...the sound of action and the sight of speedy progress! My sick and wounded house is now looking much better t.g. First on duty was the tree surgeon quickly followed by the roof doctors. Today I did a head count as we were all crashing and banging into each other. Fortunately, the only object injured was a window that got smacked in the face by a flying torpedo of a shingle...crash...ouch!! Glass shattered...me too!!
There were four men hammering and banging away on the roof. They sounded like the demon banging on the wardrobe in the horror movie I saw recently and I had momentary PTSD - it passed. Then we had three guys and one girl painting, two fellows doing the stucco and taking the porch pillars apart, two carpenters working on the woodwork and the door I want to turn inside out so that it opens on to the porch, and finally Steve the Project Manager bringing the number up to 13!
Shingles were flying off the roof at the speed of sound, birds were huddled together in shock, the radio was blasting, painters were whistling, carpenters were laughing, Chi Chi was relieving herself all over the place as she is totally confused with this bedlam that she cannot see - and yes it is bedlam! So between nails, and doggy poop, and treading on egg shells with my neighbours...let's just say I'm in the mood to roll back those lazy hazy days of summer.
The neighbours are not happy to be sandwiched between a mustard house on their left and now a custard house on their right. A bit jaundiced, they told me that yellow seems to follow them wherever they go and that their neighbour's house in Toronto was an icy lemon colour. Now that our lovely warm khaki green trim has cosied up with the custard, they are sweetening up a bit towards the new colours.
Knowing that you get more bees with honey, I made four pots of coffee for the crew and got a big box of Tim Horton's donuts. Everybody tucked in happily. We have a spare fridge and freezer in the garage so people can help themselves to drinks and ice cream. I'm really going to miss the painters John, Alex, Mark and Arielle and the carpenters Bill and Brian. They've become part of the family and were such fun and really nice to have around. They have done a terrific job and we're really happy with the colours. I shall keep you in suspense until it is all finished. But so far so wonderful! Good karma abounds.
We're heading off the Vancouver for the long weekend and by golly I shall be glad to get away from the renos!!
Choo Choo for now and talk soon!
Love,
Patricia xxx
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Sunday, July 28, 2013
LOVE IS...
...going to a horror film with my family on a sunny Sunday afternoon! It wasn't my first choice, but I didn't want to disappoint the gang so off we went to see 'The Conjuring' which is based on a true story. That made it even more fearsome. It was the first time we ever had the whole cinema to ourselves! It felt both weird and luxurious. Even though I don't like horror movies, this one was very well produced and the actors were all excellent. It held me spellbound from start to finish and left me in no doubt that the power of Satan is alive and kicking - unfortunately! But God is more powerful - that is for sure and good does overcome evil.
Because it was so dark and dreary, I really needed a lift afterwards, so we went for a lovely walk down to the inner harbour, had an ice cream, and sat in the sun watching the buskers and all the tourists. Later Kevin and I went to the 'Irish Times' for something to eat. By the end of our happy jaunt, I had forgotten that nasty auld cobwebby movie, which really did nothing for me.
By direct contrast, 'Frances Ha' the movie we saw last week was superlative and much more 'up-beat' It tells the charming story of a 20 something year old girl trying to 'find herself' in New York. Frances is sweet, innocent and touchingly naive. We can all relate to her and share her ups and downs. Everyone wants her to succeed, yet there is an underlying fear that through lack of guile, and practicality, she could end up homeless. Eventually she does land on her feet. It's a fairy tale with a happy ending. More my cup of tea!
Another movie which I saw recently and thoroughly enjoyed was a chick flick called 'The Women'. All my favourite actresses were starring in it; Meg Ryan, Bette Midler, Annette Benning and Debra Messing. If you want a 'feel good' movie then I would suggest either of the above - NOT 'The Conjuring'!!
Weekends are for fleas, fashion and flicks! Flea markets that is!
Choo Choo for now!
Love,
Patricia xxx
Because it was so dark and dreary, I really needed a lift afterwards, so we went for a lovely walk down to the inner harbour, had an ice cream, and sat in the sun watching the buskers and all the tourists. Later Kevin and I went to the 'Irish Times' for something to eat. By the end of our happy jaunt, I had forgotten that nasty auld cobwebby movie, which really did nothing for me.
By direct contrast, 'Frances Ha' the movie we saw last week was superlative and much more 'up-beat' It tells the charming story of a 20 something year old girl trying to 'find herself' in New York. Frances is sweet, innocent and touchingly naive. We can all relate to her and share her ups and downs. Everyone wants her to succeed, yet there is an underlying fear that through lack of guile, and practicality, she could end up homeless. Eventually she does land on her feet. It's a fairy tale with a happy ending. More my cup of tea!
Another movie which I saw recently and thoroughly enjoyed was a chick flick called 'The Women'. All my favourite actresses were starring in it; Meg Ryan, Bette Midler, Annette Benning and Debra Messing. If you want a 'feel good' movie then I would suggest either of the above - NOT 'The Conjuring'!!
