Canada Day - or is it?

~~~Happy 148 years Canada ~~~

It is a statutory holiday, meaning most of us full time employees get the day off. Except, because it is on a Wednesday, many companies and/or employees have decided to work today and take Friday off instead.

And I have a wee problem with that.
I don't feel it is very patriotic to change the day to when it suits you.

So I ask  my American Friends - known worldwide for your fierce patriotism - would this happen in the US? I can't think of any of my friends south of the border that would ever do that. The Fourth of July is practically sacred - big annual trips are planned with family and friends. It's not negotiable - or is it?

Am I wrong?

Maybe I am, but I am going to go outside and enjoy the day today. I will work Thursday and Friday while many won't because that is 'their' Canada Day.

Please enlighten me with your thoughts

Happy Easter to YOU!!

I made a few more Easter Egg Cozies. First, a traditional bunny in lavender:

And next a Viking Helmet. For the Crusades, or should I say "crus-eggs"? yuk yuk

When we were kids, my dad told us about a game that he played on Easter. Before you could eat your hardboiled egg, one person would challenge another to a duel and then they'd bash the eggs together. The broken egg was the loser and you would continue on peeling your egg and then eat it. This Viking Helmet reminds me of that game. Let the battle begin!!!

Easter Projects - chick and sheep

This is how I spent my Saturday - making egg cozies.

I'm not sure how many more I will make - they are rather fiddly, two took me all day!!

If you want to make these yourself, see krawka.blogspot.com

Putting the "Happy" into "Happy New Year"

Although there hasn't been much activity in the blog there has been lots activity on the other side of my computer. Not only did I have plenty of custom knitting orders in December (which I loved!!!) but once things died down, I decided it was time to rearrange my work room.

I am an employee that works from home and have a desk dedicated for my job. Although I'm constantly on the lookout for new and improved ways to work and process the jobs and to become more paperless, I still have lots of files and papers on my desk -this is not a place that I do any other work. In the same room I had a nice little desk with a hutch that I considered my personal desk, but I had buried it behind craft supplies and couldn't access the drawers or doors. I decided that it would be good to have one desk for work and one desk for personal use. The personal desk could have pretty things like candles and flowers on it. I also thought it would be good if they could be across from each other as this would put them both near the window and both near the baseboard heater plus all I would have to do is turn the chair around from one spot to another which would save some space.

This simple idea, however, took three days to do. It involved unloading two 7' tall Bonde (Ikea)  bookcases and moving a filing cabinet. It also involved getting rid of as many things as I could. The task is now complete and I am happy with the results. The room is still fuller than it should be but I am happy with it and will continue to work on it. And I still have 3 knitting orders for January, which also makes me very happy.

As well over the past two weeks I was able to sit down with several wonderful ladies who've not only supported me in my knitting business but also in my dance. It is a wonderful feeling to connect with such amazing people. I also had a long meeting with my dance instructor discussing where I'm at and how I'm feeling and this has also renewed my excitement for dance and the future.  I know it sounds cliche but it's definitely been a journey in so many ways.

For me, and many others I talked to, 2014 was a tough year. It's not the worst year of my life, and tragic things didn't necessarily happen, but it was hard - not much came easy that's for sure. And interestingly, it was the same for many others. But I do believe that those tough things won't exist this year and I really think the tough past was a prelude to good 2015. I already put all  the hard work into building the foundation and feel I will reap the benefits this year.

I've suffered from depression and low moods throughout my life but I'm feeling really good about things right now. I'm feeling happy and I feel hopeful. I don't write resolutions but I do 'set intentions' (so to speak) for my future and I feel confident about the upcoming months. Dance class starts on Monday. Next weekend four of us are going to Seattle for a three day dance intensive training. Jp and I are both working and money's not as tight as it had been. I am hopeful my brother and I can mend our relationship this year. My mom and I are planning a trip to Europe this spring. I don't want for anything but look forward to peace and happiness and contentment. And this is the song floating around my head:

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May TwoFour Weekend

This was our May long weekend -traditionally called "Victoria Day Weekend" although lately I kept hearing and seeing "May TwoFour" - even a newscaster labelled it as such. So I went looking and found this definition on the Urban Dictionary site:

Queen Victoria's birth day, May 24th, is a statutory holiday in Canada and the first long weekend since Easter. It is the traditional weekend during which one opens 'the camp' (cottage), and signifies the start of summer (and Blackfly season) in Canada. The reference to 'two-four' rather than 'twenty-fourth' is a Canadian inside joke refering to the obligatory case(s) of 24 bottles of beer, or 'two-fours' required to celebrate the opening of the camp and to steel one's courage against the blackflies and the mice that will have settled into the camp since it was closed in the fall.

