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I think it is time to start “blogging” and writing again. I’m getting itchy fingers!!

The beautiful abundance of summer and the beginning bounty of a fall harvest. The herbs and vegetables  with the star performers being the tomatoes and the sage.

 

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It’s a hot one today! The old hound and I went for a hike along the “Cool Hollow Trail” in the McLaughlin Bay nature reserve. It is so peaceful there, it really helps me to recharge before work this afternoon. Lots of red currants, gooseberries and raspberries along the path. Birds were in full throated song. I recognized chickadees and red wing blackbirds, but heard many more.

When we got to the lake the water was still just a little bit too cold to swim in. I think I would have braved it if the waves hadn’t been so rough. Hopefully it will warm up in the next week or so. Still, it was nice to dabble my feet in the water. We’re lucky to live so close to an unspoiled area, although more people do seem to be discovering “our place”. Today though, we only had to share it with the Canadian Geese. (see video!)

In two weeks time I start my new job. I am leaving Sunnybrook and taking a nurse manager position in a nursing home. It was a tough decision to make as I have been at Sunnybrook for many years. Since moving to Oshawa I have been finding the commute every day to be getting harder and harder. I don’t finish work until 1130 at night and it’s a long drive when you are tired, especially in rough weather. The price of gas and wear and tear on my car is also a factor.

It is a non unionized position which is a risk – not as safe. I also have to lock in my pension as they do not have a pension plan. Benefits are also a challenge, I will be doing them privately. The nursing home does have a plan, but taking it would lower my wages and there would be a waiting period. I hate dealing with anything financial and have found all this very stressful.

Amazingly, this was the only job I applied for since Sunnybrook and I got it!

On the plus side, it is straight up the road from me, about five minutes drive. It is a managerial position so it is a step up considering I do not have a bachelor’s degree. Much less physical, with less lifting and pulling which will be a relief to my aching joints!  I will be working one less day a week which I consider a plus as I can use the extra time to devote to my other interests. I think the money will pretty well even out with savings on gas, union dues, parking payments, pension payments etc. More valuable to me is the time I will gain. I can come up with ways to economize if necessary.

I will miss all my friends and colleagues at Sunnybrook. The unit I work on is unique and innovative in many ways and I have had a lot of freedom. I am sure the atmosphere of a nursing home will be different but I am certainly going to give it my best effort and try to excel in this new position. This place does seem progressive and has a nice atmosphere. Of course they are in it for profit so I am sure the bottom line will be economy versus quality. Hopefully both can be achieved.

The old hound is always supportive and listens to me go over and over every detail. I always feel compelled to explore the minutae of a situation ad nauseum. I find the older I get the harder it is to adapt to change, especially major life changes. It takes me longer to bounce back and regain momentum. He helps me to stop panicking and focus on the positive points not the “what ifs”.

My banjo picking is struggling as I have a bad case of tennis elbow. I’ve been going to physio twice a week for acupuncture and ultra sound but it seems every time it starts to feel better a patient will grab my arm and pull it and start the cycle all over again. I have stretches and exercises to strengthen my right hand grip but it is slow going and very painful. I am learning Cripple Creek, Bile Dem Cabbage Down and Wildwood Flower. My method is to have three songs on the go at all times. One song just beginning, one song moderately accomplished and one song I can play with confidence. Of course my playing is 100% better when wearing “the hat”!

Time to start this chronicle of life again………..

 

“Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.” — Twyla Tharp

This week I really felt like running away and joining the circus. Maybe this is a better idea!

 A Yellow Bird, Serendipity and the Struggle to Achieve Balance

A very active, tiring and somewhat difficult week. Parts of it filled with joy and laughter, other parts with fatigue and self introspection.

Happy Birthday to Yvonne! We had a nice little get together at work and I would have posted a picture, but my camera is at times possessed and has a mind of its own. Every picture we took is yellow to the extreme and blurry. Odd because all the ones previous and after those are fine. Like I said – possessed!

The heat has been oppressive and draining, over 90 degrees all week. A little yellow bird came to visit us at work looking very thirsty prompting us to put out a large bowl of water for any passing birdies to use.

