Do they give you joy?

The tidying up process is a long one. The first step is to realize that there's an issue - I'm not talking hoarding level here. I'm just talking about why does that darn kitchen table always have stacks of paper on it. I'm talking about piles of books or magazines stacked by the chair or the bed or wherever. If that's the case - it's time to think about finding them a home or tidying up or whatever you want to call it.

But have you thought about tidying up your friendships or relationships? If you've got friends that are just too darn needy or that are totally one way? What about organizations? If you're dreading going to that meeting or that event, then perhaps it's time to rethink if you should be spending your time there.

Think about Marie Kondo. While her tidying is based on material things, why not apply the techniques to friends and organizations? Do I get joy from this person/group? Do they/it respect me? If the answer is no, then perhaps it's time to ease out of that friendship/group.

That's what I did and it was finalized yesterday. I eased myself out of an organization. It's funny because it's an organization that I started just barely two years ago. The mix of people that joined - well, let's just say that we didn't see eye to eye. I did feel a "wee" bit railroaded and I hated going to the meetings and well - I'm no longer associated! You know what? I feel FABULOUS!!!!  Yes - I'm a bit disappointed to leave because it could have been a lot of fun, but it was no longer fun. Anyway - I'm out and feeling great about that.

I have a couple of other ideas up my sleeve to compensate for the loss of that organization. I may or may not jump on it - I'll see how things go. I'm really loving the idea of having ZERO responsibility in the community except for my own. What I mean is not belonging to any formal organizations. I feel that if I belong to an organization, that I should volunteer. That's just my nature. I've been on some committee forever! And it feels good to NOT be on any. I have one more that's winding down in the next couple of weeks (after I finish up a bunch more paperwork) and then I'm out of that one as well.

What will I do with my time? Oh - I get to read, or ride my bike or just hang out in the backyard and do nothing. Or of course, I could sew! I'm so looking forward to that!

The bottom line - if there is something or someone who is making you unhappy, then perhaps it's time to evaluate the situation and get yourself out! We shouldn't be wasting our precious time hanging out with people who don't respect us, don't appreciate us, or take us for granted.

So back to the quilt show in Windsor last weekend. Remember all those books? The deal was that you could buy a plastic bag for $1 and then fill it with as many books and magazines as you could. I think I did very well in that department. This is the book that caught my eye as I walked past the table and I was pulled in.

Embroidery book by Yoko Saito

It's a beautiful book with loads of hand embroidery inspiration. For $1, I could not leave it on the table.  I'll share the rest of the books another day.

Just before we left, Ronda swooped past the table and picked up a book and a pattern which was shoved into my bag.


The book is Sudoku Quilts hiding in the background. But look at the pattern!!  I thought this was the same one that I'm missing to finish making those minis for my Mom. But no - this is the one that I already have. No worries, I do have access to the other one. I'll have to resurrect that soon as the clock is ticking! But I would bet that she still hasn't hung the two that I sent a couple of months ago. OK - be nice to your Mom! It's Mother's Day after all!!!

What Ronda bought at the Windsor Quilt Show

I thought I'd share this story with you. Many years ago, I taught a couple of classes. One was Stack n Whack and the other was Tennessee Waltz. The same student attended both classes. I ended up quilting both quilts for her. She got ill years ago and knew that her family wouldn't appreciate her quilts so she gave these two back to me to do something with. I wanted them to go to a special home or to some kind of fundraiser. There was no way that I could ethically sell these quilts and certainly didn't just want to give it away to a friend of mine.

I was approached by Barb who is doing The Ride to Conquer Cancer. Remember that ride? I've done it five times and raised a minimum of $2,500 each time. Barb was looking for a quilt to help with her fundraising and did I have any that she could buy to help out? I told her about these two quilts and that she could have either of them for free. She took the Stack n Whack quilt. Here's a picture of it.

Stack n Whack quilt

The quilt is quite pretty. Anyway, I learned yesterday she had someone who wanted the quilt and it was sold to that person for a decent sum of money. The proceeds went to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation (via The Ride to Conquer Cancer). Thank you to Gayle for donating that quilt to me and I'm glad it went to a good home. I think that Gayle would be pleased!

