tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7964939734377778432011-09-09T16:06:10.247-04:00Ramblings on life, love and the world around us.Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.comBlogger611100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-88106240927803550992011-08-18T17:57:00.005-04:002011-08-18T18:06:44.875-04:00

Dear Councillors,I would like to applaud you for the recent expansion of our recycling program in London. The increase in recyclable products that will no longer be polluting our landfills will have a long term benefit for us all. Thank you for your forward thinking and your concern for the environment. With all due respect, this is why I am troubled by your decision to once again shelve a

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-78776324712892349232011-07-22T18:37:00.004-04:002011-07-22T20:40:44.288-04:00

On Tuesday July 19, Josh Groban made a stop at the John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario with his "Straight to You" tour. Thanks to the JLC, I was able to see the concert and meet Josh Groban himself, asked only in return to write a review with my thoughts on the show. This is part of an initiative the JLC is taking that began with the Black Keys concert just a week before: engaging JLC concert

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-75026399852253755272010-08-24T09:16:00.003-04:002010-08-24T09:41:48.469-04:00

I thought I'd share a few more of my favourite photos from our recent trip to Rondeau. We took a guided canoe hike one evening on Rondeau Bay and were treated to a cloudy, but pretty, sunset.This is where I find my tranquility. Just me, the air and the people I love...

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-80934516583589536312010-08-20T17:45:00.008-04:002010-08-20T21:00:04.487-04:00

Since my last post was about nasty, icky bugs, this one will be about nice, beautiful bugs. The kind we don't take time to appreciate often enough. We did a little bug and butterfly hunting on our recent trip to Rondeau Provincial Park, and this is what we found.This butterfly looks like a Monarch, but it's really a Viceroy. A Monarch butterfly is toxic to it's predators, but this butterfly's

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-90413954655194907252010-08-19T16:42:00.007-04:002010-08-19T18:22:55.853-04:00

My mum always had great advice. She knew what to say in every situation, and usually delivered her advice followed by a quote. (Now you know where I get it from.) Her favourite - recited every time we were in some sort of teenage distress - was, "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." I rolled my eyes at 16. I live by it today. She really knew what she was talking about! Well, she agreed

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-32421117890830015062010-08-17T17:47:00.002-04:002010-08-17T20:03:08.135-04:00

I claim that human mind or human society is not divided into watertight compartments called social, political and religious. All act and react upon one another. - Mahatma GandhiMy dad was a political, social and religious kind of guy. He was always busy in our city with some committee or another, sitting on boards for this and that. He was a Free Mason, had a love for politics and many political

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-75313568788483016922010-08-05T20:21:00.002-04:002010-08-05T20:48:29.766-04:00

It's been a full year since I've logged in and written a blog post. A year!! Too busy? Too lazy? I'm not sure. But I'm here, once again, with an itch to write. As always I will give it my best shot, keep writing and keep my creative juices flowing. I can't always promise an interesting read, and I won't, because my writing is entirely self indulgent and for, well, me! Of course you are more

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-76410138284039458902009-08-05T20:17:00.002-04:002009-08-05T20:32:57.676-04:00

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”Henry David ThoreauI feel like I've been on a runaway horse for the past 8 or so weeks. Preparing to go back to work for the first time in 7 years, going back to work, chasing around after kids, summer holidays... I'm exhausted! But honestly, I'm exhilarated at the same time! What a fun whirlwind this has been.Mid-June I

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-36688442919392244762009-06-03T08:48:00.002-04:002009-06-03T09:02:44.235-04:00

After 7 years at home raising my kids, I am once again returning to the land of the gainfully employed! And I'm crapping myself.Two weeks is all I have to get my mindset changed from "Mom" to "Federal Employee". Two weeks is all I have to find childcare for my kids (which is not going so well, but I haven't totally given up yet), get my house in order, get some meals made for the freezer (

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-8948330829146864662009-05-27T20:35:00.004-04:002009-05-27T22:06:47.586-04:00

I did it. I joined Twitter.(Bah, that's old news! I've been on it for a month or so now).Yeah, I know. As if I needed something else on the internet to get hooked on. Facebook, parenting forums, Blogger... What's one more, right? As long as one's life does not revolve around the internet, everything in moderation is fine. (Repeat it til you believe it!)When I first signed up for Twitter and

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-52948351011200637742009-05-27T11:05:00.003-04:002009-05-27T11:17:33.930-04:00

