MeRRY & BLiSS!

"Lack nothing: be merry."
-William Shakespere

"Live with integrity, respect rights of other people, and follow your own bliss."
-Nathaniel Branden

"Nothing is more important than connecting with your bliss. Nothing is more real."
-Deepak Chopra

Last Thursday I followed my bliss and put up our Christmas tree
to add some MERRY around here…
Good friend, Brenda popped by with some Biss bar too!
Beau also stopped by with his mommy then and helped hang a few decorations,
but Mariah came on Saturday and helped do more decor!

Mariah had fun following her bliss as well on Saturday…
and decorating along with some dancing and cookie making.
Sunday I made our first annual batch of nuts and bolts here…
that always puts some more merry into the season!

Last Friday… I took my mother-in-law… to get her hair done in her building.
While she had her perm, I met with Jana and Beau at Home Sense for a little shop,
Beau was quick to point out the things he was getting for Christmas!
Saturday Mariah sent me a text from Grandpa's phone with this pic in her panda hat!
Monday, Brian and I joined Blanche in her dining room for a very nice lunch,
together… her new place is sure lovely… and looks merry now as well!

Last week we met with our good friends Joan and Gerry for a nice meal
at Mano's… turns out Joan had a birthday last week, too,
so we had a bit of a celebration for her as well.
Earlier in the week we met with some relatives of Brian's
for coffee at Broadway Cafe…
Chris and Joanne… nice to have a catch up with them too.
Both restaurants were looking Merry and Bright!

Brian and I had a chance to watch a little of Mariah's hip hop
on Friday on way out for supper with Joan and Gerry.
She is in her happy place doing hip hop, and
the little guy beside her was so cute too!

Mariah was feeling blissful and merry when making these reindeer cookies
saturday… she wanted a before and after picture, too!
They turned out
very cute, and tasted good, as well!

Sundays we normally go to Fuddrucker's for breakfast, but this past
Sunday we were invited to a lovely brunch at friends' Bob and Jacquie's
condo… and it was very MERRY and FESTIVE…
they outdid themselves on the decor and food…
all was beautiful…. as well as blissful!
Bob even wore his apron and chef hat from Paris!

The food was divine…
and the company was wonderful, too…
 A very blissful and merry occasion for all!

They truly thought of everything…
here is a pic of my plate… but there was lots more food, too…
so much … so tasty!

Their condo looked so festive and merry in every room…
this doesn't even do it justice…
much better to see it in person!

Monday night… we were treated to a lovely dinner out
with Jana and her store owner partner,
Melissa and her mom, Betty.
We ate at The Keg… also very festive and merry looking there.
So thoughtful of the girls to treat their parents,
Thanks girls!

This photo still sits out in our dining room ...
We were married on November 27th, 1976…
so tomorrow we will be celebrating 38 years of
WEDDED BLISS!



Thanks for popping by to check out this week's edition of my weekly blog post. Once again lots has gone on around here since my post a week ago.


I always love this time of year when I can bring out our Christmas decor and get it all festive and merry around here.
This time of year I also recall our wedding, too.
The year we were married …
there was no snow yet on our day…
November 27th, 1976.
I am pretty sure there has been snow on that date ever since, though. In fact this year I am finding the weather to be hard to get around in… maybe due to the rain followed by snow on the weekend… glad we didn't have that weather for our wedding day years ago!

I am proud of the accomplishment of our 38 years of wedded bliss… we have been through thick and thin… sickness and health… and together we have had a strong and lengthy  and loving marriage… here's is to many 
more years together.


We have had a few meal and coffee outings as pictured above in this past week. I have also had a chance to enjoy friends, and family alike on visits as well.


My good friend, Brenda, dropped around the day I put up my tree and brought us a BLISS BAR from STARBUCKS… one of my favourites! YUM!!!


We also had visits from friend, Robin, last week… but I did not get a photo… we did have a great visit, though!
Friends Vern and Ella… Scott and son, Ethan have been by and sisters in-law, Bev and Brenda popped by … 
so lots of action…oh and friend, Steve was here, too!


Jana was by with Beau while I put up the tree, and he wanted to help, but he seemed to hang everything on the same branch!!! … I rearranged when he left... wink, wink!
(hope he doesn't notice next time he is here!)


