HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET ALEXANDRA!

*** BEFORE YOU READ THIS...LISTEN TO MICHAEL BUBLE'S BIRTHDAY SONG FOR ALI...FINGER WALK OVER TO POLLY'S PLAYLIST...ENJOY!

DADDY AND DAUGHTER IN PERFECT HARMONY!

ALEXANDRA'S CHRISTENING MAY 1989

PATRICIA, COLIN (FIRTH) AND ALI BABA!

ALI'S 2nd BIRTHDAY DUBLIN 1991

ALI IN HER FAVOURITE SAILOR DRESS!

                 ALI'S FIRST WINTER IN CANADA - FORT MCMURRAY, ALBERTA

BEAUTY AND THE BOOKS

A PERFECT ANGEL ON HER HOLY COMMUNION DAY!

                                            MY GOLDEN GAL!

                   THE HAPPY STUDENT AT SACRED HEART SCHOOL, CALGARY

               ALI DOING A TWIRL IN HER FAVOURITE RED VELVET GOWN

A princess is born...23rd March, 1989.

It was approx. 9.45 a.m. on a glorious Holy Thursday morning March 23rd, 1989. The sun was blazing down on my back as I hung up  clothes to dry in the garden. I was humming away to myself, delighted with life. Ginger the neighbour's cat sat watching me from her corner in the sun. She was also 'with-child'.

Suddenly, without warning I felt an intense dart of pain in my side. I ran into the house to Kevin "I think the baby may be coming!" I screamed, trying to remain as calm as I could. "Quick we better get going!" Kevin said, as the blood drained from his face. He was worse than me! I had everything packed - ready to go. The journey across the city was hell! It was jam packed with shoppers busy getting ready for Easter. The traffic was bumper to bumper. Beads of stress glistened on poor Kevin's face!! ' We should have left earlier..." (ya know the usual man talk!!)

It was Daffodil Day and people were all wearing cheery daffodils on their lapels. (We later called Ali our 'daffodilly daughter'). The pain was escalating and all I could do was pray I would make it to the Rotunda Hospital in time - I just about made it! This frequently happens when an Aries baby is on it's way!

As soon as I arrived at the hospital, the staff put me in a wheelchair. I felt like an old dame - but that's hospital policy. Everything happened in a whirlwind - Fast! At 12.59 p.m. I was holding the most beautiful baby I had ever seen in my life - Alexandra. But of course Victoria and Claudia were also the most beautiful babies I'd ever seen... Everybody commented on how beautiful her eyes were and said she would be a beauty. I remember the customary tea and toast I was given to enjoy as the nurses bathed Ali and got her dressed in the easter bunny yellow outfit I had brought for her. It was a sunny, beautiful, and very happy day for Kevin and I.

The strange thing was there was no pain - absolutely none! I was SO psyched up for torture that when Àli arrived I remember asking the midwives "Is that it?" not realizing she was fully born!! No epidurals, no painkillers, no stitches - just gas and what fun that was. The music in the labour room was the theme song from the Western movie 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly'.  I was in stitches laughing. I think it was laughing gas they gave me!

Where have the years gone by? Insane how time flies...HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET ALI BABA! We all love you SO much. Thank you for making the last 24 years golden daffodilly years for us. God Bless you babe and may the force be with you!!

Birthday kisses and hugs xxx

Ma, Da, Victoria, Claudia, Lulu of the toothless mouth, Chi Chi and Tessa xxxxx

HOW TO DEAL WITH RAW MALE ENERGY!

That was one of the interesting emails which greeted me when I opened up my computer this morning. Another was 'Are you ready to ignite your super-potential?' My answer to that is Yeah! Yeah! and Yeah! And there was more... 'Patricia Rule #18 - Blow your own Horn!'. Well, to be honest I do that on occasion to my detriment!! Ha ha. You see I was born in the Chinese year of the Rooster and let's just say...we Cock-a-doodle-do a Lot!! But hey! it's fun, and makes for an interesting life!

So how do you deal with raw male energy anyway? Frankly, I dunno and to be honest since I turned 50, it's not a problem I encounter on a daily basis...that's not to say it doesn't happen from time to time - i.e. parking tickets...ahem!!

I was inspired by 'Are you ready to ignite your super potential?' And the question now that Spring has sprung is 'Are you?'. I sure am. It is so inspiring to see the buds appearing once again on the trees, and the golden daffodils smiling back at me from the garden. I just love the fresh spring sunshine which fills my heart with hope and that feeling of rejuvenation that Springtime gifts me with. The fact my birthday is in March, and I get a new digit, and a brand new year adds extra fizz. I also renew my car tax and insurance this time of the year so it's all new beginnings...

