HALLOWEEN, AND SNOW!!!!

I really need to buy myself another camera. First, it’s a Panasonic, so I have to get the PC adaptor directly from that company, mail order, because none of the universal adaptors will fit (Thanks for the suggestion, Wiley – but it didn’t work!). I have great photos of my grandchildren in there, and don’t want to lose them. Next, when I wanted to take pictures of my goblins last night, and then the awesome, bush winter wonderland this morning – nothing worked. Nothing!! Click on the button, but nada. Fortunately my daughter had one with her for the party, but she was not here to see my mountain glistening in the early sunshine. I know there will be other days, and very shortly too, but I like to capture the first snows. One thing is certain, no more Panasonics for me. According to my friend, Dawna, replacements of microwaves parts of that brand are difficult to obtain too. So, away with it! There are lots of competitors out there whose equipment is just as good and with which one can use universal gadgets if something breaks or, in my case, disappears.

I don’t need to write about what fun we had yesterday; I’ve described often enough now how my family and friends enjoy getting together, and how a bunch of little rug rats running around make my day. The Halloween party was no exception – glorious! In spite of the sugar buzz, there were some very sleepy little monsters riding daddy or mommy’s shoulders by the time it was over, LOL! And there is something to this ‘perfect timing’ which has been happening a lot lately; the snow knocked out the satellite last night, so our evening chatter was not interrupted by the Habs hockey game. We stayed in a joyful mood too, which would probably have been spoiled by watching them lose.

On November 18th, Dawna and I are heading to Saskatoon. My brother was saying that it is a place where, if a man’s wife leaves him, he can watch her walk away for three days, LOL! Jokes aside, it is a new place to visit, and it will be great to spend time with Karen. The only thing I’m NOT looking forward to is getting on an airplane. Not at all my cup of tea, but nothing a couple of shooters of rum can’t handle…I guess.

It is perfect for a walk with the doggies out there; maybe even build our first snowman of 2010! My dishes are all done up, but the floors need a good wash, although the rug rats did a fine job of wiping up any dust lying around, LOL! I am in the midst of doing laundry too, and our nurse, who finally found her way to the client’s house yesterday, will be calling in at the end of her shift to give her report. All this to say that I’m signing off now, but not without wishing you a great Sunday, and certainly not without sending you a huge SMILE! It’s free of charge, so no harm in passing it on!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec

NURSES, GHOSTS AND SNOW

My first call came in this morning at 6:15 AM. I had been up already for an hour or so, and was in front of the computer, by now having read Kilroy’s blog, made my comments in Facebook, and was pursuing some posts in the Blogit writer’s site. When I spoke to my brother last evening, he told me he was not feeling too well, so the phone was on my little bureau by the bed…just in case. When I heard it ring so early, I immediately thought it was him, and I raced to answer it. My heart settled down when I saw the number on the caller ID. It was the nurse’s aid who was on her way to a client’s home in the city. It is the first day for this job, and she was having difficulty finding the place. I logged onto Google map and relayed more directions, then attempted to call the client to warn him that she would be slightly late. He didn’t answer, so I left a message on his voice mail, and I’m now waiting for one of them, the nurse or the client, to confirm that she has arrived, and all is well.

Later today I will be invaded by little ghosts and goblins – it’s our Halloween party, and there should be up to 20 weird beings gathered here. I’ve decided that my costume will be an ‘old lady’ – not too much effort required for me to dress up accordingly, LOL! My son and Yo are to prepare the bags of goodies for the little ones and, instead of pot luck supper, we decided to order a buffet. Most of us are rushing during the week, and having food made to order is one less hassle.

And there is snow out there! It’s no secret that I love the stuff, even if it does cause more work. Shovelling, mopping wet doggie tracks on the floor, carrying up wood….I’ll probably be complaining about all that later into the season. At the moment though, seeing the first layers of it lying here and there on the mountain makes my heart sing! For some reason, winter floods me with a warm, happy feeling. I’m not sure why – maybe it’s a flashback from childhood, the sleighing and skating and snowball fights. Or remembering kisses on the cold, rosy cheeks of my children, all bundled up in scarves and mittens, as we laboured at one of the many snowmen built during the years. Whatever the reason, anything that makes me feel that way is more than welcome!

In fact, I think I’ll pull on my boots and go take a little jaunt out there before it melts away. So, while reading this, folks, you can picture me running around in the yard with the doggies, pitching my first snowball, and you can be sure I’m SMILING! Here’s hoping your morning is making you SMILE too!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec

THAT GUY MORPHEUS

Ha! Ha! Ha! I giggled yesterday when someone who reads my blog asked me ‘Who is this guy Morpheus? Sounds quirky – handcuffing him to the bed?’ I actually considered letting her think that Morpheus was a new flame…but I decided to be wise and contribute to the interrogator’s education instead. “Morpheus, the Greek god of dreams and a very elusive fellow indeed for insomniacs like myself,” I answered. Now the remarks in my Blog had a whole new meaning for her, and are probably far less exciting, LOL!

Working from home means spending a lot of time on the telephone, and yesterday was no exception. My ear was sore and swollen by four o’clock. However, there were a couple of new leads for our health service, and that’s a good thing.

I have to wonder where I’ll find enough energy to keep it all going. It helps when I get adequate sleep, but the amount of sleep I get is directly related to the activity in my mind which, in turn, is needed to plan procedures to get the company back on its feet which, in the end, will depend on the energy used to carry out the plans; that same energy which is related to the amount of sleep I get…and we’re right back to the beginning of the circle! Age is a factor too, I guess, although I know people older than me who hop on their bicycle and pedal from Montreal to Rigaud, play tennis at least once a week, and never seem to stop. And yes, I’m talking about you, my friend, Kilroy!

