MenoMama

Hubby to Meno

'Waddaya think about moving to another province, the US of A or even internationally?
It's time for a transfer in my job.
That means if we leave Canada and go the the States (for example) you could NOT work.
Should I say yes?'

*Meno thinks for a split second*

Meno to hubby

'Say yes.'

*gulps*

All I know is that life is fluid, change is good and you only live once.

**Anybody else think this week has been slow?

**Hubby's home *YAYNESS* the sun is shining, it is Friday and I am cool with that.

**Heading out to visit my niece and nephew tomorrow. WOOT!

**MIL is picking me up at the train station, we shall have lunch and visit with the kiddies.

*double WOOT!*

I've said it before and I shall say it again - my in-laws are wonderful people. They do not interfere, they are respectful, they are supportive, they love me for me and are over the moon that their son/brother *my husband* is content and well looked after.

**The flower gardens (front and back) are filling in and need a good rain to give it a push.

**The babies' father is being harsh with them. He did not want them to hop in and out of the nest and was pecking at them. Guess he is trying to protect the eggs in the nest. Poor wee things. Once you were the favored one and now *poof* you are expected to behave differently with the peck of a beak. Kinda like the human world now isn't it?

**Hubby and I were discussing the medium of print specifically the art of reading a book as opposed to reading the information on a computer screen. It is a totally different experience to read words in cyber space versus reading the words in book format.

The whole body responds so different to each experience.

I fell asleep reading a book last night. Having said that, I have also fallen asleep with the laptop.

Har.

Have a wonderful Friday and a fabulous weekend.

Hugs and kisses

I have the beginnings of a migraine, it is only Thursday, my tummy is swollen and sore and my new bra won't hold the girls in.

Other than that everything is peachy.

*groans*

That is all.

EDITED: My migraine has vanished, my tummy is not sore but remains swollen and the girls have dropped to the floor. Har.

here's the babies...

...this is the father hanging out of the nest and the baby is on the perch....the babies are as big as their parents!!!

Babies are about 2 1/2-3 months old...awwwwwwwwwwwwwww

Morning.

Spent way too much time trying to dump my cameras pics into my laptop last night. In a fit of sheer desperation, I plugged the USB cable into the second USB port and waddaya know? It worked.

I won't forget that any time soon.

Past two working days have been busy and today should be not so much.

Hubby's off traveling and will be back in a few days. That means no lengthy cooking required and the best part is that I can reheat the vats of food I made on the weekend

TA-DA!!!

Watched some reality teevee shows on the E! channel last night. The one show Denise Richards - It's Complicated (she was married to Charlie Sheen) was okay but her laugh had me climbing the walls. Dunno what it is about it but her forced giggles felt like finger nails on the chalkboard *shivers*

A friend of mine became a father yesterday which is so refreshingly hopeful for I find the act of giving life a miracle. Bless him and his family.

As my friend shared his joyful news, I thought of the next 20 years or so of their life raising children et al and was incredibly grateful those days are long gone from MenoLand. Hubby and I are empty-nesters and have been for many years now.

I can't imagine making room for a child. We have happily settled into a routine that works for both of us. And we have become incredibly selfish in our empty-nesting ways.

We have paid our child-rearing dues, did our bit for the country and all that.

Much prefer to be an aunty.

Have a wonderful day my lovely friends,

Hugs and kisses

During the weekday mornings, I am on a hustling-bustling cooking schedule which means that breakfast is typically toast, juice, fruit, coffee *natch*. Sometimes, I'll mix it up a bit and switch the toast for hot oatmeal porridge or dry cereal.

The weekend mornings set out at a leisurely pace and it is usually hubby's turn to make the breakfast. However, if I am inspired and energetic, I'll make a 'special' weekend breakfast such as cornmeal blueberry pancakes, egg & potato frittata or poached buttery egg.

And every now and again, I'll toss in a 'weekend' breakfast during the week such as today, where we enjoyed a buttery, herb-y poached egg. In order to do that, I need to prepare everything the night before to ensure that the minimum amount of time is spent preparing the breakfast as time is of the essence. All I have to do is to open my hazel eyes, pop outta bed, trundle down the stairs, flick the oven on, toss in the pan with the eggs, set the timer and ping!!! in 10-12 minutes, we have poached or cocotte eggs.

