Sunday, December 28, 2008

I love my Christmas Present!

So this year I actually asked for a Kitchen Appliance - a new programmable slow cooker and it's already been used twice since Christmas Day!




The first meal made in it was Bacon Wrapped Chicken breast

and then a recipe that brings back memories from a wonderful trip to Nashville, TN.

BBQ Pulled Pork


Saturday, December 27, 2008

I saw this HUBBY survey on Janelle's blog and decided to do it!

1. He's sitting in front of the television, what is on the screen?
Big surprise here for some of you - SPORTS! And I don't just mean hockey, baseball, football either, the guy would even watch paint dry if it was a sport!!


2. You're out to eat what kind of dressing does he get on his salad?
Thousand Island most of the time.

3. What's one food he doesn't like?
Avocado

4. You go out to a bar, what does he order?
Beer for a beverage and buffalo hot wings for a food

5. Where did he go to high school?
Port Coquitlam, BC

6. What shoe size does he wear?
10.5 for most shoes, depends on the style

7. If he was to collect anything what would it be?
Sports memorabilia

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich?
Grilled cheese with onion

9. What would he eat every day if he could?
homemade chocolate chip cookies

10. What is his favorite cereal?
Capt'n Crunch

11. What would he never wear?
Pink of anything or a thong

12. What is his favorite sports team? Oh boy…I could list a whole PAGE here! But here's just a few… HOCKEY = Vancouver Canucks, FOOTBALL = BC Lions, BASEBALL = Toronto Blue Jays, his favorite GOLFER = Tiger Woods

13. Who did he vote for?
Won't discuss politics

14. Who is his best friend?
For guy friend I think what's important is that both of them know who the other is.
For girl friend moi of course

15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do?
Procrastinate

16. How many provinces has he lived in?
Three (BC, Alberta & Saskatchewan)

17. What is his heritage? Canadian (of course), French, Scandanavian

18. You bake him a cake for his birthday what would it be?
He loved Auntie Gloria's Black Forest Cake so I would attempt that.

19. Did he play sports in high school?
Sure did. My husband could be in the dictionary for JOCK when it comes to how many sports he can play and totally excels at. (ditto to what Janelle says!)

20. What could he spend hours doing?
F I S H I N G!


21. What's something cool about him?
That he really is kind hearted and can be a sentimental fool.

22. What's something not cool about him?
He sometimes doesn't know when to quit tormenting or when to cork it!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Meal Plan Monday



Rosemary and Garlic Roasted Chicken , grilled vegetables and rice

Greek Salad, Beef Souvlaki, Rice Pilaf and Pita

Chili and whole wheat buns

Chicken Ceasar salad, garlic toast

Homemade Pepperoni with Feta Pizza and Garden Salad

Pork Kabobs, fire roasted peppers, grilled seasoned red potatos

What to do and how to get there?

I'm struggling with this and am sure there are many of us who do. I want to lose weight, more importantly I NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT! However, I've been extremely lazy and though I want to get more physically active there is just no motivation.

Our eating has not been nearly as good as it was either. We've both fallen back into an unhealthier eating pattern and I think it's one of those "What we know, comfort zone" things. I'm pulling out the cook books and getting some fresh, new meal ideas and perhaps that will help again get the motivation going for healthier meals.
Along with that is going to be meal preparation on Sundays because by the time I get home from work the process of preparing a healthy meal is daunting.

I have been walking Cleo at least 4 times a week but know that is not nearly enough, yes it is a start but not enough to fire up the metabolism. Must make a date with some exercise equipment and Laura's place. This is one that has to be added to the "Going to do it" not the "I have to".

Off to vacuum and paint the rest of the trim for the door and window. Repairman will be here this week to update some wiring in the office and it's good to go. I will post pictures of the process. It has been awhile but the office was put on the backburner while we enjoyed summer.

ta ta for now
xo Pen

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Meal Plan Monday



Monday - Turkey Soup, homemade buns

Tuesday - Swiss steak, mashed potatoes and veggies

Wednesday - Grilled pork kabobs, rice and vegetable medley

Thursday - Turkey pot pie

Friday - Chili, rice and buns

Saturday - eating out

Sunday - Roast beef w/ horseradish, mashed potatoes and carrots

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

I need some closet design ideas

for my scraproom. I have a few ideas but am limited up here with finding the stuff I want and need. I'm going to PG hopefully next month and will find some stuff there but would like to know what some of your ideas may be.....that is if anyone reads this, lol.

Off to google scraprooms...

Tuesdays 'THANKFUL THOTS'

Short and sweet this week:

1. Ipod Nano - quickly becoming my best friend on walks. I've downloaded some old music that I can get lost in while walking. Before I know it 40 minutes has zipped by.

2. Warm blankets - love crawling into a chilly bed and quickly warming up.

3. Chocolate - ahhh so little time and so much chocolate!

What are your 'Thankful Thots'

Monday, October 6, 2008

Meal Plan Monday




This week's meals:


Monday - Taco Pie for Mexican Night

Tuesday - Pork Butt steaks, grilled veggies and rice

Wednesday - Neil's going away party (dinner at the Keg)

Thursday - Chicken kabobs, greek salad, whole wheat pita

Friday - Swiss steak, mashed potatoes and carrots

Saturday - THANKSGIVING DINNER YUMMY!!

Sunday - Leftovers


That's is for this week - what are you having? Check out Laura's page to see what others are having. MEAL PLAN MONDAY LINK

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Tuesdays '3 Thankful Thots'



- I am thankful for the family and friends that are such an amazing part of my life. Whether we see each other once every so often or a couple times each day, you are all part of the stitching that keeps my stuffin in!

- I am thankful to have a job that not only provides a pay cheque but also gives me the opportunity to work with some fun, considerate and caring people.

- I am thankful for the gift of humour for it keeps me sane most days.


What are your 3 Thankful thots?




Friday, September 19, 2008

Why do men do this!!

Hal and I are hosting his ball teams season wrap up party tomorrow night and he comes home tonight all in a tizzy....


Today we had a glitch with the truck - the brakes are leaking fluid. He's panicking cuz he wants to fix them himself and needs the garage free. First thing he says to me tonight when he comes home is, "I need you to help move your desk (in boxes) to your office now so I can use the garage." Ummm hellooo, I'm cleaning house, doing laundry and getting prepared for the ball party and no, it's not going into my office because it still needs to be painted. I'm not moving it into there, move it back out to paint and then have to movie it back in again!

Then he's going on about how much he has to do to get ready. Hello again - you decided to pressure wash the deck tomorrow and there are three guys to put up a tarp and set up the table!

I have regular housework (which for me is dusting, vacuuming, scrubbing floors, cleaning both bathrooms, freshening up the spare room in case it's needed tomorrow night, cleaning up our bedroom and organizing the refrigeraters in case we need them tomorrow. Plus I'm making the potato dish tomorrow. I don't have three people doing this - it's me! However, if it all doesn't get done my world won't crumble - so you may be able to write me messages in the dust on my entertainment unit, lol. The toilet's gonna be clean, your dishes are going to be clean - let's have fun!

Don't get me wrong I love entertaining but I don't love it when my other half gets all stressed out and grouchy with me. If it gets done, it gets done. If not, don't flipping sweat it!

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Missing Quade


I'm having a really hard time tonight with the loss of my boy and now know that it has been on the back of my mind. I was talking with Laura last night about it and today saw a Boxer romping and playing and thinking 'That should have been Quade'. It was 4 months on the 15th that we had him put to sleep and it feels at times like light years away but then at times like it was yesterday.