There is one more quilt. The Tennessee Waltz. It'll need to find a good home as well. Someday - there's no rush. The appropriate event will come.

A quilt in need of a worthy cause

It was always a struggle to raise enough money to do The Ride to Conquer Cancer. I love the other quilt that Barb has made. It's a signature quilt and each person donates $5 to have their name or message on the quilt. It's tempting to do that ride again, but then we get into organization and fundraising and well - I'm at the point in my life that I no longer want that. Or at least I want to take a break.

Barb's fundraising quilt

And how is the magazine quilt coming along? Right on schedule. I had to teach a class yesterday so didn't get too much done, but I did accomplish quite a bit. I miss having a super good light to work by when it gets dark. But 1/3 of the blocks are together. Most of the rest of the quilt is cut and I'm ready to sew all day today. It's going to be a  great day!!!  My goal is to have that quilt on the long arm by the end of the day. Let's keep our fingers crossed!

Here's a fabulous story about small town living!  Yes - this is one of the reasons why small town living is the best!!!  While this never happened when I lived out west, I can just visualize everyone getting into action! Neighborhood watch at its best.

On that note, it's time to get the day moving ahead.

Have a super day!!!!   - Happy Mother's Day. We did the brunch thing yesterday so no need to go out today.

Ciao!!!!


OH - and was anyone observant about my blog post yesterday???  If you remember seeing Ronda's zippered pouch, I called it Superman, when in fact that fabric was clearly SPIDERMAN! My brain wasn't thinking clearly! Thanks to M for pointing that out. And the US stuff - it's gone already!

The best laid plans....................

I see that I did not post this - this was the second day of The Ride to Conquer Cancer



Ever had one of those days when you have plans laid out - timing is on and you are set to go?   Yep - today was supposed to be that kind of day. But alas - timing was off the ENTIRE day.

Here are the stats for Day two of The Ride to Conquer Cancer

The Ride to Conquer Cancer Day Two


Since I stayed at home rather than at Mohawk College, I got a ride to the college to get my bike and start Day Two. Well I thought they were not letting riders start until 7 AM, but they must have started them at 6:30 AM because when we arrived, riders were already leaving. No worries - I walked the last way since the roads were blocked to cars.

Then on to get my bike in the farthest corner of the bike corral.  Oh CRAP - my tire that was giving me trouble the day before is COMPLETELY FLAT.   No worries - there is a bike service on site. They changed the tube for me and then I was off.

The ride itself was pretty uneventful.  I arrived in Niagara Falls in good time.  It is always so emotional to arrive and see all the spectators.  You know that everyone involved is riding for someone or for some cause and it makes me sad. But happy that we are raising money to hopefully make the lives of those with cancer just a little bit better.

I had decided to take the bus back to Ontario Place and from there I would take public transit back home. Let's just say that the ride home was almost longer than it took me to ride my bike from Hamilton to Niagara. As soon as we arrived at the Falls, the bikes are whisked onto trucks to be transported back to Toronto.  My bike was on Truck Number TWO.  Important to remember that number. Then I had lunch, wandered around a bit and then hopped on the second bus out.   We made good time to Ontario Place and hopefully Truck Number TWO will be there when we arrive.

Got to sit right up front in the bus.  Best place to sit and no one ever seems to want that seat.  I know - if there is ever an accident - they will be the first one out the window????   I don't know - but I like to see where I am going. 

Oh look - there is a truck waiting in the parking lot of Ontario Place - perfect.  NOPE - that is Truck Number THREE. Number ONE has already come and gone. But where is Truck TWO?????   Apparently it got stuck at the way station?  Seriously????   It was a truck filled with BICYCLES - I hardly doubt that overweight was an issue.  It must have been something else and that is what they told us.   Anyway - after waiting at least 1 1/2 hours (I know!!!!)  the truck finally arrived and then we had to wait for them to unload the truck. I finally got my bike.

Then I zipped over to the GO station to take the train home.  Had to wait about 10 minutes - no big deal. BUT the train was late - only five minutes, but it was because of high volume?   WHAT?????   The train arrived at the station and there was NO WAY I was going to get on that train.  The baseball game just ended and the train - even the end cars were PACKED.  OH CRAP.  So I had to wait another half hour for the next train.  If I didn't make that train - well I should have just started to ride home!!!!  

