New Years Eve Day

Hi there,

I have one message for you at the end of 2008: "don't look back with regrets!" look back at 2008 to review all the things that you are thankful for including the difficult things you had to face. Yes, you read right. Sometimes difficulties in our lives head us in another direction.

My mom is busy painting right now and I know she will expand on that thought.


Cheers,

Haida

Angel & Teddy

Shared with Flock - The Social Web Browser
http://flock.com

Here we are at the end of another day. Our mom has been painting all day and we have to watch not to lean against a freshly painted wall. Good luck with that ... Anyway we had a pretty good day going outside to play and bark at the neighbors with their snow machines. Haida is in the family room watching and waiting for the snow machines to come back. Tomorrow is another day. I hope my mom finishes painting as all our stuff is not where it should be ...that's all for now folks.

Cheers,
Angel & Teddy

It's me, Haida

Good Morning ...
I am ready for New Years, are you? I don't make resolutions as I am perfect just the way I am. I only reflect on the things that I am thankful for in 2008. I live in the country now and have a great big yard to run around in. I can see everything going on and I bark too. However, my mommy does make me come in if I bark to much. But I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.

Angel keeps me company in the yard she barsks too. One thing about barking my mommy seems to appear out of no where holding the door open. This is our cue to come running in and we do. One thing though whe don't get treats when we come in. It's about being too fat!

Cheers,

Haida

You Snooze ... You Loose!

I think this cat has the right idea! Cats spend the majority of their lives sleeping, eating, and chasing imaginary "things". What a life!

Well, I have decided not to spend my time off snoozing but rather give my place a new look via paint. I have already painted two rooms and now am working on the rest of the place. I just returned from the paint store and as I was opened the back door of my truck a gallon of paint came flying out and onto the floor. Thank goodness I was able to scoop up most of it back into the pail. I now have a small reminder on the garage floor of this incident.

I just painted an area behind the door to see what this color is going to look like once it dries. So far so good. This is what I will be doing into the new year. I also plan on having my carpet removed and replaced with lino (wood look). My GSD sheds year round and sometimes my dogs have an occasional accident when I am late getting home from work. Low maintenance is what it's all about and lino will do it for me.

I will be back.

Cheers,

Jaime & Company

If you could rewind the year and go back to the beginning what would you do differently? Do you have any regrets? Perhaps you would not change a thing as you are satisfied with how 2008 unfolded for you.

Life continues on whether we are satisfied or not. It's what we do with it that makes the difference for each of us. If I believe 2009 will be the best year ever, then it will, for me anyway. If my thinking about my life is positive I can accept things that come my way as a part of a much bigger plan, thus making it through the more difficult times will not be as formidable.

The beginning of 2008 was exciting for me as my plan was to move on to the "Last Chapter" of my life as a retiree. I did not think that there would be a hitch preventing me from fulfilling that goal. 

I look at it this way, for some unknown reason my plan is extended into 2009. I am alright with it for now. In fact, it’s more than alright. You see since I am paying for two residences I have come to realize firsthand what it means to live on a restricted budget. I have learned to manage my money better and how to resist free spending. This is a good thing. I have more than enough to live comfortably in my retirement years. I have been downsizing since 2005. It’s amazing how much better one feels with less and not more. Since I thought I was retiring in 2008. I upgraded my electronics as I knew once I was on a fixed income it would less likely that I would be able to upgrade. 

I do not wish to have a part time job in my retirement years to make ends meet. I want to have the choice of working part time should I fancy it. I want the end of 2009 to be a year that I can honestly say it was a better plan for me to continue working. When I think of it, I am already living where I want to live in my retirement years. I plan on making my home more energy efficient and designing my large yard to accommodate less grass. Whatever comes my way in 2009 I hope to be better prepared to make lemon aide instead of having a pile of lemons at my feet.

Cheers,

Jaime & Company 

Five Days Before the Year 2009

Happy New year from the whole gang! We're looking forward to the New Year. It's been real cold outside and we haven't been able to stay outside too long. This morning is a wee bit different it feels like a heat wave has hit. Well almost. People usually make all kinds of resolutions at New Year, but not us, no way. Dogs don't make any resolutions that would in fringe on our happiness. We are too self centred to allow our thinking of our selves as less than perfect. We like ourselves just as we are. I know that Angel is a little fat around the middle and Teddy needs a hair cut. You will note that his picture is an old one and needs to be updated; believe me he looks pretty fuzzy. 

Angel has a birthday coming up in five days. Yep she was a New Years baby. She's going to be four years old, that's 28 in dog years. My birthday is on April  1st (I am no fool), and I am going to be nine years old, that's 72 in dog years. This explains the grey fuzz under my chin. Teddy had his birthday on November 11 he turned eight, that's 56 in dog years. So you see why would we concern our selves with resolutions. Life goes on whether we have them or not.

