Busy Busy Busy

Just here to say that it's been a very busy week and I haven't had much spare time. Hoping I will be back with something interesting to say soon!

For now, I leave you with some photos from earlier in the week.

That cute little tomato...

For those of you wondering...Yes I did eat that tomato, along with a second handful of peas from my pea plants.



And just because one can never get enough of the Fabulous Felines, I give you:

No more Lazy Chick.

That's right. I'm talking to...well, myself.

A couple of weeks ago (I think it was?) I posted my review of the first 4 chapters of The Beck Diet Solution. The next chapter has the first exercise to get you started on the program. I was feeling fairly motivated but knew I had a weekend away coming up, so I decided to wait until I got back.

Well, I've been back for a week now and the most I have done is to carry book to the living room, place book on the table by my usual spot on the sofa, along with the materials I need to get started. But I haven't actually opened the book and started in on the exercise. It's nothing complicated, no reason not to do it. Except maybe that would mean I have officially started and I have to stop slacking off?

But it's time. It has to happen. Again I say: No more Lazy Chick.

So, the Anti-Lazy To Do List:
1. Chapter 5 of the Beck Diet Solution
2. Decide on a new exercise schedule
3. Start visiting the scale again.

First item in list, explained above.

Item 2 - I was doing really well on my 6-8 week (forget exactly how long that lasted and am too lazy to check) routine of 3xweights, 3xcardio per week. By the end though, I was feeling the need to ease off on the weight lifting a bit and give myself a chance to recover. Seemed easy enough - just replace the weights with something else. But my routing has gone all to heck. The thing about the weights 3 times a week - it really meant I couldn't skip or put workouts off, because I knew I needed that recovery day in between weight sessions. Now I am getting sloppy about my workouts again. I need to decide on an actual schedule - what happens on what days. No more Sloppy-Chick.

Item 3 - When I stop weighing myself, I tend to slack off on eating habits. I need that reminder - preferably every day during the week. It keeps me focused. Right now, the scale is not giving me happy news, but that's my own fault for pretending that it doesn't matter and I can eat what I want. So back to counting the numbers. No more Head-in-the-Sand-and-Everything-Will-Be-Fine Chick.

Just no more.

My rescued Cupids

These two Cupid Tomato plants (in the container behind the cat) were looking pretty sad and spindly when I brought them home from the garden center about 3 weeks ago. I didn't really expect much from them...



Amazingly, they have flourished.



It looks like they will give me my first ripe tomato of the season, small though it may be.



The tomatillo plant is looking beautiful as well.




In the past, I've found that growing things in containers can be hit and miss - sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Indeed, this year I have some pots on my deck with herbs that are not doing all that well, despite the fact that I've had great success with growing herbs on the deck in other years.

When I bought those urns for the tomatillos and picked up those Cupid Tomatoes, it was a gamble. Looks like this time, it has paid off.

Pretty in Pink

Remember the deep pink sedum I mentioned in this post? It is now in full colour! I find these flowers so striking.



You can see that the yellow is fading now, but the pink is vibrant.





There were a couple of bumble bees buzzing around while I was taking these photos. They didn't stay still long, but I managed to get one shot.



At the top, center is a Baby's Breath. I planted it last year, but it didn't bloom. I was very pleased to see flowers this year.







I love the little Viola hiding in the Baby's Breath.


This is not pink, but it's still pretty. This is a creeping thyme, I forget what the variety was called - wish I could remember! It has finished flowering, and is turning red.



And I just like this shot....

Watching the garden grow

On Monday evening, after work, I went out to check on my garden. I was amazed at how much things had grown, just in a few days. I guess we had just the right combination of sun and rain, because things seem to be taking right off.

So of course, I wanted to take more pictures. Which I did tonight. (For comparison, you can check out my post from a week ago: First Harvest)

From a distance, it doesn't look like much, does it?

But that little space is packed full of good things.

The tomato plants, in particular, seem to have had a growth spurt. They all have blossoms now, even my little Roma Tomato plants.

I even have my first little grape tomato.

And look at those Sunflower plants, in between the tomato plants. They still have some growing to do, but hopefully there is still time for them to actually flower.