The financial stress we are dealing with at the moment doesn’t help either. It dominates my thoughts. Advisors tell me it is all part of business; learn to deal with it, don’t take it so seriously. I stand there nodding. Yep. Okay. Got that. Except…I don’t like it, and I hate the feeling of reoccurring panic that appears as soon as the advisors are out of sight. I’m sure a lot of my necessary energy is wasted just by talking myself out of the panic!

My, oh my! Can’t I get myself in turmoil so early in the morning?

Don’t worry, folks; it’s just a bit of venting. All it takes to bring me up is the thought of my family, my friends, and the multitude of good things in this adventurous world. I’m one of those ‘glass is half-full’ people, and fully believe that, no matter what happens, or what kind of challenge you face, it’s always easier to take care of it when you’re SMILING! Life does go on, and my life is good!

Besides….the HABS are playing again tonight…..

Have a good day, y’all!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec

FIGHTING FOR POPPIES

It happens each year at this time; some corporate ‘so & so’ makes the idiotic decision that his/her shopping mall will no longer allow Canadian Legion members to sit there and sell poppies for the two weeks before Remembrance Day. Hey, I go out of my way to buy those lovely, red, flower pins, often one for each member of my family too. While I am handing the money to the smiling seller, I say a silent word of thanks and appreciation to our veterans, AND to our present day soldiers, that I am still Canadian, living in a free country, due to their efforts.

The people sitting quietly behind those tables are usually elderly volunteers who in no way harass you by word or deed to contribute. The money accumulated after hours of their time is totally used for the needs of our armed forces personnel who have come home wounded, in body and/or mind, either from past or the ongoing war.

When I heard the news on the radio yesterday morning, the first thing that came to mind was sending the corporate ass over to the Middle East to live with our soldiers for a couple of months. That wouldn’t resolve the problem; there is always another pompous manager to fill the shoes. What probably would put an end to it would be shoppers boycotting that particular shopping mall for at least the two week period. Money, or in this case, the lack of money, has a way of grabbing attention. So does bad publicity. By the time I was driving home, those responsible for the refusal had turned about. After a day’s derision by the media, they have now decided to welcome the veterans with open arms. I should hope so!!

Someone else who was welcomed with open arms yesterday was my grandson, who arrived home from northern Abitibi on his 20th birthday. His mom (my daughter), invited us over for a fondue supper to celebrate. He is here only for five days, then will be returning to work another 16 day stint. Mom and family got to coddle him only a short time this first evening; friends were waiting in the background and, at his age, are far more interesting, LOL!

It worked out fine for me. I was home for the start of the hockey game, and cheered on my HABS as they beat the Islanders. When the dancing was over, the doggies and I went for a short walk. The moon was bright, the weather perfect for a light jacket, and we roamed around outside for a good half hour. Maybe it was the fresh, mountain air, or it could have been that sleep was short the night before; whatever the reason, Morpheus was ready and willing when my Jacuzzi ritual was over. My snooze only lasted until 5 AM, but it was a deep snooze, so no complaints here.

Today I’ll be working from home, so both the doggies and I are SMILING! I’m sure at least one thing will give you reason to SMILE too this Thursday. There you go – we’ve got something to share! Have a good one, folks!


Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

A FUN AGENDA

Guess what? I’m going to Saskatoon, finally! My friend, Karen, has been living there for years, and this is a first visit. Even better is that another friend, Dawna , is flying out with me! The three of us hung together when teens (how long ago was that, again??), and I know we’ll have great fun. My DIL, Yoshiko, now works for a Travel Agency, so she does the shopping for the best rates, and takes care of all those annoying little details required at the airports. What’s more, when Karen told me the hockey games televised out there are Toronto games, I checked the schedule, and guess who the HABS are playing that weekend? Yep! The Leafs! I swear that I did not pick those dates especially for the game! It just happened that way. Talk about a good omen!

Before the trip, we have the Halloween party to organise. This started out as plans for a get together at my home with my Cuban friends, Dawna & Malcolm, and my kids, but has bloomed into a full-fledged celebration of ghouls and goblins. My son, B, invited the many friends who attend our birthday parties each year, and now the idea is disguises for us all, decorating the site, and bags of treats to be prepared for the numerous little tykes (my grandsons included) who will be accompanying their parents. The supper will be what we call ‘pot-luck’; each guest bringing a dish to contribute to the meal. It’s happening this coming Saturday, and will be great fun, I’m sure.

It seems that the past weekends have kept my house very busy. Thanksgiving, then my bro’s daughter, and last night I had guests for supper too. Looking ahead, with the party and the trip out west, then the cooking and baking to prepare for Christmas, I have this gut feeling that, once more, I’ll be doing my shopping on the eve of the main holiday. One thing certain; with all this going on, together with the extra work at the office, there is definitely no time to be bored! In fact, I’ll probably be searching for a little hole to hide away now and then, LOL!

This morning is a cold, rainy start to the week. Part of autumn, and inevitable, but it is so much nicer when the sun is out there, isn’t it? I know the traffic is going to be arduous – rain or snow incite uncertain drivers to slow down to nearly a crawl. I going to take the time now to hunt up some old CD’s, music I haven’t heard for awhile. It doesn’t shorten the ride into the city, but does make it more enjoyable.

Have a good one folks, no matter the weather in your area. There’s nothing like a huge SMILE to brighten anyone’s day. I’m wearing mine. How about you?

