We have a date.......

November 5th, 2011 is when dd and her fiance will be getting married.  For those of you who are not British that is "Bonfire Night." So an easy day to remember, especially if you are British.

Bonfire Night or Guy Fawkes night is when in November of 1605 Guy Fawkes was captured trying to blow up the Houses of Parliament in Britain.  Every year on November 5th, the British have a bonfire with an effigy of Guy Fawkes on the top and have fireworks and treats around the bonfire.  I don't remember going to many bonfires, but when I was young we would have gone every year; and I am guessing with all the Health and Safety concerns in Britain they probably don't allow many back yard bonfires anymore?

There is also a poem:

Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot...

So now we have a date to work from.

Dh is off work and goes back on Tuesday.  We have the guy coming to do the eco-energy audit on Tuesday so we want to get the new basement insulated so we will hopefully get more money back from the Government.  Plus we have a hundred and one other things we are going to do as well.   It's going to be a busy few days, so if I don't visit your blog please forgive me, I will hopefully catch up with you all next week.

I also wanted to say a HUGE THANK YOU to anyone who has signed up under me for Swagbucks. Also if anyone is still confused or needs help with it please let me know.  Swagbucks is good for people living in the States, Canada and the UK.  So if you live in one of those countries you can benefit from it.

Here is my latest column for the Eden Valley Messenger as well.

Chimney Sweep and other stuff...

Had the chimney swept on Monday morning and I have to say I was thrilled with the service they gave.  Excellent and super clean.  I did not smell any soot at all and there was no soot in the room either.  They even spray painted the top of my insert so it looks all brand new.  They were between $20 to $50 cheaper than everyone else; so that too made me very happy!!  Also because I had it done before the end of the month I saved on the PST (8%), so another plus.  I will definitley use these people again.

Below is a photo of Molly sitting looking miserable, as she wasn't allowed in the family room while they were cleaning the chimney.  They were in and out of the patio doors, so I didn't want her getting out and going for a frolick around the woods again!!

I talk about Molly in my column this week for the Eden Valley Messenger, here is a direct link to it


I have mentioned before a friend called Nita who has an online site called Phancy Pages.  She has a section called Blogs Around The World, and is looking for more people to submit their blogs to add to the page, contact her here

Oh and finally do you think Molly is comfortable?

Busy, sorry, happy anniversary....

Thursday was a super busy day, I never stopped all day.  What with trying to get some grass cut, tidying up around the new cedars I planted. Writing the column for the Eden Valley Messenger and submitting it; never mind it was three days late this week....oops!  Actually doing a little tidying up in the house.  Going to the church hall in the afternoon to help with prep for the Strawberry Supper on Saturday, then travelling 50 minutes to Brampton, to meet dh at the doctors to get his results for his CAT scan; he's fine just has to keep on taking his puffers and nasal spray?  Then driving back home (we got fish and chips for supper on the way home).  Back out in the garden for an hour of edging the grass, barely made a dint in the edging.  Then making a start on cutting the field, I don't feel as though I have stopped all day.

So I'm sorry but I just haven't had the time to visit anyone's blogs.

Then today Friday June 18th is our 27th Wedding Anniversary.  Gosh the years have gone by fast.  No plans on doing anything.  Dh finishes work at lunch time to get home in time for the England vs Algeria game which is on at 2:15pm our time. Me, well I will no doubt be cutting the grass or ironing!!

Oh and a sort of sad thing.  I was watching Coronation Street on Thursday and it was when Rita told Emily that Ramsy had died on his way to Australia.  Emily put on a cd of Australian songs, and it played Waltzing Matilda,  I haven't heard or thought of that song in many years.  Poor Emily looked so sad and so old when listening to this song.

Out and about........

On Monday we had dim sum for lunch.  I have never had that before.  It was in a restaurant that dd had eaten at before.

Now I will say I have no idea what all these items are called.  I liked some things, wasn't too keen on others.  I did however like the Chinese tea that they offered which surprised me.  Overall with the tax and tip it came to $23 for the both of us and we were stuffed.

We saw this sign in another restaurant window.  Look at the description (you may have to click on the photo to get a better look) of the types of noodles!!

Here is a link for my column in the Eden Valley Messenger.  I will say unless you live in the Eden Valley it probably won't be of interest to you this week, as it's all about the gypsies that come to Appleby for the Horse Fair each year.

Tipsy Pots and sore feet.........

I first saw Tipsy Pots over at Stephanie's blog and loved it as soon as I saw it.  So I looked up the instructions, as Stephanie didn't have them posted at the time.  They are here and off to the store I went.  I used a 12 inch pot at the bottom, and four 10 inch pots.  I planted mine with orange Zinnia's and white Lobelia in the top pot.  Orange and purple Calibrachoa commonly known as Million Bells, in the next two pots.  White and blue Lobelia in the next pot and blue Lobelia in the bottom pot.  I may put a couple more small plants in the bottom as it's looking a bit bare.


