Well it looks like the American Leg of the Jumping for Joy tour has come to an end. So long to plan, anxiously awaiting it's arrival and then gone in a flash. :( Hope the Canadian tour is as much fun as the American side.

Glad that you had a good time at my place Shad. (She told me that I have to move again before she comes again so she can see a different part of the country again. :lol: ) I don't know, we haven't decided yet. Next move might be northeast - a bit north of Mel but closer to her than we are now. Of course now that you're gone, I'm thinking of all these things that we should have done but didn't. Anyway - have fun Shad - sounds like this next round will be fun. Safe travels to you. And better cabbies ;) although it sounds like you got the typical New York cabbie experience.

Mel - had to laugh at Carla's description of you hiding the frappacino's in the birdseed, toilet tank, etc :rofl: Not such a bad idea :chin: Sounds like you had a great time with Shad - glad you guys were able to get together. You have to tell us about your time together when it doesn't take you 2 hours to coax the computer to work. Now it's back to seniors and alarms and the dullness of the regular life again, eh?

Carla - I'm sure she will enjoy a nice strenuous hike. We walked up a slight incline at the hotel one day and I was huffing and puffing so the only good workout she got from me was the day I had to work in the morning and she did some running on the treadmill and checked out the stepper in my exercise room. She did say she was missing the exercise.

Glad to hear the puppies are doing fine. Hide that rum cake Ruth. :D

Eaton Centre? I remember that place. I see they are celebrating their 30th anniversary. I must have been there about 2 years after they opened. Still have the scarf and sweater I bought in one of the shops out there. In fact Eaton Centre is the only place I remember from my trip to TO long ago. That and some cool looking architecture. Have a good get together ladies.

I probably should recap some of the highlights of what we did when Shad was here:

1. Introduced her to new food - battered and deep fried green beans, battered and deep fried dill pickles. To both she said :snooty: :tape: after politely taking a bite. If they can catch it here, they batter it up and stick it in a fryer. :lol:
2. Took her to a "museum" before we knew she didn't like museums - but does Graceland count as a museum? Guess it does.
3. Tried to fix her up with a new man in her life - we had great fun sitting out on the square in the Ozarks, chatting it up as the people of the town gathered around the "pickin' porch" to listen to the impromptu concerts each night. The music was toe stomping and several men came by and smiled and said hello. I reminded Shad she had 2 keys to her room and I'd look aside if she met a new "friend" :rofl: None to her liking I guess. Considering they were all 20 years older than us with baggy overalls and big hats probably lessened the appeal. Tho they were darn nice folk - can't take that away from them.
4. Visited a cave - that was a gorgeous tour. Probably the highlight of the week.
5. Got a speeding ticket on the way home - We don't believe the officer's story - think it's one of those rackets where they catch the out of towners who won't drive 100 miles back in to fight the ticket. Easy revenue for the town/county. :mad:
6. Visited the zoo - got in a good walk. Saw the pandas. Got some nice pictures in the live butterfly tent.
7. Had dinner down on Beale street and listened to a bit of music - one place was better than the next but we went on a weeknight and it was pretty dead on the strip. Still she got a taste of what it was like.

And of course there was time for a whole lot of yakking. Glad she could make it through our way.

And now it's time to get off the computer and go get some real work done. Have a good Sunday peeps. Hope Madcat and Shad find each other tonight. Have a sip for me :cheers:

Hey chicklets!

So The Package has probably landed by now and is waiting... and waiting... and waiting for her luggage. :lol: I'm going to give here a ring at her hotel once I am relatively sure she has had time to make it downtown and check-in. Thanks Mel. Sorry she didn't get my message but i am sure we will manage a hookup.

I'm not sure what is on the agenda for tomorrow. I know she expressed a wish to see Chinatown so we'll probably go there, and Kengsington Market. We may WALK BY the museum to see its new facade. :lol: We'll play it by ear - Maybe even do a trip to the Beaches and wander the boardwalk. I’ll check and see if there is anything burning she wants to see… and maybe Holly has a few “must sees”. The city is our oyster and it’s a place best seen by just wandering.

Ahem, Ruth, I doubt highly you are either selfish or shallow! Holly~ We’ll see you tomorrow. And my toenails are pink too… You might want to wear comfy shoes. And darn, I now that the African Lion Safari theme song stuck in my head. Carla~ variety is good in hiking. Have fun planning where you’ll be hiking our Shad. Mel~ You should enjoy the peace and quiet. It’s good that you can keep everyone guessing – even the mayor. You should have told him you bought her on eBay. :lol:

Geez, I better run off. I have to go out to visit my friend for a bit. I have promised her blackout curtains to make movie-viewing easier in her bright living room... but I've lost the measurements I did about 2 weeks ago. I may cheat and just go see what IKEA has. The challenge is I want her to be able to move them out of the way when she WANTS sunshine.

K. I’m getting a move on. I’ll check in later. Waves to all the other chicks lurking posting and such.

MEADOW~ NOT SURE HOW I FORGOT YOUR POST. MUST HAVE BEEN WHEN SHAD WAS MANNING THE COMPUTER. I PUT HER IN CHARGE OF POSTING. SHE TYPES FASTER THAN I DO!! :rofl: I AM GLAD THE WATER HAS NOT REACHED YOU AND HOPE IT STAYS FAR AWAY FROM YOUR FRONT DOOR....OR ANY DOOR FOR THAT MATTER:faint: THE FLOWERS SOUND SO WONDERFUL. I REALLY MISS THE SMELL OF FRESH CUT FLOWERS IN THE HOUSE. SIGH. IN MY NEXT LIFE I INTEND NOT TO HAVE ALLERGY PROBLEMS!!! :dance:

IT TOOK ME ALL THIS TIME BUT I GOT INSIDE THE COMPUTER'S WORKINGS AND TOLD THE PC AND ALSO AOL TO RESTORE THEMSELVES BACK TO A PREVIOUS DATE. I CHOSE JUNE 1ST. IT TOOK FOREVER TO GET THERE BUT THE RESTORE WAS QUICK. IT WAS THE COMPUTER AS I SURMISED. AFTER THE AOL FIX I STILL HAD THE PROBELEM SO THAT'S WHEN I LAUNCHED THE PC RESTORE. HOPEFULLY TOMORROW IT WILL TURN ON A LOT FASTER THAN 2 HOURS :yikes: :dizzy:
LET ME SEE IF I CAN RECAP. IF I AM NOT RIGHT SHAD CAN EDIT IT. :rofl:
ARRIVAL WAS THURSDAY AND WE GABBED AND ATE AND GABBED SOME MORE. JEN WAS WITH US AND STAYED UP ALSO. THEN SHAD AND I GABBED SOME MORE KEEPING THE POOR BIRD AWAKE.
FRIDAY: WE WOKE AND ATE SOME MORE. WENT FOR A WALK. I COULDN'T GET HER TO THE WATER FRONT AS MY PATH WAS BLOCKED SO WE WENT ON THE AVENUE TO SHOP AND FOUND NO STORES:faint: EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED A LOT SINCE I WAS LAST THERE!! :lol3:
IT WAS BRUTALLY HOT OUT(I THINK SO) AND HUMID. WE CAME BACK AND ATE SOME MORE. GABBED A LOT AND ATE SOME MORE. STARTING TO GET THE PICTURE??? :rofl:
SATURDAY: JEN AND RICHIE FOUND US IN THE LOBBY WAITING FOR A CAB FOR SHADDIE TO GO TO THE STATUE OF LIBERTY AND THEY DECIDED TO TAKE HER AND CHANGE THEIR UNINTERESTING MISSION.( HIS LAWYER) SHAD SURVIVED THEIR COMPANY, ATE SALMON AND CAME BACK. WE GABBED AND ATE SOME MORE! :rofl:
WE WATCHED A LOT OF DECORATORS ON TV PAINT THE TOWN RED!! ONE OF SHADDIE'S FAVORITE COLORS!!
SUNDAY WE GABBED OUR WAY THRU SHAD REPACKING AND SHE AND JEN LEFT FOR THE AIRPORT. JEN CAME BACK AND SAID THE PARCEL WAS SAFELY AND SOUNDLY DELIVERED! I WILL PROBABLY SLEEP FOR A WEEK!! :rofl:
THE ALARMS WERE UNCOMMONLY SILENT AND EVEN THE DOOR BELLS ONLY RANG TWICE. MAYBE THEY HAD HEARD ABOUT THE STRANGE VISITOR FROM OZ AND WERE FRIGHTENED!! I AM OFF TO GO AND GET MY CHAIRS SO THEY CAN COME HOME TO ROOST AGAIN. SEE YA TOMORROW. HAVE A GREAT AFTERNOON:beach:

Had a post but the internet went down in the cafe - blurk. :tantrum:

Suffice to say I am here. I have spoken to Carla and Madcat in that order. I will talk to you all again tomorrow.

Bye.

Hey all you Canadians, bear in mind that the "air mail parcel" has never had authentic maple syrup. Now don't go giving her that super sweet maple candle shaped like a maple leaf :nono: I forgot Shad that I was going to make you some of that oatmeal that tastes like an oatmeal raisin cookie - that's a not too bad way to taste maple syrup. I was supposed to grill you up some salmon too. :o - next time - you'll have to come back again. DH ate the trail mix you bought. He tried to give me the banana chips but I said no way and managed to grab a small handful before he finished the bag off. It was pretty good. He's into the jar and eating my Jaffas too. :devil: Guess he must be on a sugar jones again.

Sounds like you did enough eating there Miss Mel. Sure did stretch a pot of shrimp and a bowl of alfredo, didn't you? I'm glad things were quiet for you and you could enjoy your visit.

Sounds like Shad and Madcat didn't meet up tonight. Rest up Shad, I think there will be lots of walking for the next few days which I'm sure will suit you fine.

Hellos to the Canadian contingent - Madcat, Holly, Ruth, Carla, Meadow - have a grand time over the next few days. Do tell us what you decide on doing - the juicier the story the better we like it ;)

And hellos to the rest of the crew - Nae, Suzi, Mel, Ceejay. I'm off to go hem my slacks and prep lunch for tomorrow. Night all... pleasant dreams and safe travels.

Yippee the parcel has contacted the Mrs Madcat. I just spoke with Mrs Mad. All is well. She is devising a clever sign to hold up at the bus satation for me. We have exchanged cell#'s. I am incredibly excited now that my weekend is completed.
I will have clean underwear on. All my laundry is done.

HUGS!!!

Thanks, all for the encouragement about yoga. I have most of the day free tomorrow and think I'll go "drop in" a couple of places and see what I think. I have re-found my ENORMOUS sunglasses, so perhaps I'll feel incognito enough to take myself out in public.:cool:
Not that I'm really agoraphobic... but I've been reading a bit about body dysmorphic disorder, and like lots of people who find a new disease, I'm trying to figure out whether that's me or not. Most people with it are miserable with specific body parts (usually skin or hair).... I just hate the BULK. :o

Glad that the last rounds of R-storms didn't get anybody. We worked in the yard yesterday and rescued a Nandina from an overly agressive vine, and also pulled in the imperialist tendrills of all of the herbs in my herb garden. Who knew that Rosemary could get SO BIG.

Shad-- glad you are having fun....
TTYL

Hi to all,
Wow, Shad is in Canada already. I'm anxious to read of this part of her trip.

PainterWoman-Gardening is good for the soul. I think that's why I like to visit my uncle's. He has all kinds of flowers.

Hello to all the rest. It's waayyy past bedtime.

Morning all ~ Just a quick check-in. As mentioned I did manage to talk to both Shad and Holly yesterday and we are all set for our meet up today. I would have liked to be able to meet with Shad last night but I got caught up wrangling software for my friend. I spent 3 hours downloading Microsoft Office so that she could apply her registration key just to find out that the particular flavour of Office could not actually be downloaded but had to be installed by the retailer who sold her the laptop. It wasn't there. I checked. Idiots! now she has to go back to them to get them to fix their mistake. They better be willing to make a housecall, since she can't, obviously, go to them. As far as I can tell Vista is a horrifying operating system.

