Monday, January 26, 2015

Oh… The GOOD LIFE!

"The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge."
-Bertrand Russell

"The good life is a process, not a stage of being. It is a direction not a destination."
-Carl Rogers

"Love the life you live. Live the life you love."
-Bob Marley

The other day I noticed this "GOOD LIFE"saying floating around Facebook…
I think it kind of inspired my theme for today's blog!
Also on the left… some cute mugs with sayings on them…
along with a starbucks from last Monday
when I went for one of those, too...
I like there new red mugs with Valentine's coming up!

Tuesday we had a great visit with friends Alex and Robin.
Thursday we popped by to see the grandkids… but they were into
their TV shows at that point… so these are not my best photos
of them!!!

Mariah had made a beautiful calendar for her grandpa…
each month has a created poem with some little drawings…
I especially loved this little poem she created for the month of March,
called Ten Little Bunnies… not only is it a cute poem,
her printing is so neat for a student in grade 3!
(I think she has an interest for poetry like her gramma D!)

Last week I received a sweet piece of mail
from my Auntie Betty in Chicago…
a lovely card… a hand signed "Rino" original…
with a little booklet
created by my dad from years gone by
with a story and poem he wrote in it…
what a treasure!
I think I get my poetry interests from my dad, too!

Thursday night last week… we went to visit my sweet
GREAT NIECE JORJA…
Also visiting there when we were there were her grandparents…
my sister-in-law, Arleen, and my brother, Bob…
they are very proud grandparents, too!
Jeff was pretty proud to show off his sweet little girl, too, I might add!

Later that night… Arleen emailed me these sweet photos of Jorja…
Hard to believe she is nearly 2 months old…
I love the pic of her on her first month, with the big bunny…
they will photograph her by the bunny each month to
see how much she is growing… great idea!

Friday night we had a nice supper to welcome my good buddy home
from her cruise… and we invited friends…
Vern, Bob and Jacquie. Brian made a delicious supper,
and afterward Ella shared her
holiday photos on her iPhone!

This photo is a throwback to 2 years ago at GOODLIFE GYM…
of Ella and me in the hot pants in front of the sign in the the change room,
saying "Join the Party!"…
seemed to be fitting for today's theme… GOOD LIFE…
I was happy, too, to have Ella back at the gym with me again.
I still love the gym we go to together!…
two years we still look kind of the same, too!!! hehehe

Yesterday I spent some time at BSOBAD Dance Studio
updating their studio bulletin boards from
winter to HEARTS with Valentines coming up.
I do enjoy that little job there… and I love a theme, too!
They had many new photos there for me to hang as well.



HAPPY MONDAY everyone…
and thanks for stopping by to read
 this week's edition of my weekly blog !


My past week was filled with many little things… such as a trip to GOODLIFE GYM every day! I was sort of proud of myself for making an effort to get there each day for a class,
Monday night I did BODY JAM
Tuesday morning I did BODY VIVE
Wednesday morning I did BODY FLOW
Thursday morning I did ZUMBA
Friday Morning I was happy to have my good gym buddy, Ella, back to join me at BODY FLOW
followed by a coffee at her place.
Saturday I did another BODY VIVE class with Ella
followed by coffee here after.
All the gym classes are so good there and the instructors are also first class and inspirational… so for that I am always grateful… I just need to get back into getting there lots now!
It is amazing how much better I feel
when I exercise more often.


In my previous blog post, I mentioned how I received several STARBUCKS cards for my birthday… therefore have been on a mission to go and share a latte with someone! I did exactly that on Tuesday with my friend, Trona. We did not have a photo of it, though…but did have an awesome visit.
 I also picked up Beau from his day care early that afternoon, as he wanted to come and spend the afternoon with us. It is so cute how he likes to hang out with his grandparents, so for that I am ever grateful, too!


Tuesday night we had a sweet visit from friends, Alex and Robin. It is nice when ever they pop by for a visit. Robin became friends years ago when she was our dog sitter when we went away…and we have been such
good friends ever since.


