So we have another cloudy, rainy day, and it’s sweater/jacket temperature out there too. It still is awfully pretty, with the blossoms on the apple trees, and the others so leafy, waving their various shades of green. The eye is caught by colorful dandelions and daisies and bluebells and baby’s breath all over the property, taking up a good part of the lawn and peeping out from among the huge stones in the rock wall. Some would call them weeds; to me they’re another gift from Mother Nature. Each season has its charm, and we Canadians are blessed in that we have four of them every year.
The only real blah note was the radio’s warning that Hydro Quebec was giving no grace to delinquent accounts. Uh-oh! I’m on that list! I hadn’t recovered from the huge bill occasioned when my house was full of family last fall, then I received another 4 weeks ago showing a cost of 690$/month for the February/March consumption. What???
The Company assured me that it was a real reading of the meter, not just an estimate. I’m still not alone in the house; the kids are living in the basement apartment and, being young, didn’t have the notion of putting on sweaters instead of turning up the heat. Hot water, extra washing/dryer – it all adds up with a female occupant too. In any case, the damage was done; and now it was time to pay up. I called to make a deal, but the announcer was not wrong. As far as Hydro Quebec is concerned, my grace period is over on Monday. A letter had been sent, I was told. Damn. Yes, it had come in when I was not in top shape, so I hadn’t even opened it when I picked it up, then forgot all about it.
UGH! Some frantic collection calls to MY delinquent clients went out on Friday; now I wait and see. I wonder if I could have the Company shut off THEIR electricity if they don’t pay me in time? LOL, fat chance.
I’ve had lots experience with the lack of power during the winter (not for the same reason), so will prepare on Sunday night, filling the tub with water, etc. A positive note is the more favorable weather, so freezing pipes are not a problem, and one doesn’t need to put on a snow suit to go out and use the BBQ for whatever requires heating.
And...I may be getting in a tizzy for nothing. Most times something always shows up when you really need it.
Last, but not least, in the event that things slip up this time, the generator is available to assure that I get to watch my hockey finals, and that alone makes me SMILE!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Friday, May 24, 2013
ESSENCE OF WHAT?
I’ve always loved being crooned to sleep by the sound of rain falling on my tin roof. For some reason the bed feels more comfy, the blankets warmer, and the pillow softer; I’m wrapped up in a cocoon, protected from the elements, safe and sound. It has been happening nearly every night for the past week or so. This is what we used to call April weather, only it’s a month late.
I’m not so crazy about it during the day. The doggies come inside with their feet full of mud, and smelling like dogs do when they’re wet. UGH! I’m used to it by now, of course. That doesn’t mean I like it any better. They are confined to one room until they are dry, but that smell seems to escape and wind itself throughout the house. I don’t care for perfumed sprays. I find they just add another unpleasant odor, and they make doggies and mistress sneeze. I usually have candles and/or incense burning on these occasions. It helps, but I long ago resigned myself to what one could call ‘The Essence of Spring’ around here; wet dog and bug spray.
The joys of living in the bush and owning pets; I wouldn’t want to change it!
Hopefully I’ll have time to edit another chapter of my ‘Wayward Brother’ story and get it posted today. I was reminded last night by a friend how I keep starting stories, but don’t do the endings. Oops. She was right. Sometimes a little shove is all it takes.
In the meantime, sending out those SMILES to y’all, folks. Hope the ‘Essence of Spring’ is not attached to any of them.....
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
I’m not so crazy about it during the day. The doggies come inside with their feet full of mud, and smelling like dogs do when they’re wet. UGH! I’m used to it by now, of course. That doesn’t mean I like it any better. They are confined to one room until they are dry, but that smell seems to escape and wind itself throughout the house. I don’t care for perfumed sprays. I find they just add another unpleasant odor, and they make doggies and mistress sneeze. I usually have candles and/or incense burning on these occasions. It helps, but I long ago resigned myself to what one could call ‘The Essence of Spring’ around here; wet dog and bug spray.