We are lucky to have a beautiful garden where I work and often see different birds, chipmunks and rabbits. Raccoons and skunks also visit, but usually after dark!

I accomplished alot this week, although none of it is very visable. Still more phone calls to change address information – does it ever end? I swear I never want to move again as long as I live!! The trail of paperwork is neverending and fraught with frustration!! Muzak while on hold for long periods of time, getting cut off altogether……just to make one change can take an hour!

I also had to get my photo health card. I called and they made me an appointment for 10am. Wed. morning. Doesn’t sound too bad, but when you have been working evening shift for almost 8 years straight it gets darn hard to get up in a morning! I stressed myself out because I didn’t know where the building was. On the phone they just said 419 King Street East. Computer mapping didn’t help much, just put it on King Street by the Oshawa Center. I thought I’d be clever and get off the highway Tuesday night on my way home from work and find it then – no luck. Now I was getting worried. I hate having to be someplace especially in the morning and not knowing where to go.

 In the morning I googled the address and found – of all things – the Alzheimer’s Society Durham Chapter!! Very ironic because of the work I do! I called them up and asked them if they could tell me where there building was actually located. I am sure they thought I was a patient that had lost my way!! The target address is actually IN the Oshawa Center. If they had said that on the phone I would have slept much better!!

I set out and drove around the Center. I could see an office tower, but couldn’t find a way to get to it. I parked and entered the mall. Entering a friendly looking gift shop I asked if they knew how I could get to the Executive Building. Yes, I was in the right place – just at the wrong end! I walked (or hiked) a fair distance and managed to find it. No markings or signs, I never would have found it on my own. On the plus side, it was fast and efficient. Despite having to bring more identification than I have ever had to for anything it went very smoothly. Now, being up early for a change and in a mall there was only one thing to do…….go home and do chores? Noooooo, a morning of window shopping!!

Later this week I was in the doctor’s office looking at Reader’s Digest of some undetermined year and happened to flip to a comic that seemed very appropriate to my mall adventure:

My camera was in my purse, so I snapped a picture of it! Now why would it take a perfect shot of a magazine on my lap and not of a birthday party?!

My rented disposal bin arrived and in the ninety plus degree heat the old hound and I filled it up. Right to the brim!! It is truly stuffed. The old hound was working hard and I appreciated his help. My parents came later in the afternoon to lend a hand also. I will try and take a picture of the bin tomorrow, hopefully they will cart it away on Monday. That was hot, heavy work and it didn’t help that I had to go to work that afternoon. I was very tired by midnight and not feeling at all well by Friday morning.

In between all this I have been dismanteling shelving and moving out more junk that the previous owners had left in the basement. I wanted to get as much out as possible. Of course while I have been doing all this hauling of junk, none of my other projects have been moving forward. I have also been trying to get things ready and organized for the old hound’s official moving in. He has brought a few things over, but the bulk of it remains to be done. His brother and sister in law are also moving and kindly gave us their kitchen table and chairs which looks really nice in the rec room downstairs. They also gave us a computer desk that looks absolutely fantastic in the big upstairs bedroom.

Not only have I been “neglecting” my renovations, i’ve also been “neglecting” other facets of my life and character. I haven’t been writing or even thinking about writing. I haven’t picked up a pencil to sketch anything since way before the move. In some ways I feel like a plant that hasn’t been watered. The heat is getting to me, the lack of creativity in my life at the moment and the chaos all around me. Realizing this in his wisdom, the old hound prodded and poked me (not like that!) today and made me clean out my car (with his help of course!). It tends to get over run with litter every so often !  Coffee cups, pop cans, newspapers, etc. It didn’t really take all that long and it does look much better. It did make me feel better too!