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

SMILING!!!

Snow!!! When I got out of bed this morning my gallery was sporting a thin blanket of the beautiful, white stuff. Immediate good mood! I was a child on the farm again, gazing with glee at the first snowfall of the year ; images of toboggans racing down the hill, playing stick hockey on the bumpy river ice and, of course, Christmas - all dancing through my mind! I opened the door for the doggies and laughed out loud as I watched them lift one paw, then the other, their heads down – sniff, sniff – ah yes! We remember this now! It was melted away by noon, but my day was already made.

My ‘happy-ball’ was rolling. The appointment for 11 AM called to postpone until Monday, which allowed me to work from home instead of going into the city office. Yippee! Later, while in town on errands (including reserving a time for winter tire installation), I heard someone call my name, and turned to see a lady smiling at me. It took a moment before I recognized her. It has been years since we’ve seen each other, and it was great to block the aisle (sorry, sir!) and catch up. We exchanged e-mail addresses, and made plans to meet again on her return from Hong Kong at the end of November. She’s a fashion artist, creating new clothes from old, and will be doing a ‘shoot’ there, then she and her husband will spend the rest of the time enjoying the vacation of their dreams. Her passion for her art was so evident that the air sparkled around us. I’m that happy for her!

There is no better way to end the day than with hugs and kisses from my rug rats. On my way home, I made a detour to drop in on my son J. and his family. The three boys do it to me every time – and I guess each grandparent knows exactly what I mean. The joy has no bounds, and I don’t think the love could swell my heart any larger.

I had one last stop; my rural mailbox up the road from the house. I do it just once a week. Since e-mail has become the current method of correspondence, it is mostly only advertising and/or bills anyway, so why spoil each day? This time there was a package. A precious gift from special friends, and they know who they are, and what it was. Suffice it for me to say that it is so very appreciated.

My doggies were ecstatic on my arrival. Their enthusiasm nearly knocked me back down the stairs! I had an armful of wood too! I wonder if I could train them to carry it up for me? If fireplaces burned rocks, I would have no problem at all – Bud would be ‘the man’, LOL!

Now it’s Jacuzzi time again. Contrary to yesterday, with its icky, depressive mood, (even the HABS got it in the neck!), today was right back where life should be: joy and friends and love!!! In French they say ‘Il n’y a rien de trop beau’ which translates as ‘Nothing is too good’.

I’ll take that. Bring it on. I’ll greet it with a SMILE!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

POSITIVE THINKING?

I should be sleeping right now. I have a meeting at 1:30 PM this afternoon with my ex-associate and his bankruptcy lawyer, and I’m not looking forward to it. Unpleasant at the best of times, it’s even more so when it touches your own affairs – like amounts due that risk disappearing within the labyrinth of negotiations and paperwork. I’ve been told that there is a chance his company will be saved. I highly doubt it, but what do I know about that kind of wheeling and dealing? Lawyers have all sorts of tricks up their sleeves, so…maybe. Time will tell. My office spent hours preparing the necessary documents yesterday, and I continued from home during the night (long live the internet!), much to my doggies’ disapproval. There was no walk, and very little attention from the mistress. How do you explain to a mutt that the hours you are spending at the computer is putting food into their bowls? Grump-puppy gives me the ‘look’ each time I go to refresh my coffee, and Bud is ignoring me completely after being pushed away the umpteenth time, LOL. Fortunately they don’t hold a grudge; just a sign that I am available for their affection will be all it takes to make them happy again. Gotta love doggies!

My head is a jumble of numbers, and my body oozing coffee, so any attempt to catch a snooze before leaving for the city will probably be futile. I have to try though, because I’ll be limper than a dishrag and probably brain-dead by noon if I don’t get a least a couple more hours of sleep. I’m hoping the change by writing this will help lull the frenzy. If my words don’t make much sense, put it down to my present zombie status, LOL. I’ll post it anyway, and apologize tomorrow if I find any errors while reading it over.

Next year, when I look back on 2010, I won’t be able to say it was a good year for much other than learning some hard lessons and, hopefully, for overcoming all the sh*t that has been going on since the month of January. I’m not speaking just for myself either. It seems that many of us are not having an easy time of it. I hope the stars of the universe are better aligned in the coming 2011. If not, I’m going to be investing heavily in some ‘positive thinking’ reading material.

Okay, after a paragraph like that one, I know it’s time to quit writing now. I’ll leave it in here, because it’s what I’m feeling at the moment, but tomorrow is another day. I’m off to cuddle my forlorn doggies for a few minutes, then hit the sack for a bit. When I get up later, the first thing I’ll put on will be my SMILE. It may be dozy, but it will be there; I can never keep it off for long. Beside, the HABS are playing tonight……and there we go!

Have a good day, y’all!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec

BANKS AND CLICHÉS

My bank was waiting on me with ‘une brique et un fanal’. The expression translates into English as ‘a brick and a spot-light, or lantern’. It means that the bank was expecting me, and they were NOT happy, so I was NOT well received. This is the fourth time there has been a problem, they stated, so the privilege of direct deposit from my business account is discontinued. Not only does it affect the pays of my employees, but it was also a service offered to other clients, for which they paid, and which I can no longer sell at the moment…so money lost. The bank official was very sympathetic, but very firm. It doesn’t matter who or why – the account is in my company’s name, so my company is ultimately responsible. I can’t say I was surprised. I had warned my ex-associate that it could happen, that his deposits had to be on time. Once again, it was late, and short.