The joys of living in the bush and owning pets; I wouldn’t want to change it!
Hopefully I’ll have time to edit another chapter of my ‘Wayward Brother’ story and get it posted today. I was reminded last night by a friend how I keep starting stories, but don’t do the endings. Oops. She was right. Sometimes a little shove is all it takes.
In the meantime, sending out those SMILES to y’all, folks. Hope the ‘Essence of Spring’ is not attached to any of them.....
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
SLIPPER TRIPPIN'
I woke at 4:30 AM, hopped out of bed, and tripped on my slippers. Ha-ha! Even as I struggled to maintain my balance, I realized how much better I’m feeling. The slipper event is a regular occurrence when I’m healthy. You would think I’d learn to put them out of the way, right? When sick I drag myself slowly up, so have time to register that the darned things are there. This is the first morning it has happened since before my trip to Japan. Love that slipper trippin’, even if it has landed me on my butt more than once!
As I suspected, my doctor’s appointment yesterday was good and bad. Good in that I was there when he called the two clinics that had sent me the ‘dire warning’ letters and we got things straightened out. Nothing so dire at all; in fact, it took a load off my mind. The bad is that he is sending me for more tests (UGH!), and that his assistant got caught out because she hadn’t followed up on the referral to a specialist he had ordered at the end of March. I believe she will be more careful this time, but took copies of the referrals home with me...just in case. If I hear nothing within the next couple of days, I’ll follow it up myself. I’ve learned that one has to be very pro-active when wanting something done. Incompetence seems to reign nowadays – or maybe that’s just my inner grumpy old lady thinking.
The most important thing is that the morale is nearly back to where it should be. It’s raining and gray outside, but inside I have sunshine. I was soooo missing it, that warm, positive feeling so important to day to day living. I was having to hunt for it, talk myself into it, and often just gave up and whined. Not good. Not me.
But I’m back!! And the SMILES going out to y’all today are huge, and warm, and giggling. It's contagious!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
As I suspected, my doctor’s appointment yesterday was good and bad. Good in that I was there when he called the two clinics that had sent me the ‘dire warning’ letters and we got things straightened out. Nothing so dire at all; in fact, it took a load off my mind. The bad is that he is sending me for more tests (UGH!), and that his assistant got caught out because she hadn’t followed up on the referral to a specialist he had ordered at the end of March. I believe she will be more careful this time, but took copies of the referrals home with me...just in case. If I hear nothing within the next couple of days, I’ll follow it up myself. I’ve learned that one has to be very pro-active when wanting something done. Incompetence seems to reign nowadays – or maybe that’s just my inner grumpy old lady thinking.
The most important thing is that the morale is nearly back to where it should be. It’s raining and gray outside, but inside I have sunshine. I was soooo missing it, that warm, positive feeling so important to day to day living. I was having to hunt for it, talk myself into it, and often just gave up and whined. Not good. Not me.
But I’m back!! And the SMILES going out to y’all today are huge, and warm, and giggling. It's contagious!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Monday, May 20, 2013
SUMMER WINE
My nephew texted me from Alberta. His lady was flying out to meet him; they would be visiting Banff, then driving home to New Brunswick, and would be stopping in to sleep over, if I didn’t mind. Of course I didn’t!!
I had never met his girlfriend, but he had already told me that she was into organic products. Ha! Right up my alley. To avoid wasting time, they were hitting fast-food joints along the way, and were looking forward to a decent meal. I pulled out the last of my bionic chickens and stared preparing fresh organic vegetables. There is nothing like a savory Chicken Pot Dinner followed by hot Apple Crisp and French Vanilla ice cream to make things right. Cooking is more fun accompanied by good music and a glass of red wine, so I added those too.
The problem started when we realized that my nephew had misjudged his time of arrival. He was going to be quite a bit later than expected, which meant a delay in cooking. It also meant more time to enjoy my wine. I lowered the oven temperature and, a refilled glass in hand, drifted outside to relax on my gallery.
