Mini Me

Mini Me helping the bigger version do an oil change...

Flag flap

I commend the Husky Truckstop on the 401 between Woodstock and London for lowering their flag to half-mast this week in honor of our Canadian military men that died this week overseas.

It is atrocious that our Prime Minister will not likewise lower the flags on Parliament Hill.
Military, police, firefighters, RCMP, and those in national prominent positions deserve this token of respect. Yes, I know that they are "just" doing their job. It is about respect and tradition.

You can bet your last dollar (and it probably IS your last dollar) that if some overweight, smoker, drinker politician died, the flags all over Canada would be lowered!

Way to go Husky!

Me and Dad

Over the Easter holidays, we went to visit my Dad. He was happy to see us, as you can see.

My Dad's hobby (one of them), is to build very expensive models. The majority of the kit comes in a box (usually from England or somewhere else overseas), but the little finicky stuff he makes himself. I must admit, I cringe when taking Michael and Jenny there for a visit! Jenny was especially interested in these models this visit. Her fingers got a little too close when asking Grand-dad questions, but much to my amazement, he didn't even react. Either he is getting older and more mellow, or I am over paranoid. Right...he is definitely mellowing. (That, along with the girls in the family tend to get away with alot more than the boys!)

I can hear my brothers' snorting from here!

Swiffer not so swift

On the weekend, I went to Cosco with my friend Karin (looking for prices on treadmills - they didn't have any), so I purchased a few other things while I was there.

One of my purchases was the Swiffer carpet flick, purchased with the intent of putting it in the fifth wheel to pick up Bailey's dog hair that sticks like glue to the carpeted area of the trailer.

I joyfully took my new purchase out of the box and tried it.

The hair is still there and the not so swift Swiffer is going back to the store for a full refund!

In all honesty, the packaging did not mention that it would pick up hair. Never assume that "fuzz" might mean something hairy.

Two peas; same pod?

For the last week, Jenny has been in 'speech' mode. It is that time of year where the students moan and groan over speech presentations. That is and always will remain my stand on the subject.

I'm not sure what pod Jenny came from, as she eagerly anticipates this task and prepares weeks in advance. Her speech this year is on Halloween. We had to tone it down just a little, as they are receiving a religious education. She is now only saying "hell" twice in her speech.

Tomorrow can not come soon enough for my daughter. Her speech is completely (and I mean completely!) memorized. Believe me, I know. I have had the pleasure of listening to it MANY times.

Now Michael...he belongs in another pod in another neighborhood. He sooo did not anticipate this task...in fact, he didn't mention much about it at all or really start it until the night before his big debut.

Pod DAD hit the roof and grounded said son. Keep in mind that Michael has not been grounded in about four years. Henry was a week out in doling out the punishment of "no screens" week. (This particular week is on the education agenda for NEXT week) I told Michael he could 'bank' his week and apply it to next. Pod child that he is, he winged it and did marginally well (this from the horses' mouth - I have to believe him, right?) Smart boy that he is, talked about being a goalie for his speech.

Here is a picture of Michael making up for his lack of enthusiasm for speeches, by holding a prize awarded by Hoops for Heart. They chose him out of the whole class as being most sportsmanlike. His prize was a little basketball and two walkie-talkies that are already out of the wrapping and in use between bedrooms. Good thing it came with 'green power' batteries. (should run out of power tomorrow by the time I get home from work).

blog hiatus

The blog will be up and running in two more days...I promise!

Term papers and three exams are down...one exam (Wednesday) to go.

Did anyone notice that we have reached the milestone of 2000 visitors to this site????

Wooo hooo!

Thanks for your patience during this abnormally hectic time in my life...I'll try to make it worth your while!

What can I say...love you all! Gillian

This is me and Nancy Drolet (Women's National Hockey League and Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic Gold Women's Hockey Team Player) Notice how I silently lifted Henry's Toronto Curtis Joseph prized hockey jersey out of the closet to wear on this special day?

Hello?

Part Two: the results portion of Canadian Idol wannabe...

Where did everybody go?

everybody wants to be an Idol...