I do wish my bean plants would grow a bit faster - they don't seem to be doing much yet.

These tomato plants are bushing out all over the place. Not that I'm complaining, because they are also producing lots of green tomatoes.

I think this plant is called Ultra Girl (which seems like a strange name for a tomato plant). Whatever it's called, the tomatoes seem to be growing very quickly. It is supposed to be an early bearing plant...Guess they know what they are talking about.

This was also an early variety, possibly called Ultra Early? Seriously, who comes up with these names.

And these are my faithful Scotia tomatoes. Lots of green ones on these plants.

The Cayenne Pepper plants seem to be working hard as well.

The tomatillo plant is starting to get blossoms as well.

I feel like I am well on my way to homemade salsa.

Kejimkujik, Volume 2

I got home on Sunday night, but later than I planned so I was too tired last night for blogging. I did have a good trip, but I didn't get as many pictures this time.

It was foggy coming into Digby on Friday.

My Sis, Brother-In-Law and the pooch picked me up at the terminal and we headed straight for Kejimkujik.

It was hot and sunny - too hot really - when we arrived. We thought our site looked small, but it was very private so we decided to go ahead and set up. It turned out to be a great spot - you really had to look to see other sites around us.

We were all pretty worn out from the heat by the time we got set up.

After a break, we headed down to the beach for a swim. The water was so warm, and it was just what we needed. After our swim we headed back to our site for supper.

Brother-In-Law had bought Buffalo burgers. None of us had ever tried them before. As it turns out, Sis & I didn't like them at all. We did try, but we really weren't enjoying them. So BIL & Pooch had extra burgers while Sis & I ended up having sausages.

Sis did have a nice surprise for me though; she brought cherries from the trees at home.

Later on, we had visitors. One of my cousins who now lives in Toronto brought his wife down to tour around Nova Scotia. They came and got a campsite for the night. It's been quite a few years since we've had a chance to visit.

We took our cousin's wife for a walk around the park. Then we stayed up late, sitting around the fire and talking. After our late night, we were late having breakfast on Saturday morning. We did have a visitor during our late breakfast though - we could hear him pecking away above our heads.

After a leisurely breakfast and some more talking, we went back to the beach for more swimming. We saw about a dozen loons on the lake while we were down there. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera. Nor did I have it later when my sister and I were walking to the showers and a deer crossed the road right in front of us. It paused part way across, looked us in the face, then continued on it's way.

After swimming, my cousin and his wife took off to go visit with his parents. Sis & I had a snack and tried to convince ourselves we should go for a walk, but we were feeling pretty lazy. So we ended up just relaxing at the site for the rest of the day and having a late supper. Then spent the rest of the night sitting around the campfire.

All in all it was a relaxing trip. Unfortunately, it took us a bit longer than anticipated to get packed up and on the road on Sunday morning. So I missed the 1:00 ferry to Saint John (just by a hair). We ended up hanging around Digby for the afternoon. We kept ourselves entertained, but it meant it was after midnight when I got home Sunday night and I had to get up and go to work in the morning. I was tired.

But, I had a good night's sleep last night and I'm feeling better.

Gone Campin'

I am taking off for the weekend, back on Sunday. Still rushing around trying to get all packed up but thought I would leave you with some pictures to enjoy.

The Day Lilies are now in full bloom!









These Fabulous Feline photos were actually taken about a month ago, but I never got around to posting them. The boys were posed so beautifully, I just could not resist.











Have a great weekend!

First Harvest

First there was this.



Then there was this.



Then I ate them. Did share some with Husband. They were very tasty.

Though the eating was preceeded by Husband inquiring "Are you taking a picture of your peas?" Followed by his shaking his head and walking away.

But they were the first peas I ever grew my own self.

So, things in my little veggie plot are coming along. One good thing about it being small is that I can easily keep it watered.



Cats lounging in it may not be the most helpful thing.



But doesn't he look good in green?



And George can never get enough affection.





So, starting from the nearest end in the photo above, we have...

