Did our ancestors stress so much ?

 It's been a  wacky time! -The man who I live with , decided to have a bad day yesterday--and, yu know, at 93 yrs of age, I can't blame him!-

-Yesterday too, Lopez  decided that he was going to do his business anywhere he pleased--inside--outside--- everywhere--and so Himself put more and more of those "pee pads" down--- so we soon had wall to wall pads, which confused the poor wee guy even more-- (Lopez was confused --well, not Himself!)

---and in the middle of all the chaos, my oldest brother phoned and was sobbing  away, about his life , and --well, it just seemed like a 3 ring circus here--in our kitchen!----

Why did I ever think I could house train a puppy? Why did I ever get a puppy, when I already am dealing with Himself  who seems to need me more and more?--Lord love a Duck eh?----

So, this morning , I decided  things have to change!---the large pee pads have to go------the dinger on the stove reminds me now, that Lopez' bladder needs to be taken care of--outside! -----  and he needs a pathway to the door--out of the nursery/kitchen--- (I must be crazy eh?-- I know you all are thinking that!)-

-So----now I have a bell on the inside of the front door, which I'm hoping I can train Lopez to hit  with his paw to let me know to get him outside-- The gates are down into the kitchen , but there are still barricades  up so he can't get into the living room area--yet--

It's a good thing that there is always a new day--- a brand new time to figure stuff out eh?- ---himself  seems happier this morning-( -poor man eh, at  his age having to live with a wife who  seems to bring  animals into our lives)---And that was another thing--After 5 yrs., last evening, Sushi, the cat who came in from the cold) decided to come downstairs --Maybe it was those Pee pads, yu think?--

To-night, Halloween night, is so far, going better---I do have some chocolate bars (which I haven't touched-yet!)-  We probably will not have any children, so the candy will go to the Grandchildren---and--- Lordy Be! ---  I am so happy that I have a better attitude ---  I CAN DO THIS!

I wonder if any of these people  had the stress that we go thru to-day?--(That little boy in the middle is my Grandfather!)

 

Don't allow the chocolate stuff too get to yer body!

Happy Halloween--but-----It's a bad time for  sugar overload-- Lord love a Duck! How am I ever going to get thru the next few days?-----All the work I have put in and if I don't "stick to my guns" (as Mom used to say)-I will look like Bertha Blimp AGAIN! ---

This was me at 217  with Himself and my SIL----My Blood Pressure was probably sky high--

This was me in Florida with my Mom and Dad, married , after 2 children---  healthy---low blood pressure-

Now do I really want to look like Bertha Blimp AGAIN?----  NO NO N O! ---So, I am going out shortly to buy a watermelon and to talk to myself that I MUST EAT HEALTHY--THAT ALL THAT HALLOWEEN STUFF must be a ploy TO GET ME FAT -----and I can be stronger than all that! 

Little Lopez says hello---and--son #2, just called me from Rome--says it is 4-30 am---and all is well--will be back to Toronto to-morrow to hand out candy at his house-- 

Beau is doing well--- Praise the Lord!-- And we have sunshine--- so---- I shall not let the  lack of chocolate stuff  get me down--I am a wise person---I know better!--- 

 

Maybe I'll go and visit the Queen!

Good day y'all! ---I shall make to-day a good day---I need this wee fella  above to reinforce it to me, that I am worth the time spent on "ME"!--It seems that as one ages, one becomes unimportant ---even to family---It's like you are set aside--- like--way over there--and only the younger people  are noticed.  Am I imagining this?---Maybe I'm just tired after the Birthday  supper last evening---

We had Chinese Foods--ordered in--Son #3 picked it up for me--Son #4 brought the cake ---I moved so much "stuff" out of the way as there were 13 people counting all the children.----

Here is the 93 yr old "Himself"--- with grandchildren--

Himself , I think, enjoyed all the "hoopla"--- received some McDonalds Gift Cards-- and I think it is a celebration that these Grandchildren will remember--I hope! Funny, I never remember celebrating my Grandparent's Birthday--- Maybe it wasn't done then?--Who knows?