Weekends are for fleas, fashion and flicks! Flea markets that is!
Choo Choo for now!
Love,
Patricia xxx
Thursday, July 25, 2013
WAY TO GO CHI CHI!
Today I had to give Ms. Chi Chi a pep talk. We began discussing the power of positive thinking. I told her that even though she is indeed blind in both eyes, nevertheless, she is still a young dog (only 9), and that there was no need for her to be giving up on life. She listened politely, and I could tell by the way her ears went up and down, she was open to persuasion.
I put her rusty old walking harness on her, and away we went up to Government House for a walk - just like in the good ol' days before the shutters came down. Lulu joined us but was getting mighty impatient at Chi Chi for delaying her. How times have changed! Before it was the other way round and Lulu could not keep up with Chi Chi.
The process of getting Chi Chi walking again is like a little baby taking its first steps. You need patience and time. We'd walk a bit, then I would carry her, and she would walk again. In no time at all, she was walking by herself. I brought her into a quiet leafy area of the gardens where there were no flowers or people, so she could amble around comfortably. Watching us with hawk-like gaze, a little maggot of a man followed us and scolded me saying Chi Chi should be on a leash. I explained her sad circumstances; that she was blind and liked to sniff around the base of the tree, but got no kindly response from the maggot man. He did not understand what we were trying to achieve here. He was a volunteer gardener and I felt like telling him to chillax! Dogs and people have different ways of enjoying nature.
Fortunately, it was water off a duck's back for Chi Chi. She was having such a good time, she didn't take any notice of the fussy little man. Whoa! there was worse to come. Next as we were passing a couple by the duck pond, Chi Chi went over to them wagging her little tail in a friendly gesture. The man who resembled a stick insect insulted her, and said she was "chubby" and then thinking he was hilarious "you need to get your figure back ha ha" If it was me he was talking to, I'd have punched him in the face! I told him it was "Easier said than done!" His pleasantly plump wife rolled her eyes up to heaven. He must have told her the same thing!
Despite the maggot man telling her to leash up, and the stick insect man telling her she needed to get her figure back, and the blindness making her crash into trees, Chi Chi walked all the way home, with her little head held high and her tail wagging happily. I am SO proud of her. It must have been our talk about the power of positive thinking!
Way to go Chi Chi!
Love,
Patricia xxx
I put her rusty old walking harness on her, and away we went up to Government House for a walk - just like in the good ol' days before the shutters came down. Lulu joined us but was getting mighty impatient at Chi Chi for delaying her. How times have changed! Before it was the other way round and Lulu could not keep up with Chi Chi.
The process of getting Chi Chi walking again is like a little baby taking its first steps. You need patience and time. We'd walk a bit, then I would carry her, and she would walk again. In no time at all, she was walking by herself. I brought her into a quiet leafy area of the gardens where there were no flowers or people, so she could amble around comfortably. Watching us with hawk-like gaze, a little maggot of a man followed us and scolded me saying Chi Chi should be on a leash. I explained her sad circumstances; that she was blind and liked to sniff around the base of the tree, but got no kindly response from the maggot man. He did not understand what we were trying to achieve here. He was a volunteer gardener and I felt like telling him to chillax! Dogs and people have different ways of enjoying nature.
Fortunately, it was water off a duck's back for Chi Chi. She was having such a good time, she didn't take any notice of the fussy little man. Whoa! there was worse to come. Next as we were passing a couple by the duck pond, Chi Chi went over to them wagging her little tail in a friendly gesture. The man who resembled a stick insect insulted her, and said she was "chubby" and then thinking he was hilarious "you need to get your figure back ha ha" If it was me he was talking to, I'd have punched him in the face! I told him it was "Easier said than done!" His pleasantly plump wife rolled her eyes up to heaven. He must have told her the same thing!
Despite the maggot man telling her to leash up, and the stick insect man telling her she needed to get her figure back, and the blindness making her crash into trees, Chi Chi walked all the way home, with her little head held high and her tail wagging happily. I am SO proud of her. It must have been our talk about the power of positive thinking!
Way to go Chi Chi!
Love,
Patricia xxx
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
TIME OUT
The sun was shining and the boys were noising. Wiggly little worries were swirling around my head like a dust storm; only one solution - Time Out!
Soon as I dropped Kevin off at work, I headed for my beloved chip trail where I have pounded away thousands of steps over the years. It is my favourite place to meditate, and at the same time get a bit of exercise. Temperature was just perfect at 22 degrees. A gentle breeze caressed my face, while all around the perfume of wild roses infused the air - heaven!