Waiting in the shelter at the GO station for the next train

Anyway - next train arrives and I got on the end car which was full, but enough room for me.  By this time - it is raining. I was going to ride home from the station, but I had to get someone to come and pick me up.  Let's just say that I was happy to get home.  I think I finished riding at 12:30 and didn't make it home until after 6 PM. A super day though.  And I have already signed up for next year.

Have a great day!!


Ciao!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PRACTICE makes perfect sense......................... (if one had sense!)

Today was the first day of The Ride to Conquer Cancer. I must admit that while I have been training on the spin bike 2 or 3 times a week, I had only been outside ONCE and that was an 80 K ride.  I know - shame on me, but between the crappy weather and my work load (hey - I don't even work per se!) But I really didn't have time to get out.

It was with a bit of trepidation that I started out today.  In the past, I have driven down to the start line, but with warnings about the traffic and road closures due to construction - I decided to take the GO train. I know - I will become a regular commuter before I know it - except that I don't go down town often.

I looked up the schedule - 7:36 AM was the first train on Saturday, borrowed a Presto card and called the GO to see about the bike policy since I could not find it on the web.  Yep - I was set. And I got a ride to the GO station and I was in PLENTY of time. No running like an idiot!!!!

Met up with another person who was part of the Medical Team - she was going to be riding her bike in case someone needed assistance along the way.

Yep - that is my bike on the GO train and the lady on the medical staff was meeting a friend of hers and they were at the other end of the train. Technically there is supposed to be maximum of TWO bikes per car, but as you can see - it was NOT crowded so we were OK. 

When we got off - I saw a number of other riders who had also taken the GO train.   We all think alike - it was a stress free ride and no worries about traffic!!!!!!!!!!!!!   I could certainly get used to this.


However - I was so excited that I forgot to tap off with my Presto card. I am sure it isn't a problem, but will check with them tomorrow.

A quick ride across Lakeshore Blvd. and I was at the start line.

I believe there were 5,200 riders. HUGE number, although some of them started from Niagara Falls. 

See that sign - right beside the guy who has his arm up - that is the start line and there were just as many cyclists behind me.  Next year - I have to snuggle up to the front of the line because it took a LONG time (almost a half hour) to clear the start gate.


It is fabulous to ride through the streets when they are closed off and for the start - the streets were closed, although we had police or other designated personnel to get us through the major intersections. If you were stuck in the traffic today - you know what I mean.  The cyclists were given priority, but I have to say that the drivers were very patient. I don't think I heard one horn honk!!!!!   That is amazing.


I stopped at all the pit stops and lunch stop.  I needed to stock up on food (I felt I was running on empty before every pit stop) and at the first one - I desperately needed air for my front tire which was practically flat. No issues after it got pumped up.  I think I hit a few bumps on the Lakeshore from the construction and knocked the air out of it because I did check it before I left home.


Here is the menu and nutritional information from our lunch.  

Check out the sodium!!!!   I guess they gave us that much to keep us drinking?????

It turned out to be a glorious day - the sun was out, it was HOT and a slight breeze (I thought it was a head wind all the way), but it was a fabulous day for cycling.

I did the Classic Plus route which separates from the main ride at about the 15K mark. It then joins up with the other ride about 30 K from the finish line.  I did appreciate getting out of the crowd of riders.  It is total chaos and I hate all the stop and starting.  My foot was starting to hurt from all the pressure of coasting (riding the left pedal) and stopping and starting.

I have to say that my butt was perfectly happy on that Brooks saddle. I will never forget the first Ride to Conquer Cancer. I thought I was going to die - my butt was so uncomfortable. That is when I started to investigate a new saddle and I've never looked back.  I love my Brooks.   Either all those other people have very different shaped bums than me - or they just suffer in silence??   I don't know - but I am going for comfort - who cares about the look.

I arrived at the camp in Hamilton around 3 PM.  I had hoped to get there earlier, but it wasn't meant to be. It was very slow going with all the other riders and it isn't a race. It is just a ride in support of a very good cause.