--So-------The Puppy survived all the chaos and I learned from a Lady at the hair dresser yesterday, that when he begins to act like Cujo---(snarly etc)_ lay him on his back on the floor and hold him there till he stops wiggling-- and it seems to work! -

---Beau is over his  problems also, so perhaps dry kibble could be given to him at supper. He has been living on rice and chicken----

AND-----I really am exhausted--was outside raking pine needles on the grass---BUT-----I'm hoping that this afternoon, those little mice will come pulling a pumpkin, and turn my housey clothes into a gown , like in Cinderella, and, yes, I WILL GO TO THE BALL--I need to get outta here!------ Lord love a Duck tho--I don't need the Prince--- -----

Maybe I'll go and visit the Queen--Mom used to say, "a change is as good as a rest!" 

 

If I Can Do it, You can to~!

This is another Halloween picture of our daughter's family--This was a few years ago--

OK----My weight is DOWN--AGAIN! --unbelievable! ---I now weigh 190 -----Lord love a Duck! I began this journey about 10 yrs ago---  I weighed 217 then--With the help of Spark, and all the Sparkly people (like yourselves)---slowly, I learned how to change my eating habits --AND my life-- My goal now is to get into the 180's---  and eventually get to 165 where I used to be---(This will take a million years!)  So----that is the good news! And there is more! 

I was in town yesterday doing stuff, and decided to stop at the vets ---- AND_--THEY LISTENED TO MY STORY ABOUT BEAU AND HIS DIARRHEA --and she went in and talked to the vet and came out with a bottle of pills--  2 tablets twice a day---and --it is working! --This morning, no more rug shampooing--and big Beau who weighs 103, is now on an eating plan to stop all his problems--no kibble for now , but plain rice with chicken water over it--I am very happy that the vet listened to me and helped me out! He needs to lose weight , the same as me! Beau and I have a lot in common-

This afternoon is "Hair day" --I hope that Himself can manage this crazy household  for an hour while I zip into town.-I look like the "Wreck of the Hespress" as Mom used to say-- 

NEVER STOP TRYING with your weight loss because if I can do it, I believe anyone can! 

 

The life of a dog can be complicated!

 It's almost Halloween---- I have the "village people" out by the road--Of course we never get "trick or treaters" as we are out in the bush, but--- I always get ready --just in case---

Big Beau , again, has had diarrhea--again, early in the morning--and again, on the carpets--- which we have cleaned and cleaned--I called our old vet to ask what shots he had before we changed to the vet here in town--and he is protected for just about everything-So,--I will change his diet to rice and chicken, and not much of that!--  Maybe the new puppy has upset him with all the changes in the house here--Who knows??--I am searching here for pictures of our daughter's family on Halloween-They dress up and always look great-

Well, it is't Halloween yet---  but---  this family shops at the GoodWill store and creates costumes-

I best get this puppy out--with big Beau---  maybe he just misses Tess eh?---  Lord love a Duck!--The life of a dog is complicated sometimes!

With a little help from someone up there!

 

This was "Himself" on his 93rd Birthday--with Son#4's 2 children---He really enjoyed all the attention. . It made him feel special--- 

The balloons were sent by our daughter in Ohio and her family.----We went to McDonalds , as he wanted to do. Thursday night, I have ordered Chinese Food and everyone will be out.

OK---- I must tell you what happened this morning-- I NEVER PLAY THE PIANO EARLY IN THE MORNING---In fact, I never play the piano in the morning at all, as there is always so much to do-- Well, this morning, after Himself came down (All my chores were done!)- --AND---- FOR SOME REASON I THOUGHT I"D SIT AT THE PIANO AND PLAY--- The piano is right beside the kitchen, in the dining room-- WELL!---- I played just a few bars, and said to Himself, "I smell something awful--like dog Po"----and--low and behold, right beside the piano, en route to the kitchen, on the carpet--was ---well, Doggie Do Do--lots of it-- It couldn't have been the puppy  as there was  too much of it--

We have it all cleaned up now--with fans blowing on the carpets-- It mustve been big Beau, who couldn't get outside , when we were at McDonalds--poor fella!--  and it is my fault! ----He has never done that ever before!--- BUT----I have been feeding him those freeze dried round things from the pet store--and Himself has been telling me for ages that he has been having a problem  and to stop giving him this---BUT --I DIDN"T STOP! -----BUT--I NEVER WILL CHANGE HIS DIET EVER AGAIN!