En route, I befriended a delightful black cat by the name of Boris. How did I know that was his name? A walker greeted him by name and threw me a smile. With my bosom, surely I could not be mistaken for a Boris? If I was to be a boy I think I would be a Shane. We played together for a few minutes as he rolled around in the dust (the cat not the walker). I tickled his tummy and by the time our session ended, I felt right as rain. Thank you Boris!
Next, I bumped into various folk I know from the trail, and we chit chatted for a few moments. I discovered a lady I know is now a grandmother and has another daughter getting married in September d.v. simple words being exchanged which added to that sense of connection. As I progressed on my little amble I met an artist friend. We talked about Italy and my recent trip. She loves the place and went on a holiday to Tuscany with fellow artists last year. Now that would be my idea of heaven!! A realtor I know brought a group of people to St. Petersbourg, Russia on a cultural holiday - another trip I would love to make.
By the time I got back to the hotspot things were hotting up all right! Our project manager thinks the red does not pop enough! We discussed it. Now the painter is in disagreement with the project manager over the correct finish for the green trim; should it be semi-gloss or eggshell? Yikes need to discuss it with Kevin tonight...I'm treading on egg shells at the moment!!
And there is the question of the hardware, broken windows, pillars that are in danger of subsiding if we don't do something big and expensive about it...questions questions and the only answer is MONEY - the root of all evil and the cure for all Renos.
Choo Choo for now and enjoy the sunshine!!
Love,
Patricia xxx
Soon as I dropped Kevin off at work, I headed for my beloved chip trail where I have pounded away thousands of steps over the years. It is my favourite place to meditate, and at the same time get a bit of exercise. Temperature was just perfect at 22 degrees. A gentle breeze caressed my face, while all around the perfume of wild roses infused the air - heaven!
En route, I befriended a delightful black cat by the name of Boris. How did I know that was his name? A walker greeted him by name and threw me a smile. With my bosom, surely I could not be mistaken for a Boris? If I was to be a boy I think I would be a Shane. We played together for a few minutes as he rolled around in the dust (the cat not the walker). I tickled his tummy and by the time our session ended, I felt right as rain. Thank you Boris!
Next, I bumped into various folk I know from the trail, and we chit chatted for a few moments. I discovered a lady I know is now a grandmother and has another daughter getting married in September d.v. simple words being exchanged which added to that sense of connection. As I progressed on my little amble I met an artist friend. We talked about Italy and my recent trip. She loves the place and went on a holiday to Tuscany with fellow artists last year. Now that would be my idea of heaven!! A realtor I know brought a group of people to St. Petersbourg, Russia on a cultural holiday - another trip I would love to make.
By the time I got back to the hotspot things were hotting up all right! Our project manager thinks the red does not pop enough! We discussed it. Now the painter is in disagreement with the project manager over the correct finish for the green trim; should it be semi-gloss or eggshell? Yikes need to discuss it with Kevin tonight...I'm treading on egg shells at the moment!!
And there is the question of the hardware, broken windows, pillars that are in danger of subsiding if we don't do something big and expensive about it...questions questions and the only answer is MONEY - the root of all evil and the cure for all Renos.
Choo Choo for now and enjoy the sunshine!!
Love,
Patricia xxx
Monday, July 22, 2013
KING KENNY - IT'S OFFICIAL NOW!
If daddy was still alive, he would have turned 87 today! It was a very sad day for me thinking about this, as it was for mammy.
It was a stressful day - for other reasons too - not least of all the RENOS!! I tossed and turned all night long as our bedroom was illuminated by the full moon (in Aquarius) - erratic!! Then just as I was about to sleep - hark! - I heard the sound of ladders being struck against the walls and mens' voices - it was the painters! Heck - they arrived earlier than anticipated. I hadn't even got out of bed! I jumped up quickly and now it has dawned on me - I did not shower today - stay away people!!
Next excitement - the car would not start! I had to call BCAA and then after they started it, had to bring it down to be serviced. Vicky drove me home in our other car - just in time to see that the green paint colour for the trim was not the right one - Phew! caught it in time. I had given them the wrong colour green. But fortunately, this was the initial 'trial run' and they hadn't put in the full order yet. That's why you need to be around!!
In the meantime, our house was like a jungle - literally - we had a visiting cat and a bird! Apparently they came in from the scaffolding. Lulu and Chichi went ape! Brian the lively carpenter told me the weird box he found in the dirt pile beneath the porch, was in fact a 'shock treatment' device. I know about these being used for depression, but since the device was nearly one hundred years old, Brian did some investigation and discovered that it was used to ease colds, flu, headaches, etc. Instead of Tylenol, they used shock therapy. You learn something new every day! And this little machine which he found beneath the porch delivered the shocks.
Coffee was on tap all day long for the guys in our cosy garage, along with a box of biscuits. We also have a drinks fridge there which I filled with cans of coca cola and sprite. Altogether, we have six guys working on the house - not including the roofers who start next week. So it is all systems go!! And the guys are all adorable. It's true what they say - you get more bees with honey - co-operation and enthusiam as well.
