THE HUMMERS ARE HERE, THE HUMMERS ARE HERE!

This morning when I first looked out the kitchen window I noticed there had been a frost last night. Immediately I thought about the new plants in the pot by the front door, hoping the frost had not damaged them, so I walked through the house to check on the new tender plants.
I opened the door and........whirrrr, whirrr, whirrrr, there, just about one foot in front of my face was a hummingbird. It hovered for about half a minute, seemingly looking right at me, then flitted off around the corner of the house. I immediately rushed back into the kitchen to check out the hummingbird feeder I set out last week, and sure enough there was my little friend busily sucking down sugar water as fast as he could.
I am very excited to see my first hummer of the season, as they are one of my favorite birds to observe.
My new plants did survive the frost, this is a happy day.

THERE IS NOTHING LIKE A PANINI TO......

Looking at some of the blogs I read on a regular basis, I noticed some of my blogger friends had not posted anything in a while. Then I took a look at when I did my last post, and saw it was last week since I had made an effort. Sheesh! where does the time go?
I must admit I really do not have enough time in the mornings on my work days, to blog, then after I arrive home, fix dinner, and rest for a while, the urge to create something worthwhile to post, just slips away.

This morning at 11am I had an appointment for my annual physical, and to have my blood drawn to check my cholesterol and liver function, as I am currently taking a cholesterol lowering medication.

I duly arrived 10 minutes before my appointment, only to find that the Dr. was running late, so by the time I was shown into the examination room it was 11:30. I was hoping to be eating a sandwich by this time as I had to fast in preparation for the blood draw. The nurse who took my vitals said that she would look into my having my blood drawn while we were waiting for the Dr. to finish up with her patient. I was fine with this, just get the bloody job done as I do not care overly much for the procedure.

The tech who draws the blood was busy so the nurse prepared to do the job. I sat down put my arm on the table and prepared myself for..... Oh S--t!! It hit me like a brick on the back of the head, this was a nurse. (Yes I know nurses draw blood, but not all day long as the techs at this clinic do) soI dropped my head so I would not see what was about to happen, and prepared for an unpleasant experience.

Being petite, I have VERY small veins, and from experience I know it takes a tech with a lot of skill to draw my blood quickly so I feel little or no discomfort at all. Today was not to be one of those times.
I felt the straw sized needle enter my alcohol swabbed arm and gritted my teeth. Ah! she has found the vein, NOT, she pushed a little more and said "there it is" Uh Oh, my tummy was feeling squeamish and my head was starting to buzz, not a good sign. Please, please, lets get this over with. It took her forever to fill the vial, and I could feel myself getting more light headed, which I mentioned to the nurse. She removed the first vial of blood and proceeded to get a little more "just in case the Dr. needs more for a further test.
At long last, the procedure was over and I was sitting on the chair with my head between my legs gasping in deep breaths trying to stop the feeling I was going to faint. Finally I started to feel better, and the nurse offered some water and a girl scout cookie which I thought a good idea, as I am sure my blood sugar level was down due to having to fast overnight and it was now 11:45 and the last thing I had eaten was 6:30 pm yesterday.

I sipped the water and nibbled the chocolate mint cookie, enjoying the moment, then another wave of dizziness overtook me. Dang, now I was feeling like a regular sissy, I have not fainted or felt this way since I was a child. I think by this time the nurse was feeling a little concerned, she took my pulse, it was still ticking along just as it should be, so the nurse had me lie down on the examination table with my legs raised on a pillow, until the Doctor could see me.

In came my Doctor, cheerful as usual, and proceeded to look at my chart. "Hmmmmm, you are not due to have your physical until June, it is your blood draw we needed to day. I wonder why the office sent you notice to come in for your physical today?"
Can't say I was sorry to get dressed and leave the clinic, with out my physical as I really had, had enough for one day.

I drove across the highway to Pickles, a wonderful little cafe which serves the best Panini I have ever had. I sat in the warmth with my Chicken, tomato basil Panini and a Sweet cup of Coffee and made a full recovery before driving the few miles home.

Some may call it pretty

I am one of them, if I am inside looking out, and I do not have to drive on the slick roads.

Yesterday we drove down to Allyn and were concerned about the weather conditions. The "weather man" was telling us to expect snow, but lucky for us the only snow we saw was a very short snow shower while we were indoors late in the afternoon. By the time we left to drive home there were patches of blue sky and the roads were clear and dry.

