Sunday, March 27, 2011

Sunny Sunday musings

The sun is shining it is Sunday March 27th--and can't help but think of Al in the year that he's been gone. The first couple months or more there were some odd tings that happened in the house. At first I found it very unnerving to say the least as I could also feel a strong presence---it had to be him. Perhaps coming back to say goodbye or just checking on Sasha and I.
On at least two occasions I remember waking in the middle of the night and seeing a glowing light down the hall. Once I woke up more I realized it had to be the TV. So got up turned it off and then said "now stay off!".
Also for the past year I have gone through more light bulbs in the downstairs ceiling light fixture than is normal.  I am on at least the 3rd light bulb and why is this unusual? Because for years I have been using the long lasting energy efficient ones that last for years. But the first bulb I replaced after Al's passing- burnt out almost simultaneously before my eyes. It was the strangest thing I had seen. And not the bulb that is in there now will start making a high pitch humming noise a short time after I turn it on and am on the computer.
You see Al used to always complain when I was spending time on the computer.
OK maybe its just a coincidence but maybe not. But just the same will get an electrician or someone to check out the socket for me as a precaution.
I am certain I have not felt Al's presence in the house for several months. Occassionaly I do feel something, late at night when I am alone with Sash. Maybe its just my imagination or my guardian angel watching over me, who knows.
But sometimes at night when Sash is sitting on the couch with me she will stare down the hall.
Animals have been said to be able sense things we cannot--and I wonder if they can also see more than we can.
Such a nice day I should go for a walk even if its a short one.
Having a lazy Sunday in pajamas sipping from Jasmine green tea in my elephant (Dumbo) mug.-)
Thinking I really need help in sorting out my garage!
Still its a familiar sight whilst driving into the garage- but clutter and disorganization can also be very overwhelming and to me a hopeless feeling.
Gee maybe I should read that $2 book I found titled 'Does This Clutter Make my Butt Look Big'.
LOL or perhaps I just need some friends to help- better yet if they have some knowledge of tools.
until next time.....stay tuned.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

new freezer, double Davids and susie sore butt

So looks like early next week I am getting a new freezer! I guess complaining until the right ear hears you does work! Now to complain the Danby the manufacturer for $$ for my lost food.:)
Well just under 2 Weeks have been chatting online with my Skype buddy US army in far off place. Conversations have been interesting as well as the usual discussions of hobbies, family and other views. His last e-mail was over the top for a stranger....made me smile- though it was a bit much -made me wonder whom had actually written it. Could it be a poem from a book? Should I RUN!?
But this week was a full and busy week of mental and physical exhaustion.
At the end of the day about mid week or later- a nice little package waited in my mailbox for me! a long awaited CD of photos from Dave in South Australia made me smile to read his note. I had thought of of him and the photos more than a few times since returning from Australia and New Zealand. So it really made my day and week to actually have them in hand.
Now its my turn to return the favour and write a note. :)\
As for Susie Sore butt-- that's my nickname it seems this week, what with all the driving to and from Vancouver and Richmond for my Audit assignments. Oye.
Was so Happy to finally get on the massage table for the therapy! It was a rainy day and had to drive around about 3 times to find parking- had to pay at a lot in the next block. Ick. And deal with the parking machine that did not cooperate.:o
So there you have it -the new freezer, double Davids and the nickname above.
And lately many people have been asking the burning question! Where is the next BIG trip?
hey i am just as curious as everyone else!
Any suggestions?
Then again how many of YOU are actually reading this!? Maybe I could write anything I want here, if few are reading! LOL
Right?  well prove me wrong and comment here or Face book or join as one of my Followers! I dare you!

Notes on the travel front I do have some brochures sitting here and one happens to be on River Cruises....which I am interested in. Have not been on one in years. The only factor that holds me back is the dreaded 'Single Supplement'.
Books to read - Committed written by the author of Eat,Pray and Love (Elizabeth Gilbert)
Holmes Inspection,  Inside a Dog, Chicken Soup for the Soul - Shaping the New You.
And also looking at decorating magazines for ideas around the house and renovation ideas.
So yes all whilst drinking a glass of Australian Riesling.
On my list of must do's- find and talk to a good psychic about my life and future.