Lastly, this is where the 'KING KENNY' bit comes in...Mother always used to call daddy 'King Kenny' and today what happens? A future King of England was born to Kate and William on Daddy's Birthday - How funny is that? Mother was thrilled and took great comfort in knowing that a King was born today on 'King Kenny's' birthday!!
Choo Choo for now and enjoy the sunshine!
Love,
Patricia xxx
It was a stressful day - for other reasons too - not least of all the RENOS!! I tossed and turned all night long as our bedroom was illuminated by the full moon (in Aquarius) - erratic!! Then just as I was about to sleep - hark! - I heard the sound of ladders being struck against the walls and mens' voices - it was the painters! Heck - they arrived earlier than anticipated. I hadn't even got out of bed! I jumped up quickly and now it has dawned on me - I did not shower today - stay away people!!
Next excitement - the car would not start! I had to call BCAA and then after they started it, had to bring it down to be serviced. Vicky drove me home in our other car - just in time to see that the green paint colour for the trim was not the right one - Phew! caught it in time. I had given them the wrong colour green. But fortunately, this was the initial 'trial run' and they hadn't put in the full order yet. That's why you need to be around!!
In the meantime, our house was like a jungle - literally - we had a visiting cat and a bird! Apparently they came in from the scaffolding. Lulu and Chichi went ape! Brian the lively carpenter told me the weird box he found in the dirt pile beneath the porch, was in fact a 'shock treatment' device. I know about these being used for depression, but since the device was nearly one hundred years old, Brian did some investigation and discovered that it was used to ease colds, flu, headaches, etc. Instead of Tylenol, they used shock therapy. You learn something new every day! And this little machine which he found beneath the porch delivered the shocks.
Coffee was on tap all day long for the guys in our cosy garage, along with a box of biscuits. We also have a drinks fridge there which I filled with cans of coca cola and sprite. Altogether, we have six guys working on the house - not including the roofers who start next week. So it is all systems go!! And the guys are all adorable. It's true what they say - you get more bees with honey - co-operation and enthusiam as well.
Lastly, this is where the 'KING KENNY' bit comes in...Mother always used to call daddy 'King Kenny' and today what happens? A future King of England was born to Kate and William on Daddy's Birthday - How funny is that? Mother was thrilled and took great comfort in knowing that a King was born today on 'King Kenny's' birthday!!
Choo Choo for now and enjoy the sunshine!
Love,
Patricia xxx
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
RUNAWAY RENO!
Where have all the workers gone? Yesterday it was positively raining men, and today there was a drought. Was it the heat? We were supposed to have an army of men coming in today with their hoses to power wash the whole place. (I was hoping to sneak in a good power wash myself while they were at it - no such luck). A team of carpenters were supposed to be hammering their way in my direction as well.
The frustrating thing is I was up at the crack of dawn, having gone to bed late cleaning and sweeping the exterior of the house, and getting all the hanging baskets down, and patio furniture into the garage. I stayed up late cleaning out the garage to make room for the storm windows - as per strict orders from Steve, the Project Manager. I was all hyped up and ready to rock and roll today - even had the drinks in the cooler box ready for the soon-to-be thirsty boys. By 10.00 there was not a sound to be heard. I phoned Steve to find out "What time are they coming?" "They should be there by now, I'll phone you back" he said...I waited and waited and waited by the phone, finally the phone rings, it's Steve "They're not coming today, they'll be there tomorrow instead" Then Steve proceeds to tell me that "in this business, you have to be prepared for anything" Under my breath I said to myself "and prepared for nothing!"
Finally around 11.00 Chi Chi barked to let me know there was an invader. I went outside to see Bill the carpenter had arrived and was starting to chip away at the stucco, and got very excited when he discovered a room beneath the porch that I did not even know existed! "Is there any treasure in there Bill" I asked "Yes, lots" he said getting very happy when he saw some old teak doors thrown in there and other treasures "You may even be able to pay for the renos if you sell this stuff" he said, getting really excited. He has a good sense of humour, not so sure yet about the work ethic! That was the only bit of action today. After about an hour and a half hammering away, Bill came in to tell me that he had to go urgently to the hospital as one of his colleagues was taken ill...That was my action packed Reno Day today! Hopefully tomorrow, there will be lots of muscular men monkeying around on my expensively redundant scaffolding! Tyler the painter did warn "We move fast". Thanks Tyler, I'll try and remember that.
I was prepared for frustrations...Mercury the planet of communications is still retro in the sky and does not go direct until Saturday, after its three week sojourn. I hate when mercury is retro. People get really forgetful and do loopy things during this period. Today I placed an order for a lantern on Vicky's bedroom porch to replace the old rusty one currently there. When I was in the shop, I showed the girl the exact one I wanted, and sure enough she ordered the wrong one! Fortunately, I was on the ball and saw her mistake before she did. Again, classic Mercury retro goop. A friend had an interview for a job at 3.30 today. When she arrived for her interview, the lady who set up the interview was on a day's leave, and nobody knew about the interview! - Mercury Retro fall-out!! It happens three times a year. It was retro when I was travelling back from Ireland. In fact when I was in the middle of my 'Heathrow Hell' experience, I did remember that. So, even though frustrations come - they also go!
