Trick 'n Treat

Tonight the most adorable puppy showed up 

at my home trick n' treating. 

Elyssa loved her new pumpkin light, I don't think she put

it down from the time I gave it to her! 

After a short visit it was time for the pink poodle to be

on her way. After two stops (one at Grandma's, the other at Grammy's) 
Elyssa had to go home to bundle up a bit more and  empty her 
pumpkin pail so she could go back out for more treats. 

I also can't let a Halloween go by without including 

Abbie; however, I think that she's tired of her orange

costume. So now I'm thinking Abbie needs a new costume next 

year, it's quite apparent she's tired of this one!  

It was pretty chilly out tonight, they said that with the windchill

 it was about -15c, it's no wonder I only had about

20 children show up at my door, but these children went away happy. 

I was trying to get rid of the candy and everyone got a good 

haul from my place... and I still have leftovers! 

Happy Halloween

Today while I was out shopping I found the cutest little 
pumpkin light for Elyssa. I've been playing around with the photos 
I've taken of it and so far this is what I've come up with...

As they say... and that's a wrap! 
Hope you all have a wonderful day!

It's the Little Things

Recently I was shopping at Home Depot, I was looking for lights for the new bedroom which is nearing completion. I like to check in their clearance lights because sometimes they have some magnificent sales. Sure enough I came across a beautiful light fixture, not for the new bedroom, but for the living room. 

I'll take you for a walk down memory lane. 

When I moved into this house the living room looked like this...

notice the tacky track lighting, not to mention the pink walls! 

After some work I had decided on this light fixture and did away 

with the horrid track lighting. 

The new light was nice but not quite what I had in mind. 

This is the newest light I found in the clearance department... 

It's funny how one little item can enhance the look of a room, I love

 the new light and this one is here to stay. 

Sometimes it is the little things which make a difference; 

the little price tag was an added bonus! 

Brrrr

Well it looks like our winter has arrived, 

judging by the look on Abbie's face she's about 

as pleased with this as I am. 

Where It All Began

I was downtown today and thought I'd stop by my old college, 
this is where my educational journey began 5 years ago. 

 

I can remember the first day of classes like it was yesterday. I got on the bus and every stop that bus made I was tempted to charge off that bus, cross the road and head straight back home. But I didn't, I kept on going.

 Once I arrived at the college I swear the door weighed at least 500 pounds, my heart was pounding, my palms were sweaty and I questioned over and over again why I was doing this. Fear and intimidation had me second guessing myself; it had been 24 years since I had been in the classrooms, you bet I was freaked right out. With shaky knees I forged on, I pushed through my fears I somehow opened those doors, found my classroom and the rest, well as they say, is history social work.

 

Today I understand what Roosevelt meant when he said the "Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself”. Thank goodness I pushed through my fears, not only have I grown academically, I have grown as an individual. I'm not sure just how much I've grown though and I'm alright with that...

 

I'm cutting it close and might get away with not having to grow up!

Halloween Cookies

Tonight was quality time with Elyssa; we decorated Halloween cookies 

and what I'm not too sure about is who had more fun, me or Elyssa. 

I was browsing through quotes tonight and found this one, 

I thought I'd share it because it's so true! 

Grandparents are similar to a piece of string -
handy to have around and easily wrapped around 
the fingers of their grandchildren.

 ~Author Unknown

Joy of Cooking

I can remember one of my first cookbooks, it was called the Joy of Cooking. I am a self taught cook and that book helped me to learn basics, from there I experimented with various ingredients in many different dishes and today I seldom use cookbooks until it comes to baking, even then I'll alter the recipe sometimes. 

 I was about 16 years old when I obtained my first version of this book and I literally wore it out; this is the second copy I've bought. Today I flipped to page 709 and found my peanut butter cookie recipe, I only added one extra ingredient which was honey roasted peanuts chopped up. The cookies turned out fantastic! I had to try one to make sure they were as good as I'd imagined them to be; I'm sure I'll have no complaints. 