Our mom no longer makes them either. She says we can make resolutions anytime of the year why wait until January 1 to make changes in our lives. We are not included in the royal "we" as we are dogs. Now if we as dogs would make resolutions they would be in correlation with our self centredness. 

I am done with my pre-New Years chatter. Wishing you all the best for 2009.

Happy New Year to You and Yours,

Haida, Angel, and Teddy, and last and by no means least, Jaime (our mom)

Boxing Day Shopping

This year I didn't follow the crowds to the "Boxing Day Specials." In fact most stores had pre-Christmas Sales. There was a fear that due to the econimic times that people were not spending as much monies during this Christmas season. I heard on the radio that there were some brave souls that were waiting in front of the electronic stores for up to eight hours to grab the so called "specials." Last year I did brave the crowds and managed to snag a few deals for myself. There is one other formidable task for Boxing Day shoppers and that is returning items. Some stores have special checkouts just to handle returns. I wonder if this is why the "gift card" has become more popular over the years. Personally I don't favor gift cards as I usually forget that I have them and then they expire. Apparently, there is talk about gift cards not having an expiration date. I got a gift card last year and it took me at least three times for me to remember that I had a card in my wallet. 

Cheers,

Jaime & Company

Boxing Day

Well, we've made it through Christmas and are now focused on the New Year. As I mentioned in my previous entries this was the year I had planned on retiring. Plans change. I was thinking about this the other day. When I first started this blog my plan for retirement was to become a fulltime RVer. Those plans are on hold ... maybe forever. I wanted to retire in Texas but decided against that plan when I learned firsthand the medical coverage would be a problem. I took a leave from my job in Canada to work in Texas for almost three years. I loved it! No snow and icy roads to contend with during the winter months.

This past year I purchased a mobile home in the country. It sits on a large fenced property which is a bonus for my three dogs. I love the fact that in my mobile home everything is on one level, a double garage, and nine pine trees in the back yard which I can view out of my bedroom window and from the French doors in my family room, the side deck is shaded in the summer time by a large tree (don’t know what kind it is). My kitchen has a large bow window which overlooks the road leading to the elementary school and community centre. This makes it easy to attend all the events featured throughout the year.  This town features two parades throughout the year one on July long weekend and in December Winter Carnival.

 The town newsletter is always an interesting read.  The local Motor Hotel, houses the restaurant, pub, and Post Office. It reminds me of the Saskatchewan produced show Corner Gas located in the fictional town of Dog River. Corner Gas filmed its final season this spring and summer. It's a fun series about fictional life in a Saskatchewan rural town.  This show is very popular in Canada and the US.

 Only six days from New Year's Eve.  2009 may seemly prove to be a year to remember especially economically. Saskatchewan appears to not be feeling a financial crunch as are the rest of our country and the USA.  The future of our political climate is somewhat precarious at the moment which is soon to be determined (January 26, 2009), as to whether the Harper government continues to rule. The impact of so many changes is yet to be revealed over the next few months and years to come.

 This being Boxing Day is only the beginning of the end for 2008. Let's wait and see what's around the corner for 2009 and plan accordingly. My goal is still to retire debt free once the sale of my house becomes a reality. It's only a matter of time. In the meantime I am learning what it means to live within my means.

 Looking forward to what's ahead and leaving behind any regrets of 2008.

 Cheers,

Jaime & Company

 

Christmas Dinner

Three Cheers for Christmas!!! 

This picture says it all: "You are never too old to enjoy a turkey dinner." 

Cheers,

Jaime & Company 

It's Turkey Day !!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE & HAPPY NEW YEAR

I awoke early this morning to prepare the turkey for the oven. Teddy was by my side watching. The look on his face was priceless: the tip of his tongue hung out of his mouth his eyes glissing as he watched me place the turkey in the oven. If he could talk he likely would ask, "How long is this going to take?" Haida and Angel are snoring in the living room. The radio is playing non stop Christmas music and my budgies are chirping away in the background. All is well!

I reviewed some of my 2007 entries from December 2007 (I was still living in the city) and noted that I was talking about working another year (2008) and then had visons of retirement. Well that's not exactly how things played out this past year. I am ready to retire in every way except for the fact of one small detail: my house in the city is still on the market! I hadn't planned on living in the country and working in the city as winter driving is not my idea of a good time since this time of year it's more night time than day light. 

However the upside is that for some reason I am still working in 2009! I hope to find out what that reason is but for now it's not for me to know. 

But I digress, this is Christmas Day. I imagine kids getting up early to see what Santa has brought from their long list of things they mailed to the North Pole. I was reading a story yesterday about a little 9 year old girl who wrote to Santa and asked him to help  stop one of her relatives from abusing her and her little sister. The letter was handed over to the authorities and after an investigation the relative was arrested and charged. Apparently he had been abusing the girls for the past 4 years. It's interesting that this little girl's last hope was for Santa to come through for her ... and he did! These two little girls will no doubt always believe in Santa. 