I forgot to buy mulch, so need to get a bag of that as well.  I bought a 6 foot piece of rebar, but have to say I am finding mine a little too tipsy for my linking, they sway, so I tied them with twine to the post close to where I have put it.  I would in future buy a thicker piece of rebar.  Overall though I love the look, and can't wait for the plants to grow.

I have discovered a new garden centre and they keep all sorts of unusual things.  While I was there I saw this garden ornament, and fell in love with it.  You may need to click on the photo to get a better view.  I have put it in my new garden bed, where the gladiolus and canna lilies

I spent two hours Tuesday morning doing the edges with the whipper snipper.  Then I cut more grass; I am actually nearly caught up with that.  Mind you if this hot weather continues, the grass won't be growing as fast.  I am already noticing a lot of brown patches.  However it's not stopping the weeds from growing.....drat!!

I feel as though I was on my feet all day and my poor feet are killing me now.  I will try not to be on them as much on Wednesday, can't see that happening though.  My mouth though seems to be on the mend.  It's just feels sensitive still..................

Here is my column for the Eden Valley Messenger this week.

Hot and humid around here.....

which in turn kills my head.  I ended up in bed on Monday afternoon sleeping off a nightmare of a headache.  Got up feeling a lot better though so that was good.

I saw this video over at John's blog last week and couldn't believe it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZP4Ugev82I 

I am having trouble embedding videos in my posts now, all I can add are links.  Any tips?  Also when I put a new photo on my header, although I click shrink to fit, only the top left quarter of the photo is published.  Any thoughts on that?

Got ds coming over after work to help dh carry the window air conditioner unit upstairs to our bedroom, as I can see we are going to need it if it carries on being this warm.  The poor boy never gets a home cooked meal, he eats out most of the time, so will make him something he likes for supper. 

Molly is having a hard time in this heat and her allergies have been playing up, so she is chewing herself a lot more than she normally does.  If it gets any worse I'll increase her pills.  There isn't too much on squirrel tv as the poor old squirrels are also finding it a bit warm.

As I got nothing done in the garden yesterday I may go out after breakfast and shovel a few barrow loads of soil into the new garden for a while before it gets too hot and before my head starts to pound.  Roll on the weekend when its supposed to be cooler.

Here's the link to my column this week at the Eden Valley Messenger.

I did NOT have a good day on Monday....

Dh put the blade on the brush cutter for me, so I tried it out and this is what happened to me:

I caught the blade on something and something flew up from it, cutting my arm, there is a hole in my arm now.  I was lucky it didn't hit the vein where the butchers nurses draw blood from.  It's sore {SIGH}.  That bloody brush cutter is dangerous, I think I need to wear full body armour next time.  So I obviously gave up on that job!

I managed to wreck the blades on lawn tractor by running over a stone, so as you can guess dh is just thrilled about that {{SIGH}}!

I made steak for supper on Saturday night.  I am not a fan of steak and have a terrible time chewing it for some reason?  Anyhow, I have ended up with chronic toothache in the back tooth next to the one I had out.......{{{SIGH}}}  I refuse to have the tooth out, as that will mean I will have no back teeth on my right side of my mouth and I will have to start and eat flipping pureed baby food next..........give me strength.....

I called to make an appointment for my feet to get my orthotics.  They are going to cost $460 {{{{SIGH}}}} I did ask if they were gold plated at that price!  Oh and the earliest appointment I could get is for the 25th of May, so I guess I'll keep wearing my crocs.

I also called Sears on Monday to schedule an appointment for my yearly maintenance on the fridge.  I only have it done, as I get a free filter for the water dispenser.  Anyhow, they are coming on Wednesday between 8am until 8pm.  I asked them if they could narrow it down, but no they couldn't.  I told them I would be in the garden all day, so the guy would have to look for me, as I wasn't sitting in the house all day waiting for him.  It took me nearly 20 minutes to sort this out, they are painfully slow {{{{{SIGH}}}}}

So all in all I will be glad to see the back of Monday!

I am thinking of joining the circus this week in my column at the Eden Valley Messenger, just in case you're interested.......

I am a walking disaster!!! and my column

It was a nice day on Monday so I spent most of it outside doing jobs in the garden.  I finished off cutting the ditch and bank from the other day.  I dug some more of the veggie patch.  By the time I had done those jobs, it was lunch time.

After lunch I got the edger out and cut grass in various places.  I then planted the lilac bush and the pear tree.  By the time I had done that it was 2:30pm and coffee time.  I then did some more edging.