What is bothering me is the look in his eyes the day we had him put down and i've not been able to talk to anyone about it until last night with Laura. God he fought the medication that was to sedate him, he had a look in his eyes of "What is going on?" He had that look he got when he was confused about something or a bit scared because he didn't know what it was. All the while reassuring him that it was gonna be okay but fighting back tears. He knew we were upset and that probably had him wondering as well. Maybe i'm personalizing him too much and reading too much into it, that's what we tell ourselves anyways.

He was fighting the drugs that were killing him, he wasn't ready in mind or body for that matter. It was because of pain that we did this terrible thing to him. I look forward to the day I no longer remember seeing that look in his eyes as he fought against what was happening.
Our boy would have been 1 on August 2.

We talk about him, we have pictures of him out but sometimes wish that I could just sweep all those memories away and not deal with this emotional pain. We have lost members of our human family but time has a way of healing the deep hurt and maybe because this is the most recent it seems to hurt the most.

We have also been talking about getting another pup and perhaps that has been a trigger but at the same time feel like we are ready for another little bundle of energy.

Off to cuddle with Cleo and Willow and wait for Sailor man to come home.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Fight Night Saturday and surprises!

Shout out to Laura!! You are the most amazing, wonderful friend and person. You never cease to amaze me with your kindness, consideration and how you always think of others.

Last night we went to Laura and Adam's for UFC Fight Night along with a group of friends. It was nice that Hal was actually able to come as well and meet Lewis and Rita. Anyway back to the surprise end of things...

We had finished eating, there was a group watching fights and another group of us playing games and some were downstairs playing Guitar Hero, pool, etc. All of the sudden it gets quiet and there are only a few people around. Next thing you know a bunch come out of Laura and Adam's bedroom singing 'Happy Birthday!'. OMG I was so embarrased and I told Laura she was a bugger and an ass (in a nice way okay and it has to do with the ass family, lol). Well they got me, had no freaking idea that she was going to do that. Guess I had walked right by the cake and didn't see it, saw the beautiful bouquet of flowers and they were soooo cheerful in her dining room.

I said "thank you" and stuff but words cannot express how my heart feels Laura. You are a blessing to all of us who have been touched by your kindness and love.

Big hugs and a heartful of love to you dear friend!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo Pen Pen

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

What to blog?

I feel like blogging but can't quite put my finger on what it is that needs to be blogged.....will be back later with whatever is on my mind.

xo Pen

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Thinking positive!




I've had this discussion a few times with people about how our own personal outlook really can affect our whole demeanor, outlook and daily attitude.

If you think it's a bad day, it's gonna be a bad day but you can really switch it by changing your outlook. Smile at someone and say 'hello', most times you'll get a smile back. If it's pouring rain outside and you don't want to get wet but want to do something productive then find something to do around the house or pick up a hobby. Sometimes just doing something quiet too gives us time to reflect on all of our blessings.

All to often I'll catch myself hiding out in the house and being very anti-social and think...I really need to be out amongst people. Doesn't necessarily mean hanging out with someone but just going to the mall, taking the dog for a walk or picking up the phone and talking to a friend. Making that connection with the outside world really helps.

Package up the negative, store it away. Think of all the good and positive in your life or some funny things that have happened and it's guaranteed to put a smile on your face, lighten your mood and change the outcome of your day.

Life is what we make it - Smile (they're free too).




Saturday, July 26, 2008

Yay colour back on the blog!

Since I've changed the blog template all pictures have shown up in gray and it was driving me crazy. Tonight was the night to sit down and go through the Template HTML and find the problem. Turns out there was a Filter on for images and it has now been changed to 'none' and voila....COLOUR!!

Can you all believe that it's already almost the beginning of August? There was so many things that we wanted to get done in the yard but it's been set aside and we are learning that we have to quit saying "I'll get to it" and just do it while we think of it. It's far to easy to get sidetracked and carried away with other things.


Now for a vent! Went to breakfast today with the familia Taylor after garage saling and enjoyed seeing everyone, had a good meal and lots of coffee. Afterwards Laura, Colton and I did a little bit of shopping, took them home and then headed back to get Hal for lunch. Well outside OWT there is a group bbq'ing hot dogs and smokie dogs and thought "Oh Hal enjoys these and as soon as he smells them he's going to want some for lunch." I go pay for two and he comes out just as they were ready so he loads them up with mustard and ketchup. Off we go heading home. I told him at the table that they should be wrapped or stuff will fall all over.


We get home and sure enough there is mustard and ketchup on the console between us and he gets all spazzy. Heads into the house for me to get what is left in the truck so I load up my arms and in I go. He says to me "Did you clean up the mess?!?!" At this I say to him "Who made the bloody mess and was asked to wrap the things better so there was no mess?!?!" I then laughed in sheer madness and asked "Where are you eating your lunch? He replies "I'm not sure..why?"

My reply "Cuz where ever you are I AM NOT!"


Sheesh, try to do something kind and it bites ya in the ass....no more smokies at lunch for Hal, he's on his own, lol.

Here are some pictures from the last little bit to close off tonights random, all over the place blog.

Surprise! New neighbour.



View of the Kitimat River from the Drift Boat:


I believe this is Wathl Creek but am not 100% sure so my apologies if I'm incorrect.


Mom F., Hal and Dad F.
Staining the fence - what a difference!

Saturday, July 19, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAURA!!

Wishing my dear, sweet friend Laura the bestest Birthday ever.


I know you day is busy today with Gaylene's wedding but hope you get a little extra luvin' and lots of happiness on your special day.


Love you lots,

Happy Birthday from Pen, Harry, Cleo and Willow


Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Off to Mexico!

OMG I am so freaking excited! Jackie called the other night and promptly says "Wanna go to Mexico?" I started to laugh and she said that she was serious and for a smoking deal we could go for a week, all inclusive to Puerto Vallarta! Shout out to Jackie's friend for hooking us up!

Laura is going as is Jackie's friend and some of her family so there will be a group of us there and easier to split up and do different things if that is the case. We have to pay for Terrace to Vancouver and are hoping that a seat sale will pop up soon, if not I still have airmiles to cover it.

The resort is no frills type all inclusive but the price is right and we plan on doing a few day trips and I'm looking forward to a few days on the beach with a good book and some relaxation.

I have to say that Hal is amazing and love him to pieces. This is a girls trip and at first he was a bit put out and I understand that as I would most definitely feel the very same way but would not deny him going if it was a deal as good as this. He said the only thing I have to do is go to Yelapa and try some of the home baked pies. Told him that I'm not much for desserts but if that means I can go then I'd eat a whole pie, lol.

We leave September 1 and come home on the 8th.....6 weeks to Mexico!

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Cool space saving idea!

I'm going to try to utilize this idea when I renovate the home office/craft area. I absolutely love the space saving and the ability to have a table pop down out of the closet so that I can do gift wrapping, etc. and use the wrapping paper, ribbons, etc. right in the closet without dragging it all out.

Looking forward to getting down to business.....ummmm, errr, Shari, please read the following ad:

Tool challenged woman looking for a Carpenter.
Will do childcare in trade. If interested please
call Harry and Penz place.

LOL.








http://www.ivydesign.at/downloads/Picture_Table_Picture_Bench_Folder.pdf

Friday, July 11, 2008

Missing friends and my time!


somethings been bothering me for a bit and haven't been able to put a finger on it until two minutes ago...

I'm sadly missing friend time and have to say that though some of us have gotten together for a quick lunch, a walk or a chat on the phone it's not enough. I'm missing time....time to relax and enjoy the company of friends where we are not shopping, dining or driving in a vehicle. Don't get me wrong, I love that but just feel the need to reconnect.

