Miramichi Moments

On being a grandmother- again!!!

2007-02-18T07:56:00.000-08:00

I can hardly wait for the fall, when I get to meet my new grandchild. Matt and Karine gave us the happy news a few weeks ago. My only other grandchild (Mitchell) is 13, so there will be a large gap in ages. Mitchell is going to be an excellent big cousin though, because he is baby crazy.
Matthew asked me recently why my MSN name is Nannynick, since Nick is my child, not my grandchild. It's the name Mitchell called me to differentiate between all his grandmothers and great grandmothers. When he was born 13 years ago he had a grandmother, and great grandmother on Darcy's side, and on Melissa's side, a grandmother, 2 great grandmothers , a step grandmother and a step great grandmother all living in close proximity. For birthdays or Christmas, he got presents from them all. When he got to be 5-6, he gave us all descriptors, so there was nanny-at-the-base, nanny-with-the-swing, and nanny-with-grandad. Because I still had Nick living at home with me, I would sign the cards and gifts, Nanny & Nick, so I became Nanny-with-Nick, then just Nannynick. I adopted the name as my MSN name.
That reflection on my MSN name shows how much influence every grandchild has on grandparents. Melissa was the first grandchild on both sides, and it was her who "named" the grandmothers and grandfathers. When I was a kid I called my grandmothers "gramma" and one remaining grandfather "Papa"; I followed the family tradition, and assume the oldest cousins were responsible for this. My mother and I just assumed my mother would be "gramma" as well, and my father figured he would be grandpa, grandfather, or granddad. It didn't happen- Melissa dubbed them "nanny" and "pappy". I remember the first time my father called himself "pappy" to the kids, it was a special moment right after Matthew was born. I know he really liked the name. Now I am nanny to Melissa's child. I wonder if Karine's parents have thought about what they want to be called.
That's all for now.

Christmas blog- better late than never.

2007-02-18T07:44:00.000-08:00

Hi, sorry about that- I was so busy reading my son's and daughter's blogs that I neglected my own. For our Christmas, see the blogs for Melissa- Liss's Log Blog, and Matthew- Matt McGloins Wicked Blog; their posts have all the pictures you will need to see what a wonderful Christmas we had.
This was the first time we had all the family at Christmas. My brother Tom was home for the first time in 4 years, and my son Matt and his wife Karine for the first time in three years. We did get pictures of the 5 cousins. Mom has only 5 grandchildren and she despairs of getting any more- considering the youngest turned 24 Christmas day, (Happy birthday Nick) she is probably right. My brother Tom is the only hope of more.

Halloween

2006-11-02T15:19:00.000-08:00

Halloween was a disappointment this year- I arrived home to a black-out on the whole street. Apparently a tall pine tree was knocked over by a power crew as they were replacing a pole on the street below mine, and it knocked out several transformers. We were in the dark until after 6Pm, so that means a lot of the little kids were done. I did have 3 trick or treaters early before it got too dark, than 9 after, for a grand total of 12 kids. Mitchell arrived last after he did his rounds (with his father and Dean)and I plied them with some treats as well. I was prepared for 50 (last years total). I took 3 grocery bags full of chips and bars to work the next day. One of the nurses I work with lives on Riverside Drive (one of the first subdivisions in Chatham and she had done up 150 bags, and they were all gone at 8 PM and she started giving out the candy in her bowl.

Anyway, back to the black-out- Does anyone remember the Jerry Seinfeld monologue about men watching other men work? Jerry says, "What's that you're using , a Phillips" and nods knowingly. I was reminded of that when I got home- there were three neighbourhood men- Bobby, Bartie, and another man I don't know- all standing in Bobby's driveway looking at the Power company truck which was parked in front of bartie's house. I went over to find out what happened, and while I was there two more arrived- Hughie and Henry. I came back to the house to find a flashlight and candles, and the 5 of them remained and watched as the linesman worked, and as soon as the lights came back on I looked down the road to see them dispersing and nodding to each other like they agreed with the work plan. It was too funny.

Anyway, next year I will have to rely on my figures for 2005 because I doubt we will have a blackout two years in a row. At least, I hope not. Bye for now.

Awesome Wedding

2006-10-24T16:02:00.000-07:00

My son Matthew got married on October 14th. What an awesome wedding. Everything was perfect. What made it extra special was that all my immediate family was able to attend, except my son-in-law and grandson. Matthew and Karine really welcomed us into their midst even in the middle of the chaos. The rehearsal dinner and party were great, the wedding feast was a feast, and the accomodations were fantastic.
More later.

Travelling, piling on the Klicks

2006-08-19T07:55:00.000-07:00

My new car piled on the kilometers this summer. First we attended my aunt's 90th birthday in Hyannis, Mass, and returned on Sunday the 23rd of July, only to leave that same Friday (the 28th) for Alexandria Ontario for my other aunt's 80th- all together we put on over 4000 km, and the car responded great.
Great vacations, and I hope, just the beginning for that car. Not able to post pictures today, so will add them later.

