Christmas is changing........(Spolier alert about Santa!!)

 albeit slowly in our house, but it's changing.  

This year I am giving Christmas cards out to only immediate family, and people who we will see in person.  Years gone by we would have up to 50 or more cards from various people.  Our kids only send cards to immediate family as well and I think that's under pressure from me!!

I am normally organized and have everything done and wrapped by this time.  Not this year, and instead of a pile of presents, it's a couple of small gifts and money, other than for the two boys, as they are only 4 & 7 and don't understand the concept of money yet, not like the older ones.

If I hadn't of had that party on the weekend, I know I would be not doing as much decorating around the house.  I think it would have just been the tree and a couple of other things.

Now we have grandkids, we have not had Christmas Day at our house in years, and I love it...LOL  At the end of the day Christmas is for kids, not for us oldies!!  These past two years it was one or the other of our adult children and their family away over Christmas, and again that's fine.  When there are inlaws involved, you have to share, which I am totally fine about.

The older we get the less we are bothered about Christmas.  However, I do love to see the kids' face when they open their gifts and I love the excitement they have about Santa coming.  I also enjoy threatening the two little ones with, "If you don't listen, I'm going to have a word with Santa and tell him you've been a naughty boy!!"  As that threat still works!!  Listening is a major problem with the boys.....just saying!!

The next bit is a SPOLIER ALERT ABOUT SANTA!!!

With the girls, the 12 year old, does not believe in Santa, sorry to disappoint you if you still believe in him!  However, she hasn't actually come out and said it.....just in case Santa does not come!!  The 9 year old is on the cusp of not believing, but again doesn't want to come out with it, just in case!!

So yes, Christmas is changing around here, but my memories of Christmas's past will always remain.

How about you?

Spoiled rotten.....

Yesterday was my birthday.  I had Liam overnight and so we had a quiet day.  I was thoroughly spoiled though by all my family.  Hubby got me a new Fitbit watch.  Dd and family made up a six month "subscription" for cross stitch stuff.  So I have a present to open on the 15th of the month for the next six months. Son and family got me these:

Have you seen these Lego sets?  I fell in love with them the first time I saw them.

I figured I couldn't "kill" these flowers😁

Lego has brought out some really neat adult sets.  Are you a fan of Lego?  Can't wait to start making these.

Another Christmas over with.

We had a lovely time and we were lucky to get some lovely gifts, especially from the kids.  This is what was in the gift box from them:

A $25 Subway Gift Card.
A $50 Bistro Seven Seven Gift Card
A $50 The Crazy Fox Bistro Gift Card
A $25 Tim Horton's Gift Card
A $25 Bon Appetit Gift Card (Kelsey's, Harvey's, Montana's, Milestone's & Swiss Chalet)
A $25 William's Fresh Cafe Gift Card

We asked for gift cards to restaurants, and this is perfect.  We also got a $25 Bon Appetit from another couple.  

We played The Game of Life and had a good time.  Will say it says it's for people age 9 +; we all thought it was confusing enough for adults remembering all the rules never mind children under 12.

I made a Butterball turkey, you cook if from frozen, so it took 6 hours to cook.  It was stuffed and I must say neither me nor dh were very impressed with it.  I prefer my own stuffing and a basic utility turkey; so back to that next year.  Will say it's a lot of work for a meal eaten in 20 minutes.

I think we all had a nap in the afternoon...........I blame it on the turkey, not getting old!!

Hoping to get some deals in the sale today.  Do you go shopping on Boxing Day?

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

A little more of a relaxed day on Wednesday....

as I had company over on Wednesday, my dad and step-mum, along with two of their good friends a smashing couple, who brought me gifts!!!  They bought me a lovely oven mitt and a matching apron.

The builders were here all the day on Wednesday.  I just wanted to show you one of the old windows in the old basement.  This one is going to be blocked in, as it's under the deck.

This is what one of the new windows look like.  The piping in the window is from our water softener.

There was nothing much on squirrel tv on Wednesday, as it was so cold.  Though they did come out to play after supper.

