OH WHAT A NIGHT (Written by Janice Chevarie)

Puppy's Snow time

 

 

 

 

 

Okay, so he's no longer a puppy.

It just hit me the other day,

he's 12 years old

but still acts

like

a

 puppy!

 

He trudges off to find the

perfect spot.

 

For a roll-over!

 

Ahhhhh !

 

Then it's back to the house

for a treat,

he hopes.

 

 

 

Have I lost him entirely?

This is the most difficult Blog entry I have ever written.

Please know it is not done to hurt anyone and that I thought long and hard before sharing it.

Maybe it will help someone. 

Someone like me,

who knows what it's like to feel as if you are the only one on an island.

Over the course of years we have changed….and on March 23 of this year I jotted thoughts and feelings as an ‘outlet’.  I hadn’t spoken of the changes I had seen over the years, of the husband that I had lost.   Lost although he was right here, living in the same house.  I thought I was losing my mind.  This has been edited slightly due to personal content and such, but remains otherwise as I had 'jotted'. 

We all change.  Sometimes we change at the same speed, other times one is slower than another.   There are so many changes; I don’t know you any more.   Others think you have changed, they have seen a change.   They have no idea.

He has done this for ‘himself’ for ‘me’ he says (started going to the gym, working out, losing weight, drinking protein powder and such).   As well as undergoing other  of life's  changes. 'This is the Me I am now, everyone likes me and you have to accept me.'   Yes, I can appreciate that you have made changes, truly I can.  Do I like all of the changes?  Some of them, yes.  But no, not all of them.    Can I put my finger on why?  No, I can’t.   Not fully.    

He claims I don’t get it….he’s right.   I don’t.   I don’t understand how one can think that they can change this much and not affect those around them - dramatically.   I think it’s wonderful that he has lost weight, gained confidence and found his place in this world.   I do. 

If others around him comment as to how much he has changed in the last few months, why does he keep asking if he has?  Does he not see it?  The man I married thought of others before saying things that may hurt them.  There is something to be said for what is on one’s mind, yes.  Other times, it’s best to just be quiet.   Be quiet, stop talking.   Please stop talking.

I  recently got a hair cut (after months) and instead of saying it looked nice, or that he noticed (even if he pretended).  Instead I "should have just gotten it all cut off........".  What does that say to what he thinks of me? Maybe I should lose weight – yep, I should. But, you know what; I don’t feel like I am ready.   He often used to point out how rude that was when someone said that others need to lose weight.  The other day, it was my brain that wasn’t enough, because I didn’t (and still don’t) recall a PIN id that I have not used in months. He berated me in the store in front of the clerk.  *You have to know, he normally is not one to raise his voice.*  I was mortified, again.   It’s not enough that I am expected to remember even his?   This, in his mind, is helpful?  No.  This is one of those – just keep quiet times.   We all have them. 

I feel so lost, alone, scared but mostly empty. I am a shell of what I used to be.  An empty shell caught on a giant wave.    I want to walk together, we don't need to run.   I want to discuss things, not yell.  I want to talk about one another’s day.  I want… what we had but even better.  To have what we used to have, would be a great beginning.

I need the man that loved me for me, the man that made me laugh.   We have come through so much in 25 years. He has told me a number of times that if he didn’t love me he would have left me long ago. Maybe he still wishes he had. 

Black Rose is also trying to adjust to ‘us’ the us we have become.  I fear for her, I do.  I thought we had a stable environment for her. We had always tried not to get into an argument wherein she could hear.   Everyone has baggage, some more than others.   Some of us have baggage that others don’t know about.   And won’t.

I want my friend.  I miss my friend.   I need my friend.   Where is he?   Where did he go?   I wish this were a GC (GeoCache) code, I would travel the world to find him.  No satellite interruption could stop me.  No cloudy day.   But he’s right here, and I still can’t find him.    I cried for the first time in a long time, it felt good. 