I hate being surrounded by piles of “stuff”, but that is just how it has to be at the moment. I don’t want to stop living because of this renovation business. If you wait until everything is done, until everything is in its place – then you will never do anything, because it just isn’t going to happen. I think life if a work in progress, it only gets “finished” when you are dead and gone. I look at the renovation of this house in the same way. If I never invited anyone over until it was done – I’d never have anyone over. They just have to climb over the heaps of stuff waiting to be organized and overlook the “eclectic” decor for now. It all ebbs and flows. I get fairly organized, then an influx of stuff gets unpacked or brought in or I’ll start a project therefore just messing everything up again! Balance is what I strive for. Have I found it? Not yet, but I am working on it! 

 

addendum de dum dum:  the old hound resent the pictures, and there he is in living colour serenading his lady fair, well serenading me anyway!!

 

I spent a perfectly wonderful weekend living (for once) almost entirely in the present moment. No agendas, no schedules, no plans. No chores, no renovation and ……..no guilt!!  

I had stopped off on Friday night after work at the 24 hr. grocery store and done my shopping – those things are a godsend for shiftworkers!! Later that night I was suprised ( pleasantly  ) by the old hound coming over after his “gig”. I had just finished watching Virtuosity with Russel Crowe and was heading up to bed when I heard a key in the door.

Saturday he decided to cook pasta sauce from scratch. This was his mother’s recipe and his first time trying it. We popped out for a few ingredients after a quick lunch of a burger (done on the bbq of course!). He also bought me a blender because the recipe called for one to puree the tomatoes. (I believe the ulterior motive would also be that they make great milkshakes! ) He did a fantastic job on the sauce and it was both fun and relaxing to prepare it together. I believe that cooking together is one of the more intimate and romantic things a couple can do. Nice jazz playing on the radio, ceiling fan twirling, a kitchen full of fresh ingredients, fantastic aromas wafting through the house and the two of us moving in unison like a well oiled machine……Okay, bumping into each other like crazy trying to figure out the recipe, but having a ball doing it.We later used some of  the sauce to make a pizza (on the bbq of course!!). It came out really well, nice and crusty and truly delicious. Pepperoni, ham, onion and olives over homemade sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese, – yum! I froze the remainded of the sauce in lots so when his family comes over we will serve it with pride!

Sunday we headed to Whitby beach with some water and pop in the cooler, two big beach towels and of course….a ukelele! This man is hugely talented and can make that little instrument sound like a spanish guitar, a blues guitar, you name it. It has a lovely sound for the outdoors and it was just a perfect afternoon. Hot sun, nice beach, waves crashing on the shore and pure relaxation. I haven’t felt that sense of utter peace and contentment for a long time. Didn’t matter what was waiting to be done or needing to be fixed, it could all wait for misslill to recharge her batteries. I am not a swimmer, but the old hound gently coaxed me out and helped me to float. Pure bliss! It really doesn’t take much to enjoy life. It is all out there so simple and close by. Of course having someone special to share it with makes it all the nicer.

Later that evening we boiled some ribs in beer and then (of course! ) we bbq’d them with a bourbon bbq sauce. (I added some Jack Daniels to the sauce for an extra zing). That, some baked potatoes and fresh bread and a pitcher of gin and sprite for refreshment and I was feeling mighty happy.

It has been a remarkably hot summer here so far and very dry. The grass has a brownish, crispy tinge to it. Things are a bit wilty, but curiously, my sicilian zucchini plant is just thriving like crazy.

The old hound also bought an air conditioner for the upstairs window so it is much more comfortable for sleeping. It also helps with the downstairs too, to some extent. It is amazing how much better you sleep with that few degrees difference.

Today before work we just managed to eke out enough propane to bbq some lamb skewers to have with a salad for lunch. This will be our third tank full already this summer. I watered the front lawn a bit (we are on a watering ban in Oshawa) but apart from that didn’t do a whole lot. Just got myself ready for work and headed out to start another week.

I’m so glad we took it easy this weekend. The tiling, plastering and painting will all wait. Sometimes you need to just sit back and pamper yourself a bit and enjoy life as it comes. Live in the moment and enjoy it!!

addendum: I had a photo of the old hound in all his glory laying on a beach towel playing the ukelele but cannot get it to post. I wonder if he booby-trapped it somehow?  I’ll find out tomorrow.