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam And for a brief moment its glory and beauty belong to our world But then it flies again And though we wish it could have stayed... We feel lucky to have seen it. ~~Author UnknownAn update to yesterday's blog post about the butterflies, and our little butterfly friend with the crumpled wings.Sadly, he has passed. I calculated his days, and he lived most

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-21108133116398223622009-05-26T18:58:00.012-04:002009-05-26T20:08:40.011-04:00

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. ~Maya AngelouThis spring the kids and I tried a little experiment. We ordered butterfly larvae and watched as these teeny tiny caterpillars ate, grew, pupated and morphed into beautiful painted lady butterflies. Here is a little photo blog of our quite successful experiment.Week

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-5818348152381656622009-05-26T18:27:00.003-04:002009-05-26T18:56:08.245-04:00

Yes, I took a little hiatus from blogging. Boredom? Perhaps. Nothing of interest to say? I think so. Busy life? Definitely. And I probably still don't have much to say that will be of interest to my readers (if any should still exist), but a wise woman advised me some time ago, "Write for yourself, nobody else". So once again, I am going to attempt it. We'll see how it goes this time.Life

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-20625970069135432622008-10-16T09:20:00.002-04:002008-10-16T09:36:24.888-04:00

In my last post, I was certain the Conservatives were in for a fall in the election, and would lose some of their seats. Huh. I was wrong. I expected a slightly different outcome than what we received. Too bad, I was hopeful. Next time.It is being said that Stephane Dion will be stepping down as the Liberal Party leader today. What a shame. I'm not his "biggest fan" as a politician, but

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-28651717161979811282008-10-14T13:47:00.001-04:002008-10-14T13:47:31.513-04:00

DSC_0827Originally uploaded by ms_czyphToday is election day in Canada. Or, as I am calling it, the biggest farce and waste of money this country has ever seen. The Conservatives stand to be re-elected with a very narrow margin, forming yet another minority government (and this time with a smaller minority!) which will cause another election to be called, likely next fall. Farce.It sickens and

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-19443057479780087922008-08-01T09:04:00.006-04:002008-08-21T16:10:56.181-04:00

"The wild hawk stood with the down on his beakAnd stared with his foot on the prey."~ Lord Alfred Tennyson, 'The Poet's Song'In early/mid April of this year, my husband and I noticed a pair of Red-tailed Hawks circling a building across the way from us. You could hear their decending cry, "kree-eee-ar....kree-eee-ar", as they flew overhead looking for a meal and as it turned out, a place to nest.

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-62843803882286349122008-07-31T10:46:00.003-04:002008-07-31T10:57:36.144-04:00

"You'd think he was the first person to ever lose a tooth!" ~ Judy BlumeAlice lost her first tooth last Friday. It had been wiggling for what seemed like an eternity, before laying completely flat for a few days (gag) and eventually coming out with a little tug from Alice. I must tell you, I have a serious aversion for anything to do with teeth. *shivers* I keep having to remind myself that this

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-48740108352217996282008-07-31T10:12:00.004-04:002008-07-31T10:44:09.136-04:00

... the pies will follow later." ~ UnknownWe're not sure what is going to come of these, as they weren't planted until around July 9th, but hopefully these little plants will yield us a few pumpkins to carve and use for pies this fall! It's amazing how much growth we have seen in just a few weeks though. I'm hopeful!July 25th July 27thJuly 31st All 4 pumpkin plants, cauliflower and tomatos.

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-84431941148592091532008-07-30T12:19:00.003-04:002008-07-30T12:40:30.333-04:00

Last Sunday we took a little trip to the beach at Long Point Provincial Park. It's a gorgeous park located on a 40 km sand spit on Lake Erie, and one of the nicest beaches I have ever set foot on in Canada. The wind was up and the waves were quite high on the day of our visit, but the water was warm and shallow. We had a wonderful time "wave crashing" and splashing around in the water. And I, of

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-41909582665369317272008-07-30T12:13:00.002-04:002008-07-30T12:18:27.871-04:00

Oh, exciting news from my front. I have a new baby to love!Last week I became the proud owner of a Nikon D40, digital SLR camera. I am overjoyed with my new little friend and have hardly put it down since charging the battery!As a result, I have decided that much of this blog will become a "photo blog". I plan on posting a photo or two each day with a little story attached to them. Yes, I've

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-2966826166999713752008-07-28T09:16:00.004-04:002008-07-30T12:59:37.077-04:00

