triumphgal

December 30, 2021

Nose to the books. That was my day. Didn’t get home until nearly 8 pm. I have to really concentrate and am glad for few interruptions. Even when the actual workspace is closed there still are some though. It’s ok, both were good. Brett came to see if I wanted to see his new toy. He got a high end 3D printer which he had started making a dinosaur skull. It won’t be ready for more than a day but I am jealous and look forward to seeing what it looks like. I was really concentrating when a client showed up at my office door to drop off paperwork. She startled me to say the least as the front door was supposed to be locked. Seems it isn’t closing properly when people leave. I called the manager to let her know and made sure it was closed when I left. Dinner was good even though I got distracted and burned the bacon. I took time to puzzle and unwind my brain. I do need to clean house, my eye is itchy from the dust and hair. I usually do a deep clean before the year ends but I have much to accomplish at work tomorrow and there is a hockey game which I intend to go to if I am feeling well still. They tried to take Gwen off oxygen today again but no go, it’s another night in hospital. The weather is still crazy cold especially for December. This is February weather. At least it is beautiful.

Today is my friends birthday and I miss her a great deal. It’s funny how the time when we were together in the same community it just felt easy. i’m pretty sure I took it for granted that we will be friends forever, but I think I was right. And happy birthday Sarah.

December 29, 2021

Emmy slept all night. She told me though that she had gotten stuck in the bathroom because she turned off the light before she opened the door and then she couldn’t find the switch again for a while. She is one awesome 4 year old in that she didn’t even call and wake me up, just kept trying until she found it. And believe me it is complete darkness in there. We were watching a show that was making me a little veklempt when she said, I have a little bit of tears, but they are happy ones. I told her I did too and we had a moment. That is a lovely depth of emotion.

We got ready, had breakfast and then played Mario World while the Culligan Man was here. Daniel is a great guy and I appreciate him when he comes to service my softener and drinking water system. He is always so respectful. Emmy is getting better at the game and it is hard as it is on Wii and the contrôler is harder to handle for her. She was sweet Ain her outfit from Bill and Deanne.

I dropped her at her grandparents and headed to the office. I had so much to accomplish that I didn’t get done yesterday and I had a mani-pedi booked since last month as my present to me. I really didn’t want to cancel it. I was concerned about keeping it as I am now segregating myself but know that they have barriers, masks and good hygiene procedures. It was a wonderful choice even if I was still answering email and texts while enjoying it all. I wish I had dealt with my hairy toes though, lol. Gosh, I am sooooo single. It is also the first time I was really aware of my age showing in my hands. I remember telling guy friends, if you really want to know her age, look at the hands. And now, here I am, all 58 years of me. Oh well, still here, that’s good.

I picked up a new mask for my CPAP, $225! Oh well, it saves my life nightly. Also picked up the stuffing to finish Obi’s bed. It was on 50% off, great saving. I bought one extra so I could make sure it is easy to fluff up and will last a long time. On the way home I stopped to pick up my Christmas present from Rae that had arrived. Loop Earplugs. I look forward to seeing how well they will work at the office and in movie theatres.

I hooked up my Apple TV, made my Hello Fresh dinner, and settled to watch Finch with Tom Hanks. It was charming as all of his movies are. After that I sewed the Dog bed and watched Twas The Fight Before Christmas, a documentary about a real life Clark Griswold and his battle with the HOA (home owners association) in Idaho. It was…. Bizarre!!!

I fit a lot in the last few days but there is so much on my list I am dreaming about work and am feeling the pressure of the list to get through in the next two days. I have had to triage, that’s for sure.

It was a cold day but glorious. I do love living in a postcard.

December 28, 2021

3:30 am was when Emmy climbed in with me and then at 5:40 she was fully awake. The therapists who say you shouldn’t have a TV in the bedroom don’t have kids in their lives. Thank goodness for Netflix, bought me a little more rest. Up and having breakfast, we watched the JoJo Siwa special who Emmy says she is the big fan of. It was interesting and I can say she is a good influence. Her hard working, happy, age appropriate style is a good role model for young girls. Thankfully we were done breakfast when my watch buzzed one hour until my car was to be in the dealership. I had forgotten. We got ready and headed out and it took a bit to warm up the car as it was -23! The plan is to install my trailer hitch and wiring, the decals and software update for my all terrain tires. Sean, the person I have been dealing with since the original sale was very sweet and got Emmy a blue balloon. She was thrilled. We were driven to work with a promise to get us back as soon as possible.