I then realized I was crippled, my poor old back was killing me, along with my feet!!  So I am sitting here on Monday night, hardly able to move.  Finger's crossed after a good night's sleep I will be as right as rain.

Bit of a strange subject in my column this week in the Eden Valley Messenger.  I talk about trying to find my perfect final resting place and how difficult that is, as I have a few requirements.  To find out more please click on this link

Happy Mother's Day......

to all you Mother's out there.  I know Mother's Day was in March in Britain, but over here in Canada and the States its in May.

We went to dd's on Saturday night and had a roast beef dinner that she made.  It was yummy; and I made strawberry rhubarb crisp with vanilla icecream for dessert.  Ds was also there which was good, as I haven't seen him in a while.

The kids got me a fancy tin to put bird seed in.  A pair of deluxe gardening gloves.  Some gardening themed paper napkins.  A fancy dancy palm vegetable peeler make sure you click on the link as that company has some really neat products.  Also a nylon shopping bag that folds up so you can carry it in your handbag.  We're not too bad where we live, but in Toronto you have to pay for all your plastic bags in the stores, so having a bag in your purse is handy.

Dd did take a photo for me as she wrapped it all up just lovely, but she hasn't emailed it to me yet.

The Evolution of Mom


Yes, parenthood changes everything. But parenthood also changes with each baby. Here, some of the ways having a second and third child differs from having your first:


Your Clothes -


1st baby: You begin wearing maternity clothes as soon as your OB/GYN confirms your pregnancy.


2nd baby: You wear your regular clothes for as long as possible.


3rd baby: Your maternity clothes are your regular clothes.


The Baby's Name -


1st baby: You pore over baby-name books and practice pronouncing and writing combinations of all your favorites.


2nd baby: Someone has to name their kid after your great-aunt Mavis, right? It might as well be you.


3rd baby: You open a name book, close your eyes, and see where your finger falls. Bimaldo? Perfect!


Preparing for the Birth -
1st baby: You practice your breathing religiously.


2nd baby: You don't bother practicing because you remember that last time, breathing didn't do a thing.


3rd baby: You ask for an epidural in your 8th month.


The Layette -


1st baby: You prewash your newborn's clothes, color-coordinate them, and fold them neatly in the baby's little bureau.


2nd baby: You check to make sure that the clothes are clean and discard only the ones with the darkest stains.


3rd baby: Boys can wear pink, can't they?


Worries -


1st baby: At the first sign of distress - a whimper, a frown - you pick up the baby.


2nd baby: You pick the baby up when her wails threaten to wake your firstborn.


3rd baby: You teach your 3-year-old how to rewind the mechanical swing.


Activities -


1st baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics, Baby Swing, and Baby Story Hour.


2nd baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics.


3rd baby: You take your infant to the supermarket and the dry cleaner.


Going Out -


1st baby: The first time you leave your baby with a sitter, you call home 5 times.


2nd baby: Just before you walk out the door, you remember to leave a number where you can be reached.
3rd baby: You leave instructions for the sitter to call only if she sees blood.


At Home -


1st baby: You spend a good bit of every day just gazing at the baby.


2nd baby: You spend a bit of every day watching to be sure your older child isn't squeezing, poking, or hitting the baby.


3rd baby: You spend a little bit of every day hiding from the children.

Sorry this post was late coming out and is a short one.  I have to still write my column for the Eden Valley Messenger and am not too sure what I am going to write about at this time!!  So I had better get on with that.

Even if its not Mother's Day where you live, have a wonderful Sunday!

Gill xoxo

Just when you think things can't get any busier/chaotic......

Something else happens.

We are having some work done down the old basement, and some new windows put in both basements.  As far as we were aware the guys were booked in to start the job on May 18th; which by the way took me two weeks just to get a date out of them.

So on Monday the secretary called just before lunch time and asked if they could start on possibly Wednesday afternoon, definitely Thursday at the latest.  So I said no problem, but they were going to have to take up the deck, as dh wouldn't have time to do that......

Around 2:30pm on Monday she calls again and asks if they could move it forward as the Tuesday and Wednesday job they had planned had fallen through.  So I said fine, meanwhile me and dh had to clear out the old basement so they had room to work.  This was a job I hadn't planned on doing until Tuesday morning.  Infact this wasn't a job I had planned on doing until May!

I spent the morning cleaning the house, or attempting to.  Did a couple loads of laundry, that needed ironing when it had dried.  I planted some onions and lettuce in my cold frame.  Planted the two shrubs I had bought on the weekend.   Saw the first snake of the season, quite surprised as I didn't think it was warm enough for them.