Cheers,

Jaime & Company

Christmas Eve

It's Christmas Eve ... it was the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring not even a moue! The stockings were hung by the chimney with care. they had been worn a year and needed the air!

I finished work early today and made my way to Walmart and Superstore to pick up a few groceries and food for my animals. I arrived at Walmart and thought that everyone must have followed me there as I ended up what seemed like miles from the front door.

I made my way over the pet food section and loaded up and then zoomed over to Electronics to see if there were any more of my favorite DVD's on the shelf. I was please to see Season 7 of JAG. Season 6 of Law & Order SVU, Season One Volume One of Love Boat, Season 4 Vol 2 of Touched by an Angel, (I aready have Vol 1 at home), and a DVD burning fire log ... I have three of them now. I buy one every year as I want to see if there the flames look more realistic. I had planned on purchasing a fireplace for my familyroom. However, that plan went down the toilet literally when my toilet went on the fritz. The fireplace monies will be used for a new low flush toilet. I then can put the fire log DVD on my laptop place it on the new toilet while I take a leisurely bath with my new bubble bath I got for Christmas! Now I certainly couldn't drag a fireplace into the bathroom. You have to make the best of it.

One thing about long lines and Christmas time people chat with you like you are old friends. We ended up talking to one another and wondering why so may checkouts on such a busy day were closed. We narrowed it down to one thing: Money! Someone piped in and said "they" should give us the groceries for Christmas as a friendly gesture of goodwill. since there was no Christmas music playing we figured that the former was not an option. We continued to wait. I finally got out of Walmart and drove across the road to Superstore. The place was so crowded that I found myself putting my things in someone else's cart! When I arrived at the check out I noticed that not all the check out stations were opened and the lines meandering throughout the isles of the store. The people were very friendly and told each other where they thought the line may end up. I got behind a lady that was quite friendly and she told me that she lives out of town but was in town for Christmas at her daughter's placed. Since she seemed friendly enough I asked her if she stuffs her turkey. She said she did but warned that you have to be careful. I then realized that I had forgotten to buy stove top stuffing and didn't dare get out of line as I would never know where to find it. I never cook stuffing in a turkey as I am afraid that I would poison myself and the dogs and ruin Christmas for us.

My dogs love ribs; I decided to cook some in the slow cooker for them to enjoy throughout the holidays as a treat. The dogs are presently laying in front of the TV, (the fire log DVD is playing). I just got up to check on the potatoes that are boiling on the stove. Teddy, my poodle followed me into the kitchen as likely thought I was going over to the slow cooker to check on the ribs.

The picture above is of my back yard ... looking out from the french doors of the family room. I love sitting in this room and watching the snow fall. I am off work for the next 10 days and I know I will enjoy every minute. I will get up early tomorrow morning to put in the turkey without the stuffing into the oven.

Merry Christmas to One and All,

Jaime & Company

Five Days Before Christmas

Hellooooooooooo Out There ... it's me Haida. this picture of me was taken during our first snow fall Thanksgiving weekend. The trees still had leaves on them. Boy were they surprised as was I with all this white stuff. I love the snow ... it's almost Christmas and I can hardly wait for the Turkey Dinner. I saw my "mom" take the turkey out of the freezer and put it into the fridge. I can hardly wait until it makes it into the oven and into my mouth, but I am getting ahead of myself. This is our "first" Christmas in the country. I have never seen so much snow in my yard. It's been snowing all week and it's been cold too. My mom drives into the city every day to go to work. I can hardly wait until she retires and is home all the time. then I along with Angel and Teddy can go outside anytime we want. I think I hear my mom coming, yep it's her and she wants on the computer as my time is up. Talk to you soon.

I see that Haida has been on the computer and writing this blog. I haven't had too much free time to sit down and write on a regular basis. I hope to change that in the next few days. Now where do I begin?

It looks like I won't be retiring any time soon as my house in the city hasn't sold yet and until it does I will have to continue working. I am sure it will sell when the time is right. Sometimes our plans are not the plans that are meant for us when we want them to be. This is my first winter in the country and can be a wee bit of a challenge on some days driving to work.

My '99 FORD RANGER is seemingly ready for winter driving especially as I take off my all season tires and put on winter tires. I definitely noticed a difference in driving. I carry an emergency kit should I ever go flying into the ditch. I upgraded my motor club card (CAA) and carry a cell phone. 

This being the flu season there are many people in my office including me that have been off work due to illness. I was off a couple of days last week and this week. Today I am feeling better and decided to shovel the driveway. The dogs refuse to shovel I therefore have to do it! 

The oven has just notified me that I need to check my pork chops which I am having for dinner tonight. They look and smell great no wonder the dogs are hanging around the oven!