Emmy was set up with her own little workstation so that I could do the Zoom training I had arranged. It took over 3 hours but I rounded down to 3 for the few interruptions from her. She was such a good little 4 year old, we even managed to play crazy 8s while I was zooming, lol. Once the training was over I messaged Danika to see how baby was and see if it would help to have Emmy one more night. She mentioned it would be good to FaceTime so we did. It was sweet to see Emmy kissing the phone and saying she wished she could hug Gwen. The hospital won’t let her in though. I wish I could wave a wand and make everyone healthy. It is hard to see a 17 day old baby on oxygen who can’t come home until she can be weaned off it. It is also hard to hear Emmy with her deep cough.

I got the call that the car was as ready as it could be today. Sean was straight up with me about the way my deal has gone down and that they have dealt with Josh about making sure things are followed up on. Because he couldn’t find me a rental car, he said they would give me my car back with the tire software fix and the hitch but not the wiring installed and no decals yet. They will have me bring it back in the near future and have it overnight to do the decal work so it will stick properly. I appreciate dealing with Sean as we are beyond the game playing, I feel. He even wrote was is left to do on a card and told me if I don’t hear from them in 7 days to follow up. He also had an even bigger and better balloon for Emmy and she was mightily impressed. From there we drove through Arby’s although there was disappointment that Auntie Rae wasn’t working. It was back to the office for a while as I had payroll to complete and I am now falling behind on what I hoped to accomplish this week.

Emmy asked if we could stop and pick up her bath scrubby duck as I had told her she could have a bath in my deep tub. Nancy had nicely thrown some fresh clothes and books in a bag as well. Rae also had some cold and flu relief that I picked up. Emmy was laughing so hard as the text sound I have for the girls are two different Yoda sayings. She asked me to keep texting them so she could hear them. We had good giggles as my car would send funny texts. She is such an intelligent, observant young child. It is a joy to be around her. Even her negative moments are relatively easy to turn around.

When we got home we played salon, she did my hair and we watched half of Space Jam the new legacy. It is great!! I am glad she recommended it. We stopped the movie so she could have a bath bombed bath and have her hair done at Nana’s salon. Then it was time to tuck in which went very smooth, and she was asleep in no time at all.

The decision to have her was hard at the moment but I am glad Rae pointed out that once I have her, I may as well have her as long as I can since I will be distancing with a vengeance for the next 7 days.

December 27, 2021

I was just happy and heading to bed when I realized I hadn’t blogged. After all this time I can honestly say that is a first. So, coles notes on the day in no particular order….

Got a call from Sean that he forgot his phone at home and was in the Winnipeg airport so had to find a way to approve payroll so there was no sense worrying about it today.

Put away all my Christmas presents, hung a few more ornaments and the lights I was gifted from Roger and Ashlée

Went for a walk around the quarter section block with Tracey., stunned by the huge icicles on the complex next door, challenged by the extreme -19 temp.

Laid out the material with a plan to make Obi’s bed as requested by Roger, only to find Missy liked it.

Got a teary call from Danika that Gwen had to stay in hospital overnight as her blood oxygen was too low. She hoped I would take Emmy to give her parents a break. The problem is that I had to make a choice to take her and then not see the family until next year as there is no way for me to know what Emmy is sick with and I can’t run the risk of passing on anything to the visiting family or they wouldn’t even be able to go home. I went to Rae’s for dinner and games and puzzles for an hour before Jamie (the other grand) showed up to transfer her. I took E for a drive around to see the big light show and then we came home. While we were driving she got suddenly sad and told me tonight was the night Malcolm (her sister’s Dad) was going to tell her scary bedtime stories. I promised I would do my best.

I was very conflicted about taking her as it would mean me spending New Years alone and I had purposefully chosen not to volunteer this year so I could spend it with family. I was in tears when I arrived at Astaforoff’s to pick up their Apple TV 3rd Gen that I had purchased. Kathleen was so kind and listened and prayed over us all. Her littlest one was draw to me and he sat on the stairs and listened and looked at me with so much love. Seems that was unusual so I am taking that blessing.