PART 1: The performance (tomorrow: PART 2: the results show)

Apparently there are some things about Henry that I know nothing about...

Where was Canadian Idol auditioning the last few weeks???

Don't quit your day job, hon!

Knights Game...

Attending the London Knights hockey game is always fun...

We always bump into people we know. Half the fun is spent waving at people seated across the other side of the arena!

Henry's work gave us these seats...and great seats they were! Thank you. It was a wonderful evening for us all.

Bill, same seats (we only require two; well, I'd just take one if necessary for me) for INXS when they come to town would be spectacular and well worth a bribe (or two) of a bottle of scotch or something...Henry could always work overtime (chuckle)...

V.I.P...

Values, Influences, and Peers is a grade six program that requires students to actively participate in the community by providing 10 hours of community service to learn about volunteering and helping others.

We went through this last year when Michael was in grade six and having to find 10 hours to fill.
In theory, it is a great idea. In practice, it bites because of "liability". At first, our neighborhood grocer wanted help collecting carts and packing groceries into old ladies car trunks, until he asked me what insurance would cover the children if they got run over by a shopping cart or a little old lady driving her car? Beats Me...time for Plan B.

Plan B...go see Uncle Gerry and help him with chores at the family farm!



















Even Michael ventured out to join in with the work...




Did Jenny actually help? Or did she just play with the kittens and the dogs?

I'll take Uncle Gerry's word for it that she actually worked, as you wouldn't catch me in the barn mucking about with anything! Uncle Gerry said that Jenny was very gentle (apparently WAY too gentle) when 'priming' the cow for the milk machine. What does a guy (never mind a successful dairy farmer for decades) know about this sensitive part of the female anatomy? In my view, the cow probably wanted to kiss this little girl in gratitude. Good girl, Jenny!

I did venture in to take a few pictures, then I retreated to the house to do my homework and study for my upcoming exams.

Hard to believe that one homework assignment could bring about so many, "Mom, can we have a kitten...Uncle Gerry says it's okay; and he has lots" Thank you, Uncle Gerry. But NO.

Last week she saw a bunny rabbit that she felt would fit well into our family mix.
Apparently, she has forgotten about the bunny; this is the kitten she wants...

Going out to the farm is always a great experience for the children. Different types of work open their eyes to the "rest" of the world that is out there.

Thanks, Roefs family (you know who you are) for providing this experience yet again.

Art...and all that jazz!

At our household, we love getting stuff in the mail. As we have home mail delivery, our mailbox is constantly checked. No matter whom the mail person is...Bailey excitedly informs us of the divine moment (I'm sure the mail carrier thinks she is going to eat her for lunch!)

This is an example of what we all patiently wait for...

[pictures to go here, but BLOGGER having problems tonight: will try later]

a post card from PARIS (yes, FRANCE, not Ontario!)

My niece, Katie, is currently enrolled in a prestigious art program. Her class went to France and Italy for 10 days to explore art museums.

You know all those t-shirts that say, "Grandma and Gramps went to Florida, and all I got was this stinkin' t-shirt"?

Katie, I am quite happy to say that I (we) are quite happy to receive a post card from your exotic travels!

You see, everyone, I must be quite the AUNT to even be on her mailing list for such an item!!!

Thanks, hon!

I.don't.believe.him!

Almost three weeks he'll be away (including a hockey trip to Montreal with the brothers)...and he comes to bed last night without shaving...

Baboons, monkeys, and bears

Today I surrounded myself with the usual...baboons, monkeys, and bears.

Today, however, they were caged and wearing fur (except, for the naked molerats, of course).

Michael, his friend Mitchell, Jenny, her friend Katie, and I went to the Toronto Zoo today.

These caged animals are ready to meet the 'others' (notice the reference to Lost?)

A routine stop at the Tim Hortons for my coffee and we are on our way.

After minimal "are we there yets?", WE ARE THERE.

Some favorites:

Tony the Tiger pacing; as the Frosted Flakes didn't quite keep him full 'til lunch.