I realize that he is wrapped up in his own dilemma. I repeat again – I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes. However, when I gave him the news, he didn’t even apologize. Not that it would fix anything, but it would at least let me know he is aware that his actions, although not completely in his control, are causing me havoc too. Instead, he continued talking about something else; maybe because, even knowing that his hands are tied, I stressed that it was HIS fault. I couldn’t stop myself from saying it; my feelings were running so high at the time. I’m sure he already felt bad, and didn’t need the extra little push from my side. I abhor kicking a man when he’s down, but damn it! I still think he should have said ‘I’m sorry’!!

Okay – enough said. More clichés can describe this fiasco: two wrongs don’t make a right, and it’s no use crying over spilled milk. One just has to be more careful in the future. Another lesson learned. It will take some time, but we shall build things back up and make my bank smile again. Quite fickle, are our banks. It doesn’t matter how the money is obtained – deposit it with them and they are happy, happy!

With a change of subject, my niece missed her flight this morning. We left for the airport quite early, but the rush hour was particularly dense. She managed to book another that was leaving 3 hours later, and is now back in NB. My whole family, especially my bro, is still glowing from her visit!

Speaking of my bro, his appointment at the hospital was faster. The doctor prescribed antibiotics for pneumonia, and Champex, a cease-smoking aid. He mentioned a meeting to be held with his colleagues where they’ll try to find a way of repairing the hole in my bro’s throat. The hole, caused by radiation treatments, allows food particles to go down into the lungs when he swallows, therefore the lungs are continually susceptible to infection. We’ll be advised further when we return for the lung scan in November.

Now, believe it or not, it is only 8:00 PM and I can feel Morpheus lurking around the corner. He has impeccable timing tonight. Is it the near-full moon, I wonder? I need to rise very early to complete the work on a project for the office, so will bid you sweet dreams, slip into my warm, bubbly Jacuzzi, and grab that Morpheus tight before he disappears. If he sticks around for awhile, you can be sure I’ll be SMILING!

Nite y’all!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

AND THE BEAT GOES ON

My family showed up, but the BBQ didn’t happen. We were all into chatting and laughing, the older children either watching football or on the computer, and the rug rats racing around trying to dodge being grabbed and hugged every 10 minutes, LOL! It was getting late; tomorrow a work day for most of us. The oldest son and daughter decided to gather their group and stop at a restaurant on the way home. My son J. and his lady let the little ones bathe in the Jacuzzi before donning their p.j.’s and heading back to his own place; he still had plenty to do after being away hunting most of the week. My bro and his daughter left with them, and the doggies and I were alone. I attacked the routine little jobs that one usually does on a weekend; laundry, cleaning up, bring in wood, preparing garbage for pick-up tomorrow (actually, later this morning). It’s all very well to spend hours visiting now and then, but the work DOES sit and wait on you. Eventually it has to get done.

I didn’t get much sleep; my head was too busy. Saturday I learned that my ex-associate was unable, once again, to meet his obligations, and, as feared, it has left my own company in a financial lurch. There was nothing I could do about it during the weekend. Fortunately, with all the family action going on around me, I was able to file it away in the back of my mind, but now plans need to be made. I will have the unpleasant task of contacting, and probably meeting, my bank later this morning. If there is no other way out, I’ll have to dip into my pension savings again. I’m past being upset about it for the moment. It helps that changes are being made at the office and, although it will take time and enormous effort, we all (the employees and I) are feeling very positive that we’ll make good things happen. As my friend, Kilroy, commented, I have my health, I am surrounded by a loving family and friends, so I count my blessings. The most important things are still there.

With that said and done, I’m going to try copping another hour or two of snooze before leaving for the city. My bro and his daughter will be returning here later this afternoon, and tomorrow will be spent dropping her at the airport, and then at the hospital with him. First things first.

It’s to be sunny here today, according to our Weather Network, and that alone tends to make me SMILE. I’m sending it out to y’all, and hoping you pass it on!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec

A SPECIAL GUEST

My brother had never been up to Mont Tremblant. Even with the constant rain during our long drive, he was able to appreciate the spectacular beauty of the mountains and lakes in that area. Then again, we were on our way to meet his daughter, and his mood was such that it could have been a blizzard and he’d have still been jubilant. J. had finished a series of meetings at the Chateau, and was to spend a few days with us before returning to her home in NB. It had been over two years since we had last seen her. She’s a cheerful, giggling person, and having her around is a pleasure.

Both J. and my brother have been staying at my home since her arrival on Friday. There was much catching up to do, and we sat chatting into the wee hours of the morning. I knew my bro needed some alone time with her too, and it just so happened that the HABS were playing hockey both last night and tonight, so it all worked out. I was at one end of the house hollering and dancing as I watched the games, and they sat at the other end trying to hear each other over my noise, LOL! Tomorrow (I should say later today) the rest of my clan (my children and their children) will be joining us for a Sunday BBQ. J. will spent one night with my daughter, then be back here with my bro for Monday. On Tuesday morning I’ll drop her off at the airport for her trip home, then continue on to the hospital for my brother’s appointment with the lung specialist.

Missing two days work will take its toll, of course. I am aware that next weekend needs to be reserved for the business. Believe me, just seeing my bro so happy is worth it. His battle with cancer has been difficult; anything that makes him smile this much is okay with me!

In the meantime, it is nearly 6 AM and I’ve had about 4 hours sleep since yesterday morning. Having company didn’t cure my insomnia even if it did keep me from using the vacuum at 3 AM, LOL! I want to be partially alert when my gang shows up later, so will sign off and attempt finding Morpheus one more time before the sun rises.