I had bought some pork chops on clearance on Saturday, so had to cook them.  Made enough for a meal for Monday night and a meal for the freezer.  I had pulled out some ground beef/mince out of the freezer, and hadn't got around to using it.  So made a couple of shepherd's pies for the freezer.  Plus as we have workmen in all week, that will be handy as a quick meal for us.  Then while the oven was on for the chops, I made an apple crisp with some apples that needed to be used up.

After supper I tackled the grass again and got the field finally finished.  Also took a stick and got rid of the caterpillar nests in some of the trees.  Figured if I keep on top of them, I will hopefully stop them eating the trees this year.

Being the church greeter on Sunday was good.  I made sure I was pleasant to everyone, and reminded a few people I needed the recipes, and everyone was very friendly.  This coming week when I am the greeter again, I will also be helping out setting up for the after service coffee and cake meeting, that they have once a month.  So that should be good.

Here is my column for the Eden Valley Messenger. I think I will do the same one for the Orangeville Banner, this week as well, as it's relevant for those readers as well.

Column and other odds and ends.........

Here is this week's column for the Eden Valley Messenger.  I talk about the changeable weather this week.  Also Karen the editor of the Eden Valley Messenger has started her own blog, check it out here.  Say hello to her and wish her luck, she is a busy girl!!

I took some photos on Monday.  Nothing special just odds and ends.  This is a view north west of our house.

No one is home in these bird houses yet?

My lilac bush, it must be nearly a month ahead of last year.

I sorted out the "issue" with the church ladies, and have got them doing a section, in which they will do menu plans for specific church events/dates.  I spoke to the "ring leader" and asked if she could organize it, as I am not familiar with church holidays and what people in Canada would eat on those days.  Also I have enough on my plate with the rest of the cookbook.  I also advised her to make sure she got helpers to help her out with this, otherwise she would end up having to do it all herself.

So she is all happy with all this!  I also explained why I had deadlines to meet, so that too went down well, and hopefully she'll now get why I want things done for certain times.  So we'll see how things go from here.  Meanwhile I will carry on inputting the recipes and getting on with my side of things.........

Catholic Health Insurance...

A man suffered a serious heart attack and had open heart bypass surgery...


He awakened from the surgery to find himself in the care of nuns at a Catholic Hospital.


As he was recovering, a nun asked him questions regarding how he was going to pay for his treatment.


She asked if he had health insurance.


He replied, in a raspy voice, 'No health insurance.'


The nun asked if he had any money in the bank.


He replied. 'No money in the bank.'


The nun asked, 'Do you have a relative who could help you?'


He said, 'I only have a spinster sister, who is a nun..'


The nun became agitated and announced loudly, 'Nuns are not spinsters! Nuns are married to God.'


The patient replied, 'Send the bill to my Brother-in-Law.'

Earth Day/Money Saving Tips:

Unplug when you can.

It's one of the easiest things to do: unplug.

Standby (or phantom) power, may be haunting your house -- and costing you more money on energy bills than you bargained for. Standby power eats up electricity on common appliances throughout your home while they're not even on. Seem unfair? Phantom power in the United States is responsible for 5 percent of the total energy used and $3 billion in actual dollars wasted, according to the Department of Energy.

Unplugging even the appliances you rarely use, like refrigerators in the basement, could save you about $10 every month on your utility bill.
Using power strips to switch off televisions, home theaters and stereos when they're not in use could save the equivalent to that of a 75 or 100 watt light bulb running non-stop, according to the NRDC.

Did you remember to put your money in your Daily Savings Pot today?

Busy, busy day at The Acreage

My first job of the day on Tuesday was to clean out the closet.  This is what it looked like before hand. 

I threw all the lathe out through the bathroom window, and all the plaster I put into garbage bags.  So an hour later and seven garbage bags of plaster this is what it looked like.

I know I have to do the same again today, as dh ripped out more on Tuesday after work.

In the afternoon I finished off raking under the willow tree, the grass is greening up there nicely.

This is a photo of the fir tree and the other willow tree behind it.  I also raked under the fir and willow tree.

So now I need to have a fire as the firepit is over flowing.

That's the raspberry bushes behind the fire pit and they are not looking well at all, so don't think I will be harvesting raspberries this year :0(

Molly spent most of the day on the back deck protecting the house from those pesky squirrels.  They (the squirrels) have taken to sunbathing on the top of the logs in the sun.  Between me and you I think they do it just to annoy Molly!!

In my column this week for the Eden Valley Messenger I talk about the fighter jets that fly back and forward in the Eden Valley.  Here is a link to the column.