It didn’t take long for the alcohol to hit me. I imagine my recent illness lowered the usual tolerance. Suddenly I was very, very sleepy. I knew I had time however, so I set my alarm for 45 minutes, and stretched out for a snooze.
It was the smell of very-well-done chicken that woke me. Coming to with a start, I looked at the clock, aghast to find that I had slept through the alarm and then some. It was 3 hours later!!!
I used to be able to bounce out of bed and be immediately alert. Not anymore. I won’t go into my bumbling efforts to catch up. Suffice it to say that the chicken was not past rescuing, I was able to salvage the meal, even if it wasn’t exactly as I liked, and all was presentable, myself included, by the time the young couple arrived. They enjoyed their supper, we chatted until 4 AM, and I expect it will take me a couple of days to recuperate.
In fact, that’s all I accomplished after their departure yesterday – recuperation. I snoozed off and on, glimpsing some of the Rangers/Bruins hockey game (sorry, Jimmy. I was rooting for the Rangers too), but was more able to see the Senators beat the Penguins in a late, 2 overtime period game last night. At one point (don’t ask me when) my son and my Japanese DIL came by for an hour chat, and I believe I made decent conversation. This morning I picked up my phone and noticed that there were some calls I missed too.
Actually, the down time didn’t hurt. Rest is what the doctor ordered, and that is what I’m getting. I can’t remember any weird dreams either, so maybe I’ll just skip the meds next time. Hmmm – I took note of that brand of wine.
Hope all my Canadian friends are having a good holiday. And for all of you, wherever you live, I am sure the SMILES I’m sending out will make it there – they have the knack of finding whoever wants one. There’s probably a few at your door right now!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
I had never met his girlfriend, but he had already told me that she was into organic products. Ha! Right up my alley. To avoid wasting time, they were hitting fast-food joints along the way, and were looking forward to a decent meal. I pulled out the last of my bionic chickens and stared preparing fresh organic vegetables. There is nothing like a savory Chicken Pot Dinner followed by hot Apple Crisp and French Vanilla ice cream to make things right. Cooking is more fun accompanied by good music and a glass of red wine, so I added those too.
The problem started when we realized that my nephew had misjudged his time of arrival. He was going to be quite a bit later than expected, which meant a delay in cooking. It also meant more time to enjoy my wine. I lowered the oven temperature and, a refilled glass in hand, drifted outside to relax on my gallery.
It didn’t take long for the alcohol to hit me. I imagine my recent illness lowered the usual tolerance. Suddenly I was very, very sleepy. I knew I had time however, so I set my alarm for 45 minutes, and stretched out for a snooze.
It was the smell of very-well-done chicken that woke me. Coming to with a start, I looked at the clock, aghast to find that I had slept through the alarm and then some. It was 3 hours later!!!
I used to be able to bounce out of bed and be immediately alert. Not anymore. I won’t go into my bumbling efforts to catch up. Suffice it to say that the chicken was not past rescuing, I was able to salvage the meal, even if it wasn’t exactly as I liked, and all was presentable, myself included, by the time the young couple arrived. They enjoyed their supper, we chatted until 4 AM, and I expect it will take me a couple of days to recuperate.
In fact, that’s all I accomplished after their departure yesterday – recuperation. I snoozed off and on, glimpsing some of the Rangers/Bruins hockey game (sorry, Jimmy. I was rooting for the Rangers too), but was more able to see the Senators beat the Penguins in a late, 2 overtime period game last night. At one point (don’t ask me when) my son and my Japanese DIL came by for an hour chat, and I believe I made decent conversation. This morning I picked up my phone and noticed that there were some calls I missed too.
Actually, the down time didn’t hurt. Rest is what the doctor ordered, and that is what I’m getting. I can’t remember any weird dreams either, so maybe I’ll just skip the meds next time. Hmmm – I took note of that brand of wine.