Have a good day, folks. It’s a sure thing that it will be fine for me; my family will be here, and that never fails to bring on my SMILE! Sending it your way ……

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

THANKFUL, YOU SAY?

My son J, with his lady and two of the rug rats

My youngest son, J, had left to go hunting up north the Thursday before Thanksgiving. His little lady was home alone with three boys, one 5, one 3, and the youngest, born this June 12th, still nursing, usually every 2 hours or so. The boys are active, especially the 3 year old Bali, and she was nearly at her wit’s end. When I called her the day before our Thanksgiving supper, she admitted that she would rather just attempt to rest than attend.

“Okay,” I offered. “I’ll go pick up the two oldest, and it will give you a break.” I was surprised when she agreed; she’s very protective of her three sons. It did take some coaxing, but more because she was worried that I would be tired from work, that I would be busy cooking, that, being hostess, I would have to see to entertaining duties.

Ha! There was a method behind my madness! My daughter, much loved by both the young rug rats, would be at the house. Also my granddaughter, who is very good at keeping them busy. And Yo, my other DIL, who plays with them constantly whenever she has the chance. My oldest son is the entertainer in our family; the supervision of the boys would be done by more of my prodigy; so all I would actually have to do would be keep an eye on the turkey –yet get as much sticky cuddling as I wanted!!! AND I would still look good because I offered to help out! LOL!! Never underestimate the wisdom of a conniving granny!!

Thanksgiving Day was glorious! My home was filled to the brim with everything for which one could be thankful; most of my children with their significant others, my much loved but deceased sister’s daughter and granddaughter, my brother and Fran, the older grandchildren and the toddlers and doggies, all racing around keeping things lively; and throughout the rooms wafted the smell of roast turkey and savoury dressing and spicy pumpkin pie. You tell me – what more could one want?

My oldest son, always the comedian, kept us roaring with laughter. The youngsters sped up and down the hallway, only stopping when grabbed for the numerous hugs and kisses, then were dumped into the Jacuzzi later in the evening. Their aunt Shan dressed them in p.j.’s, transferred the car seats into her own vehicle for the drive home, and called me back to say that the indomitable Bali was sleeping before the first corner up the road. In the meantime, his mom got to soak at her leisure in a relaxing bath while the baby was sleeping, confident that her older sons were being embraced by a family who love them madly. Later, I learned that my other son, the avid hunter, had caught his first moose. In its own way, Thanksgiving Day was good for both of them too.

Finally it was only me and the doggies. We sat by the fire, relishing the quiet and the warmth. I lifted my last glass of wine and saluted my mom. Thanksgiving was her favourite gathering. I knew she would approve and, wherever she is now, was surely sharing my SMILE!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES

We were still sitting around the table, just finishing up our supper, when the telephone rang. My daughter, who was 16 at the time and considered the device her personal property, grabbed it up on the second ring.

“For you,” she said, hardly hiding her disappointment. She shrugged as she handed me the receiver, her way of telling me she didn’t recognize the caller.

“Hello?” I queried.

“Is this R.B.?” The voice was female, and young, and there was an accent of some kind. I answered that yes, it was me, I heard her take a deep breath. My curiosity was immediately aroused.

There was a moment of silence, then it seemed she decided to take the plunge. “You don’t know me,” she said. Her voice was soft and hesitant. “My name is J.L. but, when I was born, the name on my birth certificate was R.B.”

“What???” Neither my first nor surname is all that common. Had I heard her right? In spite of my rather abrupt response, she continued, her words now tumbling out quickly.

“I was adopted as a baby by a family in New Brunswick. They have been helping me trace my real parents. Someone gave me your number. I hope I’m not making a mistake by calling you?”

When I’m startled, my mind goes scurrying all over the place. Not mine, I was thinking incoherently. I had been pretty wild during the famous ‘60’s. You know - the years of which it is said ‘If you can remember them, you weren’t there’? But no way could I ever forget having a child! Then it came to me. My dad! He had travelled around a lot for his job, and we’ve all heard the travelling salesman jokes. None of this turbulence was evident in my tone when I requested that she go on. She did.

“I found my mother. She lives in Vancouver now, and her name is P.” I recognized the name, and was shaking my head in disbelief even before she confirmed it. “P. tells me that my father was C., and that he is your brother.”

Great Scott! My brother?? The single, man-about-town, bad boy who was definitely NOT the father type in his present state? I groped for and found a chair, then sat as I listened to dates, times; how her mom admitted that my bro had been told there was an abortion, and could I please give her the information to contact her father?

No. Not a good idea. Instead of telling her that I was playing it safe, I said that I would take her information and would relay it to my brother. He would be allowed to make the choice if he wanted to get in touch with her or not. She was disappointed, but agreed, and we made plans to talk again the next day.

My brother lived an 8 hour drive away. Quite sure that he would be partying hard at that time of night, I decided to wait until the next day to warn the new dad. I called around 10 AM, thinking to catch him sober. What I could not have known was that the party was still going on. I thought he was just sleepy when he answered the phone. I told him about the young lady who was looking for her father, and who it was supposed to be.

“That’s a damned thing to hit a man with first thing in the morning!” he declared, then he immediately hung up on me! Okay, so much for that, I thought. I wasn’t really surprised. His way of life left no room for children.