Mitch and Katie asked Michael and Jenny how they ever keep up with their Mom when it comes to spying favorite animals out and about. We often RUN, not walk through the zoo.

The 'CREW' in the dugout CANOE...

Monkey see...Monkey do...

The polar bears were up to their usual antics...I think their keen sense of smell enjoyed the remnants of our Harvey's lunch.

The llamas were very appreciative of our synthetic clothing and posed quite nicely for the camera...

Michael and Mitchell studying the map to find out where the Dragons are...

Ah...there's the Komodo Dragon! Two hatchlings were born in 2003.

What else would you ride at the zoo, other than a Komodo Dragon?

Although it was above zero today, the wind was quite chilly. We zipped around to see all that we wanted to see and then I took them all to Playdium (a huge arcade). They spent a couple of hours playing arcade and video games while I browsed in the Chapters bookstore across the street. A win-win end to the day for all of us!

Although the bright lights of the city are great to visit, and we enjoyed our visit with the zoo animals, I am glad to leave behind the Toronto traffic for a slower pace...of traffic that is!

stop that racket!

Apparently the clickity-clack of my fingers flying over the computer keyboard all day is intruding on the afternoon siesta of certain members of the family.

Guess what, sista?

It's gonna be this way every day this week with five assignments due...so get used to it!

That, and she is moping because the treat-provider has left her again for the week.

Poor Henry and Michael were up to their eyeballs in dishwasher parts late last night. After taking apart the dishwasher and pulling out potato peelings and (gasp) guinea pig wood chip shavings (how the heck did they get in there?), Michael and Henry fixed the 'it's not draining' problem. The dishwasher is producing sparkling clean dishes again (Thank God).

Henry is a wanted man. He had at least four phone calls tonight asking him to play in net. Even Michael commented that these people only phone when Dad is working out of town! Mmmm...

You look at life in a totally different way at one o'clock in the morning after sitting at a computer all day working on database studies and questions. I'm going to bed...I'm sure I'll dream of numbers and letters chasing me into whirlpools of ink, coffee, and tea. Back to the grind tomorrow. Access down; Excel, Word, Business and Media to go.

Yippee...

Strike smike...

The college teachers are on strike. Can anything else mess up my delicately planned life?

Does this affect my five distance education courses?

Typical answer: yes and no.

Yes, teachers/instructors are on strike and will not be grading any papers. Exams are in limbo.

Except; get this...the college informs me that I am still to hand in my papers by their due date (although the instructors won't grade them), and to prepare for exams as usual (even though there might not be any!)

I much prefer my version;

It seems like black and white to me...

Let's call it a term, give me A's in all five courses, and voila...be done with it all!

Rock Star

Lead singer for INXS, Canadian, J.D. Fortune...hubba hubba...check out the 'Pretty Vegas' video link in the sidebar.


Just let it be said that although Sammy Hagar is still touted to be the front man for Van Halen...I don't believe it.

I think Van Halen (if they're smart) will be the next band looking for a new beginning on Rock Star this summer.

There have also been rumours that Queen and Camp Freddy [Rock Star host/guitarist Dave Navarro, Billy Morrison (The Cult), Matt Sorum (Guns N Roses), Chris Chaney (Jane's Addiction) and Donovan Leitch Jr] will be the bands looking for their very own JD Fortune in 2006.

I don't believe either one has the timing that Van Halen will. I have come to this conclusion with the fact that Queen is already touring (although not filling stadiums with Freddie Mercury 'fill in' Paul Rodgers), and Camp Freddy will not be 'big' enough to draw a T.V. audience like VH will. Another factor in my observations is now that Eddie is divorcing Valerie Bertineli, he will probably be ready to hit the road (in more ways than one).

It would be alot of fun and entertainment if Rock Star/Van Halen could find a front man like David Lee Roth! Bring on a T.V. summer of rock and roll!

Sorry Sammy...I think you're history!

Recognition...

Henry received his fifteen year recognition gift (a lovely mantle clock) at his company party last night in Toronto. This lavish hoopla was held at the Liberty Grand ballroom that is just across the road from the Medieval Times in the Exhibition grounds. This beautiful building is a heritage site, and is just as beautiful inside as it is on the outside...