"For most folks, no news is good news; for the press, good news is not news." ~ Gloria BorgerI don't read the newspaper anymore, and I won't watch the news on TV. Both are always filled with doom and gloom and depressing stories, or stories that just make you mad. Take this morning for example. I clicked on the website for the local newspaper and the following headlines jumped off the front page

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-68652696029204658062008-07-21T15:48:00.002-04:002008-07-21T16:23:04.212-04:00

"Shee-shu Smeeshy...." ~ Jack at 2 years old I love animals, especially cats. I don't think there has been a day in my 35 years that I haven't had a cat as a pet. My parents took in and adopted several stray cats over the years as well as 2 dogs. I had hamsters, guinea pigs, a rabbit and every injured bird I could find as a kid. In 1994 while in University, I adopted the ugliest yet most

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-58171285369787024252008-07-02T13:58:00.003-04:002008-07-02T16:46:49.355-04:00

“Canada will be a strong country when Canadians of all provinces feel at home in all parts of the country, and when they feel that all Canada belongs to them.” ~ Pierre Elliott TrudeauA day late, but heartfelt wishes nonetheless! 141 years old. Wow! The changes Canada has seen in that time... Can you imagine?My internet service has been sporadic at best lately. I will extend my apologies now for

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-45470632802992743132008-07-02T13:44:00.004-04:002008-07-02T13:58:06.279-04:00

If you haven't noticed yet, I love quotes. All quotes, even quotes about quotes! I use them in nearly all of my posts, so I hope you enjoy them and they give you something to think about.I quote others only in order the better to express myself. ~ Michel De MontaigneI love quotations because it is a joy to find thoughts one might have, beautifully expressed with much authority by someone

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-75895611830443272512008-06-16T10:18:00.003-04:002008-07-02T15:35:43.369-04:00

... We were never being bored." ~ Pet Shop BoysI promised myself I would write a blog post soon then totally became sidetracked. So here it is. A post chock full of a week's worth of adventures. What a week we've had!My nephew was married last weekend and the kids were flower girl and ring bearer in the wedding party. Alice is seasoned in the flower girl position, so it goes without saying that

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-86187464172888742092008-06-09T11:51:00.003-04:002008-06-09T11:55:25.945-04:00

I'm not sure if there is anyone out there reading this, but if you are I apologize for my long absense. The fall was rough for me after dad's passing, and I just didn't feel like writing for a while. Honestly, I didn't know if anyone was even reading what I wrote so I figured, why bother?Well, I've decided that my writing should be primarily for me. It's my outlet. I enjoy it. So here I am, back

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-62625699294175702712007-09-26T11:16:00.000-04:002007-09-26T11:42:54.820-04:00

As many of you know, my main area of interest is US politics and foreign policy, so this post will be a bit of a stretch for me, but I think it's important to post on the upcoming Provincial election and referendum.Oh yeah.... did you know we have an election fast approaching in Ontario? Do you care? I ask because most people I come into contact with don't give a flying fig about politics, and

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-84525343695191786702007-09-26T10:10:00.000-04:002007-09-26T11:04:03.678-04:00

The breezes tasteOf apple peel.The air is fullOf smells to feel-Ripe fruit, old footballs,Burning brush,New books, erasers,Chalk, and such.The bee, his hive,Well-honeyed hum,And Mother cutsChrysanthemums.Like plates washed clean With suds, the days Are polished withA morning haze.~ September, John Updike I have a love/hate relationship with autumn. I love the warm, post summer air that is

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-19718040207484197832007-09-16T22:57:00.000-04:002007-09-17T00:06:44.031-04:00

“Growing up is never easy. You hold on to things that were. You wonder what's to come. But that night, I think we knew it was time to let go of what had been, and look ahead to what would be. Other days. New days. Days to come. The thing is, we didn't have to hate each other for getting older. We just had to forgive ourselves... for growing up.” ~ "The Wonder Years""The gang" - Class of 1992I

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-87267566940451359172007-09-14T13:33:00.000-04:002007-09-14T16:56:17.983-04:00

The fair is here! The fair is here! It kicked off last Friday and runs until this coming Sunday. We took the kids on Saturday, and a great time was had by all. But I must say - what a cash grab fairs are! We spent $90 on 2 adult entry fees, 40 ride tickets, lunch and special treats (we can't leave the fair without fudge and caramel apples!). Worth it I suppose, because we did enjoy ourselves,

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-55526333703580832502007-09-14T09:02:00.000-04:002007-09-14T09:13:39.909-04:00