But didn’t really help except to show me how broken I feel.  How broken I am. I heard a sound, a sound I wasn’t sure of.  As I investigated I found the sound was coming from me. A mournful sound.  I mourn, I cried like I am in mourning.   And I am.

Maybe that’s part of the Mars/Venus thing.  We each feel the other doesn’t understand, and maybe we can’t fully.   I do know that I love the man that’s under there…I just wish I could reach him.   I am afraid that I have lost him.   Oh God, I am so afraid that I have lost him."  

What is Home?

 It seems it's a place you grow up always wanting to leave....

but a place you grow old always wanting to get back to.

 

 

However, Home is not always represented by a house.

Sometimes it's a 'home town',

a person, or treasured 'spot'.

 

We all have them.

 

Sometimes, we are seeking a new place to call  'home'.

 



[Official Video] Little Drummer Boy - Pentatonix

CBN TV - Christmas with Celtic Woman

CBN TV - Christmas with Celtic Woman

Exploring and gathering

 

 

I was out and about

gathering pine branches

and nice 'sticks' today

with my dad.

 

 

As I made my way to the area

from which he was retrieving

a Geo-cache,

I found this.

 

 

 

So, I thought that was rather cool.

 

But, the reason I went

into the woods

today.....

 

My first try at one of these.

I wanted 'something' to dress up the front step.

 

Now, it's back to house-cleaning.

 

It's now Sunday

and we are having a small snow fall

 

 

 



“Happiness is a habit – cultivate it.” ~ Elbert Hubbard

Mumblings and things

 

 

Hey there,

welcome to Think Outside the Box.

 

Let's see, where to begin on what's been happening.

 

In September I wrote A Season Ends.

The update is that our 'home away from home' has sold

to a very lovely couple.

We hope that they enjoy the seashore as much as we did.

 

In October, I wrote Should couches have seatbelts.

The update on that one is.....

that Black Rose also got a Secondary Concussion...

from a Rugby ball.

This is when 'the Mama' decided it was time to come home for a few days

to rest.

 

She's doing well now thank you for asking.

 

This year has certainly had it's share of valleys and Mountains.

The Valleys, I won't get into.

But the mountains..

Black Rose is doing very well in her 2nd year of University.

Wahoooo!!

She's looking ahead to next year already.

Proud of you girl! 

 

I was invited to a Banquet as well as an Award Gala

this year

and

I am the recipient of 2 Customer Service Awards.

 I was recognized as Employee of the Year

in my industry

as well as

Customer Support Award - Support Group

within my company.

Congratulations to all nominees.

Job well done.

 

I sure hope a raise comes with those! *wink

 

When folks ask how I am doing,

I answer

"I am looking through the Windshield".

 

That, is how I am today.

 

More soon.

Thanks for stopping by. 

 

 

 

 

A quick chat

 

 

Wow, it seems that I took a bit more

"time off" than I had intended.

 

Much has been happening since last I wrote.

 

I haven't really felt to creative,

so I took a bit of a break.

 

Life is like that isn't it? 

Don't you agree that you just need

to 'stop the world' for a bit?

 

 

I really don't even have much time today either,

but I wanted to drop by and say 'hello'.

 

I shall be back later in the week

to fill you in on the 'happenings'

as we all prepare for winter and soon

Christmas. 

 



Canada's Winter

 

 

 

Canada's Winter

A blissful silence,
blanketed in white crystals,
softest pillow.

The roaring storms,
come in like a lion.
roaring their defiant challenge
to the world.

A pattern
only Jack Frost could paint,
each different,
no to pieces the same.

Sleds, zipping down
whitened hills,
the joyous laughs,
ringing throughout
our sleepy little town.

Pink cheeks,
wet mittens,
boots by the fire,
cups of hot chocolate.

All these things belong in Canada's winter.

Shanise Gelaude



Guy in a Hospital Starts to Sing

Guy-in-a-Hospital-Starts-to-Sing

Well, it's here

 

 

Once again there is evidence

here in Canada

that it's...