All in all, a frustrating and unsatisfactory day yesterday. Came home and was just overwhelmingly sad. I have to learn how to let some of this go. Going out to play today will help. That and maybe a few drinks! :lol:

I'll let everyone know how the great Kiwi invasion goes. And hey, I understood what she was saying! :rofl: :rofl:

Morning chicks,

I'm off to the new job this morning. First order of business is figuring out how to empty all those packing boxes into one cubicle - I have merged 2 locations worth of stuff into one place. Toss is the order of the day I think, Then it's shifting through wads of emails and ridding myself of 3 years worth of stuff from the old job. Should be an easy select and delete, do you think?

Would rather be meeting at Eaton Centre or even the lovely :shrug: TO bus station and playing with the chicks.

Have a great time chicks. Will be with you in spirit.

I think Shad practiced her elocution because I didn't have any problem understanding her either.

Later chickies... :wave:

MADCAT~ SOMETIMES IT GET'S EASIER AS THE DAYS GO BY. BUT I FIND A GOOD CRY LETS OFF SOME OF THE SAD PARTS SO IT'S NOT SO OVERWHELMING. :hug: WE'LL BE HERE TO LISTEN. HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT RELAXING TIME. HOLLY AND SHAD CAN CARRY YOU HOME!! :lol3:

SHAD~ GOOD TO SEE YOU ARRIVED AND ARE READY FOR THE NEXT LEG OF THE JOURNEY! HAVE A GREAT TIME WITH ALL THE NORTHERN SISTERS!!

HOLLY~ALWAYS GOOD TO HAVE ON CLEAN UNDIES!! YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT CAN HAPPEN:rofl:

RUTH~ HOPE HERSHEY IS WELL AND YOU HAVE A LOVELY TIM,E WITH THE GALS WHEN THEY ARRIVE!!

CARLA~ THANKS FOR THE FLUSH PLAN. I REMEMBER NOW WHY I WASN'T GOING TO DO IT. I CAN'T HAVE THE CITRUS AND THE CRANBERRY. ONE MAKES ME SICK AND ACID INDIGESTION AND THE OTHER FORCES THE BLADDER TOO MUCH. ALSO O NEED FOOD AT INTERVALS DURING THE DAY AND ESPECIALLY UPON WAKING. LOW BLOOD SUGAR. JUST HAD A WEE BOUT OF IT YESTERDAY....I HAD SKIPPED BREAKFAST. MY OTHER PLAN IS SIMILAR WITH THE PROTEIN SO I'LL GO WITH THAT ONE. HAVE FUN WHEN YOU MEET UP WITH THE GALS TOO!

NOW FOR THE USA:
HAPPY~ THE GARDEN SOUNDS SO NICE AND I AM GLAD YOU ARE GETTING A WORKOUT THERE. BANANA CHIPS? I'D RATHER HAVE THE POOLSIDE DRINK....IS THE POOL READY YET?? I'LL SIT BESIDE IT TILL IT IS :beach:
I TOO HAD NO IDEA ROSEMARY WOULD GROW LIKE THAT :yikes: GOOD LUCK MONDAY WITH THE NEW JOB!

PAINTER~ I USED TO FIND ANY KIND OF ACTIVITY IN THE GARDEN VERY CATHARTIC! LIKE A GOOD EXLAX FOR THE SOUL. :rofl: FOR THE LAST 2 YEARS I HAVE FOUND GOING OUT A WEE BIT DAUNTING SINCE I GOT HURT. SOMETHING TO DO WITH SHAKEN CONFIDENCE. FIND YOUR WAY "HOME" SWEET LADY :hug:

CEEJAY~ THE AUNT AND UNCLE MUST LOVE THE HELP IN THE GARDEN. WAS THINKING OF YOU A LOT RECENTLY....OUR WATER SMELLS LIKE DIRT ON AND OFF. THEY SAY IT'S FINE BUT PU!!!!! :faint:

"and the walls came a tumbling down"....THAT'S A BIT HOW I FEEL SO I AM HAVING A DO NOTHING DAY!
TOO MANY WEEKS OF WORK AND I DIDN'T REALLY DIDN'T WORK THE AIR QUALITY INTO THE EQUATION. IT'S SUMMER VACATION TIME AND I WILL TREAT IT AS SUCH :dance: LEFT A MESSAGE ON THE OFFICE ANS. MACHINE..."SEE YA MANANA AMIGAS!"
YESTERDAY WAS SUPERB. CLOUDY AND A GREAT BREEZE. SAT IN THE BACK FOR AWHILE TILL THE ELDERS CAME OUT. JEN AND I SPENT THE AFTERNOON TOGETHER QUIETLY AND RICHIE CAME LATER. IT WAS NICE. WE HAD A GOOD TALK. THEY ATE A LOT OF SAUSAGE AND RICE!!! :rofl: ALL "BAD" FOODS ARE GONE NOW.
TODAY IS BACK TO ROUTINE DAY. :lol3: I KNOW I WILL FEEL BETTER WHEN IT'S IN PLACE.
HAPPY MONDAY AND HAVE GREAT WEEKS EVERYONE! :moped:

:wave: HELLO MISS HAPPY!!! GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY SORTING!! :book2:
SHOULD HAVE KNOWN YOU WERE THERE BESIDE ME TYPING AWAY!!:comp:

Have I missed something? Is there a particular situation that's making you sad? I've been way sadder than usual (as I emerge from my weight denial)... and have cried lots, off and on. Read a book called Unattended Sorrow that is VERY sympathetic and much more merciful than my usual (but not normal) thoughts. But I definitely need to have a box of tissues at hand when I read it.
Mel: I know what you mean about shrinking one's world when there's been an "incident" that bruises confidence or feeds fear. I don't like that and it is SO hard to push back.
Happy visits between y'all. I'm off to the therapist. She hasn't "fixed me" yet. Now I understand how some of MY clients feel when they don't get what THEY need. Feh.
At least it is sunny.
:broc:

Mel--Not sure where you get the water from--ground or surface. If it's surface water the resivors maybe expericing a turn over. Everything flip flops. It's common in the fall and spring.


Madcat--Hope you are feeling better with Shad and Holly at your side.