Sadly for me this wasn't such a great weekend -I ended up losing almost my whole Saturday to a severe migraine that had bed ridden for several hours. Oh the pain was intense, and I just couldn't get comfortable.

Sunday was a shopping day and yesterday was a full laundry day. It felt more like a two day weekend after losing my Saturday but still I am grateful for the break. I did end up getting some gardening done and I have a fresh and clean linen closet  - I washed and folded all the towels, tea towels, face cloths, dishcloths and sheets too. As they used to say "any day off is a good day off".

Well, now it's back to work for me.

Hoppy Easter

Wishing you all a Happy Easter! *

Time for some Easter Yoga

Yoga Bunny by Brian Russo

*(assuming you celebrate - if not, you can still do yoga) 

The Great Marshmallow Caper

It's sort of becoming a 'tradition' that every other Sunday I bake cupcakes, partly so I can share some with my fellow dance sisters who seem to really enjoy my baking and the sugar rush - this weekend was baking weekend.

Also, we recently took a trip across the border to Mt Vernon Washington for some shopping  - I'm sorry Canada, we had to do it  - there is a much better variety of food in the US and some prices are 1/2 of what ours are.

So this morning I get up to make cupcakes planning on using some Blue Raspberry Marshmallows (which are not available in Canada) for  the frosting when I find a hole in the bag. Darn it! Did we buy a bag that someone opened in the store? I'm mad at myself because Jp and I are usually pretty good at checking bags and expiry dates and the like, but okay I guess we missed this bag. So I take the bag of Toasted Coconut Marshmallows out of the cupboard - and yup - there's a hole in the bag. Then I check my last cherished bag of American marshmallows - Pink Lemonade and - yup - the same sized hole. I am livid. I now know the answer to the marshmallow mystery!

My (now) sleeping step-son has a habit of night eating. So I take the bags to Jp and vent about this - I need the kid to fess up and admit he ate them, otherwise they are contaminated by someone else and have to go in the garbage. At least he is old enough to know that he needed to tell the truth, and admits he opened them and out of of them last night.

I'm still kinda buzzing with unkind thoughts that I go out and join a meditation session where all is reset to zero.

I them proceeded to make Blue Raspberry Marshmallow frosting - and here's my cupcakes:

I know. My mom always told me that blue food was unappetizing. I'm hoping the dim light of the dance studio, they'll look more green, and the marshmallows on the top look more like shamrocks. Otherwise, at least they'll taste good, even if they're not so St Patrick's Day-ish. 

And that's my fun caper for the weekend!

How I spent my Family Day

So what did I do with my extra (rainy) day off?

• made the hubz breakfast in bed
• did the dishes
• baked vanilla cupcakes
• did the dishes
• made lunch 
• did the dishes
• walked the dog
• made orange flavoured frosting for the cupcakes 
• iced the cupcakes
• did the dishes
• brought the hubz cupcakes and coffee
• ran the dishwasher
• took some finished project photos
• showered
• got dressed (hair and make-up + dance practice costume)
• ate some dinner (leftovers)
• went to dance class
• came home went to bed. 

Is that good?
I think I wash dishes too much. How does that happen? Probably because of my cooking/baking motto - "right tool for the job"

Here's what the cupcakes looked like:

British Columbia Family Day Holiday

This is BC's second year to have the 2nd Monday in February off for Family Day. However, here is seems to just be a day off. In other parts of the country - who have their Family Day - 1 week later, they seem to make more of an effort to get together with family and have group dinners.

This is an unofficial survey, and it could possibly have more to do with my family that the who province's reaction to a new holiday.

I tried to get family together but my suggestion was just laughed at. So I finished some projects, made yummy eggy breakfasts and baked cupcakes. Now I'll walk the dog in the rain, then give her a bath, give myself a wash and go to dance. Happy Family Day !

Comments?

Here's to 2014

Although I have never been a resolution's writer/keeper, there are things I plan for 2014. Manly to do with financial goals because they are linked with so many other goals.

How about you? Any plans?Any advice?

Health and fitness goals? Financial? Relationship? 