The days are flying by far to quickly, we have half a year left and want to plan something to do.

Missing all of you and planning.....not sure what yet but you'll know when it's set, lol.

xoxoxo Pen

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Getting to know you..


No pressure to do this, only if you want, these are a great way to find out a bit more about your friends.
Happy Thursday,
Penny
                         
       
Welcome to the new 2008 edition of getting to know your  friends!
             
Here is what you are supposed to do, and try not to be lame and spoil the fun.   Change all the answers so that they apply to you.  Then send this to a bunch of people you know,  INCLUDING the person who sent it to you...
             
1. What is your occupation right now?   I'm A-Counting
2. What color are your socks right now? socks???  who wears socks, lol
3. What are you listening to right now?  Radio       
4. What was the last thing that you ate?   Kashi Granola bar and yogurt
5. Can you drive a stick shift?         Yes, how well is debatable
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone?  Customer      
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yeppers
  8. How old are you today?  38 (for another month...)       
  9. What is your favorite sport to watch?   My hunny playing ball.
10. What is your favorite drink?     Water and coffee       
11. Have you ever dyed your hair?    Yes
12. Favourite food?    Greek       
13. What is the last movie you watched?  Martian Child
14. Favourite day of the year? Any day the sun shines here and that I'm still breathing air      
15. How do you vent anger? mostly snap at my hunny or cry
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? (lmao at Jackies answer)  My bear
17. What is your favorite season?  Summer
18. Cherries or Blueberries?   Cherries
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back?  Only if they want to and Jackie sent this.       
20. Who is the most likely to respond?   Does it matter?
21. Who is least likely to respond?        See the answer to 21 
22. Living arrangement?  In a house......with Hal, Cleo and Willow
23. When was the last time you cried?  April 17 was a pretty good cry
24. What is on the floor of your closet?   nothing, laundry boy was busy, lol      
25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to? My Mommy and sister      
26. What did you do last night?  Ate dinner, read 8 chapters  and then sleep       
27. What inspires you the most?   Children and the sun       
28. What are you most afraid of?  Losing someone I love & knowing it will happen again, sure as I breathe.
29. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers?  Cheesy       
30. Favorite dog breed?  Rottweiler       
31. Favorite day of the week? Friday       
32. Provinces have you lived in?  B.C., Alberta and Nova Scotia
                                                
 


 


Monday, July 7, 2008

It's been a while....

since i've blogged and thought it's time for an update.

It's been roughly one week since we've had internet and have to say that it wasn't really missed other then email and quick check ups on facebook to see how friends and family from near and far are doing.

I would like to ask that you all keep a dear friend, Jenny and her family, in your prayers. Her Dad passed away on July 1st after a month of many health challenges/hurdles.

To lose a Father is one of the hardest things on earth. They were your rock growing up, the one who was always there and who seemed to be the roots of the tree, holding it firm to the earth. Jenny, your Dad has passed but will forever live on in you and your family. I think every time you look at sweet Seamus you will forever see your Dad's reflection in his face. Can't wait to see you and to give you a hug in person.

Hal's Dad and step Mom Bernice were here for a week long visit and a lot of healing was done in that short amount of time. Bernice felt as I did and wanted Hal and Clancy to have time alone and what better way then to let them bond over fishing...one of Hal's true loves. Hal's Dad even outfished him, lol. It was wonderful to have them here for a visit and we won't be waiting 12 more years before seeing them again.

Back to work tomorrow and though I miss Marianne and Deborah it was sooo nice to have a break and just not even think about work. We will be trying to get a week off towards the end of September to go to Hal's great Aunt's 90th Birthday. On the way home we'll be stopping in Vernon and Salmon Arm to visit with family and get our butts home and ready for winter again. Can't believe how fast this summer has gone and that winter is really only months away.

Today was spent relaxing, Hal and I both slept the afternoon away, it's been a very, very long time since we've done that.

Off to clean up the kitchen and then get back to reading the last half of the book.

xoxo until next time.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHARI!!




Wishing you an extra special day filled with much love, happiness and JOY!

You are an amazing person who's happiness, humour and friendship makes everyday moments extra wonderful!

Hugs, love and Birthday smooches,
Hal, Pen, Cleo and even Willow.

Saturday, May 31, 2008

A real holiday...did I just say that?

Holy crap, if I'd known 10 years ago that what I said tonight would have worked I'd have said it!!!!

I asked Hal where he would like to go on vacation: Mexico, Hawaii, Dominican, Europe, etc? He says "Well I don't know, would you be comfortable on the beach?"

Now before you all get hot and bothered I already jumped down his throat and ended the tirade with "WELL LOTS OF FAT PEOPLE GO TO THE BEACH!!"

Hal comments back: "Who said it's about you being fat I'm talking about the heat! Now that you've brought it up though I don't want to go to a resort and have you be self conscious either and listen to you grumble about your weight!"

SCORE ONE FOR HAL!!

He is right but I've come to realize in the last little bit that one can't put life on hold until they:

(a) Can afford it - something else will always come along so be like Nike and JUST DO IT!
(b) Are thin enough - sounds vain but yes i've put off booking a holiday because I never wanted to be fat on a beach. Chances of me getting that thin are realistically very slim and I'm not postponing life because I'm fat.
(c) Have the time - same as the money issue, if you don't make time it's not going to appear for you

Our conversation ended with me saying "I'm going away next year with or with out you. This is not debatable!"

Hal says "Of course I'm going with you!"

Sheesh, should have said that I was going with or without him long ago, lord knows how much of the world we would have seen.....may have to be more like that with other things too,lol.

Off to get caught up in blogland.
xo Pen

Friday, May 16, 2008

Little bits of Penz insanity..

Hi all, (or maybe just me...not much traffic here lately, lol)
Haven't been online much as we have no internet at home for the time being but it's okay. We have more stuff to do around there then we can shake a stick at.

Fence, deck and yardwork..need anymore be said?!?! Couple of things on the go inside as well. I'm working on different areas organizing and tidying up stuff that's been driving me crazy. Tonights task is under the Kitchen sink....lots to get rid of there and to organize.

Mom and Doug are coming at the end of the month so we're pretty excited to have them come for another visit. Doug is waiting anxiously to go fishing so hopefully the river is in good condition by then.

I'm not sure how many of you believe in spirits being around or maybe it's just wishful thinking and dreaming but a few cool things have happened to me in the last couple of weeks.

Had a dream one night and in it Dad says "Ahh, Quade likes Papa's cookies too!" and he was beaming that big smile he had. My Dad was a big softie when it came to animals and when he was alive he would always have our pets sit beside him and talk to them in this soft voice and give them commands to do. This was followed by a few of Papa's cookies....Ritz crackers, lol. I took this as a message that Quade and Dad have now met and he's been feeding him some of Papa's cookies.

Saturday, May 10 I participated in the Relay for Life and walked for just over two hours. What an amazing event, next year I hope to spend more time during the day there but this year had some important stuff to do in Terrace.

Part way through my walk I had a sense of people being in my space but for some reason found that it didn't irritate the crap out of me as it normally would have. It was a feeling of someone behind me and beside me. I realized that there were no footsteps as there should have been. It was then that a feeling of warmth, love and connectedness hit. I do believe that it was our family there that night walking along side. I'm sure to some it sounds like Pen needs to be commited and have a straight jacket put on but really, truly that's what it was.