Saturday, Brian picked up Mariah for the afternoon…
She had a hand written list of "to-dos" which went like this:
-practice dancing
-make cookies
-decorate for Christmas
-rest
She was here from around 2 -9 PM…
so she was able to check off all the things on her list.
I am loving how much she is improving in her dance skills lately, too… I'm a very proud Grammie!
She is growing up so fast.


I have managed to tape many TV shows lately and squeeze in viewing times to watch some of them. I have really enjoyed the series of DWTS this year and will miss it now that the finale was on last night. I have also enjoyed this year's version of The Voice, as well.


We are getting excited for our visit from my son, Colin, and his girlfriend, Caro. They are coming for a 4 day visit from December 18th-22nd. Colin is not a real Christmas lover… but nice he will be here just before, none the less. I just hope he isn't too turned off with all the festive decor here, while here. Caro is anxious to see Colin's roots…
so she will see them in full force coming at this time of year!


I have a bucket list wish… to have a family photo session while they are home. I know photos are another thing that my whole family is not as into either… but maybe they will humour me along and help me fill my wish!
I am not sure who will take the photos…but I am thinking this is a once in a lifetime chance to get us all together… Brian and me… along with our kids… Colin and Jana… 
and their significant  others…
Caro and Nels… along with our grandkids,
Mariah and Beau.
Really this would make my CHRISTMAS…
filled with MERRY and BLISS!


Tonight I am invited to my friend, Cathy's house for supper and a cookie decorating session. I am sure we will have lots of merry and bliss doing that as well…
She has been such a good friend for me… and her daughter, Megan, who I used to teach dancing to,
will also join in the fun.


Tomorrow is another watching day for Mariah's ballet, so I will attend that, too. They have spread watching days out at her studio over the last 4 weeks. I've enjoyed the process as well as the progress!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all my American friends and relatives tomorrow… and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to my hubby, Brian, too!


Hard to believe Christmas is only a month away… I know the time will fly by… so I will 
"Keep calm and MERRY on!"



On that note… here is my rhyme of the day…

I love this season every year,
It brings so close, the things so dear.
The festive things so merry and bright,
And memories of our special night…
Years ago when we tied the knot,
Lots to remember, I love every thought!
Merry memories and lots of bliss,
Happiness, Laughter… sealed with a Kiss!

Details and Fun of Daily Life!

"The true secret of happiness lies in the taking an interest in all the details of daily life."
-William Morris

"Life is too short to worry about stupid things. Have fun, fall in love, and regret nothing."
-Anurag Prakash Ray

"Never forget to have fun. Fun gives you a new outlook It helps you expand your mind and spirit."
Author Unknown

On REMEMBRANCE DAY… my buddy, Linda from Lanigan came
to the city. Ella joined us in the FUN too as we shopped and did a traditional
STARBUCKS run and photo… followed by a shop!
I do love the DETAILS of the Christmas
and marketing  at this time of year.

Later that day… we did an impromptu Chinese food supper with friends,
Vern and Ella... as well
as with Jana and Mariah…
Sometimes the things we do spur of the moment are the most fun!

I had to get the kids last wednesday from school and day care…
and they joined for a little supper and TV watching !
Thursday last week… we went to watch Beau skate, too…
he is so proud when we come to watch… we only stayed a few minutes,
but it was fun to see him none the less!
I found the cute little gnomes that Mariah is holding... at Winners the other day.

Last Wednesday night I went for a fun outing with friends,
Heather and Ella to a Christmas open house at a local store called
DETAILS…
They really did take time to utilize all the details…
serving wine with cheese and crackers while playing festive tunes.
After the 3 of us went out for a little tea at a place called Mystic Java.
We had a very enjoyable evening, and it kind of set the mood for
the Christmas season to begin. 

Friday I was out getting groceries and
Jana and Mariah joined me for a quick STARBUCKS first!
Sunday…  Brian, Vern,  Ella and
I did another STARBUCKS outing…
I do enjoy the fun times and good visits we can share over
a delicious latte or tea there.

Monday I added some festive details to the BSOBAD
dance studio bulletin boards. It has become tradition for me to wrap
a couple of boards like big presents over the years!
I still have fun being creative there and doing my thing
to make the boards new and fresh from month to month.