Winter season.

 

The winter tires  on and ready to go.

 

This is what I found last week.

Pretty, but very chilling to see.

 



Internment camp for Jews in Second World War a little-known piece of New Brunswick history

Internment_camp_for_jews_in_second_world_war_a_littleknown_piece_of_new_brunswick_history.html

 Please click on the link above to read the article/see photos.
 

Black Rose and I drove past this area on our way to the Capital

about a year ago and saw the signs.

So, we came home and checked it out on the 'net'.
Since then, she has met Students that have worked at the site and the Museum nearby.

 

There is an internment camp museum in Minto. 

Mr Cassie, a teacher and some of his students made a replica of the camp and dug at the site .

The items they found and ones donated by the public are all on display.
As is the replica they created.

 

 The museum is in Minto on Highway 10 or Pleasant Drive.

 It's in the basement of the municipal building.
The museum is open in the summer and the guides explain everything to you. 

You would need to make an appointment during the winter hours. 

 

There are Geocaches within the area of once was the camp.

 

I have yet to get them, but will in this Spring. 

Canadian Humor at Halloween

Halloween approaches

Should couches have seatbelts?

 

 

Imagine sitting on a couch in the University Lounge when another individual stands (or sits still not sure) on the back of it causing the couch to go over backwards.  Black Rose found out first hand what happens when one experiences such a move.

 

After she and the couch went backwards with her hitting her head and arm on a window sill, wall and the floor.    

 

She spent from 2130-0700 before the Doctor saw her (10 of those hours in a neck brace). Then we were told she has a slight concussion, heavy bruising on her upper left arm and whip lash. Yep, you read right, whip lash.  

 

So now, on Doctor's orders, she has me as a buddy for the next 24 hours +/-.

 

   Thank you Lisa for your assistance in finding an inexpensive place to lay our tired heads. Thank you guys for the support and the shift coverage. To Shaya and Kori for keeping her company and hourly updates until I got here. I hate to name, always afraid I would miss folks - but you know who you are. Thank you!!

 

Upon talking it over, we are thankful that she is short in stature as we believe a taller person would have hit their neck instead of the base of the head such as she did. 

 

She slept well last night with only a few whimpers and groans. 

Today it's raining here, good day to stay in. 

I expect she will really feel the effects today as one often does. 



Thankful In Canada

 

 

This has been a life-altering emotional year for my family and me.

Certainly the most emotionally challenging.

I am so thankful for my family and friends.

This Thanksgiving,
I am glancing in the rear-view
 and looking through the windshield.

  

Gratitude makes sense of our past,

brings peace for today,

and creates a vision for tomorrow.

-Melody Beattie 

 

Thank you! 



The perfect age

 

 

Ahh the perfect age....

 

What age would that be for you?

 

There are so many memories

at varying ages that to choose seems......

difficult.

 

But let's see, just for fun

if we can perhaps pick just one.
Maybe it's 16,
or perhaps 21.

For me,
it's hard to choose
One would be 21, I got married.
Another 27, Black Rose was born.

Maybe, for me the perfect age might be...
my current age.

I used to be an owl, now I can't stay up at night.
Although I have to remove my glasses
 to read the find print.
 Round is a shape, it is right?

We can't avoid the addition to our age.
So, we might as well enjoy the stage.

 

 



Symbolism

 

 

An infant often has a soother.

A child has a blanket.

A toddler a teddy bear.
 

As adults we also have

'things'

that symbolize

security, happiness or other such emotion.

 

Sometimes we don't even realize

that we are 'holding' onto something that

represents these things to us.

We think we have outgrown them.

Such as a child has their blanket.

 

Our 'home away from home'

represented a lot of things:

Relaxation

Friendship

Peace and tranquility.

 

It also represents an 'Oasis' I can no longer afford.