Well I have a few more domestic chores to complete before the days end. 

Be back soon,

Jaime & Company (Haida, Teddy, Angel & the birdies)

I am back ...

It's me, Angel. I am just hanging out today watching the world go by. Usually I am wired for sound, my owner tells me I have ADHD, the dog version. 

Yep that's Angel ... not a usual position she is in but she has taken to the couch as of late and watching TV.

I haven't been blogging to regularly over the past few months. I have been rather busy but things seem to be slowing down as of late. Well almost slowing down. I work my last weekend for training on November 15 & 16th.  

I am getting use to communiting to and from work. However, this will be my first winter out here in the country which should prove to be an interesting commute to work every day. Today, I am off and I am glad I am since the road report this am was for freezing rain and some of the hyways were closed. I go back to work on November 12th I hope the roads won't be icy. It is suppose to get warmer tomorrow. I don't mind snow on the roads but freezing rain makes for poor driving conditions for anyone.

My house in the city is still for sale and I have reduced it a few times. the market has all but slowed down these past months. But I am still glad that I made the move out here to the country. It looks like my house will be on the market over the winter. I know it's not the best time to sell. All it takes is one person to come forward and make me an offer I can't refuse!

Since my house in the city hasn't sold yet. I am unable to proceed with some cosmetic renoivations on my new place. But I do have fun making plans for when I am able to go ahead and put those plans into action. 

It looks like I am not going to retire for another year. I had hoped to be done in January 2009, but this plan will be pushed into 2010! I don't mind I will continue on until such time I am able to stop working and stay at home with the doggies and birds. By the way, I have sold all my lovebirds and have only seven budgies left!

Well I better close off for now as I do have some housework to do since just coming off of a 12 day stretch and needless to say my laundry and house work awaits my presence.

Before I sign off I should say the when I first started this blog I had intended to retire, purchase a RV and travel the country side. However, for now, and maybe for always, my plans have changed. I purchased a mobile home and property in the country. I was thinking about this change the other day when watching my dogs running in the yard. they have a bigger yard than they had in the city and are loving it. There is an addition which has french doors leading to the deck and into the back yard. During the day the dogs usually spend time in this room looking out of the french doors into the yard and barking at the cats which live just across from us. This keeps them busy when they aren't sleeping. They have settled in very nicely into a new routine. 

Cheers,

Jaime & Company

First Snow Fall

Hey who ordered all this white stuff?

When I awoke on Thanksgiving morning (October 13th)I saw this beautiful blanket of snow that had fallen during the night. My dogs immediately made their way through the french doors leading to the deck and into the back yard. They had great fun that morning making tracks all over the yard. My Shepherd, Haida loves to roll around in the snow.

Cat's Rule

A picture is worth a thousand words!

Sunday Morning News

I love this picture, so much so, that I placed it on my desktop! How majestic, over powering and yet very beautiful.

Day after tomorrow I am back at work at least for the time being. Since I am in the latter stages before my early retirement work does not seem so daunting.

I started this blog last year to talk about my retirement plans regarding going on the road full time as an RVer.

However, my plans have changed over the past few months. I purchased a house in the country and will commute to work every day. I love this place it suites me fine. My dogs have plenty of room to roam around in my fenced property which incidentally is about four times or more the size of my place in the city. Yesterday, I went into the city to cut the grass at my house which is still up for sale. It took me under an hour to cut the grass both front and back. Whereas here, it takes me a couple of days to get it all cut. I have decided to cut the grass in stages: front, side and back yard. I have nine pine trees in the back yard and a huge tree on the side of the house where deck one is located. A french doors open up to the second deck over looking the entire back yard. My birds share this room with me as it's also a reading and TV room. I will post some new pictures in a few days.

Since deciding against full timing I can easily travel from here for a few months of the year should I choose to. Traveling is an option that I will not close the door on entirely. I have travelled extensively and lived in a variety of places including Europe, United States and of course Canada.

It's a good idea to be flexible and ready for whatever may come your way. It is an understatement to say that when I retire I will do this or that ... instead we can consider the changes in our plans as adventures and see where they take us.

Well, I still have a few more pictures to hang and a few more things to put away, but all in all I am enjoying every minute!

Take care,

Jaime & Company

Update

I did it! I moved out of the city into the country. What can I say? I love it! It's quiet and slower paced. I moved in the beginning of July and am in the midst of settling in. My house in the city is up for sale and should be sold within short order. My dogs love their new yard and home. They have plenty of room to run around and bark if they wish without getting the neighbours upset.

I am off work until August 5, 2008 and then back to work for a few months before I hit the retirement trail for good. I better get back to unpacking the rest of my stuff. I never new I had so many things.

