George Bush - Best Bushism Yet

"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we.
They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we."

George Bush,
Washington, D.C.,
Aug. 5, 2004

Just about caught up from our trip to Barrhead/Edmonton, AB.
The main reason for the trip was to visit the in-laws. Ron's Mom began raditation treatment the day after we arrived. She seemed to cope well but got very tired a few hours afterwards. I think us being there helped her cope better. But after a few days I wondered if she wasn't trying to stay out of bed just because we were there. Ron agreed. So we left on the Wednesday. It takes us 2 days to get there and 2 to get back -- driving the 12 hours in one day is just too much for Jesse. Looks like we will be heading south again soon...we haven't really had a vacation this year yet so we will either go to Barkerville or maybe Slave Lake, AB. The beach at the Slave Lake would be perfect for Jesse and perhaps the in-laws could drive up with their 5th wheel and meet us there. FIL often goes there to fish anyway.

We had our new (2nd hand) 5th wheel hitched behind us for the first time on this trip. The truck misfired every time we hit a hill. For those that have travelled between Valleyview and Edmonton, you know there are LOTs of hills. It was over 30c too. Plus Jesse wanted to stop and pee about every 5 minutes. Needles to say, the trip down wasn't great. The air conditioner was a godsend as was the microwave. Pure luxury after our little truck camper.

We took the truck into a dealer in Spruce Grove to see if they could find what was wrong. Thankfully they did. Cost $300 to fix but it was worth it. Zender Ford has a great little waiting area for customers. Cafeteria, kids toys and TV. We waited for 2 hours and it was the only last 10 minutes or so that was hard on Jesse. The funniest part was when he looked out of the window and saw the mechanic driving off in our truck. He just screamed; "Man steal truck! Man steal truck!" He was mortified. Sobbing like mad. Poor thing. So funny for everybody else though.

On the knitting front. I took out my Bond Knitting Machine for the first time in 3 years (BJ - Before Jesse). Wanted to see if I could make the Shapely Tank on it. Couldn't figure it out so I began to knit another tank. Well wouldn't you know it - I found the pattern for a Bond version of Shapely Tank in the files for the Bond Knitters Club. I will finish the one that I making and then attempt the Shapely Tank. Luckily I have enough yarn here for both.

Just learnt yesterday that Jesse's birth mom is pregnant again. She blurted it out while we were standing outside the food store last night. Ron and I were floored at the way she said it. She says she keeping it this time. I haven't spoken to her mom yet but my guess is that she is pretty upset too. She has been given every chance to turn her life around - but she kept partying, kept loosing her jobs because she could get up in the morning etc etc. Now she says she is moving to Edmonton (on Canada day she told us she was saving up to go the Thailand!!!!!). I am just worried sick about what will happen to her. She just doesn't have the mental ability to look after herself down there. And what of the baby??? Her reality doesn't seem to be anything like the "real' world. I can see the baby being taken into care in Edmonton. At least if she gets into trouble up here, there is her family and us to keep an eye open. Knowing that the baby is Jesse's blood brother or sister makes me feel kind of responsible too. Is that weird? I am very concerned about any effect this will have on Jesse in the future...at school etc.

Been doing a little of the Georgina cardigan each day. It is too warm and smoky to feel like knitting much. But I know realise that I am going to run out yarn. And Elann doesn't stock it any longer. And the wholesale that I thought I could get some from also doesn't stock it any longer. SOOOOOOOO if anybody has, or knows where I can get, 3 balls of Schoeller Stahl Bandolino Colour#727 (Aubergine Oops forgot the North American word - colour is Eggplant), please let me know here. (Remove the obvious before emailing)


Hot and smoky here. Only one downpour of rain in about two months. The grass has forgotten what colour green is!!!!! I seem to be plagued by headaches which I think are heat related.

Ron's Mom starts radiation treatment next week. Ironic that she quit smoking 3 years ago and now has lung cancer. I hope it is not too advanced. Don't think she asks many questions when she sees the doc so I we don't know much either.