This morning, it is a different story. There are about 2 inches of fresh snow and I am supposed to drive up the Island to one of my clients home, which just happens to be on an extremely steep road. I have called in and have been told we will delay two hours, but to call into the main office at 11am to see what decisions have been made for travel today. I am not all that happy about driving on steep slick roads and would just as soon stay safely at home.

This evening, MrC had planned on taking me out for my Birthday dinner, but we will put that on hold until the roads are clear.

If you are like us here on Whidbey Island, and HAVE to be out on the slippery roads, PLEASE be very careful, and watch out for the idiots who do not know how to drive in these conditions.

Having to work sucks

Wow! it is almost a week since my last post, where did the time go? So far, my new job is working out. One of my clients is VERY nice, the other, not so amiable to say the least. But what is nice about this particular job, is that I can elect not to work with a particular person if I so decide, and I am leaning heavily in that direction with the crabby one.
It is a clear cold day and I would just as soon stay indoors, but today, I have a job to do at the "crabby one's" home so I must away, and get ready for the drive up the island to her house.

UPDATE: After yesterday at the "crabby one's" house, I decided no one should be treated with rudeness, insults and condescension. I have declined to work with this person again. I have been around people in serious pain before, but they have always been polite and did not insult me. I think this person has always been this way, and I do not excuse their rudeness, insults and condescension because they are in pain.

This person did mention they have had many new caregivers. Duh!!

Report

In answer to a question from one of my readers.

How's the job going Keewee are you enjoying it?
How's your weather, back here in the UK we are having floods again.

Being the first day on the job as a caregiver, I was pretty much just finding my way around the client's home and and getting to know their routine. Am I enjoying it? I think It is going to be very rewarding and I will enjoy it. Time will tell. Tomorrow I go to a different client's home.

Here on Whidbey Island, the weather has been rather chilly, with the sun peeping through the clouds now and again. Over on the mainland, they have had very cold temperatures, with icy roads to navigate. Driving on icy roads is not on the top of my "fun things to do list" come to think about it, it is not on the list at all.

A new Direction

Don't you just love Maxine? I wouldn't mind organizing my chores as she does, but that cannot happen, especially now I have a new job.
I am going to be a caregiver, working with people who prefer to stay in their homes rather than going into a facility. As we all know, there is nothing quite like Independence and if we don't have to give it up, the happier we will be.
Many years ago I was doing similar work, and found it to be very rewarding so it is my hope nothing has changed and I will feel the same way.

I have been busy

Busy reading books, that is.

This past November, my job was " gone with the wind" so after I returned from my visit to New Zealand to visit my family, I signed up for unemployment benefits to get me by, while I searched for a job.
In the meantime, I have been catching up on some reading, getting some indoor painting done, and a few other chores I had promised myself I was going to take care of.

Living on a small Island has it's drawbacks when looking for employment as there are not a whole lot of opportunities, and I really, really do not want to commute. To commute, means taking a ferry across to the mainland then travelling the busy roads to the job site.
First of all, waiting in a ferry line to board the ferry for the crossing, is so tiresome on a daily basis, and then having to deal with snarly traffic every day, is just not my "cup of tea" At my age, just one more year before I can draw social security, I am looking for a little peace in my life, not adding stress.

This afternoon I have an interview for a job which I think may be just the thing to keep me out of trouble. I will let you know what it is and how it turns out, later on.

UPDATE: my interview went well, and orientation is Wednesday afternoon.

Where did they go?

I feel as though I have lost a few days this week. Is this because I am growing older, or did I forget what I have been doing to fill the days? *chuckle"

On Tuesday MrC and I spent a whole day up at Coupeville, in court, before a judge concerning our property. Wednesday we were so wiped out by this experience we had to rest, though I did whip up the first trial Pavlova for the Fishin' Club's Christmas party to be held on Friday night. I had forgotten that the weather does effect how a Pavlova turns out. If the day is damp, as it was, Pavlovas are inclined to spread out on the cookie sheet, and my first attempt came out looking like a manhole cover. *groan*

Thursday, I whipped up another Pav. darn if that one was just about the same, *double groan* Hmmmm! what can I learn from this? Cook them in a Springform pan. Yes, that's it, ( light bulb moment) This was the right decision as the third Pav turned out just as it should.
Now what to do with the two manhole covers? well eat them of course. MrC was only too happy to help dispose of two, tasty, but albeit flat Pavs that I had to stand aside, or be run over as he made a rush for the kitchen after I told him the Pavlovas had to be eaten. You know I had to help him, old sweet tooth that I am.

Friday I made a Lemon Cheesecake to take to the party, as you can never have too many desserts.