YUM!

What did you have for breakfast?

Dunno what's up with some of my mates.

Something is not right with a few.

Just wanna let you know I am here for you.

If you wish.

xxxx

*eek*

I dare not speak those words out loud.

I am referring to money. And if hubby heard me give life to those words, I'd have to pop open a pack of nitroglycerin and wave that under his nose.

You see, he has an innate fear of being poor which is odd as he has never been poor. Mind you, that is a great goal in one's life - work hard, save money and you probably won't be poor.

That's my motto 'cept for the last part. Work hard and spend money so you can play hard.
You can't take money with you and I don't think that is hubby's intentions. I think he is saving money now so we can play hard when we retire in a gazillion years.

Thankfully, he is concerned about our financial welfare (someone should be). Having said that, just where do you draw the line about spending and saving?? I know where I draw that line - I spend and don't save. Would be a disaster if both he and me were like that.

It is different set of rules when your children have flown the Meno nest and you no longer have a mortgage to pay. There seems to be an abundance of money and that's nice.

However, as a parent raising children, if you factor those 2 things (children + mortgage = no money) into the financial reality, you soon realize that there is very little money for 'extras' as children and household expenses suck out every last penny.

And cars! Maintaining cars cost a bloody fortune as well!

I remember during the good, ole days as a single mum, I drove a junker of a car. The back doors wouldn't open so the kids had to climb from the front seat to the back seat and you can bet they loved that when I drove them to school.

The kids were so embarrassed by the state of my car *think the tween years, middle school and trying to impress your mates) they insisted I stop and let them out a couple of blocks before the school as they were mortified to be seen in that car. Hahahahaha...

When I started the car, there was billowing plumes of black smoke rumbling out from the exhaust system. I am probably responsible for burning one level of the ozone level just from that car.

I could go on about the nightmarish experiences I had with that car but my point is this...cars always seem to know when you have a few extra pennies in the bank as something always goes wrong with the car right about then.

I look back on those memories and can laugh about it now. Don't know if the kids do though.

heheheheh.

Have a wonderful day...

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Where did that weekend go?

Spent over four hours gardening this afternoon and loved every second of it. I do enjoy getting my hands in Mother Nature's earth.

Rearranged the backyard furniture *looks ace* and now hubby and I are sat in the backyard, he on his lappy and me on mine, sipping some apple martinis *delish* and smelling the purply lilacs.

I do love this time of year.

Hubby and I have been slowly roasting some pork spareribs, ya know the kind that the meat falls off the bone when you touch it and it's gonna be divine.

We bought this outside roaster last year and spend most of the summer either using that or the gas barbecue to grill our food.

Once the backyard is lush with blooms and greenery, I'll take a picture to show you lot what the garden looks like and then you may understand why I love it so.

The baby finches are self-sufficient now. Mum and dad finch have taught then how to bathe, to eat and to fly. Mum and dad refuse to feed them even though the babies chirp for their food.

I think mum and dad finch are getting ready for the next lot of babies to hatch. Judging by the date mum and dad decided to sit on the eggs around the clock, the new babies should hatch in about 14 days.

In other news, hubby has decided to plan a three week trek from here (MenoLand) to the other side of Canada. He ask me if I would mind if he goes *nope* and he is going to drive from one end of this country to the other. He has always wanted to do that. YAY for hubby!!!

Have a great evening and catcha later.

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With those words spoke, I grab my friend and his wife and hugged for dear life.

I debated whether I would go but decided that was the thing to do. So, I had a hot shower, put my makeup on, slipped into some spiffy clothes and drove off to the funeral home.

You see my friend and his wife suffered the loss of their beloved grandfather and I knew I had to be there to let them know, that given enough time, everything will be okay.

I saw the stillness of the deceased and then marveled at the glowing complexion of my friend's pregnant wife, for life does go on, despite our protests.