This sounds kinda funny, but what made me sit at the piano this morning?---  and if I hadn't sat at the piano, we probably would've walked in  the huge mess---It kinda makes one wonder doesn't it?---that--perhaps The good LORD,  in Heaven  for some reason ------??????????-------sounds silly eh?----  but------it is a tad weird--- 

So I suppose everyone  begins their day differently, but, Lord love a Duck, I am SO grateful that  someone is looking out for me---

I think , I think too much--and more---

 

You see, I figure if I really think about what the day will bring, then the day will go alright-- that it takes planning--The sad part however is, that on many days, "stuff happens"----"Stuff" that was not planned---like yesterday-----Himself . Lopez. Beau, and myself, were all settled down for a wee nap after lunch----when Beau began to bark--

"Oh no!" I said--"Someone is here!"----- and---- there was----  Son #4 and his son were here to get rid of the leaves on the lake side of the house--- I really was so happy--because, that is the last part of the property  to rid of fallen leaves. Sometimes surprises  are a good thing! 

They drove the riding mower round and round, and dumped the leaves in the gully! Thank goodness for a gully! And then they put the tractor in the shed--for the winter! Praise the Lord! I have done the front yard--so --if and when, it snows , we are all good! Note--no leaves on the trees here now!

And --HIMSELF has a Birthday to-day--and we have decided to eat at McDonalds (His request) and Thursday nite all the family will come out here for Chinese Food--

This man--is now 93----AMAZING!!!----- He is a good man---- I am still in love with him, even tho he can be difficult at times--but--Lord love a Duck!--- so am I!--

Sunday Memories ---makes me happy!

 -because it is Sunday----- Yeah-----and a day to relax--except--- I can't find the bag of kibble that I bought before I brought Lopez home--  and--if I bought it, why isn't it in the cupboard ?--Do you suppose he has eaten 2 bags of kibble since we brought him home?--  They were very small bags--but---- that does seem like a lot of kibble--  For sure----I am losing my mind! ---So, I shall have to make a trip to town, to the pet store and buy a bag of kibble for X-small puppies----

I keep thinking of my Grandfather  (My Dad's Dad) this morning. Maybe he is thinking of me--eh?---I remember him holding my hand, as we were dancing around the kitchen, and he sang, "A heel and a toe and away we go!"----Grampa wore a kilt--We absolutely thought he was the best! --And looking back, I believe we loved him so much, because he spent time with us--talked to us--took us to his Bakery and told us we could order whatever we wanted --as long as we never told our Mother and our Father--or Gramma--and we ate everything our little heart desired! --And-of course we could not eat our dinner, we were so full---and there was a great deal of food being passed under the table, at supper time,  to Grampa at the head of the table! 

I remember him taking my brother in his big black car to a few farms around Port Perry, and he would announce that my brother was Ivan's son---(That was my Dad)--  then Grampa would tell his friend, "You want him? He is for sale you know!"----  And I remember my brother and I crying up a storm as we really thought he meant it! ---

I remember those days-- I loved so much going to Grampa's--  It was an "all day" drive--from London , to Port Perry, with a picnic along the side of the 2 lane highway--Dad with his Coleman stove cooking weinors and beans--the double bed my sister and I had to sleep in and my sister deciding that the "chopper" would chop my arm off if I was on her side of the bed-- 

Lord love a duck! Memories are good aren't they----=specially when they are good memories.

Grampa on the rt--with Gramma on the left 

Driving can be difficult with Himself thinking he is the instructor!

 I shall be a warrior--I will try to be a Warrior-------I was up at 5am---  Wee little Lopez and I were out on the front lawn in the dark with a MINUS 1.9 C temperature.  After he does his business, he high tails (Dad's expression!)- back to the front door as fast as his wee little feet will take him.--Himself and I went and bought him a tiny Parka, for when the snow flies.  It was on sale for $18----and cute as can be, but difficult to get on a wiggly dog. I didn't bother with it this AM.

You know, there is something to be said for big dogs-- They don't need clothing! ----And you are not so apt to step on them--BUT-----  our big Beau does not enjoy the car--This little fella just falls asleep in the car--in the cat crate.