Hope all my Canadian friends are having a good holiday. And for all of you, wherever you live, I am sure the SMILES I’m sending out will make it there – they have the knack of finding whoever wants one. There’s probably a few at your door right now!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
EARTHQUAKES AND SKIS
I was on one of the upper floors in a tall office building when the rumble began. It increased to a roar and I could feel the floor tilt. I was vaguely aware that I should be trying to run outside, but instead groped for the small plastic bottle of water that was rolling around at my feet. There was a fleeting thought that the water would come in handy if I managed to stay alive and got trapped under brick and stone.
Then the shaking stopped. The building was listing dangerously, so I headed for the stairway at a run. I was hurrying past an open door in the corridor when I heard Susie’s voice (the Cuban one). She was talking to someone, and laughing. I stopped and glanced in, calling for her. She and a couple of other girls were standing around a table stacked with clothing. Susie turned with a sweater she had in her hands and held it up. ‘What do you think?” she asked me. “Would it suit me better in green?”
I was flabbergasted! The damned building could collapse any second and they were doing home shopping!!! Suzie was still laughing and pooh-poohing my fears when I woke from that first dream.
The second dream seemed shorter. My body was hurting all over, and I felt as ill as I’ve ever felt in my whole life. I was struggling to get out of bed, and realised how weak I was. My long-time friend, Dawna, was in the bathroom, attired in ski suit and tuque, her skis in hand.
“We’re just going out to do the trail in the back,” she told me cheerfully, as she pulled on her mittens.
I don’t even have the energy to pull on mittens, I was thinking silently. I expressed my thought aloud to her, then added, “I’m preparing to die, and you’re preparing to go skiing.”
“Okay,” she answered. ‘Well, I’ll say goodbye now then, in case you’re not here when I get back.” I’m not sure if she was still there or had already gone when I woke from that dream. There was nothing sad or frightened or angry in what I was feeling. It was just simply a fact; life goes on.
I strongly suspect that the medication is the reason for the colorful events in my sleep. What is weird is that the day after dreaming about the earthquake, one actually happened. The scale was only 5.1, and nothing tilted, but I was slightly uneasy when I remembered my dream. Later, chatting on the phone, Susie laughed when I asked her if she had felt it. “No,” she answered. “I was trying on that green sweater.”
Just the same, I think I’ll call Dawna and make sure her ski suit has been tucked away for the summer. I’m wondering too if there’s any way I could force myself to dream about Brad Pitt....or maybe George Clooney....
Sharing a huge SMILE with y’all!!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec
Then the shaking stopped. The building was listing dangerously, so I headed for the stairway at a run. I was hurrying past an open door in the corridor when I heard Susie’s voice (the Cuban one). She was talking to someone, and laughing. I stopped and glanced in, calling for her. She and a couple of other girls were standing around a table stacked with clothing. Susie turned with a sweater she had in her hands and held it up. ‘What do you think?” she asked me. “Would it suit me better in green?”
I was flabbergasted! The damned building could collapse any second and they were doing home shopping!!! Suzie was still laughing and pooh-poohing my fears when I woke from that first dream.
The second dream seemed shorter. My body was hurting all over, and I felt as ill as I’ve ever felt in my whole life. I was struggling to get out of bed, and realised how weak I was. My long-time friend, Dawna, was in the bathroom, attired in ski suit and tuque, her skis in hand.
“We’re just going out to do the trail in the back,” she told me cheerfully, as she pulled on her mittens.
I don’t even have the energy to pull on mittens, I was thinking silently. I expressed my thought aloud to her, then added, “I’m preparing to die, and you’re preparing to go skiing.”
“Okay,” she answered. ‘Well, I’ll say goodbye now then, in case you’re not here when I get back.” I’m not sure if she was still there or had already gone when I woke from that dream. There was nothing sad or frightened or angry in what I was feeling. It was just simply a fact; life goes on.
I strongly suspect that the medication is the reason for the colorful events in my sleep. What is weird is that the day after dreaming about the earthquake, one actually happened. The scale was only 5.1, and nothing tilted, but I was slightly uneasy when I remembered my dream. Later, chatting on the phone, Susie laughed when I asked her if she had felt it. “No,” she answered. “I was trying on that green sweater.”