Till next time, Cheers

Jaime & Company

Sunny Days

There are sunny days ahead, at least that's my prediction. It is in fact very sunny outside right now and it was sunny yesterday. Tomorrow, well that's another story. It could be sunny ... if you look at it that way. You see, we can still picture the world outside sunny because of how we feel inside.

For example, when a person states they are feeling blue or have the blahs ... it could be either sunny or raining outside. Their feelings are not necessarily dependent upon the weather, but rather their feelings belong to them and how they interpret the world around them. If I think poorly about myself, I will act poorly in my environment. If I believe that everyone is out to get me ... they propbably are since I am interpreting everything by my thinking and feelings. When I wake up tomorrow and think to myself it's going to be one of thoses days then sure enough it is going to be just "one of those days" when nothing goes right.

Two people can be looking at the same thing and have totally different interpretations of what they are looking at ... our perceptions are influenced by our frame of reference. If my focus is on the hole and not the donut then I can conclude that life is just a big fat zero. If I focus on the possibilities of that donut, like a delicious treat that I can eat and enjoy. I will not necessarily notice the hole, but rather that eating it has met a need of satisfying my sweet tooth.

Till next time, Cheers!

Middle of the Night Adventures

It was one of those sleepless nights. Not a good thing especially since I am training this weekend! I found a video on dolphins ... on the National Geographic website. It's worth checking out. (Click on the title).

These creatures are beautiful and so graceful as they jump through the air! So when you can't sleep .. count dolphin's instead of sheep.

Till next time, Cheers!

Stonehenge Was Cemetery First and Foremost, Study Says

"Stonehenge stood as giant tombstones to the dead for centuries, new radiocarbon dating suggests. The site appears to have been intended as a cemetery from the very start, around 5,000 years ago—centuries before the giant sandstone blocks were erected—the new study says..." Read the entire article: (Click on the title, for a direct link to National Geographic website, which references this study).

Till next time, Cheers!

How Far Does Five Bucks Go .... in the USA?

Take a real close look at this bill. What do you see?

Remember the 'good old days', when 5 bucks would almost buy you a cart full of groceries. Well maybe not a full cart .... our money, Canadian dollars too, are shrinking more and more by the day. The cost of living rises but the dollar seems to be continuously shrinking. This gives a new meaning to making ends meet. As you know my goal is retirement. My goal for retirement is to be mortgage free. I remember back in 1999 when I lived in Texas, I could fill up my Ford Ranger for $12.00 (USA). Now, back in Canada I pay pretty close to $100.00 to fill a tank. I am fortunate that my truck is a standard and real good on gas.

Well I need to go for now ... I have to fill my truck up with gas!

Tell next time, Cheers!

The Day After ...

I am happy to report that my plant made it through the night! The dirt is still moist so I think I am okay in not watering it yet.

It's Monday morning and I am sitting here writing on my blog before I have had my first cup of java. I am going to have to remedy that situation by going into the kitchen to make some coffee. I need to start the day right. am drinking Folgers these days. I usually drinking Colombian or Breakfast Coffee. But since Folgers was on sale. It's Folgers for the next while. I enjoy Tom Horton's coffee too! I drink mine black, have for years, but I don't drink as many cups as I use to. But I digress, I will be right back. Don't go away. I am back and the coffee is brewing. Can you smell the fresh aroma wafting down the hall? I guess not. Seriously, I do enjoy a great cup of coffee.

I am currently reading Mary Higgins Clark's book, "I Heard That Song Before", (2007), it's about a sleepwalker who allegedly committed three murders while sleepwalking. It has a lot of twists and turns, a web of lies and deceit. Ms. Clark's eloquence has you hanging on every word until the very end when the culprit is finally revealed. Click on the title of this entry which will take you directly to Simon and Schuster, Ms. Clark's publisher's website. I was reading the book until the wee hours as I could not put it down. Finally, my eyes would no longer allow me to read another word. Hence, today is another day to spend reading the remainder of this thriller. Ms. Clark truly is the Queen of suspense!

Till next time, Enjoy!

Mother's Day ... Part II

The above are pictures of the hanging plant that I bought in memory of my Mom for Mother's Day... I will post pictures again mid-summer so you can see the growth.

A kind lady at the store answered numerous questions I had about the variety of flowers in the Wal-Mart Garden Centre. Behind the flowers are some of my budgies and lovebirds which I have taken out of the main cage.

Well I must close for now as my dogs are waiting for their supper.

p.s. I am unsure as to how to line up these pictures with the text. I have tried it several ways and it always seems to come out differently.

Mother's Day Part I

Happy Mother's Day to all Mothers everywhere!

My mom loved flowers. She could make anything bloom. Her flower boxes were full of flowers each summer. Her lawn was always beautifully manicured and framed with, you guess it, flowers. My mom had a jar which she named: "flower fund." She saved her pennies, collected the change that fell between the cushions from over flowing pockets and of course I would contribute whatever change I usually had in my pockets whenever I came over to visit. When Spring rolled around she had quite a haul, hence the beautiful yard of flowers.