Yesterday I was up early and made a crock pot of chilli…
and after the gym… did another impromptu lunch
inviting Vern and Ella over to join us for some, too!
Chilli is one of my all time favourites at this time of year…
kind of warms me up from the inside out!

Yesterday was watching day for Mariah's Tap and Ballet classes at her studio.
I did catch a very quick pic of her doing running flaps in a circle
as she passed by me!!!
Beau decided he wanted to entertain too in between classes he got up and
whirled and twirled around, too…
he found it hard to sit still for the duration.
I am very impressed with the progress Mariah has made this year
at her dancing so far.

Here is a photo of our good friends, Jacquie and Bob
taken around this time last year at Fuddruckers for one of
our traditional breakfasts there.
This coming Sunday… they have invited a big group of
us to come to their place for Breakfast instead of
our normal Fuddrucker's venue.
They  always have fun entertaining…
and put a huge effort into all the little details!

I was remembering this time last year when
my Auntie Betty and cousin Dawn came to visit us from Chicago.
This photo with them and cousin Gwen and my sister-in-law, Arleen, was taken on
November 20th, 2013… (I know because it was my brother's birthday that day!)
I had my tree up and my first batch of nuts and bolts for the season
already made I see by this photo!

Speaking of FUN… and DETAILS…
there is a very cute TARGET commercial on TV lately…
which I snapped a couple of pictures of.
This little girl is absolutely adorable in it…
and the song is Marshmallow World… with lots of attention
to marshmallow details throughout!
Normally when I watch my recorded TV shows I forward the adds,
but this one I watch… it is so darn cute!

Here is another oldie….
While Jana was helping clean our Blanche's house,
with my sisters-in-law, Bev and Brenda…
they found this gem…
look at our POLKA DOT details…
oh what fun!!!
I am guessing this photo of us was taken
in the early 90's sometime.


Once again I have had a full week of fun and details revolving around our daily life and routine here!
There is really never a dull moment it seems…
always something on the go.


Right now as I type this blog post we are having our carpets cleaned… so both Brian and I are jammed in the kitchen with lots of extra furniture around us from the living room and family room!!! Shuffle is beside me in her kennel, not overly impressed with the situation… but it will be so nice to have our carpet freshened up for the festive season.


Tomorrow I hope to get my tree up and all the Christmas decor out as well… I love to do that and have fun paying attention to all the festive little details along the way.


Earlier today I went for a latte with two good friends, Cathy and Kellie. I did not get a photo of us… but we had a very nice visit, and they had been doing some cooking for me to share as well… they brought some lasagne and perogies.
YUMMY… I am quite sure they will be tasty. 
They are both good cooks. 
I say this often but I really do have the best friends… 
and many of them always sharing good vibes,
 love and support with me.


Just this past week my friend, Linda made a trip to see me from Lanigan… and I do enjoy my friends, Ella and Heather, too. Always feels good to share and connect with them.


We are looking forward to a visit from our son Colin and his girlfriend, Caro from Montreal in early December. That is something we will really enjoy … Caro has never been here.
It will give me a reason to clean out my basement, too!


I have been picking up my niece Rowen a bit this fall from school and getting her to her dancing lessons when her mom cannot make it on time. I always enjoy bonding with her on our little visits to and from. She is such a sweet kid.


This Friday I will go to my mother-in-law's home 
and take her to a hair appointment in her home. She feels she might need help finding it, so she also invited me to join her for lunch there that day, too. I am happy to help and also to join her for lunch. I hear the food at her 
new residence is really tasty.


Friday night we are joining good friends, Joan and Gerry for another supper outing too… lots to look forward to.
I am all about FUN in my life!



I missed a couple of special birthdays in my last blog 
so will mention them here…
 BELATED birthday greetings to Mariah and Beau's other Grandma… NANCY… who they call NANA...
and to our dear friend, Robin, as well.
They both had a birthday on the 15th of November.

Tomorrow is my oldest brother, Bob's birthday, so hope he has a great celebration.
One week away… next thursday is another
 date to remember as well.
Brian and I will be celebrating our
38th Wedding Anniversary. We hope to share many more years of wedded bliss together, too.


