ANOTHER BIRTHDAY.

Yesterday (Jan 6th) was my bro, Bird’s birthday. In spite of my determination to take time off, I did work for most of the day, but from home, by telephone and computer. Because of this, I was able to invite Bird & Fran for a birthday supper. Bird didn’t eat much, he never does, but there was music playing, the fires on, and Fran & I sang Happy Birthday to him as he blew out his one, big candle on the cake. It was a nice evening, especially because we have been unable to do this for so long, what with my hectic schedule. The doctors told him that two years without the cancer coming back (his type, anyway) is the magic mark – and it will be that long at the end of February this year. So far, so good.

And today, January 7th, is my youngest brother’s birthday. Pody lives in NB with his family, and it’s for sure he won’t be coming here for supper, LOL, but I expect he’ll be celebrating it down in Moncton, maybe with lobster? Will give him a ring tonight and let you know tomorrow.

My only granddaughter, Erika, is starting a full time session in Sir- John-Abbott College this month. It will be the first time our small-town girl lives away from home, but she is sharing an apartment with some of her brother’s friends, so it’s not like she is a lone fledgling in the big, strange city. I’m sure she will enjoy the experience. She does very well in her studies, besides working part-time, and we’re proud of her!

My oldest pit-bull, Bud, has been diagnosed with skin cancer. Tonight is his appointment with the vet surgeon, who should be able to tell me if it’s operable or not, and what procedures need to be taken. Bud is 9 years old, which is old enough for a rock-n-roll pit, but I’m very attached to him, so I’ll do all that is feasible help him out.

I was to go to the office in Montreal today, but the girls are holding the fort quite well in my absence, so I believe I’ll just work from home again. I know I need to get some things done for the Mirabel office, but that can be done from here too. I might as well take advantage of it, because with high season starting, and Yoshiko leaving for Japan on Jan. 17th, I doubt there will be an occasion to get time off before the end of April. Even if it’s not a complete rest from the business, these last couple of days have at least given me some breathing space, and I feel better already. The cold is still in my system, but I don’t feel so fatigued, some of the energy is seeping back, and that’s a good thing. Maybe I’ll be in shape soon to challenge my friend, Kilroy, to a game of tennis, LOL!

I’ve promised that I’ll get back to blogging in here at least every second day during the year 2010. It’s only the first week, so we shall see if I’m able to keep the vow. I missed doing it, so will try my best!

Have a good day, people. I hope you have all started the New Year with a big SMILE, and that you are spending it freely! It will surely help to warm this winter’s chill!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

TIMES, THEY ARE A CHANGIN'...

I don’t know if I’m running slower, or if time is flying away faster. Maybe a little of both? It seems I turn my head for a second and the next thing I know, I’m at the end of another day…then week…and now summer. Whether we like it or not, the leaves are already changing colours, the night air is friskier, and the grandchildren’s birthdays are here.

My daughter’s children were all born in the fall. Today Erika is 17, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERIKA! From a cute little girl – ‘sugar & spice’ - she has become a beautiful young lady; attending Dawson college, working at a grocery store, and has bought her first car. Shan’s youngest, Raphael, will be 12 next week, and has entered high school this year, another fact that has me shaking my head in wonder. Her oldest, Fred, turns 19 in October. He now has fulltime employment with a good company and is pulling in a salary higher than either his mom or grandmother….how about that?? Scattered among the grandchildren’s dates are the B-days of my god-daughter, who will also be 19 on the unforgettable date of September 11th; and my deceased sister’s only grandchild, who turns 11 just before celebrating Fred in October.

Yes, the two months put a bit of a dent in the wallet, but the realization of how they are children no longer is what really floors me. Mind you, I’m not complaining. They are all great kids, and I realize how lucky our family is that our offspring are happy, and safe, and building their own lives as quasi-adults. It’s just that I can’t shop for them in the toy section now, and this granny, who always considered herself pretty hip, finds herself at a loss when choosing their gifts. It used to be so easy with the dolls or the Tonka trucks or soccer balls. Now these kids are rattling off names of boutiques that I’ve never even heard of. As a teen, I’d have been highly insulted if anyone bought me clothes from a ‘Garage’. And how many types of shoes does ‘Puma’ make, for heaven’s sake? Then there’s the Wii, which, when my kids were little, meant find a bathroom, and quickly! I hate to admit it, but I usually cop out and just hand them a card with money, or fall back on my daughter’s knowledge (because she HAS kept up with the times) and hand her the envelopes and the power of choice. No way will I be accused of being like my own grandmother, who would show up with gifts like bloomers and pink ankle socks when I was already a derisive teen in bell-bottoms and Jesus sandals, LOL!

So the beat goes on. Because I also find that it takes me longer to make myself presentable in these early hours, I had better get a move on if I want to get to the office in time. One thing I don’t have a problem with is finding my SMILE, so I send mine out to y’all as I wish you a great day!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.