Lemon Cheesecake on the left, and a perfect Kiwi topped, Pavlova beside it, on the right.

Saturday, and today, Sunday I am resting ( and dieting, nuff said)

Changes in Keewee's life

This past Thursday my job, "is gone with the wind" ( a dear friend used this term and it suits the situation) anyhow, all I am going to say about that is "A door closed and now I wait for the next to open"

In the meantime I will go on my visit to New Zealand and enjoy all the time I have with my daughter Tina, who has Huntington's Disease. Her disease was inherited from her father's side of the family. She is not doing well at all, so all the time I spend with her will be so very special.

It is going to be a "bitter sweet" visit but is so very important that I go now, as Tina's HD is progressing very rapidly. She is at the stage where she is very unsteady on her feet and is falling down, and her speech is very difficult to understand. Tina's doctors are allowing her to stay in her little house with the help of care givers, until I get there. Shortly thereafter we expect her to be in a care facility.

And to balance all the tears and stress of my daughter's situation, my two brothers will be giving their Sis the "royal treatment"

Come Monday at 11 am I say goodbye to my sweetheart MrC and climb aboard the shuttle which will deliver me to the door at the airport. MrC and Rocket our cat, are going to have to take care of the place while I am gone.

Wish me well on my journey and please remember Tina in your prayers.

29 days and counting down!

I really haven't been goofin' off this past week, it just has been a very busy time. By the time evening rolled around, my brain was too tired for blogging.

Besides working a couple of days , then spending an extra day at work for a training session I have been doing the usual housework, cleaning up around the garden and doing a little more shopping in readiness for my trip to New Zealand oh yes, I also made a run to the bank for more travelers checks. Need to have some extra spending money, just in case something really special, catches my eye and says "buy me"

I think I am all organized and ready for my looooong flight on November 5th. From here on out, the waiting is going to drive me crazy, although MrC and I will be flying down to Reno on Thursday and spending five days at the Gun Blogger Rendezvous so that will take my mind off my visit to Aotearoa for a while.

I did have a little senior moment, in that I forgot I lose two days as I travel down under and had made arrangements to pick up my rental car and check into my accommodations on the 5th. sheesh!! this is the day I leave USA I arrive in N Zed (what some of us Kiwis call home) on Wednesday the 7th. Now all this has been taken care of I should be able to rest easy.
Tomorrow I get to work the morning shift, filling in for the other Desk Diva, and by golly, when I get home I am going to REST!

Photograph taken on a windy day, up at Deception pass last weekend.

FEELING GLOOMY? NOPE, NOT ANY MORE!

I have come to the realization, my moods certainly follow the seasons and weather. The last couple of days have been rather gloomy and I have kinda felt glum too.
My "get up and go" got up and went somewhere without me, and I seem to have lost my creativity, so blogging has become a chore.
Whine, Whine, Whine, snivel, snivel, OK I am over it, now to be more productive.
Good news from the weather forecasters, the sun is supposed to shine this afternoon, *smile* so that means I will probably get outside, and shovel the mound of compost, delivered by our landscape friend, into a wheelbarrow, and start on distributing it around the garden. Nothing like a little hard work to get you out of your funk EH?

My holiday to New Zealand is coming up in about six weeks, so I have started to get things ready to put in my suitcase. From experience, I have found it is a very good idea to make a list, and as soon as you think of something you want to take with you, write it on the list right then, or it will be forgotten.
All my skin care products have been put into smaller containers, and clearly labeled using one of those little plastic label making gizmos. I used to write on sticky paper labels with a marker, but soon discovered the writing would wear off and I wouldn't have a clue what was in the bottles and jars. I think this is something to do with getting older and not being able to remember things like I used to. *chuckle*

This is the first time I have visited home, where I will not be staying with family. My Mother passed away last year and my two brother are not in a situation where they have accommodations for their Sis, so I have rented a cabin at the local Holiday Park. The cabin, according to my brother, who checked it out for me, is basic, clean and cozy, with everything I will need to take care of myself. The good news is, the owners of the Park are friends of my eldest brother, so I have been given an extremely good rate for my 15 days stay.

I wonder what security is going to think when they see all the other goodies in my suitcase. Food is quite expensive in New Zealand and being a thrifty keewee with some Scottish blood in my veins, (OK so I am kinda cheap) I have no intention on buying more groceries than I will use, so I have packets of instant oatmeal for my breakfasts, my favorite Chai tea, Splenda, and I will probably take some of my own home ground coffee and some filters. You will also find some of my Weight Watchers snacks, to take care of my sweet tooth cravings, and goodness knows what else I will throw in at the last moment.