That's what it is all about, now isn't it?

The only way to honor the dead is to live your life as best as you can and to the fullest for life is too sort to do anything but that.

Know what I mean?

One of the things I noticed about seeing my bloggity friends in May, specifically the folks I met last November, was the sense that we had moved beyond the cyber world of friendship on towards a real, in-person, gonna-be-there-for-a-while friendship.

And that's beautiful.

I felt so comfortable with them and I do believe them with me.

And for the folks I had just met in May (at Greenwich, Berlin and let's not forgot Stockholm!!! ), I felt at ease and comfortable with them as well.

All in all, it was a wonderful, warm, fuzzy trip. There are so many memories that pop into my head as I move through my day and I thank you for putting a smile on my face.

Roll on November.

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It's Friday!

*does a Happy Dance*

That's a marvelous fact for 2 reasons - Friday's = Apple Martini Night and it's the start of the weekend.

WOOHOO!

The best part of my day is not the morning, not the daily meals (that runs a close second ), the hugs and the kisses from The Crew in my village, not the sun shining, not the Spring burst of all its' glory but the best part of my day is knowing that when I leave home, I get to come back to it once again.

I love my home and all its' comforts.

WOOHOO #2!!

In other news, the Java Finch parents have been 'busy' and I discovered 3 additional eggs in their nest *eek* and it would appear that I am gonna be a Grandma once again.

You would think that Mum & Dad Java Finch would be exhausted from looking after their babies born over 2 months ago and they are still looking after them to some degree.

I may have to do an intervention and move the eggs. Then I may not.

In other news, hubby felt the overwhelming need to share the fact that whilst I was away last week, he arrived back home from walking the Trio and discovered that the bottom cage door was open and 3 budgies (parakeets) were hanging on for dear life on the outside of the cage.

Eegit.

I would not have poured forth this info until at least a few months maybe years have passed as we have a rule in our house that if you do something 'accidently' that may cause disapproval from the other, you can seal this info and reveal it after time has passed and there will be no repercussions!

Depends what it is of course.

Like the time I washed hubby's cotton sweater and tossed it in the dryer where it came out a few sizes smaller. He remarked that he thought he had 'gained' weight and I kept my bleeding mouth shut for 2 years until one night in a drunken stupor, I revealed all to him.

I laughed and he didn't.

Everything is a learning lesson now isn't it???

BOL!

I was puttering around the kitchen this evening making a bit of this and a bit of that and this comment popped into my head 'Ma, I would want to be with you on the desert island if times were lean for you know how to make a meal out of nothing, if you know what I mean.' said the husband to his wife.

That's true words if any were spoke for I learned a gazillion years ago that as a single mum with two babes and little to no money at the best of times, I could stretch a dollar farther than most.

There were many moments of little to no money but I had an imagination that could create a dozen meals out of one chicken, improvised a toboggan out of a plastic garbage bag so we could jump on the bag and slide down the snowy hills.

I created many fairy tale moments for those kids of mine for they never knew how dire times were but in fact, had a magical, merry childhood full of spontaneous moments such as let's go for a drive to the ice cream store or the let's hop outta bed and have a candle lit picnic on the floor as we watched movies all night long.

I often think that life was simpler when the kiddies were small. I remember those moments with fondness and smiles as life seemed so easy way back then.

Bless.

EDITED: 12:47am...I learned more lessons when I was poor than when I was not.

One of the many things I adore about Nick is his youthful exuberance and his innate refusal to become a stuffy, lifeless adult.

He embraces his inner child to the nth degree and explores the world with this youthful perspective.

*respect*

Whilst in Stockholm and after a delicioso dinner, plentiful wine and heart warming company, Mira and I would escort Nick, Mrs F and Shipscook to the train station as they began their way back to the hotel.

Just outside the subway station, there are some steps we need to walk down and it would appear that the Swedes have combined the wheelchair access ramp with the regular set of stairs. On the left of the stairs is the wheelchair ramp which is about 18-24 inches apart and complete with little steps between the bars/slots for the wheelchair wheels to roll down.