Sunday night I dreamt of Quade again but this time it didn't leave me unsettled but gave me peace. In this dream Quade came bounding over the greenest hill and came running by us and rubbed his hips against our legs and smiled that goofy puppy smile that he had. He was happy, content and he ran like the wind, no funny gait or bunny hopping. He started to run back to the hill, stopped, turned, smiled and gave a toss of his head. He then continued back up to the top of this hill. Once at the top he sat, looked at us, looked back over his shoulder as though someone was speaking to him, looked back at us and then turned and went over the crest of the hill. My boy is home, he is happy and he is loved.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

A Woman's Dictionary for Men

9 WORDS WOMEN USE (and the true meaning)

1)Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument, when they are right and you need to shut up.

(2)Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

(3)Nothing
: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.

(4)Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Do Not Do It!

(5)Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)

(6)That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

(7)Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - then it is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' ... that will bring on a 'whatever').

(8) Whatever: Is a women's way of saying SCREW YOU!

(9)Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Pictures of Quade
















It's my blog and i'll type what I want to

It's been a tumultuous couple of weeks and i've put off blogging partly because I didn't know what to say or what people expect me to say.

I didn't want to blog anymore about Quade because i'm thinking people are sick of hearing about him and there are others who aren't comfortable with the discussion of death. Well I have to talk about him, the emptiness and ache that still rip through me/us. Sure I tell people that we're okay, and mostly we are but there are moments when the grief totally blindsides you and you start to cry for no reason. I can't even comprehend what parents go through when they lose a child.

Yes he was a dog but he was our dog, our baby. For all the times I called him Satan or Devil dog, I wish that those moments could be back again, for all the muddy paw prints, the goobers and drools, the puppy accidents that he had when being housebroken, training Hal what to watch for with Quade when he had to do his business, the sleepless nights and the laundry monster...oh how I miss my laundry monster. I know we can't have him back and that we did make the right decision for him.

I don't expect anyone to respond or to even know how. We are okay, we are going through the steps of grief. There are times I'm incredibly angry and wonder 'Why? Why were we chosen for Quade and he for us?' Then the moments of sadness and missing him so much that my throat catches as I fight to hold back the want and need to scream at the top of my lungs about how unfair this was. HE WAS STILL A BABY, HE WAS ONLY 8.5 MONTHS OLD and he/we were robbed of so much.

Our boy was so full of love, this incredible, amazing love for everyone. He thought he was a lap dog and would bowl you over and be surprised to see you laying on the ground, but then he'd try to sit on your knee and give you all kinds of lovin' and look at you with those big, soft brown eyes with a look that melted any sort of 'bad Quade' you were thinking about giving him. When we knew the kids were coming over we had to crate him because he would shake with excitement and seriously could move his crate across the room to get to them. He would settle down after about 10 minutes and then you could let him out and he would lick their hands, faces, toes and sniff them like crazy. He would bring the kids his toys to play with and for Kali to throw for him. They would play catch for as long as Kali would throw the ball.

We have lots of great memories and pictures and this is what we are focusing on to get us through. We will have another pup sometime in the future but for now we need to work through the loss of our Quade.

I want to say "Thank you" to all of you who have been there with us through this whole process, for your understanding, compassion, cards, thoughts and prayers. Each one of them holds a special place in our hearts. Shari and Shell, thank you so much for getting those amazing pictures that we will always treasure. There are no regrets, only a true happiness and appreciation to have such beautiful memories of him and us together. You captured so well what we shared.

Shell, Thank you for coming and being here with Hal and I through what was an incredibly painful time. You got to see first hand what our boy was all about and to be there the day we held him and told him we loved him for the very last time.

Thank You to Caryn, Tracey and everyone at Parkside Vet (including Dr. Elorza who passed shortly before Quade was put to sleep) for going above and beyond our every expectation during Quades short life.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

RELAY FOR LIFE

I don't normally ask for donations but do believe that this is a worthwhile cause. I honestly don't know one person whose life has not been touched by this terrible disease whether it's family members, friends or co-workers.

I walk this year in honour of my Dad, Hal's Mother, Grandmother and Aunt who lost their battle with Cancer. I walk for family, friends and co-workers who are currently fighting this disease and pray that they win. I walk for us who have been or are caregivers of our loved ones who have Cancer.

There is no pressure to donate, if you would like to it can all be done on this page or you can email and ask for my mailing address.

Thank you to all from the bottom of my heart!
Penny

PENZ WALK FOR LIFE

~~If this doesn't take you to my page you can do a search using my name and it should bring you there~~

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Wow what a weekend!

Holy crap talk about a whirlwind weekend! Laura and I put in about 2400 km this weekend and it was a fun time. Damon was competing in gymnastics and I was her travelling sidekick.

I got to see Tiffany (our cousin and her new baby Cole), my Mommy and my sis and family. Good lord I can't believe how big all the kids are getting! We had lots of laughs, some good conversations and last night we were getting road crazy and decided that Laura needed some animals on their property...she contemplated horses, then we talked about geese and how flipping territorial they are. We'd both been chased by geese as kids, lol. We finally decided that she should start a farm with donkeys and call it the "Taylors Ass Farm". The starting herd could be Stinky, Hard, Iman, Uran, Flat and Hairy...k, so maybe you had to be there, lol. For those who are having a hard time getting it...say Ass after each of those names k.

Glad to be home, worked today and am now heading to bed to finish my book and get a full nights sleep.

ttfn.
Pen

Sunday, April 13, 2008

THE RAINBOW BRIDGE

Friday, April 11, 2008

It's time to say Good Bye

We heard back from the vet and there is good news but not good news at the same time.
The good news was that Quades knee ligament is not torn but both knees are very loose. This could partly be because of his growing.

The bad news is that the pain he is enduring every day is finally taking it's toll on our babys temperament. He is a loveable goofball around us but today it took three people to hold him down, one to muzzle him and to give him a shot to further sedate him. He's losing his happiness and on that note it has just taken the emotional aspect out of the decision.

We did not want him in this much pain or for him to lose his silliness, happy go lucky attitude. We will spend the weekend with him loving him up, snuggling in bed and just letting him run, run and run some more. I will be asking for some major pain medication from the vet to keep him as comfortable and happy as we can over the next few days until it is time to send out boy to the Rainbow Bridge. I'm off to pick Pootie Wootie up from the vet and take him home for some extra special luvin's.

Thank you all for your love, support and prayers during this most difficult time.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Prayers and positive thots please


Well it looks like the moment we have worried and dreaded may have come.  Quade has injured his good leg now and it appears to be the knee.  If it is the knee on his good (left) leg then we will have to have him put to sleep.
 
I have had a feeling from the very beginning of this journey that my boy would not make it to surgery no matter how hard we tried to keep him safe and free from further damage.
 
There is no question about the choice to put him to sleep.  To see my boy crying out and in so much pain even with pain medication is tearing my heart out.  He has been so brave and endured so much already and he's stayed so loveable throughout.  It is for our love of him and how much he loves us that this decision has been made easier.
 
I cannot fathom putting him through another surgery on top of what he is already facing.  If he has indeed torn his cruciate ligament then that would be one major surgery with up to a three month recovery.  At that time he would be an age where they would want to do his hip surgery with another long recovery period.  When he would be around 18 to 20 months he would be neutered and with being Chriptorchid sp?? (one testicle is in his abdomen) it would be another invasive, major surgery.  Mostly this is not fair to him or to ourselves.
 
We pray that it is a bad sprain or something else but my heart is telling me otherwise.  Please keep him in your prayers and when the day comes that we must say good bye to him please wish him a safe journey and mostly to just be a puppy.

Penny  
 
Love the moment, and the energy of that moment will spread beyond all boundaries. -Corita Kent




Monday, April 7, 2008

TESTING

to see if this email to blogger really works, lol.
 