\

Dance Update

The recital on Sunday went well - during our first song each of us (5 in my group) seemed to have had at least one little glitch,  overcome by fear and nervousness, but we all kept going and finished the piece. Not too bad since most of us hadn't performed before and those of us that have, have only done so a couple of times. Our second piece went really well. We owned it!! And we all felt really good about it. And we received very positive feedback and praise for it. Yay!

And so, with each performance it gets a little easier and a little better and who knows what I'll be telling you next year - maybe I'll have done a solo by then! I've struggled lately with doubts about continuing at times when I had trouble with a combination or a move, but I've received wonderful encouragement from my instructors and feedback from others that I will continue.

In the previous post, my most loyal, blog reader/commenter Laoch made this comment, "It is sad that something you are doing for fun became stressful". And that really struck a chord with me. I couldn't get this comment out of my head in Monday's class and will definitely remind myself of this - it's so very true! Thank you Laoch - I really appreciate the reminder!

We have a six week winter break and I'm determined to practice even more so that there is a visible improvement when I return to class in January. I'll keep you posted on that! Thank goodness for DVD training videos and online classes!

And thank you everyone for your support and well wishes, I very much appreciate it!

Little Bear Ornament

I was going to make this little bear for my shop but it's so teensy and the details are picky that it'll cost too much for it's size  - under 2" tall but she's a cute little bear isn't she?

Friday the 13th

Does Friday the 13th bother you?

If so, don't look at the calendar!

I was just talking to someone who was on their way to a wedding today - perhaps the bride (who traditionally picks the date) has a tattoo culture, where 13 is a lucky number?

Here's is one of my favourite quotes for a common  Friday the 13th superstition:

A black cat crossing your path signifies that the animal is going somewhere.

 - Groucho Marx

Canada Day Weekend

We had the most amazing weather this Canada Day long weekend - up to 34 degrees, it was wonderful. I did yard work and gardening on Saturday  but took it easy on Sunday. Yesterday I was going to get stuff done but then decided to be lazy and didn't do a dang thing. We did head out to a local park where Canada Day festivities were going on - but it was quite warm by then so we didn't stay long.

They had a dog even showing Flyball and Agility but it really bothered me to see the dogs performing in such heat. Long ago I made a rule that I didn't walk my dogs over 18 degrees. I just found they were too hot being active above that temperature and even over this warm weekend, Eco spent most of her time outside with me each day this weekend but I would take her  inside every couple of hours for about a 1/2 hour air conditioning break of which she'd become a chocolate puddle on the cool floor.

Since our AC is not part of a central cooling system we don't leave it running when we're not home, nor do we leave any fans on so while we were out of the house, it would be heating up as well. That was another reason we didn't stay out too long.

I'm so glad I don't live in a hot apartment anymore. When I did I would have to escape to someone's house or yard. How are you coping with the heat (since it seems almost all of us are having hot, hot, hot weather)? I know if I lived in an apartment today, I'd be getting one of those window AC units to cool things down.

To be patriotic, I did spend time reading the book Canukology - which is written by two people from a major market research company - interesting to see how much we are all alike across the nation and how different we are too (the same for our relationship with or southern neighbours)  - the book tag line is: Filled with hilarious insights from every province and territory, as well as from people of every age, gender and economic standing -- and peppered with fun factoids and quizzes -- Canuckology is compulsive, must-have reading for any Canadian.

Gorgeous Long Weekend Ahead

When I checked the weather at the beginning of this rainy week, the forecast indicated we'd be stuck with wetness for several days. We endured days of weird weather - bits of sun, light rain, heavy rain, thunder, sun, mugginess  - sometimes all within the same hour. But late Thursday night I found out that glorious weather has been forecast for this long weekend (Happy Canada Day) - sun with top temperatures between 25-30 celsius. That's a good temperature to be in, not like the 36+ degree weather in places like Phoenix or San Antonio and so I am over the moon to hear about this wonderful forecast.

I thought I'd be spending the weekend in the house, maybe cleaning up my office/work room - but now I plan to be outside - clean up the garden, do some painting and maybe just kick back and relax as it is a long weekend after all.

This morning's 5:30 dog walk was heavenly - the weather was perfect - 18 degrees, a warm wind so early in the day?  I didn't want to come home. In fact I almost didn't, instead of being out for 30 minutes, it ended up being 45. So very grateful for this lovely, lovely weather.

Now off to work -for a productive day with minimal interruptions since so many people take the Friday of a long weekend off as well - and then time to enjoy the weather. I don't even care if there are mosquitoes, I'll put up with them so I can enjoy the warmth and sunshine! Happy Weekend to you too!

