Learning and understanding

I woke up to rain this morning, and it’s continued being a wet day.  Jerry stuck his nose outside and came back in to complain that his fur was damp, he’s been nudging me to stop the wet, please, all afternoon.  So when I saw this photo of Guyaguyare in south-eat Trinidad, I decided to share it.  Don was quite happy last night as his team won, so he and his son were chatting until fairly late; I admit to some relief as it gives me a (short) break until they start playing again.  He was glued to baseball today, and that’s just one of those things.  I spent a large part of the day working on a crochet project, and I worry that I don’t have enough yarn to complete it.  I tried finding more online, but the colour I have seems to be discontinued.  Worry not, I will find a solution that doesn’t involve me starting over! I have been privileged through my life; I’m realizing that more and more.  I am not wealthy, nor did I attend an exclusive school, but ...

Happy 87th birthday to my Aunt Yvonne (Daddy’s sister)  We had a short conversation today when she was celebrating with kids, grandkids and friends.  They are, thankfully, not affected by the flooding in Florida, so that’s wonderful.  It’s a rainy, cool day today, which is lovely for snuggling in a cozy sweater with my current crochet project, which is surprising me with the pattern — I saw it online, of course, thought I’d make it, and I half expected a bit of a challenge.  It’s less complex than it looks, but I have a feeling that I’m using the wrong weight of yarn and I should use a thinner one, although I’m using the weight and needle size recommended.  Maybe it’s the colours?  I’m not sure.  The final product will be shared, and I await your comments 😊  Jerry is in a playful mood, has hidden several of his toys and is now hunting them.  Don is preparing for a “busy” night of sports-watching, and is saving his strength. 😈  I don’t ...

This was taken a couple weeks ago in Niagara, but I thought a hint of spring would be good.  The trees aren’t yet in full bloom here, but the hints of upcoming green are there.  It was a beautiful sunny day, warm enough to go out with just a light sweater — just fabulous.  I had a conversation that this is “layer season” as it’s too cold at the start of the day to leave the coat behind, but too warm at the end to need it, so you just keep peeling off layers to get to comfortable.  Jerry and I went out for a short walk and he was so excited to be able to sniff at things and run around a bit.  He’s tired out now, as am I, and I’m sure that we’ll get back to our routine of short walks on dry days (he hates getting wet, so walks in rain or snow do not add joy).  We ordered some pastries today; I took the advice of a friend who suggested doing this to distract from the scan’s stress.  I’ve had a small almond tart, which is just delightful with a cup of tea....

Sunrise over Chaguaramas, Trinidad.  Mild homesickness again… I’m slowly accepting — although I’m fighting against it — that when I have extra activities, like yesterday’s trip to the vet, starting early and so on, means that the next day I’m sluggish.  How much I hate that is hard to convey in mere words!  I did a few things around the house today, slowly, and I know there’s more to do which will take a while.  Jerry was a bit sluggish last night, but this morning seemed to be a collection of firecrackers and springs!  He started playing as soon as I stirred awake from sleep, wanted to play hide and seek, had a “zoomies” attack and then dragged his food bowl around to take a bite every few minutes.  He’s slightly worn out and dozing next to Don (quick, guess what sports are on!) and they’re both quite comfortable.  The weather is slowly warming up — I’m trying not to refer to rain as “bad” weather, as it’s both necessary and refreshing.  Please c...

Sunset over Port of Spain, taken from the hills above Belmont.  People send me these, which I enjoy even as I have small twinges of homesickness.  I’m struggling with my desire to do things measured against my capability to accomplish them.  I’m getting the odd reaction that I think is related to my recent travels, (the alternative does not bear consideration) so I’d really like them to settle down so I can do things I enjoy again.  Jerry had his booster shots for rabies and distemper today — he greeted the vet and the staff with wiggles and kisses, and when she told him to sit, he obeyed instantly.  She said, “Oh, he’s so well-trained!” I looked around for the other dog that’s mine… anyway, he passed his checkup; he lost a little weight, his teeth are good (and I can attest, sharp!) and he’s full of energy.  He took his shots quietly, got treats and was cuddled by everyone !  Don was feeling a little queasy this morning when we headed over, but recove...

Yesterday underlined why I can’t return to work on a full time basis.  I had several home visits from different people, starting at 9, and ending shortly after 3.  So I woke up early so I’d be alert for the first one, then I got a call from one of my service providers, and so on until the last one.  I did have some breaks, but not long enough for me to take a nap and so by 4pm I was exhausted and couldn’t keep my eyes open.  I slept until 10 this morning, and I’d probably have slept longer but for Jerry’s demands.  He’s spent all day today with me, and hasn’t left me for long until now when he’s on Don’s shoulder.  I have a puppy-shaped dent on my lap from him.  Don also had a slow day, as his pain persists and he’s walking like an old man… He had a decent rest, and is up eating now.  Apparently there’s hockey later, and I’ll be banished because I’m apparently a jinx on his team; in reality, I’m not interested, so I don’t cheer loudly — this is a ...

