Eyeball Update

The eyeballs are gone! They are sitting in my drive waiting with price stickers on them. You were right Scribble. Love your crap, be one with you crap then have a garage sale. I have been open for an hour. At eight this morning, I was in Artist's backyard stealing a table. I eyed another one but it was too far away and I could only carry one. (I'm pretty sure we discussed it at some point in the week)

It's going to be a long two days. And what really sucks, is it will be awesome fishpond weather. Sunday, I am so by the pond the entire day and I'm not moving. (I can hardly wait. It's going to be so nice)

My House is a Mess!!!

I am wallowing in a sea of crap. And the sad thing is its all my crap. Hubby hasn't added his crap yet with the exceptions of a couple of things here and there. (But I got the panther lamp!!!) All the little glass eyeballs follow me into the kitchen and then back across the dining area. It very un-nerving. The Halloween crap is an entity of its own. The stuffies, dolls, ornaments and what ever else is staring out from underneath layers of other crap is making me avoid the down stairs.

Artist used to do this all the time! I haven't a clue how she did it. There isn't enough coffee in the house to get me through this mess.

Pic's and Blab

This is Sir Cocoa Puff. This November he will be 13. He and I have gone through some trial and tribulations together. He has his little ways to tick me off when he is mad at me. He should have been an only cat from the beginning but then I think all cats feel that way. (I know Artist's cats do).

Its funny for all these years I have been having a battle with the cat over the litter box and keeping it clean for him. We ran out of kittly litter last week and I have been using wood shavings meant for the Guinea Pig Molly. Now we know that I'm always looking for a cheap short cut. I think I found another one. The shavings absorb all the smell, easy to clean up after and the dogs aren't curious as to what's in the box. And the cat hasn't protested once. (Trust me it's not nice when he is not happy) So lets see, three bucks for a huge block of chips that will last two months compared to the regular brand I buy for a small bag that lasts three weeks and pay ten. I don't mind going cheap if the clean up isn't that bad and so far the cheaper is the better.

I love it when that happens. I do a temprary fix cause its cheap and quick then it works out to be the better way. As long as Cocoa is comfy and happy with things then it all works out. My mother actually referred to me as frugal. I don't think I can be considered frugal when I am now typing on a new laptop. but I will be honest as say the payments are really low but the debt is bothering me. And my not bringing in that little bit extra is causing some tension.

So I have the bright idea, we are going to have a garage sale. Get rid of all the extra stuff we have and bring in a little extra. Good idea right? Wrong! Me and my stupid ideas. I did not realize all the extra crap we have in the house that we haven't even looked at for...(how long have we been here) at least ten years. Time to get it out. That and the remanents from the pink floral and cutesy days. (Ugh! Shiver, quake) I have a complete set of dishes that has been used maybe twelve times at the most. Its very pretty but...its pink...its floral...and just not us any more. (So it never was Hubby)

I bought the set when I turned thirty. I was having a bit of a crisis realizing how past the last ten years went by and knowing that the next were going to go faster. (I'm built for comfy more than speed) I wanted some finer things, essentially I was craving culture of any kind. Hind sight is twenty twenty. I thought I wanted to move up in life, when in fact I needed culture and to be part of a civilization that was not akin to the Ozarks and a backwards thinking process. Moving here to Wetaskiwin and going through my dirty thirties taught me it wasn't moving up in life that I needed, I needed to enjoy the life that I had. So the dishes, if they don't sell, will be packed away and given to somebody who will love them and use them. My neighbour is getting married and she is young and cute. Maybe I'll pass them on to her. She strikes me as the type to like pretty things.

My coffee cup is empty which means I must go reload. In order to do that, I must pass by the garage sale stuff which will mean I will have to get busy. Or I can sit here on the puter until the addiction for the coffee kicks in. Either way I have to move. Damn and its fish pond weather outside too.

A Glimpse of Gardens

This is my Lemon Tree

Apple Trees!!!!

Strawberries from my Mom

This wild rose I found when it was two inches high when we first moved in. It's now nine years old and over six feet tall. The pink and blue fencing is the only thing left from the pink, cutesy and floral days.

Inside the greenhouses I have zucchini, peas, beans, tomatoes, pumpkins, herbs, peppers, beets, carrots, radish and parsnip. With five dogs and no fenced area for the plants, I thought at least they would be safe.

The green houses. We...whats with the we crap, I had to cut back some of the branches for light.

This is the garden by the pond. This is the first year the Iris bloomed. Now we know I have a big mouth at times. And this is one of those times. Sorry Artist. I was admiring her beautiful yellow dwarf Iris the other night. To which she responds, "Oh I thought they were Daffodils."