The bike corral which was quite full when I arrived (well the front half was full).  There is an entrance at all four corners in the morning, so I walked my bike down to the far end where there were NO bikes yet. When I left a couple of hours later - this area was PACKED with bikes. 5,200 bikes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I must admit that I was tired - partly because of the heat, partly because of lack of training and partly because my brain is stressed trying to meet deadlines!!!!!!!!!


Instead of staying at camp, I decided to get a ride home so I could get some work done on a customer quilt (that I want to have done by Monday). However when I tried to shampoo my hair with body wash - I decided that I had better not touch the customer quilt. Just safer that way!!!!!!!!!   I will have to get it done tomorrow.   I should be home much earlier tomorrow and will have time. I will sleep on the bus home from Niagara Falls so will be well rested to hit the machine.


I usually ride with Anna, but she did not ride this year and it was weird to ride alone even though there were 5,200 riders.  That is also partly why the ride was long????   But I managed to snag my two beers and my chicken dinner and chat to strangers!!!!!!!!!   OK - so I ate and drank a LOT today!!!!!!!!!!


One of the people I talked to had this cool arm band.  She had a heart on the band for all her loved ones that were sick, had supported her or had passed.  How cool is that.   OK - so the CRAZY quilter on a bike had better get her thinking cap on for next year!!!!!!!!!!

Neat arm band!!!!!!!

On the way home, I noticed the signs for those that are riding to Toronto tomorrow. The route goes within 1 KM of my house!!!!!!!!!!!!!   I was tempted to ride back and just get off at that point. But where is the fun in that - besides I NEED the outdoor training.   I am taking my bike to the retreat so I can check out the surrounding area.

Speaking of the retreat - it is now time to PANIC!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is my project bag - I think I could squeeze in another couple of projects - no problem

Oh crap - just go for it!!!!!!!!!!!! - why not just grab a couple more bags and shove stuff in - there is LOTS of room in the back seat of the car especially with that small sewing machine - I need to make up the room with projects.   I know - I better stay a month in order to make a dent in what I am taking. Granted the orange bag at the end is empty. But...............

Most of the stuff on the table needs to go in the bag.  OK - not all, but a couple of things. Let's not forget - there are tools, thread and other supplies in the bags - not just projects!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you want to check out the ride stats for today - here they are.  Not bad considering that we were doing a lot of stopping and starting.  Yes - we went down a big hill into Hamilton and YES we went UP a big hill to get to Mohawk.  However - that hill just isn't that big of a deal any more.  NOTHING compares to the Cabot Trail - NOTHING.  Well maybe the Pyrenes in France.


The Ride to Conquer Cancer - Day One



On that note - I have ONE more blog to prepare tonight and then lights out!!!!!!!!!   I hope to leave the start gate by 7 AM.


Have a great day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Ciao!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Ride to Conquer Cancer

What an AMAZING weekend. While the weather was a bit sketchy on Saturday and we had a few minutes of LIGHT rain, it really was a nice day to ride. No blazing sun, no hot temperatures, yet it wasn't cold enough that you felt uncomfortable. Many people rode with just their jerseys, but I wore a jacket and I wasn't unhappy or too hot. Sunday - well Sunday was PERFECT. No jacket (although there was about one hour where it was dampish and I wish I had my jacket!) and then the sun came out - wasn't hot, but it was glorious. I mean - it was a day MADE for cycling. It was AWESOME.

Here are the stats for Day One.................

Day One Stats


And stats for Day Two...............


Day Two Stats


So much to tell you - where do I start?

The beginning would be a good place to start. Every year, there is always a little trepidation about this ride. Did I do enough training is usually the first thing on my mind. I must confess that I did NOT get as much outdoor training as I would have liked (especially in light of the upcoming adventure), but I was doing spin classes like there is no tomorrow. I am happy to report that I felt awesome during the ride and my legs weren't even tired (not my butt either) and today I feel like normal - no stiffness, no sores - nothing!!!!!!!!!!!   Yeah for those spin classes.

The other thing about those spin classes - there is a LOT of mental games that go on in a spin class. A LOT and you know what - it worked!!!!!!!!!!!!   I thought of my instructors (Lynn, Yvonne, Joseph and Liz) often as I rode and I attacked the hills and it was perfect. I CAN DO IT!!!!!!