When I'm in the mood for cooking I find immense joy in putting together a meal, when I'm not in the mood for cooking I find immense joy in living across the street from a pizza parlor.  

I began to wonder if this book could still be purchased and it can be, it's through Amazon.com for anyone who is interested. The book through Amazon is the 75th anniversary edition from 2006. They've been around for quite some time!

Photo Shoot

Today I went out with a young lady who is a friend of mine

and did a photoshoot for her. I'd offered to do this quite some time

 ago and finally we both had a free day, unfortunately it was a cool 

one today, but we went out just the same. 

Here's a few of my favorite from what I've gone through this far...

We braved the cold and went down to one of the parks still open to public. 

I'm surprised there's still geese here; today the temperature dipped 

down to-3c and there was a very cold wind. 

 Silly girl braved the cold and even took her jacket off for a few photos, 

before long she put it back on though! 

It's been a fun learning day for me, I'm practicing shooting portraits lately...

when I can find people who don't mind their photo being taken you bet

I'll volunteer to do a few shots... or a few hundred I should say! 

If anybody has any suggestions for me please feel free to add them to 
your comments. I love hearing others opinions and advice, 
how else will I learn if I don't ask? :-)

Productive Day

Today was a productive day; I canned applesauce, baked 3 loaves of banana bread, 

2 with chocolate chips and I tried one with fresh cranberries. The banana chocolate chip loaves are naturally awesome, that's because there's chocolate in them! The cranberry loaf was pretty good and the applesauce is delicious. While I was cooking the applesauce I added a bit of honey and a few cinnamon sticks... scrumptious! 

When I bake I like to use applesauce instead of oil, this really cuts down on the fats 

and nobody knows the difference, well unless I tell them. Today I also started doing a bit of decluttering, I see this is going to take a bit longer than anticipated but no worries, it's all good as I have the time to do things like this now that I'm taking a break from my studies. 

Note to Self

I was in search of one item yesterday which I knew I could only purchase at WalMart, forgetting what this store is like on a Sunday I foolishly pulled into the parking lot, parked and entered chaos. I figured I was there anyways so why not get what I came for. Bravely I forged my way through the crowded aisles, I found what I was in search of and was hoping for a quick exit. No such luck, there was maybe 7 cash registers open, which is almost like Christmas, the express lanes were a mile deep so I settled in for the wait, I pulled out my phone and began to creep people on facebook, don't tell me you've never done that before! :-) I was joking with this one gentleman in front of me as three cashiers tried to resolve one issue I said if they could only resolve whatever issue it was and open up another register that would really make my day. The next thing I knew the one cashier opened up her register and before I knew it I was out the door! 

Chaos at WalMart

 Note to Self:
 Stay away from WalMart on weekends, 
under no circumstances do not even think 
of going to this zoo unless it's past 10pm! 

Playing with Photos

Today I was capturing a few shots for Halloween,
 I was sitting here playing with a few of the photos 
and here's what I came up with. 
I thought this first one looked a bit boring...

so I added some life to it...

I also took a photo of a skeleton (as well as a few other things)
while I was in the Dollar Store,

 it wasn't too bad of a photo...

Nonetheless I was playing with this new program 

and added about 4 different effects to this photo, 

here's what I came up with....

I think that gave this photo a bit more of a 

Halloween look. Kind of creepy if you ask me

but it's all in the spirit of Halloween so why not eh? 

This and That

Whyte Ave, not yet but it will be soon enough with winter just around the corner. 

Excellent advertisement and valid point, but I'm guessing 
they'll be putting this sign away soon though with our 
winter wonderland just around the corner.

Last but not least, too cute not to buy for Elyssa! 

(I put the new small purse next to mine for contrast.)

The Chair

The last time I bought a new chair for my desk I put it together 
and never laughed so hard, I put the back of the chair on the 
wrong way and wondered why it wouldn't open up. 
It was late at night, I was super tired that night and I think a tad bit delusional. 
This didn't stop me from trying again... I bought another new chair today. 