 

I spent the weekend,
with the help of others,

removing everything from our 40' Park Model

to make way for a new family.

 I hope that whomever they are,
 they are able to create

wonderful memories such as we have.

 

When I pulled that blind and locked the door

for the last time,

it symbolized so many changes yet to be.

 

Thank you everyone, for helping me. 

"The best portion of your life will
be the small,
nameless moments
you spend smiling with someone
who matters to you" Unknown



A Season Ends

 

 

 

 

A number of memories have passed through my mind

especially of late.

 

Black Rose and 'little' Dave (he was about 4)

as he took her hand to walk up to a music evening.

 

Black Rose years later,

walking up the same 'road' with another holding her hand.

 

The sound of the waves as they crash against the shore. 

The sun rising over the tide. 

 

Searching for beach glass

and finding a bird's skull.

 

Tea on the hill.

Watching the storm over the sea.

 

We have been seasonal campers for 13 years,

this was our last.

 

We have made some wonderful friends,

had some wonderful times.

 

This year appears to be the year of

change.

 

Why is it that we sometimes

resist change so much? 

 

 

 

Lord, please give us strength. 



~HOMEMADE TUB & SHOWER CLEANER~

What You'll Need:...

 

 

1/2 Cup White Vinegar
1/2 Cup Original Blue Dawn Dish Soap
4 Tablespoons Baking Soda
Empty Spray Bottle

 

Directions:

Heat vinegar in microwave for 90 seconds.

Allow to cool slightly.

Pour into spray bottle.

Add Baking Soda & Original Blue Dawn dish soap.

Shake gently to mix.

Spray on surface,

 let it sit 1-2 hours.

 

Just wipe it away & then rinse with water.

Will also take soap scum off shower walls/tile & doors!

 

So it says - I am going to try it! 

ONE HOUR YEAST ROLLS

 

 

ONE HOUR YEAST ROLLS

 

 

1 cup of warm water ...
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup oil
2 tablespoons yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
3 1/3 cup flour

 

 

1.) In a large bowl, mix together warm water, sugar, oil and yeast. Let stand for 15 minutes until yeast mixture is bubbly.

 

2.) Stir in salt and beaten egg to yeast mixture.

 

3.) Gradually add flour. Dough will be kind of sticky, but add enough flour until it's manageable.

Let dough rest in the bowl for 10 minutes. Cover  with a towel. This allows the dough to rise more.

 

4.) Spray hands with non-stick cooking spray (such as Pam) and form dough into balls.

Place balls so they don't touch on cookie sheet.

 Let rise for 20 more minutes.

 

5.) Bake in 375 degree oven for 10 minutes.

 

6.) Mix 2-3 tablespoons of melted butter with honey (to taste) and brush the top of hot rolls with the honey butter.

 

7.) Enjoy!

In my own little world

 

 

Last evening I decided to move the furniture in the 'Rec' Room.

Otherwise known as the family room.

  

Picture this, it's been crappy weather for a few days...

you could feel it in your bones.

 

Here I am moving couches,

and all the other stuff that's in a family room.

Vacuuming away in the basement.

For 2 hours I worked to move

things around and vacuum it all.

And, doing laundry,

which as you know isn't quiet either

with the washer and dryer going. 

 

Feeling bad for me yet? 

Don't because there's more.

 

So, I get that done

and figure eh why not...

I'll continue on upstairs and vacuum the bedrooms

and such.
 

So off I go dragging the vacuum up the stairs.

Remember, I can feel it in my bones (specific my knees).

 

So I get up here and the dog is so glad to see me!

How nice.

 

I plug in the Vacuum cleaner

and just as I start to vacuum, phffth  it quits.

So, I figure I pulled out the plug right?

Just as I am headed to the hallway

to check.............

(insert music here)

the lights go out!!

 

The dog comes RUNNING into me

just as a CRACK of Thunder hits.
At this point, I realize why the dog was so glad to see me.
It's been doing this for awhile now and I just couldn't hear it over the vacuum.