Emmy told me a Zombie bed time story which was adorable and I pretended to be scared and needed saving by Bobot, a stuffy we have. She finished and then said. It’s ok nana, it’s not real. You don’t need to be scared.

I sewed a dog bed for Obi. Roger had bought the material and I think it is turning out well, except it needs more stuffing. I have some but it is where Emmy is sleeping and I don’t want to disturb her so I will finish it tomorrow. I forget that I love sewing. I looked up a pattern to make him boots as well and I need to see if I have Velcro tomorrow.

December 26, 2021

First thing on the schedule was to go with Ashlée so she could purchase a big screen TV on a Boxing Day Sale. Lukas tagged along and we headed to The Brick. There were some good deals and she found one she liked. Roger came to pick it up with the truck. Once back at the house we unloaded it and then hopped in his truck to head to Walmart. I need a new Keurig as mine is starting to fail.Ashlée was looking for a dog bed. I found a screaming door crasher deal on the coffee maker and a half price cat to match my Christmas dog as well as a few other 50% off items. No dog bed unfortunately. I headed home after that to drop off all my stuff, clear the drive and walks and take a shower. It was a bit harder shoveling as it was cold and the berm from the plow was heavy and hard. I really just wanted to crawl into a bath but had promised Will that I would be back to watch the second Harry Potter with him. I did go back and we took a long time to get through it as there were chores interrupting and then the Knights arrived. They are Roger’s sister, Margo, and her husband Rob and three girls, aged 8-16. They live in Olympia, Washington and went through all the tests and protocols to cross the border where they didn’t even ask for them! Bill and Deanne cooked a turkey and we all had a wonderful dinner together at Rae’s. After dinner some of us played the game I got for Christmas, Exploding Minions. It was fun but we are all so tired… I have much to clean as I have just been popping in and dropping things off. I enjoyed myself very much but am peopled out. And all those people in the house are loud!! It was a blessing to get a picture of Judy with her kids.

December 26, 2021

Awoken at 7 which wasn’t too bad with a house full of kids. There was so much going on, so many thoughtful gifts. Gene and Lukas and the two teen international students were particularly great at buying thoughtful gifts. Everyone was ridiculously spoiled. We have much bounty. I was blown away by the thoughtfulness of my friends as well. I had brought my gifts from under my tree and took particular joy in seeing how much they ‘get me’. Rae was disappointed that the main gift she got me didn’t show up yet and I will say I am really looking forward to trying Loop earbuds. I will share more once they arrive. Once the general mêlée was over, the guys all went out to clear the over a foot of snow that had dumped, the gals cleaned up the chaos and I made breakfast. I had bought Dungeness crab from Haida Gwai when my friend went there on a fishing trip and I made crab puffs with them. They were truly delicious and a big hit with everyone but Sawyer. I suspect it was the curry he didn’t like, but as the saying goes… more for us. After that I took Aymos, Golan and Lukas and we went to clear the snow at the theatre and my house. When we arrived at my place, my neighbour Tracey had shoveled half for me as she was worried I wouldn’t be able to by the time I got home. All my inflatables were buried and Missy freaked out when I opened the door and she saw the guys. She took off across the years like a dolphin, trying to keep her belly above the snow that was far taller than her. Unfortunately she would not come back before we had to leave. We dropped off Emmy’s Christmas presents as there is sickness in their house. She opened them and I took pictures to show the givers. She is gracious and thankful but her poor little nose showed that it had been blown many times. Once we were back, we all settled on the couch to watch the first Harry Potter. It seemed right to watch an Alan Rickman movie on Christmas Day even if it wasn’t Die Hard. There was much puzzling going on and they really wanted me to come help. I did for a bit but needed to go let Missy in and have a quick visit with Tracey. When Roger heard I was leaving he asked if I could take his truck and do the recycle and garbage. I grabbed Gene and we headed for Roger’s work. The berm from the plow was a bit intimidating but we managed and the Dodge handled well in low 4×4. I dropped Gene and the truck back at the house and grabbed my car to head home. It handles the best of any vehicle I have owned. It has drive modes and when I switch into Snow mode I have no problem with getting stuck or sliding. I do know that won’t help on ice but great on snow. When I got out of the car at home and called for Missy I heard her meow form the railing of the porch. She was cold and very grateful I was home. It was as if she knew I was coming as she has some hiding spots out of the weather. I popped over to Traceys and had a good catch up before heading back to finish the evening working on the puzzle as Rae had pretty much given up. We had good visits round the table and at 10:30 at night Roger whipped up delicious soup for us as we hadn’t really eaten a meal but nibbled through the day. I am glad as it has taken away the headache I was getting. That left me with only one headache… the fact that there was a piece missing in the brand new puzzle!