Did you remember to put your money in your Daily Savings Pot today?
Today's Money Saving Tip:

Manure. Visit local farms (even city farms) and see if they have any manure they are willing to give you. If you offer to muck out a pen for it yourself they may be more agreeable.

You could even make it a regular agreement and you would never have to buy another bag of manure.

If you don't want to use manure in your garden or you have difficulty getting hold of it you can also make your own fish fertilizer.

A couple of things......

This week's column for the Eden Valley Messenger is up and running here  I just want to thank Tracey for the graphic.  I bet we have all felt like that graphic some days!!

I stumbled across this blog via Sandra's Blog and what a story, these guys run the Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary  If you have a moment pop by and take a read, and vote for them so they can win money for their sanctuary.

Thanks for all your support yesterday, and unless they ask for it, no one's getting any money from me!!

Did you remember to put your money in your Daily Savings Pot today?

Today's Money Saving Tip:

11 Money Saving Tips That Will Extend The Life Of Your Refrigerator/Freezer




1. Locate refrigerators away from heat sources like your range, a radiator, or a sunny window. To prevent overheating and system failure, do not locate the refrigerator near anything that can restrict the airflow to the motor, coils and compressor. Also, do not place refrigerators on top of carpeting because most condensers are located under the refrigerator and carpeting retains heat and restricts airflow.


2. To avoid burning out the compressor, always plug the refrigerator directly into the wall. If you absolutely need to run an extension cord, make sure a heavy duty, 3-pronged extensions cord. If unsure, consult the manufacturer specifications in the user guide.


3. Never run frost-free refrigerators with freezer compartments in unheated areas with air temperature below 60 degrees F unless they are specially designed for such conditions. When the air temperature goes below 60 F, the compressor runs less, keeping temperatures in the refrigerator compartment cold enough for fresh food but not cold enough in the freezer compartment to keep food quality there. At air temperatures below 40 F, the compressor stops running, so the freezer compartment rises to air temperature and food thaws and spoils. Also below 32 F, water melted during the automatic defrost cycle may freeze again and block air passages.
4. When leaving for an extended time like a vacation or other long trip discard perishable food, turn off the ice maker and leave the refrigerator on.
5. Do not over fill the refrigerator because cold air can't circulate freely to regulate the temperature food.


6. To prevent odors and food quality; cover or wrap all exposed foods. Clean up spills and remove spoiled food immediately


7. Clean the refrigerator/freezer regularly by taking out all food and removable interior parts. Wash with a mild house hold detergent or baking soda and rinse with warm water. Rinse and wipe dry. Take out removable glass shelves and plastic and repeat the procedure. Be careful not put cold glass or plastic in hot water; they may crack. Clean the door gasket with detergent solution; rinse and dry. Do not use abrasives.


8. Clean condenser coils regularly by gently brushing off buildup that may cause overheating.


9. Regularly clean the seals in order to maintain proper temperature control and system efficiency.


10. Sweep or vacuum dust and other debris under and around your refrigerator to promote good airflow and temperature.


11. Always ship refrigerators upright. Placing the refrigerator on the side may cause a Freon leak that will prevent cooling. Placing refrigerator on its back will damage the condenser coils. Also, this can cause the compressor to fail if restarted before allowing the oil ample time to drain out of the lines and the compressor back into the oil chamber.

All came from this source

My two columns........and a bit of a strange/funny story....

Here is a link to my column this week at the Eden Valley Messenger, where I talk about being both British and Canadian.  Here is a link to my column in the Orangeville Banner, where I talk about the idiots on the road and how no one takes a blind bit of notice of the speed limits.

I think I am going to use the Eden Valley Messenger column on the Orangeville column next week, as I think its pertinent to both columns in this case. 

I forgot to tell you about this yesterday.  On Thursday we had a dove fly into our family room window.  There is nothing unusual about birds flying into our windows, except this one really hit the window hard.  Both me and Molly went running to the window to see what had hit it as there was such a bang.  I looked down and on the ground was a poor dove.  A very dazed dove, who looked as though it had hit the bottle.  It was staggering around and shaking it's head.  It was the funniest thing to watch. 

However, it then stopped moving and I have to say I got worried enough that I called the vet to see what I should do.  They told me to bring it in and they would put it out of its misery.  Well, I must admit, I wasn't happy with that idea.  So they told me to pick it up and put it in a tree out of harms way then.  So I went outside to pick it up, and as I was approaching it flew into the nearest tree, where it stayed for a couple of hours.  It then flew away.  I bet that poor birdie had one heck of a headache!!

Also on the way home from the hospital I had to stop on the road to let a wild turkey cross (back road through Mono Centre, dad) and for one brief moment as I was sitting there a thought flashed through my mind......EASTER DINNER......by then the turkey had wandered off.