Hotel Dieu Nurses Reunion

2006-08-19T06:29:00.000-07:00

This weekend is the Hotel Dieu nurses Reunion, spanning some 50 years. The registrants spanned some 25 years of graduates, which had their last class graduate in 1973. I was in the class of 1972. Only 8 of the 23 graduates are coming, and we have had one death among the classmates, my best friend, Susie.
Last night was a "Meet and Greet" at the Wing, and was it ever nice. The person our class were all anxious to see was Thelma Paz, who we have not seen for 34 years. She is originally from the Philippines, came to New Brunswick in 1969, and entered Nurses Training with us. We all remember the first time she saw snow, and we all went out on the balcony of the residence to see it with her. She left Miramichi in 1972, and the province in 1974-5; she is currently working in Edmonton Alberta.
I will be updating this blog with some photos later.

Vacation

2006-07-16T13:07:00.000-07:00

Mom, my sister and brother and I are leaving tomorrow morning bright and early on vacation. We plan to stop for the night in Portland (ME) and then drive to Hyannis Port on Tuesday, with a stop at the Wrentham Village outlets off the 495. I went to a site with printable coupons and plan to do some shopping. Aunt Ida's birthday is Thursday, so we plan to stay until at least Saturday, and probably until Sunday.
I will take lots of pictures to post when I come back.

Various pictures with new camera

2006-07-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

I am trying some picture downloading- first is my new car!!!

Then a picture of my plants in the front yard- I now have 5

A picture from moms front step of the Centennial Bridge.

A rose in mom's yard.

My aunt's birthdays- 90 and then 80!

2006-07-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

My aunt Ida has her 90th birthday on Thursday the 20th of July, and my aunt Jean celebrates her 80th on Sunday the 30th of July. Ida lives in Hyannis Port, Mass (Cape Cod), and Jean lives in Alexandria On. I am planning to go to both celebrations.
I will be driving my new car and taking my mother, sister and brother (Joyce, Heather, and Tom) to Cape Cod, leaving on the 17th, and staying one night in Portland (Maine) on the way. We plan to do some shopping en-route. We plan to return home on Sunday the 23, and leave for Alexandria on either Friday or Saturday, depending on how much money we have left for hotels, etc. Jean's open house is Sunday at her home so plan to leave Monday. I mentioned aunt Jean's open house to Matthew, who may be able to make it, but it is the weekend of Jason's wedding in Thousand Islands, so it might be impossible for him to do.
The shopping en-route will include looking for a dress for the Matt and Karine's wedding in October. I want something appropriate for the season (fall) but Mother-of-the-groom looking.
I was talking to Matt and Karine today and wished her a Happy 26th Birthday- it is the 11th of July. I have her card here still, and told her it would probably be late- yah think, since I will only get to mail it on Monday! I mentioned I had received the wedding invitations and how nice they were. Matt designed them, and what I didn't know was that they did everything including all the address labels , etc., and the neatest little reply cards. Very nice. We were talking plans about the rehearsal party, and I am getting excited already. Tentatively, the rehearsal is at the Hotel in late afternoon and the rehearsal dinner will probably be at the restaurant for wedding party and immediate families. The party will then continue at Matt and Karine's for all those other family members not directly involved in the rehearsal, where we would have finger foods, snacks and punch, etc. Plans may change of course, but that is the tentative plans.
I am trying to download a picture from my camera as a test- not about the subject matter, just a picture of Nick's dog Dahlia and my dog Cosmo looking at her. I didn'y know wwhere it was going to end up, and it was at the top- cute picture , eh?

Warming up!!!

2006-06-27T17:18:00.000-07:00

It is a warm day today, and going to be 28 tomorrow, then rain for the rest of the week. The dogs coat is so thick, he is uncomfortable now. Nick is taking Dahlia for grooming tomorrow, and is going to check to see if Cosmo can be done as well.
Melissa, Darcy and Mitchell are in Ottawa with Matthew and Karine since Saturday morning. I talked to them all on MSN last night and they are having a great time.
I went to the UNB Alumni dinner tonight- that is for RN's who went back to school and got their BN's through distance education. There were 4 this year, and the 4 from last time organized it. I was in the organizing for that 4 the year before. It is a nice way to recognize the hard work involved in working full time, looking after a family, and getting your degree at the same time.
The 5th annual Relay for Life was on Friday night- 2 weeks later than usual and the mosquitos nearly carried us away. I am still scratching bites on my legs, but ti was nice.
Till next time. Marybeth

Car Shopping

2006-06-22T16:56:00.000-07:00

I started car shopping in May. I have discovered it is similar to shopping for anything, even clothes. When you want a new pair of pants you try on different colours, styles, lengths and prices. I have gone to seven or eight stores before I bought pants. And lets not get into coats, shoes and purses- I have spent a whole summer looking for sandals I like. The biggest difference is that if you find they don't fit or don't look right after you made the purchase, you don't have to wear them everyday. You pretty much are stuck with your choice of car, and for a longer time frame. Therefore, comparison shopping is a must.