If you too are experiencing communication 'frustrations', be patient and take heart in the knowledge that Mercury does go direct on Saturday - Reason to cheer Yee Haw!!
Zimmerman not guilty! - Mercury retro? Communications gone REALLY assways!
Choo Choo for now and Love ya,
Patricia xxx
The frustrating thing is I was up at the crack of dawn, having gone to bed late cleaning and sweeping the exterior of the house, and getting all the hanging baskets down, and patio furniture into the garage. I stayed up late cleaning out the garage to make room for the storm windows - as per strict orders from Steve, the Project Manager. I was all hyped up and ready to rock and roll today - even had the drinks in the cooler box ready for the soon-to-be thirsty boys. By 10.00 there was not a sound to be heard. I phoned Steve to find out "What time are they coming?" "They should be there by now, I'll phone you back" he said...I waited and waited and waited by the phone, finally the phone rings, it's Steve "They're not coming today, they'll be there tomorrow instead" Then Steve proceeds to tell me that "in this business, you have to be prepared for anything" Under my breath I said to myself "and prepared for nothing!"
Finally around 11.00 Chi Chi barked to let me know there was an invader. I went outside to see Bill the carpenter had arrived and was starting to chip away at the stucco, and got very excited when he discovered a room beneath the porch that I did not even know existed! "Is there any treasure in there Bill" I asked "Yes, lots" he said getting very happy when he saw some old teak doors thrown in there and other treasures "You may even be able to pay for the renos if you sell this stuff" he said, getting really excited. He has a good sense of humour, not so sure yet about the work ethic! That was the only bit of action today. After about an hour and a half hammering away, Bill came in to tell me that he had to go urgently to the hospital as one of his colleagues was taken ill...That was my action packed Reno Day today! Hopefully tomorrow, there will be lots of muscular men monkeying around on my expensively redundant scaffolding! Tyler the painter did warn "We move fast". Thanks Tyler, I'll try and remember that.
I was prepared for frustrations...Mercury the planet of communications is still retro in the sky and does not go direct until Saturday, after its three week sojourn. I hate when mercury is retro. People get really forgetful and do loopy things during this period. Today I placed an order for a lantern on Vicky's bedroom porch to replace the old rusty one currently there. When I was in the shop, I showed the girl the exact one I wanted, and sure enough she ordered the wrong one! Fortunately, I was on the ball and saw her mistake before she did. Again, classic Mercury retro goop. A friend had an interview for a job at 3.30 today. When she arrived for her interview, the lady who set up the interview was on a day's leave, and nobody knew about the interview! - Mercury Retro fall-out!! It happens three times a year. It was retro when I was travelling back from Ireland. In fact when I was in the middle of my 'Heathrow Hell' experience, I did remember that. So, even though frustrations come - they also go!
If you too are experiencing communication 'frustrations', be patient and take heart in the knowledge that Mercury does go direct on Saturday - Reason to cheer Yee Haw!!
Zimmerman not guilty! - Mercury retro? Communications gone REALLY assways!
Choo Choo for now and Love ya,
Patricia xxx
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
NEVER A DULL MOMENT!
No place was safe; everywhere I went I could see fellows looking in the windows at me. Hate that! You couldn't go to the bathroom for fear you'd find yourself looking straight out at some fellow swinging like a monkey from the scaffolding. I would say to get a job like that you would definitely need to have some Circus experience.
Our neighbours are holding their breath to see the new splash of colour. I told them it would be bright and beautiful. They are not so sure... I am, and cannot wait to have the place all charmed up and gorgeous. Now you have seen the 'Before' pictures. I can't wait to show you the 'After' pictures when this messy work is all finished.
I'll keep you posted!!
Choo Choo for now and remember - if you're not near the one you love - love the one you're near!!
Love,
Patricia xxx
Monday, July 15, 2013
PEARLY PERFECTION
The love birds I bought last year in Canterbury U.K. I was going to use them for a Graduation party for Claudia. The pearls I had in my jewellery box, and the daisies were courtesy of our garden. I found floating candles. The only thing I bought for the occasion was the food. I opted for a yummy Chinese Takeaway - and it was delish!!
Later we had strawberry mousse and ice cream cake - not forgetting the Purdy's chocolates. Kevin opened up a bottle of wine and the party raged on!!
Here's to another 30 years God willing!!