He called back within the hour. “Say that again?” he asked. He was incredulous when he heard the story. He was also ecstatic. His ex-wife had not wanted children, much to his dismay. And now, out of the blue, he had a daughter. He remembered the mother, P., quite well, the events surrounding her teenage pregnancy, and the abortion explanation. “I’ll call her as soon as I quit shaking”, he told me. He did, and it was arranged that we all meet at my house in Quebec within a month’s time. J’s adopted family sent someone to check up on our living conditions first; they loved her dearly and didn’t want to see her hurt. Satisfied, they allowed her to spend a week with us. It changed my brother’s life. He settled down some, moved to my area, and the contact with J., although sporadic because of the distance, has been kept and cherished.

This all happened years ago, but I’ve told this story because J. will be here this weekend. She has a daughter of her own now, and has been more consistent in keeping touch since my brother was diagnosed with cancer. It’s cute to see how excited he gets as he prepares for her visit.

And for me? This weekend my house will be happily full again as my family gathers to welcome her, and that makes me SMILE!!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

THANKSGIVING DAY

I didn’t get one lick of housework done after all, and have company coming later. That means I’ll be racing around, trying to finish up everything before they arrive, and I just hate it when I do this to myself!! (Sigh), as Kabu would say. From hard-earned experience, I know things will turn out okay; the house will end up in some semblance of order, the turkey will be cooked in time, and there will be enough food to go around. And, by the time everyone leaves tonight, yours truly be one wilted flower!

Wanting to be home whenever the electrician would be coming around, I decided to go for the groceries immediately after writing my blog yesterday. The Thanksgiving crowd was out and about town. It was busy everywhere! I returned to the house later than planned, and had only the time to unload the groceries when Helen dropped in. That she needed to talk was evident, so everything was put on hold as I tried to comfort my friend. She had no sooner left than the phone started to ring; from my ex-associate, to friends, to my children. Most of the afternoon was spent clutching an idle dust mop in one hand and the receiver in the other. What’s more, the darned electrician dude never did show up!

Around 5 PM, after a couple of cajoling calls from my Cubans, I decided to go for supper with them after all, hockey or no hockey. Imagine my delight when I arrived at their house to find the oldest son had installed a TV in the dining room, and the HABS were doing their thing! SO COOL! I have to admit that I wasn’t much of a guest. With my eyes glued nearly 100 percent of the time on the screen, my contribution to the conversation around the dinner table was minimal. They did get to watch me yell and dance when the Habs scored the winning goal at the last minute – so I imagine I was dubbed the entertainment for the night, LOL!

I wasn’t late getting back home, but certainly not into housework at that time. I played with the doggies for a bit. After being practically ignored all day, they were quite adamant about receiving loving attention. Then it was into the Jacuzzi, and into bed. Morpheus was very accommodating last night; he held me tight for a straight 6 hours.

The first coffee is out of the way, Kilroy’s blog has been read, so things are looking up. On goes the music, out come the pails & soap – it’s rock ‘n roll on Thanksgiving Sunday! But not before wishing you all a great day, and sending you a huge SMILE!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

GIVING THANKS

This morning the sun kissed my mountain, causing it to blush crimson. There were bright dabs of yellows and greens and orange; colours all mixed up to create a breathtaking view. I pulled on my thick, flannel p.j.’s and joined the doggies on the gallery. We stood there together in the early silence, absorbing the beauty, shivering slightly in the crisp, autumn air. My hands were kept warm by the day’s first cup of steaming coffee; my feet by the furry, boot slippers Suzie had given me a past Christmas.

This will be one of the last chances of the year to enjoy such a sight. The leaves have already started to fall. Soon the branches will be bare and grey, contributing to the eerie but exciting Halloween atmosphere of witches and goblins. Then the snow will come, and my mountain will change its vibrant dress for crystal white. A different picture, but just as awesome in its own way. Nature is the world’s most accomplished artist.

I haven’t done a lick of housework for the past week, so my schedule is full. Dusting, cleaning bathrooms, washing floors, laundry, carrying loads of wood upstairs…all of it made tolerable by the blast of music from the sound system. An electrician (another of my son’s friends) is to stop by. The generator, needed often enough during a winter in the bush, is to be hooked up so that it will start with a push of a button. I don’t mind spending the evening with candles, and the stove and fireplace keep the house warm when the electricity goes off. However, Jacuzzi freak that I am, I want to make sure there will be no lack of water. Even more important…well, I don’t have to mention how I feel about the TV going off in the middle of a hockey game, do I?

I’m invited to my Cuban’s home for supper tonight, but the Habs are playing, and my friends are not into that sport, so I doubt that I’ll attend. Tomorrow my son and Yoshiko are coming to spend the day. My brother, maybe my daughter with her family, and my niece with her new BF will arrive to share our Thanksgiving turkey. My youngest lad is away up north hunting moose, so I’m not sure his lady and my three little rug rats will join us. When you are alone, it takes some organization to bundle up and transport all that is needed for a family that size. Maybe if one of our group goes to give her a hand….we’ll see.

Enough with the procrastination! I enjoy writing much more than chasing dust bunnies, but the house won’t clean itself, so I need to shake a leg.

To all my Canadian friends out there, I send warm wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving. And for those of you whose calendar does not designate this weekend as that holiday – well – we can celebrate with thanks anyway, right? Except maybe the turkeys, LOL!

SMILES to y’all!!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

SLEEP, LACK OF

Not much sleep in the past three days. When I was younger, my insomnia didn’t seem to be such a pain in the butt. I could party late with the best of them, and the next morning was still in good shape to get my children up and off to school, then complete my own work day, being very little the worse for wear. About once or twice a week, I would snooze a good 8 to 12 hours in a row, and all was fine. The cycle, although irregular, would begin all over again. I was used to it, as was my family. It actually was quite handy at times.