Parsley and two thyme plants (one on either side of the parsley) that I got at the green house. Beside that, cilantro, dill and green onions. Then two Window Box Roma tomato plants. No blossom activity on the Roma tomatoes yet.



Here we have two Sugary Grape Tomato plants (at the back, starting to blossom now). In the front we have some pepper plants...can't remember which ones now. Between the tomato plants at the back there are Sunflowers coming up. Then in the middle, between the tomatoes & peppers there are Dwarf Sunflowers. Wasn't sure if this was a good idea, but did it anyway.



Next, my Scotia tomato plants which have green tomatoes on them already. More pepper plants in front, more sunflowers in and around things. However, you may be able to notice in this photo and the one previous, there are a couple of pepper plants missing. A new variety I had tried starting from seed this year that didn't survive when I transplanted them outside. A little disappointing.

Also, in the row between the tomatoes and the peppers, some basil seedlings coming up. I planted parsley, but it did not come up at all. I don't know why, but I can never get parsley to grow from seed.



Scotia Tomato


Here, not actually sure what these tomato plants are. I didn't label them. I was thinking they were more of the Roma tomatoes, but as they grew I decided they looked more like the grape tomato plants, though smaller so I must have started them later.

And in front, more basil, then peppers.



Tomatoes, herbs, peppers...These would be things that I love.

At the back, two pea plants and three green bean plants. Then a row of Pak Choi, though the end of that row didn't grow. But I've noticed Fred likes to sit himself down there and relax, so maybe that has something to do with it.

The row in front was supposed to be lettuce, but there are only two brave little sprouts coming up there. There are however, more Pak Choi plants at the edge of the bed. Must have dropped some seeds.



And, at the end, I have a mishmash of things...Two more tomato plants, four cayenne pepper plants, and some oregano, all from the green house. On the very end, fennel and catnip, though only a few catnip plants came up.



Cayenne Pepper


Then...

I went to the garden center looking for a large pot because I had some tomatillos growing in a pot that was really not big enough. Found a pot. Also found some sad looking little Cupid Tomato plants that needed a good home. Fortunately, there were two pots.



Also, a couple of Sweet Red Pepper plants, to replace the two plants that died on me.



But that's it. I won't add anymore. It's the middle of July already.

Beck Diet Solution - Chapters 1-4

Quick Review, as I finished reading chapters 3 & 4 while - finally - relaxing in my new hammock this evening.

So, chapters 1 & 2 were pretty much all about "why you need the Beck Diet Solution" and "how the Beck Diet Solution will help you." Not that I didn't find a few things to think about, but nothing very heavy.

Chapter 3, I had to grit my teeth a bit to get through. Pretty much along the lines of: you're overweight because you eat too much. I may be a li'l bit sensitive to that line of reasoning. Not that you can argue with it I guess, I know that food is my issue. It's just that how much is too much can vary so much from person to person. But we'll come back to that.

One thing I did find interesting, particularly in light of Charlotte's post today. Dr. Beck is of the opinion that most thin people are careful of/do restrict their eating, even if they say they don't. They may not even be aware that they do it because they are so used to it.

Dr. Beck does mention emotional eating as a cause. I know that when I am stressed out or overtired, I am more likely to make poor food choices. So I will be interested in strategies for dealing with that.

Another thing that is mentioned is the idea that it's not fair that others can eat this but I can't as a rationalization to allow oneself to indulge. This is something I have noticed coming up recently for me, born of frustration I think. I know it makes no sense, but every once in a while I find myself thinking it. It's not fair that I have to count calories and restrict what I can eat when other people can eat whatever they want!

In the first place, that's not really true. Second, even if it were true - tough! I am not other people.

That is something I noticed reading other people's weight loss blogs, the weight watchers forums, etc...How much some people can eat and still be losing weight compared to me.

But...

I am 5 feet tall.

I am 38 years old.

I sit behind a computer all day.

My metabolism is not exactly going to be humming along, even with my regular workouts. I have to accept that I am going to have to eat less in order to lose pounds. And I am going to have to stick to a reduced calorie level for more than a week or two. That's just the way it is.

I think the way I eat now will probably be fine for maintenance, but it's not cutting it for actually losing.