December 25, 2021

I slept until 8:30, got myself relatively organized and dressed nice, make-up and all before heading to the office. Once there I recorded myself reading Hookers and Blow Save Christmas. Then I migrated a clients file from Sage to QBO so I could be ready to work on it on Tuesday. I then did a short video of my photo books to share with the ABCers as many of them were a part of the two trips, one to Santa Fe and the other to Santa Barbara. It was a peaceful way to spend the day and get things done. I then headed out to drop off a gift, pick up some things including a white turnip to substitute for the water chestnuts which town seems to be sold out of. I gathered all my things at home and dropped off stocking items to Emmy at her grandmas. She gave me an adorable stuffy to which I said, Oh a Falalallama and she said quite sternly, it’s an Alpaca Nana. Of course she was right, no getting anything past her. From there it was to the Guedes household for Raclette before heading to Bill and Deanne’s church. It was lovely and old fashioned as it should be. I took the three teens in my car and we headed out to see the lights at Candy Cane Lane and then go find Santa on his rounds. Back at the house we organized stockings and played Family Business, a fun Mobster Card game. The two exchange students love it. And then it was midnight and time to sleep as the boys will be up early.

That was the sugar coated story of my day. In actuality, I was up early and had it confirmed that as long as Emmy was sick she wasn’t welcome to visit, fell to my knees, sobbing, unbearably done with all amounts of stress and disconnect. I did not throw myself together but took time to paint on the spirit of the season. I was wonderfully graced with a video from the H’s in the UK. They always know the right thing to say and do. I really did not want to engage with anyone, feeling like it is easier not to live here than make uncomfortable choices. Danika was lovely and told me Emmy wanted to stay with her so I didn’t need to feel bad. As it turned out, her baby sister, Gwen has RSV and Danika spent the evening at the hospital with her. That is scary, and Malcolm is at work for two more days so I am glad she is with family. Diane loved the snowflake I gave her that matches the one I got. It really sums up the way I feel. I shoveled a couple times today, my cat was very cold because she would not come when I called and I had to leave and come back later. She kept rubbing against my legs in what i can only imagine is gratitude. I didn’t realize we were going to church, the one I went to in the 80s so didn’t rush over for raclette, thus didn’t have a lot of time to eat. The service was fine, freaked me out a little that they were using the same microphones. My experience with performers and announcers is we have our own foam covers to swap out. The church are very accommodating to Deanne’s wish to stay protected and allow them to sit at their own spot in the back of the sanctuary. They even had reserved signs on the chairs for our chaotic bunch of 12. I did like being the kids at the back of the bus. It struck me that times have definitely changed, It used to be that the main focus behind the pulpit and pastor was a large, usually wooden, cross. Now it is a TV screen, much like a living room where all chairs are facing it.

It is time to sleep, visions of sugar plums or not, I am grateful this day is over. I am biting my tongue, as my button says… be kind or be quiet. Actually, to be clear I am going to bed happier than I was at the start of the day. Part of the fun was sharing it with the students. So many things were new and exciting to them.

December 23, 2021

It was easier to get on the treadmill this morning. I am still doing it faithfully but some days, it feels easier to stay tucked in. I was out at a decent time and found myself shoveling again. It is very melting and heavy. The roads are sure to be bad later. A quick pop in to the office for a coffee and email check before heading to Tanglefoot Veterinary Clinic to assist with their payroll setup and other items. It was nice to spend some time with Darrell, the bookkeeper and Jeff, the boss. I played Jeff’s Mom in The Tin Woman and we haven’t seen each other much since. He’s a good guy and I am pleased they contacted me for assistance. I enjoy those onsite jobs, and having the time to do them. From there I returned to the office and started working on an ongoing payroll reconcile which I managed to finish off today. I had a beverage with Sean and Nikki at the end of the day. It was nice to sit and chat. Rae called to warn about the roads. I left work and headed to walmart to pick up some stocking items for Emmy and even the strip (highway through town) was glare ice. Everyone seemed to be taking it patiently though and Nikki texted to say her drive home was the worst she has experienced for ice ever. I picked up a few things, including cereal that Santa traditionally brings the kids. I also was looking for a drink for Emmy but everything was too big so I grabbed some juice boxes for 1.97 and went looking for a drink bottle. Found a cute llama one and asked an employee to scan it. It was .02! I made my way home to shovel again.. someone had pulled into my drive and back out! It was also very strange that although there were no footprints, my wreath was off my door and placed on my storage box, covered in snow. I made a delicious shrimp dinner and then poured a bath. I am getting used to the relaxation and am mellowed out for bed. Dishes and laundry are done. Things are ready by the door for tomorrow. The main ingredient for breakfast is thawing and I am missing only one thing for the recipe. My kingdom for water chestnuts.