Then age started throwing a wrench into the works; my body would keep going but the brain shifted into neutral. I’m not a fan of medication, so I tried to find different solutions to the problem. I’m not sure how many books I have on ‘sleeping habits’; there was yoga, then exercise, then meditation. Each of them worked for a short while. It may be a hereditary thing. My mom only started to sleep when she hit 70, probably because the amount of pills she took by that time would have put down a small horse, permanently! That’s not a road I want to walk.

Needless to say, the type of work I do requires that my brain be alert. Accounting, for some reason, has a reputation for being boring. It’s not. It is challenging, and even more so when one realizes that a slight mistake can show a very different picture. Clients depend on you to be accurate, a greedy government badgers you constantly, and your employees are confident that you will catch any error THEY may make before it goes too far. If one also adds hours of driving to the equation, it’s easy to see that a sleepy brain is not an option. So now what?

I haven’t got the faintest idea.

In the meantime, seeing that I’ve slept only 12 hours in the past 3 days, and that is now 6 AM and nearly time to leave for the office, and that there is no way I’ll be able to drive in my present zombielike state, I shall sign off and go looking for Mr. Morpheus. Hopefully he will agree to spend another couple of hours with me.

Fortunately, the lack of sleep has not made me grouchy, only dozy, so I can still send you my SMILE. The eyes may be slightly vacant, but the feeling is sincere, and that counts.

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

THE MEETING

It’s 5 AM. The elusive Morpheus didn’t stick around very long. Maybe he was carried away on those strong winds I hear blowing outside. The doggies decided they might as well go out, seeing that I was up anyway. When I opened the door I noted that the air is quite warm. It’s still too early for Indian summer, isn’t it? Doesn’t that usually happen in mid or late October? I don’t believe we’ve had the first killing frost…or maybe I just didn’t notice. It could have happened during one of the rare times I actually slept longer than 4 hours in a row.

Most of the day yesterday was spent on the telephone (for business purposes), which meant that I hardly made a dent in the huge boxes of files I had carried home. I did meet the client though, then stopped in at my daughter’s house just in time to join her for supper. She enjoyed her visit to Las Vegas, mostly because of the Cirque de Soleil show she attended, but said she wouldn’t bother returning there, the scare on the airplane aside. None of my family is very awed by ‘glitter and glamour’. Put us beside a lake or an ocean or at the hockey arena, or throw a huge family party, and we’re happy.

My associate arrived very late from his out-of-town meeting. I could tell he was tired, and offered to reschedule our appointment, but I think he was just as anxious to clear the air as I was. We have been friends for a long time, and neither of us wanted to lose that part. He understood what I was saying, and the reasoning behind it, and agreed that the changes were necessary. He even offered some good suggestions to make things easier. I did note that he had more information than I had bestowed, which tells me there is someone in my office who is not respecting confidentiality. From his slip, I knew immediately who it was. That ‘someone’ will be told later today to pack up and leave by the end of next week. There is no room in our new organisation for a blabbermouth (my grandma’s terminology), or someone who plays both sides of the fence in an attempt save his own butt at the expense of others.

I can hear Bud snoring on his cushion. The sound is so comfortable that I think I’ll try bed one more time. It would be great if I could get another hour or so of snoozing before leaving for the office. If that happens, I am SMILING! It doesn’t take much, does it? I hope your smiles come easy today too!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec

THE IMPORTANT THINGS

I was getting worried. It was 9:30 PM and I still hadn’t heard from my daughter, who was supposed to arrive back from Las Vegas at 7 PM. I didn’t have the flight number, so couldn’t check on the internet for delays. When I tried to call her cellular phone, there was no answer, and her voice mail was full. I guessed I wasn’t the only one who was wondering what had happened.

There was nothing to be done but wait. Finally, around 10:30 PM, she called. Her plane had just landed. First, there was a late take-off from LA, then ‘turbulence, Mom – so bad that I was crying. I didn’t think we’d get out of it alive!!’ Like me, Shan is not crazy about flying. When one has that attitude even before boarding, any disturbance during the journey will bring the worst scenario to mind. One sort of hopes all will be well, but subconsciously expects the worst to happen. She told me she enjoyed Las Vegas, but I have the feeling it will be awhile before she decides to fly anywhere again.

I’m working from home today, but later this morning have to see a client not far from Shan’s home. I’ll make a point of stopping in to give her a huge hug. I absolutely refuse to think of the call I could have received…and once again say Thank You for my blessings. The most meaningful things in my life are still there; anything else is extra, and can be negotiated.

One of my associates got in touch with me very early this morning too. We are to meet later this afternoon. My decision for dissolving the companies we share has been made, and the necessary paperwork started. It has been discussed more than once, but he either was not listening, or refuses to entertain the fact that it is going to happen. Maybe the difference in my attitude these past few days is more convincing. Whatever. The meeting may not be pleasant, but is sure to be interesting.

Okay, back to the grind I go. Coffee break is over and, although the computer allows me to work in my p.j.’s, I don’t think the client I am to meet would be so accommodating, LOL! Unfortunately, I need to get dressed.

Hope your day is awesome, folks. SMILE as often as you can; it is something we can all do for no reason at all!! I’m wearing mine now as I send you my

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

WOOD AND SOUP

We got it done! The whole 10 cords are nicely stacked in the garage. Well, my rows are slightly off kilter and have a few more spaces. Helen and the lad did a fine, neat job; their rows are like a piece of art, especially when you compare them to mine. They only teased me a little, then seemingly accepted my statement about the air circulating better with more space between the pieces. I’m guessing that I only imagined one of them murmuring “IF they don’t all topple because it isn’t tight enough”. Just in case that WAS what I heard, when I put my truck into the garage tonight I parked it a safe distance away from the wood.