Sunday, July 14, 2013
RESILIENCE
One of God's most precious gifts to us is 'Resilience'. If you have even a scrap of it in your DNA, it's worth clinging to like a dog with a bone. Nourish it...Respect it... and exercise it every day. So that when you really need a good dose of it, it's there ready and waiting for you. Resilience is what keeps your boat afloat on life's choppy seas. It's 'Hope' turned inside-out.
Resilience is what helped Jeffrey Archer write a bestseller while he was in prison serving time for mis-adventure. I also look to my adorable little canine Chi Chi for inspiration in this department. Prior to becoming blind, Chi Chi was a lively little mutt and always happy to protect her territory. Now, she is adapting with awesome courage and resilience to her very limiting condition. She falls down holes, and only the other day fell down the basement stairs. Ouch! I look at her, and it's like she's saying to me "That's Life...ya just gotta get on with it...now give me my dinner Ma!"
Only this past week, the newspapers have been full of deeply inspiring stories about highly courageous and resilient women. I take my hat off to each and every one of them. 'Blinded student prepares for Law School'. That was a heading on last Thursday's 'Times Colonist'. It told of the remarkable courage and resilience of 35 year old Pakistani woman Rumana Monzur. In 2010 Rumana left her daughter, husband and parents behind in Dhaka, Bangladesh to study Political Science in Vancouver. The following year when she went back to visit family, her husband tried to murder her and launched a vicious attack on her that left her blind in both eyes. Two years on Monzur has learned to read braille. She uses a cane to navigate when she walks, and she no longer covers her eyes with shaded glasses. Her attitude - take me as you find me. The scars on her face are fading...
Having successfully presented her Master's thesis on the impact of climate change, she was accepted by several law schools, and this September she hopes to enter UBC's law program. Now that's 'Resilience' with a capital 'R'!! The only thing that really saddens her is not being able to see her daughter's face and smile. But life goes on and so does Rumana!
Next I read about the progress of the three Cleveland women, Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight who were kidnapped and held captive in a dark basement for ten years by 52 year old lunatic bus driver Ariel Castro - and God knows what he did to them! Just imagine the poor girls were fed McDonald's takeaways for ten years through a hole in the door. I'll bet they will never want to see a McDonald's again!!
They escaped two months ago and are now thanking the public for all the love and support they received. Michelle Knight, one of the victims said "I may have been through hell and back, but I am strong enough to walk through hell with a smile on my face, and my head held high. I will not let the situation define who I am. I will define the situation. I don't want to be consumed by hatred". Brave words for a girl who was beaten, sexually abused, and starved on occasion for ten years.
Last, and certainly not least - Malala Yousafzai, the 16 year old Pakistani schoolgirl who was shot and nearly killed by the Taliban. Her courage and resilience is nothing short of awe inspiring. This past week she addressed the United Nations as part of her campaign to ensure free compulsory education for every child. As I listened to her speak, she had the poise, wisdom and clarity of a woman much older than 16.
So, next time you are faced with a difficult situation...think of Rumana, Amanda, Gina, Michelle and Malala - five ordinary women thrust into extraordinary situations. Could any situation be worse than theirs? I think it's true for Kevin - People are incredibly resilient!
Choo Choo for now and Happy Travels!!
Love,
Patricia xxx
Resilience is what helped Jeffrey Archer write a bestseller while he was in prison serving time for mis-adventure. I also look to my adorable little canine Chi Chi for inspiration in this department. Prior to becoming blind, Chi Chi was a lively little mutt and always happy to protect her territory. Now, she is adapting with awesome courage and resilience to her very limiting condition. She falls down holes, and only the other day fell down the basement stairs. Ouch! I look at her, and it's like she's saying to me "That's Life...ya just gotta get on with it...now give me my dinner Ma!"
Only this past week, the newspapers have been full of deeply inspiring stories about highly courageous and resilient women. I take my hat off to each and every one of them. 'Blinded student prepares for Law School'. That was a heading on last Thursday's 'Times Colonist'. It told of the remarkable courage and resilience of 35 year old Pakistani woman Rumana Monzur. In 2010 Rumana left her daughter, husband and parents behind in Dhaka, Bangladesh to study Political Science in Vancouver. The following year when she went back to visit family, her husband tried to murder her and launched a vicious attack on her that left her blind in both eyes. Two years on Monzur has learned to read braille. She uses a cane to navigate when she walks, and she no longer covers her eyes with shaded glasses. Her attitude - take me as you find me. The scars on her face are fading...
Having successfully presented her Master's thesis on the impact of climate change, she was accepted by several law schools, and this September she hopes to enter UBC's law program. Now that's 'Resilience' with a capital 'R'!! The only thing that really saddens her is not being able to see her daughter's face and smile. But life goes on and so does Rumana!
Next I read about the progress of the three Cleveland women, Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight who were kidnapped and held captive in a dark basement for ten years by 52 year old lunatic bus driver Ariel Castro - and God knows what he did to them! Just imagine the poor girls were fed McDonald's takeaways for ten years through a hole in the door. I'll bet they will never want to see a McDonald's again!!