 

Saturday, April 5, 2008

SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES!

AMAZING SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES

1. IF YOU'RE CHOKING ON AN ICE CUBE, SIMPLY POUR A CUP OF BOILING WATER DOWN YOUR THROAT. PRESTO! THE BLOCKAGE WILL INSTANTLY REMOVE ITSELF.

2. AVOID CUTTING YOURSELF WHEN SLICING VEGETABLES BY GETTING SOMEONE ELSE TO HOLD THE VEGETABLES WHILE YOU CHOP.

3. AVOID ARGUMENTS WITH THE FEMALES ABOUT LIFTING THE TOILET SEAT BY USING THE SINK.

4. FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE SUFFERERS ~ SIMPLY CUT YOURSELF AND BLEED FOR A FEW MINUTES, THUS REDUCING THE PRESSURE ON YOUR VEINS. REMEMBER TO USE A TIMER.

5. A MOUSE TRAP PLACED ON TOP OF YOUR ALARM CLOCK WILL PREVENT YOU FROM ROLLING OVER AND GOING BACK TO SLEEP AFTER YOU HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON.

6. IF YOU HAVE A BAD COUGH, TAKE A LARGE DOSE OF LAXATIVES. THEN YOU'LL BE AFRAID TO COUGH.

7. YOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE - WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE. IF IT DOESN'T MOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN'T MOVE AND DOES, USE THE DUCT TAPE.

8. REMEMBER - EVERYONE SEEMS NORMAL UNTIL YOU GET TO KNOW THEM.

9. IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER, YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.

DAILY THOUGHT: SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES - NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Hiking, River Rafting, Weewanie Hot Springs

These are a few of the adventures I'd like to enjoy this summer here in our little piece of heaven.

I want and need to keep moving and what better way then to do some things that really pique my interest and that i've put off for way too long. I've been river rafting when we lived in Kamloops on the Lytton run and had a lot of fun so am seriously considering the Copper River run this summer. Another one that sounds like an inviting adventure is a trip down the Douglas Channel to the hotsprings and to do a little sightseeing along the way. It would be awesome to see some whales while on the trip there.

Stop by Shari's Blog and read up on Belly Dancing, this would be a good workout too but not one for me.

Around Kitimat there are lots of hiking trails as well from beginner to advanced. Well it would be great to do some of the beginners and work up as the summer goes along. Throw on the backpack, take the dog and the bells cuz you just never know when the bears will be about. We won't be able to take Quade this summer but next year he'll be able to join in on the fun. Cleo, however, needs the exercise like her Momma cuz we both be lookin' a little like sausages after this winter, lol.

So in short those are a few outdoor adventures planned for "Living in Kitimat".

Milestone #1 has been reached

This wonderful adventure of weight loss continues to astound me and today I reached major milestone# 1 of losing 25 lbs! The big secret so far is that i'm M O V I N G!!

I walk briskly 4 to 6 times a week for at least 25 to 30 minutes. Sometimes Laura and/or Jackie are with me or I just get out and go alone. Joanne wants to join in so i'll be sure to call her tonight to let her know.

At home i'm no longer plunking down in front of the tv surfing the net. I allow myself 1 hour a day during the week to surf. This is after working all day, coming home and feeding the dogs, getting dinner going, a walk and usually a household chore or two. Last night I did a bunch of filing which didn't include a lot of physical activity but gave me a sense of calm when it was all done. Then it was time to play online for a bit.

This weekend I hope to pick out a paint colour and paint the spare room and get it set up before Mom and Doug come at the end of May. Sounds like a lot of time but it's not with working full time.

Hal and I both have Sunday off together so if it's a really nice day we're going to clean windows in the morning and then tackle some yardwork in the afternoon. It's silly but i'm so excited to get out and get the chainsaw going!

Back to the grindstone..

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Surgery date for Quade

OMG!! I wasn't expecting them to want to do surgery so quickly but they've got the seond and third weeks of May open for surgery.

It's too late today to call and talk to the surgeon but I thought they wanted to wait until Quade was at least a year old so that is one of my questions for them.

Will be back with an update later.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Sick and tired..

well the title pretty much sums up how i'm feeling. Going to vent here a bit but want to start off saying that I am fortunate to have a hubby who helps out but HELLO, LIKE I WANT TO SPEND MY TWO DAYS A WEEK OF DOING HOUSEWORK!?!?!?!

I don't think it's unreasonable at all to want to get someone in at least once a month to help get stuff done that I don't get to on a regular basis. Vacuuming, laundry, dishes and cleaning bathrooms I can handle but what about cupboards (fronts, insides and tops), wiping marks off the walls and cleaning the entryway walls, windows, mirrors (almost every freaking room here has full size mirrors), doors (the little grooves collect dust and everytime I'm sitting in the loo thats what's staring at me).

The nicer weather is here and I would much rather be outside trimming back trees, rebuilding flower beds and helping Hal paint the deck and fence.

Not only am I frustrated with the domestic duties expected but of being ill. It hasn't been anything serious once but a bunch of sniffle episodes without becoming a full blown cold, general feeling of malaise, tired, etc. Dr. assures me that it's my immune system not quite being up to par but strong enough to prevent anything from developing fully. This last week has been one prolonged week of yuck. Chest cold thingy Hal brought home, then upset stomach and night of hugging the porcelain bowl, this morning I was literally pissing out my butt (sorry if tmi)and could not get a window open fast enough.

I'm not sure if any of you have watched Dumb and Dumber but the bathroom scene after drinking a spiked with laxative drink is pretty much what it was at our home! I swear this is the first time i've ever repeated Hal with saying "DO NOT GO IN THERE!!"

Anywho it passed quick and I was able to go outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine with Shari, Kali and Parker for an hour. Tonight will be spent putting away laundry and then kicking back on the couch.

...............deep sigh, don't feel much better after venting but Thanks for reading.

I will end this with a positive note and am sure the flu played a part in a couple lbs loss but i've passed my 7 lb weight loss goal for the month. I've actually managed to lose 11 lbs total. The goal is to still lose 7 lbs a month even if there is extra on the odd month. I put on some clothes from last summer and was shocked to see that they are too big but in the same breath was actually quite proud of the accomplishment so far this past two months. 23 lbs off and feeling a difference now, can't wait to actually see it in appearance.

G'night all, may be back later for Meal planning.

Friday, March 28, 2008

My new friend

A poem about my new friend..

Some may say you're cold and unfeeling,
to me you were just what I needed.

Some may say that you're unable
to give comfort,
to me, you were just what I needed.

Oh there are days you sparkle and shine,
smell fresh and clean.
There are other days when you smell a little
and your shine is gone,
but, you're just what I needed.

Thank you for being there for me last night
when I needed you most.
You kept me cool when I was hot,
You accepted my offerings not with grief
and disgust but with total acceptance.

I bow down to thee oh precious friend
Thank you for your company last night!!


Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Prayers for Kali

Hi all,
Go to Shari's Blog/ for the full story and updates but recap is that little Ms. Kali spent the night in the hospital with her Daddy. She has a swollen tummy full of gas and maybe a blockage.

She's had the flu so Auntie and Uncle are hoping that it's related to that and nothing more serious is going on.

Please say a prayer for Kali to have a speedy recovery and keep all of them in your thoughts and prayers.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Walking is paying off

Walking, Walking, walking is working!!!
Inches are going, clothes are fitting much looser and i'm a happy girl!

Motivation and setting a goal is what's been helping. I'm one lb away from the monthly goal of 7 lbs and there's still 11 days left this month.