Chapter Four was a short chapter about being/getting ready to start the program.

So that brings me to actually starting. I will be away this weekend, so I'm thinking the earliest I am likely to start will be next week.

So far, the overview has not given me any light bulb moments. No sudden realization that: Aha! This is my problem! Now I will fix me! But, I haven't actually started yet, so we shall see.

Kejimkujik photos, take 2

I know I said I'd post these earlier, but the weekend ended up being busier than expected. So, continuing on from where I left off in this post, more photos...(Trying out this Windows Live Writer thing to see if I like it.)

Our campsite:

Backing up a bit, you can see the van parked at the entrance to the site. At night, we'd back it in and there is a bed in the back of the van which is where I slept. Sis & BIL had the tent.

As I mentioned, on our second day we went to Mill Falls. There is a look-off area that looks out over the falls. That is my sister standing at the fence.

From here, we walked up the trail.

We came up evidence of the resident beavers.

There is a floating bridge across the river.

You can feel it bobbing up and down in the water as you walk across. Sis says they have to coax the dog because she really doesn't like it.

On the other side of the bridge, we came to the start of the Beech Grove trail. The walking trails in the park are quite nice, there are interpretive walks that you can do. You will come across the odd bench along the way, or sometimes even picnic areas.

My sister wanted me to get inside the hollow so she could take a picture. I probably could have stuffed myself in there, but my strong aversion to creepy crawlies just wouldn't let me to do it...Even though I couldn't see any, I could see a web at the top and I was too much of a wimp. (Rare occasion here, an actual picture of me, but I thought you might get tired of trees, trees, and more trees...)

Coming back, this is the view of the Mill Falls look-off from the other side of the river.

My last morning, we went for a walk along the trail from Slapfoot beach toward the Jim Charles campground area. It was a damp morning, which made it easier to leave. I never want to leave and head for home when it is bright and sunny.

Also, wanted to say thanks to everyone for the comments on Friday's post. I know I am doing the best I can, working out and trying to eat healthy. Sometimes things just get to me. But I'm hanging in. Eventually I'm sure I'll get back to the weight-loss blogging, but for now it seems like there are usually more interesting things to talk about.

We now interrupt this garden blog...

Thought perhaps I should write a teeny, tiny update on where things stand with the weight loss issue. I started a longer post, intending to go into more detail, but I could feel the crazy coming back, so this will be brief.

I'm not getting on the scale as often.

I am still working out.

Most days I am counting my calories.

I've been trying to journal what I'm thinking and how I'm feeling about things.

I've started reading The Beck Diet Solution to see if working on the mental side of things will help. I'm 2 chapters in and it looks like I have 2 chapters to go before I actually get to the start of the program. Will keep y'all posted.

I will say this.

When my in-laws were here, my MIL & I were talking about weight loss. She is a nurse, and she struggles with her weight as well. She was saying that in order to lose she is finding that she would have to cut back on her eating to the point where she is always hungry, and it's hard to live like that. She has done the gym thing. They have a treadmill in their basement and she uses it.

Some people really do have slower metabolisms. My MIL, husband and one of his brothers all have the same body type. You can see it if you look at them standing side by side. Husband was in the military for 6 years, in the infantry. He got lots of exercise and even then he was never thin. He just barely stayed within the weight requirements.

The thing is, I often hear statements about how weight loss is all about calories in vs. calories out, and if you are not losing weight then obviously you are doing something wrong. But I do think it is harder for some people than others, even when those people are doing the right things. I'm not saying I expect dieting to be easy, but I think it's not always as simple as "just cut back on your eating and get a little exercise."

I'm not saying this as an excuse. I still want and need to lose weight. I'm not happy as I am. But at the same time, I'm tired of beating myself up for being a failure.

All that leaves me right back where I started - not quite sure how to do what I need to do. But somehow, it must be done.

Well. Guess I had more to say than I thought I did.

Side note: I did finally get a new card reader, so stay tuned for more Kejimkujik pictures (tonight or tomorrow).

And there are cat photos in the post below this one. They are darned cute kitties, trust me.

Remember those pea flowers?