 

So, I go around unplugging the 'important' things

just in case it goes out for real

(as it just flashed off and on again).

 

Finally, it peters off as you can hear the rolling thunder.

(An hour plus this goes on).

 

Black Rose reports that she thought she was in the eye of a storm.

(here's a photo taken by someone else in the same area).

 

Okay we get the thunder and lightening into the early hours.

The dog doesn't appreciate God's humor in Thunder and lightening. 

 

He's a Wreck!

 

Now,  finally feel yourself falling asleep.

A nice deep sleep.

The dog is calm and Black Rose is safely 'home' in bed too.

 

It's now 5 a.m. and the thunder is right overhead!

 

Thunder boomers, I thought I was going to let a boomer go in my jammies!!

 

The dog jumps onto me (he's not allowed on the bed) and starts pawing me.

Panting and spinning!

 

Guess I might as well get up now. 

 

This was taken about 20 minutes away at the same time!

 

 

Everyone was talking about it at work.
No one was exempt from the crashing.
One fellow commented that he thought there was a strove light in his bedroom.

I sure hope tonight is quieter. 

 

NO DOUGH PIZZA!!!!!!! This one is a WINNER!!!!🍕

Gluten Free, Low Carb, Diabetic Friendly!!!!!!
For when you absolutely want pizza but not all the carbs!!!!!!!

Preheat oven to 350.

Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
...
Crust
1 (8 oz) package of full fat cream cheese, room temperature
2 eggs
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

With a handheld mixer, mix cream cheese, eggs, pepper, garlic powder and parmesan cheese until combined.

Spread into baking dish.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, our until golden brown.

Allow crust to cool for 10 minutes.

 Topping
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
top with pepperoni, ham, sausage, mushrooms, peppers
Garlic powder

 Spread pizza sauce on crust. Top with cheese and toppings.

Sprinkle pizza with garlic powder.

 

 Bake 8-10 minutes, until cheese is melted.

QUICK DINNER -- Create Your Own Signature Mini Pie

 

 

 

 

 

 

QUICK DINNER -- Create Your Own Signature Mini Pie (and an easy way to get rid of leftovers!)

"Bisquick Mixer":

  1/2 cup of Bisquick,

1/2 Cup of Milk

2 eggs together for a base.

 (put about 1 tablespoon in each muffin cup)

...

Top with about 1/4 cup of any "fillings" you want. - Cheeseburger, Pizza, BLT, Chicken and Veggies, etc....

You can mix it up in the pan (any meat should already be cooked)

Then top with one more tablespoon of the "Bisquick Mixture"

 

Bake:

 375 for 25-30.

 

It's a great way to get rid of your leftovers!

These can also be frozen!

Just pop them into the microwave for a quick meal on the go!

Crock Pot goodies and a bit

 

 

 

 

I have heard of this before,

but had lost the 'instructions'.

 

I just found them again on Facebook.

 

Must try it soon.

 

 

Hillbilly Recipes - Carmel Sauce

 

 Unopened can of sweetened condensed milk + 3 hours on low (completely submerged in water) in the crock pot + cool down in the fridge = Caramel!

It's so easy! Need to try this!

 

 

******************

 

Crockpot Sweet & Sour Meatballs

Serves 6-8
Prep time 5 minutes...
Cook time 4 hours
Total time 4 hours, 5 minutes
Meal type Appetizer, Snack, Starter


Ingredients
•10oz chili sauce (one jar)
•16oz grape jelly (one jar)
•2lb frozen meatballs

Directions

1. In a crockpot, add chili sauce and grape jelly. Whisk to combine ingredients and make sauce smooth.
2. Add in meatballs. Stir to coat all meatballs with the sauce.

Cover and  cook on low for 4 - 6 hours. Serve with toothpicks.