*Tomorrow night is the one year anniversary of Al's passing. So the same 4 of us that were at the hospital that night will go to Gino's near RCH to remember him and have a toast. I am also having thoughts of visiting the cemetery and later doing the home cleansing with sage burning at the house.
The light bulb in the light fixture in the office downstairs seems to make noise when I have it on and am using the computer. Makes me think of Al and how he did not like me being on the computer.
Still need to get that light socket checked out one day. ;)
Oh yes, one final note on a totally unrelated subject...................
free sample from Weedman this morning. Yes he young guy came by and did a anti moss application or treatment thing. Hey I love my moss- its soft, green and organic. Now I have brown patches all over....grrr. They should come back and reseed in IMHO. Geez.
I am a 'no chemical' on my lawn kind of person.
Had to supervise Sasha to make sure she didn't eat any grass and THEN wash off her feet and dry them--its been 4 times and counting today. Thank you Weedman!
time to go and relax.......
until next time. :)

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

melted freezer, long days and vacation time

So I arrive home after working all day and picking up Sasha. Open my little freezer which I bought barely 3 weeks ago--to thaw something small for dinner and realize everything is toast. OMG Its all warm and I have wasted food! Deja vue back less than 2 years ago when we lost food in our new fridge due to the negligence of the useless appliance repair person. Then had to live without a fridge for over a week---thank you Trail Appliances.
OK I digress.
So fingers crossed the freezer will be replaced or repaired and all will be resolved before the week ends.
Trying to chill out a bit and realize there really are worse things to happen. Even if this is an inconvenience and an expense!! So far have not found someone to reimburse me for my food loss.
Look forward to April and being able to meet my pen pal from Brooklyn, see mom and take a week away somewhere! with Sasha perhaps.
Sasha seems to be enjoying her doggie daycare---good for her to socialize and get exercise with other dogs.  Good for the longer days I work too. :)
So where shall I go.....San Francisco? on my points?
take the train to Seattle and walk around and shop there? Or dog friendly place in the Harrison area or?
I know there also pet friendly properties in Washington state that sound nice too.
Would be nice just to get away for a week to get away fro  it all.
Wonder if we cold go to the \Kingfisher- they have pet friendly rooms....wonder if they have dog sitters so I can inspect the spa services?
It will be another early morning tomorrow...OK I get to start work a bit later-). Sasha gets to play with her friends---so that will be good for her as well. :)
Chatted last night with an army General from Afghanistan on Skype....interesting. But still makes me wonder why would a Army General want to chat with me in Canada? Says he is looking for friends in Canada. OK fine. But is he really whom he says he is?!
that's the problem with the Internet , its like a double edged sword. The amazing ability to be able to reach out across the vast space of  miles around the world and touch people's lives.
But then on the other hand are those whom take advantage of the situation posing as people they are not.
For whatever reason or agenda.
scary. and scams in some situations.
So hoping my new skype friend is legit. :)
He says he is divorced but according to Wikipedia he is married.  Yes he's on there...he did mention 4 kids.
That info was also on Wikipedia.
funny whom you can find there.
LOL  :-D
Still the one year anniversary is coming. And when I sit and reflect on Al--still feels strange at times to come home and not be able to say 'I'm home'. Or have someone to say- ' Honey I am home.'
OK let's be realistic we were not really close in his later years...I often wished I was single- he was no longer the man I married. It was VERY hard to live with him.
But still, its lonely and I miss having a companion sometimes. At night, special occasions...
After all, for many years he was indeed my best friend and I would talk to him about anything.
|I miss that.
But like I have said to some friends and family, I feel things happen for a reason. I believe that i am meant to do something else with my life and or meet someone else.
So the journey and adventure continues!
Adios until the next installment.
sukammo
xx