However the more I think about it, how on earth would I have caught a turkey?  Then if I did actually catch it, how on earth would I have killed it?  I know you are supposed to wring their necks........well I think that's how you kill birds......but one look into its eyes and that would have been it, I would have had to bring it home as a pet and what would Molly have thought of that?

Then there will be the process of plucking it and emptying its inside's (icky), and would there be a lot of blood????  Oh for goodness sakes, it's easier and less aggrevating to go to the store and buy a bloody turkey!!

Gosh, I am stressed now, all because I saw a wild turkey!!

As I am typing this on Friday night, I am not sure which part of my body aches the most.  Me and dh spent the day putting our bedroom back together.  Dh put up two new lights in our bedroom and changed all the sockets and switches.  My job was to clean all the woodwork, as the masking tape I used sucked, even though it was the green stuff, and my paint bled behind the tape.  So I spent ages scraping off the paint of all the wood.

I still have a few bits and bobs to do, like fill up the small closet.  Dh still has the handles to put on the closet, and then I think that's it......thank goodness!!  Another job completed.

Did you remember to put your money in your Daily Savings Pot today?

Today's Money Saving Tip:

Instead of getting your hair cut every six weeks, stretch it too 9 weeks....

Again I apologise for not getting to your blogs, I am so tired and we have been so busy. 

My column, and other "stuff"

I talk about BBQ season or in my case cremating season in my column this week on The Eden Valley Messenger.  No idea what I am going to write about next week......no doubt something will pop up before the weekend.

The workmen arrived on Tuesday and  got all the drywall/plasterboard hung in the attic.  So now the guy who puts on the mud and tape will come in and sort it all out.  He has got the stomach flu at the moment, so not 100% sure when he is going to arrive?

It poured down all day on Tuesday and with the guys walking in and out, there is mud from one end of the house to the other.   However there is little point of doing too much cleaning as when the sanding begins its going to be nasty.  I am so not looking forward to that.

10 WAYS TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE "ESTROGEN ISSUES"

1. Everyone around you has an attitude problem.

2.You're adding chocolate chips to your cheese omelet.

3.The dryer has shrunk every last pair of your jeans.

4.Your husband is suddenly agreeing to everything you say.

5.You're using your cellular phone to dial up every bumper sticker that says "How's my driving-call 1-800-***-."

6.Everyone's head looks like an invitation to batting practice.

7. You're convinced there's a God and he's male.

8.You can't believe they don't make a tampon bigger than Super Plus.

9.You're sure that everyone is scheming to drive you crazy.

10.The ibuprofen bottle is empty and you bought it yesterday.

Off to get more chocolate and ibuprofen!!!

Did you remember to put your money in your daily savings pot?

Today's Money Saving Tip:

Keep it indoors. Whether you’re heating or cooling, you don’t want your energy going out the door. Caulk and weather-strip around doors and window frames. Closely check any area where pipes go from the outside of your home to the inside, especially plumbing pipes. And if you have operable storm windows, make sure those are shut, too.

What I was up to on my birthday........

It started out well, Molly let me have a lie-in until 7:45am. Then it went downhill when Molly rolled into something unmentionable.  So I had to haul her upstairs for a shower, all before I had even had my breakfast.  Happy Birthday Gill!

Anyhow, I opened my present from my mam first.  Must say she knows me well and has good taste.  She sent me a Radley purse, which I know means nothing to anyone this side of the ocean, but for the British crew they may ooh and aah.  Radley is a bit like Coach purses in the States.

She sent a couple of Spode teatowels.

A pack of four Denby coasters.

A Wedgwood tea light holder.  You know I am a sucker for any type of Wedgewood.

I got this tote bag from the Eden Valley Messenger.  For some reason blogger turned the photo.  You can win one of these tote bags by submitting a money saving tip here.

Dh brought home this lovely bunch of flowers.  He also got me a Chapter's gift card, a couple of scratch and win tickets (I won $3) and my main gift is a bit different.  He has got me a ticket for a Charity Fundraiser at a gallery in Whitby, Ontario at the end of April.  Each ticket is drawn randomly and you get to choose a piece of art donated by an artist.  Dd is also going so it should be good fun.

Dh also finished work early so I got to spend the afternoon with him as well.  Mind you we were busy, as he filed our taxes.  Then we were busy in the attic tidying that up, as they are coming on Monday to drywall the attic and sort out our bedroom ceiling.

I ventured into our shed for the first time since last Fall, as I wanted to get a container to cover the rhubarb to force it.  I was wearing my wellies, and discovered that I have leaks in my wellies, so the money my dad and step-mum gave me for my birthday I will use to buy myself another pair of wellies.