This spot started out as a pool, then a mound of dirt, then the Gothic Garden, now it is referred to as the Centre Garden. It has lettuce, spinach, herbs, along with Globe Flowers, Peones, Fairy Bells and Forget-me-Nots.

My Nona's Tigerlilies. They have come with us no matter where we lived. When my Daughter gets her first house she will get a clump for her garden. My mom started the tradition. I think Nona would be happy.

The back of the Centre Garden. I have had three cuttings from my rhubarb already.

The view from across the street of our house.

My daughter's artwork. It was originally a white sculpture. I just love it!

So this is Morning?

I'm not sure about this early bird bit and getting the worm, I think I got gypped. All I have is a luke-warm cup of weak coffee and a whining Beagle who doesn't understand the words "Mommy has to go shopping."

I'm up early as a result of Hubby rolling over and slamming his knees into mine. This of course jolted me awake as my own knees were now vibrating with pain. (He has a penchant for taking over the entire bed leaving me with two inches) Here's the kicker, he then gets mad at me for waking him by telling him (albeit in a not so cheerful morning voice) to move over. That was an hour ago and my knees still haven't settled.

I think though I am finally going to have to break down and go to the Doctor. I find it interesting that as a smoker I am told that I am to blame for the rising costs of the medical system. Why I find that interesting is because the last time I saw my Doctor was one night at work. He commented it was nice to see a patient outside of his office. But my last official visit was...Hang on I'm removing some cobwebs from the old brain here...Oh gotta move that box of crap to the dump...hmm...so I think it is safe to say its been a long while if I can't remember the last time I went. Its probably blogged if I recall that was the trip with the smelly guy so we are talking it's been at least over a year. So I'm still not sure how my trips to the Doctor's once every three years is a strain on the medical system. But I'm sure someone will explain it to me.

Don't mind me, I haven't had a full cup of coffee and being up early has thrown the Beagle off routine which is going to mean that today is going to be Doggie Hell with the Beagle. The larder is empty and he still figures there is still a crumb to be had. Mind you since he has been on the berry juice I have been having more bad doggie days with him getting into things.

This weather has been crap which may explain why the joints are complaining. I am missing out on valuable fish pond time. Its been quite stormy lately.

I do have an update on our attempts of going green. I have always wanted a reel mower because I do not have to fight with a starter or a cord. The best thing is they are easy to use. But Mr. Eco-Geek himself got a little upset when I suggested we get one. (It was amazing, the broken lawn mower all of a sudden worked again). I'm still not sure what got into his craw but one is on the way and hopefully the old gas one will get us twenty bucks in the garage sale we are holding next weekend. But then that is entirely different story and one I am waiting to see the outcome of before I open my big mouth. I figure this will be a good project for us to let out a little stress with each other that is if we don't throttle each other in the mean time.

The birds were twittering but now all I hear is the caw of a crow and dark clouds are looming in the window. At least the Beagle is snoring for now. Lord I need another coffee.

My First Promo Shot

Okay the weekend went by way to quick. This is the picture we are using for Author Promotion Pictures for the website and where ever else they go. (Haven't a clue) It will be updated every six months to keep it fresh. I thought I'd let you guys see it first. I really hate the camera. I think it has to do with that legend of the camera steals part of your soul. It scared me as a kid.

Tens Years and Still Going!!!

As of today Hubby and I have been married ten years. Holy crap, I'm so glad the first ten are over with. Man, I would never go back to the first five years. I think back on it and cringe. It wasn't just the way we behaved with each other, it was enhanced by all that pink...and floral...and (ugh) cutesy. No wonder Hubby seemed so tense, it was all the eyeballs from the various ornaments put every freaking nook and cranny staring at him. Poor guy, I feel sorry for him. He put up with quiet a bit but then so did I with the obstinate bull headed male.

Hubby's mother keeps commenting on how Hubby has changed and that I've done a good job. Hubby hasn't changed all that much, he is just a little softer in his tones, a little more respectful in his attitude and he is a lot more relaxed about things (I know Artist, hard to believe but he is). She enjoys watching us affectionately banter and she knows that despite his DNA I adore her son. I was the first daughter in law and man what a trail to blaze but his family is a remarkable family that allows for a lot forgiveness. But his mom and I have a bond that none of the others have. Funny two generations of wives with the same complaints of our Hubbies' DNA. I adore his mom for her strength and her knowledge. She and my mother put together would pretty much be an entire set of encyclopedias. That much knowledge in the same room could dangerous. Add a little wine, and viola we could have one hell of a therapizing session. (Keep it mind Artist)

One of the things that Hubby and I did was work very hard at becoming united. We learned to communicate, not that we don't have our moments but the difference is the moments don't last and we now can sit down and have a discussion rather than a fight. Hubby and I had to relearn how to talk to each other and our attitudes towards each other. He had to learn to soften his tones, and I had to learn how not to sound critical. We started to delve into the tantric meditations and sex. (Hope nobodies shy) Through that we learned how to communicate and how to become a unit. Every once in a while we let things go astride but we always bring it back together. I love the fact that Hubby was willing to do this for us.