After about 1/2  an hour, a few cuss words and perseverance, it all came together. 

My back is already thanking me for this one, 
I've only heard about 3 noises I don't think I should be hearing, 
from the chair that is, 
 but it's still standing and that's what really matters most. 

October

"In the entire circle of the year there are no days so delightful 
as those of a fine October, 
when the trees are bare to the mild heavens,

and the [yellow and] red leaves bestrew the road,

and you can feel the breath of winter, 
morning and evening—no days so calm, 
so tenderly solemn, 
and with such a reverent meekness in the air."

~Alexander Smith

Elyssa and Elmo

There's nothing like a good meal shared with family and a precious 

child to read Elmo to us...

There's something about Elmo which Elyssa loves; I think a lot of children are intrigued by Elmo... is it because he's red? Or could it be that he's so darned cute? Whatever it is I sure enjoyed spending some quality time with family tonight... right and Elmo. 

A Sense of Accomplishment

Today I decided to check out my University site to see how they were coming along with my convocation status... 

I felt so good when I seen my status as approved to convocate in November, I feel a real sense of accomplishment and now I have one less thing to worry about. I wasn't really worried I guess, I was told that I would be convocating as I had met all of the requirements, but to actually see it in writing is almost as exciting as seeing the acceptance letter into university in writing. Onwards and upwards, what will tomorrow bring? I'm not sure, I love surprises so I'll just wait and see what happens next. 

Yahoooo, I've done it, I've actually earned a degree! 

It's All In The Drapes

This never ending reno project is finally coming together; after searching online as well as in who knows how many different stores I finally found drapes which are an excellent match for the bedroom I'm currently working on BUT (always a but eh?) I have to do some alterations. So tonight out comes the sewing machine. 

I bought long drapes, they are for a basement bedroom so I'm making one set out of one panel.  These drapes have the gromets in them and I don't like the way curtains hang with them so off comes the gromets.  I have to wait for one of the panels to come via express post; Bed Bath and Beyond only had one of the panels left in stock and I need two as there are two windows. I hope this all works out... I'm keeping the faith! 

 I find when finishing a room it's all in the drapes, this is what brings a room together and gives it the finished look. So yup, next room I do I'm starting with the drapes. I'll save tons of time if I do. It's funny after all the renovations I've ever done (and that's been a lot!) as much as I keep meaning to do this I always forget until the room is getting close to being finished. Maybe, just maybe, this time I've finally learned; mind you I think I recall saying the same thing the last time I did a room! 

Children's Wish Foundation

Those who follow my blog regularly will know that my daughter Michelle had knee surgery on October 1st, 13 days ago. Before she had found out about her surgery she had started planning a walk for a worthy cause; the walk was to raise funds for terminally ill children and to help their wishes come true.

 Michelle is one determined young lady, I went to pick her up and she shared with me that the lady who was supposed to bring over the wheelchair wasn't going to come to the event. We were headed down there just the same as my daughter was the team captain and felt is was her responsibility to be there. Another lady she works with showed up and the rest of the team didn't make it all for their own reasons. 

First was registration...

(thankfully the wheelchair was dropped off!)

The walk itself, which Michelle told me was 5kms, was a nice brisk walk which I ended up going on with the girls, how that happened is beyond me! Ohhh right, I wanted to take photos! lt really was a beautiful walk. 

And we were off and walking. :-)

To fast forward a bit, we were nearing the end of the walk...

Well done ladies, you are to be commended for your part in helping a child's wish come true! 

Michelle when I look at you I see a part of me, the part I am proud of within myself. Always stay true to your heart, never ever say can't, and you will continue to do well in life. I love you my mini-me! :-)

The Red Piano

Tonight I got together with two wonderful friends, we went out to the Red Piano at West Edmonton Mall.  I'm not sure if West Edmonton Mall is still the largest mall in the world or not, I've heard that there's now others which are bigger. I rarely go to this mall, it's way to big for my liking, but I've always wanted to check out the Red Piano so that we did.