I must confess, my sense of adventure is surfacing and the urge to create my own little nest of, home away from home, for 15 days is appealing. The difficult part is going to be, being away from my honey, MrC for all this time, especially during the evening hours when I return to my nest after my days outings.

Well now, that was good therapy. All the brain work and typing it took to put this little post together, has left me feeling so much better. It is time for breakfast and to get my day underway.
You all have a wonderful day too.

Comfort food is all in the eye of the beholder

Or is that in the taste buds of the ..............
The cold season is here. Just a couple of weeks ago I was telling a friend that "I have not had a cold in about two years" Should never have uttered those words, I now have a dooozy of a cold and no energy to boot.

MrC went off to the range this morning, and I decided to pick the few apples on our small tree and whip up an apple crisp, so I could have some ice cream.
Yes I know, I can have ice cream without apple crisp, but I want nice warm crisp with melting ice cream on the top. Call it comfort/ get well food. I can hear you telling me chicken soup is good when you have a cold, trouble is I do not like chicken soup, so you have the soup I am going to enjoy my dessert.

I did feel somewhat better after my bowl of apple crisp and vanilla ice cream, well that is my story and I am sticking to it. Now I think a nap is in order.

Another glorious day

The weather yesterday, was sunny but with a little nip in the air heralding fall. I took the time during my break, to sit outside and soak up some of the warmth.

This new building is adjacent to the Inn, where the spa I work at is located.

One of the Inn's employees came and sat with me, so I took the opportunity to ask her about the new construction. The building will house a very nice penthouse for rent, along with a couple of town houses, one of which has been sold already, and some retail space. The story is, the penthouse will rent for around $700 per night. I will endeavor to get some pictures of the completed penthouse in the near future.

The butterfly was flitting from flower to flower sucking up the nectar.

What a lovely break I enjoyed in the sun, listening to the water lapping the shore and watching sailboats drifting slowly by in the gentle breeze. I feel so fortunate to have a job in such a spectacular location.

Back To work

Molly 'O

Many of you were lucky to have a three day weekend. Not I, but I did enjoy watching many boats returning to their moorings.
One nice thing about where I work, is that it is almost at the water's edge of Saratoga Passage and there is always something of interest to see.

Return to work with thoughts of a wonderful weekend of leisure and fun, and remember there will be other days, to enjoy in the future, away from your everyday chores.

Me he manu motu i te mahanga

Like a bird escaped from a snare

Maori Whakatauki, or proverb.
Whakatauki have a translation and a meaning. The meaning is usually based on Tikanga or history.
This only gives the translation of the whakatauki.

Blackberry Jam

Yesterday I picked a small bucket full of wild blackberries to make a batch of freezer jam.
This time, I used Sure Jell Pectin for Less or no Sugar Needed Recipes. I must say the resulting jam is very good. The recipe calls for just three cups of sugar, so the jam is not so sickly sweet as in the original recipe.
There was just enough left over after filling these containers, for a generous helping on my toast, this morning. yummmm!!

I HAVE A NEW TOY

A few days ago I received my early Christmas gift from MrC A Kodak Easy Share Z650 camera.

As soon as it was out of the box, and before reading the instruction manual. I popped a couple of batteries in the camera and went out to my garden and snapped a picture of this flower to see what the Kodak could do. Not bad EH? Just imagine what images I will be able to create when I finally figure out all the settings available for my use.

I am going back to New Zealand in November, for a visit, and I want to be able to remember all the features the camera has without consulting the instruction manual all the time, so in the meantime, I will be taking many, many pictures to find out what works best.

Thank you Santa Honey for the wonderful gift.

A little This & That

Some days you just don't have much to say, or really don't want too sit at the computer racking your brains for something somewhat intelligent to write. For me, this is one of those days.

There is a light drizzle wetting everything down, and by golly we sure do need some moisture. It is always a concern when the land becomes a dry fire hazard just waiting to be ignited by a discarded cigarette from a careless smoker, or an out of control campfire. My friend Hostagirl and her husband JW, who live in Darby, Montana, are experiencing discomfort from all the fires burning in their area.

The last two days at work have been extremely busy, and thankfully I now have five, yes, that is five, days to recuperate. Next Wednesday MrC and I are flying down to California to attend the World Steel Challenge, so I will have to give some thought to what to throw in my suitcase in the way of suitable clothing. I believe the weather is going to be very warm, therefore I had better be prepared.