Friday, March 18, 2011

reflections and counting my blessings

Wow so much has happened in the last 365 days minus 8 days and counting. March 27th is fast approaching the one year anniversary of Al's passing.  Going to return to the restaurant where I had dinner with my 2 sisters, (Sandy & Maureen) and my niece Chrystal. I wanted to commemorate Al's death and life plus have a celebration of his memory. So Sunday dinner will be at Gino's- we'll all meet up 5-5:30pm -ish--and raise a toast. Maybe even share some memories.
I had no idea where I would be a year later- how I would feel or what I would be doing.
Sad to say there has been a total of 4 family members passing on since March 2010.
I am blessed to have had my extended family around and friends. To have travelled to distant lands- Australia and New Zealand my trip of a lifetime. Short sojourns locally to Vancouver Island.
Many travel plans and ideas- now play out in my head. Ireland, Britain, Europe and south America.
And of course the Hawaiian Islands, San Francisco and San Diego = sunshine.

And of course the current earthquake and Tsunami disaster that unfolds more daily.
Prayers and hope for the Japanese people. That is one of many places that I wish to return to one day.
Adding many things to my emergency kits when I can--non perishable foods, first aide kit, bottled water, can opener batteries, flashlights. Canned fruit, fish, beans, veggies,dried fruit, nuts, peanut butter, protein bars, granola bars, cookies, cereal,etc. I think I have it all covered.
Have been building my car kit as well.
Shopping around for a sleeping bag, making sure I have tarps and seriously considering a small BBQ or small camp stove with fuel. Then where to store it--and to have a bucket or two for toilet needs.
Greater Vancouver area is of course located in the Ring of Fire just like Japan and New Zealand. Really the whole coast of North and south America is at risk.
all we can do it prepare and hope it does not happen in our lifetime.
Or that it happens in the early hours of the morning when the majority of the population is safe at home and not on the streets, roads and city centres.
I am thankful to have my own roof over my head, food, a companion (Sasha),family and friends.

Hoping that the people of Japan whom have been effected by this disaster, will soon have a roof over their head and a place to call home. Comfort, warmth, food and running water things that we often take for granted.
Here Spring is coming, sunshine flowers and a new full Moon.
I hope to be able to go for a walk this weekend to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.
maybe play with Sasha....:)
and count my blessings.
xo

Monday, March 7, 2011

marvelous monday

so I survived the Monday morning routine of garbage and recycling day. Normally I set my alarm to get up between 6:30 - 6:45 am to gather it all up and get it out to the curb. The reason being is that I live in a wildlife area and there is also a bylaw ($) that garbage can be put out after 5 am.  since I love the bears and animals in general - I make this sacrifice.....and the fact, I don't like to see the bears shot. Which often happens once they have become habituated to eating garbage, instead of their natural food-- then there are more human- bear confrontations. In my opinion, its a human problem and we are living in their habitat and creating much of the problem. Carelessly storing our refuge and cutting down forests and other habitat.
I remember a few years ago, of a story a neighbour told me of another neighbour whom called the police in the wee hours of the morning (3 am) complaining that there was a bear in his garbage. OMG or more like WTF - why was his garbage can being stored outside. Oh yes, and later he was heard by the same neighbour complaining of the teeth marks on his garbage lid......LMAO
And no that neighbour does not live on our cul-de-sac anymore.
Then there are the ones that repeatedly make the mistakes or bad judgement we'll call it.
Placing their refuge out improperly-  unsecured lid and loose crap in the can- that is easily spread by said animals or birds. Thus being able to share their weeks worth of garbage strewn over the sidewalk, lawn, driveway and neighbours lawn. 
Well at least the crows have fun  with it!  Its no wonder the raccoons haven't come back too.  Recently had a neighbor that took to storing the garbage can and recycling box out front of her door the night before- I had to intervene, as I didn't want to have to wake up one morning to screaming!
-----Well enough of the garbage.......no really!
It was a beautiful day, albeit a little crisp- but the sun was shining and the mountains on the North Shore were beautiful. Admired them while I was out there working for part of the day. I am thankful that I don't have to work in the same office or environment every day- that its ever changing. I have days when its wonderful to be outside in the fresh air and sun. Other days its rainy cold and damp. Have learned to handle the challenges- and deal with many nice, interesting and different types of people. The flexibility of my job is great- especially when Al was ill on numerous occasions or was just housebound. At least I have an income and an outlet to myself for my sanity.
Right not my biggest dilemma is with my new phone- the blue tooth. well already did the 'sink' with the car. But cannot figure out the voice answering part while on the road- and the phone guy at the mall didn't either....have to work on it. A chat with the car dealer perhaps? And must get on that Blackberry school --have been told about.:)
Did a quick bout of decluttering late this afternoon whilst looking for some important paperwork- its amazing how fast I can clear a couple tables! I did find the papers- in a safe place and all is well again. But it felt good to de-clutter- it was freeing- so I need to do much more of it!
Get some fresh coats of paint and get rid of some unneeded furniture and other items too.
well getting late time to slap a sandwich together for tomorrow's work day- get the drops in Sasha's ears and brush/floss.....
ciao