 I tried to make a reservation about two weeks ago, no such luck though; I was told that we needed at least 4 people in our party. We went just the same though and took a chance as it is first come first serve if there are any tables open after the reservations. I was told that there might be room in the pub area, we got there and there weren't any tables in the pub, just bar stools and we didn't want to have a nice dinner this way, but we managed to get a table way in the back corner where we couldn't see the entertainment. 

This place has two pianos and two players perform at the same time, hence being called what it is. The food was delicious, I had blackened salmon and yumm! Once the music started we weren't able to visit anymore, it got way too loud so that wrapped up our evening. I might go back one day to take in the entertainment, I'll just have to ensure it's with someone whom I don't want to be able to converse with. 

So out of 5 I'd give The Red Piano a 3 1/2, it's good but gets loud and they don't take reservations for a party of 3... now if I was thinking, I'd have booked for 4, pretended we were waiting on someone and after half an hour let them know we received a text and our other friend wasn't going to be able to make it after all. That may have worked! 

(photos shot with my trusty cell phone)

The Game

Tonight I went to a fund raiser dinner, at this dinner they were selling small boxes and whoever bought one was told not to open it until we were instructed to do so. I was curious what was in the boxes, but I never peeked, not even once. Sure I felt the weight of not only my two boxes, I also felt the weight of others boxes at the table. I had one really light one and one heavier one. After dinner and a guest speaker it was time for the game. We all opened our boxes and everyone who had a pink pearl was told to sit down. 

As you can see I had a pink pearl BUT I had a second box so I stayed standing. The next to be eliminated was the black pearl, no black pearl here. The third was the purple stone, I had been eliminated and took my seat. There was one more round of eliminations and that left one gentleman standing, he was the winner. 

I like this concept for a game, I think that I'll suggest it for our Christmas party and if we have enough people do symbolic things for the 12 days of Christmas; the partridge in the pear tree would be the winner naturally. 

Things To Do On a Chilly Day

This is what I woke up to, a crisp chilly day and yes, snow. 

I had a lunch date with a good friend and went downtown to meet her, this is what the city looked like today...

I also had an appointment with the University; while I was waiting to see the lady I went down to have a chat with I wondered about the art on the wall, I'd wondered if anybody ever got hurt on this...

After the appointment, one which I decided to submit my application for the Masters degree (Yes, I must be crazy!), I completed my errands and couldn't wait to get home to my warm house. I then decided to get creative myself, I don't know if the wire art inspired me or not, something did and I started another photo album for Elyssa. 

I found plenty to keep me busy and out of trouble on this chilly day, one of these days soon I'd best come out of denial that winter is coming and I'd best dig out my winter gear. All in good time, when I get cold enough it'll happen. 

Getting there

I've been working on the new bedroom for quite some time now, it's getting close to being done and today I picked up the bedding and the curtains. I sure hope I have everything done after this next weekend, that's about enough time to get this project wrapped up... I hope. 

When this project all comes together I'll do another post with before, during and after photos. I love seeing things as they were and what can be done.

Halloween

I haven't forgotten Halloween, after I posted yesterday about Christmas party invites I've had a few people ask me if I'd forgotten and nope, I haven't. Nor has this fella...

This had me wondering if this man celebrates Halloween all year long 
or if he has a special tailgate for every holiday which comes along. 
Kind of makes you wonder eh? 

Preparation

Now with Thanksgiving over it's time to start thinking of Christmas. Every year our family has a huge family Christmas party, the party thus far has been held at a different place each year and this year the party will be hosted by my beautiful daughter Michelle. While she's laid up and can't do too much I suggested we get the invitations ready so we can get them in the mail. Within the next few days these will be good to go and that's the first step in preparing for the party done; the rest will come together as we get closer to the party. Michelle offered her home, I offered to help her prepare for this party and we're going to have us some fun! 

Well done on the invites Michelle, I love them!