Now, I must confess here that without Artist's and my therapizing sessions, I would not have maintained some of my sanity. (the little that's left) We have our rants, our vents, and even our Cat Food Pie thoughts but it always ends on a positive note. We remind each other of the good points in our marriages and our Hubbies. If the men really knew how much entertainment they provided us, they really would not be happy. Well, my Hubby has a slight idea but he doesn't mind. He is a very good sport.

I may never want to go back to it, but I like the fact that Hubby and I have some history. There's a lot to that ten years that was not just growing pains. It has made us so much stronger. I'm proud to be called Mrs. I'm proud of my husband and we have made our relationship our priority. The great thing we leave room for others who need us and we step aside and let the other do what they need to do. But at night, we work very hard at leaving it all aside and let the rest of the world go away. That has become 'us' time.

We are running away this week end. Daughter has gracially offered to look after the dogs. I think I'll start packing...on the other hand are we really going to need clothes with a jacuzzi in the room?

Happy Anniversary Honey!
I can't wait to see where this ride takes us. I'm glad its with you.

Beagle and Beans

Things are quiet at the moment but then the Beagle is sleeping so they should be. But then it might be my own fault. You see my mother found this acai berry juice that is good for all kinds of things. We were curious and its not like my mother to try this power juices but this one tastes really really good. I tried the full dosage for two days and ended up with a rush that caffiene would envy. I cut my dosage in half and gave a capful to the Beagle to see if it helped him.

Within tow days, I was pulling him off the top of the toilet, the table and pulling him out of mischeif everytime I turned around. To my astonishement, yesterday he picked up a toy wanting to play. He hasn't done that in years. Pick up a toy and trot it to the fridge and drop it for his carrot or milk? Yes but to play no. I've noticed little things like, he now sleeps through the night without needing to go out. He is breathing better and acting like he is much younger. His eyes have cleaned up and his energy seems to have picked up. Its only been two weeks.

Hubby was a little miffed when he found out I was giving some to the dog. I explained I was sharing my dosage with him. He hasn't said much but I know his co-workers think I'm a little daffier than before. The way I look at it is, is a capful of berry crap three times a day, lets me sleep at night without having to get up and open a door (or getting that lovely winter chill when your still half asleep) then to me its bloody well worth it. If it gives him a wee bit more of a comfortable old age and a bit more quality of life then I'm happy. To be honest, it makes things a little easier with him and to me, who deals with him and the other four on a daily basis, its worth it.

So I think my garden is in. Now we will see what happens. I had started everything in my one greenhouse. Hubby didn't seem that intent on putting in this garden and I'm panicking because I have sprouts and no where to put them. So I come up with a back up plan just in case. Well back up plan is now the garden. So here is what I did. We dragged the second greenhouse over by the first, lifted the sod, turned the dirt and planted the peas and root veggies. I figure with five dogs running around the yard, under cover is the safest place for the plants. I was so exicited to see the radish start to poke up. the nice thing about the green house they are in, is the two ends roll right up, so on the hot days they will get lots of sun and air but they will be protected from dogs and wind.

In the first green house, I have zucchini, cukes, tomatoes, peas, bean, peppers, herbs and pumpkins. The pumpkins haven't sprouted yet so we will see but then they take a little longer than the rest. Mom gave me some strawberries plants. They were in tons of dirt and it was cool, raining and muddy when I put them in their bed. They never stressed at all. In our circular garden in the back I have lettuce and herbs plants in flowers and my rhubarb.

I spent four hours in my front beds cleaning out the grass roots and other weeds. I now understand the meaning of Grassroots. Some of the roots I ripped out extended the entire length of the flower bed. There is more dirt than plants but at least its decluttered dirt. My view of weeding is to declutter rather than actully weeding.

Speaking of which, I do have to get into the roses sooner or later. It might as well be sooner. Then I can finally curl up with my book, pond side with a strong cup of coffee...I think I'll go attack the roses.