Although colour is not as important to me as the other variables, I did not want a white vehicle. The style and length were important- I wanted something a little bigger than my cavalier, roomier but not too big. A small SUV with a small engine, a larger sedan or a small wagon were considerations. The next thing was price. I did a budget and decided how much I wanted to pay each month, and then looked for cars in that range. The range was around $20,000 on the road, with no down payment and no trade in. I looked for dealers with low financing rates- almost everyone had 0% for 24 months, and some up to 5 years with 0%. Other's ranged up to 5.9%- the higher the financing rate, the cheaper the base model had to be, and fewer options could be afforded. There were some things I really wanted- cruise control, AC, and power windows and doors and remote start. My research included opinions of family and friends (thanks Matt, Peter, and Jimmy) who went out of their way to help. Once I narrowed the field, I took a membership in CarCostCanada.com and got wholesale reports which included all the incentives offered to the dealer by the manufacturer, and by the dealer to savvy customers. It included such gems as recent graduate bonuses, and delivery rebates. Getting the actual wholesale price the dealer paid was great, and I knew when I was being fed a line ("we are already taking a loss on this one" and "The salesman will not get his bonus"). I printed off copies and put them into a folder and carried them with me to all the dealers. Then the test driving began- Nick became my space and seat tester. The SUV's were too high for me to climb into comfortably, the HHR was a visibility and claustrophobic problem, and the larger sedans (in my price range) had absolutely no wow factor. That left the Ford Focus Wagon and the Chevy Optra Wagon. I liked them both, same basic size- not a lot bigger than the cavalier but lots of room for traveling- and it came down to price and options. I got the better deal with all the options on the Chev, so my new car is a Chev Optra wagon- my cousin Jimmy (who knows cars) tells me this is a re-worked Daewoo (a car company that folded and was absorbed by GM) but that there were no serious flaws in the newer designs. Hope so, Jimmy, I have to "wear" it for at least 5 years-lol.

The Days at Sea

2006-06-05T16:19:00.000-07:00

We had two sea days near the end of the cruise- one on Thursday before Port Canaveral, and one right after, on Saturday. On those two days, mom and I had the list of activities and tried to do everything we didn't have a chance to do yet. On Thursday we went to Bingo, just to say we had. We are not Bingo players, and probably should have waited until Saturday when the jackpot had to be won, but we didn't know that. It cost $35.00 for 5 sheets hooked together; each sheet had 6 cards on it. They had a total of 5 games, and the prizes were all around $120.00. The last game was for the jackpot within so many numbers, then if not won, a consolation prize was won. We did not win, but mom came within one number of the first game- we had to punch a semicircle out of the card for each number called, and sometimes they would flip back up- confusing. We did the quiz in the library, went to the dining room for dinner- you meet such interesting people- a great grandfather, who with his wife, is raising their two great grandchildren, two girls aged 3 and 2. Also we met another group that told us that at their table at dinner every night, they ordered ALL the starters, all the entrees, and all the desserts and then shared them among the group. Very nice people, friendly and having fun.
We went to the Belly flop competition, and then to the casino, and then to scrapbooking all before supper. The show on Thursday was Rhythm and Rhyme, with Broadway production numbers. We finished up the night at Karoake Idol. Our cabin attendant has been making animals and such from the towels and I tried to download the images three times, and don't think they did. oh well, maybe in the next one.

We also had a lot of fun with our waiter Silvia, from Portugal, and assistant waiter, Rohan, from India. They made our evening dinners so much fun, we were constantly laughing. I am sure the other people in the dining room were wishing they were at our table. Here is a picture of them looking so innocent:

The next two pictures were more like the real thing, the first one Silvia is trying to stop Jerry from talking- he with his Irish brogue and her with her Portuguese accent, it was funny to hear. The other is Silvia helping Joan clear her plate.

The other day at sea, Saturday, we slept in, had a leisurely breakfast talking to Harold and Sandra (two of our gang) and then attended the "puffy eyes seminar", and the "Bad Hair Day seminar" in the spa; went to scrapbooking again, and then to the Captains talk at 14:00. After that, we decided to pack before dinner- we had it all done and then after dinner put out our luggage to be picked up by the baggage handlers- we definitely had more than we came with, and so we put our carry on luggage to be taken by the handlers, and had extra bags as carryons. We attended the show that night and there was a representative of all the the services paraded in and up on stage, and the last act were very good- a young couple who did magic, and juggling, and dancing. They also showed a video of all the things that happened on board for the last 9 days- it was great.

Costa Maya- A wonderful place!!!

2006-06-04T13:36:00.000-07:00

The shop docked early today- was already in port before 07:00. We had a leisurely breakfast, because the shops don't open that early. We walked the long pier, about a brisk 10 minute walk, and it was hot already(about 90 F). The shopping area is in a semicircle around the pier- , and in the center are wading pools for the kids, and larger swimming pools- you can swim up to the bar and get a drink. The whole beach and pool side area was covered with lounge chairs where a lot of people spent the whole day. It was so pretty, as the pictures below will show. The first one is mom and I sitting by the sign, when we first arrived there were young boys in loin cloths with spears to represent the Mayan people, but they were gone by the time we got the pictures. The second picture is of the lounge chairs, and if you look in between the straw covered roofs, you will see the ship.