I am off soon to pick up bananas, tomatoes and lettuce, plus whatever! I will take Himself and Lopez as Himself can sit with Lopez in the car--Yesterday Himself and I had a traumatic ride home from getting the wee parka -

-You see, Himself figures he is a "Driver Instructor" and tells me how to drive the car--every move! --It's "turn here"--"oh not so close to the curb"--"put the car in gear-"--"Did you shut it off?"--Lord love a Duck! --I finally pulled over and turned off the engine and asked him if he would like to take the wheel, knowing that he does not have a licence anymore. --So--that went over like a lead balloon!----I imagine it will be the same to-day--- so--I will be a Warrior----  I may have to "Lay down the Law"--once again! --Sometimes, it's tough being married--and sometimes---it can be wonderful--I think! 

It takes courage to grow up!

 

Isn't that so true?---It takes courage!--  I tend to forget that---that I am Courageous! --I sound like the "cowardly Lion" in Dorthy and the Wizard of Oz------and this morning I feel like that--sorta---

You see, I was up at 5am--did my usual early morning stuff upstairs--quietly--so as not to wake up Senior Lopez who was in his cat crate crate asleep-- --or--so I thought--  then I went downstairs with Beau--fed him etc-- put in the wash--and by then it was about 6am and I heard  Lopez crying upstairs--When I came up, Lopez was at the top of the stairs--OUT OF HIS CRATE--- about ready to  manoeuvre  the stairs to get down to me--I MUST'VE LEFT HIS CRATE TOP open-----Lordy Be! ----  I managed to snafu  the little guy before he attempted the stairs---Why did I leave the top open to his crate?---  What if he had attempted the stairs?--These thought made me cringe !---a huge lesson to me! --  I will never do that again as this wee fella is an escape artist! 

I am courageous I guess to even attempt to raise this little rip snorter ----and--I am  tired! --I feel like I could sleep for a week---When I look back over my life, a whole bunch of crazy stuff has made me who I am to-day-- my nursing skills (even tho I never liked sick people)--so then I went on to teaching fitness classes which I enjoyed, both on land and in the pool-then had 5 children--Who has 5 children anyway?---That took a ton of courage to get them thru the party and alcohol stages--the pit parties--them changing courses and coming back home to figure out their lives-- and their Dad and I  happy to have them, as long as they left again after going in a different direction-

So, how on earth did I get onto all this, just because of Lopez scaring the "daylights " out of me ?(Mom's expression)

So at this stage of my life, looking back over the years, I must be so courageous-- and maybe I owe it all to this wee little puppy-Well, at least some of it!-Lord love Duck!-----

It has really taken a ton of courage to get to where I am to-day!

Always be a Unicorn!

 It might be fun to try being a Unicorn---Anyway, Guess what?--This AM., I weigh---- 190.5-----Lord love a Duck! That is simply amazing!--  I hadn't been on the scales for a few days so it really was a shocker to look down and see those numbers.-- I suppose that sounds pretty high still-- My goal now is to get to the 180's----  then to 165 some day--where I used to be , many years ago! -

-Son#2 this morning was asking how I was doing it?---the weight thing---- I think it's a lot of mind over matter---I  look at something that I kinda want to eat, and ask myself, "Do I really want that?"-----plus, the portions at dinner I notice are smaller--I just can't eat why I used to---AND-----there is always Lopez---taking him out every hour--- 

Lopez Chico has figured out where the door is. After he has done his business outside, he races back to the front steps and hops up them---

He is pretty smart--but----  Lordy Be, he sure can get snarly when he is tired--- and he tries to chew on my hand with his tiny spike teeth.

This morning I must return Himself's Holter Monitor--and it is "hair Day", if I can trust Himself to dog sit Lopez Chico----I didn't go last week and I look like the "wreck of the Hesprus" as Mom used to say! And, we have rain-------which I hear may be snow showers on the weekend.

Life certainly is busy---Oh--One more thing--  I hear that Queen Elizabeth has been told to slow down--  I wonder if she needs that Holter Monitor?

 I see you---- and--I'm SO so happy that you take time to read  about Canada's North Land----and "ME"!--I have to hoof it to the highway very soon----and it's 6C outside which is very cold!--Well, it is going to get worse, with winter coming, so I best walk to-day, before winter hits with a vengeance! 

