Half Iron Man Part 2

It is now 6 a.m. and we are all showered and ready to walk down to the start of the race (swimming part) which is in front of our home. Then we will come back and have breakfast and then go back to the finish line around 12:15 or so and wait  with a tray full of homebaked cookies for Laura and her friends.  Should be fun!  They have to swim, ride a bike and then run. In August this year, Laura is going into the Ironman race. (approx. 17 hour race….I can only ask why?)

This is what commitment is all about. Bless her and those who do this.

How To Purge Your Home

Having worked with an Accountants for most of my career, one suggestion would be to keep a folder marked “taxes” and put any and all receipts inside and when April comes around, you will have everything at hand and ready to go.

If you have a linen closet like mine, you might want to  control the mess by stocking three towels, wash cloths and hand towels per person; two sets of sheets (one cotton and one flannel) for each bed. Guest rooms get one set of each. Now you have room.

Half Iron Man Race

I have a friend (and former boss) who is in this race on Sunday. The fun part for me is to hand out cookies to her friends also in the race. I will be holding a sign that says “Laura’s Friend” and I have made this morning a batch each of Citrus Lace Cookies” and “Chunky Chocolate/Pecan cookies.

Still have another batch to make. My house smells incredible. Don’t believe me? Just go ahead and sniff. There….told you so.

Enjoy the day!

Did You Miss Me?

Sorry people but this move was a big job. We only connected the computer (had to find it first) this morning and I want you to know that I have so much to tell you about our move, restaurants blogged and wines tasted (yes, a few) but I need a moment or two (maybe a martini in celebration).

Don’t go away, I will be back and I am so happy to be here once again. I really did miss you.

Sleep Overs With Friends Should Be A Must..

Yesterday, we went to our friends cabin at the lake and shared good times, good food and, of course, good wine.

Our parents went to school together in Grade 1 and remained close friends for over 80 years. The two girls, Wendy and Judith (Judy to friends) and I have been friends since the cradle I think.  Anyway, when packing up things in our basement we came across pictures of long ago trips to the lake, golfing weekends and one thing remains constant….

Good friends, good and lively conversation and, of course, good food and wine. I recommend it highly for friends to do this. If you are of a younger generation with kids, get a sitter (Grandmas love this). We all need a break from whatever is going on in our lives at this moment and just plain go for it.

We ended the visit with a lovely breakfast and more laughter and conversation. The best coffee ever and then we did have to say that we would see them when they come to visit us in our new home.

Work, Play, Pack Day

Getting closer to our big move. Today Don has dental surgery so I get to do my “I’m your nurse” day thing, along with more packing.

Also have some last minute tax stuff to finish up for Don.

In case you are even interested, only 9 more sleeps until we move. YIKES! That will definitely call for a martini…….I could sample a few until then couldn’t I? Just kidding.

The Meaning Of True Friends

Yesterday, a group of friends held a dinner for us before we move away. It was truly from the heart.

The bond felt between 8 friends is hard to put into words except we were led on a path where we were meant to be. The laughter, lively conversation, singing impromptu-like and never knowing the words to songs is hilarius and the hugs, tears and well wishes and more hugs is a gift straight from God.

We are truly blessed with these friends and now, they get to come for visits and, of course, bring wine. (Actually we will live in an area of 140+ wineries).

Thanks for the memories as Bob Hope used to say!

Thanks one and all! More tomorrow.

Britain’s Wedding of William and Kate

I was one of probably millions who braved the wee hours of the morning to watch this from beginning to ALMOST the end. Being a hat lover and owner of several myself, I was blown away with the hats. I absolutely loved looking with mouth open at some of them. Splendid indeed!

The two Princes were as handsome as ever and I loved it when Harry looked back at the bride coming down the aisle and whispering to his brother “wait until you see her”. When she stood beside William, he leaned over and told her how beautiful she looked. Hmmmm! You can’t script this stuff.

If being a “commoner”  means showing the world what understated elegance looks like take a gander at the stunning ensemble her mother wore. Absolutely perfect. The Queen looks terrific in that shade of yellow and it fitted the occasion so well.

I’ve left the best to last….KATE and THE DRESS. wow, wow, wow. this lady knows what suits/fits/looks the very best she could for her Prince and the rest of the world.

Was it worth the sleeplessness? Absolutely! Would I do it again? Just wait until Harry gets married. You bet I will!

Why Eat Out?

This is funny, in a way. My husband is an awsome cook and quite inventive BUT in my defense I have so say I quite like the tail end of tax season. We are so busy it becomes, what do you want for supper? What else but to say “Let’s go out”. This year, though, it is also because we are moving and when you are away from home, what else is there? In a word…….bite me!

Okay that was two words. It is also (if I really stretch) good for the local restaurants to be supported, good for your legs to get out and about. See? I was thinking of everyone wasn’t I?

Have a fun day.

Gotta Love Spring

You just gotta love Spring…..especially if you are like me and dislike having flannel sheets on the bed. NOW, because it is Spring, I get to remove them and put real, regular, slide-into-bed-cool sheets. This is a game my husband and I play with…he gets the flannel sheets for six months (seems like fifteen)and I struggle until Spring.

I tried to get away with the change to daylight savings time but he wouldn’t buy it. I know we are not the only couple like this. But now, the season is mine, mine, mine!

Back To Overnight Guest Needs

When we talked the other day about guest rooms and making your guests feel welcome and, yes, pampered try these tips:

Shop at your local drugstore/big box store for the travel size toiletries and buy a bunch.

Label a drawer(s) with a tag so they know they can use them for their belongings.

Use a drawer organizer to place the toiletries in to keep it all organized.

Make your own mini-bar for your guests. Fill a small basket with nuts, chocolate bars, dried fruit and other packaged treats for munching.

Provide a one-time camera for your guests for taking pictures. Recycle the camera at the local photo print shop.

Keep your guest linens, pillows and blankets separate from your everyday linens. This way they are always ready and easy to locate for the unexpected guests arrival.

Oh the things we learn along the path. Later.

Guest Room? Here’s How To..

When you have a guest room, it is important to make it as comfortable as you can afford to. A good bed is important. Also,the furnishings should complement each other in terms of colour and style. Make sure the closets have space in them to hang clothes and use good hangers that match,. Have a drawer or two empty so it can be used by your guests.

Buy your linens on sale so you can always be sure to get a real good thread count. Have extra pillows, throws (for an afternoon nap, perhaps) and blankets.

Buy the fluffliest towels you can afford. Have a basket set aside with lotions, soaps and unscented candles for their personal use.

Suggestions for you to consider. After operating a Bed & Breakfast for 12 years I thought you might like to consider these points. It always makes your guests feel important and “pampered”.