Just the same, I think I’ll call Dawna and make sure her ski suit has been tucked away for the summer. I’m wondering too if there’s any way I could force myself to dream about Brad Pitt....or maybe George Clooney....
Sharing a huge SMILE with y’all!!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec
Friday, May 17, 2013
HO-HUM
When I opened the bathroom cupboard to pull out my last box of tissues, I realized that I have gone through 12 large boxes within the last 2 weeks. That’s a lot of nose blowing, and I know it’s not over yet. With each day I feel better, mostly due to resting as much as anyone possibly can without being in a convalescence home. So far I have managed to ignore the dust gathering in the corners of the house, and the yard debris that was once covered by beautiful, white snow, and the glaring evidence of repairs to be done. I’ve decided to give myself until Monday for this healing thing. I don’t want to end up back on my butt again by throwing myself into it too soon.
Susie (the Cuban one) has been coming in to help for office work, and my daughter took a day to come by and wash all my floors. It was a great morale booster. They say that we’ll have sunshine for the upcoming long weekend – another way to coax me back into action. Because I haven’t really been outside, I didn’t experience last week’s influx of pesky black flies. It snowed here on Sunday and Monday, and was cold enough to reactivate the fireplace, so hopefully those little buggers have seen their numbers reduced.
Other than NHL playoffs, and some very weird dreams caused by the medication, it has been mostly ‘ho-hum’ in the bush. The energy level is still low, so it’s just as well.
Sorry about the boring post, folks, but I’ll do better next week. I just wanted to come in and say hello, tell you that I’m still around, and to send you some SMILES!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Susie (the Cuban one) has been coming in to help for office work, and my daughter took a day to come by and wash all my floors. It was a great morale booster. They say that we’ll have sunshine for the upcoming long weekend – another way to coax me back into action. Because I haven’t really been outside, I didn’t experience last week’s influx of pesky black flies. It snowed here on Sunday and Monday, and was cold enough to reactivate the fireplace, so hopefully those little buggers have seen their numbers reduced.
Other than NHL playoffs, and some very weird dreams caused by the medication, it has been mostly ‘ho-hum’ in the bush. The energy level is still low, so it’s just as well.
Sorry about the boring post, folks, but I’ll do better next week. I just wanted to come in and say hello, tell you that I’m still around, and to send you some SMILES!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Monday, May 13, 2013
PILLS AND DOGS
Sunday:
Since my return from Japan, I’ve been sick, and sicker. The doctor stuffed me with medication, for which the side effects are as bad as the disease, and I finished it last night...finally! Maybe it’s all in my head, but it seems I am feeling much better today mostly because the pills are done. I’m looking forward to feeling like a human again, and eating something other than chicken soup, which was coming back up nearly as soon as it went down anyway.
My daughter is having a gathering of the clan at her home this afternoon. Well, part of the clan anyway. I’m not sure my youngest son will attend with the Rug rats – at the end of our phone conversation this morning he told me he might drop in. I may have laid a bit of a guilt trip on him (smirk), but we know each other well, and he was aware of what I was doing, and if he hadn’t felt that I was right he’d have told me immediately. I hope he does show up; I haven’t seen my grandsons since his last visit here, in January, I believe, when his lady expressed extreme displeasure that he had dared come to visit his mom without her authorization. I guess the less I say about that, the better.
Just a note about my doggie situation: During the same week that Naut posted the story about his Ben being attacked, a situation occurred here too. I was sitting out on my gallery enjoying our beautiful weather. Grump and Louka were relaxing beside me, and Smooch was in the yard, playing with a ball just on top of the hill. Suddenly the neighbour’s two killer dogs came running from the bush. Remember those dogs who had attacked Smooch when he was a puppy, and I retaliated by whacking their owner with a shovel? Yep, the same ones.