 

Hooray! My dishwasher is “fixed”!! Finally, after two months I will have the luxury of my dishwasher. Now, technically, it wasn’t actually broken, I just couldn’t get it to work.

Let me explain:

I read the manual, I followed the directions, I turn it on and…….hummmmmmm! Just a hum and no water going in. I checked the little valve inside, I checked the valve underneath (at great length, removing the plate with a screwdriver and sifting through decades of accumulated dirt and grease under there  ). I found the valve in the basement where it was hooked up to the water line. Nothing appeared to be wrong.

Today I called the “Appliance Doctor” who came very promptly. I had told him that hopefully it was nothing and…..it was …..nothing!  This lovely older man in his blue overalls came, turned it on and hummmmm……but it’s supposed to do that!! Apparantly a pump goes on first for a few minutes before any water starts filling the machine. This is because messy people when they are loading the dishwasher often dump glasses of liquid etc. into the machine. Therefore it pumps out any goop before filling up. Simple. He waited until it started to work and it did. I had been afraid to leave it running in case the hum was the machine working without water and the motor would burn out. He only charged me 25 dollars which I was happy to pay rather than having to replace something that already works! Sometimes it is good to have someone look at something who knows what they are doing!! I would definately use him again, and if I can’t fix my fridge I probably will.

My fridge leaks water under the crisper and after looking it up on the internet I tried using a turkey baster with hot water in the defrost tube. No luck, but it is situated in an odd place, so I probably couldn’t get it in right. My next attempt has been pipe cleaners (thanks Mary for giving me them!) stuck down the tube. I have tried it this morning, so we will see!! If not….Appliance Doctor to the rescue!!

It feels good to have “accomplished” something positive, even if I didn’t really do anything. I also love it when these workmen come to the house and tell me how nice it is. I need all the positive reinforcement I can get.   They all seem to like the older, antique style home and feel this one is well on its way.

We’re back! The old hound and I spent the weekend up north to attend his niece’s baptism. It was a delightful, relaxing time and as always everyone made me feel very welcome.

We had been a little concerned about the ride up north because of the Live 8 concert taking place in Barrie on the Saturday. Since I am now in Oshawa I planned a route that would bypass Barrie completely and take us right to highway 69 away from the crowds. Well…..it didn’t quite work out that way. One wrong turn and we ended up travelling along the 400 headed towards Barrie and Toronto - the wrong direction! Of course I had been warned ahead of time about the menfolk in the old hound’s family propensity for having no sense of direction. The fact that my own is somewhat lacking didn’t help! Some frustration and delay and turning around got us back on track.

A graphic example of how misslill and the old hound navigate!!

We stopped for a much needed coffee (for misslill!  ) and then continued onward. The rest of the ride was uneventful except for the brain damage suffered by the old hound who was foolish enough to pop a Supremes cassette into his stereo. misslill cannot resist singing loudly and expressively to this kind of music and proceeded to do so until we arrived at our destination.

A graphic example of misslill’s singing ability!!

The old hound’s lovely mother and equally lovely sister were there waiting for us. So was a delicious meal of stuffed peppers, pasta with (of course!) home made sauce and pineapple cheesecake. His baby brother, his wife and their daughter came over for supper so it was a nice family gathering. Stomachs replenished we retired to the backyard where there was just enough daylight and energy left to weed the onion patch. Winding, twirling weeds were choking the life out of them, but didn’t stand a chance once I got to them. It was funny, I rarely wear nail polish and had done my nails special for the baptism and here I was shoving my hands in the dirt!  I love gardening though, and enjoy getting my hands dirty. We worked until the mosquitoes chased us inside. It was a good thing it was onions we were tending because we used one to rub on the old hound’s mosquito bites. (it takes away the itch).  I escaped with just a couple on my wrist as I cleverly opted for long pants and sleeves. (wise misslill knows the wilderness  ).

The next morning was baptism day. After breakfast I accompanied the old hound’s sister to pick up the cake and buns and cookies from the Italian bakery. It was a fascinating store full of goodies that I would like to revisit and spend more time in someday.

