Batten down the hatches...

...

Open up the earth and sky
Waiting on a natural disaster
Sitting out on my back porch
Watching storm clouds moving faster
Like a natural disaster 

~Joel Plaskett

Friday Fill Ins

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And...here we go!

1. How in the world did I _become so stagnant this summer_.

2. _Sometimes I can't see the forest for the trees_ in front of me.

3. Life's _lesson for today:  A great deal of power lies in the power of perspective. It's all in how look at things_.

4. _I like a little wine with my_ picnic lunch.

5. That was where we _talked about our fears and worries, and I honestly, truly fell in love with him all over again_.

6. _The place where the sand meets the tide_ I think of as "our place".

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _doing some shopping with baby girl_, tomorrow my plans include _a drive to the valley with hubby_ and Sunday, I want to _catch up on some housework and make plans for the quickly approaching Autumn season_!

What are your plans for this weekend?

Friday Fill-Ins

And...here we go!

1. The only question is:  white or red wine?

2. If I am left alone, I can get a lot of work done in one day.

3. Three things on my desk: camera, film, sunglasses.

4. Clean the litter box is the one thing I HAVE to do today!

5. I love playing with my little puppy Mika.

6. Burnt popcorn overwhelms the senses.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to heading up the shore with hubby for a late dinner, tomorrow my plans include shampooing my daughters rug and Sunday, I want to attend a picnic at a farm and later in the day my niece Laurens birthday party !

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Friday Fill-Ins

-Rob Brezsny

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Just click on the image below.

And...here we go!

1. I love to cuddle with the pup and kitten in bed and listen to the peepers.

2. Can I get a wink and a smile?

3. It's how you know it's always best to trust your guts - you know that feeling you get way down in the pit of stomach?

4. I haven't seen the movie yet;  don't tell me!

5. Well, would you please get out and vote on Monday!

6. I have been enjoying the sounds of the season, especially the spring peepers.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to picking up baby girls prom dress from the dress shop, tomorrow my plans include shopping for the perfect shoes, clutch, tiara and other accessories to match her dress and Sunday, I want to pick a rout on the map and head off in that general direction!

Happy Anniversary to my Mom & Dad Today! and Friday at last!

 My handsome dad and beautiful mom on their wedding day 44 years ago today.

---

Now on to the Friday Fill-Ins
Come give it a try! Click on the link below.

And...here we go!

1. I can't believe _ it is snowing today on April 1st_.

2. _Drinks_ for everyone.

3. How can I _find my piece of mind?_

4. _BBQ chicken pizza_ was the last thing I cooked.

5. "Six of one _Half a Dozen of the Other", and "The Road To Hell Is Paved With Good Intentions" -  Two of my favourite Idioms_.

6. _YesYesYes_; nonono!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _hanging out with the girl doing therapeutic things_, tomorrow my plans include _grocery shopping, errands, etc._ and Sunday, I want to _hit the road and go where it takes me_!

Friday Fill-Ins

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And...here we go!

1. Why does it _take me so long to fall to sleep lately?_

2. _250 ml_ is equal _to 1 cup_.

3. My favorite breakfast includes _Canadian back-bacon, scrambled eggs, hash browns, toast and a mimosa_.

4. _The Lake Of Dreams by Kim Edwards_ was the last book I read _and enjoyed_.

5. I am SO glad _we are all excited about the new puppy _.

6. _A hot water bottle and handfull of Midol_ would make me feel better right now.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _shopping for some doggie supplies_, tomorrow my plans include _hanging out here at home and possibly run some errands_ and Sunday, I want to _try for the market again.  Something always seems to come up that takes precedence_!

Wishing you all a great weekend ♥

Friday Fill-Ins: Fly like an Eagle

I'm not sure if these birds where Eagles, Hawks, or Osprey, but they sure were a treat to see soaring above my house yesterday.





Now on to the Fill-Ins.
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And...here we go!

1. I love to go to _the country when the weather turns warmer_ because _there are so many delightful sights, sounds to take in_.

2. _It is not the quantity of the Easter chocolate_ it’s the quality!

3. The last thing I had to eat was _a cheese and spinach pizza_.

4. _Pantyhose with a dress_ is no longer essential.

5. Please take a moment to _count all your blessings and remember all the good things in your life_.

6. _If you consider your life to be a journey; what are some adventures that_ have brought you this far?

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _not really planning anything - just go with the flow_, tomorrow my plans include _taking the Girl for a hair design at our favourite salon_ and Sunday, I want to _get my ass out of bed early and get to the market for some breakfast and goodies_! 