On that note here is my poem of the day…

My life is filled with details and fun,
Good times with family and friends, there's a ton!
I like to cash in on the happiest things,
And live in the moment and the joy that it brings.
Whether following routines, or doing fun stuff…
Having a good meal or a coffee with fluff!
It's all in the details, and making the best…
Of every moment awake or at rest!

Lots to REMEMBER

"In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks still bravely singing, fly…"
-Well known words from the poem
written by -John McCrae 
...still heard on 
Remembrance Day year after year.


"It is surmounting difficulties that make heroes."
-Louis Pasteur

"Always remember that your present situation 
is not your final destination. 
The best is yet to come."
-Author Unknown

Today is REMEMBRANCE DAY…
In honour of that, many will be wearing the red poppy.

With the cleaning out of my mother-in-law's home this past week,
we have come across many photos of memories… here are two cute ones
of my hubby Brian and his brother Bruce.

When Bruce passed away on the 11th of August, 2013,
I have continued to remember him always
and especially when the "11th" of each month
comes around again.

The picture, hanging on our wall,
 is a piece of art work left to us from Bruce,
painted by Greg Murdock in 1994… which is entitled
"REMEMBRANCE SERIES"

Last Thursday, November 6th,
Blanche shared a little farewell with the little girls next door,
Chloe and Mia… who call her GRAMMA!
They will always remember
going to visit her and Greg, too, in this house.

Later on November 6th, Blanche re located to her new residence.
Here she is when she arrived and with Jana and Mariah.

The new place is lovely, and although there will be
LOTS TO REMEMBER
from her house she lived in,
the beginning of a new chapter for Blanche
 is a welcome one.
The lobby and dining area is beautiful…
and Blanche even received a new 2015 Firefighters Calendar,
from doughtier, Bev,
which she will cherish!

With all the treasures and things at the house,
we got a few to REMEMBER the days and years gone by,
Here is just one of the many little family collages, I brought home,
of my kids in the 1980's. 

Friday night, Beau and Mariah popped by for a brief visit…
they love Shuffle, but often she is wild and needs to go in
her kennel when they visit!

Jana texted photos from Beau's Taekwando on Saturday…
he is the littlest one in the photos… so cute!
Mariah has been at our place a few times this week,
I am happy she loves my chilli!!!!
The kids joined us at our Fuddrucker Breakfast Sunday, too…
Here is Mariah sitting beside our good friend, Jacquie.
(They both have on a poppy!)

Saturday… I had Beau to babysit for the afternoon…
I always have lots to remember from my kids' childhood whenever
we bring the little smurfs , muppets, and little figures,
 up from the basement for him to play with.
The wooden trucks are ones Grandpa Greg made, too…
more to remember … hours of fun!

Shuffle likes hanging out with Brian on the couch lately
she snuggles right in!

Jana's store partner, Melissa, brought us a beautiful
and cheery bouquet of flowers on Friday…
it was big… so I made two bouquets out of the one.
Melissa is always so thoughtful.

Yesterday my friend, Cathy, popped by with some home made soup
and some adorable hand knit leg warmers to wear in boots,
that she knit for me…
I have such thoughtful people in my life…
so many to recall, and REMEMBER!

I do love STARBUCKS… and especially enjoy
their festive time of year
they have great marketing…and cute sayings on their mugs,
bags, and signs…
"Share the Merry… Oh What Fun… Let there be Bright!"
Later today my good friend, Linda, from Lanigan,
is coming to share some merry and bright with me
and we will have some fun visiting over a STARBUCKS latte…
we haven't done that for a while… but we always REMEMBER
to get a traditional starbucks photo together, too, when ever we connect.




Another week has past since my previous blog post…
so much to REMEMBER from this last while… 
lots to share, and lots to save in my memory.


This is REMEMBRANCE DAY… 
so we always have lots to REMEMBER about that occasion, recalling all the heroes and 'she' roes  who fought for the country's freedom.


This has been a week of many personal memories as well. My mother-in-law, Blanche, just moved into her brand-new assisted home on Thursday. It is the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for her in her life. Moving from her home of 57 years, does leave all of the family with mixed emotions and "Lots to Remember".
As they sift through the years of accumulated treasures,
there are so many memories of all the times shared with family and friends alike in that wonderful home.