Hello to the rest. I just am not in the "diet mode" right now. Had an interesting phone call this morning fromone of the girls at the light office.
She asked me If I'd be interested in dating the Mayor's wifes father. I almost laughed in her face, but politely said no. I'm not the one to mingle in high society crowds. He's only 61 which is not a bad age for me but if (this is a lis a big thought)if and a BIG IF things were to get serious and there was marriage I'd become the Mayor's mother in law. NO NO NO NO. I'm not a fool.
Just thought I would throw in a good laugh. :rofl:

Just a quick hello, since today was a work day and I'm feeling rather tired. I really, really, must retire...
Yesterday I finally got the bike tires inflated and went for an easy ride - about 20k, all on flat bike paths. I'll be resting up the next few days in honour of Shad's impending descent on the nation's capital... I also had a phone fest - chatted with Mel and Shad for the first time, and caught up with Ruth. Another fine example of Shad bringing Joy to the colonies. :lol:

Madcat, I hope you had (are still having?) a good day with Holly and Shad today, and that it softened a little of the sadness. You'll always be glad for the time you spend now with your friend, even though it's hard. :hug:

Holly, was Toronto as you remembered it? Or better? I'll bet it made you long for your quiet country life. We'll be expecting a full report on: a) whether Shad and Mad behaved, and b) whether Shad's accent was incomprehensible... :rofl: Enquiring minds want to know.

Ceejay, you silly goose - accept the date already! Especially since you're in no mood to diet, now's the time to be taken out for a nice fancy dinner. And if it led somewhere, you could order the Mayor around! The dream of every tax-paying citizen.

Shad, if you should read this, I'll be at work all day tomorrow but will call in the evening to check on plans for later this week. But I've already vacuumed and dusted your room, brought up the inflatable bed, and spent hours training the cats to leap from a ledge right onto where your pillow will be. :lol3:

Mel, maybe if Ceejay doesn't want the date you could fill in - you're used to ordering mayors around... :D
Is your AOL working normally now, or is it still slow?
Enjoy your time 'hiding out' before you get back to full speed.

No sign of Happy today - she must still be at the new office, trying to fit all that stuff into the new space. :eek: Time for a quick dose of Flylady, maybe?

:wave: to all, especially the missing chicks. I hope all is well with those who have gone awol.

Well, dang! There I was in the middle of another short post when my router did that fun thing and had to be unplugged and restarted. Methinks there's a gremlin loose in the land - first Mel's AOL, and then my router... what next?

Anyway, I was busy apologizing to Happy, who I accused of not posting today. So sorry, :( I checked back and saw you had visited us this morning, and I think your little egg was in fact lit as I was posting.

I'm home from a perfectly dreamy and devine day with Miss Shad and Miss Mad and Mr Mad for dinner. Yippee!!!!!!!!

CeeJay--
You misunderestimate the power of mother-in-laws!! You could be running the whole town rather than just the water plant! I'm with Carla: GO for it. (And then tell us.)

Madcat-- Mel let me know about the challenges/illness with, I believe, your sister and a dear friend. I don't know of anything harder than being with someone that you can't "fix" or help. Most of us underestimate how much it means to "be with." "Be with" and love your friends. As one who had some lousy days during chemo and radiation, people who listened, joined me in distractions (knitting, movies, conversation) meant the world to me. And as a therapist, I am sure that those same people took their tears and fears to others who could support them. There's a sort of "pay-it-forward" aspect to it. Anne Morrow Lindberg said something like you can never return friendship IN KIND....you can only pass it on to others as appropriate.

Carla: Go you for the 10k bike ride! Sounds fun. I remember when I had leg muscles, a tough behind AND a sense of balance. Hmmm. Maybe I need one of those granny tricycles.
Best to all

CEEJAY~THAT EXPLAINS A LOT ABOUT THE TASTE. THANKS. THINK I'LL STICK TO THE BOTTLED WATER:rofl:
GO FOR THE DATE!!! YOU COULD BE PUSHING MAYORS AROUND TOO!!IF HE WASN'T MARRIED I'D DATE MINE! :lol3:

CARLA~ HAVE A GOOD WALK/REST....HOWEVER YOU CHOOSE! LOL IT WAS GOOD TO CHAT TOO! :hug:
ENJOY THE JOYOUS TIME TOGETHER! :rofl:

PAINTER~I LIKE THE PAY IT FORWARD STUFF. TOO BAD THE WHOLE WORLD DOESN'T DO IT! LOL

WOKE UP TODAY WITH MY EYES GLUED SHUT. VERY BLURRY VISION. TOO MUCH RICH FOOD, GARLIC, VINEGAR, HOT SAUSAGES AND SPICES.
I REALLY THOUGHT A FEW DAYS WOULDN'T HURT.:faint:
TOOK PILLS AND DROPS AND GOING TO LIE DOWN.
THOUGHT I BETTER TELL YOU JUST IN CASE I VANISH FOR A FEW DAYS.....JEN IS NOT HERE RIGHT NOW TO READ AND TYPE. THEY ARE FINALLY REUNITED WITH THE KIDS AND OUR OFFICIAL SUMMER HAS BEGUN :rofl:
SENDING MANY GOOD WISHES TO THE NORTHERN HALF FOR A GREAT VISIT. I SHALL RETURN!
HAPPY TUESDAY :moped:

PS~ CARLA IT WAS THE COMPUTER ITSELF. I FIXED AOL AND THAT DIDN'T WORK SO I WENT INTO THE PC AND ASKED IT TO RESTORE ITSELF TO A PREVIOUS DATE. I CHOSE JUNE 1ST BECAUSE I KNEW IT WAS WORKING OK THAT WEEK. IT TOOK FOREVER TO GET THAT SCREEN UP BUT ONCE I GAVE THE ORDER ALL WAS WELL AFTER THE RESTORE. :shrug: I AM JUST GLAD IT WORKED! :dance:

Mel, get off the computer and go lay down! :drill: Hope you feel better later on :hug:

Morning chicks,

Sounds like the girls had fun up in Canada. Is this the part where Ruth captures Shad or does that come later? Can't remember...