Thanks to everyone for positive thoughts and extra pushes when it's been pouring rain!

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Organizing, decluttering and painting

Okay so my Mom and Doug are coming here the end of May and my goal is to have decluttered, organized and painted the spare room. It's white, uninviting and not very cozy at all!!

I'm currently looking at paint colours online and we've got a duvet cover with browns, beige and an orangey, yellow colour in it...any ideas??

For me decluttering is totally separate from organizing. First I go through everything and ask "Have you used this at all in the last year? Do you see yourself using this at all in the next 3 - 6 months?" If the answer is no then it goes in the 'Sally bin'.

This year I may keep some of the better items and have another Garage sale. Lord knows Shari and I had a pretty successful one last year. We both pocketed some good change for stuff that otherwise would have been discarded.

Be back later..

Monday, March 17, 2008

Working on a new look...

It's kind of got a Pepto Bismol feeling to it right now so may just have to tweak the colours or once i've figured out how to put a background on the page it may change the look.

HAPPY MONDAY ALL!

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Meal Plan Monday


Here's this weeks meal plan and it's hopefully a bit healthier so I can reach the March 7 lb goal....3 down 4 to go although drinking this weekend will no doubt have me gain one or two.
Visit OrgJunkie for other menu ideas and recipes.

Monday: Grilled chicken, spinach salad and pasta primavera
Tuesday: Pork kebabs (peppers/mushroom/onion) with brown & wild rice
Wednesday: Steak, baked potato (with salsa) and a garden salad
Thursday: Spaghetti with turkey meatballs in veggie tomato sauce & whole grain garlic toast
Friday: Homemade pizza on whole grain crust, low fat cheeses, greek salad
Saturday: Chicken fajitas and salad (need to find a complementary salad...any suggestions?)
Sunday: Roast beef, mashed potato, broccoli and carrots

Wow, better get shopping tomorrow and Bon Appetit all!!

Dance the night away!

Gotta say I had a lot of fun last night. It's the first time in a very long time that i've just relaxed, had a few drinks (okay maybe more then a few plus Fireball shots!!!) and danced, danced, danced the night away.



This was the first Oldtimers Hockey Dance that we didn't have to work when we hosted it. I'm not going to get into the dramz but will say yesterday afternoon I was NOT going but after talking to Shari and Hal I decided that 'Screw 'em' we're gonna go and have a great time!
It was a night of good company, laughs, dancing, good food and friends.

I'll post a few pictures later today after we get home from the finals.

xo Pen

Friday, March 7, 2008

Plus Size clothing

Quick vent here!

I can't believe how hard it is to find decent plus sized clothing for a reasonable price!! I'm currently between sizes for what I have at home and don't want to spend a small fortune for the transition to the other clothes I have.

Not to mention that summer is coming and it's going to be time for cooler clothes. Biggest good fear is that clothes from last year will hopefully be too big but downside is needing to buy more clothes for the interim.

GRRRRRR......truly thinking about setting up a Beautiful Woman Transition clothing swap.

xo Pen

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

My 3's

3's about me...


3 jobs I have had in my life:
1. Forestry Health technician
2. 7 Eleven Clerk
3 . Accountant

3 places I have lived:
1. Kamloops
2. 100 Mile House
3. Kitimat

3 TV Shows that I watch:
1. CSI (original is the fave, gotta have me some Grissom)
2. Two and a Half Men
3. Brothers and Sisters

3 places I have been:
1. Nova Scotia(and seen the eastern coast of Canada except for Nfld.)
2. Nashville, TN
3. Seattle, Washington

3 People who e-mail me (regularly):
1. Laura
2. Elva
3. Shell

3 of my favorite foods
1. Mom's homemade Bread
2. Greek
3. Seafood

3 Places I'd rather be right now:
1. Someplace warm and sunny doing some kind of outdoor adventure
2. Seeing my family because I miss them so much
3. Meeting some of my online friends again

3 friends I think will respond:
1. Shari
2 Jenny
3. Christy

3 things I am looking forward to this year:
1 Quade having hip surgery and having a complete recovery
2 That family will come to visit (I'm not going anywhere this year because of Quades surgery)
3. Camping at the river

I'm looking forward to reading your 3's....copy, paste and fill in your answers!

Friday, February 29, 2008

..but i'm too fat to be pretty!




I'll be back with more later....
k, finally made it back...not going in to great details as to why but let's leave it at 'SOMETIMES I WISH I WAS A MAN!'
Last week I was complimented by a fellow who comes into work quite often. *Now don't go jumping to conclusions that it's anything untowards or i'm gonna be steppin' out on my Harry!*
This fellow is happily married as well and just an honestly nice guy who has a way of making one think.
Anyways, after he complimented me I quickly scoffed (as is usually a normal response to compliments for me..don't know how to take them, working on it) and said "But i'm to fat to be pretty!"
He asked why I would think that of myself and told him well it's how I feel, actually it's how I allow society to let me feel. That beautiful belongs to women who look like models, etc. but that I do have some very attractive friends.
"Are they all size 2's?"
"No, but they just are. They are kind, caring, compassionate and fun to be around."
"You're not any of these things? You're telling me that you don't care about people? You're cold and unfeeling? You're no fun to be around?"
"Well that's not what I meant and I suppose the next words from you are going to be 'Beauty is only skin deep' right?"
"I know a lot of women like you describe and some of them are the ugliest people I know. Beauty comes from inside too. It's the whole package and Hal is a very lucky man and so am I. We have the real deal.:
____________________________
Needless to say he did get me thinking about why we allow ourselves to be told what is beautiful and what isn't. Part of what i've been struggling with alongside of weight loss is self image. Now some may say that they are one and the same but they're not.
I remember in my 20's looking in the mirror and seeing a young woman that I thought was overweight and that I could stand to lose more. I'm 5'8" tall and at that time weighed 134 lbs. wore a loose size 9. It led to me getting very sick. I look at pictures now and think "Oh god, I really thought I was fat back then but the person looking back is not healthy looking at all!"
So where i'm going with this is that i've now set a goal for myself in this weight loss journey to becoming even more beautiful. The goal is to lose an average of 7 lbs a month for the next 9 months (realistic and attainable), get more physically active and continue to improve on cooking and eating healthier.
Too all of my pretty, wonderful and amazing friends....You're all beautiful to me and thank you for being exactly who you are!!
xo Pen

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Hangin' with Auntie and Uncle

Hal and I often wonder why the kids love coming to hang out with us.....

"Cool fort!"

"Kali, close the door....here comes that small horse!"

"Oooh, he's getting closer! Close it fast!!!"

"Ummm Auntie, how is our dinner gonna fit through these bars?"


"Where's the Milk!"


"Open Sesame!"

"Bustin' loose!"

These two little bundles of love are awesome to take care of. Parker ate a hearty dinner, played for a bit and then went to bed at 7:45 and was sound asleep by 7:52!! He fussed for less then a minute, just had to get comfy and that was it!

Kali hung with Auntie for some one on one time and we played Animals on the bus, hospital and Kali's Kitchen. Then it was time to get her ready for bed so it was 'tinkle time' then jammies and brush teeth. While reading a story and snuggling on the couch little Miss K got antsy and let a ripper go. I asked her if she had to go poop and she says very quietly "No, I jis tooted" but she kept moving and wiggling so I said to her that she needed to tinkle before we read the last story.

I remember Shari saying that Kali needs space while doing her business so made sure that I needed to tidy the kitchen and for her to holler at me when she was done tinkling. She was singing and chatting away and then it got quiet so I asked if she was finished tinkling.