Nick: Hey, Meno. This must be the ramp for a one-legged pirate to go down!

cue heart warming beam from Meno

I love his youthfulness and by gawd he better not change.

Bless you Nick, you wonderfully charming wee pirate you.

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And yet again, the universe has revealed to me that I must have a guardian angel watching over me and for that I am eternally grateful.

Two weeks ago, that would be 2 days before I boarded a plane to England et al, my doctor ordered an upper and lower abdominal x-ray as he suspected that my endo may be acting up but he thought there might be other factors causing my discomfort.

The x-ray folks advised me that my doctor's office would get the radiologist's report the very next day - that would be the Thursday before I flew out of Canada.

I checked the answering machine many times over the next few days and no calls from the doctor's office were received so no news is good news I thought and happily made my way to bonny ole England.

Tonight my doctor advised that the x-ray came back and his staff were trying to reach me as I needed to be seen as soon as possible so he could start me on a month long treatment to resolve the issue. (doesn't matter what the issue is but it could have been life threatening if things progressed)

So I thank my guardian angel for my health did not deteriorate when I was in one, two or the third country I visited.

I am grateful that my health did not deteriorate when I was away from Canada, away from our glorious health care system and away from my beloved husband for if I needed him to be near me in my time of need, he could have easily come to me.

Blessed be.

Yesterday was my first day back from holidays and you would think I would be run off my feet with loads of work but I wasn't.

I do believe a slow day at work is worse than a fast day. Time seemed to stand still and the day was incredibly long.

Not one to be unprepared, I always take my morning newspaper, a couple of entertainment rags to read, my trip planning file and my iPod *thank you Apple* to chip away at the hum drum, dullness of my day.

I am grateful for the job I do have but when time is slowly ticking by, I drift off into dreamland and imagine all sorts of other activities I could be doing.

Fact is, I need to work, not only for the money but I believe everyone needs a reason to get out of bed in the morning and work is a good reason as any.

Ironic now isn't it?

Now, the story about Padders, Brad and me in Germany trying to buy a dang subway ticket at the do-it-yourself kiosk.

In hindsight, it was something out of a Laurel & Hardy comedy sketch. There we were, standing in front of the kiosk, me at one machine, punching various buttons in a desperate attempt to get some kinda paper out of the machine and there was Paddy and Brad at the other machine, wondering why it wouldn't take the 50 Euro note and refusing to accept the debit/credit card as well.

What was hilarious was when we requested the transaction to be in English, the dang debit/credit card machine was only available in German, Rampie was at work (he speaks German and we do not) and we had no clue what the machine was asking us.

We fretted, discussed and finally decided that one solution would be for Paddy to go to the Apotek (pharmacy) to get a stick of deodorant in a devilish ruse to break the 50 Euro note and subsequently, we could then buy our subway tickets.

Paddy walked to the Apotek, a few moments passed and Paddy walked out of the Apotek empty-handed. The Apotek didn't have any deodorant and he didn't know what else to buy. (The Apotek only carried drug store, pharmacy type thingys).

Now that had me in stitches, dunno why, but the hilarity and absurdity of the situation was becoming another one of those holiday moments that you never forget.

After much deliberation, it was agreed to empty our pockets and pool our Euros together and lo and behold, we had just enough to buy 3 subway tickets.

*smiles*

In other news, Paddy has a built-in hamburger radar and I watched in amazement as he lifted his nose in the air, his head swirled around to the right about 3 o'clock and he calmly announced, 'There is a Burger King over there'.

*impressed*

A few steps later, we could all see the Burger King in plain view.

That is my Padders, Brad and Me story.

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Whilst in Berlin, Rampie had arranged a tour of BCUK HQ for Padders, Brad and I.

And, I must say, that this experience has evolved my relationship with BCUK cyberspace into realness so to speak.

They are real people, living real lives, doing real jobs at the end of this internet thingy and quite frankly, they are working their asses off to maintain and improve BlogLand for the likes of you and me.

It has changed my perception and attitude toward the bloggity gremlins that visit BCUK every now and again.