Thursday was a full day, too… we met Vern at Starbucks for coffee, and while there Mariah called us to say she wanted us to pop by and get a gift she made for her grandpa.
The calendar was a school project she made as a Christmas gift… but it didn't get finished till after.
It is so cute… with a poem per month written by her and little drawings throughout. They got a mark on this project too and she got 10 out of 10 for her good work! We are always so proud of how well she does in school… she seems very conscientious. The calendar will be a little
treasure to keep forever.

Speaking of treasures…
My Auntie Betty was cleaning drawers and apparently came across a little booklet my dad made many years ago as a child. She sent it along to me in the mail.
My dad loved to write stories and poems… as do I…
so I think this is something that is being passed down through the generations.


Thursday, we had a great visit at my nephew, Jeff and his wife, Savannah's place. My brother, Bob and his wife, Arleen were there too. We were all there to see sweet JORJA, my great niece. I hadn't seen her since Christmas…and it is amazing how fast babies grow at first. She is not only filling out, but her little personality is really developing now, too. She is sure a little sweetie!


I was so happy to welcome my good buddy, Ella back after her two week holiday. I really missed her while she was gone… it is always nice to have a good friend to go to the gym and for coffee with. She and I both enjoy that and it is also more fun with a buddy! We decided to have a supper Friday night to get together with our friends as well.

Yesterday we enjoyed our weekly breakfast at Fuddruckers with friends. I later did some studio bulletin boarding followed by a nice visit with my mother-in-law, Blanche,
at her new residence.


I know I say this a lot but… I am truly blessed with the best people in my life. I guess that is what makes my life seem so much like a "GOOD LIFE!"


I have some more birthday celebrations coming up…
this week I am doing a belated birthday lunch…
and also on Wednesday I wish "Happy Birthday"
to my sister-in-law BRENDA.
On the 30th it is my cousin, Darcy's birthday, followed by  my cousin, Jan's birthday on the 31st.
I hope everyone enjoys their BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS!


I see by my calendar that today is
AUSTRALIA DAY…
but I know with the time difference it is likely nearly over there… hope it was a good one!
We have relatives and friends living in Australia.


On the weekend a famous skater,
TOLLER CRANSTON, passed away at the age of 65.
He influenced so many with his artistic abilities on ice and off. He was a creative skater and painter. I know one of my mentors, Brian Foley, had lots to do with some of his choreography back in the day, too. Toller will be missed, but fondly remembered for the artistry he left behind.


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

When it comes to my life, I'd say mine is good,
There's not too much I'd change , if I could.
I also must say and have to confess…
It's better to live more, and worry less.
I'm grateful for family and also for friends,
I really do have the greatest of blends.
I'm thankful for music, dancing and the gym,
Where I make an attempt to try to stay slim!!!
At GOODLIFE gym… they offer so much…
The teachers, the classes are fantastic and such!
As life goes by, I become more grateful…
For all that I have, I feel celebrateful!
There's certain things , we just cannot change,
So instead we accept it, although it is strange...
Make the least of our worst, and most of our best…
And enjoy what each day brings in the life fest!







Monday, January 19, 2015

THANKS a "LATTE"!

"Your friendship means a "LATTE" to me!"
-Author Unknown

"Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot."
-Hansa Proverb

"Good coffee is a pleasure. Good friends are a treasure."
-Author Unknown


I actually made it to STARBUCKS 2 times this week…
once on Thursday with daughter, Jana...(not photographed!)
And Saturday with Brian and Vern…
still loving their many yummy LATTES…
and received 4 STARBUCKS cards for my Birthday, too…
so a LATTE more trips there I am thinking!

Once again I need to say a BIG THANK YOU for the wonderful gifts
I received last weekend for my Birthday…
I was truly spoiled beyond words!

I had a lot of fun crafting  THANK YOU cards this past week
 for all the wonderful gifts I received…
now to get them all delivered!!!
(Maybe some will be shared with a LATTE!)