They seem to be turning into peas...



Imagine that.

Not in a talking[typing] mood tonight. So random pictures it is...



















Well.

Maybe not so random.

More Garden Progress

When I was planting in the flower bed by the driveway this spring, I kept reminding myself that things would fill out as time went on. I fought the urge to cram in more plants. A little time makes a big difference.

This photo was taken early in June, after the planting was done and the beds had been mulched.



This photo was taken yesterday.



I have had a couple of casualties, I think from the deer running through and trampling things. And as you can see, they stop for snacks as they are passing through.



If you look at the top photo, you can see a little green bush (Spirea) right in the middle of this flower bed. It should have lots of flowers like this:



But an examination of the bush showed that it's been deer food as well, so it just has that one little bunch of blossoms. I think I'm going to have to move it. It's probably not in a good spot anyway. Spirea bushes can grow to be quite large. This bush is from a little cutting given to me by my mother-in-law, not long after we had moved into our house. At the time I didn't know what I was going to do with any of the gardens, so I put it there. I have been thinking for the past couple of years that I should move it, just not sure where.

The plant with the blue flowers here is called periwinkle (if I'm remembering correctly), and the one with the yellow is Creeping Jenny.



The Creeping Jenny I got at an end of season sale at a garden center a couple of years ago. It wasn't looking too lively when I planted it, but it has survived. It hasn't spread much though. I put a couple little periwinkle plants beside it this year and they spread more than I expected. Hopefully little Jenny won't get crowded out.

I really like this stuff and I wish that it would spread more:



It is a Sedum, though I forget the name of the variety. Those buds will open into pretty pink flowers.

And two more varieties of Sedum:



The yellow one kept migrating into my yard from one of my neighbors - she has it all over the place. I think I've said before, when I first moved in there wasn't much in any of the gardens in our yard. I was a novice gardener and it took me a few years to even figure out what I wanted to do. But, I wanted something in the garden, so when I would find these plants popping up in my yard, I would dig them up and plant them in the garden.

I'm thinking I may have to dig this one out though - or maybe cut it back? I'm afraid it is going to keep getting bigger every year and take over. It certainly has grown enough to push back the other Sedum that's right next to it.

That one is called Dragon's Blood. It will bloom with deep pink flowers, and then the plant will turn dark red in the fall. It adds some colour in the fall when things are dying off, which is nice.

And last for today:



I planted some columbines this year. They grow in the gardens at my parents place, and I thought I'd like to have some here. I'm seeing buds now, so hoping for flowers soon!

Shortcake Biscuits

Found my recipe notebook, so here is the Shortcake Biscuit recipe for Bionic Woman (love that name by the way). I think this recipe came from my Mom's Purity Cookbook.

Shortcake Biscuits

Preheat oven to 425° F.
Sift together
    2 cups flour
    1/3 cup granulated sugar
    3 1/2 tsp baking powder
    1 tsp salt

With a pastry blender or two knives, cut in finely
    1/2 cup shortening

Add
    1 cup milk

Stir with a fork to make a soft dough. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently 8 to 10 times. Dough will be a bit sticky, keep some flour on hand for dusting your hands & work surface. Don't overwork the dough, you basically just want it to come together so you can roll it out. Gentle is the operative word here.
Roll or pat 3/4 inch thick. Cut with a floured 2 1/2 inch cookie cutter. I don't own any cookie cutters; I use a glass, just like Mom did.
Place about 1-inch apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake in preheated 425° oven for 14 to 16 minutes.
Split, fill and top with sweetened fruit. Serve with whipped cream.

Garden Update: First Pea Flowers

Most of these pictures were taken last Friday, but I'm just getting around to posting now. Cause there was that whole trip to Nova Scotia post. And then the Strawberry Shortcake post. But really, it's high time I got back to the garden.

Friday night, was thrilled to see my first pea blossoms.



I have never grown peas before, though of course my parents did/do, so it's not like I've never seen pea plants, but this is the first time they were my very own.

These are Sugar Snap Peas (which I love despite the fact that I am normally not a big fan of peas. Husband always says: "you are so random."). When I excitedly pointed these out to Husband on the weekend, he wanted to know why I had planted peas in the flower garden.