This week's column is up and running on the Eden Valley Messenger.  This week I talk about the Spring Thaw  If you have a few moments please pop by and have a read.

Did you remember to put your money in your pot for the Daily Savings Club today?

Today's money saving tip:

As the weather is getting better you may feel inclined to clean your windows.  Here is a recipe for homemade window cleaner:

2 TBSP cornstarch
1/2 cup household ammonia
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 gallon warm water

Mix the ingredients in a bucket, make sure cornstarch is thoroughly dissolved before using.

More recipes are here

I hope to get over to everyone's blogs later on in the week, as I am crazy busy this week, sorry.....

This week's column and other "stuff"

Here is a link to this week's column on the Eden Valley Messenger. If you feel like it, leave a comment, I'd really appreciate it.  The photo is of a sunset, not a sunrise at the end of the column.....

I had a busy day on Tuesday, doing all sorts of bits and bobs.  Below are some seeds I am starting.  On the left of the photo are four sections of the egg carton with White Spruce seeds.  I have no idea where I got the seeds from.  However I don't know if they will take, as I soaked them for twenty four hours and only three of them sank in the water.

On the other end of the egg carton I planted some marigolds.  I know I am a little early with them, but thought I'd give it a go.

I got a bit of a shock on Tuesday.  I was taking out the ashes in the morning, and had to empty the metal garbage bin I put them in.  So I walked over the snow (photo below), to throw them by the fence.  Luckily I had my wellies on, as the snow turned out to be as high as the top of my wellies.  What shocked me more, was my feet sunk in the snow and my body kept going, so I ended up flat on my face in the snow!!  The weather has been gorgeous these past few days, but there is still a lot of snow still to melt.

I managed to make a start on my apron, but have found a couple of more projects to complete now, so I guess I will be sewing next week as well!

When dh came home from work, we also installed the closet organizer so I will be spending Wednesday filling it with all our clothes.   I will post photos of it on Thursday.

Did you remember to put your money in your Daily Savings Pot?

Today's money saving tip:

Tips to make your fresh cuts flowers last longer:

1. Flowers always keep best when cut under running water with a sharp (un-serrated knife). Make the cut in the stem at a slant.

2. Before placing your flowers in a vase, be sure to remove any leaves that would be under water, but avoid removing any thorns (from Roses) as this shortens the life of your rose.

3. Prematurely Wilted roses are a result of air bubbles and/or bacteria. To prevent air-bubbles simply cut a new stem (under running water and at a slant).

4. Warm or Cold Water? Lukewarm is best for most cut flowers, but use Cold water for any flowers resulting from Bulbs such as tulips, hyacinths, etc.

5. Think your cut flowers look nice on your table with your fruit bowl? Think again! Fruit releases a natural gas that will cause your flowers to "age" and thus die sooner.

6. Keep Away from Direct Sunlight

All tips from this site

I know I have mentioned this a couple of times, but I am loving Swagbucks.  I just cashed in my points again on Tuesdays night for another $5 Amazon e-card.  That will be $40 worth of Amazon e-card I have received since the end of November.  If you want to know more just let me know, as its so easy to do.

This week's column and other "stuff"

This week's column is here This week it's school time memories, I hope you have a couple of minutes to have a quick read, and as always if you have time leave a comment, or better still, forward it onto your friends to read.  I appreciate that you take the time to read my column, and say a big thank you to each and every one of you for doing that.

If you have a couple more minutes to spare and want to figure out where your ideal vacation destination would be click on this link and take the quiz.  As per my answers, I am a Beach Bum.........sitting on the beach is not my idea of a holiday, although the suggestion to go to Costa Rica would be a place I would go, as I have heard it is lovely.

Made another Dump Cake, this time with peaches and raspberries, really good, though sweet....

Tuesday was one of those days when I was busy all day but didn't seem to achieve anything. 

I am going to have some good news to share with you in the next few days so stay tuned!!!

Did you remember to put your money in your Daily Savings Pot today?

Today's Money Saving Tip:

Combine your cable, internet and telephone service. Companies now offer combined services that not only cost less, but offer the convenience of a single bill.

Another column and more English Paper Piecing....

Another week, therefore another column from me for the Eden Valley Messenger  I would love it if you had an extra minute to pop by and have a read and leave a comment.  If you know of anyone else who may be interested forward it onto them as well please?  A couple of other bloggers were kind enough to mention me and my column on their blogs this past week, Expat Mum and Smitten By Britain, so a big thank you to them for that!!  If you have another couple of minutes to spare, pop over to their blogs and say hello, they would love that.

I just finished this table runner, it's around 25 inches by 12 inches.  It's dusty pink, brown and cream.  All the hexagons are hand sewn and hand sewn on the table runner.