When I was growing up I remember my mother having flowers inside the house. They were all over and I must admit that I did not inherit the skill of making everything grow. My attempts at having flowers is very feeble indeed. I can plant them in the dirt alright, but usually forget to water them. I will make another attempt this year. Maybe.

On February 6, 2006, my mother passed away suddenly. She was only seventy-five, and would have been seventy-six year on October 20, 2006. I lost my best friend. A few days after she died. I had a dream. I saw a white room and at one end of it was a gurney. My mom was laying on it. I walked over and looked down on her. Suddenly she was standing beside me with her hand on my shoulder. She said, " I am alright now." I responded by saying, "How did you do that?" She was alive and standing beside me. I have had a number of dreams about her and we are usually talking about things like we use to do.

In another dream, my mom came and swooped me up and we were traveling into outer space. I could see the world getting smaller. It was a great feeling. This dream came a few months after her death at a particularly difficult time in my life. In the dream, I told her about everything that was happening and she was listening as she did so many times throughout my life. She was a great listener. When the dream was just about over my mom told me that I had to go back. I told her that I didn't want to go back I wanted to stay with her. She told me I had to go back for now.

I awoke from this dream and knew that I had just visited with my mom. I do believe that people that have passed on can and often do visit us in dreams. I recall an incident that occurred in July 2007 when I was having a garage sale. Only I was not asleep at the time, I was coming out of the house and I "heard" my mother's voice calling me by my middle name, in German. I turned and there was absolutely no one insight at that precise moment.

I told my friend who was visiting from Texas and helping me with the garage sale, about what had just happened. I told her that I would never forget it. I have to tell you about something else concerning my mother. I have had the urge to buy a hanging basket of flowers which my brother and I would buy for my mother for Mother's Day. I have never felt the urge to do this before now, as I mentioned, flowers aren't my thing since I have a difficult time looking after them.

But as soon as the stores open today. I will go to Wal-mart and pick out a nice hanging basket in memory of my mom and keep it on the dining room table until the weather is warmer. Then I will hang it outside in the very place where she hung so many of the hanging baskets we gave her over the years.

I decide to check out a website which features a number of recipes that seem to be easy enough to make for your mom. The site is called Mother's Day Muffins. Enjoy!

Till next time, Cheers!

Middle of the Night Ramblings

I am wide awake since the dogs got me up. They heard the birds fluttering around in their cage. When I checked on them one of the little budgies was at the bottom of the cage trying to fly back up on to his perch. I turned on the light and told him that he could do it. He inched along the side of the cage and climbed up until he could fly back up to reach his perch. His little buddies cheered him on too. Teamwork!

I know that I have a picture of a cat in this entry ... what do you expect for the middle of the night? I have a cat free zone since I have birds. I do know that cats can get use to birds and not bother them, but why risk it? Haida, my Shepherd, likes to sit outside watching the birds fly all around her. She just sits and watches them. I sometimes wonder what she may be thinking as they swoop down in front of her. Lunch? I know, I know, give me a break it is the middle of the night!

Well, I am going back to bed and hope to fall back asleep as morning is just around the corner. Thank goodness I don't have to go to work until the afternoon!

Cheers,

Jaime & Company

TGIF

Need I say more? This week seemed to drag by so much so it felt like it was going backwards. I am working this weekend so it will seem like an even longer week for me. Not that I am complaining, not in the least. I am finding working irregular hours is taking it's toll. I can't believe that I deferred my retirement for another year.

I am in the process of house hunting again. I want to buy a house that is smaller and less maintenance. I am not sure there is such a thing, but nonetheless, I am going to try to find it!

I will write more later, as I have to feed the dogs and make supper.

Till next time, Cheers!

Sunday Morning

The snow did not last into the afternoon. I just came back in from talking to my neighbour about the fence separating our properties. I told her that I had ordered a chain link fence. I had built the existing fence (wood) in 1988. I am surprised that it lasted this long. I had hoped that I would not have to undergo this expense before selling the house. But it's leaning too much into the neighbours yard. The joys of home ownership. Speaking of back yard, I will have to rid my yard of dog poop. I should do it this morning as it's cool out side and it would be a much better time for this project instead of the afternoon when it's warmer. I think you get the picture.

So I had better get on some old clothes and head out the door. But first, I will make myself a cup of java before undertaking this arduous task.

Till next time, Cheers!

Morning Spring Snow

I awoke this morning to snow on my deck. My dogs immediately went out to pee on the freshly fallen snow and promptly returned to go back to bed. I don't think that the snow will last until the afternoon. However, the added bonus of the mositure is what the farmers need for their fields. So it's a good thing!