I particularly liked Costa Maya, not only because it was so pretty, but because the prices of silver jewelry was so reasonable. I finished up my souvenir shopping here. I almost bought a hand made cotton blouse and long skirt that the saleslady (and maker) pulled on over my head in the doorway of the shop after I said I didn't think it would fit. If she had been outfitted with a changing room and mirror, I would have probably bought it. She was asking $40.00 each for top and skirt, and then said she would let me have both for $40. I know the quality was good, and the workmanship exquisite, but because it was over the clothes I was already wearing, it was hard to say what it looked like on. When I was leaving the woman said she would take $35.00 for both pieces, and I told her I would think about it, but didn't get back to her. We dipped our toes in the water there, and then made our way back on board. It was hot and very windy. Went to scrapbooking, the photo shop and bought some pictures,and ordered gold chain and matching bracelets from Shops on Board. They will be ready tomorrow night.
The Magic Show in the Palladium at 21:00 was great, and then we went to the Big Band show. I started getting nauseous, and the ship was really rocking. They did not allow anyone on deck to walk, and when we went upstairs after the magic show for water, the wind was really howling. It practically lifted you off your feet. I left the show early, and ended up taking a gravol to settle my stomach- slept like a log.
I forgot to mention the second set of pictures- I did them to show the colours of the buildings- they were so pretty.

Cozumel Mexico

2006-06-04T12:32:00.000-07:00

We were up at 08:00, although the ship is not scheduled to dock until 10:00 (it ended up an hour late, at 11:00, due to choppy seas again- took three tries to get docked). We had decided at the last minute we would like to go on the glass bottom boat to see the wildlife, but were too late and had stand-by tickets. Unfortunately, no one cancelled so we were not able to go. Decided we would go to the city center, about 6 miles away. We were advised the taxi would be $6.00 each way. While we were at the tour desk, we bought the tour for Port Canaveral for Alligator Air Boat ride.
We decided to eat lunch before going ashore, met up with the Kirk's at lunch and planned we would explore the pier shops together. We went through the shops at the port, there were quite a few, and bought t-shirts, and I bought a butterfly ring- SUPPOSED to be white gold, with aquamarines, and the original price was $280., which he immediately reduced to $140., which immediately made me suspicious. I walked away and eventually paid $100. for it, but feel since I could have bought the same thing in a department store for $20.00. Hard to know for sure, but you have to get burned once, I guess. Got a great deal on T-shirts there, how good I found out later in town , where the quality was poorer and the price was higher.
Mom and I took the taxi to the town, and were let off at the Forum shops, which is the beginning of the shops, and you have to walk about 6 city blocks of shops on one side of the road- the sea is directly across the road. Again, the malls were very modern, and interspersed between them were little stalls with people practically pulling you in to see their wares. Went to Cinquo Sole, where the shop is huge but divided into little rooms to give it a quaint feel. Prices are not quaint, but we wanted Vanilla so got that there, and I got some traditional Mexican Christmas decorations made of straw. We were so hot and tired by 16:00 we took a taxi back to the pier. That was when I realized I hadn't taken a picture of Cozumel, and was not able to get postcards either. I took some of the damage to the piers from Hurricane Wilma- the local managed to rebuild some of the tourist areas, but many hotels were left damaged. The pier we docked at could only take one ship now- the Carnival Cruise ship beside us had to use Tender boats to ferry people to and fro.

At the dining room we had a special treat- the waiters and chefs paraded around with cakes on their heads, to entertain us. Great food- I am liking the sea-food in particular- I didn't notice until Joan brought it to my attention, but tonight I had Seafood salad, Cesar salad, and then Seafood Penne Pasta (with scallops and shrimp). I guess because I don't cook a lot of seafood at home.
Right after dinner we walked the deck and waited to get a picture of the sunset. I got three, this one was the middle one:

The theatre production tonight was My Love, lots of Beatle songs, and Love songs from the 60's and 70's. The grandeur singers and dancers and the grandeur Orchestra. The ship did not leave the dock until 21:00, so shops on board and photo center were not open until then. Went to room early and sorted through souvenirs so I could decide what I needed in Cost Maya tomorrow. Set to arrive at 07:00.

If this is day 6, it must be Key West

2006-06-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

We set the alarm for the first time this trip- could have had a wake-up call instead. We had instructions for all non-US citizens to report to level 5 at 08:15 SHARP to obtain passports and go through customs- we were entering a US port after being in the Bahamas, and will be required to do the same the next US port (Port Canaveral). We scurried around, showered etc, and then bolted breakfast in the Windjammer to get to the required place on time; as we were entering the Windjammer at about 07:50 I noticed we were not in port, and we were supposed to arrive at 07:00. I mentioned it to fellow travelers who were all surprised we had no announcement about a delay, especially since all US citizens had to report at various times by decks beginning before 08:00. We realized we didn't have our passport receipt and mom had to run back to the cabin while I finished coffee.
Just as we were arriving at the lounge the excepted delay announcement- all the rush for nothing- we would not even dock until 09:00 due to choppy seas, so customs could not board until then. Most went to breakfast but the rest of us just sat and waited. We did get off the ship by 09:30- obtained passport, got it stamped , and handed it back- very quick and efficient.
It was hot and muggy ashore. The Marina is built right by the town and the shops are nice, but fairly expensive. We did not choose to take a tour but many did and were happy with them. We walked all over the shops and tried to find the "freebies" with my passport book, but some shops were closed. Found the butterfly place and we are sporting butterflies on our shoulders in the photo- this was taken on our way back to the boat (seen in the background)at 12:00 and we were hot and tired and hungry. Chose to eat on board free rather than pay for a meal in the town.