CBC T.V was on as I was changing dog water, feeding Beau, getting Lopez outside , and putting in the wash-- They spoke of a new variant--the "Delta Plus" which they are watching--They talked about how this Covid flourishes , indoors---and that's where we must be careful now that winter is approaching--They talked about how costly everything is now--and I know about all of that!-- Gasoline, groceries-- winter tires are not "to be had"-- (Good thing I have ours  sitting in our garage waiting to be put on)--- AND--Isn't it amazing that with so much  worrisome news like all of that, that I am still able to cope with--all, and, with life --- No wonder we have so much stress!

On a better note, little Lopez Fernandez Sanchez, the wee little Chihuahua, now has another name. Son#2, added "Chico"---so, it seems the smaller the dog, the longer the name---  Lopez Fernando Sanchez  Chico,  was taken outside every hour yesterday, to do his business and he did not have even one accident! ---Poor little fella runs for the door, as soon as he is done--He has that figured out--"Get inside quick" he  thinks--and he knows where the door is!------I put the timer on the stove on, to remind me to get him out. (I suppose that means that "I" am the one trained!--)

I shall hoof it to the highway and back--- a wee walk on the wild side here-- I know a Lady who comes to the hairdresser after me, who is 97 and walks everyday--(so she says)- I believe it pays off--- !-Lord love a Duck-----  I think I want to be her age one day---so--Here I go! 

Life is good, in spite of ???

Now isn't that marvellous?---  There really are times that I really really aren't supposed to do what I do---that my kids think I am too old to do stuff--I do it anyway---  and I CAN DO IT---  Grant it, I am "pooped" by evening---but--it gets done-----

This morning, after taking wee Lopez Fernandez Sanchez, outside every hour on the hour to do his business, I returned upstairs to make the bed---and-----HIMSELF HAD MADE THE BED--HIMSELF!  Lord love a Duck eh?---That has never happened before! --He "made my day"-----  (Mom's expression of course!)- And he is wearing all the wires, taped to his chest and everywhere else, and I went in and learned how to De-wire him, as Thursday- it comes off.  -He has that Holter Monitor on him --to show a 24 hr heart rate--  --They put it on him, in the Lab, at the medical clinic----When I brought him home, we took the elevator from the 3rd floor, and low and behold, at Floor #2, the elevator stopped and a very tall older man, wearing a mask, but coughing and looked very ill, got on the elevator WITH US_--I immediately turned around , but poor Himself, was completely unaware that he was being exposed to lotza germs----There is still a lot of COVID out in the community, and he has not had a booster shot yet.

So, this has been a good day--I walked --well, I "Hoofed" it , to the highway and back and I had to wear gloves and a heavy jacket--It is only 2 C, but sunny! 

I like the above---because I am stronger---There are days that I do wonder if I will ever make it to the end of the day--but--I always do, and the next day always seems easier!------I worry so much about gasoline prices being so high--grocery prices too--I never go to a clothing store--but then--I do have 555 closets chucked full of clothes--all sizes-----  Spark, the web site I enjoyed so much closed down and that worried me too, but--I think I am managing better now than before , on my own, and many of you have gone on with yer lives , as I have--BECAUSE WE ARE STRONG-----aren't we?--

Good thing we can laugh --eh?-----Laugh and the world laughs with you---  Isn't that a "saying"?

 

It's a Braw Brick, Moon lick Nick!

 Now isn't the above , the truth?---I feel good--just sleepy---  I need a rest---LOL-----Not going to happen for awhile tho! ------  Yu see, Himself needs to be taken to town to pick up some kind of monitor which he will wear for 3 days----Then we shall see how "his ol' Ticker" (as Dad used to call it)---is working.

Little Lopez decided that 5am was a good time, this AM., to wake me up--- and to get up--so, I am operating here on half a cylinder--Maybe that was a good thing however, as I no sooner got downstairs--WITH LOPEZ, that the iPhone dinged--  It was Son #2, once again, over Greece, using their WIFI to text me.-He said it was his turn to sleep --so he texted "ME"--his Mom--- I felt honoured !----  There are 4 Pilots  flying this huge plane , and they take turns napping as it is a 13 hr flight back home  from Qatar.

I cut the grass yesterday and it was raining-- I have never cut grass in the rain before. Hopefully that is the final cut before the snow flies.--

And my weight is bouncing around-- up and down, and all over--so---- I can't report it till it settles down.

I hope you all are hanging in -- watching what is going in the mouth--and moving the ol' body-

Lord love a Duck! --If I don't keep trying , I might not see another day---