"Auntie, I no tinkle I hadda BIG POOP, it smelly too!"

Let's just say the mouthful of water I'd just taken quite beautifully and painfully shot out my nose and mouth, all the while through sputtering and coughing was the biggest laughing fit i've had in awhile.

Kids are good medicine!

Sunday, February 17, 2008

MEAL PLAN MONDAY




SUNDAY - PIZZA, WINGS AND CUP OF EVERYTHING COOKIES

MONDAY - STEAK, TWICE BAKED POTATO, CEASAR SALAD

TUESDAY - TURKEY SPAGHETTI, VEGGIE KEBABS, WHOLE GRAIN GARLIC BREAD

WEDNESDAY - CHICKEN FAJITAS WITH GARDEN SALAD

THURSDAY - STEAMED FISH, RICE AND SUGAR SNAP PEAS WITH LEMON PEPPER

FRIDAY - GLAZED BALSAMIC CHICKEN
, ASIAN NOODLES AND VEGGIE CHOP SUEY

SATURDAY - SWEDISH MEATBALLS, RICE AND BAKED BROWN BEANS


Recipe for Glazed Balsamic Chicken:

This juicy chicken, with its sweet and sour glaze, from the May 2004 issue of Canadian Living ("Yes, Have Chicken Tonight!") is so simple that you can make it from start to finish in 15 minutes. Serve with mashed potatoes or noodles.

1/4 cup (50 mL) all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp (1 mL) each salt and pepper
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1-1/2 lb/750 g)
2 tbsp (25 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp (2 mL) crumbled dried sage or rosemary
1 cup (250 mL) chicken stock
2 tbsp (25 mL) balsamic vinegar
2 tsp (10 mL) liquid honey
1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh parsley

Preparation:
In shallow dish or plastic bag, combine flour, salt and pepper. Add chicken and turn or shake to coat.

In large nonstick skillet, heat half of the oil over medium heat; fry chicken, turning once, until no longer pink inside, 12 minutes. Remove to plate and keep warm.

Add remaining oil to pan; cook garlic and sage just until golden, about 1 minute.
Sprinkle with any remaining flour; cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.

Stir in stock, vinegar and honey; cook until thickened enough to coat back of spoon.

Return chicken and any accumulated juices to pan, turning to coat; cook until chicken is glazed, about 1 minute.

Sprinkle with parsley.

DOWN WITH WINTER and IS ANYONE OUT THERE??

k, so I've realized that a bit of the winter blues had set in and left me feeling uninspired, grouchy, negative and hibernation mode. I get up and ready for work, go to work, come home, cook dinner and get lost in tv land or surfing the net.


Winter hasn't been as long this year so far but with so much more snow, the ankle injury, Quade's hip and one vehicle i've been housebound and feeling sorry for myself. The last few days with the sun shining, longer days and an overall feeling of 'waking up' has me feeling more inspired and alive.


I know the blog has been boring and a lot about Quade and what's going on but hope to get back on track with Meal Plan Monday, want to join in on Time Travel Tuesday (or something else if I can get creative) and to see what else is out there.


Hopefully some of you are still reading this, I know Shari, Jenny and Sue read and comment but it doesn't seem like there's anyone else out there so ladies perhaps this blog will get a bit more interesting and back to life!

I had to add this little montage about where we are at in regards to Quade. I think it pretty much sums it up better then I could say....

View this montage created at One True Media
One More Day

Off to open the windows, air out the house and do some housework and then it's nap time. 5 hours sleep did not cut it last night, lol.



Sunday, February 3, 2008

Sunday's at our house..

Ahhhh, this morning I got to sleep in! Well..............I was awake at the usual time of 7:00 a.m. but flipped back over and dozed. Cleo and Quade started rousing at their usual time of 7:10 a.m. (I swear you could set you clock by the two of them!!) and Hal got up as he had promised to do 'daddy doggy duty'.

Those of you who know Hal know that he is not a morning person but he was awesome. He fed them, made coffee while they were eating and then took them out to do their business. I could hear him talking to them and playing etc. and then off Hal and Quade went to hang out downstairs because Quade thought it was time to squeeze the crap out of his Wubba so downstairs they went with it.

I have to admit that it was hard not to get up and supervise because we have our own routine but then said to myself "Hal has to establish his own routine with them and they will all survive...your way is not the only way" Got up, went to the washroom and then jumped back in bed, fell asleep until 9:30 a.m.! OMG it felt wonderful. Woke up to Weenie (Willow) and Cleo snuggled up with me in bed, lol. Furry little buggers taking advantage I tell ya.

Hal came upstairs around then as well and peeked his head in the bedroom and saw his 3 chicks snuggling, said good morning, disappeared and then reappeared with a hot mug of coffee....sigh, life and love is good.

While Has was cleaning up the guy room I made us eggs benny and hashbrowns for breakfast. By then it was time to shower and get ready for Puppy class.

Quade is doing really well in class but not as good as Cleo did. She's such a pleaser though and a bit of a chicken shit too, lol. She was also older then him but he's already so stubborn that sooner is better then later for Obedience. We've finished OB 1 and are now doing OB 2. Once Quade's hip is fixed we'll see about getting him his CGC (Canine Good Citizen) and then more in regards to Therapy type stuff. I hope his personality will be the type for Therapy.

We took some pictures last night of the dogs and yes even Cleo. She hates the camera as you can see by her picture. We try to sneak pictures of her and still it's a rare thing to get a really good shot. She was even growling at the camera last night when I turned it on, lol. This was the best shot we could get of our Diva!








Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Update on us!

Sorry it's been awhile, haven't meant to be away but aversion is a great form of denial.
**have to say right now that I vacuumed the v off my keyboard the other day and it's really tough to type words with it, lol

If Quade is a candidate for surgery we are going to go that route. It's going to be a long, tough road for a bit but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. We're waiting to hear from Saskatoon hospital to get their quote and see when he'll be old enough for surgery. It will be a cemented total hip prosthesis that involves replacement of the dysplastic acetabulum (socket)with a polyethylene cup and replacement of the femoral head and neck with a stainless steel femoral head and shaft.




Quade will be our Bionic boy! lol

I want to thank everyone for their support and for letting us know you're there. For those of you who have told us we should just put him to sleep or that we're idiots for spending what it's going to cost....You don't love him, you don't live in our shoes and ultimately it's no skin off your ass. You can either support us or keep your snide comments to yourselves and remember that this is a small town. Stuff tends to get back to those you think it won't. I'm staying focused on the positive and keeping in mind that Quade came in to our lives for a reason. Whether it's a short time, long time, challenging or easy...he's beautiful, sweet, funny and loveable. He's my boy.

Other then that Hal and I are keeping busy and staying warm in the blasted cold!! We know that when it warms up though we're in for a heckuva snow fall. We're also anxiously awaiting for our cousin Tiffany to have her baby...yay!!! She and Jim are patiently waiting for baby 'Maybee' who is now late and has a bunch of us on pins and needles.

Keeping this one short and sweet as the last few have been too long.

Friday, January 18, 2008

The nightmare begins!

We have confirmation from the vet that Quade does indeed have severe hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is graded on a scale of one to five with one being the least severe and five as the worst case. Quade is a grade 5. As I type this we are still in complete and utter disbelief that we are now facing one helluva decision.

Do we proceed with the costly surgery or do we put him down. It's not easy and at times I think would putting him down be easier then the road we have to travel. It's not just our journey...it's Quades too. There will be a lot of pain endured by our boy and my heart aches knowing if we go with surgery he will indeed be suffering during recovery. The vet assured us that he will be given medication during the first two weeks which will be among the most painful.