Thursday night we went to watch Beau...(smallest one in white)
at his can skate lessons… he loves it.
He is now in hockey school, too, on Saturdays…
will have to go watch that one day soon, too!

On Friday when I asked Brenda to join me for a latte at Starbucks,
she invited me to her place for a yummy lunch instead…
she made pizza, salad, and delicious cookies…
MERCI BEAU COUP… buddy!

Saturday night Brian and I decided to go out on a date!
As we were walking into Manos restaurant, we saw some friends
we had not seen in a long time… so they joined us for a yummy meal
and awesome catch up!
Nice to see friends… Lindsey, Bill and Lousie.

Sunday morning we had another one of our traditional
Fuddrucker's breakfasts…
The kids came and joined in the fun as well
as some of our good buddies!

The grandkids came to hang out with us yesterday afternoon…
We tried to make a snowman, but the snow wasn't sticky enough to do a big one,
so we settled for a baby one on the steps!

We then came in for treats…
Beau had a snowman ice cream cone… with a Kit Kat Hat!
He loves his sweets!!!

Mariah wanted to make cookies… we did some chocolate chip ones …
and mixed up some sugar cookies, too,
but the dough had to be in fridge for a couple hours,
so we made those later at their house,
following her extra ballet lesson!

When we brought the kids home after their afternoon with us,
Beau played a little living room hockey … while Mariah sat and read.
She is becoming such a little reader.
We also stayed for a very yummy supper there as well…
so nice to bond with family also.
THANKS to Jana and Nels for the meal.

I snapped photos of these old photos of my Son Colin at age 2…
yesterday he turned 36… where does the time go?
All I know is how THANKFUL I am that I became a mom…
Motherhood has been a wonderful chapter of my life.
Now my grandson, Beau reminds me lots
of Colin when he was small.
I love my blond boys with brown eyes… both so handsome!



Well here it is another Monday…
and another chance to do another week's
worth of events in review in my weekly blog post!
As always I am very thankful for all the positives in my life…and thanks for popping by to read all about it!


I have had a week to reflect on my new decade in life…
and be thankful for the many things I have in it.
I really had a fun time crafting up some Thank You cards for my birthday party guests this past week.
Nothing like a little crafting fix to put a smile on my face!!!
I haven't crafted cards in a while… but still enjoy it…
Now I have many cards to deliver… or mail out!


My friends and family all know just how much I love STARBUCKS!
In fact I received 4 STARBUCKS cards as gifts at my party, so this week I was on a mission to go out for a latte or two, but it was funny how many people I asked were busy this past week. I have no problem picking up a latte and having it on my own, but it is always more fun to share
with good company.  I know I will have many chances to
go out for lattes in weeks and months to come, too.
I did get a chance to have a latte with Jana… as well as Brian and friend, Vern this past week.
I do LOVE STARBUCKS!


I saw lots of the grandkids this past week…
we picked up Beau on Monday from daycare…
and then both kids on Wednesday as well.
Then we saw Beau again at skating on Thursday…
and had the kids all afternoon yesterday, too.
I am always grateful for the times we can share with them.
I am a lucky grandma to have my two grandkids living in the city to share lots of fun times with.


Friday I was invited to my buddy, Brenda's beautiful home for a great lunch and friendship bond, too… we always have a lot of fun together whenever we get that chance.


I have been missing my good gym buddy, Ella,
 while she is on a little cruise adventure.
She gets home at the end of this week.
I have still managed to make it to a few gym classes
without her, but it is way more fun for me when
she is there, too! That being said…
the classes were all good that I went to.


We were excited to hear baby news from two good friends this past week…
friends, Lynne and Mike became grandparents for their 4th time to their newest grand baby girl,
UNA JAIME
first baby for  CARLY and DUNCAN.
Also this week... friends,
Wayne and Shelley became first time grandparents
when their daughter, Stacey  and her husband, Gene,
had their little girl,
HARPER LILY!
CONGRATS to all those happy families…
we are excited for all of you, too!