We decided to go off the boat again around 14:00, to find a phone to call home. Just before we left we ran into two of our tour group, Milt and Betty, who were told there was an emergency phone call for them. Very upsetting for all- trying to call home and unable to reach people,finally Troy used his cell phone and got in touch with their son- her sister was dying and she had to come home right away- She was whisked of the boat (it was leaving at 15:00, so they took only their carry-ons, made connections with a local airport, flew to Miami, then to Portland,Me where they landed at 23:00. Their son drove there to meet them and they arrived before she died.
We left the boat and tried to find a phone booth that worked- 4 on the dock did not, and ran all over town until we found the one that was working in front of a tavern playing loud music. Mom called Heather and I called Nick.
After we came back on board we decided to pack in as much as we could. From about 15:30 to midnight, we attended: the digital camera display, did the quiz in the library, obtained the Canadian News in Library (saw where the Senators lost), went to the dining room for dinner, walked the deck, went to the photo display and threw out some UGLY pictures from today, but bought some nicer ones from the formal and casual dinners, went to the 21:00 show at the Palladium (saw a 70 year old comedian -very funny-, went to Karoke idol, and then to bed. Very full day- Cozumel tomorrow.

We were Bahama Mama's for Mother's day

2006-05-28T12:53:00.000-07:00

Both of us woke at 06:30, but went back to bed until 08:00. I don't know about mom, but I had visions of chocolate, not sugar plums dancing in my head. As you can see from the pictures below, they had beautiful ice carvings, and every kind of chocolate delight you could imagine.

We let the chocolate wear off, and took our time going to breakfast- 09:00 in the Dining Room. Met some more new people, these ones from western USA, who were telling us about the big wedding that took place on board just prior to our arrival. Everything was late, and the wedding and reception were to be finished by 13:00 to allow the non-sailing members of the wedding party (most of them) to get off the ship before we were allowed on. He said that they were all still waiting on the dock at 12:00, and that there were more than a few nerves from the mothers of the bride and groom. They finally were ushered on the boat about 12:10, two hours after the ceremony was scheduled to start. He and his wife had arrived early, because usually you can go aboard even as early as 10:00 so you can get a head start. This time it backfired, and they were forced to wait until everyone else arrived before they came on board.

We walked the deck and found it very breezy, and then went to the shopping show in the "Singing in the Rain" lounge. Went to dinner at the Windjammer- actually just had roast beef and salad, still full from breakfast. The ship was due to dock at 14:00, so we changed and went on deck to watch. Took a picture before we actually docked, and you can see the breezes blowing our hair around. Right after docking, we joined the other hundreds of people to get off the boat at our first port of call, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. I couldn't wait to see the palm trees and had mom snap a picture right on the first piece of land with trees, not 20 feet from the ship.

We met Joan, Arlene, and Betty and Milt, who were trying to get a group together to go on a little sight seeing trip with a private taxi. We gathered up Cecil and Jean and with mom and I, we had 8. We convinced a taxi driver to take us around the island, and give us some history, for $20.00. He took us around, took us to the markets (the bigger market was closed on Sunday), and then came back for us afterwards. His name was Earl, and he gave us his card with his telephone number and e-mail address. Godet is his last name, and he has a big family on the island. His mother and sisters and brothers, and at least one daughter living there with her two children. He was a wealth of knowledge. I did not know that the Bahamas was privately owned, and that most people in the Bahamas live in Freeport- Grand Bahamas is the largest Island (90 miles long, 6 miles wide) of the more than 700 Bahamian islands, with 70,000 of a population, and 50,000 of them live in Freeport. He said there is a 60% mark-up on cars, and that food is expensive, but there is no income tax, sales tax or property tax. Schools are run by the state or the churches, all the kids have to wear uniforms, and there is no university. They have to go to the states for that, usually living with family members- that's what Earl did, and his daughter, who is a teacher. He said they need nurses and teachers all the time, but wages are comparitively low. Teachers make $27,000, and he said his daughter was always being supplemented by him. They have divided the industrial area from the residential area, and the beaches are all free- no-one can own them. We got to the market at 15:20, shopped for about an hour. I bought a lovely shell necklace, but every shop had the same things, and they called you into the shop and put on a hard sell. This was our first experience with the bartering system, but not the last. We told Earl to come back at 17:30, as we wanted 2 hours to shop but he knew better. He arrived at 17:00 to find us all sitting on a bench waititng for him. I snapped some pictures from where we were waiting for Earl, showing the walkway around the market, and 4 stores- as you can see they all carried much the same thing, lots of trinkets, t-shirts, etc.