This is the back of the table runner.

Below is the material for my next project.  As with the table runner, I have no idea what I am going to make yet.  I will figure it out as I go along.

It was a quiet day around the acreage on Monday.  As predicted it started to snow around lunch time, so much for the Spring like weather on the weekend, back to Winter weather again.

I am not at this point yet.....but could be there shortly!!

The Diary of a Snow Shoveler

December 8


6:00 PM. It started to snow. The first snow of the season and the wife and I took our cocktails and sat for hours by the window watching the huge soft flakes drift down from heaven. It looked like a Grandma Moses Print. So romantic we felt like newlyweds again. I love snow!



December 9


We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape. What a fantastic sight! Can there be a more lovely place in the Whole World? Moving here was the best idea I've ever had. Shoveled for the first time in years and felt like a boy again. I did both our driveway and the sidewalks. This afternoon the snowplow came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again. What a perfect life.



December 12


The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a disappointment. My neighbor tells me not to worry, we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such a nice man, I'm glad he's our neighbor.



December 14


Snow lovely snow! 8" last night. The temperature dropped to -20. The cold makes everything sparkle so. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up by shoveling the driveway and sidewalks. This is the life!



The snowplow came back this afternoon and buried everything again. I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shoveling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this way.



December 15


20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought a 4x4 Blazer. Bought snow tires for the wife's car and 2 extra shovels. Stocked the freezer.



The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think that's silly. We aren't in Alaska, after all.



December 16


Ice storm this morning. Fell on my butt on the ice in the driveway putting down salt. Hurt like heck. The wife laughed for one hour, which I think was very cruel.



December 17


Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go anywhere.



Electricity was off for 5 hours. I had to pile the blankets on to stay warm. Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to irritate her. Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to her. God I hate it when she's right. I can't believe I'm freezing to death in my own living room.



December 20


Electricity's back on, but had another 14" of the damn stuff last night. More shoveling. Took all day. Darn snowplow came by twice.



Tried to find a neighbor kid to shovel, but they said they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying. Called the only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower and they're out. Might have another shipment in March. I think they're lying. Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and bill me. I think he's lying.


December 22


Bob was right about a white Christmas because 13 more inches of the white crap fell today, and it's so cold it probably won't melt till August. Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to go out to shovel and then I had to poop. By the time I got undressed, pooped and dressed again, I was too tired to shovel. Tried to hire Bob who has a plow on his truck for the rest of the winter; but he says he's too busy. I think the jerk is lying.



December 23


Only 2" of snow today. And it warmed up to 0. The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning. What is she nuts!!! Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago? She says she did but I think she's lying.



December 24


6". Snow packed so hard by snowplow, I broke the shovel. Thought I was having a heart attack. If I ever catch the man who drives that snowplow I'll drag him through the snow by his nose and beat him to death with my broken shovel. I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shoveling and then he comes down the street at 100 miles an hour and throws snow all over where I've just been!



Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents, but I was too busy watching for the snowplow.



December 25


Merry -bleeping- Christmas! 20 more inches of the slop tonight. Snowed in. The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil. I hate the snow! Then the snowplow driver came by asking for a donation and I hit him over the head with my shovel. The wife says I have a bad attitude. I think she's a fricking idiot. If I have to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" one more time, I'm going to stuff her into the microwave.



December 26


Still snowed in. Why the heck did I ever move here? It was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.



December 27


Temperature dropped to -30 and the pipes froze, plumber came after 14 hours of waiting for him, he only charged me $1400 to replace all my pipes.

December 28


Warmed up to above -20. Still snowed in. THE WITCH is driving me crazy!!!



December 29


10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it could cave in. That's the silliest thing I ever heard. How dumb does he think I am?

December 30


Roof caved in. I beat up the snow plow driver he is now suing me for a million dollars not only the beating I gave him but also for trying to shove the broken snow shovel up where the sun don't shine. The wife went home to her mother. 9" predicted.



December 31


I set fire to what's left of the house. No more shoveling.


January 8


Feel so good. I just love those little white pills they keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed?

Oh the joys of Winter!!

Did you remember to put your money in your Daily Savings Pot today?
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Today's Money Saving Tip:

Is less better? Perhaps it was due to the booming economy, perhaps "keeping up with the Joneses", maybe its ego, but for many of us, we often seem to insist on the biggest and the best, no matter what the cost. When a $15,000 new car may be more than acceptable, we stretch the seams of our budget to afford a $25,000 vehicle. We buy $25 shirts with $35 designer labels attached. We opt for the $100 dinner at the trendy restaurant when a $20 meal would have been just as delicious. Think about where you are spending the family money--and how--to see if there couldn't be savings found with minor changes in habits.