It's a fact I can't hide. I am slightly neurotic when it comes to social situations. For some reason that surprises people when I tell them. Yes, I'm outgoing and friendly. I meet people easily and make friends quickly. However, I always have this underlying fear or dread of being judged. "What are they thinking about me?""Why did she just look at my shoes?"Often, none of my fears are valid

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-63410171905105700442007-09-13T11:38:00.001-04:002007-09-13T11:56:23.736-04:00

This weekend my graduating class from high school is holding a small, informal get together. Reunion-ish I guess. It's starting with a gathering in the park with our kidlets in the afternoon, and followed by a night of drinking and dancing at a local watering hole. I was all gung ho for it at first, and even had a hand in getting it started. But as the day gets closer.... I dunno. I'm

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-87522795545409128032007-09-12T10:43:00.000-04:002007-09-12T23:39:45.352-04:00

"OhhhhhhhBack To SchoolBack To School To Prove To Dad That I'm Not A FoolI've Got My Luch Packed UpMy Boots Tied TightI Hope I Don't Get In A FightOhhhhBack To SchoolBack To SchoolBack To School"~Adam Sandler, "Back to School", Billy MadisonWell, my wee girl, not even 5, returned to the land of learning this week. What a big leap this is for her, and I'm very proud that she's handling it so well

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-21512992802003489202007-08-22T14:32:00.001-04:002007-08-22T15:26:23.110-04:00

*shivers* So we've had a little problem with yellow jackets this summer. Oye, have we had a problem. The little buggers were entering our enclosed front porch through a hole in the brick mortar, and appear to have built a nest in the wall between the porch and the house. Or maybe in the attic. *ick* My husband attempted to evict them from our premises by filling the hole they were going in

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-22981600810596645962007-08-22T12:54:00.001-04:002007-08-22T13:15:32.838-04:00

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt I saw a psychic in June who gave me some sage advice. "Jo-Anne", she said, "use your fear as a spur. Stop letting it hinder you, and let it drive you forward." This advice came on the heels of the question, "Are you a teacher?""No..." I replied."Why NOT??", she questioned.Fear, I told her. The fear of not getting

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-62562134196963965502007-08-13T07:51:00.000-04:002007-08-13T10:33:39.548-04:00

But the place which you have selected for your camp, though never so rough and grim, begins at once to have its attractions, and becomes a very centre of civilization to you: "Home is home, be it never so homely." ~Henry David ThoreauWhat a lovely way to end an otherwise sombre week - camping! On Friday, my husband and I packed up the kids and drove out to a little campground right here at the

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-40909151928460668332007-08-13T07:44:00.000-04:002007-08-13T11:22:03.158-04:00

The picture inserted is called "The Paycheck" by Norman Rockwell. The cheque in his hand reads "Goodwill". This is one of my all time favourite Rockwell images (for obvious reasons), and it now adorns my wall. Thanks, Dad. This is a story that was published in the Sarnia Observer on Thursday, August 9th. I was very touched by the words the reporter wrote, and astonished to see such a

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-17362678655884659022007-08-06T12:14:00.000-04:002007-08-06T12:36:38.441-04:00

It is with much sorrow that I announce the passing of my father, John Gifford. With the sorrow comes relief, however. For four years he battled the lung cancer that controlled his body, and now the battle is over. It is his time to rest.Thank you for your messages of condolences and your friendship. It is appreciated and will be remembered always.John Douglas Gifford, April 25, 1938-August 2,

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-74881245644883616112007-07-19T20:32:00.000-04:002007-07-20T00:26:34.724-04:00

To my faithful readers (all 6 of you! lol) my apologies! I have been very absent from my blog since Alice finished school. But I have a good excuse! We've been busy! And I have the pictures to prove it. I live for the summer, and we practically live outdoors for the 4 glorious, sun filled months that we get. Since July 1st I would estimate that we have ridden our bikes over 200 kms, visited every

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-84996983063305248942007-06-26T07:59:00.000-04:002007-06-26T11:05:15.915-04:00

... Jack jumped over his crib rail... Ick! Oh boy. It's upon us, and I'm not ready.This morning I heard a little "thump" and looked around to see what it was. The cat was lying on the floor by me, so I deduced that it wasn't all 30 lbs of him jumping down from something. Alice was still sawing logs in her bed, and I didn't hear any tears so assumed it wasn't a child falling out of bed. And I was

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-14686996441800129082007-06-21T17:11:00.000-04:002007-06-21T17:34:31.502-04:00