 

*******************

 

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Ingredients...
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
4 thick cut boneless pork chops
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, chicken broth, garlic, paprika, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, oregano, and basil. Pour into the slow cooker. Cut small slits in each pork chop with the tip of a knife, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Place pork chops into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on High for 4 hours.

 Baste periodically with the sauce.



Two Choices

What would you do?....you make the choice. Don't look for a punch line, there isn't one. Read it anyway. My question is: Would you have made the same choice?

At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:

'When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection.

Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do.

Where is the natural order of things in my son?'

The audience was stilled by the query.

The father continued. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.'

Then he told the following story:

Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?' I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.

I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning..'

Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt.. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.

In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again.

Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.

At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?

Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.

However, as Shay stepped up to the

Plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.

The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.

The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay.

As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.

The game would now be over.

The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman.

Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.

Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates.

Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, run to first!

Run to first!'

Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base.

He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.

Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!'

Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.

By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball . The smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team.

He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head.

Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.

All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'

Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third!
Shay, run to third!'

As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!'

Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team

'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'.

Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!

AND NOW A LITTLE FOOT NOTE TO THIS STORY:

We all send thousands of jokes through the e-mail without a second thought, but when it comes to sending messages about life choices, people hesitate.

The crude, vulgar, and often obscene pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion about decency is too often suppressed in our schools and workplaces.

If you're thinking about forwarding this message, chances are that you're probably sorting out the people in your address book who aren't the 'appropriate' ones to receive this type of message Well, the person who sent you this believes that we all can make a difference.

We all have thousands of opportunities every single day to help realize the 'natural order of things.'

So many seemingly trivial interactions between two people present us with a choice:
Do we pass along a little spark of love and humanity or do we pass up those opportunities and leave the world a little bit colder in the process?

A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats it's least fortunate amongst them.

 

1.  Disregard

2. Share

May your day, be a Shay Day.
MAY GOD BLESS EVERYONE WHO
DECIDES TO PASS THIS ON IN

MEMORY OF SHAY..............

Crock Pot Lasagna

Crock Pot Lasagna


You will need:
1 pound Ground Beef
Lasagna noodles
1 jar spaghetti sauce...
1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

 Directions:
Brown ground beef and drain.
Spoon 1 C. spaghetti sauce in bottom of 4 quart crock pot. Mix remaining sauce with beef.
Place 2 uncooked lasagna noodles on sauce in crock pot. Spread 1/3 meat mixture on top of noodles. Spread 3/4 C. cottage cheese over meat. Sprinkle 1/2 C. mozzarella cheese over cottage cheese.
Add another layer of uncooked noodles, 1/3 meat mixture, the remaining cottage cheese and 1/2 C. mozzarella cheese. Place another layer of uncooked noodles, meat mixture, and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over top.
 Cook on low for 4 hours.


 If cooked much longer, it gets a bit well done.

Bonnie Raitt - I Can't Make You Love Me

Second Year

 

 

 

 

Everyone all together now,

AWWW.

 

Friday I drove Black Rose from her 'summer residence'

where she's been working to home.

Today, we each drove her to start

her second year of University.

 

Wow, where did the time go?

I know as parents we are always asking this

question it seems.

 

Know that I love you

will miss you

(already do)

and am so proud of you.

 

You know that it only takes a phone call.

I love texts too, but to hear your voice

makes my day.

 

Be safe, be aware.

 

Enjoy your 2nd year. 

 

 

So proud of the young lady you have become.

 

(Note the bear appears to be tearing up).

 

XXXXXoXXXXX

 





Second Wind Part 2

 

 

I had given myself a week

to completely empty the closets

and move the furniture.
Empty the clutter.

 

Paint and put it back together completely different.
This is nothing like it looked previously if you recall.

 

 

It's been a week. 

 

 

I am SUPER pleased.

 

 

Anyone know how old these are? 

Obviously I had taken this before I got the curtain panels up. 

 



Community Days

It's Community Days in our Village.

Part of the Exhibition Show

is Amateur Photography.