At the time, I wasn't sure I was going to get my veggie patch this year and I was determined to plant something, so there they are. Pea plants are kind of pretty anyway.

My Japanese Snow Mound Spirea is also in bloom.



The irises are all finished now. I honestly feel like the irises are the best phase of my garden; I really miss that vibrant purple. The irises bloom in June, I think I need to find something colourful for the months of July & August.



The Day Lilies are just starting, so that will bring some colour back (I just really miss the purple).



On Friday, I also discovered my first little green tomato.



And I took this picture tonight...



It's already grown. So exciting!

Ok. To me it is exciting.

Tonight I also got a picture of my first Cayenne Pepper. So tiny.



So things seem to be progressing nicely. I also have little green onions sprouting in my veggie garden, along with some herbs, more peas and some beans. I felt like I was throwing that vegetable garden together in a rush, but so far so good. It's looking like I might actually harvest something.

It's a good feeling.

Having a Nigella Lawson moment

Late yesterday afternoon we stopped at the farmer's market. Just inside the door we found a display of local strawberries. I stood in front of the flats and inhaled the scent of summer, of my mother's homemade jam, of weeks spent in early summer, picking strawberries to earn pocket money while I was in high school.

Husband asked, "Do we want strawberries?"

"Smell them," I said. "Yes we want strawberries."

As we stood in line with our purchases, I realized this was the first time this summer I'd seen local strawberries. It seems late in the year to me. But things have been busy, maybe I just haven't noticed.

Husband pointed out the display of scones and tea biscuits on the other side of the strawberry pallets. "Strawberry shortcake? We haven't had any yet this year."

But if we were going to have Strawberry Shortcake, we were going to do it right. I ducked out of line to get a carton of whipping cream from the dairy case, but left the scones and tea biscuits where the were. If I'm making strawberry shortcake, I'm making homemade shortcake biscuits.

Of course, this meant the evening I had envisioned would not happen. I had thought I would go out for a walk, then take my book out to the yard and try out my new hammock. Instead, I spent the evening in the kitchen.

As I prepared the berries, I found myself wanting to rhapsodize over the ruby strawberry-ness of them; to describe the works of art that were revealed as I sliced the berries to discover the stripes of pink and crimson inside. I breathed in the smell of fresh baked biscuits and strawberries. It was not a bad way to spend an evening.

I am not a writer, I am a computer programmer. I will have to leave the elegant prose to Nigella.

On the upside, I've got strawberry shortcake.

That JavaChick...

Where was she and what was she up to?

Inquiring minds want to know!

Or so I like to imagine.

At long last you will find out as I present a photo-journal of my mini-vacation.

Can you stand the excitement? I know! Crazy, right?

Any-way.

I took the ferry home to Nova Scotia.



See? There I am standing on the deck. It was a beautiful sunny day.



My sister picked me up at the ferry terminal in Digby. The ferry got in at noon, so we decided to go for lunch. We strolled the main street and decided on The Shoreline Restaurant.

When we first walked in the door, all we could see was gift shop. The restaurant was tucked away at the back, which makes sense because there you have a view of the water. We ate out on the patio. Service was fast, food was not fancy but was excellent.



Once we finished eating we browsed around the gift shop. They sell fudge in a number of flavours. I can personally attest that the Peanut Butter-Chocolate, Chocolate Coconut and Cappuccino flavours and very tasty indeed.

After some wandering around gift shops we headed home. Had to get there in time for:



Our baby brother's high school graduation! We are so proud. It was tough for him, he has High Functioning Autism. He graduated with Honours. Did I mention? Proud!

Friday morning I took some time to walk around and take some pictures of home. This is where I grew up. And where my Dad grew up. And my grandfather grew up. It's home.



And this is what I call a back yard. All the way down through the field and into the woods. We had lots of space to play.



My Dad likes to grow grapes. I love how the vines look.



My Sister, Brother-In-Law and I packed up the camper van and loaded on the canoe.



This patient pooch sat in the van all morning while we got ready to go. No chance she was being left behind.