I think kids have a natural sixth sense. I know Alice does, and I pray she never loses it. For her, her sixth sense seems to guide her compassion. She knows and understands things that many children her age don't.We haven't talked to her very much about my dad and his condition. At four years old, we assumed she wouldn't understand or grasp the concept of sickness and death. It turns out

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-72532507636738259522007-06-19T14:34:00.001-04:002007-06-21T22:44:19.038-04:00

Dad, August 2006 This is how my dad looked not even a year ago. To look at him in this photo, you wouldn't guess he was battling lung cancer, and losing the battle at that.The dad I saw this past weekend is a shadow of this man, physically. I could hardly believe I was looking at the same person. Even in just a few short weeks since I last saw him, he has deteriorated considerably. For four years

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-88073850615610359932007-06-16T10:14:00.000-04:002007-06-18T20:59:24.541-04:00

"Oh, this is the big one! You hear that, Elizabeth? I'm comin' to join ya, honey!" ~ Fred Sandford's 'heart attack response' in the television show "Sandford and Son".That was my reaction on Wednesday evening as the Lotto 6/49 numbers were announced one by one. "Two"check"Ten"no... "Nineteen"hmm...check"Thirty-six"check!"Fourty"oh my goodness! check!"And fourty-eight. Bonus, 18"ack! My ticket

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-87663185878876680772007-06-13T13:44:00.000-04:002007-06-21T17:11:20.470-04:00

The one and only Michael Moore brought his movie "Sicko" to London last week for a special advanced screening. London is featured fairly predominantly in the movie, which is why he chose here to kick off a few special premiers he is doing, the next being in Michigan this Saturday, June 16th. The movie opens to wide release on June 29th. A friend and I ventured out to catch the "red carpet"

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-35099039525797232562007-06-08T21:04:00.000-04:002007-06-08T21:21:57.103-04:00

What an interesting day we had today!My husband called at 2:30 and asked if I could go get Alice, as he would be getting off work a little later and wouldn't make it in time. At 3:00 I woke Jack and we headed off to the school. The sky was looking quite stormy and the wind was starting to pick up. As we drove by the park around the corner, a tree branch began to snap and jutted out over the

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-24140830933538283822007-06-08T16:00:00.000-04:002007-06-13T14:36:27.926-04:00

For those who don't know me, one of my passions is politics. Particularly, American politics and it's influence on Canadian policies and international relations. One subject I am very passionate about - and arguably sometimes too passionate - is George "Dubya" Bush. *insert grimacing face here*It still floors me that he is the President of the United States. You have to laugh sometimes at the

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-9474578926863738232007-06-06T10:43:00.000-04:002007-06-06T11:27:33.820-04:00

I think my wee Jack is finally starting to give us some words. Of course, as soon as I say he's not talking he makes a liar out of me. (Good boy, Jack!)Yesterday at the school we were walking with a friend that Jack adores. As I was buckling him into the car seat I said to Jack, "Say, bye Theresa!". Jack lifted his little hand in a wave and said, "eye-e-ha". The two of us looked at each other

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-7077109385322685532007-06-06T09:37:00.000-04:002007-06-06T09:39:06.795-04:00

Yeah, I see you. Stopping in to read my blog but not saying hi. Sheesh! Say hi! Give me feedback, don't be shy!And if you'd like me to read your blog, please give me your link and I will add it to my list.I'd love to hear from you!

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-63456815380660272332007-06-05T14:22:00.000-04:002007-06-05T14:50:18.836-04:00

"No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted." AesopThe other week I went through the Tim Horton's drive thru and noticed that a dad from my daughter's school was in the car behind me. I wanted to add a nice element of surprise to his day, so I paid for his coffee. I enjoy doing that every once in a while at Tim's. It's fun to drive away and look back to see the surprise on the person's

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-72758038008568945772007-06-04T10:24:00.001-04:002007-06-04T10:44:31.029-04:00

... Jack talked Thai real well." ~ Greg Focker, Meet the Parents.Save for one or two words, Jack ( 16 months) doesn't speak yet. In some ways it troubles me. I mean, what parent wants their child to be 'behind' other kids their age? And I do hear a lot of 16 month olds with already budding vocabularies. At the same time I know he will talk, but not until he's good and ready. For now he goes

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-28768577931931394402007-06-04T10:00:00.000-04:002007-06-04T10:24:07.478-04:00

This blog post would be so much more interesting if I had a photo to accompany it, but alas this rascally little bird will not let me get a picture of him. So bare with me while I try to describe it as best as possible.While enjoying the back yard a couple of weeks ago, I noticed this strange looking little Starling who kept coming to visit the neighbour's bird feeder. He always appeared to