I know just how exciting that stage of life is…
I recalled when I became a mom for the first time,
just yesterday as my oldest child,
Colin celebrated his 36th birthday.
Time sure flies when you are having fun…
I am happy to report just how much fun we had
and still have when ever we connect with him.
We called him to wish him Happy Birthday yesterday,
and the grandkids got a chance to talk to him too. Beau asked him where his mini sticks were in the basement.
He is so much like Colin was as a child, in personality and in looks a bit, too! FUN to see history repeating!


I am ever grateful for many things in my life these days… and glad I have my blog to record them to recall later when I choose to look back on them in years gone by.


But for now… I might just have to go for a little LATTE!

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


I have so much to be thankful for,
Family, friends and so much more.
Birthdays, celebrations and lots of fun,
And drinking LATTES with everyone!
Grandkids, snowmen, cookie baking…
Having fun, just memory making!
Out to dine with special peeps…
THANKS a "LATTE"…
a bunch and heaps!

Monday, January 12, 2015

SURPRISED… CELEBRATED… GRATEFUL!

"The moments of happiness take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them, but that they seize us."
-Ashley Montegu

"Nothing is more honourable than a grateful heart."
-Seneca

"Love wholeheartedly, be surprised give thanks and praise- then discover the fullness of your life."
-Brother David Steindl-Rast


I am so GRATEFUL that my hubby, Brian and daughter, Jana,
through a SURPRISE party for me to help me CELEBRATE my Birthday
and new decade of life!
It was held on Saturday at
The Spadina Freehouse Restaurant… and was an evening
of fun, friendship and celebrations!

To kick off the big "SIX OH" CELEBRATIONS…
earlier on my birthday… out of town guests…
Linda and Dennis came from Lanigan and
Mike from Regina for my party.
Linda and I had our very first STARBUCKS
in my sixties, too! teehe


I was happy that both my brothers were able to attend my party very briefly.
I got a selfie with Bro Brian … but missed snapping Bob and wife Arleen
before they had to leave for another party as well.
Nephew Jeff came with 60 suckers in a styrophone ball and a sign that said
"60 SUCKS!"
Nephew Brad and his wife, Janelle stayed
until they were off to another commitment, too.
I was GRATEFUL to have them there celebrating with me!

There were many different groups of people to photograph…
Here was the table with Jana and Nels… Brian and Mike… and others too later!

I tried hard to make the rounds to visit a bit with all guests…
I was happy my cousins, Bev and Gwen could be there,
and friends… Dennis and Linda...
as well as neighbours,  Floyd, Heather  and Cheryl seen here.
Such good neighbours they are too!

Sisters-in-law, Bev and Brenda
 (Brenda's hubby Mark missed being in this picture, but was also there !)

as well
good friends…
Alex and Robin
and Nichole and Sammy
all were there, too!
So many fun family and friends!!!

More buddies…
Joanne(who ended up capturing many photos for me at the party, too!)…
Brenda… my good dancer buddy and studio owner of BSOBAD…
Melissa… Jana's store partner at SWANK SHOE LOUNGE…
Vanessa… my longest time Diane Will Dance Studio
client/staff member, and good friend.

More great friends…
Cathy, Kellie, Brenda
(also there... but not in photo… hubbies… Vince, Vern and Darren)

Gerry, Joan, Jacquie, Bob… and Vern...
Vern was also our chauffeur for the night!

Some more awesome friends…
Judy, Dan, Robin, Alex, Trona…
as well as Steve, Cindy and Vern…
missing from this group was Ross… but he was there, too!

Anyone who know me, knows that I love a crafted card!
Trona did an amazing job of crafting one of me…
the pictures don't do it justice ...this is the cover and inside of her's for me
… she rocks at crafting cards…
thanks Trona!

My nephew Jeff was there briefly… and made the rounds…
here with Brian and Gwen…
Even our waitress Shannon is a gal I taught years ago… she was awesome!
Friends  Vern and Gerry & Joan and Jacquie struck up a new friendships, too.