Earl deposited us back at the ship at 17:15, and we shopped at the shops on the terminal for a little while, and then went back on board. We found Basil in the process of cleaning our room, so we dropped everything there, washed hands and faces, and went to the top deck to explore- played a little shuffleboard, and waited for the windjammer cafe to open (18:30) because we were so scruffy we couldn't go to the dining room. This was the only time we went there for supper, so don't know if they always did, but they had tablecloths and roses on all the tables, and there seemed to be a lot of chefs around. In the day time, for breakfast and dinner, we picked up our own silverware and there were no tablecloths on the table. As we left, Carol and Jerry and mom and I left at the same time, and we had noticed the sun had gotten blood red, and was close to setting. As we watched, it dropped right behind the horizon so quick, the man standing beside us didn't have time to get his camera ready- what a beautiful sight. From then on, we tried to get the sunset, and took many pictures with varying success. We had a chance to watch the boat sail away from the top deck, and come through a narrow little channel- it was lovely, with the white sandy beaches beside us and the lights twinkling around us.
We went to the photo galery and looked at our formal pictures, but had to hurry to get to the theatre- a lively musical number by the Grandeur of the Seas singers and dancers. Went to bed early so we could get a good start at immigration in the morning- will be in Key West at 07:00 and they want all of us "aliens" to go to the lounge at 08:15 sharp to obtain our passports, get them stamped, and then hand them in again.
More adventures ahead, stay tuned.

ALL ABOARD!!!

2006-05-28T08:17:00.000-07:00

We arrived at 14:40 and were given directions to our stateroom- they are all called staterooms, and ours is the most basic- inside cabin, on third deck, aft portside. At registration they took our Canadian Passports and gave us a "Sea-Pass" card- this is more valuable than gold, and we are warned to keep it on us at all times- it allows entry to your room, and on and off the ship, buys things at 'shops on board", tours off the boat, bingo cards, and drinks, etc, and has info for dining . You don't need money except at the casino, and off ship. People put the account on their credit cards, or give cash to the purser's office, which is what we did. Mom and I each put $300.00 on the Sea-Pass; if it ran out we could put more on it, and if there was some left over, we could collect it the last night.
Our luggage arrived promptly and we spent an hour unpacking. Basil, our cabin steward, came and introduced himself, reminded us of the emergency drill at 4 PM and that we were to wear our life jackets. There was a bottle of champagne on ice, but we were warned that any liquor or pop or water that was in your stateroom and used would be billed, so we emptied the ice out and stored the bottle under the desk. The next day at dinner we were told the bottle came from J$T Tours, and if we had read the card that is what it said. We didn't drink it and save dit for later in the week.
At 4 PM (16:00) we arrived on deck, with everyone else for the lifeboat drill, muster station 1. It was during the drill that we found out there were still people not aboard, becasue this was the inaugral departure from Baltimore's new port and there were many glitches with computers, etc. We were 2 1/2 hours late departing, and were at supper when we sailed away, so we missed that picture opportunity. Took one while still in port though of each of us, as you see above. we also had one taken of us as we arrived.
Dinner was casual, thank heaven's because a lot of luggage was still on the dock at 18:00. they were late into the night distributing it all- I guess we were lucky- another perk of being with a tour group- the main perk was when we arrived at the port and saw at least 1000 people waiting in line, and we were ushered past them all into a special line because we were a tour group, and were very quickly ushered in.
Dinner was fantastic- we got introduced to our waiter- Silvia from Portugal- and our assistant waiter- Rohan from India; they treated us like Royalty, and we had a feast fit for a king (or Queen). Went on deck for a walk( around the deck four times is a mile). The first show at the Palladium theatre was at 8 PM , and was comedian Max Dolcelli, with singers and dancers. We drifted to a lounge to listen to Easy Listening music, and then went to the casino to "donate" money- started with $20.00, ended up with $15.00. Not bad- we were in bed by 12:00, to find the small cot-like beds surprisingly comfortable.
Day 4
A sea day- woke to complete darkness, unsure of the time (no outside source of light, so great for naps!), read the Compass- the newletter left every night with a list of things to do on-board. We showered and off to the dining room for open seating breakfast- sat with 4 people from Maryland, and two from Pensylvania. By coincidence, three of the "couples" were mother and daughter, including us- the other was a pair of retired teachers, man and wife. One mother was a dentist and this was her 18th cruise, and her daughters 8th (she was 11). She treated her whole staff to a cruise every year, and two of the staff came by while we were having breakfast and they had their children with them as well. There were over 200 small children there, and a great sevice to look after them. Large menu choices and the dentist said she always went to the dining room, but the choices were even more in the Windjammer Cafe (on deck 9). After breakfast, we walked to Shops on Board (Deck 6) and looked at the wares- everything from jewellry (gold, silver, diamonds, watches, etc) to pop and chips, and clothing thrown in for good measure. They were pricey, but nice clothes. Found our pictures from departure and from the dining room last night- they have a room there where they display all the pictures- if you don't want one, you put it in the discard box. Otherwise you can leave it there and decide if you want it later.
We attended the Shopping info sessions, where we got handouts of the ports we were attending and I bought the Platinum Passport book- a rip-off. It was $20.00, and had coupons all through for three of the ports of call we were going to, and you went to the store and got a free plastic butterfly, or a free charm bracelet, etc. There were few things that were any good, I wouldn't purchase it again.
Went to Winjammer Cafe- what an experience- any kind of veggies, meat, salads, sandwiches, burgers and fries, desserts- buffet style.
After a leisurely dinner, we attended the Champagne Auction, with the rich folks- sipped on champagne and watched everyone pay thousands for paintings. After that, there was a session on jewellry- what to look for, where, etc.
We just had time to get dolled up for the first formal dinner on board, and had pictures taken by professional photographers - they do that every formal night, and take pictures at dinner as well. Tried Lobster bisque, roast beef dinner, and Cherries Jubilee.
The evening show with Glen Smith (formerly of Toronto, lately of Las Vegas) was great- he played violin, piano, mouth organ, blues, country, rock and roll. Great time. Afterwards we went to Karoke Idol, every night they have a bunch of cruisers get up and the audience picks 4 each night- the last two nights will be semifinals and finals. At 11:30, they had the first of three special buffets at midnight- this is the only one we attended- the Chocolate buffet. Ice sculptures and chocolate in every form imaginable. We took a plate back to our room, and made ourselves half sick eating chocolate, and we only had half of what others were taking. I' ll post those pictures on the next segment.
To be continued.