The long term benefit is that we will have a dog who will be able to live pain free for many years to come and will be able to live life as a dog should. To be able to jump and hop and run like the wind, to dig holes, swim, go fishing with Hal, come camping with us, go for truck rides and most of all to never remember the pain he feels today as he tries to play with his big sister Cleo. He will be able to tug on that toy with all his might and may actually be able to get it away from her and to be able to chase her around like she wants him too. She gets the zoomies and he'll try to chase her for a bit but you see his leg swing a bit and he staggers and then must lie down. She runs to him, sniffs him and gives him a gentle kiss and even begrudginly gave him her stuffed baby tonight.

My heart is aching for Quade and feeling like a negligent owner/mommy because he's been in pain since we got him but he's been so stoic and it's only been recently that he's displayed just how much pain he is in. We were told that he knows nothing different as he's most likely been suffering with discomfort from before we even got him, to him it's just normal.

We have been given a quote from an orthopedic surgeon in Vancouver and are now waiting for one from the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Elorza and his staff have been amazing and I feel confident when they say that they are here for us and for Quade. Call with any questions or concerns even if we think they are silly.

I want to say 'THANK YOU!' to everyone who has been on this journey with us over the last two years as we waited to get this handsome fellow. For listening to our incessant chatter and excitement, the awesome surprise puppy shower, allowing us to bring him to your homes and for being a part of his life so far.

To Kelly Ruff of Diamonds In The Ruff Canine Training, 'THANK YOU!' for your generosity, concern for our boy, all the information you've provided and for modifying the obedience class for Quade so that he may attend.

I'm the type of person who has to be informed and learn as much as possible about something so the last few days have been spent devouring all the information out there on hip replacement surgery, recovery, hip dysplasia and the like. We are a cautious with what we find as quite a bit of the information out there is not always correct as we have found out!

Sunday, January 13, 2008

My worst fear....

I think my worst fear is coming true and that Quade has hip problems. I'm hoping it's a strain but his back right leg is turned out, he's bunny hopping up the stairs and doesn't sit up straight, his one leg is always cocked out to the side.

He's certainly favouring the leg and has a constant limp. He's going to the vet this week and as much as I wanted to wait until the pet insurance was in place I don't think this is worth waiting for.

I visit a Rottweiler discussion forum and one guy had the guts to tell me to 'Just put him down!' Well he may only be 5 months old but I can't imagine him not being in our lives.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Oh man!


Very important, do not delete......I'm glad I found this out.
How to weigh yourself...





I can't believe I was doing it wrong all these years.

We must get the word out.

Holy freaking snow!!!

Hal and I have lived here since October of '99 and this winter has had the most snow by far!! We're only the beginning of January and we must have had well over 8 feet of snow so far, this includes what has melted/disappeared from the rain and warmer weather.

Our deck has a 7 foot fence and our dogs now look over the fence to the back alley!! We're going to have to either get the snow blower back there to clear it off or else start putting them on a leash to go to the bathroom.

On other news my ankle is starting to feel a bit better but have a long way to go to heal completely. Hal has been amazing through this all, tonight he even did the grocery shopping and you have to know Hal to know what an amazing feat this was, lol. This week Laura called to see what I was up to while being laid up and I mentioned that Hal was going to bring up my Christmas totes so I could get the xmas decorations and ornaments put away as they were driving me nuts.

That night Laura, the boys, Jackie, Kenna and Michelle all showed up to pack up all the decorations!!! It was humbling and wonderful all at the same time. I'm so thankful for their help. I know Shari if you were available you would have been here in a heartbeat.....how's the first aid course going? You will do wonderful!

Marianne and Deborah have been complete angels at work too and big kudo's to them for their patience and help! I love working there and am glad to have been given that extra kick in the pants from those involved in getting me to apply!

On the work topic i'd like to ask those who can to please say a prayer for Hazel. She's a wonderful, sweet lady who last week was hit on the highway after her bus broke down. She's been seriously injured and was flown from PG to Vancouver, with not being at work I haven't received an update but will call tomorrow to see if they have anything new to report.

Off to finish watching a movie and hang with the dogs....well my girl as Quade has gone to bed.

Here are some new pictures of the pets and please don't think Cleo has something contagious as her allergies are back and it's time to switch her food again.


Thursday, January 3, 2008

Holidays and family of your heart!

Okay, i'm laid up and bored silly and am not allowed to do much so thought i'd do a mega blog....do you have your cuppa water, mugga joe or a stiff drink ready? K, well kick off your shoes, put up your feet and lets get at it, lol.

Christmas time is an extra special holiday for me and always has been. Our family had many Christmas traditions and it was a time for just that, family. With us family doesn't just mean blood family. We came from Nova Scotia to BC when I was 3 months old and because of that we have a lot of 'adopted' family here that are as much family.

When Hal and I moved here in '99 we came alone with our dog after living so close to our families from the time we basically left home. It was a difficult decision and as much as we thought we were prepared for the separation it was far harder then anticipated. December 99 Hal and I flew home to Kamloops for Christmas. The next year we were so blessed to have our dear friends Laura and Adam Taylor bring us into their family circle and to share Christmas with the Taylors. It was wonderful to be around a big family again and to see what their traditions were and hear them sharing there Christmas stories of years gone by.

Last year we were surprised by my Sister, Brother in law and nephews being here for Christmas with us.....how exciting again to have a houseful.

This year Shari and Doug invited us to spend Christmas Eve with them and to share in there Christmas morning with Kali and Parker. For some of you it may be hard to understand how this can make someone so happy. To have 'our Kitimat' family of Laura, Adam, Damon, Colton, Shari, Doug, Kali, Parker, the Taylors and Sharon and the girls open their hearts and homes to us is beyond amazing! It shows that family is truly in your heart and not what runs through your veins.

Christmas morning I wanted to cry so bad because I witnessed something that made my heart swell with happiness and pride but also a little ache. I now look at it that this would not have happened nor had the same effect had our lives been different.

Hal had gone upstairs to lay down for a bit because he had a fat head, lol. Well we heard Parker chit chatting and then he was quiet. A few minutes later we hear Uncle Hal say "Pen, come up and bring the camera." Shari and I snuck upstairs with the camera and here was Hal snuggled in bed with Parker beside him and Kali snuggling under the blankies beside Parker. She was playing hide and seek and Parker was grinning at Uncle and babbling away. My heart was so full of love for him, the kids and this moment.

Christmas morning was fun watching the kids enjoy their gifts and the four of us just chit chatting. We had breakfast and tried to do a quick tidy up but i'm afraid that poor Shari and Doug were left with the majority. Hal and I had to get our butts home and put that bird in the oven for dinner.

On our way home we stopped in at Laura and Adams to see how their Christmas was and to see how the boys scored! Walking in the door and seeing Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor and the rest of the gang was so awesome too! Lots of hugs and holiday wishes, a visit with the boys and even playing Guitar Hero (holy crap am I bad, lol). I love those boy so much and my heart bursts with pride as well for the young men they are turning out to be. Laura and I had some laughs about the gifts we had given each other and a few minutes to just be. She's an amazing friend who has been by my side through so much and I hope she knows just how special she really is. I can only hope to be 1/2 the friend she has been.

Hal and I headed home to get the bird stuffed and try out the new vacuum (I'm so happy with it..more on it later!). Doug, Shari, the kids and her Mom were coming for dinner and it's something I thoroughly enjoyed!

Dinner was awesome and we finished off the evening with a game, omg we laughed so hard at Doug acting out Crash Test Dummy...it was perfect.


I'll have another post about the rest