Anna arrived at my house at 6:30 AM on Saturday. We loaded everything into my car and we were off. We were supposed to be parking at Ontario Place, but NO - we ended up stuck in traffic to park at CNE. We are patiently waiting in the line to turn left, deep in a conversation when I hear TAP TAP on my window. I look out and OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    There is Sandra!!!!    Sandra and I used to work together a number of years ago!!!  OK - so 12 years ago. I knew her husband was doing the ride as well (we are Facebook friends) and what a coincidence - they were IMMEDIATELY behind us in the traffic.

Now you are wondering how she knew I was in that car?????   Well - it made me think too, until I remembered that our NAMES are on our bikes!!!!!   Everyone has a place card for identification on their bike (first and last) and her husband read the names on the bikes of the car in front of them and that was us!!!!!!!!!!!!!    I was BLOWN away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

Sandra and I hooked up in Hamilton on Saturday afternoon. I got to meet her three kids and of course her husband who I knew when we worked together. So awesome to connect in person after so long!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We made it to the start line with time to spare and then 5,020 (that is NOT a typo) were off. Now some of those riders (I don't know how many) started in Niagara. But the congestion was something else and it took us almost 20 minutes or more to clear the start gate.

Approaching the crowd of bikes at the start line 

Immersed in the start line - in the  middle of picture, you can see the screen and the start gate - it is teeny tiny - we are that far back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    See Anna's gold/blue helmet in the bottom middle - we get one after five years of riding. I did not pick mine up yet due to the traffic situation and the delay - I did NOT want to not have a helmet. 

There are TWO distances on Day One - this year there was the classic route of 100 KM and then the longer ride at 125 KM. We chose the longer distance, not because we are crazy, but because there are WAY FEWER cyclists on that route and so we immediately lost the congestion once we turned the corner.

It was definitely a day of coincidences for me. I was riding ahead of Anna (but would wait for her at the pit stops). As I was riding along, minding my own business, I hear behind me "Elaine? Is that the Elaine T who used to work at HP?"  WHAT?????????????? Yes - OH MY GOD. Here was another co-worker (Brian) coming up behind me. So we rode for a while and he mentioned two other co-workers (Geoff and Julie) of mine who were riding from Niagara. What a crazy small world. I met up with them once we hit Hamilton and had a brief chat.

Anna approaching one of the Pit Stops on Day One

There is Anna again!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anna arriving at the finish line in Hamilton. There is a BIG smile on her face!!!!!

Anna's husband came to Hamilton to meet us and after the ceremonies, shuttled us off to our accommodations for the night. They have a friend who lives in Hamilton and we have stayed at his house for the last couple of years. Sure beats a tent!!!!!!!!!!!

The shower trucks - I just LOVE the shower trucks. Amazing shower for a portable shower. 

Back bright and early the next morning and off to one of the most glorious rides of my life. The scenery along the way to Niagara is breath taking. The weather could not have been better, I felt awesome.

A little hard to see in this picture and you always feel like your back pockets are STUFFED, but you can carry a LOT in those back pockets!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My view for the weekend!!!!!   Some roads were great - some not so great. 

Nice paved road with a shoulder

Beautiful road through the country side

No shoulder, but not busy

A trail heading to the finish line on Day Two

Wide open roads

Turn the corner and what do I see????   YES - in the distance - that is DOWNTOWN Niagara Falls, Canada!!!!!!!!!!

Someone asked me if the ride was emotional. Thankfully my family appears to have good genes and this terrible disease has so far stayed away. But the people who came out to THANK US for riding - well that was emotional. Especially, when you saw a single person standing by themselves - you knew that they were there for a reason. It was very emotional, but so nice to hear their thanks. I THANKED them for coming out - their support for us was inspirational.

There is so much support on this ride. 1000 volunteers, many police officers to give us priority. It really couldn't have been better organized.


The BEST part was coming down that LAST KILOMETER into the finish line at Niagara Falls. The people cheering you on - it was SO AWESOME. I wish everyone could experience that feeling. The pride in what we are doing, the reason we are riding, the support - it all just boils over!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anna - heading down the last TWO kilometers. 

Anna at the end - just before her bike went on the truck.  Hard to tell, but that yellow thing at the front is her name plate for the bike. 