How about these fancy cupcakes? Who doesn't love cake!?

I do not recall ever having so many birthday cards
on my table as there are now
… and not one single duplicate either!!!
I received so many thoughtful, heartfelt gifts as well…
including this beautiful jewelry from my family
a bracelet engraved with family names & a ring
with the word LOVE on it with little pink diamonds… all so special.

I also got this big framed photo of Brian's birthday celebration
in October at the Montreal Canadian s hockey game with son Colin
(another cherished celebration!)
from our good friends, Mike and Lynne,
who went on that holiday with us.

I was truly spoiled and want to extend my gratitude for
all the gifts…  so thoughtful and generous
...too many to post here! 

Friday Jana and I did our kick off to our birthdays with our
annual mother/daughter mani-pedi-lunch bond.
Nels and Brian joined us at Earl's for lunch… we had fun
and of course a happy hour to celebrate our HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!

Yesterday SURPRISE CELEBRATIONS continued!
Jana's friend, Melissa hosted a brunch for her and some of her family and friends
at The Willows Restaurant.
Seen here are Jana's friends… Melissa and Shelane,
as well as my grandkids, Mariah and Beau and
Shelane's boy, Braxton.

I didn't get all party friends in photos… but managed to get some with the grandkids
as well as their uncle Jens who happened to be visiting  from Edmonton this weekend.

Celebrations really started early last week…
Brian and I joined friends Vern and Ella for a sushi supper at Sushiro
Monday night.
Tuesday I took Ella to the airport to give her the send off
on a wee holiday she was going on.
Wednesday I was treated to a pre birthday lunch
with good dance buddy, Brenda at Moxies.

So I was celebrating every day last week!!!

Thursday we hosted a very impromptu supper with friends,
Jacquie, Bob and Vern.
Jacquie fell and broke 2 toes last week, so
we thought we'd offer some support by having a supper here.
Brian cooked a delicious meal… I am always so grateful for
him and all he does for me and our friends and family alike!





SURPRISE…
Thanks for popping by my "60th Birthday Celebration" edition of my blog!
As you can see… I have been celebrating for a week now…and really, I truly do like to turn every day 

into a celebration!



Last Monday Jana and Brian decided to create a SURPRISE birthday event for me on Facebook inviting guests they could find there that they thought might like to come!
Brian had my name on his list… 

so accidentally invited me too… 
SURPRISE!
Although the event was not entirely a surprise to me… 

many parts of it were. I chose to not look at the event…
that way I could be surprised by who came.

 I was very SURPRISED at all the LOVE that was shared there… 45 people in total… 
(some missing from my above photos)… 
but I tried to capture as many people as I could… 
thanks to the others who snapped photos 
along the way, too!


With this being the start to a new decade for me… this birthday seemed more grand than previous birthdays…
not just in the larger number I turned… 

but in the size of the celebration.

I was thrilled with all who came and was grateful for how celebrated I did feel.
I was delighted we had out of town friends…
Linda and Dennis, as well as, Mike  joining us for the birthday fun. And Mike even stayed for Jana's birthday breakfast the following day getting full value for his
"surprise birthday" event!!! hehehe


Mike's wife and my good buddy, Lynne, would have been along for the party, had she not been in Vancouver for a baby shower event for her daughter, Carly. I was to have gone to the baby shower, too… but could not be at both celebrations at once! I'm sure that was a fun party too!


January is always a full month of celebrating for us…
not only do we celebrate the start of a new year …
we celebrate 3 out of our 4 immediate family member's birthdays. Mine on the 10th, Jana's on the 11th and then Colin's on the 18th. Later in the month my sister-in-law, Brenda has a birthday, too.
I also grew up with many January birthday friends…
we called ourselves the CBC which stood for
"CAPRICORN BIRTHDAY CLUB"!
Even though it is a cold month to be born,
lots of celebrations help to keep our spirits
warm and bright!