We arrived at the church just as the mass was finishing. Although I am not a christian I always enjoy churches and the sense of peace and camaradarie I feel when I attend. All the worshippers filing out were so pleasant and happy and there was a real feeling of closeness among them.

The old hound’s mother had told us she was going to tell the priest to keep the ceremony short and sweet – and she did!! He laughingly told us he had been warned!! The baby was so well behaved and really has the sweetest temperment. It was a truly joyful occasion with everyone celebrating her special day. The ceremony was very touching.

After a lunch of  sandwiches (which they call pannini (sp?) ) and fruit – I  tried my first fig!(not sure if I liked it or not). we headed to the old hound’s older brothers place for a post baptism party. They have a lovely property on a lake with scenery to die for. On the way we saw a fox which was a nice treat.

I shan’t list all who were there as it gets cumbersome saying the old hound’s this and that and the old hound’s baby brothers wife’s etc. etc. all the time. Lots of family and it was great. They will all have to assign themselves blog-names!

More Food!! Lots of wine! Great lasagna, salad, chicken and a wonderful fruit plate for dessert. The cake was wonderful – made even more so by the site of the beautiful baby girl digging into her piece with her hands and proceeding to get it almost everywhere but in her mouth. She was having a thoroughly grand time with it – nothing is more fun than making a mess!

The old hound went for a swim in the lake with his brothers and nieces while the ladies “bonded” with good company and red red wine. It’s always sad when it is time to leave, I always feel so welcome with them. Truly nice people, so genuine and kind.

My “wine lips” and myself toddled into bed and slept very soundly.  (that is what you get when you drink red wine).

The next morning we cleaned out the garage a bit for his mom and then sadly, it was time to head back to Toronto. I was glad to have had time to spend with the old hound’s sister whom I had only met once before. A woman of quiet strength and dignity who reminds me very much of her mother. His mother is as always an inspiration. Her joy and the way she embraces life no matter what obstacles she has to overcome can serve as a lesson to everyone. His brothers, their wives, their children – all have such a strong sense of family and fairness and honour. It makes me smile when I realize that they have no idea just how truly remarkable they all are. So talented and yet humble and always so generous and kind.

The drive to Oshawa was long. Construction stopped us dead on the highway several times for extended periods. Miles of cars not moving, people just getting out and sitting on the side of the road to stay cool. The old hound’s baby brother and his wife were actually ahead of us  on the road and he walked back to deliver us some much appreciated cans of pop. It was hilarious to see him come walking down the highway with them. The old hound later reciprocated and walked up the highway to deliver a “pannini”.  Not much you can do in a situation like that except try to laugh about it, but it must have been a terrible journey for them with the baby to care for.

misslill poking her head out of the old hound’s crown vic!

nobody going nowhere fast!

Ditto!

Heavy rain started to fall when we hit Orillia, but it later cleared. We missed our exit again (and I was driving this time! – maybe I can blame the rain!) but soon turned around and found it. I find it confusing when they put two highway numbers on one sign. The rest of the ride was uneventful except for one incident. As we hit Scugog what do you think was walking along the side of the road?  Can’t guess??  Two bright blue peacocks!! One was a male with full plumage, the other a pea hen. I can’t imagine how they got there or where they were headed to.

We stopped at Sinatra’s Hot Italian Sandwiches (yes, more Italian food!) for a bite, gassed up at the station because it was cheap and we were on E! (it was 79 somethng a litre) and then finally pulled up into our driveway – home at last!

I didn’t even bother to unpack, just stretched out on the bed and slept for a few hours. Got back up later and then slept soundly the rest of the night. Had to say goodbye to the old hound this afternoon  but hopefully will see him later this week.

He bought a ukelele and has been serenading me in the back yard which has been very nice. I feel spoiled because I never go to see him perform and rarely get to hear him play anything.

Back to the real world now and work. My car isn’t ready yet, maybe tomorrow. I am looking forward to having it back – but not the repair bill! Still, what’s done is done! I am all relaxed and geared up for my next renovating onslaught – finish the kitchen and tile that hallway floor!!