Queen’s Park Savannah, Trinidad.  Someone was sharing this photo of dawn there, which does a great job of making me a little homesick!  It’s a mild day, with sporadic rain, and I’m regaining some energy.  Jerry is a little hyperactive and has been running around, throwing his toy and chasing me every time I get up.  That started when I woke up this morning, and he’s been either curled up on me or else sitting by my feet ever since.  He’s right now rearranging his blanket (and trying to steal my lap throw to add to his collection) and letting me know that he’s a neglected little puppy who nobody loves (but who is almost constantly petted.)  Don is recovering from a minor issue, which left him in some pain and unable to sit comfortably.  I was teasing him because he said that he couldn’t find something in the bathroom cabinet, but when I looked it was right there.  Granted, it was behind another item, but it was on the same shelf in the same locatio...

Presented for your consideration… A tiny monster surveilling my lunch!  (Slice of chicken, mushroom and bacon pizza)  He just kept trying to nose closer to steal it, thinking that I wouldn’t notice.  He was unsuccessful, but remains optimistic of stealing food from my plate if I ever let him.  He then would jump up on my lap and block my view of the TV while I was watching a TV movie!  I pushed him off, he just bounced back up, settled with his back to me and then stretched out, put up his front paws for me to rub his tummy and wriggled around.  Don had a poor night as he took one of his meds (that keeps him awake) a little late so his sleep wasn’t great.  On the other hand, I slept for about 11 hours and struggled to get up.  Having done that, I was still a bit slow, and I felt somewhat irritated for no reason.  It’s something that happens occasionally when I’ve been overtired or stressed, and right now I’m thinking that it’s the after effec...

Wishing my Muslim friends and family an Eid that’s as sweet as the sawine that’s being served.  May this be a blessed year for you.   It’s warming up for a day or two; more cool weather is on the way, apparently.  It’s cooler than forecast today, and partly cloudy, but otherwise a pleasant spring day.  I’ve been returned to my job as dog bed, with the small monster occupying my lap for most of the day.  He bounces from me to Don and back but he’s apparently in a phase where he needs to be in contact with one of us all the time.  I almost tripped over him a couple of times, not realizing that he was standing right behind me!  Don is busy trying to book vet and grooming appointments for the tiny monster, and set up some other errands including car maintenance and bloodwork.  He’s very  good at working to avoid his medical obligations.  I’m quietly reminding him of what he needs to do.  I do NOT nag! I had a very exciting afternoon tod...

This was on Monday, sitting in the train, feeling a little tired — before the delays started.  This morning I looked outside and saw flurries!  Not many, and not long, but just enough for me to tuck my toes under the blanket a little harder.  Jerry must have seen them too, because he tried burrowing under me!  He’s really been persistent in sticking close to me since I got home; he moves from lying on my tummy to lying on my lap when I sit, and he arranges himself no matter what I’m doing.  I’ve pushed him off, and he just bounces back up.  Silly dog!  Don has been enjoying having me at home, and we’re catching up on several of our recorded shows.  He was good, and didn’t watch too many without me — although today I came out to find that he was halfway through one that we normally watch together.  So, of course, he had to restart it.  Because that’s what happens when you don’t wait to watch a together show at the same time!  Now, th...

Hello!  I’m awake again 😁  My train on Monday ran late, so instead of getting to Ottawa at 11pm, it was closer to 1am before we arrived.  It seems that there were signal issues along a good chunk of the track, so we were moving s-l-o-w-l-y.  Happily, there’s a live train tracker, which I shared with Don, so he wasn’t sitting in the parking lot for hours waiting!  I do regularly text on my trip, and I’d said that I’d let him know when we were at the second-last stop, which would give him enough time to get to the station, but he tracked my progress and timed it to arrive 2 minutes ahead of the train.  Due to the delays, I’ve been offered a 50% off credit on my next trip, to be used within six months, so the little ones might get a surprise visit from Auntie!  Don is very happy I’m back home; although I’m thinking it’s because he no longer has to look for things himself… it’s amazing how many times he says, “I looked, it’s not there,” and I find it exac...