My visit to New Zealand is coming up in November and I have been spending time on finding the least expensive accommodation and a rental car for the 15 days I will be there.
Spending oodles of cash on fancy accommodation is not my thing, I would rather have some spending money for treating my daughter or to buy goodies to bring back with me.
Lucky for me, I have two brothers living in New Zealand who are helping with the arrangements.

Today, is going to be a day of R&R. A few household chores will be done this morning, and in the early afternoon I am driving to the spa (where I work) to enjoy a 90 minute massage sighhhh! I will be next to useless for the rest of the day. How perfect a day is that?

I am off to enjoy my LAZY day, you all have a wonderful day too.

I'M SO EXCITED

I have booked my seat on Air New Zealand and am ready to go now.

Come November 5th, I am going home for a visit. It has been a very long time since I have been in NZ and I am sure there are many, many changes, especially in Palmerston North where my remaining family lives.

I have two brothers, a daughter, and two grandsons I want to spend time with. Spending time with my daughter, Tina, is of the utmost importance, as she has Huntington's Disease which is progressing extremely rapidly, so much so, that she will be in a facility in the very near future.
Tina will celebrate her 39 th Birthday on the 14 th of November so I think it would be nice to have a small celebration for her.

I want to go and look at all the houses I lived in when growing up, and see what changes have been made, if any, and take a drive out to Foxton Beach where we had a batch (beach house) I also would like to take a walk on the beach where my brothers and I played as children.

There are many things I would like to do, and see, that I am making a list just in case I forget something.( I am getting forgetful in my old age *grin*) and who knows when I will be able to make another journey home. Interesting how I still call New Zealand home even though I have lived in the States for many years. I feel "once a Kiwi, always a Kiwi in your heart" and I am sure this is the case for other people who have left their homeland.

I will make sure I take plenty of pictures so you can all see where I was born and raised. New Zealand is a beautiful country.

Keewee's Ramblings

Friday already, how did it sneak up so fast? What on earth have I been doing all week?

Well, Monday and Tuesday I was at work, Wednesday I sat in front of my computer for a while in the morning, then went for a 90 minute massage around the noon hour. I am now asking myself, "self, why didn't you get your massage today? you sat for several hours yesterday at your PC keyboard submitting recipes for the Fishin' club's cook book, and your shoulders are soooo stiff "

Our Fishin' Club has a scholarship program and through the creation and sales of our cook book, we hope to raise more funds for scholarships. We hope to have our cook book printed and ready to sell by Early August.
So, who wants to buy a cook book or two? They make great Christmas, Birthday, or Just Because, gifts. Yes, I'm shamelessly "yes you are shameless" hush up, head voice, pushing sales, it is a worthy cause, and we don't want all our efforts to be for naught. Sheesh! if you don't ask, you don't receive.

Today, I was planning on getting outdoors to do a little gardening, I hear weeds calling my name," keewee, Keewee " hush, and there are a few plants I bought yesterday which need to be planted soon, but a chilly wind is blowing and being cold is not on my agenda for today. "sissy" Oh do be quiet. Don't you all have little voices in your head too? *grin*

Let's see, it is almost 9am, I am still sitting here in my nice cosy goose down robe, "wuss" and planning my next move. More coffee, breakfast, or perhaps breakfast and more coffee " make up your mind won't you, the day is slipping by" So, what's your point?
I think I had better move before Head Voice takes over completely, *chuckle*

You all have a wonderful day, and don't let those little voices push you around *smile*

A very full weekend

Yesterday MrC and I went up to the CWSA range for a bowling pin shoot, and today we went back for a hanging steel match.

I did rather well today, coming in second, and yesterday I finished in second also.
You can read about yesterdays match HERE. MrC does a better job at telling the story than I do, and tomorrow sometime, he will have a blow by blow of today's match, so I will update with another link.

The weather today was by far, nicer than yesterday, and by the time were ready to leave for home it was quite warm.
As MrC drove, and I sat in the passenger seat, feeling the warmth of the sun, listening to the drone of our vehicle's engine, and feeling the motion of our *vanmoble* (that's what we call it) *grin* I found myself fighting to keep my eyes open. I could hardly stay awake for the 20 minute drive home, in fact, I thought it would have been nice if MrC had kept on driving and driving so I could have taken a nice long nap. Chuckle!
I did try to nap after we had unloaded the van, but that only lasted about a half hour, dang, I find it hard to sleep during the daylight hours.
I can guarantee I will sleep like a baby tonight.