I didn't get out in the garden on Wednesday, just too cold for me.

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.....

I may be another year older, but am I wiser?

Wisdom doesn't necessarily come with age. Sometimes age just shows up all by itself. ~Tom Wilson

So here I am, another year older.  I remember last year asking if I was half way through my life, as I turned 45 years of age.  I am guessing I am wanting to live until I am 90 years of age from that thought, but honestly I would be happy to reach 80 years of age.

One of my mother's neighbours is in her early 90's and has had to go into a home as she can't cope anymore.  I don't want to get like that, I like my independance, and I don't want to be a burden on anyone.  Since moving up here, I seem to be mixing with a lot more older people and are seeing their struggles "health wise" first hand, and I don't want to go through those.

My pop (grandfather) died to my mind the best way.  He got up one morning, went downstairs, my nana made him a cup of tea, he sat in his chair, not sure if he drank it or not, but he had a heart attack and died there and then in his chair.  A heck of a shock for my nana and the rest of the family, but at least he didn't suffer.  That's how I want to go, and as heart/blood pressure problems are common on both sides of my family,  there is a good chance that I will go the same way.

Gosh that was a doom and gloom way to start a post.  So lets move onto something a bit brighter!!

As we started celebrating my birthday on Saturday, I started getting presents on Saturday night.  The kids bought me a 2 year subscription to the Sew News magazine, which is such a perfect gift for me, as I am a magazine junkie, and I love to sew!!  That night I also got the orchid from R & M that I featured in yesterday's Today's Flower post.

On Sunday my dad and step-mum came up for lunch, homemade quiche, baked potatoes, potato salad, and garden salad.  Homemade apple pie or peach tarts for dessert.  I made a pound and a half of pastry and got a lot of things out of it.

Anyhow they bought me The Chocolate Bible...........do they know I love chocolate, of course they do!!!

I will post on Tuesday what else I get.

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

Today's Money Saving Tip:

In a restaurant before ordering ask about "specials" not on the menu. These are often very fresh and good bargains. Many restaurants have regular specials each day of the week. Generally Monday through Thursday are the best deals.

Happy Mother's Day and water softener woes.........

First of all Happy Mother's Day to all you mother's out there. It's Mother's Day here in Canada and the USA.

We celebrated Mother's Day on Saturday as dd boyfriend works on a Sunday. She invited me and dh down for lunch and she made a lovely meal of club sandwiches with Cesar salad and cheesecake for dessert.

Ds, dd and dd boyfriend all clubbed together to by me this Ipod:


As you can see it's in my favourite colour red, and dd downloaded 85 songs on it for me, and I have to say, she knows me so well, as I listened to some of them on the way home and they are great. It's tiny but will be great when I am cutting the grass or in the garden.

Then dh got me Wii Fit:

As I said to dh, I will probably get more use out of this when the weather is colder than in the Summer when I am outdoors a lot anyhow. Still it was great of him to get that for me, so I have been a very lucky mother again this year, helped by being blessed with two wonderful children!!

Now for the Water Softener woes. We have never had a water softener in our prior homes, so this is all new to us. This one in our house was of course icky, and it had no salt in it, plus they didn't leave a manual on how it works. So I picked up three 20 kg bags of salt last week, but haven't had the time to dismantle the tub and wash it all out.

Finally managed to get that done Saturday morning in the middle of a torrential downpour!! I am standing out there with my flowery rain boots on, my bright pink capris and my anorak hosing out this tub. Needless to say I got drenched. In case you were wondering where dh was, he was busy trying to connect the downspout to the eaves trough on the garage, to stop that flooding into the garage. So yes he was soaked as well.

So we put the salt in, but wasn't sure what else to do with it. Anyhow, dd boyfriend found some information in the internet, and we had to add 5 gallons of water to it. So I did that when we got home later Saturday night. Now we have to study the instructions that "B" found and see what else we have to do. It is set up for something, not sure what though at this point.

We're not daft, it's just that we have never had to deal with this sort of thing before so its all very foreign to us!!!