I have a few things to do today and one of them includes laundry. I will do that first and then move on to other tasks. Weekends are usually reserved for personal tasks but since I work on some weekends my persoanl tasks usually fall by the wayside.

First and formost I have to make a fresh cup of java, afterall, how better to start my day.

Tell next time, Cheers!

News from Up North

Good Morning,

I am back in training today. I was here in Saskatoon last November 2007. The room I have this time around is a 100% improvement from the last time. When I registered a couple of weeks ago I told them I wasn't too pleased with my previous room and hoped there would be an improvement. Well I was pleasantly surprised and the room certainly meets my expectations.

Last week they had a snow storm whereas we were spared down South at least in my part of the Province. However, we still could have snow where we are. I remember one year we had a snow storm in May. Enough about the weather. I better get ready for breakfast as I don't want my stomach to growl during the session.

Till next time, cheers!

Breath Taking View

Hello Everybody,

I would love to open my blinds and feast my eyes on this spectacular view, wouldn't you? Mount Rundle is located in the Canadian Rockies. Years ago, many, many, many, years ago. I lived and worked in Banff. I was in my early twenties along with most of my friends. We all had a variety of jobs just to live there to enjoy the four seasons, especially winter when we would spend our off times skiing. Yes, I use to be a skier! Hard to believe I know but nonetheless very true.

Sometimes I wish I could rewind my life and go back to when it was not as complicated. But then again, my life is only as complicated as I make it. Perhaps, I should fast forward my life to see what's ahead for me, or just around the corner. I want to know if I am going to win the lottery! I think we all would like to know our futures. If you could know your future, what would you do differently?

Well, I am in the present and actually am enjoying it. Well, maybe not all the time. But for the most part when I don't complicate my life it's okay.

By the way, if you notice on the right side of this blog I have added a new feature: Shout box. It's pretty cool. Why don't you say hello? I would love to hear from you all out there in cyberspace.

Tll next time, Cheers
Jaime

Sleepless Night ...

Have you ever had a sleepless night? I don't have them often, but when I do I usually find myself at the computer writing to someone to let them know that I am wide awake while they are no doubt snoozing away.

Have you ever thought why you can't sleep especially when you are dead tired and know you have to get up in a few hours and get ready for work? The thought has crossed my mind on more than one occasion. For me, I usually end up thinking about things that are going on in my life or things that are waiting for me around the corner. Teddy just meandered into my office wondering if it's morning. Angel is on the floor beside my desk and Haida, well she's snoring away in the other room. For my birds, it's dark and they too are still in dreamland.

Speaking of dreams, I have been having a few these past few nights and they are usually about me trying to ind something or someone is telling me that I should do things differently. Sounds a lot like my waking life.

Yesterday, I decided to check the real estate market and things are still booming in this part of the country. The value of my house seems to be climbing higher as we speak. On one hand this is good for me but on the other hand if I sell I will have to buy something else. I have been checking the market in towns surrounding the city I live in now and guess what the market there is also on the climb. Surprise, surprise!

I had hoped to retire without a mortgage. I am sure something will work out. Perhaps the Lottery? Dream on. Well someone has to win, it might as well be me, right? Okay, it could be you and me, there feel better that I included you. This post is beginning to sound like middle of the night ramblings. It's 3:26 a.m. I am going to sign off for now and head back to bed and try to get back to sleep. When sleepless nights happen to me I do eventually fall asleep only to hear the sound of the radio coming on announcing it's time for me to get up and face another wonderful day in paradise. Cheers!

On the Run ...

I feel like I am running in all directions these days. I am in the midst of finishing my Winter training sessions and preparing for my Spring sessions.

This morning is our final session for my Tuesday group. We are going to finish off with a celebration lunch. Next week I will be doing the same thing with my Monday evening group. Then the following week we start again with new people in our Spring sessions.

I will write more when I can.

Till next time, cheers!

Spring Is Here ...

Perhaps I am rushing things in my part of the world, but the snow is seemingly melting and what a mess underneath ... dog poop! Now I do try to pick up all the visiable dog poop but didn't realize that the snow covered some of it!

I am still trying to figure out a way to have the dogs pick up after themselves. This of course is a fruitless venture but nonetheless a dream of all dog owners. I am I right?

I am thinking about purchasing some flowers to put in my window boxes in front of the diningroom and livingroom windows. Since I am not an expert on flowers like my mother, I have to rely on the expertise of those in the gardening field and perhaps google for some information on the subject.

I am still on vacation and my to do list is widdling down bit by bit. I think I can get use to retirement without too much difficulty transitioning from an actual work week to a more relaxed setting. Since I deferred my retirement for another a year, I have more time to make plans for that chapter of my life.

In the meantime, I am making plans for the next series of training sessions and looking forward to a month off during the summer. I will create a"To Do List" and little projects for that time. I need a new fence in the back yard that separates my property from the neighbours and keepmy dogs from wandering off and/or running at large in the neighbourhood.

