Well, the catalpa tree's leaves are dropping like large poorly made paper airplanes that kids make and try to fly unsuccessfully. It seems late in the year for this sudden surge of leaf dropping. We don't usually look out the window on my birthday and think, "Geez, we really need to cut the grass!"

I may have to eat my words about the incredibly long and cold Manitoba winters. I haven't actually worn my winter coat yet either. And although we have had the fire going the odd night, (on principle I have to convince Sandy that it is FREEEZING in the house), we have not had to put the heat on either. Hence, no reasonable excuse to crawl up in front of the fire and read the day away.

But I may anyways, and have a few too many glasses of wine and end up snoozing as well.

Likely why I don't remember much of the books I read.....falling asleep in the middle of them all the time. I sure hope that doesn't get worse as I get older. I mean the sleeping, not the drinking. That can't get much worse.

Cheers!

Hecla Haven

We've discovered a wonderful place in Manitoba that doesn't really seem like Manitoba which is what makes it an astonishing find. We have been up there a total of three times now, for 11 nights total. I want to buy a boat or likely a raft. And then lie on the beach and watch it. Mostly, I want to put pretty lights on it and just look at it at night. Sounds like a Christmas card, or a condolence card setting. Mostly, I really like the water. And the lights on the water, and sounds.

I have gathered up so much stuff from the beach that I think I'll be ok for a while. Rocks, driftwood, sand, bigger flat rocks for a "never to see the light of day" project, dried seaweed stuff, and oh yeah. I really love that sea-faring stuff! I had Sandy lug a huge ball of fisherman netting up the cliff for me. It has leaded weights and bouys on it! He out right refused to carry up the abandoned row boat with a hole in it. Even bribery didn't work. He looked all manly and very Irish Spring - like, or Viking - like I guess.....sweating and slipping climbing up the path. Good thing that netting didn't have to come back on a plane. We may have caused a bit of a raucous at the airport.

But honestly, the best thing about Hecla is that we all managed to get some time there together as a couple (no worries google earth doesn't get there), and also with all the girls this year. And Nat as well who choked and almost died but didn't. That was freaky.

Hmmm, Hecla Manitoba I may just become your biggest fan.

Army Gals

I had a wonderful experience in the military and had planned to join and get my education paid for, but didn't do that. Basic training was fantastic! What a wonderful government program! We had all been immersed in a left-leaning, peace-loving, granola-crunching environment for six months. Then we converged in Farnham, Quebec for the Military Option. ( It was an initiative to entice recruits.) The guys had to shave their heads, and the gals had to prove we could keep up. And keep up we did!
There was a small problem in the beginning though. It involved some of the regulars sneaking a peak at us in the shower. Not very nice. And upper management basically thought it was kind of funny. I think we young gals were flabbergasted. So, we gave them a little bit of what they wanted.....and we put a guard on shower duty. Girl power. Good friends. Lots of fun.

Freedom 55

It has been a dream of mine to be a snow bird. I am going to make this happen. I have already been checking out the early retirement deal.......and yes, Sandy may have to work longer to send me money while I sip girlie drinks on the beach. He won't mind, he loves hockey, and would miss winter terribly. I also need someone to stay and take care of Molly.

It seems to be that most of the people who love Manitoba also love winter. Incredible. I have a hard time believing that. I think they are lying.

I guess the long winter serves a purpose.....I can use it as an excuse not to do anything. The best excuse to sit around, watch the fire, read a book, and soak in the tub. I really hate having to go outside in winter. The best thing I ever got was heated car seats!!

All of those lucky sun soaked people that live near the equator. I am so jealous.

Mums The Word

I’ve started dreaming about my own private studio to escape to. A nice kettle and teapot. A yoga mat. ( I don’t know how to do yoga, but I have ambitious feelings…..) An aquarium in the corner, for company. And a large wine cooler, just in case I get really lonely. I think these dreams are telling me something. I think they are telling me that my family would like some time away from me. Perhaps they need more of their own space, without mum around to confuse things.

I think I daydream way too much. It is a refined procrastination strategy. I have a long list of "have to's". Then I sit and plan, and I escape into "lala" land, and lo and behold, nothing gets done. But one day......

I love Mother's Day. I can escape into "lala" land, and not feel bad.

Cheers to all the other great mom's out there I know. Mostly, my own. How lucky we were!

Damsel in Distress (07/03/01)

I was amongst my people last week. I was in Kenora for a conference and the presenters were all doctors from Toronto. My kind. People from Kenora call us, get this...'Tobans. I have acculturated, or become more accustomed to Manitoban ways reluctantly. But love being amongst 'my people.'

There is a more conservative, reserved feeling here. And, unlike living in amongst millions, you have to be cautious about what you say, because you may be talking to someone's relative. In fact, in all likelihood, you will be talking to someone who is connected to someone in your community. This is not my strong point. I tend to think in urban terms, and don't remember the family tree stuff very well. In fact, the kids will have to be careful who they date. You know, the whole genetic pool thing. Can you believe it?

I went in the ditch again on Monday, and had to be rescued. Adventures on the prairies. Somedays, a subway ride sounds really comforting and simple.

Sweet Sixteen (07/02/11)

Nothing much happens here in Miami, so when the limo pulled up at the school.....well, you can imagine. Word hit the Co-op at the speed of light, and before everything was said and done, the whole town was "playing teleophone".

Sacha was really worried we had bought her a stroller. That would have been funny too. Pushing a stroller up to the school to pick up her, and her friends to take them out for coffee.

We thought we would save her the embarrassment and have the limo take them to Tim Horton's. Life in a small town. We have to do these things for excitement, or we'll end up playing Bingo. Honestly, if I end up there come and rescue me, and burn the Bingo markers/chips, whatever.

It has been a long, cold winter. It starts to get to you after awhile. The washer has frozen, our doors don't open or close properly, and all of our lips are permanently chapped.

Sometimes, I long for damp, mild Ontario winters.