Rest up Mel. Sounds like it's better if you stick with your routines. When you venture over the line, you always seem to pay for it. Pain in the butt but sometimes you just have to deal with what works best for you. Feel better soon my east coast friend :hug:

Painter, I totally agree with the pay it forward approach. We'd all be better off if we practiced it. So did you get some walking in yesterday? I thought of you and took a brisk(er) lap around the building. :) Let's all motivate each other.

Sounds like you had a well deserved girls day out Holly. Glad you had fun.

Carla - no kidding about needing Flylady at the office. Good for you for getting the bike out on the trail. I hold you in high esteem! :D You and Shad would kickith my buttith - :rofl:

Ceejay - I agree with the lot - could be worse things than being the Mayor MIL. Go for it. Life is too short for regrets!

Madcat :hug: because it sounds like you need one. Maybe another too :hug: You are a good friend and all though your friend's situation makes you sad, thank goodness you are there to look after her. That's what life's all about - not complaining and whining and wishing for and against all sorts of things that don't really matter - but instead it's helping each other through life, as best we can. Hope you had some fun yesterday. I see you dragged your DH into it too. :lol: Poor DH's - they just go along with us - my frenz is yur frenz, eh? :rofl:

First day on the new job was uneventful. Have 2 more boxes of stuff than places to put them so it's time to pitch. They are mixing some stuff up on the job over the next few months - would be a good time to get solidly into things and make some observations and suggestions for improvement so I will no doubt be busy. A good transition to let go of the old baggage. I walked the building yesterday. It's a good hike to everything - bathroom, coffee station, refrigerator. Do I REALLY want to go to the bathroom? :lol: At least I'm getting in more exercise - never a bad thing. Brought the pedometer with me, now have to make and meet step goals each day. Today starts in depth assemble those monthly reports so the honeymoon is over. Time to get on with the day.

Where are you off to today Shad? This holiday is really flying by quickly it seems even though you still have lots to enjoy.

Hellos to Meadow, Ruth and Shad. I gotta run now...

Quickie update on the passage of the Shad package. I don’t know about Shad and Holly but I certainly had a fun time yesterday. Met with Shad at her hotel and she recognized me before I recognized her. Of course, I was looking for someone in red and black and she snuck in a more pastel wardrobe on me :lol: After a bit of a walk and a brief stop for some liquid, Shad and I met up with Holly at the (somewhat) lovely TO bus station. Then it was off on the whirlwind walking/ taxi tour of Toronto. We had lunch in China town (everything on top of noodles) and then giggled our way through Kensington Market. If anyone is ion the market for an outfit that looks as if it was owned by MC Hammer, chicks, we can tell you where to find it! We even persuaded Shad to dress up in a chicken suit just for Mel’s benefit (and we have the photos to prove it).:rofl: Ended up the afternoon out in The Beaches where we enjoyed the water and the boardwalk (swearing at an annoying gnat of a jet-skier). Bit of a wander through some shops, and yes, Holly did buy Shad some maple syrup and some maple sugar candy. We’ll have to see how she likes that! Day ended off at the waterfront where, once my DH joined us, we sat on a patio and ate Italian food. Then it was a quick trip back to the bus station where I sacrificed a thumbnail to ensure Holly a safe journey, a side trip to Tim Horton’s for a coffee for Shad and I, and then called it a night. Shad’s comment on Tim’s was” Well, it’s coffee… sort of like McDonald’s” :rofl: Pretty much. It was a good day but it went by far too fast. I believe Shad is off to climb the CN tower and shop her way through the Eaton’s Centre today. I hope she has a good time.

I'll be back later. I have work to do.

Having a 2nd java and trying to pry my eyes open. I am almost sure the kids are fed , dressed and launched to school.

I had a spectacular day in Toronto.Everything was just perfect. Shad and Mad and I had great convo. We walked a LOT. Ate some delish food. It was just peachy.It was a delight to visit many favourite old haunts and share them with Shad.
I am all excited about taking my kids to the Big Smoke this summer!!!!

I have sore-ish feet and I didn't get quite enough sleep but the day goes on. I am torn between gardening and housework. It is a disaster in here.
I have a few calls I need to make around 9am. Thinking i will head out before it gets too hot. Shower, do housework and Avon. DS has dentist and we have an appt at the bank to sign our lives away.

Many hugs. What a joyous group we are.

Morning all,
I've breakfasted (eggs Natasha and OJ) and am now enjoying a cup of Irish Cream coffee in the Internet cafe - it's very nice too - the coffe that is.

What have I done in the 3 cities?? (Which 3 cities you may well ask - TO, Tranna and Toronto) well ummmm lemme see.
First I got off a very nearly empty plane, then walked up 34 steps to the baggage claim only to find that if you are not interconnecting you have to walk down 34 different steps to get the luggage - strike one for the Canadians. They are going to ensure you get your exercise before you get your luggage. My luggage was 2nd off the carousel - who said they are slow in Pearson? and I took it through customs - Kiwi huh? Keep going and see that office over there. Kept going, saw that officer who said, what food ya got? Cranberries said I. Keep going he says, I'm hungry. I kept going, found someone who wanted to hustle me into a cab until I told him I was taking a bus but would willing go with him if he took bus vouchers. Not interested???
The bus driver spoke English with a really, really, really thick accent and took my voucher and then said he wasn't going to Day's Inn (Daze Inn) but would drop me at the Delta Shelter (later I found he actually said Delta Chelsea) and the Days was 2 blocks up. Eventually I found it and have a room on the 20th floor which gives me a great view of the apartment block next door!
The gym in the hotel is a bit strange - as in few of the equipment actually work, but if you don't wish to know how fast you are going, how many calories you are burning and how long you've been there it's okay. Had a swim in the pool as well.
I've spoken to Carla who managed to pick up on the salient facts and in fact seemed to understand me quite well. Madcat and Holly didn't seem to have much difficulty either, so I must be speaking some form of English I guess.