The Cruise

2006-05-28T07:13:00.000-07:00

I will have to post this separately, as it will be too long. I kept a journal and will hit the highlights of the cruise here.
My mom and I planned a cruise since last year, and eventually decided to go on a tour with J&T Tours from Blackville, which was a 2 day bus trip from Miramichi to Baltimore Maryland, and a 9 night Western Caibbean Cruise, followed by another 2 day bus trip home. We left here on Wednesday, May 10th, at 06:30 hrs.

May 10, 2006
We left the Wharf Inn at 06:30, in a brand new Can-Am bus. We picked up Joan (The J from J&T) in Blackville along with about 8 others. Then stopped in upper Blackville to pick up Troy and his wife (the T from J&T). Our last stop was in Doaktown, to pick up one passenger. We stopped for a coffee break in Fredericton, and crossed the border at 11:00; we then turned back the clock one hour. Had lunch at Applebees in Bangor- 12:15- 13:15, and had afternoon break at a rest stop close to Portland. It rained and misted all day. We went through a slice of new Hampshire (just a little corner) and then arrived at Chelmsford Mass for the first night at 17:30. The Grand Round is in the courtyard of the Hotel (Best Western), where we had supper. After supper, Mom and I walked for a bit to explere and exercise, and lo and behold, we found a mall. The Kohl's department store was great- they had 60% off Jewellry and Wednesday was senior's day, for another 15% off- Mom got gold hoop earrins for $8.00, regular $30.00, and i got two costume jewellry bracelets for less than that. Settled into bed early for an early wake-up call.

Day 2
Woke at 06:00, had continental breakfast at the hotel, and were all on the bus before departure time of 07:30. One of our group, feeling very unwell, decided she had to come home. Made arrangeements to leave, and we all said goodbye. Travelled through Connecticut, New York, and into New Jersey, where we stopped for dinner at TGI Fridays. Great tour directors had called ahead and they were waiting for us (at all stops)- 41 people in and out in an hour. Back on the bus, and drove through Delaware, and then into Maryland. Arrived in Baltimore at 18:10, at the Fairfield Inn. It had been raining all day, and right after we checked in a thunder and Lightening storm started, and there were Toranado warnings for the area. We went to a mall complex on the bus that we could have walked to -it was across the street- but the weather was threatening so we bussed. Ate at a Chinese buffet, and then went to the dollar store where we purchased straw hats that we used on the cruise. There was no TV that night - no signal due to the storm, so we made an early night of it.

Day 3
Slept a lttle later- wake-up call at 06:45. Had great continental breakfast, and then on the bus by 08:30. drove through baltimore to the convention Center where our tour guide joined us- Marty, a spry 75 year old former New York Teacher, who moved 10 years before to Baltimore.
He gave us much history (including Baltomore was the site of the first casualties of the civil war) and that Maryland had armies fighting on both sides of the civil war. One point of interest- many of the apartment buildings and condos, due to lack of space, had erected patios on their roofs- they were mostly lumber and look like the ones we see here in backyards eveywhere, with barbecues and tables with umbrellas, etc.
He took us through the Johns Hopkins University (blocks of buildings) and then stopped at the main hospital site, whee there is a statue of Christ hewn from one block of marble. We were able to go in and see, but it is a working hospital so we just went through the front entrance into the lobby. The picture of the statue and mom and I are on the right side of the blog.
We went to the Inner Harbor for dinner and then on the bus to the boat at 13:00.
We waited in line for over an hour at the terminal, and walked the gangplank to the boat at 14:40. To be continued.