That same day I joined Jana and went to watch a little assembly at Mariah's school in honour of
Remembrance Day.
Mariah's class sang "Silent Night"  at it… which I think of as more of a Christmas song, but I guess it can pertain to Remembrance Day as well.
I always get emotional as I remember all the little assemblies of my kids and now  Mariah's too.
They hold a special place in my heart always.


I have been so pleased to get in visits with many friends and family members this past week…
whether it be by phone, email, or text message…
or during a coffee or meal outing.
I say it often, but it is just so true…
I have the best friends and family.
Thanks for all everyone does for us… we appreciate it all.


I won't single anyone out… but I did enjoy all visits, and or updates. Supportive people are what keep us going and making lots more memories so we will have lots more to remember for years to come.


My two kids, Colin and Jana, have been amazing in this past stretch as well… checking in and being just really good kids. It makes my heart happy to know they are such good people… we are lucky and blessed.



I have tried to be helpful in the recent move for Blanche, too… there is a lot to remember… as well as do when someone moves out of a place where so much was gathered over time. Blanche seems to be settling in nicely to her new place and day by day will enjoy and get more used to her new environment . 


Today I am REMEMBERING  2 years ago, 
when my nephew, Jeff, married his wife, Savannah, on November 10th.
 It was such a snowy day… 
but a beautiful fairy tale like wedding!
Soon they will be proud parents of their first baby, in December… and we will make more fond memories!


Here's to some "Merry and Bright" to come next…
 and on that note… here is today's poem.


It's that time once again in November,
When poppies are worn, and we remember,
The soldiers who fought for our country to be free.
And there are a lot more things… more than we can see.
So many memories, just a lot to store,
So much to remember, and so much more.
Memories are our way, to keep things close at heart,
Until the time goes by, way back from it's start.

On The Move!

"To me it boils down to one thing, it's movement.
To live is to keep moving."
-Jerry Seinfeld

"If we stand still, we're moving backwards. We've got to keep moving forward to appear to be moving."
-Phil Brown

"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want."
-Bill Watterson

Here are a few photos from the action packed Halloween visit from the kids
They were so On The Move… it was hard to capture them!!!
The excitement plus the sugar makes them go go go!

The kids looked cute… Mariah was the Dr. Seuss character "Thing 1"
(her friend Drew was going to be "Thing 2")
Beau was a mixture of last years Hulk costume plus this years power hero
not sure who… just a cape with a mask of some sort.
They were pumped when they got here so it was really hard to get
a "STILL SHOT" of them…
I was just happy to see them having so much fun!

Even Shuffle was BUZZING AROUND and on the move in
her bumble bee costume!
Colin sent a text of his girlfriend Caro in her Halloween costume, too…
she was dressed as a member of the 80's band called DEVO…
she did a great job of her costume, and looks so cute in it!

Sunday I had Mariah over in the afternoon and we popped by
my mother-in-law's place.
My two sisters -in-law, Bev and Brenda were there too…
and my niece Rowen.
Mariah idolizes Rowen… and she is always happy
to see her as well as her aunties and great grandma.

On the weekend… our good friend, Vern popped by
with these beautiful flowers…the bouquet was so big,
I divided it into two… and was happy to
move all my halloween stuff back to the basement
for another year!

Mariah was here to practice her tap on the weekend…
I am really impressed at how much she has learned just this season alone.
Last night was watching week at the studio for Mariah's jazz class,
I managed to catch one photo of her on the move!!!
She was working so hard… and I was pleased with her progress in jazz too.

Sunday we had a big group out for our traditional Fuddrucker's breakfast,
and Ella captured a nice pic of us enjoying the moment together!
Last night our good friends, Vern and Robin popped by to visit…
 always nice when they stop by.
Also yesterday I was on grandkid pick up…
I got Beau after delivering  Mariah to her dancing…
he was surprisingly not so much
"on the move" yesterday… just content snacking and
watching TV!

Monday I made some minor changes to the many bulletin boards at
BSOBAD… on the move from OCTOBER to NOVEMBER…
and from Pumpkins to snowflakes!

I am always so happy when the red cups appear at Starbucks…
time to move on to the festive colours and drinks there.
Monday I got 3 of them … to share with Blanche  and Bev and myself as
we started in on the organizing of Blanches' big move this week.
The lobby of her new place is absolutely beautiful… we were there to do some
measurements in Blanche's suite on Monday…
for the big move tomorrow.