Friday, March 4, 2011

friday - is spring here?

Lovely start of  the day, a little bit of sunshine and robin sitting on the neighbours roof looking through my kitchen window. The distant mountains with snowy tops. Peace and quiet - a little cloudy but dry. Gradually the grass gets greener as the days go by.
Thinking about my life in general, where should I travel to next? There are still many places in Australia and New Zealand I have not seen- plus friends and penpals to visit.
And then always want to return to California to San Francisco and pick up where I left off on my 2005 trip. Then I had a hotel booked in the Fisherman's Wharf area. To not only see my friends but also spend time in the city exploring on my own and with friends- dining and retail therapy.
Love to return to Hawaii, Costa Rica, Italy, Greece, Spain and Japan.
For some reason I seem to be drawn to Ireland. I do not know why maybe its my time I spent in the travel industry and the wonderful travel shows they put on. Or maybe Ireland is just calling me!
And of course I want to explore England, Scotland and Wales for my roots - now that could be an adventure in itself.
Then there was the trip that never was--we had booked a cruise from Valparisao (not sure it I spelled that right) to Seattle, with a 5 day pre-cruise exscursion to Machu Picchu in Peru. One of the wonders of the world and a World Heritage site. The trip was for 2005 if I remember correctly, and also the year of one of Al's many heart surgeries. So was cancelled.
And one day when I want to travel closer to home, the southern states of the U.S. interest me- one place in particuliar like New Orleans. Or a road trip with Sasha to the Yukon or exploring more of Vancouver Island.
So back to the question is Spring here?
Well, personally I think of spring as a 'transitional' time in our lives. It has once again got me thinkng of many things I need and want to do with my life. Travel being number one as it has always been very important to me. And now that I am on my own once again, the focus has become much stronger. It's like waking up one day with a new pair of glasses and suddenly many things are much clearer and come more into focus.  No more compromise.
After making so many compromises in my life, I feel now I finally have a chance to follow my dreams.
So now I must work more towards that goal.
De-cluttering my life and environmment can only help that to make my goals clearer, easier and faster to achieve.
So time to divide and conquer.
Any volunteers?
LOL
until next time.......and more about my dreams and thoughts.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

travel photo

Lake Tepako, New Zealand
With the Lupins- the wildflowers in the foreground- the water really is that colour.
One of the many photos I took in November 2010 in the South Island of New Zealand.
I know this country is on many of my friends' 'bucket list'....beautiful country and great people- I hope to go back and explore more.

sasha

resting up for the next adventure.xo

My new Blog

At last here I am creating my blog! A much talked about project that I have discussed with family and friends. Not sure how long it will take to get up and running- or set up all that I want. No doubt it will be a work in progress.
Hoping to get have help from my friends of course.....
Have lots of photos to share - from my life, family, friends and of course my passion - travel!!!
I have named the Blog 'Transitions' as that's where I feel I am in life.
Finding myself single after all these years.....freedom and opportunity.
also the thought of dating is scary and foreign to me- however I won't let that hold me back.
Still adjusting of being a widow.
But Sasha my black lab cross is a constant source of entertainment.
'Sukamo'
sue kathleen mot--***