It's for fun,

see the local talent

and bragging rights.

Not for the money,

nope,

first prize is $3.

You can get you and a friend a Tim Horton's Coffee for that.

It's just plain fun.

Photo's have to have been taken by the entering individual.

Must be taken within the last year

(since the last Community Days).

One photo per category.

And, be an Amateur.

Category - birds, bees or butterflies

 Category - Wildlife

Category - Photo of your garden (yep that's it)

Category - Miscellaneous

Category - scenes from our Province 

Drum Roll...........

The Bird Photo won First Place.

I can afford a coffee and a muffin! 

*smiles* 

Second Wind Part 1

Okay, so decided to paint the
bedroom walls.
One a color which was not in the cards before now.

But first,
there was some paper coming off.
It's dry strippable, right?
Well, not exactly.
I began to pull down the old
and presto........
it pulled some of the jip rock
facing off too!!

Oh crap!!!
If only I could 'rewind'. 
Well, thankfully I was able to find
some paper to cover the places
as it would be a nightmare to 'fix'.
Thanks P no need to 'match up the lines this time.
He is VERY good at papering,
even has had others ask him to do some for them. 

This is not the best photo,  but you will notice that
the other paper is lighter and a different pattern,
but you get the drift right?
The one on the right was the original. 
Much prettier than this photo - sorry.

You know, you choose a paint color
and then go to get that color.
Well, I have had enough experience with paint
to know that you can go to say Home Hardware
and have a Benjamin Moore paint 'duplicated' usually.
Which I have done in the past.
Well, not so with the color I wanted.

BUT, I wasn't paying $73 for a can of paint.
One of my coworkers mentioned to me that some
Benjamin Moore Stores have something called 'Second Wind' for much less money.
Maybe not the exact color but for $15 a can for an accent wall,
I went to check it out.

AND guess what!!
I found a color not too unlike the one I wanted.

And I love this about this paint.

Caution, it's more 'runny' than the other paints.

Well, I have always wanted chocolate brown in the bedroom.

Now to get my 'second wind' and get it done.

Thanks Dad for all your work.
As Phil has pointed out in the past,
I am not the best painter. 
Base coat - got it.
Top coat - no way. 

It changes the whole dynamic and is exactly what I was hoping for.

Now to get the bed back in and move the furniture back.

I will let you know when it's done. 



Happy Anniversary!

 

 

Just a quick shout out

to my folks as they

celebrate an

Anniversary.

 

 

 

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY,

Happy Anniversary,

Happy Anniversary,

HAAAPPPY ANNIVERSRY!!

 

Well now,

aren't you glad you couldn't hear me sing?

 

Congratulations Mom & Dad.

 



Buring Calories

Defining Moments

 

 

Defining moments in my life...

 

When I got married I became Phil's wife.

I became Mrs.

I was known and introduced as Phil's wife.

 I lived life as this person for 25 years.

 

When Black Rose was born,

I became P's Mom.

I am known by others as P's mom.

I have been her mom for 19 years of my life.

 

These were my 2 largest defining moments.

 

How many times have we each said

 I am no longer an individual,

 I have become someone's wife or mom?

 

I am not the perfect mother,

nor was I the perfect wife.

 

But how, can you tell me,

does one define themselves at this stage in life?

 

Is there a roadmap for this feeling of loss?

I mourn the loss of my friend.  I grieve.

Can I repair this gaping hole?

 

I  want just  to explore for awhile.

But I am so tired.

Listless and heavy.
 

I feel unable to breathe.

I can't catch my breath.

To find a Sea of Tranquility.
Wouldn't that be wonderful??

To reach and hold

Tranquility within myself ,
 the people and spaces around me.
 

Tranquility so that I can be here for my family. 

This is my quest. 

 

Going forward.

One breath at a time.

One step at a time. 

 

 

 

Remember that we can.
One breath at a time.
One step at a time.