are both back to normal tomorrow.
We did go to a new Chinese Buffet restaurant for dinner though. It had a great variety of main course choices and of sweet desserts.
As I write this, the hockey fans are watching an NHL game. Tomorrow morning Jake has hockey pracice. I hope he can score a goal for his cheering section.
I have not made a resolution for 2011. I never keep them up longer than a week anyway, so why add stress?
My aspiration for this year is simply to enjoy the day and to appreciate the small things.
I hope each of you has a wonderful year.
Cheers from Donna
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