I know that BCUK staff strive to maintain and improve the service delivery of BlogLand because I have seen it.

In other news, HQ is so clean, so white and so 'effing quiet. My work station is loud, busy and full of chatter during the day. And they have bottled water, frizzy water and pop *if memory serves me* for their staff.

Did I spy some sneaky beers there?

*impressed*

That is all.

Had today off as it is a national holiday to honor Queen Victoria and no, I am not a monarchist but I will take a day off from work if it is given.

Got up, ate breakfast *homemade french cinnamony toast with buttery raisins* got dressed, walked the Trio 5 K's, got home and promptly slide into my pj's again.

*lazy cow alert*

I could have and I should have done some houseworky things about the Meno house but pfft! to that I say.

Spent the day having naps with my hubby and then Molly G and in between I played video games, read a book and had a glorious, bubbly bath.

Still in holiday, slow mode and all will come to a crashing halt at 6am tomorrow when I am jolted awake by the bringg-bringggg of the Meno alarm.

Had a family dinner yesterday and made some salmon with Mira's delicioso creme fraiche dressing. Even copied the boiled jacket potatoes and dang, it was divine.

Made Mira's fresh pasta dish with a mushroomy cream, toasted pine nut and fresh cheese sauce *drools* 'effing good it is too!

I took a lot of Mira away with me when I left Stockholm. She has so much to offer in her kind and ever-so-gentle way.

I was inspired to plant some herbs in pots *rosemary, mint, thyme, basil, dill, chive, parsley, oregano* as Mira has herbs galore in her kitchen and I thought, 'hmmmm, I do believe I need some fresh herbs in my kitchen to toss in a dish every now and again.'

Remind me to tell you about Padders, Brad and I trying to buy some train tickets in Berlin. Oh! And I need to tell you about Nick's one-legged pirate.

Hahahahahhahaha!!!!!

Got an earlier flight.

Back in Canada.

*YAYNESS*

Many stories to tell. Bit tired though and need to spend time with the Crew et al.

Will say though, if you ever get a chance to spend time with the lovely folks at BCUK or BLOG.CA, do it!

They are lovely.

Hugs and kisses...

Hello!

Had a grand time in Berlin. So many stories to tell...spent a few moments being foiled by the auto train ticket thingy but managed to get our tickets through sheer determination *giggles*

Padders and Brad are lovely. Got a bit teary eyed when I boarded the train to take me to the airport.

Met loads of folks at BCUK HQ.

Met Berlinlights *ace* so's NittyGritty *beautiful*

Rampage is divine. Thanks for everything you wee Irish leprechaun you.

Landed in MiraLand last night.

She's lovely, more beautiful in person than you can imagine.

Having a wonderful time and building so many memories with such beautifully, wonderful people.

Mira and I are meeting Mrs F, Nick and Ships this afternoon.

Behave.....

hugs and kisses

Hello!

Sitting at the computer in Luton, it's Monday and in a few hours, I will be in Berlin.

WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Will be meeting my lovely Padders, Brad and seeing Rampie again!

I hope you boys saved me some sneaky beer!

Friends...I try to access the computer every now and again but will check the blog meet pics when I can.

Hugs and kisses and behaveeeeeeeeeeee!!

I'm here sat at the public internet thingy at the Holiday Inn Express. Made it to Luton in one piece and have no idea how.

My schedule (printed and prepared in Canada) had me getting to Luton from Greenwich in about 90 minutes. Little did I know that the bastids would be doing maintenance work on some rail ways (fookers) so it took me about 2 1/2 hours and I have no idea how I got here.

Little did I know that you were suppose to ring the stop 'effing button on the express bus from Luton Airport Parkway to Luton Airport and I was wandering around at the airport looking for the Holiday Inn Express shuttle bus.

Double the fookers!!!

At the airport, I decided I was starving, ordered a Big Whopper McThingy, fries and a mofo coke as dude convinced me it was cheaper, I mean realllly, did the few coins I was saving matter worth it??? as I managed to spill the whole large coke all over the 'effing floor in plain view of the Arrivals and food court *eegit*

Luton Airport has been christened by Meno.