I saw on Facebook last week someone posted that birthdays ending in ZERO… need to celebrate for the full month… 

so if that is the case… 
my celebrating has only just begun!


We enjoyed a nice phone call from son, Colin , who will celebrate his 36th birthday this coming Sunday. I am always grateful he remembers to call on all of our birthdays.
I will call him on his as well to wish him
all the BEST on his Birthday too!


My grandson had his first day of hockey school on the weekend, and loved it.
I also took Mariah to her dance lessons last week… I am so glad she can carry on the family tradition following in her mom and grandma's footsteps by dancing!

So many traditions can carry on for generations!!!


As the beat goes on… I will close in saying…
THANK YOU to all who pop by to read my blog.
I want to extend gratitude with those who 

share so much in my life as well. 
I am forever GRATEFUL with
the life I have, and feel loved and 
CELEBRATED!


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

It's fun to get together and to CELEBRATE.
Especially with people , who make me feel so great!
Whether it's a birthday or just another day,
Living in the moment, is always the best way.
Feeling grateful for whatever life brings ,
For all of the people and so many things.
Enjoying celebrations in every decade,
And all of the memories …
as they are made!

Monday, January 5, 2015

BRAND NEW!

"Cheers to a New Year and another chance 
for us to get it right."
-Oprah Winfrey

"It's time to rise and shine. 
Wake up and make the day mine.
In this brand new world. I'm at the starting line."
-Unknown

"Wake up to a brand new day. 
Never stop giving. Never stop loving .
Make each moment count."
-Unknown

Here we are ready to kick off a BRAND NEW YEAR…
at our dear friends' BOB and JACQUIE's festive looking home.
They did it up in style and THEME, too making it a
"BLAST FROM THE PAST"
These two really know how to throw a party and entertain!

I captured many photos of the evening's events which began in
Bob and Jacquie's condo greeting the 29 guests there…
and moving into the big common room… all beautifully decorated…
for delicious food and drinks and festive fun!

Once again Jacquie outdid herself with all the food she cooked
to serve her guests… and it was not only delicious tasting it was presented
with such elegance and style as only she can do!
She looked like a Queen, too, i might add…
wearing a gown and tiara of her mother's
from her past… fitting into her party theme.

From ringing in the BRAND NEW YEAR at Bob and Jaquie's party…
… to updating boards…
I went to the studio to update the many bulletin boards
from CHRISTMAS and SANTA THEME...
to JANUARY CELEBRATIONS THEME!
I also took down the Santas around home too…
but tree and snowmen are still up…
for SNOWMAN-UARY!!!

January 2nd… I thought of my dear dad once again
as we remembered his sudden passing on that date
back in 2000.
It is hard to believe 15 years have passed since his passing,
but he is and always will be in my heart and his spirit
will live on forever more.

We got a chance to go visit my nephew Brad and Janelle
at their BRAND NEW HOME just last week… and later in the new year
they will become BRAND NEW PARENTS… such exciting times for them.

I also visited my hairdresser, Marla(who preferred not to be in a photo,
but i took one of her adorable tree in her basement…
she does such a great job of my hair always…
freshening it up and making me feel BRAND NEW!

I also finally got a chance to pop by my dear Auntie Mary's nursing home
and have a visit and I delivered a tray of goodies to her.
She is such a special Auntie to me and
every visit feels special and like a BRAND NEW one,
even if some stories have been told before!

On New Year's day… we met our friends… Ella and Vern for our
first STARBUCKS of the NEW YEAR!
Yesterday was a chilly day so I enjoyed some of my yummy
BRAND NEW
Hot Chocolate (with marshmallows),
I got  as a gift for Christmas from my buddy Linda…
I love all the sayings on the box as photographed here!

On New Year's Day… Jana texted me photos of her kids
heading to Table Mountain to go Snow Boarding…
It was a Brand New experience for Beau…and a fun one I heard!

Yesterday Beau got BRAND NEW hockey equipment
for the BRAND NEW hockey experience to begin for him
this coming Saturday!
He is a pretty proud new little hockey star!!!