Henry and I were able to catch up with those who have retired and returned to town just for this special event. Here is Henry with Bill Taylor, and Vicki and Les Kalwa.

Our dinner consisted of asparagus bisque, spring salad with vinegrette, specialty fish, steak, potatoes, grilled vegetables, and a chocolate mousse dessert that was just heavenly.

Of course, we couldn't just get ready and go straight to this dinner...no...our Saturday morning starts with...

7:00 Henry takes Jenny to hockey practise
9 - 10 I successfully shop for a new outfit (paid for with my own FIRST cheque, I might add!)
Henry helps Don and Shelley pick up furniture and move it from the auction house.
10-11 we have tea with Don and Shelley, kick them out, shower, dress, and pack for the day.
11:00 leave for Moncton (Ontario) arena for Michael's game.
1:30 game in Moncton.
3:30 Michael and Jenny are treated to an evening with the McCauley's (hot tub and snow)
3:30 Henry and I travel towards Kitchener.
stop in Kitchener at Canadian Tire because Henry has memorized the flier (what else is new?) and wants to check out the bikes that are on sale for 40% off.
No suitable bikes at Canadian Tire number 1.
Have to refuel at Timmy's across the street to come up with next plan of attack.
4:30 Go to Canadian Tire number 2 in Kitchener (yes, Henry was prepared to go to Canadian Tire number 3 in Cambridge if need be!) Find Henry's dream Schwinn bike. To make a long story short...two years ago I get a new bike, last year Henry gets a new bike, last year I end up riding Henry's bike because I like it better than my bike. So...Henry needs a new bike.
I make a comment that this bike seat looks even more comfortable than mine. Henry takes no chances with his new bike and proceeds to wheel the ladies version of his bike to the checkout!
5:30 Henry and I (in our fancy duds) RIDE out of the store on our new bikes! Henry's trench coat was flapping behind him...it was quite a sight!

We quickly drive to our old neighborhood and store our new bikes in our friend's garage.
6:00 On the road for Toronto thinking about the cocktail hour that is just starting without us.
6:50 Bumper to bumper on the Gardiner swearing that we didn't remember that it was Saturday night and that a Toronto Maple Leaf home game was also on the agenda in the same neighborhood as our 'do'.
7:00 Henry's Toronto driving skills come back and we arrive just in time for one cocktail and to find a table for dinner!
Phew!

Home at 1:30 a.m.

Sunday morning:
Jenny's game at 9:00
Henry's game at 9:00
Michael's game at 12:00

One glass of wine to celebrate after hockey, two blogs to update, homework for me to catch up on, supper to do, Henry off to Windsor for the next few weeks...

Is it any wonder that I'm exhausted already?

The really funny part is that Michael and Jenny saw the Canadian Tire bike tags in the back of the van this morning when they were loading their hockey gear, and they thought that we had bought THEM bikes as a surprise!

setting the example...

I'm not really sorry...I really couldn't resist putting this on the blog!

Henry's sister turns the big 50!

Happy Birthday, Mary!


On Saturday, we travelled through blizzard conditions to attend a wonderful dinner that Henry's sister hosted in honor of her 50th birthday (yes, if Mary cooks...we all will come!) It is a shame that Mary had to cook for her own celebration...but it got all the siblings (seven of them) together with the spouses for a nice sit down meal.

We all had the chance to catch up with each other which is something that we don't normally have time to do (hockey tends to take over the family social plans)

Brains vs Boobs...

Three years at Western...three years at Mohawk to obtain a degree and diploma for me.

It seems that my husband is obviously smarter than me. Unbeknownst to me, he studied very hard(for one lunch) to obtain University standing last week (thank you, Bill, for mentoring him!)

On his birthday, he was awarded a University honorarium!

Congratulations, Henry, on finally achieving recognition for something that I've known all along.

Who knew that his favorite 'subject' would enable him to receieve this honor?

I put his 'smarts' to use tonight...here he is helping Jenny with her math homework...