Couple of days late. It's hot here so we want to be outside.

Jesse on Canada Day - just before his brithday.



We had a wonderful time with Jesse at the Canada Day parade. Jesse's birth mother watched with us.

My adorable little son is 3 years old today.

Happy Birthday Jesse!!


Will try to post a pic of him later today.

Jonah's funeral is today.



Farewell my young buddy.........

For Jonah

Words can never express how sad we are.

Your life was cut so short.

We are going to miss you so very much.


Jonah passed away on Friday night. He was just 16 years old. He was the lively smiling face boy who delivered our local newspaper. He never complained about anything. He delivered the papers no matter if it was -40c or +40c. He played with Jesse. He chatted about Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne. He was a wonderful person. A few months ago he told us that he didn't feel too good. We both thought it was unusual as Jonah was never sick. That was the last time we saw him. We found our he had been diagnosed with cancer. That cancer took his life.

God bless you Jonah

In Memory...
No one told me the way I should feel
You left an aching heart
Lost and lonely, the feeling goes on
You were the one friend I had
You gave me so much love
Now the tears remind me you're gone

It still haunts me there's a silence
Where you used to be
It still haunts me
Just an empty space in history
It still haunts me
But life must go on, on and on

It's still haunting me
It's still haunting me
Haunting me
Haunting me

            Black Sabbath - Lyrics by Anthony Iommi

I am getting a beading bug. Been a long time since I beaded. I noticed that Growing Together has beading classes starting next week. Growing Together is a place two block away that has programs for families and their kids. They have cookery classes, play mornings, toy lending library and such. I taught myself to bead about 7 years ago but I would love to learn properly. It is also a good excuse to leave Jesse with his Dad so that I can take a break for a couple of hours....It is so rare that I do that.

Anyway, has anybody seen any online instructions for making beaded stitch markers? I found this site with ring style Beaded Stitch Markers but I am looking for instructions for making ones like drop earrings.

We thought summer had arrived. Yesterday - Sunny, warm and around 22c. Today - freezing fog and 2c this morning. And guess who planted her bedding plants yesterday. Silly ME!

Oops. Has it been that long since I blogged?

Things have been rather busy around here.

Firstly the guy that bought the lot opposite has put it for permission to have it re-zoned. We hear he wants to put a 12-plex on the land. The land used to house a lovely old buidling that once was the baptist church. Then it was occupied by the Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre until they moved to a new location. Used to be wonderful when they had any special occasion and we could hear fiddling and drumming without having to leave our yard. Anyway, we have all signed a petition and will be at the Town Hall on Monday. Ron and I have done most of the leg work. Fingers crossed for us.

Then I re-vamped Karp Styles. Just new logo menus. "Just" she said. It took days. Wanted to install a new shopping cart but I can't find one that suits my requirements.

Last night we went to enroll Jesse in Playschool. He starts next Septemeber. The school is quite new and has great facilities. As soon as we go there he took off on his own. For 40 minutes he seemed to totally forget us. I think he will do great there. They even have computers. Jesse loves to come and help Mommy work so you never know, he might be the one printing out invoices soon LOL.

Way to Go Fantasia!

The best American Idol winner to date.

The emotion she puts into a song will surely make her a top artist. Not just a singer - she is pure, raw, powerful talent.
I was weeping buckets at the end - had to go and clean my glasses as I couldn't see.

On the knitting front - I have just finished the back of Georgina and cast on for the left front. I think this cardigan might become a fave of mine. It sure looks pretty so far.

The past week has not been fun at all...AT ALL!

