Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Long Time, No Blog

Time has a way of sneaking by when you're not looking! Even though it's been more than a week since I last blogged, and I feel like I've been busy, not much has actually been going on around here. Just the usual chores (you know, never-ending laundry, always-dirty dishes, dog hair and dust everywhere). We have been working on the basement/rec room area, but that is taking longer than we had hoped; you know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men... Anyway, Eric's room is finished, and he's settled in nicely - got his clothes scattered all over the floor, so I guess that means he feels at home. We are now in the process of painting the pool-table area a nice deep red - it's a bit creepy while you're painting, all that wet, glistening red. But I think it's going to look nice and cozy. Travis wants to get creative, and do some kind of artistic wall treatments, but I'm afraid his idea of creative might clash with mine... I did tell him if he wanted to, I'd get a couple large pieces of canvas for him to work on, and if I like the result, I'll put in up on the wall. We'll see if anything comes of that. Our goal is to have the rec room all done in time for Christmas so that Todd can play pool with his buddies when they come over. We have to get the computer room organized too - we still have boxes of books all over the place, waiting for the bookshelves to be finished. Always so much to do - when am I supposed to lounge around eating bon-bons?!

Christmas plans thus far: Todd's mother debated with herself for a few days, and finally just admitted that she wants to be here for Christmas morning! His sister Doris wanted to be here too, but has other obligations, so she'll be coming in on Boxing Day. I am starting to worry that things might get a little overwhelming... this house is going to be like Grand Central Station! Todd and I have been "discussing" plans for the tree - he likes to go out in the woods and chop down the ugliest, most Charlie Brown-like tree he can find, whereas I prefer to shop for a nice, big, fat Nova Scotia tree. We might end up with two trees this year! Another on-going "discussion" - Christmas dinner. Todd's family likes to have their dinner at about 1pm; I prefer to have it at supper time, say, around 6pm. Since his mother is going to be here, and she likes to cook when she's here, I am not sure how that's going to work out. Todd says he can eat dinner at 6pm, and that since this is my house, I can have it when I want it... I'll have to keep you posted on the outcome of that one.

Anyway, I hear the dulcet tones of my darling Caitlyn calling from the bedroom - time to go feed the belly, I mean baby!

Caitlyn - 6 months

Saturday, November 11, 2006

A Fine Remembrance Day

We were up bright and early this morning to get Jamie ready for the Remembrance Day parade downtown. It was a gorgeous morning, sun shining, reasonably warm. There was a strong breeze coming in from the harbour, but the sun was warm enough to make it tolerable. Todd, Travis, Caitlyn and I joined the crowd to observe the service, while Jamie stood on parade with his troop. They all did so well, standing straight and still - it's good that they have such a sense of pride and respect. Jamie really enjoys the parade functions, and takes it pretty seriously. Eric stayed at a friend's house last night, so didn't make it down to the War Memorial. We took a few photos of Jamie in uniform; just click on this photo to go to my photo album for the other pics.
Paying respects
Tonight, Jamie's troop are having a Wake-a-thon. No one is allowed to sleep, upon penalty of humiliation! Last year a couple cadets snuck off to the boys bathroom to try and catch a few Z's, and got doused with cold water while being loudly reprimanded. Why the heck do they find that fun?! I imagine Jamie will be pretty cranky tomorrow...

On a completely different tangent, we have not yet finished Eric's new room. I don't know why, except to say that it seems there's always something else that needs to be done more urgently... We did get the inside of his room painted; now we just need to paint the baseboards and put them in. As for the rec room itself, well... it is an absolute mess right now, and the time pressure is setting in - we want to be done with that in time to get ready for Christmas. It just never ends! ~sigh~

P.S. - See new photos of Caitlyn in my photo album!

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Cat Massage, Anyone?

Just because it made me giggle...

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Snow?! Noooooo!

No fair - I don't have my winter tires on yet! I don't know where my windshield brushy thingy is! Where are my gloves?! *sob* *sob* Yep, the first snow-fall is here. So it's rather skimpy, and I don't need to shovel, and it will likely be gone by the time I finish my coffee. That's not the point! I am not psychologically prepared for snow. I need time to mentally gird my loins. I have not yet recovered from the trauma of last winter. And I have no idea what happened to the shovels. I am so not like NorthernLight, who was actually happy about their first snowfall. Of course, maybe if I had a skidoo I would be as excited... nah, probably not!
Well, I better get to the grocery store, stock up on cookies and pies for the coming "hibernation" period. Need extra fat to keep warm, you know ;)

Thursday, November 02, 2006

By Special Request

Frank has requested a sample of Eric's music, so here we go...

Disclaimer:
Before you hit the "play" button, I should warn you - this music is of the genre "gore/grind", and can be rather... disconcerting ... Don't even try to listen to the lyrics, you might hurt your head. It is possible that this music causes insanity, as well (at least, it does for me after they've practiced in the basement for three hours). That having been said, enjoy! Eric is the guitarist/vocalist, and Ryan is on drums.
Oh, and the radio show went well last night - sounded like Eric was having fun. I listened through the computer, so I wasn't able to record the show at the same time. Eric might be able to get a recording from the show's host, so I can have it for a keepsake :o)

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Candy!

Hallowe'en is over, and all that's left is the huge pile of candy... I've already started on those little chocolate bars (the Oh Henry's are gone), the rockets, and the rice krispie squares. We didn't get too many trick-or-treaters, so we have lots of left-overs. Jamie had a pretty good haul, but I imagine there'll be lots of things he doesn't like in his loot-bag. Eric didn't go trick-or-treating, 'cause he is too cool :o) Travis went out with some of his friends, even though he is cool :o) The dogs went bananas every time someone came to the door, which is enough to drive you crazy. Caitlyn fussed and cried and had no interest at all in Hallowe'en. So, now that that's over, time to get ready for Christmas! hehehehehe
Travis, Caitlyn, Jackie, Jay, Adam
In other news, Eric and his friend Ryan will be co-hosting a radio show tonight at Memorial University's radio station CHMR. The two of them have formed a "band" (if you can call two guys a band) called Voreaphilia (look it up - it's gross!), and they've been playing shows around town these last few months. Apparently they're developing a bit of a following. They've made a demo CD, and are selling them at the shows they play. Now, if only Eric could show as much drive in his school work (and house work/chores)!
voreaphilia demo