Had a wonderful time at the Giypsy Moth...so many folks were there Jenray, Ray, Jacobite, NotBob, Faffajane, Nigel, Louisa, Chyna Doll, Shipscook, Old Nick, Mrs F, Rowtheboat, TKK (btw, I just clued into who you were this morning *duh* have never seen your pic and shame on me for not buying you that beer I promised; seems like I owe you 2 now), MJ, Eggbod and Rubychoo...did I forget anyone? My apologies as I have shit for brains at the mo.

To each and every one of you...you are ebautiful and I thank you for being my friend.

Talked to Juzzy on the phone *ace* wish you woulda been there hunny.

Jackfrost and his wee feller stopped by my hotel to say *bless*

Going out for dinner with Faffa and Louisa tonight *beautiful*

Looking forward to it.

Head out to Berlin tomorrow and Rampie, Padders and Brad best be saving some snealy beers for me.

hugs and kisses

cue breakfast this morning

Ma: Er, don't think I shoulda given the Trio that homemade celery soup with their dog food.

Da: Why?

Ma: Cos it is a little spicy.

Da: Thanks Ma. You are going away and I bet the Trio gets the shits.

*crosses her fingers behind her back*

Ma: oh, no Da. They will be fine.

My question to you folks...is it wrong to snigger inside at the potential dilemma facing hubby? Believe me, I would never want any harm to come to my dogs *angels* but the dirty deed has been done, soup has be tossed out to avoid further mishaps and once again, I have managed to ignite the flames of disaster without breaking a sweat.

I know I have not responded to comments on my blog. Truly sorry. I will give you my undivided attention when I return home.

EDITED: I have decided that any form of sniggering is naughty (at least in this case ^^^) and I have since suspended this immature behavior.

Bad Meno!

Puddum P

Molly G

Fresco, the lovebird

Fred, the canary

Molly G (yes, she is that daft)

Puddum P IS possessed

One of the wee baby Java finch

There's mum, dad, and both babies...aren't they cute?

Phewwwwwwwwwwww! Aren't the babies cute?

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8 days, 1 woman and a carry-on suitcase.

Think I can stuff 8 days of living a Meno life into one carry-on suitcase?

The biggest article of clothing to stuff into the carry-on will be my 'effing granny pants. A gal really should change her underwears every day.

Not taking the lappy.

Will be taking my DS to play some games but that will be carted around in my mofo hand bag that is expandable. 'Sa nice one too.

In other news, my endometriosis has flared up (yet again) but I have discovered that there is an endometriosis clinic in downtown Toronto at Women's College Hospital *does a Happy Dance* and my doctor is gonna refer me to the specialists there.

TA DA!

I am beginning to think that the endo is around to remind me that life is precious, don't waste a second and to enjoy every moment you can.

I have learned that it will never go away but can be managed and I can live with that.

2 more days..........

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I was watching a teevee show the other day and during one segment, there was a an adult woman and her father sitting and taking about the father's expectations of his daughter.

The father proceeded to tell his daughter that he wished she would find a young man to fall in love with so she could raise a family.

And the sadness displayed on her face and ever so deep down in her eyes was breathtakingly overwhelming for I could never imagine not being able to love the one that I do, for the one she loved was a she and not a he.

Sad to me that was.

Dunno why people can not understand that love has no boundaries, no limits and for one to know love and be loved, now that is the miracle to behold.

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Slept like a Meno baby last night.

Feeling refreshed.

I gets my anniversary present tonight *YAY*

Hubby is gonna buy some 'spensive bubbly and we shall 'celebrate' *winks* this Thursday. It's a week early but I'll be celebrating wif Mira, Ships, Mrs F and Nick in MiraLand on the actual day *double YAY*

Baby Java chicks are so dang cute. They are curious about their environment and poke their head out of the nest to see what's going on. They haven't fallen out again and as far as I know they haven't left the nest to explore their surroundings.

Tried to load some pics of them from my new camera and couldn't think Vista is being a llwnt as the problem could not possibly be me *don't bet on it!*

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

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On the weeken