What will be your plans for the weekend?


Ps. Stay tuned for the 3rd Blog Anniversary Give Away draw later today.

Friday Fill-Ins Kitten and J. Peterman S.M.

Click on the link below if you would like to play along.

And...here we go!

1. Up and about early is hard for me lately.  I wish I could have just one night of uninterrupted sleep.

2. Around here there is a lot of daydreaming going around.

3. Coats and scarves, mittens and boots: are stuffed into my closets and overflowing into the front foyier; next year I will be getting a mitten box for both closets for sure.

4. Hubby worked hard all week.  He is deserving of a nice back rub.

5. I'm thinking about warmer weather and being able to lock away the boots and wool hats and trade them for flip-flops and floppy straw hats.

6. And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light, that shines on me, shine until tomorrow, let it be. I wake up to the sound of music, mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be. ~The Beatles

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a nice evening in with the family, tomorrow my plans include shopping for paint for my kitchen and maybe painting if I catch the mood and Sunday, I want to get up early enough to get the the market and maybe brunch with hubby!
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Unblogable + Friday Fill-Ins 2011-02

Sorry I haven't been around that much these past couple weeks.  We are dealing with some pretty heavy, un-blogable stuff around here lately.  I am usually not one to hold back when It comes to blogging what's going on around here, but this time it concerns sensitive matters of other involved so for now must be kept under blog lock and key.  So for the time being, memes and games and fluff-posts will be popping up here whenever I find the time to sit and blog.

Friday Fill-Ins are perfect for these sorts of times.  Thank you Janet!

And...here we go!

1. Right now I need A little bit of resolve.

2. Herbal tea is what's in my glass.

3. A copy of this letter to Dr. A and B, the school, and the insurance company.

4. Fudge frosting is best with a spoon.

5. The best movie I've seen lately is the book of Eli (haven't seen many movies lately).

6. Fondant I don't like; butter-cream I love.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to anything as long as it's not sitting at home another evening, tomorrow my plans include usual errand running and Sunday, I want to take a little hike with hubby and a camera!
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Friday - the swirl on the cupcake

We learned to make a swirl on top of a cup cake this week in our cake decorating class.

Now on to the Friday Fill-Ins hosted by Janet from Fond of Snape Blog
If you would like to play along, just click on the image below.

So...here we go!


1. What in the world was the culprit that triggered this wicked migraine today? 

2. I like organic turkeys that are plump and well fed.

3. Go to a loved one right now and tell them how much you appreciate and cherish them.  (GO! I'll wait for you to get back to read the rest of my fill-ins)

4. After a visit with my doctor this morning, she sent me straight home to bed.

5. I keep on top of my chores around they house especially around the holidays just in case someone unexpectedly stops by for a visit.

6. I stood on the front step tonight, and look up to gaze at the millions of icy flakes falling from the sky.  We are getting snow like it or not.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to staying in my comfy bed trying to get rid of the migraine hangover, tomorrow my plans include some little leftovers of holiday shopping and Sunday, I want to make chocolates and cookies with the family!
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It's the hap- happiest season of all!

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Finally I have some holiday decorations around the house. Looking forward to cutting down our tree on Sunday and decorating it.  I can't believe how the holiday season has snuck-up on me this year; I still have so much to prepare.  Are you ready for the Holidays?



__________________________________________________ 
 

Friday Fill-Ins #203

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Just click on the image below.

So...here we go!

1. I wish you all joy, love and peace this holiday season.

2. "How did I let this holiday season sneak up on me again this year?"...that's what I'm thinking.

3. Please bring a bottle of Pinot Gris  and a couple glasses and join me for sip.


4. Life is so amazing.

5. One of my fondest hopes is for a warm home, loving family and friends and to feel blessed going into the new year ahead.

6. I love getting visits here from all of you, and your positive support and sincere comments you leave behind are appreciated. They really do mean a lot to me, and sometimes they help me through some tough times, and I just wanted to say thank you!!!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing at home, tomorrow my plans include starting and hopefully finishing my holiday shopping and Sunday, I want to enjoy the day with the family wandering through a u-cut tree lot looking for the perfect(for us) tree, then heading off to hubby's uncle and aunties farm for a family gathering!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Best Picnic Food .Friday Fill-Ins # 178.

Are you up for some Friday Fill-Ins this week?  Just click the link to play along.

And...here we go!