Here are a couple more pics from our recent trip to
Montreal that got missed in the last blog.
I was up early on Brian's birthday to get a few decorations hanging in the
hotel room … here I am sporting my new red coat from the trip,
along with Brian's toque and scarf… getting into the
Montreal Canadian's spirit!
That trip was such a spirit booster for us…
 seems like ages ago already!!!
 Time is sure
"On the Move"


Hard to believe almost a whole week has past since my last blog post… I have really been "on the move" since then.


Our lives have been a whirlwind of things and activities lately. We seem to be busy with many things. This week is the week, my mother-in-law, Blanche will move out of her home she lived in for her past 57 years and into her new
place tomorrow. Brian's sisters and I have been busy trying to organize the move for her… it is a lot of work.
We are all anxious for this move to go as smooth as possible for her. We know she will be happy in this brand new place she is moving into… this brand new building just opened in October. It will be a new chapter for not only her but for the whole family. There are a lot of memories tied up in the house they lived in on Albert Ave.
Soon my nephew Jeff will put it up on the real estate market for sale… once the house is fully cleared out and cleaned.


Halloween came and went again… and although it is nice to see the kiddies having fun in their costumes as they collect their treats… I am always happy to move on to the next season. I was recalling how I was nearly always a clown as a kid on Halloween. Later in life I actually collected clowns… and still have a portion of that collection here and there. I think it may possibly be where my interest and passion for polka dots began as well!! Who knows?!


I have enjoyed my bonding time with Mariah and her dancing this fall. On saturday she took a little video of her feet tapping out one of her little tap steps…and sent it to me by text on Jana's phone. The video was so cute and ended in
"LOVE YOU GRAMMA!"
It truly made my day… it is amazing how something like that
can mean so much to a gramma!


The dance studio where I still work… BSOBAD… needs bulletin board updates from month to month… so I was there very briefly on Monday to move from pumpkins to snowflakes… after the 11th of November might slip back there and add some more festive stuff to the boards 
as Christmas approaches.



Yesterday… I felt on the move from the start of my day to the finish… I went to the gym in the morning to kick start my day… usually I go to a class called Body Vive on tuesdays,
but yesterday it was replaced with a class called Attack.
We were definitely "On the Move" in that class all the way through it. It did feel good, though.


I had to get Mariah from school… and feed her supper and get her dropped off at dancing as well as pick up Beau yesterday from daycare. The traffic during that time was crazy yesterday for some reason… there were roads shut down and accidents, etc… so made it a bit more time consuming all round. Jana joined us for supper and then her, Beau and I went to view Mariah's jazz watching week at dancing. All of us ate different suppers here… 
so I felt I was kind of running 
somewhat of a restaurant too!


We enjoy when visitors pop by to see us… it is always fun to connect and get support. Friends Robin and Vern popped by here last night. My good friend, Ella and I have done a fair bit together lately, too… and we enjoy our times spent together at the gym as well.


I had written all of the above in this blog post, just this morning, when I was on the move once again. Most of my blog readers know we have been on a journey this past year and half or so… and it has left me feeling 
on the move in so many ways… 
up and down round and round… and today was another round and round... up and down type of day!
Let's just say… it really does keep me "ON THE MOVE"!


I have a shirt that states this on it 
"When the going gets tough, the tough get going."
Believe me it is the truth.


I know I was able to help a bit with Blanche's move, but thanks to my sister-in-law, Bev… she did most of the organizing … tomorrow we will all be 
ON THE MOVE for sure as we get 
my mother-in-law settled into her new home.


Today the weather turned from cloudy to sunny… 
hope for good weather tomorrow, too.
Today I had another starbucks latte and it had the new Christmas cups and sleeves… which state…
"Let there be Bright" 

While we are "on the move" we 
always hope for things to be "BRIGHT"!


On that note… 
Here is my poem of the day!

It's time to get into our winter groove,
With snow in the air… we are on the move.
Moving forward to a chapter that's new,
Trying to stay upbeat with all that we do.
My blog is like therapy, when I have time,
To review all the fun and write a new rhyme.
There's lots I can do… and lots on my plate… 
If I pace on the move, then things will be great.