And now fireworks just went off outside my place. Argh. It’s 11:45 pm

December 22, 2021

My cat didn’t make it far outside before heading right back in. We avoided a lot of the dump of snow and the temperature is bearable, so there’s that.

Lots of full focus things to do in an interrupted day but I was grateful for the nice breakfast start care of Nikki ordering for us from Hot Shots. After that it was full on. Clients in and out for assistance and to drop off a gift. Laurie brought me bath bombs to try from her store, Earth’s Own Naturals, which I am about to do when I finish this. Stacey stopped in previous to that and I gave her some I had bought for her to try. Funny timing. She invited me to come out and visit with them over the holidays, stay over if I like. I may just try to make that happen.

I was invited by Rae to go get something to eat and talk but she was going through the motions and I was very down so it was not the best thing overall. She had dinner ready when I got their place and it was nice to see the boys but I am still feeling very disappointed and that is a tough emotion for me to let go of. It has brought me down again. I have to remember I am the Mom, not the friend. I am on the verge of serious whining again so I will just call it a night and go climb in my tub.

I am reminded how much I am loved when I go to my mailbox and there are several beautiful cards. One held a picture of precious Trinity. They live in Whitehorse now but I was there while her mom was pregnant on the Central Coast. I miss Lisa and Joe. I will make a plan to see them again. I can’t believe Ms T is 6!

December 21, 2021

I waited too long to decide to write tonight. I did without my Gabapentin for the last three nights to see if I needed it and my prescription ran out. I finally refilled it today and it seems just in the nick of time as my hip is aching and it’s like I have a happy leg. I have taken my pill and need to go to sleep.

I was very very very frustrated by someone who kept me waiting until I gave up after two hours and went back to the office. I get annoyed the fastest when I feel that someone thinks their time is more important than mine or others. It is even more annoying when it is someone who already got paid a great deal and I am the volunteer. I also don’t believe there is any excuse, short of death, for not returning at least a text to explain.

At one point while I was waiting I returned my broken boots to Mark’s workwear. Sadly no replacements are available at all. I did get a refund though.

While deeply involved in a payroll reconciliation, my client from Kimberley stopped by with a beautiful gift from their brewery. Natalie and Tyrone are two of the most generous and lovely business owners I know. They really care about their staff and today’s Provincial Health Orders may really hurt their business and their staff. They have to find out if their brewery with tasting room is considered a bar. Bars are shut down until January 18th along with gyms and sports, etc. As of tomorrow.

I headed to Safeway to pick up my prescription and saw Aymos and Golan heading for home across the parking lot. They are funny. They said they went to the store but forgot money and didn’t have enough on a card to pay. I offered them $20 each for snacks and they took a basket and had fun. I said I didn’t know what to get them for Christmas so that was their gift. They were very happy. Golan was excited to hear what we will do as this is his first Christmas. He is Jewish. I had to check my stereotypes as my first inner thought was I didn’t even consider that as he is from Mexico. I offered to get a Menorah and we could teach the kids some of his customs but he said he wasn’t that strict, just didn’t celebrate Christmas at home. I look forward to him experiencing it.

December 20, 2021

I woke myself only 5.5 hours after trying to fall asleep and struggling through waking up several times in the night. I suspect it was the killer rum balls too late at night. Al was up and making coffee, they seriously have the best home made coffee. I had a quick visit after getting ready and headed out complete with cheese ball and crackers to go. Did I mention Pam is the hostess with the mostest?!

I was already heading down the drive way when I realized i didn’t have the address of my client’s new shop somewhere around Fruitvale. I stopped at the co-op gas and texted him so I could set my car map. While in there I found the cutest little honey bears and someone is getting them for Christmas.