Jesse had a bad cough the previous week. Daddy went to Inuvik on Monday. Monday afternoon, I took Jesse to Tree House (a kids play/craft group). One girl had a runny nose.... I didn't think much of it as Jesse probably had the same bug. Next morning we went to Tumbling Toddlers. Fisheries and Oceans Canada had a young guy visit to give the kids a little show about pond life. He bought bugs - Jesse was mesmerized. He and another boy called Brad were laying on their tummies glued to the bowl of water with the bugs. Jesse has never been so still or quiet. But Brad had a runny nose. Meg, Jesse's girlfriend, also had a runny nose. On Wednesday Jesse got sicker again. Luckily Daddy came home Thursday evening. This weekend he has been really bad. Poor kid has been running a high fever and was a bit delirious at one stage. He wasn't too bad this morning but, after his afternoon nap, he was burning up again. Daddy gave him a tepid shower and Mommy gave Tylenol. If he isn't better tomorrow, we will call the nursing desk at the hospital for advice. He has been ill too long. Poor kid's nose is bleeding often as well. Mommy hasn't slept much for nearly two weeks now.

Then we heard that Ron's Mom has been ill since around Xmas. She had back pain when she was here but she said it was due to the long journey...very likely. Seems she hid how bad she felt when we all met up at Easter. Now we learn that she has a spot on her lung. We are worried out of our minds. She quit smoking around the time Jesse was born. I always thought that she quit because of him but now I wonder if she already knew something. Ron thinks the same. Please send good thoughts and vibes her way.

Happily the Northwest Territories has banned smoking in any restaurants, bars or pubs now. Maybe that might stop at least one person dying of lung caner. Basically you can't smoke in any workplace at all...and that includes where waiters and waitresses work. Well done NWT!!!! Hay River had already banned smoking in restaurants. As an ex smoker - I am really happy about this. I cannot tolerate the stench of smoke at all now. It has stopped me going to Christmas parties at Ron's work etc.

American Idol - what a joke
The program totally lost any credability tonight. It is pretty clear that votes are being rigged. But that doesn't totally surprise me. You could set a computer up with a script to dial in over and over again. Imagine what fun hackers can reap on the voting. If they allow more than one call per # then it can be rigged easily.

I didn't like La Toya's attitude too much but she is a GREAT singer. She seemed a tad toooooooo confident. Watch now -- Fantasia will get thrown out next.

I feel pissed off!

Georgina is working up nicely. I love how it looks so far. I am about to decrease for the armholes on the back. Not had too much knitting time this week as work has been busy. Jesse is under the weather again too. Was up all night as he had a bad cough. Poor baby!

The colour of the yarn is very hard to get on camera. Sorry, I didn't feel like going outside as it is still around freezing. But you can get the idea at least.

My Shapely Tank
Yarn: Sonata
Pattern: White Lies Designs



Squashed my index finger of my rh between a wooden box and a wall unit last night. OWIE! Have a lovely black nail and my finger has throbbed ever since. Don't think it is life threatening though :-)

Jesse trouble of the day - knocked over Mommy's plants whilst Mommey was showering. Guess I really can't shower any more eh?

Shapely Tank is finished. It is GR8! I really do like a lot. Will probably make more.

The neck and armholes were too loose. Typical - I actually made a point of casting off looser than normal as I often do it too tight. So I frogged the casting off and re-knitted.
Will post pics as soon as I can.

Now onto my next project. Paula found this pattern for me. Thank you!
It is Georgina by Kirstin Cowan
Yarn is Schoeller Stahl Bandolino (sp?) in purple.
If anybody wants to do a knit-along, let me know.

My dear sweet innocent son (ha ha) managed to get into a cupboard that he can't normally reach today. He found white glue, glitter, crepe paper and a brush. I was in the shower for 5 minutes and Jesse was creating a work of art. The mess was not fun. Now I know he can reach this cupboard I have moved everything. I can't put a childproof lock on it so moving things is my only option. He can open cupboards with most childproof locks anyway. Kids are more clever than the folks that make these things!!!!!!

Happy Birthday to Me.........

Can't belive that I am 47 already. Where have all those years gone? Mommy to a toddler and 47!!!!!! Perhaps that is why I am always tired. But I am always smiling too. He gives us so much joy.

Jesse sang Happy Birthday to me this morning. It was extremely moving to see a 34 month old singing so sweetly. He and his daddy woke me with coffee in bed. They were both wearing party hats. Jesse seems to know that you wear hats and have balloons at birthdays....so it was his idea.