I have found my 'perfect' Volunteer position. I had been considering some options as I felt in my heart that God had blessed me in abundance, and I wanted to give back. I had considered working with troubled and suicidal youth, but Kevin warned me "You're too soft" and he felt that I would get burnt out in no time at all. He knows me better than I know myself at times! I prayed that God would guide me to the perfect fit and Voila! it appeared. Such is the wisdom of our maker.

I love party planning and all that sort of stuff so now I volunteer to help with the social functions in our church. I've done a few so far and absolutely love them. There is such a feeling of warm community as everybody chips in. We help with christenings for folk that cannot afford to do them privately, and all sorts of occasions. I'm looking forward to another event next Tuesday and Saturday week. What I love is the huge variety of people you meet, and from interesting walks of life.

The girls gave me a copy of Pippa Middleton's acclaimed book 'Celebrate' for my birthday and I just love love love it! I know she was unfairly hammered by the press who said she was using her connections to further the book - but hey! who doesn't? I highly recommend Pippa's book to anybody who enjoys parties and celebrating life, the seasons, and all of life's milestones. It is a beautifully illustrated book loaded with wonderful recipes and useful tips for the hostess with the mostest...enthusiasm!! In a sentence 'Paradise in the palm of your hand'.

That's it for today my Polly Pals and keep doing what makes you happy!
Hey on that note, I have a sweet treat for you. Let your fingers take an amble over to Polly's Playlist and listen to Michael Buble's Divne new rhapsody...'It's a Beautiful Day'.  Enjoy!!

Choo Choo,

Patricia xxx

ST. PATRICK'S WEEKEND 2013

CHI CHI EAGERLY WAITING FOR OUR GUESTS TO ARRIVE!

WELCOME ONE AND ALL!

TOBY MY ANTIQUE JUG CHANGES HEAD GEAR PER SEASON!

TWO BONNY GREEN LASSIES!!

SEE MY GORGEOUS NEW COFFEE URN IN THE BACKGROUND??

 THEO AND CLAUDIA IN FINE FORM!

THOSE RENTAL FOOD WARMERS MADE SELF-SERVE A BREEZE!

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD AND LOTS OF IT...!!

SELF-SERVE DESSERTS IN THE BUTLER'S PANTRY

CLAUDIA AND MICHELLE

CLAUDIA AND ALI

A BEVY OF BEAUTIES - L TO R - ALEXANDRA, VICTORIA, SARAH, CLAUDIA AND MICHELLE.

WE ROLLED BACK THE HALL RUG AND LET THE GALS DANCE!

DON'T YOU LOVE THE DRESS? WHAT A GREAT DANCER SHE WAS!

THE ENTRANCE HALL AS THE GUESTS ARRIVED DROPPING PRESENTS AND WINE...

THE LIVING ROOM - POST-PARTY!!

                                        TWO LITTLE LEPRECHAUNS!

And what a splendid one it was! The weather was bright, fresh and sunny and remained great all weekend, reserving the best of the sunshine for St. Patrick`s Day. My friend Monica and her daughter Michelle came down from Calgary to celebrate - both our March birthdays, and of course St. Patrick`s Day.

For two weeks beforehand we were decorating the house and what fun that was. I scoured the consignment shops and found a trove of green shamrock treasures -  old china plates, to green glasses and everything else in between. Value Village was a mecca of magic and I bought two amazing green Indian saris for $9.00 a piece. I used one to drape the living room mantlepiece, and the other to form a festive garland around the dining table. My dress for the evening was one I got last St. Patrick`s Day from a consignment shop and was much admired. It was a green velvet dress which I got for $20 - bargain of the century and it fit!! I wore it again this year with a bright acid green pashmina to trendy it up a bit.

In all, we had more than 50 guests - ten more than I had expected. But I had lots of food prepared, so will not have to cook for a week - at least!! I organized some dancers from a local Irish dance school and they were truly fantastic, especially the little one, who was only about 4 years old and so cute.

Instead of serving up all Irish food, I added some Indian butter chicken as I find that to be a party favourite - and yes! it was the dish everybody seemed to like the most. I also did an Irish stew which the men enjoyed. In addition I served a plain salmon, seafood medley in a rich sauce, and a vegetarian lasagne. We had broccoli salad, tossed salad, caesar salad and coleslaw and devilled eggs. Alexandra prepared some appie sized brown bread topped with smoked salmon and red onion. The bread was spread with philly cream cheese to give an extra oomph!