The route to the client was clear and gorgeous. It was great to stop and meet two of his employees and put faces to the names I pay. I trained them both on using One Drive shared with me and set up a proper spreadsheet for the payroll. Steve kindly sent me home with Grade A ground beef and Gin, I mean, seriously, what more could a gal want.

I saw the flipped over car that caused the road shut down and reroute yesterday. It was completely on it’s roof. The roads were good and I got back to Cranbrook at a decent time. I stopped at the office to pick up my books that had arrived and run a payroll that was due. It felt good to get it all done.

I got home at a decent time and started making soup from some leftover ham and carrots, a cauliflower soup and beef broth base. Once it was slow cooked enough I added pasta wheels. The problem is that it smells like cat food!!! Must be the cauliflower.

I set it to cook and then hopped in a bath using the bubble bath bombs I bought. The eucalyptus was lovely and I admit I love bubbles. They are a close second to the THC bombs.

I received an email from a Kimberley client saying she wants to drop me off a gift tomorrow. I need to own the gratitude I am feeling from my clients, drink it into my soul, let it buoy me up for the storms to come. For today I am well. I celebrate the 12th birthday of my Lukas and am satisfied and full.

it catches the shovel and will be there until a full melt so people don’t drive on driveways that aren’t travelled yet just saying

December 20, 2021

I organized my stuff to take, loaded the car, stopped for a Christmas bombing at a friend’s sons house and then hit the road

I had downloaded an audible book : Beautiful Boy and it took me most of the way although it seems I was doing something wrong as I lost connection and don’t know how that mattered if I downloaded it. I listened to the story which is very moving, a fathers tale of his sons struggle with addiction.

Between it and the extremely gorgeous scenery I was distracted from any concern I had about travelling on the day after a massive dump of snow in a vehicle I haven’t driven in the winter yet. The Tucson handles well and I loved the drive.

I arrived happy to be here. It was a tough choice as my family only days ago scheduled the Christmas photo for today. I will admit I am disappointed it couldn’t wait for me. This is only the third time In two years I am out of town overnight. I think I made the mistake of saying take it without me when what I really meant was can we reschedule as I feel like I am part of the family and you wouldn’t take it if anyone else wasn’t available. Too late now, my bad.

It was so lovely hanging out and prepping food with Pam. There was a lovely evening of too much food (& sangria) and nice company which included health care people and family. It felt safe and I am glad the rules don’t change until after this. It was great to see Aija and Rob as it seems forever since I was here for their wedding. Pam puts on such an incredible spread! I was pleased to make the signs for the buffet as it was the least I could do. Oh and we do like the blackberry/raspberry gin I brought.

So many laughs have been had over the shrimp jello mold. I had a strong reaction to the idea of it. Turns out it is tasty but the texture is like mousse which messes with my brain. so ‘70s!

December 18, 2021

I had told the board of the theatre that I would ask my grandsons to shovel snow from the walkways and sidewalks. Since there was a winter snow warning I realized I had better make a plan. I will be away the next two days so it was even more imperative to make a plan. I talked to Rae first and she agreed Lukas would be the perfect one to take it on. I texted him and made a plan for when he would be back from sledding and I would be there at the end of the show run through I was invited to. He is such a good boy!

I shoveled my way out to go to the show. I am impressed with the work the guys have put in and they are only half way there. It was great to see Thom meeting with the director and set designer in anticipation of building the set. After rehearsal Duncan met with the costumer. Things are on the move forward. A producer’s dream

Lukas showed up as soon as I texted him and I supervised him doing the first snow cleaning and we negotiated a reasonable flat rate. While we were out there a guy stopped to talk to us and offer his services as he really wants to get involved with the theatre. He told me some of his skill set and I suggested he get a membership online and then I will have his information and will reach out to him for set building. What a great way to recruit, lol.

I got home from the theatre to shovel for the second time today. I dropped off the things I had purchased and then headed to the Hockey game.

It is Lukas’s 12th birthday on Monday so I brought him his gift to the game. His other grandparents also conspired and went to get them to announce his birthday during the game. He was so very happy. It was the teddy bear toss game so when the first goal from our side was scored everyone started tossing. It is so much fun to watch and take part in. The game had some crazy penalties and injuries and we just barely won in the last period. The next game is also against the Trail Smoke Eaters on New Years Eve so that promises to be a lot of fun.