1. French bread, brie, fresh tomatoes and basil, cold salmon, fresh fruit, lemon tart-lets for desert, Oh and plenty of vino -- the best food to take on a picnic.
2. Summer is... Cut flowers, fresh local produce, lazy days on the beach, a walk in the sun with my camera, picnics and long drives up the shore, treasure hunting, bonfires and lots of family time.
3. I live for summery tees and my comfy flip flops.
4. To love someone is to see a miracle invisible to others.  - Francois Mauriac
5. Cape Split has breathtaking views but it's a long hike.
6. When I crave food, it's usually home cut chips from a chip truck with loads of vinegar and salt.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a hot bath and a cup of herbal tea, tomorrow my plans include bathing suit shopping with Baby Girl, putting second coat of paint on the entry door and dinner theater with the frogs and Sunday, I want to go with the flow!

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Thank goodness this is the last weekend of the month of May.  During this month I felt slightly lost, my light became very dim and I lost my words -- hope June will be a bit kinder.

Happy Memorial Day weekend to all my American friends.
Wishing you all a weekend filled with sunshine, love, and happiness!
xo

Signs from the Universe & Friday Fill-Ins

The Universe sends me little reminders to my inbox daily.  The timing of today's message was incredible. These thoughts hit way close to home.

"Changing what you have, Jack, comes from changing who you are.
And changing who you are comes from changing what you think.
Which is why I made the latter so easy.

Hey, I think it's Friday...
The Universe

Want to receive notes from the Universe in your inbox?
Click the link below.

---

Now how about some Friday Fill-Ins?
Click the link below to play along.

And...here we go!

1. I just had an epiphany!
2. Wondering what it is?
3. The third sentence on the 7th page of the book I'm reading: "Everybody gets a shit kicking".
4. Spring flowers all in bloom tickles my fancy.
5. I was walking around the yard yesterday with the hubby talking about some landscape ideas.
6. My silly kitten makes me laugh!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hanging around with David, tomorrow my plans include trying to keep my head about me and Sunday, I want to be in a better state of mind!

Happy weekend all! Enjoy :)

Early Mothers Day Gift & Friday Fill Ins

 Hubby always knows just what I like.  

A new little Fuji to replace the one I broke last month... pretty isn't it?

Friday Fill Ins #174
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And...here we go!

1. I was feeling so lost without my point & shoot so hubby decided to give me my Mothers Day gift early from him and the kids.
2. When I was moving to the new house last year, I had a book box to donate and one to keep, and I left my book box "to keep" in the wrong pile and it got donated too.
 3. Why do I love him?  I love him because he understands me, better than I could ever understand myself.
4. Warm lazy days on the beach was in my thoughts today.
5. One of my father's favorite sayings was "that'll teach ya!".
6. Out of the blue anxiety, trepidation, fear--I know that feeling!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a salon visit with my favourate hair artist (she's amazing!), tomorrow my plans include Sister-In-Law's wedding rehearsal and dinner and Sunday, I want to relax at home with hubby doing some yardwork and gardening!

Phone dreams & Friday Fill-Ins #173

I had the strangest dream last night. I was standing beside a payphone having a smoke and was about to head back inside, when I noticed there was a message scribed on the payphone change return cup, "Lift Me", in girly handwriting and underscored with pink lines. I lifted the tab thing covering the change return, and quarters, nickles and dimes started flowing from the phone.  I stretched my shirt under the falling change so it wouldn't hit the dirty ground.  Finally it stopped flowing from the the phone and I stood there with my shirt heavy with change wondering what I should do.  Do I just walk away and count my good fortune or do I call the payphone company and return the loot??

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- ---- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Now on to Friday Fill-Ins
Click on the link below to join in.

My answers are in bold.  And...here we go!

1. Where are my marbles?  Seems I have lost quite a few.
2. If wishes were horses beggars would ride.  All dreams and desires would ride along side.  Worries and troubles would fall off behind.  If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
3. I'd like to see some of my confidence return.
4. When I was a teen, I thought the world was full of hopeful optimism; that there would always be something better just around the corner.
5. One of my mother's favorite sayings was "bundle up! You will catch your death of cold".
6. I'd have a hard time doing without my notebook computer, or a camera handy.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to some errands with hubby then an evening of wedding planning with my SIL and MIL, tomorrow my plans include some gardening and a baking spree and Sunday, I want to finish up the baking and make preparation for SIL's up-coming wedding!

Tea, Mad Hatter & Friday Fill-Ins

Tetley really isn't my brand of tea, but I had to have this tin. 

Oh, how I ♥ Johnny Depp!

Friday Fill-Ins #169
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My answers are in bold.  And...here we go!