They escaped two months ago and are now thanking the public for all the love and support they received. Michelle Knight, one of the victims said "I may have been through hell and back, but I am strong enough to walk through hell with a smile on my face, and my head held high. I will not let the situation define who I am. I will define the situation. I don't want to be consumed by hatred". Brave words for a girl who was beaten, sexually abused, and starved on occasion for ten years.
Last, and certainly not least - Malala Yousafzai, the 16 year old Pakistani schoolgirl who was shot and nearly killed by the Taliban. Her courage and resilience is nothing short of awe inspiring. This past week she addressed the United Nations as part of her campaign to ensure free compulsory education for every child. As I listened to her speak, she had the poise, wisdom and clarity of a woman much older than 16.
So, next time you are faced with a difficult situation...think of Rumana, Amanda, Gina, Michelle and Malala - five ordinary women thrust into extraordinary situations. Could any situation be worse than theirs? I think it's true for Kevin - People are incredibly resilient!
Choo Choo for now and Happy Travels!!
Love,
Patricia xxx
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
THIRTY YEARS TODAY!
Yes, today is my 30th Wedding Anniversary, also known as 'Pearl'. I have been married to my sweetie for 30 years today...in fact as I write this, we were exchanging vows in the Cathedral, Ennis, Co. Clare, Ireland at this PRECISE moment 30 years ago, though I have known Kevin for 46 years. You could say we met in Kindergarten - or something like that...Well actually if you want to know...we met in a hayshed at the back of Murray's Pub in Kilkee. I was busy cooking up flowers in an old bean tin with my sisters. It was our 'hideaway' and we called it the 'Hazlenut Club' because our surname was 'Hayes'.
In walked Kevin with his brother Tom, and a friend Leonard Owens, who was the adopted son of the Murray family. We told them to 'buzz off' this was a 'private' club for 'Girls only' and that was that! Actually, we did meet briefly before then when his parents stopped the car one day and asked me for directions...Kevin was the first fellow to ever ask me to dance...and was my first, and last, major crush. So it was meant to be...
If you can believe it...a renowned German psychic once told me that Kevin and I had been married in two past lives...In one past life, we had been Native Indians living in Manitoba, Canada, and that it was our destiny to return to Canada again... Could that explain why when we first came to Fort McMurray, Alberta 20 years ago, we literally went 'Native' and filled our home from top to toe with everything 'Native' - furniture, art work, music, dream catchers, pottery, etc. We even bought a life size wooden statue of an Indian, which we still have today. And that was BEFORE I ever met that German psychic! Wonders never cease.
So, without further ado, we shall enjoy our special day...I am heading into the office shortly, and later we shall celebrate together in the 'Irish Times' on Government Street. When the family are all together, I would like to do a pearl-themed dinner; white linen tablecloth, pearl necklaces strewn on the table...empty oyster shells filled with pearly treats! Thirty years is worth celebrating...Thank you God!
Deo Gratias!
Love,
Patricia xxx
HEATHROW HELL
Why oh why? I asked myself, did I pack everything but the kitchen sink in my carry-on cases. Didn't I know from experience that Heathrow Airport is referred to in aviation circles as 'Hell'. My sentiments precisely. Unfortunately, I could not bypass HH and on Saturday last, I found myself slap bang in the middle of Security in this Hell Hole of an airport.
"Is this yours madam?" the bristly voiced, steely eyed beeeatch of an aiport official asked me, staring at my poor innocent bag. "Yes" I replied, "and the khaki coloured bag too, and the beige patterned bag, and the grey tray with the jewellery and make up bags..." I added, pointing to my messy last-minute packing. I could see her curse under her breath. This was going to be a LONG session. Hell yes!
"Over here madam" she ordered, directing me to a table where they bring the gangsters and the druggies. One by painful one she went through every single thing in my bags with her magic wand. "What time is your flight?" she asked, knowing this was going to take FOREVER! I should have lied, but I couldn't, and innocently replied "Ah, not until 4.00 p.m." so we have ages left to play I thought to myself - four hours in fact. Maybe, subconsciously, I was just trying to kill time...though I doubt it!
Thank God I had put all my soiled clothing in the suitcase, otherwise, it would have been really humiliating. Ms. steely eyes looked at the two loaves of McCambridge's brown bread I had packed for Kevin. I glared at her as if to say "Don't you dare!" Thankfully she let it pass. She had her beady eyes on all my liquids, especially my lovely new bottle of Massimo Duti perfume from Milan. By the time she had finished, the table was full of all my bits and bobs. "I'm a dreadful packer" I said to her, trying to elicit some clue that she was in fact a humanoid, and not a robot, as I suspected.