On Friday I met with Jana and her kids at Winners…
Beau turns shopping into a BRAND NEW EXPERIENCE every time…
here he is in a Darth Vader mask and no boots…
"may the force be with us all!"
Saturday was a special gathering of friends for my girlfriend, Joanne's
Birthday... for drinks and appies at Earl's…
friends, Brenda and Vern captured these photos  of the event,
as my phone was full again!!!… hmmmm I must take too many photos!

Soon we will be having our family birthday
celebrations here, too… as
Jana, Colin and I all have birthdays coming up…
and one of us is even entering a
BRAND NEW DECADE!!!!



HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

As I sit down to write my very first blog post of 2015,
I am here to say thanks for all the reading you have done to keep up with me till now.
 I doubt that anyone of you has read every blog I have written… but just for the records…
this is blog post # 410!



I began writing this blog on December 31st of 2010…and since then it has been a journey of recording all the fun and positive things in my life along the way. It is always a brand new experience for me each time as I go through the pictures and events that have occurred since the previous post. I am ever grateful I have done this as I can choose to go back at any time and see what
I was up to in times gone by.
So many special times and wonderful pictures
to store in my  memories forever.


As I begin the very first full week of 2015… I have lots to look forward to. We definitely kicked off the new year in style at our friend's Bob and Jacquie's as they once again hosted another annual New Year's Eve party extraordinaire!
They are truly the hosts with the most… and they are both hitting milestone birthdays this year, as well…
their energy and enthusiasm is to be commended and admired… they are both true inspirations.


I know many people who celebrate birthdays in January… and my good friend Joanne is one of those. We had a fun little impromptu party with her and some of the BSOBAD friends on Saturday night at Earl's. I am always grateful for all the friends I have met through my experience in the dance world….
as well as the many on other genres of life!


Soon we switch from Christmas CELEBRATIONS to Birthday CELEBRATIONS here at our house!
My birthday is Saturday followed by Jana's on Sunday and my son, Colin's next Sunday… so within a week…
we will all be a BRAND NEW AGE!
… and one of us is entering a BRAND NEW DECADE as well… hehehe… something to CELEBRATE for sure!

It is always hard to take down Christmas around here… but I did start Phase One of that procedure yesterday putting away all the Santas and Nativity stuff. I still have my tree up even though it's top section no longer lights up!!!

I like to leave the Snowmen out for a while… because really they are more about WINTER than Christmas… and we are definitely on winter now!


The grandkids are back to school and day care again today for the first time in the BRAND NEW YEAR… and the routines begin once again following their Christmas break. Mariah's dance lessons start up again this week…
and Beau will begin his hockey!


I was grateful for a visit to my hairdresser this past week… Marla does the best job of my hair …
Thanks for keeping me freshened up always!


I also paid a visit the gym… for a fabulous BRAND NEW start on my fitness for the year at Body Vive on Saturday… Thanks Theresa for the great class. Following the gym…
I came back for a coffee visit with good friends
Ella and  Heather at my house.


We were  lucky to go visit Brad and Janelle in their new home… and I enjoyed a visit with Auntie Mary at her home last week. Yesterday we stopped by my mother-in-law, Blanche's home for a visit as well.
All warm visits in this very
cold time of year!!!


Sunday we met with our group of morning breakfast friends at Fuddrucker's and even though it was very cold out… our companionship and good breakfasts kept us all warm and we left feeling like BRAND NEW!


Once again I want to THANK all my blog readers for stopping by to read today's BRAND NEW post…
and I want to wish every one
Happiness and Good Health in this
BRAND NEW YEAR ahead…

On that note…
here is my Brand New Rhyme of the day!


It's always fun to welcome  BRAND NEW …
Have a fresh start in all that we do.
Start a new year with a brand new decade,
Being grateful for memories once made.
Getting ready in the starting gate…
For BRAND NEW beginnings to Celebrate!
A BRAND NEW year… for a BRAND NEW start,
A BRAND NEW chance to follow your heart!