1. The right word can capture and convey true feelings.
2. Wake me gently.  And on your way out be sure and shut the door quietly, please.
3. Up Up and Away!
4. Right here is where you'll find me.
5. Ooh! What is that heavenly smell coming from my neighbours kitchen?
6. Sleeping late on Sunday is a good idea.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a night at home with hubby, tomorrow my plans include helping my father-in-law install some flooring in his family room and Sunday, I want to wake up from a good nights sleep feeling refreshed and rejuvenated *fingers crossed*!

What will you be doing this weekend?

Treat yourself to some fun this weekend

I'm just sitting here this morning filling in the Friday Fill-Ins, thinking of what I have planned for my weekend. Weather girl says it's going to be sunny and around 10°C. The ground has finally thawed and the ice on the lakes and rivers is almost all gone. Time to shake all the doom and gloom that winter sometimes leaves behind and get outside, kick up my heals and simply enjoy life.

A dear friend once told me... "You get out of life what you put into it". And he is so right! Life is not a rehearsal, so get out there and enjoy!

Re-connect with your inner child: Go for a hike, hug a tree. Skip stones in a pond, lake, ocean. Grab your camera and be a tourist in your own city/town/suburb. Dig in the dirt. Ride a bike... whatever it takes to brighten your spirit and turn on the laughter.

Meet you at the shore!!!

What are some fun things you have planned for the weekend?


Now on to the Fill-Ins...
Friday Fill-Ins #168

My answers are in bold.  And...here we go!

1. Today I will be at the office 'till about 3ish.
2. Flat tire on my way home last night....grrrr, and I say why not?
3. What do you think of me sitting here writing in my blog when I have work to do?
4. At Starbucks it's free Pastry Day til 1030 Friday! (In Canada it's on Tuesday March 23)
5. People say that what we're all seeking is acceptance.
6. The image I cherish most is of my three children together.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Alice in Wonderland(maybe), tomorrow my plans include an early morning market trip, lingerie store, book store and Sunday, I want to go for a walk, tidy the house, bake a chocolaty sinful dessert (any suggestion?)!

Whoopie! Pies + Friday Fill-Ins

I made a delicious batch of Whoopie Pies this week and they are going fast.  What is a Whoopie Pie you ask?  Well, it is a sinful confection made with two round(ish) chocolate, pumpkin or banana cake mounds, with a gooey, creamy frosting that is sandwiched between the cake.  A whoopie pie, also called: a gob, black-and-white, bob, or "BFO" for Big Fat Oreo.

Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2  cups  all-purpose flour
• 1/2  cup  unsweetened cocoa
• 1 1/2  teaspoons  baking soda
• 1/2  teaspoon  salt
• 1  stick unsalted butter, softened (1/2 c)
• 1  cup  sugar
• 1  large egg
• 1  cup  milk

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 425°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Make cakes: Sift flour, unsweetened cocoa, baking soda and salt together into a bowl. Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl of an electric mixer at high speed until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add egg and beat at medium speed until fully incorporated. Change mixer speed to low and add dry ingredients, alternating with milk, mixing until just blended.

Drop batter 1/2 Tbsp. at a time and about 2 inches apart onto each sheet to make 18 cakes per baking sheet. Bake for 7 minutes, until mini cakes are springy to touch. Let cool on pan for 5 minutes, and then transfer to racks to cool completely. Change parchment paper and repeat to make 72 cakes.

Match cakes in pairs so tops and bottoms are similar in shape. Spread bottoms with cream filling and cover with top.

For Cream Filling, combine 1 stick of unsalted butter and 1 2/3 cups confectioners' sugar in a bowl and beat at low speed until blended. Then beat at high speed until mixture is fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract and 2 cups marshmallow cream; mix at low speed until blended well. (Makes 2 1/3 cups)

Recipe source and nutrition information

Note:  If you want to take the time to add the filling to a pastry bag and pipe the batter onto your parchment lined baking sheet, the cookies/cakes will come out in a more rounded shape.

Now on to the Fill-Ins.
Want to play along? Click on the button.

#166.  And...here we go!
 
1. Why are you making a mountain out of molehill?
2. I want you to take mother nature and give her a good hard shake for me today (brrrr!).
3. I'm learning to take control of anxieties and fears, then it will be on my terms.
4. Shake it up and see what happens.
5. I could use a record button for my mind these days.
6. I was feeling pretty confident about my outfit choice and then I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the window (Yikes!).
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going with the flow, tomorrow my plans include the usual Saturday errands, then spending the evening baking for a wedding shower for my sister-in-law and Sunday, I want to enjoy a nice brunch with the ladies!