She knew where we were headed...



My family has been camping at Kejimkujik National Park for as long as I can remember. After all these years, driving into the park feels like coming home.

We hit some construction along the way...



But we got there.



We were greeted with a wildlife display right off.







We actually saw a fawn a couple of times but never managed to get a picture. So tiny, so adorable with the white spots. Bolted easily though. Hence the lack of pictures. Sorry.

Saturday morning we took the canoe out.



We paddled across the lake from Heber's Meadow Beach to Indian Point. There we went ashore for a stroll.

See! There I am on the beach!



If you visit Kejimkujik at the right time of year, and explore the right areas, you will see itty bitty toads hopping around.



After lunch we headed to Mill Falls. We walked a bit of the trail there, and then ended up walking the entire Beech Grove trail (2.2 km).



I do have a picture of our camp site, but it's on my spare memory card. My spare card is a 2 GB card which my card reader won't read (hence 2 GB is spare while 1 GB is regularly used). We did pick up a new card reader, but it was defective and we have to take it back. If I get a replacement sometime soon, I will post a picture of the camp site. And of course I have many more pictures of trees, river, lake, trails...Gotta love digital cameras. You can be as snap-happy as you want as long as you've got enough memory.

I came home on Sunday afternoon. If I had been thinking when I planned my trip, I could have stayed for an extra night. But, Husband gets lonely if I leave him alone too long. And he always makes sure to tell me that Fred missed me and moped the whole time I was gone (nothing like a guilt trip to make sure you come home early). So, I decided to stick with my original time-table and come home on Sunday.

It was nice having Monday and Tuesday at home anyway, with nothing much to do. Aside from grocery shopping, weeding my garden and doing some laundry, I did some serious goofing off. Very enjoyable.

Now I just have to get out of goof-off mode.

Oh. the cranky...

Had an appointment from 12:30 - 1:30 today, dutifully booked in my calendar. Meeting appears, booked from 2 - 2:30. Not a problem. I have a snack around 11:30. On the way back from my appointment I grab a coffee. Get back to my desk and eat a Kashi granola bar. Plan on eating the rest of my lunch at 2:30.

Ha.

2:00 rolls around and we are waiting on one person who is stuck on a phone call. Meeting starts at 2:30 instead. No big. Lunch at 3:00.

Except 30 min meeting turns into 90 min meeting. Now it's 4:00 and it seems to late to bother with lunch.

Cranky.

Crawling out from under my rock....

I am home. Have been home since Sunday night in fact. But Monday & Tuesday I totally goofed off and stayed away from the computer. It was nice.

Was thinking I would get back to the blog thing on Wednesday evening...But had mistaken the day that my in-laws would be stopping for the night on their way home from Ottawa...So Wednesday night ended up being busy.

Then this morning we had two extra people to get out of the house. Husband's parents followed us into town so we could all stop for coffee and muffins at our regular coffee shop, then they were on their way home. Of course, in the rush to get out of the house we forgot it was garbage day...until we were driving along seeing the garbage sitting on the side of the road.

Often they are late getting through our neighborhood, so we though if we could get home right after work we might make it...But of course we were late.

It was around 6:15 as we were getting close to home, and we noticed that houses on our side of the road still had garbage sitting out. Could it be that we would make it?

I said "If they haven't gotten to here yet then we should be fine as long as the truck is not pulling up to our house just as we come around the corner." We get to the stop sign, which is four houses down from ours, and the truck is just getting ready to turn onto our street - which means there is one house before the truck gets to us.

And we made it. Tore into the driveway, ran into the garage and then ran down to the street with our bags of garbage. The guy in the truck was grinning at us. I suppose we might have looked a little crazy. But we only get pick up every two weeks, and what with the cleaning spree we went on, we had a couple of extra bags as it was. Sorta felt like a victory. Little adventure at the end of the day.

Now here we are coming up on the weekend again. Gotta love a 3 day work week. Having a hard time getting back into the routine though. Guess I will get myself together over the weekend.

Now I am ready to call it a night. Guess all that excitement, chasing down garbage trucks, was too much for me. ;)