My heart was in my mouth. I knew I was too weak to fend off their charge – I would never make it in time. I saw Smooch lift his head, go completely still for a moment, his tail straight out, then he bounded toward them. I yelled at Grump and Louka, who were already on the move, but they would have to make it down the stairs then the hill before helping out.
Guess what? Smooch is no longer a puppy. He’s a big boy now. He weighs in around 110 pounds, and is tall; I’m pretty sure he has some mastiff in his bloodline. Was it his size? Or his self assured attitude that he was defending his property? Whatever the reason, those two invaders turned and ran like the dickens back home, Smooch right behind them, and Louka and Grump right behind him. I could no longer see what was happening, but I heard the owner yell at them all, then he was trying to calm them down. There was some barking but no sounds of fighting. I waited. Maybe 15 minutes later my boys came home, tongues lolling, quite proud of themselves. I don’t expect total peace for the future, but I do believe that there will be more respect among our canines.
Monday:
I left to spend an enjoyable Mother’s Day at my daughter’s, so am finishing my post up the next day. The Rug Rat’s daddy didn’t join us yesterday, but came by here this morning for coffee. It was great to see him. We had a nice chat, put some cards on the table, and hugged each other tightly, and more than once, when he left. It will take more than a princess to break up my family.
Belated Happy Mother’s Day to y’all, and of course a big, warm SMILE!!!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Since my return from Japan, I’ve been sick, and sicker. The doctor stuffed me with medication, for which the side effects are as bad as the disease, and I finished it last night...finally! Maybe it’s all in my head, but it seems I am feeling much better today mostly because the pills are done. I’m looking forward to feeling like a human again, and eating something other than chicken soup, which was coming back up nearly as soon as it went down anyway.
My daughter is having a gathering of the clan at her home this afternoon. Well, part of the clan anyway. I’m not sure my youngest son will attend with the Rug rats – at the end of our phone conversation this morning he told me he might drop in. I may have laid a bit of a guilt trip on him (smirk), but we know each other well, and he was aware of what I was doing, and if he hadn’t felt that I was right he’d have told me immediately. I hope he does show up; I haven’t seen my grandsons since his last visit here, in January, I believe, when his lady expressed extreme displeasure that he had dared come to visit his mom without her authorization. I guess the less I say about that, the better.
Just a note about my doggie situation: During the same week that Naut posted the story about his Ben being attacked, a situation occurred here too. I was sitting out on my gallery enjoying our beautiful weather. Grump and Louka were relaxing beside me, and Smooch was in the yard, playing with a ball just on top of the hill. Suddenly the neighbour’s two killer dogs came running from the bush. Remember those dogs who had attacked Smooch when he was a puppy, and I retaliated by whacking their owner with a shovel? Yep, the same ones.
My heart was in my mouth. I knew I was too weak to fend off their charge – I would never make it in time. I saw Smooch lift his head, go completely still for a moment, his tail straight out, then he bounded toward them. I yelled at Grump and Louka, who were already on the move, but they would have to make it down the stairs then the hill before helping out.
Guess what? Smooch is no longer a puppy. He’s a big boy now. He weighs in around 110 pounds, and is tall; I’m pretty sure he has some mastiff in his bloodline. Was it his size? Or his self assured attitude that he was defending his property? Whatever the reason, those two invaders turned and ran like the dickens back home, Smooch right behind them, and Louka and Grump right behind him. I could no longer see what was happening, but I heard the owner yell at them all, then he was trying to calm them down. There was some barking but no sounds of fighting. I waited. Maybe 15 minutes later my boys came home, tongues lolling, quite proud of themselves. I don’t expect total peace for the future, but I do believe that there will be more respect among our canines.
Monday:
I left to spend an enjoyable Mother’s Day at my daughter’s, so am finishing my post up the next day. The Rug Rat’s daddy didn’t join us yesterday, but came by here this morning for coffee. It was great to see him. We had a nice chat, put some cards on the table, and hugged each other tightly, and more than once, when he left. It will take more than a princess to break up my family.
Belated Happy Mother’s Day to y’all, and of course a big, warm SMILE!!!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
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