Because of the toll on my body, which is not used to so much physical activity at one time, I wasn’t up to getting much else done this weekend. Helen’s husband joined us after our labour for a coffee and a chat. I didn’t want to be rude and start doing my washing or mopping my floors with them sitting there! (That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!) When they left, I realized I had no edible food in the house except for Justi’s tantalizing little jars, and those are meant to accompany the main course; not be it! Armed with three recyclable bags, I headed for the grocery store.

One should never shop for food when one is hungry. I spent far more than I intended. Even worse, most of my purchases were fruits and vegetables, so I can’t pretend that it will last me for a month. When I got back home, I lugged the 5 bags (yes, I bought 2 extra) upstairs, then realized that there were more things that needed refrigeration than there was room in the appliance. Sunday is ‘cleaning-out-fridge-before-things-jump-out-at-you’ day, but I was stacking wood, remember? Sunday is also homemade soup day…and maybe I shouldn’t talk about both events in the same paragraph? It doesn’t sound very appetizing. Honestly, my ‘leftover’ soups are known to be very tasty. Because I use whatever doesn’t run away when I open the fridge door, I couldn’t for the life of me give anyone the recipe. (Kidding.)

I did salvage some beef pieces - threw them into a pot with green peppers, shallots, sliced some mushrooms and carrots, added fresh cilantro and cumin, a bit of garlic and a touch of hot sauce, a little Worcestershire, a chunk of frozen beef stock, whole grain brown rice and red kidney beans. (The recipe thing works if I write it as I go, LOL!). The mixture simmered while I discarded whatever wasn’t good from the fridge before restocking that huge, hungry bugger. By the time I finished the task, my concoction was ready for the taste test. YUM! Delicious! It never fails.

It is now midnight. I’ve done the Jacuzzi, the fires are stoked, (it’s frisky cool here in Canada!), the doggies are snuggled up on their cushions, and tomorrow is a workday. It’s time for me to crawl into my comfy bed and, hopefully, fall into the arms of Morpheus.

Hoping you are all having sweet dreams, my friends, and that you can feel my warm SMILE when you wake in the morning!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

MY FRIEND P.

Grumble, grumble…with all the anticipation of being able to actually watch the first period of hockey on TV instead of having to listen to it on the car radio during my drive home…it didn’t happen. The continual rain on Thursday knocked out my satellite. Then my internet. I had given up, and settled into bed with one of my new books and…off goes the electricity. It was 8:33 PM. The only good answer was to get in some snooze time. I woke once during the night; the clock said 10:30 PM, and the hydro was back. Realizing that the game would already be over, I stumbled up to turn off a few lights, then crawled back into the arms of Morpheus…. until 5 the next morning! Awesome! Insomniacs will rejoice with me, realizing how rare and how welcome is such a long sleep.

I’m sitting here now waiting on a truck to come and deliver 10 cords of firewood. I guess I don’t need to tell you what I’ll be doing for the rest of the day. It’s very handy having a huge garage; no digging the stuff from under the snow during the winter for me. Earlier, I moved my truck outside, got the backhoe out of the way, and did some shifting of articles that tend to accumulate in front of the woodpile each summer.

There is a young man who will be coming to give me a hand. His dad, a very close friend of mine, was my ‘right arm’ during the years I worked for the municipal recreation department.

I’m remembering those days now. I can still picture P. as an adolescent, sitting at the Clubhouse door when I arrived each morning. His family was large, and very poor. He was skipping school more often than not. Aware that he wouldn’t attend anyway, I thought it better to keep him occupied rather than let him wander in the streets. For a couple of years it was all volunteer work; his only reward was a few dollars and a free hamburger or soft drink now and then, but of course he was included in any activity that was going on, including the numerous ‘get togethers’ in my young family. Missing my brother, who was away in the army at the time, I took P. under my wing. When a full time job did became available, he was first to be hired.

Just after he turned 23, P. met the love of his life, who was the daughter of the goalie for my hockey team. Perfect! When they had their baby boy, I received his jubilant call in the middle of the night, and was more than happy to celebrate with him the next day. The baby was only 10 months old when my friend, P., died in a terrible house fire. I cried for days. I have tears in my eyes even as I write this. That’s how much it hurt.

Four years later my brother came to stay with us for a bit. He met P.’s wife, fell in love, and moved in with her. Although it didn’t last forever, one could say that my brother is the closest thing to a dad that P.’s son has ever known. He still is. The lad, now 23 himself, has two children of his own and has moved into the same apartment block as his substitute dad. He is in and out of my brother’s place every day, especially since my brother’s bout with cancer. Whenever I need a good pair of arms, and my sons are not available, I know who to call.


So my wood dude showed up while I was writing the blog. The lad came, as did Helen, and between the three of us the 5 cords were piled in no time! Tomorrow morning there will be 5 more delivered. My two helpers have promised to return early AM to give a hand. Am I spoiled or what???

The sun is out there, and the doggies are standing in the door with a ‘come hither’ expression. I leave you now to take a walk and revel in my mountain’s breathtaking array of colours. It will probably be the last chance to do so this year. The leaves are beginning to fall; I think this weekend is the climax of our Canadian autumn splendour.

Hoping you all have a great weekend, and sending you a huge SMILE! How could I not? There is wood to keep me warm in the winter, it’s a gorgeous day, and the Habs are playing tonight. Ah…but life is good.

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.