Yep - that is me at the finish!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ah - a relaxing beer. 

Once we were off out bikes - we snapped a few pictures and then the bikes were loaded onto moving vans to be transported back to Toronto. Anna and I then sat out in the glorious sun, had a few beers (oh my - they seemed to hit me pretty hard - good thing we didn't have to drive anywhere), had lunch and then we hopped on the bus to get a ride back to Toronto where we picked up our bikes and drove back to my house. The effect of the beers were gone by then!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OH MY GOD - a self portrait. I look a tad worried!!!!!!    That big round thing on the side of my head is my helmet mirror!!!!

Anna texting at a Pit Stop on Day Two. I loved that she wore that bright pink jersey - she was VERY easy to spot!!!!

Rode past this museum. One day - I will make it there. 

The one thing we did NOT do was to register for next year. I know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Anna has done the ride for SIX years, it has been FIVE for me. (Anna has also done the Walk for Women's Cancers - ELEVEN times - well it will be eleven this September).  I vowed NOT to ride again, but I am having doubts today. As much as I complained about the congestion - I really like the supported ride. Hmmmmmmm - not sure what I am going to do. I will be raising money again starting in the fall and need a cause. I may ride again - but do NOT tell Anna. I am a whimp!!!!!!!!!!!   Can't say NO.

Wasn't even tired when I got home as I went out and did several hours of gardening!!!!!  And YES - I was back in spin class this morning, although I took it easy!


There you have it - The Ride to Conquer Cancer in a nut shell.


Have a great day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Ciao!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cancer awareness

As you read this blog -well as it gets posted, I will be standing at Ontario Place with Anna (my cycling partner) and we will be waiting for The Ride to Conquer Cancer to start. Hopefully, it won't be raining. But I imagine it will!!!  HOWEVER - I have to say that riding in the rain is NOTHING compared to what cancer patients go through for days, weeks, months and sometimes years. And besides - riding in the rain - well it builds character, it provides one with GREAT stories, provides opportunities for bonding - OK - so I am trying to tell myself that riding in the rain is FUN!!!!!!

In some ways, it makes the ride that much more credible and thought provoking than if the skies were blue and the sun is shining. But I do hope it doesn't rain much!!!   As I always say - I don't mind if it starts to rain while I am out, but I HATE to start out in the rain!

I just might get a chance to test that new rain hat of mine!!!!!!   Better get it ready by the door. I spent a bit tonight getting packed for the weekend. DH suggested that it might not be a good idea to go away for the weekend, THE weekend before one takes off for the summer. Well I signed up for The Ride to Conquer Cancer BEFORE I signed up for the other trip. Oh well - it will be a time to try out the equipment in preparation for the following trip. AH yes - that is why I planned them back to back!!!!

I did a little shopping today, but no time to blog about that tonight.


Yes - I finished ANOTHER quilt tonight. That leaves TWO quilts to quilt and two to baste. I just might make it!!!!!!!!   Had a LITTLE problem with this one. It is a fairly large quilt and the backing is Fireside Fleece. That is a HUGE piece of stretchy fabric. I pinned it, knew there was a problem, then looked underneath and almost had a heart attack - looked like an ocean (wavey) not like a flat lake!!!

Customer quilt

Back of the customer quilt - Fireside Fleece

Let's just say that with a few adjustments that did NOT require taking anything off the machine, I managed to get that backing to fit just perfect. BUT - this quilt is heavy. Now it will be a bit lighter when I trim the extra fleece off - but still - a bit heavy!!!!  It also has batting in it!!!!


As I was coming up the on ramp onto the highway from downtown, I snapped this photo. It seems there is construction EVERYWHERE downtown.

Construction cranes EVERYWHERE

On that note - I still have TWO things to do before I go to bed. And it is already ONE HOUR past my bedtime!!!!


Have a great day!!!!!!!!!!  


Ciao!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Should I go or should I stay????

OK - so our outdoor yoga class wasn't the only one happening. It is a Summer Solstice event - I should have mentioned that. Marian found this article.................


Yoga and summer solstice

Doesn't matter - it was amazing and I hope they do it again. Who cares about summer solstice anyway????