My dogs just started barking outside. I better let them in since they have been outside most of the morning. Next week, they will be back into their old rountine of spending time in doors while I am at work.

Till next time, Cheers!

Sunday Morning

Top of the Morning To You!

This is the first Sunday morning since the beginning of the New Year that I haven't had a to do list a mile long. I must say that it has been quite a wild ride getting use to my new duties as a trainer. The hours of work are no longer 8:00 a.m. to 5;00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Now I work evenings and weekends and days. Not necessarily in that order but you get the idea my schedule has changed considerably. I didn't think that I would have any difficulty adjusting. Wrong! I did have some problems adjusting to the evening work as I like to go to bed early because I am usually up by 5:30 a.m. every morning.

I am off for Spring break until Monday, March 31, 2008 4:30 p.m. when I go back to work to resume teaching an evening session. I must say that the challenge of adjustment has been worth it as I am enjoying the work itself. I spent hours of preparation time and feel confident enough with the material to teach it without feeling like I may be missing something.

In mid-April 2008 I will be starting another round of the same sessions. It will be a busy time right up until the end of June 2008 and then off for the summer. Well, for me it's off for the month of July 2008 and back to work in August 2008 to prepare for the Fall training sessions and teaching new material again.

But for now I am going to pour myself a cup of java and enjoy a liesurely breakfast reading the Sunday paper.

Till next time, Cheers!

The Write Way

Top of the morning to you!

My busy week is behind me and I am free to do as I please, at least for the next few days! This morning while checking my email I clicked open a newsletter from: Writing Tips 101. written by Jennifer Stewart. I enjoy reading it every week. This morning she included a link to the Redcliffe Waterfront Walkways located in Redcliffe Australia. The pictures are breath taking, after all, it's summertime.

So let's go "down under" and take a look for our selves. Enjoy. (Click on the title "The Write Way," it will take you directly to her website).

Just a wee note ...

My life has been a wee bit hectic these past few weeks and therefore, I haven't posted very often. I am in the middle of training this weekend, and again on Monday evening. This will be followed by two days of training for myself so I can learn new material for the advanced training which I will be teaching in the Fall of 2008. I hardly have a moment to myself since the prep work was an enormous undertaking.

In about three weeks time, I will be teaching the same material I am teaching now but only to a different audience. I must say that I do enjoy training and meeting the participants especially those that have a wealth of experience to share during group discussions. Hence we have some very lively discussions at times.

I did manage to sneak a few days off over the Easter break and hopefully get back to blogging a little more often.

Well, it's late and I must be ready for the group tomorrow.

Till next time, Cheers!

A Brand New Woman's Website ... check it out!

This morning while I was getting ready for work I happened to catch an interview on Good Morning America (GMA) with Dianne Sawyer.

She interviewed a group of women who were responsible for the creation of this wonderful website. Check it out! Click on the link below or on my title "A Brand New ... ". Enjoy!

http://www.wowowow.com/post/welcome-wowowow 'Welcome! We launched on March 8th, the 100th anniversary of International Womens Day.' (clipped with Yahoo! Toolbar)

Daylight Savings Time

This weekend is daylight savings time and since we (in Southern Saskatchewan), do not change our clocks we wouldn't never notice a change. However, the only exception are the American TV shows which are broadcast an hour earlier. So for those of you that need to turn your clocks back or ahead, don't forget to do that tonight.

This picture is called "Annie in the Sink". When I had cats I would often find them in the bathtub and/or sink, sometimes they would look into the toilet and ... I think you can imagine that scene. Since I have birds, I no longer have cats. But aren't cats interesting. They can be aloof at times and other times they are like Velcro especially around feeding time.

Speaking of feeding time I haven't had breakfast yet and I am feeling hungry. My glass of orange juice is almost empty and I am needing my morning coffee fix. I know I usually say that I will be back and another week goes by nothing from me. I have been rather busy the past couple of months. This coming weekend I am training again four sessions a day. Then I am off to get more training so I can train more people. It never seems to end. There is always something new to learn and past on.

I hear the birds chirping in the background. It's interesting, I clean their cages every week and every week they sit on top of their perches watching me clean. They can hardly wait until I fill up their cups with new food. The lovebirds are very inquisitive and usually fly on my hand to see what I have for them. Some of them even try to escape and they do. Then Angel, my Sheltie barks her little face off letting me know one got out. I don't hear a sound in the kitchen right now, perhaps they are plotting at how to get back at me for running out of their favorite treat: millet. I better go and see why no one is complaining. I will be back when I can.

Till next time cheers.

Good Morning

I think it's high time for the snow to disappear and for Spring to make her grand entrance!

Enough all ready with the cold weather, slippery roads, and snow shoveling. Perhaps I need to have my first cup of java for the day and then return to writing this blog.