The day with Madcat and Holly was fun. I can now add - I've paddled in the lake and survived - to my CV. You should have seen Madcat's sign - chicks and a big CLUCK written on it - but it did the trick - Holly managed to recognise us (from behind) and we have walked the streets of Toronto and the Beaches. Holly bought me some Maple Syrup - I think I may have to have Pancakes for Breakfast Ruth.
Spoke to the man from Brampton last night or rather he spoke to me and I said uh huh several times and we have arranged to have lunch on 13th. So maybe I can make Kingston in the afternoon of the 13th. Carla/ Ruth you might like to ring me tonight please. Provided I don't meet up with any eligible mayors or otherwise I'll be in around 8.30 or 9.00pm

Happy - I didn't consider Graceland as a museum. More a snapshot of time and taste although those truly horrible souvenirs were a joy to behold. Wouldn't have missed it for the world. I was describing the visit to Madcat and TB (nice man - he even laughed at our jokes) and Holly. It was easy until we got to the gates firescreen and the Christmas tree ornament. Then I couldn't stop laughing. I still can't work out whether those gates or the Queen Mothers gates in Hyde Park are the most hideous. What I do know is that I have never seen the QM's gates as a firescreen!!!

Mel - rest up and use the butterfly to give the eyes some rest. Bet you forgot all about that big blue butterfly didn't you?? Thank you for a lovely visit. All too short but that's life. Thank Ritchie and Jen for me too! They were great.

Okay, coffee is gone and I have better go get ready for another marathon walking day. I have lot's to see and do

Sorry I haven't managed to answer all the posts. Don't dare go out of this screen again. Already lost the connection once.

See you (should I survive the Toronto sunshine and traffic) later.

Hiya Shad!!

It really was a perfect day in TO. I am all jazzed up from it. I must undeniably state that Shad and Madcat are as devine, funny, clever and fun IRL as online.

HUGS!!( cluck)

I have got the Toronto travel bug. :D

I'm excited. my sister booked a hotel for herself, my nephew(age 9), me and my two kids for the August long weekend- in Toronto, we will get a Toronto pass which lets you into all the sights for the price of 1( more or less).She has even mapped out an itinerary. Yippee!!!!!
Thought it would be more fun with company than doing it all alone with my kids and hubby doesn't want to go. It worked out perfectly and we will split the hotel bill. :D

I got my few errands done. Need to pick up DS in 20 min.

All is good.

Hmmm...now I have the travel bug. Maybe during Delta Fair would be a good time to get outta town! Tranna, Oakville, Burlington, A.C. and Stratford! Hmmmm.

Shad will be here tomorrow! I can hardly wait! I'd love to do her whole North American trip. I'd even go to Graceland. All I need is a new knee and I'm outta here!

It sure sounds like the Toronto get-together was a major success for all concerned. Bravo to all of you for all the nice walking and chatting and just getting to know each other. As for Holly, as the saying goes, how will we keep her down on the farm now that she's seen Paree?? (Answer: we won't - she's already booked a return visit.)

Ruth, we'll probably all be calling each other tonight, but it makes the most sense that you ands Shad arrange her arrival in Kingston, after which you and I can negociate delivery or transfer of the precious package. I'll have to get busy with the duster and mop, and also a teensy bit of grocery/wine shopping to cover the extra morning with guest. Haven't made pancakes in an age, but if you fall down on the job I can give it a try. I have some maple syrup in the fridge. Then again, I do make a mean smoothie... I'll let Shad decide. But I digress. I think you have a lengthy list of activities for Ms Joy, so I thought we could either meet in Smiths Falls for the hand-off and a coffee or whatever early evening (I'd rather miss the after-work traffic, not that it's a big deal) OR I could head down a little earlier, meet you either SF or Delta, and spend a little time getting acquainted before heading back up here for a lateish dinner and a libation or two. As long as I can be off the highway before dark, and have my guest in place for a reasonably early start on Friday, I'll be happy.

Mel, spicy food? Or did you "get rid of" too much of the good stuff you had in your secret stash? Do take care, rest the eyes, and come back to us when you're feeling better. :hug:

Madcat, can't wait to see the photos of the great Toronto caper. One of these days, don't know when, I'm bound to end up down there for a conference, and will absolutely try to arrange a get-together. By the way, I had never heard of TO being called the Big Smoke... We always called it Toronto the Good. As for pronouncint it "Tranna" I remember being enormously confused at one point when Tirana (Albania?) was in the news. It must have taken me at least a couple of days to figure out what TO had to do with Albania...

Happy, I do envy you starting a new job. While I've been in the same field for a looooong time, I did tend to make a major move of some kind every 5 to10 years. In fact, I'm due for another change right now, but the only options are retirement or moving to another city. I know which one I prefer, just have to find the $$$.
I seem to remember reading that when we start using a pedometer it's good to spend one day doing your normal activity to get a base number of steps, and then start to increase gradually. If it's like running, best not to increase more than 10% per week.

I must go - Ruth and I have just spent an hour on the phone sorting out Shad's immediate future, and I have things to do asap. Sorry as usual to any worldly chicks I've missed...

The Big Smoke can refer to:

* The Big Smoke, a name applied to various cities, including:
o Vancouver, British Columbia because of its heavy fogs and millsmoke ("smoke" in the old trade language there meant “fog” and “cloud").
o London, because of its smog (though these have declined, and the name with them)
o Toronto
o Sydney
* a character in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

aaaaah - my poor feet. Two days on the road and the NZ Kumpfs are starting to state that they are not going to be comfortable for much longer. They need a break!!!
I've done the Eaton centre and a fair slice of PATH, then I walked down to the St Lawrence Markets and then back to the hotel - it didn't seem that far but I guess it was far enough for the feet. Can't see any improvement in the body yet. Only bought 2 tee shirts and some fruit. I've been missing the fruit. Ran into a woman in the market who comes from Auckland NZ. She has a NZ gift shop there. Interesting to hear the accent so pure again. Then I found the NZ honey shop and had to taste all the different honeys. I wish I had found the Rewa Rewa honey in AKL for Happy. It is so different. Even found some Maple and Walnut icecream and had to have a go at that.

Okay, that's about it for the day. Coffee is finished and the guy behind the counter is giving the girls who got here just before me a hard time, so my time must also be about up.