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-21231789067453380922007-05-31T09:19:00.000-04:002007-05-31T09:33:51.312-04:00

A message from an anonymous reader:Dear Butterfly,How come you haven't posted any funny stories about yourson? Is there some favouritism going on there?Dear Anonymous Reader,No, no favouritism here. Jack, at not even a year and a half old, is too young to really 'do' anything comical just yet. His personality is just starting to flourish. So far he is a very quiet, mellow little chap who

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-51678810329553784682007-05-29T13:38:00.000-04:002007-05-29T14:36:06.667-04:00

A short collection of some recent Alice funnies.Alice decided recently that she wants to be an astronaut when she grows up. "I'm going to fly to the MOON!" she declared."Cool!" I said, "And what will you do when you get to the moon?""I'm going to bring home some Martians to be my friends." she replied."Hmm, don't Martians come from Mars though, Alice?" I asked.Alice makes a dramatic pause, a

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-16598838371274368872007-05-29T08:59:00.001-04:002007-05-29T09:24:03.043-04:00

Please tell me you are not serious? http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/entertainment_polandPolish authorities probing if Teletubbies are gayWARSAW (AFP) - Poland's child rights ombudsman said on Monday she was investigating whether "The Teletubbies," the British television show for infants, promotes homosexuality."It would be good for a group of psychologists to talk to children about this. We need

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-77233625943694633262007-05-28T08:39:00.000-04:002007-05-28T11:17:16.298-04:00

"There are places I remember All my life, though some have changed Some forever not for better Some have gone and some remain All these places had their moments With lovers and friends I still can recall Some are dead and some are living In my life I've loved them all..." ~The BeatlesThat song runs through my head nearly every day lately, thanks to Facebook. Come on, I know you've heard about it.

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-36016833615505727142007-05-26T13:15:00.000-04:002007-05-26T14:08:02.772-04:00

"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." ~ Dalai LamaI saw the most disturbing thing at the park last week. A little boy, about 3 years old, was running on the cement surrounding the playground and fell. Hard. He toppled forward on to his knees, and scraped his nose and chin as his face hit the ground. My 'mother's instinct' caused

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-68973257398940854472007-05-25T14:34:00.000-04:002007-05-25T14:38:48.234-04:00

(Originally posted Janaury 2007 - A favourite story!)Just before Christmas Alice asked if she could make a sign. No problem. I'm all for creativity! I got her some paper and a pen and she started scribbling away.I asked her, "What are you writing there, Alice?" She said, "It's a pwotest!""Oh," I said, "... what are you protesting?""You don't have any chocolate milk!" she exclaimed. With that,

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-15472146559345473222007-05-25T14:27:00.000-04:002007-05-25T14:32:26.512-04:00

Originally posted Sunday, January 7, 2007I swear many of us - especially those of us who are babies of the family - just have children to inflict the torment on them that was inflicted on us in our childhood. Alice sets herself up for it constantly. I love it. I can't help it! Hey, it's a good life lesson.Anyway, today...We were driving in the car and she started in on "poop" talk again.

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-83679387344155847982007-05-25T13:05:00.000-04:002007-05-25T13:48:09.036-04:00

My poor blog. I think it feels lost, lonely, betrayed...I found my inspiration at the beginning of the year and vowed to blog my little heart out. I had aspirations of posting my deepest thoughts on world issues, the media, and quirky little stories about my family. Then, *kaboom!*. Out of no where life dealt me a blow (which I have not and will not blog about, due to personal reasons) that

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-51658853758800262952007-01-03T10:38:00.000-05:002007-01-03T10:39:30.481-05:00

I had roses blooming in November this year. November! In Southwestern Ontario, that's a very rare sight. Normally by November we are shovelling our drives in freezing temperatures that make your toes curl, and complaining to each other, "I can't wait for SPRING!"Not this year.This year so far we've had very little frost, and more temperatures in the plus digits then I have fingers to count on. We

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796493973437777843.post-57585366767400327782007-01-03T09:06:00.000-05:002007-01-03T10:35:36.282-05:00

I am inspired.For the first time in a long time, I feel inspired to do what it is *I* do. Talk. Get people to listen. Motivate. Jump into the dog pit and get serious about my passions again: politics, the environment and basic humanity. It's time to balance being "mommy" as well as "Me".I'm not sure where to begin, so I've decided to keep this blog as my starting platform. Each day I will (

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328776995091425352noreply@blogger.com1