So I’m using a photo from our drive to Niagara last Friday, because today’s weather was “seasonal” = cold, wet, rainy and with a chilling wind!  Quite a departure from the last few days!  I had a relaxed morning, then a moment of frantic panic, then calm, and I’m now on the second of my two trains heading back to Ottawa.  There’s no danger of a late connection, as my first train becomes the second, so I just needed to change cars.  Don has decided to live dangerously, and was threatening to “forget” my arrival time tonight. Then he realized the consequences in the form of a small black dog who would not be amused to be separated from his nighttime snuggler for another, unscheduled night.  Jerry knows I’m due back, and apparently has been looking for me.  A few more hours and I’m back with my boys! I tried to tell the kids that I was leaving today (we all did.)  They looked singularly unimpressed; then it was explained that Auntie was going back to her ...

Hristos vaskerse!  Happy Easter to all my Orthodox friends.  Wishing you all blessings of the season. All week long, the forecast called for rain on the weekend with thunderstorms today.  Instead, it was a beautiful sunny day, albeit brisk near the lake.  We headed out with the kids to a park on the water, where they had a blast, and I sat in the car trying to get warm.  Sam dropped in on Don today, and took Jerry out for a long walk as it was also sunny and warm in defiance of the weather forecasters.  I happened to call while she was still there, and Jerry flat out ignored me in loving her!  I’d be jealous, except that he got more exercise than I could provide.  Don was secretly relieved as it lets him get his breath back; the sudden heat and humidity are hard on him. As I mentioned, we had a little outing with the kids, first to the park on the waterfront, then to the mall for lunch.  I was reminded of how challenging it is with a toddler ...

We went from midsummer back to early spring; the temperature dropped closer to seasonal today.  It’s still mild enough to have the door open, but it’s definitely a sweater day, as compared to yesterday, which was shorts and sandals weather.  I was a little tired today, which isn’t too surprising after yesterday, but it was fully manageable.  My boys are doing well, and were up and about this morning — I think part of that is to eat as many of the sugar-packed items that entered the house during my absence, so there’s likely to be a sugar crash one day soon.  If I sound unsympathetic , it’s because I’ve seen this before, and some people don’t seem to learn from their mistakes. 😜  Jerry was actively exploring everything when I was on the phone, except for me.  He pushed on the screen to knock the phone away.  I really have to wonder if he’s deliberately sulking and therefore I may need to re-assess his actions in a more personified manner.  I’m loo...

Canadian weather is nothing if not changeable…last week, we had a massive ice storm, today it feels like midsummer!  It was 28C, sunny and just a wee bit humid.  So absolutely lovely!  My sister and I took a drive through Niagara, trying to break my “curse” — for years, every time I went to the Falls, the sky would be cloudy.  On at least one memorable occasion, the clouds piled in just as we were turning onto the Parkway, the sky turned dark and stayed like that until we were halfway back to Hamilton!  Today was picture perfect postcard weather.  The trees are beginning to bloom as well, so all in all, it was just gorgeous.  My boys are at home, doing well, eating things that are normally restricted (at last count, there were 2 cakes, about 2 dozen tarts and an unspecified amount of “candy”) and I’m not listening to any complaints about upset tummies from anyone who’s overindulging!  My little monster persists in treating me like an unwelcome ann...

It’s another beautiful day in the neighbourhood and I was able to be out on the lawn with my sister’s dog for a while today.  He settled down to bask in the sun, and I just enjoyed the warmth.  I was woken up by a chorus of birds, and I really enjoyed that!  I don’t often hear songbirds in the city, so it was great to hear that when I opened my eyes.  I had a small setback today; for unknown reasons, I had a wave of nausea followed by an attack of the runs and some dreadful gas today.  It’s most annoying, especially as I have a roti waiting to be eaten, but I can’t if my digestion is acting up!  Don decided to go to the supermarket yesterday, and texted me that he was heading over around 6:30pm.  At 10pm I called, wondering where he was, to learn that he’d just arrived home, exhausted to the point of breathlessness because the store is bigger than he can comfortably walk.  Then I found that he bought a few cakes, tarts and other such, and he’s con...

🎼🎶 Oh what a beautiful day; I have a beautiful feeling…  Be thankful that you can’t hear me murdering that song, ok?  Small mercies and all that.  In my mind I sing like a trained soprano, but I’m not my choir director sister, and I can effectively carry a tune… in a bag. 😜. What an utterly gorgeous day!  It was a sunny 26C with a pleasant breeze off the lake (which is still cold) and I was outdoors for a good chunk of the afternoon.  I called my boys as usual today, and they were planning some form of mischief, so I took the prudent path and asked no questions so I can deny any knowledge if asked!  Jerry is now into the stage of firmly ignoring me, he doesn’t even twitch a lash when I talk to him.  He’s also giving Don the cold shoulder, so I think he thinks that Don is hiding me away.  At night, when I call before bed, Jerry places himself in front of the camera with his back turned, and tries to knock it out of Don’s hands.  He’s a very...