Poor Shad,
Hope you get a chance to rest up the tired feet on the train to Ruth's. The Longhorn sounds like a place to sit and chat too. DH and I walked into our Fresh Market local grocer on Sunday and they had MANGOS for 50 cents each! I had to touch them to see if they were real. I have never, EVER seen mangoes for that cheap here. Pity that we missed them, I told DH that you are the only person in Memphis who could show us how to cut the silly things :rofl: Darn, another thing we missed. **snaps fingers**

Your honey was divine. It's quite chilly in the new office so I broke into my stash of teas. Took along the honey today and liked it so much I had 2 cuppas. :T Definitely not sharing. I now know what I've been missing. Poor sad American bees :( Thank you, thank you for something new and delightful. And every morning I take a sniff of the white soap before I leave - my personal aromatherapy. Keeps me from swearing at the imbeciles on the commute in.

Ruthie - mum's got bad knees, some days I have bad knees. We can make accomodations - don't worry.

It really is lovely to see everyone rallying around such a joyous event. And Shad has not yet once complained that we've called her a parcel.

Carla - I hear you on moving around on the job. I tend to stay a long time at a company but get itchy feet about every 3 years or so. Actually by that point you start to get jaded, switching things up gets you enthused again although right now I'm heavily into the dazed and confused mode and I don't think I will ever remember any of this. Hope you can work things in your favor for future plans. If nothing else we can band together and create a "Camp Fun for Chicks" summer up north, winter down south. Whutcha think?

Best get to bed now, pleasant dreams to all. Happy treking up yonder friends.

Ooooh, it sounds like y'all had a wonderful meet-up. I did stand/walk rather a lot yesterday... and am barely toddling today. Tomorrow I should have time to walk. Thursday, DH is having a "procedure" that will take a fair amount of the day.. so maybe pacing will be the exercise I get. Friday we're off to California. Wheeeeeeee.

Hmm - no updates. Everyone must be busy. Hope your DH makes it through his "procedure" dandy fine Painter.

Love to the rest. Running late today. No time to chat.

Shad will enjoy the triasn ride. It is thru beautiful Ontario countryside. I am only( okay a lot) envious. Need to plan another road trip.
My Sister jumped on my Toronto trip inviote and booked everything yesterday. Hotel, Toronto passes. We are all set!!

My allergies are terrible thins morning. My top eye lid is drooping over the bottom lid. Compresses and meds will help. Kids are launched.

I am taking this morning "off". Sorta. I have had a non stop whirlwind 8 days straight. I am feeling it today. I do need to make something for the gangs supper and then shower. I have payroll at noon.
I want to make a big To Do list for around the house to get my focus.

I need to buckle down about my weight and exercise as well. I have been carting around 30 lbs since DS8 was born. It just needs to come off. Bottom line. I need to commit to myself.

Happy - are you back to burning the candle again? I just looked at the times when you posted. After midnight???! :faint: and then again at 8.30!!! :yikes: How do you expect to learn a new job when you brain doesn't have time to become unscrambled and de fried overnight??? (Shades of aigs there - howdya laike them aigs?). Get thee to bed early woman.

I had a fairly long chat with Ruthxxx last night. That woman has an evil laugh. I can see we are going to get up to lots of no good tomorrow. She already has the barcardi rum cake ready and the wine. The **** with food! I'll have to dig out the Aussie accent again so the family can get to understand the lingo. Can't really do West Australian too well, but I'll try.

Holly is bringing the family to the triple cities. Should I warn the natives now or should I let them be surprised???? Oh surprise them I think!!!

The man from Brampton (and possibly his wife) are coming to take me to lunch today - yeehah at last I get rid of Ned Kelly out of the case. So much more room to put junk into!

I catch the train to the Promised Land at 1510 or 1530. I'm told to sit on the right so I can see the sights. If we have a minute tomorrow, I will tell you all about the 'real Ontario' and the 'real manure piles, beer bottles and hay baling'. It will be a blast. I'll probably need a minute or two for laundry as well.

Painter - good onya for getting up and moving. A little bit done often will help a lot with the mobility. Go Girl.

Speaking of going - it's time I went. The man is getting that look again.
Till next time from Canadian Paradise.

:cofdate: GOOD MORNING CHICKLETTES
I SKIMMED THE POSTS. LAUGHED WHEN I SAW HOLLY IS READY TO GO BACK ALREADY! :lol3: SHE WILL NEVER STAY BACK ON THE FARM CARLA! :dance:
HOPE SHAD'S FEET GET A NICE WARM SOAK BEFORE THE NEXT LEG OF THE JOURNEY! MY MAYOR IS STILL TALKING ABOUT US!! :rofl: MAKING ME PROMISE TO NEVER GO ON THOSE 2 HILLS AGAIN:yikes: HE'S TOO CUTE.
HAPPY YOU ARE TO BE :rollpin: FOR THE LATE HOURS YOU KEEP!!! YOU AND MADCAT NEED ALL YOUR WITS ABOUT YOU FOR THE 2 NEW JOBS. MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH MADCAT AND HER SISTER. :hug: :love:
RUTH AND CARLA SOUND LIKE THEY ARE READY FOR THE PASSING OF THE NZ PARCEL :gift: AND I TOO AM SURPRISED HAPPY THAT SHAD HASN'T ONCE SAID ANYTHING ABOUT BEING CALLED A PARCEL :lol3:
AS FOR ME....EYES AND SKIN ARE IN FULL BLOOM BUT THE PAIN IS GOING AWAY. CORTISONE DROPS HAVE WORKED THEIR WONDERS AS USUAL. IF I GET ANOTHERT BOUT, I WILL HAVE TO SEE THE DR. I'VE RUN OUT OF MEDS! :faint: JOHN AND JIMMY CAME UP WHEN THEY FOUND OUT ABOUT MY SKIN. THEY KNOW HOW I FEEL ABOUT BEING IN PUBLIC AND HEARING THE COMMENTS SO THEY CAME TO BRING MY CHAIRS AND HELP WITH THE REST. WE MIGHT HAVE OUR DIFFERENCES BUT IT'S NICE TO KNOW WE ALL GO THE DISTANCE WHEN IT COMES TO TAKING CARE OF EACH OTHER'S BACK. GOTTA LOVE THOSE GUYS. OK I AM OUT OF HERE. THIS IS NO TIME TO PUSH IT!!
HAPPY WEDNESDAY!! :moped:

My kids argued this morning over who got to take what, from the gifts Shad gave me, for show and tell. DS this morning, DD this aft. So Jaffas will be the talk of Downtown Ailsa Craig. The pencil is a big hit. Too funny.
Hubby jokingly said the Jaffas were Aussie Smarties. He managed to eat a handful.