I returned home to shovel once again, about he same amount as each of the previous times. It seems to have tapered off a bit. I feel better about heading out tomorrow. I do have a 3.5 hour drive that includes going over Kootenay Pass which I am not going to did you, has scared me in the past. I once did it in a fog bank, on my motorcycle, that was so thick I could only see two dotted lines at a time. I had hypothermia by the time I got to Cranbrook. This will not be the same. I have my list of safety gear to take, just in case and am looking forward to seeing my friends from long ago and my client who has become a friend.

One of the things I discovered I appreciate about Arby’s, besides their chicken nuggets, is the roof over the order spot so snow doesn’t come in!

December 17, 2021

I stopped at Hyundai on my way to work to push my point that I need the car to include all the things I purchased in the first place. I was grateful to have been brought to the back and told that all the promises made will be honoured regardless of the ‘shadiness of the original deal’ A promise to honour and a booking for the most of it is now in place.

When I finally made it to the office there was a gift sitting in front of my door from Keri. I am blown away! It was a truly thoughtful one. And also over the top. I had a gift at home but hadn’t brought it in as I wanted to drop it at her home for the whole family as I didn’t get something for everyone this year. I did for her as she has been my no alarm ambulance, shuttling me for all the test and procedures while the rest of my family has been at work. She listens and cares and I wanted to get her something to thank her. I will take it tomorrow. I do wish I had thought to have it in my car to give her today as she is now off until January. She is my unsung hero.

I spent a great deal of time with a consulting job in my office. She and I laughed and got things done. The day was suddenly nearly over but I got a call from Grandson Gene to see if I could shuttle him from work at 6:45 to Curling. I worked until it was time to go to Superstore and pick up a veggie tray to take with me to Layard’s this weekend and then picked him up. He is a good boy, young man, I suppose.

This evening I enjoyed the finale of Survivor, yes I am still watching it after all these years. I still miss Jake’s company to do so though. Yay a Canadian won!!

I received the book I ordered from Amazon that cracks me up!

December 16, 2021

I started the day dropping off a small gift for my friend Diana who was celebrating a birthday. She was Emmy’s daycare lady when she lived here. I think she is in the perfect profession as she is one of the kindest, friendliest people I have had the pleasure of knowing. I just never feel anything malicious or less than supportive from her. I want to be more like her.

There were payroll to do and with each one at the moment I reconcile the remittances for the upcoming T4s. It takes a little longer but will a save me time next month. It is also the time when my phone and email blow up with people needing assistance. So far I have been able to say yes, I do want to protect my me I me over the holidays as well though. I did take time to join CFEK for their Christmas staff lunch. I am grateful they include me and it was also very delicious. The pub lunch came from Don Cherry’s and was all but one dish, pepper free! Very thoughtful.

Robyn cracked me up with her Christmas sweater.

I was given a treat which was very nice of them.

I did some work after lunch and then wrote out my Christmas cards. It was a pleasant task and is made easier as I have a spreadsheet with addresses. I had enough Canadian stamps but needed to go to Shoppers which has a postal kiosk to get international and overseas ones. It was peaceful and only one person ahead of me. I picked up a cute thing I couldn’t resist for Rae and browsed for something for her students but didn’t feel like actually going through the mall. I drove through A&W which is my fave. I love the teen burger. I do need to say hold the onions next time as I am still feeling them.

Once home I found a very happy cat as she had refused to come in before I left this morning. She has places to stay out of the weather outside but the colder it gets, she is going to have to get smarter about me calling her in before I leave.

Keri is grossed out by toe socks so of course I had to text her this photo.

December 15, 2021

I worked until it was time to leave for the Cranbrook Chamber Luncheon. Sean, Keri, Corey and I met Layla there. It was at the Heritage and I was pleased they checked passports going in. It was weird to be sitting at a round table for 8 and have a serve ourselves buffet. While we were there I received breaking news alerts on my phone that Canada issued a no non-essential travel warning. The concern is that travelers may get caught out of country and there will be no ‘rescue’. That seems fair to me. Taking the risk involves a fair warning. I had good conversations with the woman next to me, Cindy, who recognized me from Curves. She owns it, although her business is now called something else. She also felt the awkwardness of the group setting. It was so great to see Dennis Walker get citizen of the year. He is the morning broadcaster on the station I listen to while getting ready for work and just an all around great guy. There seems to be no end to his dedication to the community. The turkey dinner for lunch was delicious.