I did NOT sleep well last night. I would read until I was tired, then turn out the light and then BAM - I'm wide awake. Repeat process - and I'm still awake. So when I woke up, I did NOT feel like going to the gym. BUT I dragged my sorry butt to the gym and I am very happy that I did. I am starting to bond with the group and we get along great. I had a great work out as well. I may not be losing pounds, but inches - oh yes - I think a few are gone.

Next week is a free for all because it is DEMO week for the classes and then they start up another THREE month program. I am going to sign up for the full three months - it is MUCH cheaper than the personal training. And you feel part of the community where with personal training - it is much more individual.

I had a GREAT day yesterday. I stayed home all day and cut and sewed and cut and sewed and made EXCELLENT progress on a quilt. I will show you when it is done - it is not that far off.


While doing The Ride to Conquer Cancer a couple of weeks ago - they had photographers along the way. I remember seeing the guy as I GRUNTED and GROANED up this hill. I mean - could he have picked a worse spot!!!!!!

So here I am in all my glory - grunting and groaning up this hill on 15 Side Road. It doesn't look big, but this is a deceptive hill in that it was short and INTENSE - this is the TOP of the hill - there was more around that corner. Thank goodness, I wore that red vest because otherwise I would NEVER have found myself among the HUNDREDS of photos that were posted.

So last night was our regular club cycling night. Although it was hot, I was more worried about the wind. I get ready - get outside and BAM - thunder. Hmmmmm - the sky looks pretty dark - should I go or should I stay????

I decided to bite the bullet and go for it. I arrived at the club - there were only five of us including Andra (the leader). Hmmm - those clouds are moving pretty fast, lightening, thunder, a few drops of rain. After waiting a few minutes, we called off the ride. The big question now was - could I get back home without running into rain. Well your legs can pump pretty fast when you want to get somewhere in a hurry. I did caught in a bit of rain, but was home and in the house before the DOWNPOUR hit. Thank goodness and the clouds - well they were moving pretty fast!!!!!   It was neat to watch that as I rode home. But the best part - the temperature dropped 10 degrees in MINUTES. WHOA!!!!!    Good thing we didn't go cycling - I would have froze!!!!!

Well that is it for today - short and sweet. I have LOADS to do today AGAIN. One of these days (I keep telling myself) that it will get better and I would be able to just do NOTHING all day. But of course - I just can't do NOTHING.

Have a great day.................



Ciao!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Prom

Well technically it wasn't OUR prom, but the boy friends prom which is almost as important as OUR prom.

The prom was on Friday which of course was a crazy day, but then what day is NOT crazy. M got her hair and make up done. Took forever!!!!!   But she was happy and that is all that counts.

The hair

The dress

The boy friend - Berke

One of the parents had a party/picture taking event at their house. I went with my camera in hand. There were a LOT of people there.

Informal of all girls (some of these were graduating and some were dates)

The girls again

Berke and M

The boys

Oh - just hanging out with a DRINK

Ooops - got to pose. That kid - has to pose whenever she realizes there is a camera around. And she even said it!!!!!

Then she went to give me a hug good bye and spilled her drink all over me and her hand. Hmmmm - blame those heels - more on those tomorrow

Berke and M

And now for the GOOD NEWS. I talked to my Dad about that pesticide. OH - it doesn't work over night. It may take a couple of weeks. OK - let me check. OMG - yes - you can see my pesticide wrapped branch in the background and yes - that sumac is starting to turn yellow. May take a long time - it is only yellowing on the branch that has the chemical. May have to do it on all.

Sumac on the way out??????

And that is it for today - took forever to edit those few pictures this morning. Computer is SLOW SLOW SLOW. And I've got people coming over to work on a raffle quilt so they should be arriving any minute. Good timing!!!!!


Oh before I go - one thing I forgot to mention yesterday. Why do I ride in The Ride to Conquer Cancer - well - as we were leaving camp (in Hamilton) on Sunday morning, there was an elderly lady sitting in a lawn chair. She was by herself on her front lawn. She held a simple sign that said "THANK YOU". That is why I ride!    There were many other people out with signs saying THANK YOU.

Part of the speeches at the beginning of the ride always says - Our sweat is NOTHING compared to their tears". You bet. Anyway - now that I am all teared up  - I'd better go.



Have a great day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Ciao!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!