Just got a call from Shad who will be catching the 3:10 out of Tranna. I'll be picking her up shortly after five. I think I'll take one of the dogs - do you think she'll know me? It'll probably be Hershey because Lucy dashed out of an open gate (damned workmen!) and is snoring away after her 20 minute run through the village, terrorizing the natives! At least she comes back and barks at the door to get into her nice air-conditioned house!

said Shad. My niece is marrying a guy from West Australia - a real hunk! - and my sister and BIL want to get a fix on Australia as they plan a trip there. We are going over to the Farm tomorrow afternoon for tea or a drink before we go on to Merrickville and a meeting for dinner with Carla49. We definitely have to take in the Long Horn - breakfast or lunch maybe - and will probably walk the Village a bit. I'm sure we'll manage to fill the time even if we don't find a guy with a manure spreader. (The excitement today was a guy with a helicopter moving a hydro pole out to Black Jack Island on the Lower Lake. Try to match that!) Oh yeah - and laundry!

I just put a Skor chocolate bar on Shad's pillow! I don't know how she made out on this trip but ....evil laugh! I'll try to get her rested up as Carla49 had some mountain scaling scheduled for Friday. :yikes: At least we've been having real Australian weather for this Joyous Journey.

In other news......I managed to get out of the Mill Meeting last night without having to take on a committee! Like most community organizations, a few of the 150 people do all the work. The ones talking the loudest BS at the social hour last night were the slackers. So sad! Our Mill is a National Historic Site and a real treasure but it takes lots of volunteer hours to staff it.

It's definitely full summer now. I took the back road home from shopping this morning and the fields are just lovely with buttercups and daisies. You can also smell CLOVER How appropriate!

Time to give the Girls an early supper and get out of my garden grubbies ready to go to town. I think I'd better clear some crud out of the car too so there's room for La Shad's luggage. She's wearing black shorts so I don't need to get all the fog fur off the seats, :lol:

Full report to follow, of course.

Here's a pic of my soon-to-be nephew. If they are all like that in West Australia, I may join the family visit! He's sort of a movie Crocodile Dundee!

Unless she's been abducted by the bunch from Brampton, Shad is sitting in her train, just chugging out of Union Station, inching her way closer to Delta and then Otty. Ruth is setting chocolate traps throughout the house. And Carla is enjoying getting off work at one instead of 5... :woo: Also doing laundry and doing a very good job of reducing her expectations of how clean the house will be for Ms Shad and then the poor catsitter. :lol: I just hope everyone who comes in here is wearing a hazard suit, :rofl: or at least a pair of slippers... :shrug:

My fingers are crossed for a couple of beautiful days until Sunday morning's general exodus from my place towards western Canada. Merrickville is a gorgeous little town, the perfect place to meet up with fellow chicks. Having discovered that almost all the worldly chicks except me are, uh, down to earth, :lol3: I think I'll just look around until I see two giggling munchkins of a certain age, and that'll be Ruth and the package.
Friday looks good for a quiet breakfast and then off to the woods, followed by a nice "refreshing" (= ice cold) swim in Meech Lake and either a picnic lunch or a nice stop at a café in Old Chelsea. The rest of the day can be whatever S wants, with maybe more laundry :eek: , a glass or two, a bite or a bbq, and an early night to accommodate that very, very, very, early trip to the airport.

Mel, how nice that the fellows realized you could use a hand. No one likes to be seen when they're not looking their best. I'm sure the people who ask the inevitable "Eeewww, what happened to your face/leg/hair/leg-hair?" aren't trying to be mean, but sheesh, do they think we don't already feel bad enough? By the way, Ruth and I are plotting to descend on New York one of these days. We'll give you plenty of notice so you can rest up, stay away from all your trigger foods, and charge up all your chairs to walk the streets with us. (Hmmmm, that doesn't sound quite right. For the record, I am not a streetwalker. Don't know about that Ruth, but she does have xxx after her name...)

That's all for now. Time to head down to the laundry room, and maybe do a little dusting. Maybe.

hey guys! Just a quickie (but not the bump nasties kind!). Spent all day helping my sister go through the rounds with the latest doctor visit. This one was all about Chemo... don't get me wrong, all the health care types have been very kind, but it was just SO MUCH information. She even broke down at one point and said "Don't tell me anymore. I just can't absorb it". It helps she has a technical writer as a sister since I was there, notebook in hand, being useful and scribbling madly. The notetaking put me in job mode and helped keep ME calm at least. She starts both Radiation and Chemo Monday. Good thoughts are welcomed, please.

Hope that by now Shad and Ruth are sitting on a garden chair somewhere with a glass in hand. Sorry I couldn't spend more time with you while you were here, Shad. I feel so bad about it, but, my how circumstances suck sometimes. I was a bit out of it and I hope you didn’t find me too tedious. But Monday really helped.

My DH is taking me out for a beer. It's not on the diet, but sometimes life happens. Take care all. Happy, get some sleep and I hope your new job still has that new job smell. Mel, watch your sweet eyes and yes, it is nice to know you can count on people when things are bad. Carla, don't waste all your time cleaning. It is too nice a day. Shad will squint and "avoid" seeing the dust. Holly is dreaming of her TO vacation. Ruthie, if you ever do make that S.Ontario tour, I would love to meet you for lunch. Hubba Hubba for the soon to be nephew. Shad, enjoy the Valley boys and I’m glad Ned jumped ship. Don’t overdo it, Painter. I hope your husband is quick to get over whatever he is having done. Love to everyone else since I’m afraid to go back a screen

Gonna go take a shower to wash the car sweat off and go revel in just being alive.