Considering I am now middle aged and on the slippery slope to dying, I had a good birthday!!!

First of all it was a gorgeous day, the sun was shining, I was raking the front grass and doing some tidying up jobs outside with just my t-shirt on........well my jogging pants, underwear and crocs as well.......don't want to give you the wrong idea.

I got some lovely gifts. Dh got me these earrings:



Along with a gift certificate for Chapters bookstore and a couple of scratch and win cards, I never won anything. I am also ordering a subscription to Mother Earth News and Prima, as part of my birthday gift, just didn't want to order until closer to we move, so I don't have to change the address.

From my dad and step-mum I got money, always useful!!!

From my mam and step-father I got this Spode Cup and Saucer, isn't it pretty?


They also sent me three packages of seeds to spread in my new garden, which will also be pretty and very useful.

My friend got me two magazines which is great, as I am a magazine fanatic. Plus she got me a canister of red tea bags and a canister of green tea bags.

My other friend and neighbour bought me a super Dartington Glass Vase and a bunch of flowers to put into it.



Notice how it is a 2 piece vase:



Last but not least, the kids got me the following, a flower saucer to put my used tea bags on:



A fridge magnet, love the saying on it:


A recipe binder, with an extra pack of recipe cards:


And last but not least my new wellies, aren't they cute:


So all in all I was a very lucky person. Plus me, dh, dd and her boyfriend went out for supper.

Odds and ends, bits and bobs, that sort of thing.....

At this time of year we get a fair bit of mail, mainly Christmas cards. I got a Christmas card this morning from England and when I saw the envelope I had to laugh to myself, as it had been sliced open, by whom, I have no idea. Why it was sliced open, I do know why. The card was the exact size of the money holder cards you can buy from the card shops to put money gifts in. It wasn't sliced open accidentally, it was sliced open on purpose, as it was such a neat cut. Shame it was only a Christmas card, and not a money holder card!!!!!

I also went to the post office today to mail some things. One of them was an envelope that was going to Ireland. When the lady in the post office came to weigh it, it was 202 grams, and was going to cost me nearly $13 to mail. She said if it was 199 grams or under it would be $6.40, so off I go home to reduce the weight. What a difference a couple of grams can make, don't you think?

At this time of year I think most people probably feel more charitable to others than at other times of the year, don't you think? I know I do, and although we don't have a lot to give monetary wise I do try to do the odd thing. I go to a couple of shows each year and get a pile of samples and freebies from them. So this year I decided to put together two gift baskets and drop them off at the woman's shelter. Here are photos of them:








The shelter that I donated them to, is for women and their children. So with it being cold season, I also picked up a dozen boxes of Kleenex and dropped them off at the same time. It wasn't much, but better than nothing. One of my goals this year, is to get on sale toiletries and keep donating them to the shelter. (on a side note, did you notice the tiny Christmas crackers on the baskets, I buy them in the Boxing Day sales, super cheap, it adds a festive touch don't you think? I add these to all my gift bags)

Last but not least, I am all excited about a present under the tree. My mother and step-father send us gifts every year (thank you both) and we have had those parcels now for a month or so, as she sends them surface back in October. I finally got around to unwrapping them from the brown paper and putting them under the tree. Now being the nosy person that I am, I of course had a good look at my carefully wrapped present, and you know what, part of it looks exactly like the box that my Wedgwood ornament came in last year.



Remember this photo:



So I am now all excited, only 6 more sleeps until Santa comes!!!!!

***BIT OF AN UPDATE, I HAVE THE RECYCLED CHRISTMAS CARD POST DONE, JUST NEED TO ADD PHOTOS, AND IT WILL BE POSTED ON JANUARY 2ND, 2009******

A great gift for me......

I got the best gift given today from ds girlfriend K. She was in Halifax last week and picked us up all gifts which was so kind of her. I am a big Coronation Street fan and she got me this:


A close up of the front of the t-shirt:


A close up of the back:


K wouldn't have known this but I have been eying this t-shirt for a while as I get the newsletter from this company Cows Great minds think alike, and thanks again K for this great gift!!!!