The Hay River is breaking up today. It had broken at the falls (see photo below for that the falls looked like last weekend) but it hasn't broken near our home. No fear of flooding this year. The weather melted lots of the ice before the break happened.


Alexandra Falls

Just took this quiz on Quizilla. The result is so funny. I will always be the first to admit that my spelling and grammar suck. Give me Math any day!
But clearly my grammar is good when taking a quiz or test. Just not when writing emails, blog entries or letters. Maybe I don't concentrate enough in those situations. Somebody even wrote me an anonymous email to point out that I wrote "sort after" on my website. DUH Jackie! I know it is "sought" after. Brain on a go slow perhaps.


You are a MASTER of the English language!


While your English is not exactly perfect,
you are still more grammatically correct than
just about every American. Still, there is
always room for improvement...


How grammatically sound are you?
brought to you by Quizilla


A few things that bug me are:
"There" car instead of "their" car.
Web "sight" in place of "site".
"To many" where it should be "too many".
"I no" or "I now" for "I know"
etc.
Is it time for me to join the Grammar Avengers????
Well done Pinner Grammar School in Pinner, Middlesex, England for actually teaching me something!!!!!!

As far as my knitting progress goes.....
Have now finished the front of Shapely Tank. I think it will fit like a glove. Perhaps I need to do a few more laps of the block to loose a pound or two. Really like how the tank is turning out and feel really enthusiastic about it. I have some solid purple DK yarn and would like to make a little cardigan to go over the top. Something similar to Sitcom Chic. Anybody know of a nice pattern that I could use?

DH is off on a business trip for two days. I really miss the couple of hours break from the whirlwind two (nearly 3) year old. So if you don't hear from me, I am lying on the floor somewhere, totally exhausted .

What a gray day! It doesn't rain *that* often here - well not anywhere near as much as it does in England (my homeland). But it has rained all day. The back yard is flooded as the rain is making the rest of the snow melt very fast. We are actually trying to pump the back yard water into the ditch in the front yard. From there it will eventually flow into the river which is about 100 yards away (and still frozen). Look out for river break up pics as soon as it happens. Hopefully no floods in the town this year.

Making slow progress with Shapely Tank. I just haven't really had enough knitting time lately.
Here is an "in progress" shot. This is the front - I always use circs even if I don't knit it in the round.
The rug is actually silver - the purple of the yarn isn't showing too well either.

The pattern states to knit 13 inches before the short rows for bust shaping. As I am short-waisted, I think I will do 12 inches instead. I don't want it to be too long and for the waist shaping to be near my hips!!

So who are the people with no ear for music that keep voting for John Stevens and helped Jennifer get voted off. DUH!
Sorry but it sure seems as if that program is rigged.

VENT over.

The Shapely Tank is coming along nicely. I really love this Sonata yarn. It is a dream to knit with.
Will try to post a pic tomorrow.....when I have stopped steaming about Idol.

Decided to join the Shapely Tank Knitalong

I have been looking at that pattern for ages and really liked it. Theresa knitted it in the round so I have to decide if I follow her or stick to the pattern.

The yarn I will use in Sonata in a purple variegated. It is not shown on the Elann site in this colour any longer. Sure hope I will have enough....

We have all been sick with bad colds for about a week now. This really is the worst cold that I have ever had. Sort of feel as if I have cotton wool in my head. Seems as if half of Canada has the same cold.

One of my most favorite shows ever ended recently. We got to see the last one a couple of weeks ago in Canada. Saw this quiz on Brenda's blog and thought I would take it.

You Are Most Like Carrie! You're quirky, flirty, and every guy's perfect first date. But can the guy in question live up to your romantic ideal? It's tough for you to find the right match - you're more than a little picky. Never fear... You've got a great group of friends and a great closet of clothes, no matter what! Romantic prediction: You'll fall for someone this year... Totally different from any guy you've dated. Which Sex and the City Vixen Are You Most Like? Take This Quiz Right Now! Find the Love of Your Life (and More Love Quizzes) at Your New Romance.