I lazed out for the desserts and ordered in some mini ooh la la cupcakes decorated in green and white with shamrocks, some chocolate mousse cakes and a delicious lemon cream cake which I decorated with green sprinkles and edible shamrocks.

The piece de la resistance was my lovely new ornate coffee urn which Kevin got me as a birthday present. I bought it on line and what a bargain! I had wanted one for ages and the guy I bought it from was Irish! He gave me a great deal, especially when I told him it was for a St. Paddy`s Party!! His name was Mike Hogan. He had bought several from a Hotel which closed down. They can fetch up to $700 a piece but he gave it to me for $140. A self-serve coffee urn at a party makes everything so easy. People helped themselves to Irish Coffee (the Canadian version) which is coffee whitened with Bailey`s - so simple!! And so effective.

Lastly, we girls put together some St. Paddy`s treat bags filled with some green chocolates and golden chocolate coins to give our guests as they left the house. I think - all-in-all - we did St. Patrick and Ireland proud!!

Now...I`m exhausted... and just as I was recovering from post-party pain - I get a phone call from the church parish office to ask if I can help out with two church events coming up Tuesday next and Saturday week! Yes I will as I wouldn`t be doing this sort of thing if I didn`t enjoy it. It makes people happy, and it makes me happy...so it`s a win win situation.

Choo Choo my friends and avoid people or situations that bring you `down`. We`re on an UP UP UP  mission...Right on!










Patricia xxx

MINDFULNESS

I just love the word 'mindfulness'. I hear it in the whisper of a breeze, the quiet of my car (when I turn the radio off), the peaceful snoring of my little puppies, the waves lapping against the shore. It's there if you just listen for it...

I heard it this morning as I drove behind a cute little Mr. Bean car. The driver was moving at a snail's pace and had a sticker on the bumper which said 'Mr. Bean's on board'. He could have been, and it sure got my attention. People were all passing us by impatiently. I decided to stay behind Mr. Bean. What was the hurry? We weren't on a screaming motorway, and besides we were going faster than a horse drawn carriage, if that's any help!

I arrived in plenty of time at my destination, relaxed and happy. I had enjoyed a tranquil and mindful journey. I knew I wasn't going to crash into Mr. Bean, and if I did, he would have been nice about it. I began thinking about what the Bishop said to us yesterday at mass. His words resonated with me. "Faith is the fertiliser that feeds our soul and allows the tree of life to flourish within us". Powerful words. Being 'mindful' allowed me to contemplate those words even more.

Today when I opened up my facebook. 'Mindfulness Ireland' had posted another interesting message:- (Love their site check it out)

Do not underestimate yourself by comparing yourself with others.
      It's our differences that make us unique and beautiful.

It's only when we are being 'mindful' that we can think positive thoughts like the above. We are what we think that's for sure!

I realize in the last few weeks I have been running around in my mind like a headless chicken. Life is getting in the way of good productive thought. I have a trip to plan to Ireland in May D.V. and then Milan in June, and the condo in Vancouver to take over on May 1st, and get it furnished and ready for family use, and a family wedding in Ireland the end of December d.v. and our 30th wedding anniversary in July - what will I do about it? So many thoughts, decisions but Hey! it's all good, and what about my upcoming birthday, and St. Patrick's Day? and my friend coming down from Calgary for the weekend to share our birthdays...I love when life is like that, yet at the same time, I need those moments of 'Mindful' reflection to keep me sane!!

Last but not least, Kevin and I listened to an Irish chat show 'The Late Late Show' on line this morning. There was an interview with 'former millionaire' and top businessman Bill Cullen. We were both in total awe of Bill. He is now bankrupt and his was a true 'Rags to Riches' story. Unfortunately, he is heading for the rags as we speak, but not without hope and a good fight! He is 71 now and looks great. He has such a positive outlook on life.

In the boom years he would work 20 hours a day - kid you not! he only slept 4 hours a night just like Maggie Thatcher. Don't know how they do it! He quoted his beloved grandmother Molly Darcy who lived to a 100, and taught him the secrets of a long and happy life "Bill what's the use of worrying about things that will never happen. C'mon down now and we'll feed the ducks and have an ice cream". In troubled times his grandmother would go down to the church and say a few rosaries and then she was grand.

So let's 'mindfully' chew on Mr. Bean, Molly Darcy, and Bill Cullen. Maybe  we could learn something from them?

Choo Choo and have a great day!

Patricia xxx