After nearly an hour, the baton wielding beeeatch holds a sandwich bag in her hand and tells me I'm only allowed to fill that with my liquids, and nothing more. As I looked at the tray full of my lotions and potions I knew that would be a miracle, similar to the loaves and fishes. I began to protest, and told her how I had just passed through security at Dublin Airport (an airport familiar with bombs) and they had no problem with my stuff which was placed in plastic bags, and even wished me a pleasant journey. "Sorry Madam, but this is OUR policy". There was clearly no room for negotiation here. 'Fine' I said, like a defiant kid "I'll choose the most expensive to replace". There was a man standing beside me on gangster row with an amused grin on his face. O.K. for him, he doesn't have to wear make up or nail polish or perfume...!!
I took Massimo out of his perfume box and put him in the bag, next some Lancome mascara, followed by my most expensive skin creams. I had to kiss goodbye to 6 bottles of OPI nail polish and nail hardener and cuticle conditioner, my holy water bottle from Lourdes, toothpaste, skin cleanser, toner, shampoo, conditioner, some soothing body lotions which Claudia gave me - one to calm (ironic) and one to aid sleep. They were half empty anyway. She took all my lip glosses, but allowed me keep my lipsticks - that defies logic. Next she took a bottle of dry hair powder. I had to explain to her it wasn't a liquid and began to take some powder out - krazeee stuff going on here!
FINALLY, I was free to go!! Do I look like a terrorist? I sure left Security feeling like one!!
Lesson of the Day: DO NOT TRAVEL THROUGH HEATHROW ...unless you have to.
If you have to... DO NOT BRING ANYTHING WITH YOU ...Only a smile!
I'm home now Thank God - safe and sound and all my travelling is behind me - For now!! Next I must brace myself for huge Home Renovations - HELL ... Agh!!
Talk Soon,
Love,
Patricia xxx
"Is this yours madam?" the bristly voiced, steely eyed beeeatch of an aiport official asked me, staring at my poor innocent bag. "Yes" I replied, "and the khaki coloured bag too, and the beige patterned bag, and the grey tray with the jewellery and make up bags..." I added, pointing to my messy last-minute packing. I could see her curse under her breath. This was going to be a LONG session. Hell yes!
"Over here madam" she ordered, directing me to a table where they bring the gangsters and the druggies. One by painful one she went through every single thing in my bags with her magic wand. "What time is your flight?" she asked, knowing this was going to take FOREVER! I should have lied, but I couldn't, and innocently replied "Ah, not until 4.00 p.m." so we have ages left to play I thought to myself - four hours in fact. Maybe, subconsciously, I was just trying to kill time...though I doubt it!
Thank God I had put all my soiled clothing in the suitcase, otherwise, it would have been really humiliating. Ms. steely eyes looked at the two loaves of McCambridge's brown bread I had packed for Kevin. I glared at her as if to say "Don't you dare!" Thankfully she let it pass. She had her beady eyes on all my liquids, especially my lovely new bottle of Massimo Duti perfume from Milan. By the time she had finished, the table was full of all my bits and bobs. "I'm a dreadful packer" I said to her, trying to elicit some clue that she was in fact a humanoid, and not a robot, as I suspected.
After nearly an hour, the baton wielding beeeatch holds a sandwich bag in her hand and tells me I'm only allowed to fill that with my liquids, and nothing more. As I looked at the tray full of my lotions and potions I knew that would be a miracle, similar to the loaves and fishes. I began to protest, and told her how I had just passed through security at Dublin Airport (an airport familiar with bombs) and they had no problem with my stuff which was placed in plastic bags, and even wished me a pleasant journey. "Sorry Madam, but this is OUR policy". There was clearly no room for negotiation here. 'Fine' I said, like a defiant kid "I'll choose the most expensive to replace". There was a man standing beside me on gangster row with an amused grin on his face. O.K. for him, he doesn't have to wear make up or nail polish or perfume...!!
I took Massimo out of his perfume box and put him in the bag, next some Lancome mascara, followed by my most expensive skin creams. I had to kiss goodbye to 6 bottles of OPI nail polish and nail hardener and cuticle conditioner, my holy water bottle from Lourdes, toothpaste, skin cleanser, toner, shampoo, conditioner, some soothing body lotions which Claudia gave me - one to calm (ironic) and one to aid sleep. They were half empty anyway. She took all my lip glosses, but allowed me keep my lipsticks - that defies logic. Next she took a bottle of dry hair powder. I had to explain to her it wasn't a liquid and began to take some powder out - krazeee stuff going on here!
FINALLY, I was free to go!! Do I look like a terrorist? I sure left Security feeling like one!!
Lesson of the Day: DO NOT TRAVEL THROUGH HEATHROW ...unless you have to.
If you have to... DO NOT BRING ANYTHING WITH YOU ...Only a smile!
I'm home now Thank God - safe and sound and all my travelling is behind me - For now!! Next I must brace myself for huge Home Renovations - HELL ... Agh!!
Talk Soon,
Love,
Patricia xxx
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