After that we were back in the office where I could get a little bit more done before it was time for the Ground Floor open house. There were beverages and some great charcuterie. It was actually nice to chat with people without the pressure of deadlines. I did wear my mask for a great deal of the time at it though. Chance ended up coming to my office and hanging out at the end. We chatted and caught up, So many positive changes in his life! Next thing you know it was 7 pm.

It was a day full of funny things and odd things and good things. I really was comfortable in my Walmart Christmas dress. I will have to buckle down tomorrow but it was nice to take a break.

December 14, 2021

Today was busy and focused and fun. And long. I think I skipped a couple meals. You know, just another Tuesday in mid December. I have many opinions and little ability or desire to vent so I am having a bevie, watching 90 days and puzzling before I head to bed.

I hope your day was all you dreamed it could be. Xo

Oh wait, one of the more exciting moments was that I was so focused on the payroll I was running that I didn’t clue in to what the beeping I heard out in the office was. Turns out it was the alarm! Someone didn’t come down to check that I was still there and alarmed me in. This is the 3rd time in my life that has happened! Once when Jake was a baby and my cousins husband didn’t realize we had arrived in the night and settled in the family room. He set the alarm when he left for work and as soon as Jake awoke and started to crawl he set off the motion detector. There was much crying and wailing trying to get it to stop. The second was when I worked for the government here and was in the washroom when I heard the familiar beep of the alarm setting. I hollered out and the person came running back and managed to stop it in time. This time, no luck. I couldn’t remember my code as I never need it and so Sean came down and turned it off. I feel sorry for the renters upstairs as it went on for a long time.

December 13, 2021

Worked hard, enjoyed set up with new client, left at a decent time

Mystery shopped at a Cannabis Shop, was introduced to Bath Bombs.

Bought some.

Stopped at theatre to drop off e-cigs for the show which look like they are going to work perfectly.

Came home and shoveled.

It is still coming down.

Ate, chatted with Mom, puzzled and at 9:30 took a CBD/THC blend capsule and climbed into the bath.

Watched Sex Education on Netflix as I soaked up the goodness. Didn’t think I was feeling anything but I am incredibly relaxed, quite aware of everything and ready to head to bed.

Not sure if I should be concerned that in an unusual turn of events, Missy is hunkered down in the middle of the living room carpet, eyeballing me through the glass table.

Ah, yes, it’s a waiting game. I caught her drinking out of the fishbowl again. I imagine as soon as I leave the room…

Off to Never never land….

December 12, 2021

6:40 was early but I could hardly be upset by the grown up sounding little girl voice backed by a quickly maturing William saying Hi Nana! Can we have cereal?

Of course I had to jump up and get making the waffles I had promised. The idea of cereal went right out the door. Once again I was blown away by how much more they enjoyed the waffle and fruit than the whipped cream. We watched movies and played video games and had some good laughs. Will at on point said, “stay young Emmy!”. I asked why and he said they had puberty class and he feels sorry what is coming for her. For 10 he really impressed me with the conversation that followed and that it was all pretty disgusting for girls.

I had also awoken to a text from Danika inviting me to come meet Gwen. I wasn’t going to ask but was happy to. As it happened, I even got to hold her before the great grandparents. I didn’t stay long but I think they liked the gift of the car decal by a local artist of Baby on board and the sheep skin lined bunting bag that I bought at the Salt Spring Island Fall Fair when Rae was expecting Gene. She had given it back to me in case I wanted to pass it on. This is definitely the right season.

There is really nothing like holding a 35 hour old baby to wipe the rest of a depression away. I am grateful and know that my energy was good when she stayed relaxed in my arms and even peeped her eyes open at me.

I spent more time on outdoor and indoor decorations as I had finished my killer puzzle earlier. That was one of the hardest ones I have done that I can remember. I changed my table cloth for the season and got going on the next one of the set of 4. Late afternoon I posted on the Cranbrook Facebook group that I had toys to pay forward to someone who needed a gift for their child to give to another. I remember those extra gifts being hard to afford if I wanted Jake to have a special time. I found a good home for them and just hope they pay it forward when they can.