Garden of Lies

This is a long weekend in Canada, and a quick check of the major cities shows that almost all of us will have 2 dry days and 1 rainy one. That's not so bad - it's May and we are above the 49th parallel after all.

For me, this weekend is usually about some big gardening - a long self written "honey do" list. Or sometimes I have no plans at all, I just put on my overalls and garden gloves and get out there - moving from place to place starting and finishing projects in no particular order. It all needs to get done.

From a distance or to the untrained eye, my flower beds look full and possibly even cheerful with little yellow flowers in bloom, but it's a trick. You see in some of the gardens the little yellow flowers are intentionally placed ranunculus or maybe even little poppies (see previous posts), but in other spots they are most likely buttercup, and possibly even a dandelion or two. Oh the horror. I'm cheating in my garden. And I fooled you. How dare I?

And there are other indications that a long weekend is approaching  - more and more trailers and fifth wheels start showing up in the neighbourhood as people retrieve them from winter storage, and get them packed ready for a quick get away. These RVs don't make me envious or even jealous. They make me happy. You see, the more neighbours that leave town for the long weekend, the quieter it is around here for me - and that can be a vacation in itself. And I am perfectly fine with that!

The Spud Shack

Well based on a great review by food writer Sherman Chan on his blog, Sherman's Food Adventures, Jp took us to the Spud Shack in New Westminster yesterday. It was a surprise to the kid and I and as Jp drove we kept trying to figure out where we were going. Just when I thought I knew, he's pass the exit or turn off. And then when he parked at the River Market at the New Westminster Quay, I thought I knew and then when we started walking up the hill, I thought it was the Old Spaghetti Factory and then when he neared the skytrain station I thought we were going to board it and go for a ride. All guesses were wrong, and they couldn't be right since we went to a place I'd never heard of. And boy was it worth it, the batter on the fish was crispy - I can't remember the last time I've had crispy batter on fish (maybe never?) and yummy belgian french fries and delicious fresh made tartar sauce. It was all very good.

On our way out we ran into the owner/chef and had the opportunity to let him know how far we came for his food and how much we liked it. He seemed pleased to hear the good reviews and knowing that his efforts of hand cut fries and fresh daily tartar are appreciated - no restaurant supply house fries or sauces here!

And to top it off, we are having the most wonderful Spring weather. I can't remember a spring that was so fabulous with warmth and sunshine - it's weather like this that people fall in love with the Vancouver area, and then like a gambler who once made it big, they wait year after year for that once fabulous weather to return. This year it did not disappoint!

Today I will be cooking our Easter Turkey along with some nugget potatoes and brussels sprouts. The loaf of no-knead rustic sourdough will be in the oven in a couple of hours and the green jello with pineapple, cottage cheese and whipped cream was made last night so I can unmould it at the dinner table to reveal a surprise shape on the top of it. Happy Eating for us, and Happy Easter to you.

Happy Easter Weekend

If you've got some time to stroll through the interwebs, check out this photo collection  - Creepiest Easter Bunny photos, but don't blame me if you get nightmares....

Happy St Patrick's Day!

Here are some jokes for you to get you in the spirit! 

What do you get if you cross a four-leaf clover with poison oak?
A rash of good luck.

What do you get when you cross a pillowcase with a stone?
A Sham Rock.

Why should you never iron a 4-leaf clover?
You don't want to press your luck.

What do you call an Irishman who keeps bouncing off walls?
Rick O'Shea

(and if he just sits in your back yard, you could call him Patty O'Furniture)

Why can't you borrow money from a leprechaun?
Because they're always a little short.

One final thought: be careful of green food that shouldn't be green.

Returning home

Today I will be flying home from  a week long visit with family in Alberta. It's been an animal filled week with several dogs, two skunks and lots of deer. Although it's been colder than what I am used to and even snowed a couple of times, it's been sunnier and brighter than a week of Vancouver rain and so I am grateful for that.

I hope my flights aren't delayed as I would like to be home tonight. Jp didn't walk Eco at all this week but tells me they played frisbee with her, so that would give her some exercise and outdoor time.

My mom provide a nice place to stay and I appreciate the many yummy meals planned just for me. It wasn't without drama but I'm not going to dwell on the events and just look forward to one last morning and afternoon before I return to my little house and family. Hope you had a good week, I hope to catch up on your blogs this week as well.