Long Easter Weekend

2006-04-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

The long Easter weekend has come and gone, and it was a very enjoyable and productive one. Nick and I did yard work on Friday and Saturday to the tune of 20 bags of debris, and dethatched and raked almost all the yard. On Monday, I went through my summer wardrobe - a misnomer, because how many of us have a "wardrobe"- and bagged some for the diabetes association, put some in dresser drawers for use throughout the summer, and sorted through those clothes I will take on the cruise in May. On Easter Sunday, it was family day- Nick and I went to my mother's for Easter dinner (Supper?) and spent some time with mom, my brother Peter and sister-in-law Jan, sister Heather and brother-in-law Harry. Great weekend, and so different than the less restful previous Easters when I was much younger, and worked throughout the holidays.
I have seen letters to the editor in the provincial papers this week criticizing essential services closing for the 4 days, and they mention Libraries, Service NB outlets, etc. A weird definition of essential services. I guess since I have been intimately involved in essential services for over 30 years, as a nurse in hospitals and as a volunteer ambulance driver/attendant for over 20 years, I see it differently. I know now how much was missed as a young nurse with a growing family, and I missed many family oriented functions (weddings, christenings, anniversary parties, homecomings, funerals, etc) involving my large extended family, due to essential services staffing needs. I know how much is lost for everyone. Never mind the fact that we often celebrated special occasions before or after the occasion- Christmas for my children was celebrated when I was off, and my brothers and sister and their families planned the dinners around my schedule. My example is not unique; such is the lot of someone who works in "Essential Services". Those stories are echoed in all households where police, fire, ambulance, hospital, and other essential service personnel work; it goes with the territory. However, it should never be considered the norm.

So much for my rant of the day. Bye for now
Marybeth

Last of the snow- I hope!

2006-04-09T07:32:00.000-07:00

By Thursday evening, the light snow that had been falling all day started to accumulate. By Friday morning there was a solid cover of snow all over the yard and on the car. By mid-morning, it was gone. The sun has shone brightly since but it is not a lot warmer. My tulips are poking through the ground beside the house, and hopefully they will be nice this year.

My mother and I will be going to a meeting this afternoon of the people going on the cruise in May. We will get our itinerary, and travel info. I got my passport in the mail yesterday, 4 weeks and 1 day after a very difficult application time. The rules are so stringent now, and to find someone who fits the qualifications to sign the application and picture could pose a problem. I could have chosen any doctor, but chose instead one of the financial officers at the hospital. Then the picture problem- Wal-Mart guarantees the picture, so if it is rejected they will re-do it; thank heavens, because mine was rejected. The first one was actually a very good picture of me, and there was a tiny glint on my glasses frame, which did not interfere with the ability to see my eyes. It was a pin-point on the left hand side, and since the glasses are metal, it would be near impossible not to have some glint. Mom's picture had the same, but was accepted. The man who rejected mine was a "traveler", working only Fridays in Newcastle, and rejected 5 applicants that afternoon. I was told it would be a 2 1/2 hour wait for the appointment, and it was already 2:30 PM; by 3:30 I was called, and was the final appointment, and was out of there in jig time- strange how that type of thing happens on Friday afternoon, eh? I had them re-done without my glasses (his suggestion) and went back on the Tuesday morning, and had the pleasure of being served by one of the regular staff.

Palm Sunday today, Easter next week. I think there will be a small gathering at my mothers this year, as my brother and his wife will not be coming from Halifax. Melissa and Darcy and Mitchell will be at the camp, and I am not sure of Nick's plans- hopefully he and Kari can come to Easter dinner at moms. That means Heather and Harry, possibly Michael, and me. We have a 4 day weekend, so that is all good.

Bye for now, Marybeth.

Mixed -up Metaphors

2006-04-02T12:07:00.000-07:00

Talk about mixed up- March was supposed to be "In like a Lion and out like a Lamb". What happened? In like a lamb and out like a lamb. But April, now that's a different story. It is April 2nd, and the wind is so strong, and we have had cold rain and flurries all day. People out walking on March 31st with shorts and light clothes, and today, it is back to mitts and hats.

Yesterday, Melissa and I went shopping. That is the first time in a long time that we did that. Now there are so many places to shop in the Miramichi, we left at 11:00 and only did half the places when it was time to quit at 3 pm. NICE. I was looking for a formal looking outfit for my cruise (May 10-22). I found it at Pennington's. I also need some casual wear, but have to go through my summer clothes and start sorting, etc, to see what I have and what I need. Now we don't have to go to Moncton for a day of shopping- feels great. The new Power Centre- aka Douglastown- has new buildings in the strip between the access road to the bridge and the main Hwy to the bridge, and one store moved there already- Payless Shoes. Reitmans moved to the Staples Mall, along with Marks Work Wearhouse and Bulk Barn. Apparently, Quizznos and Boston Pizza are going in beside Payless, and A&W are opening a drivethru close to Wal-Mart. A booming place.

Yesterday, Melissa and I were going to arrive at the Northumberland Square Mall to take part in the video for Hockeyville, but we didn't get in gear until later; the gathering was at 10:00 am, I hope they got lots of support.

I am so disappointed that we are unable to see the Ford Men's World Curling Championship from Lowell, Mass. I have been following the draw scores on-line but you don't get the true picture. We will have the semis and finals next weekend, on CBC. So far, Team Canada won one and lost one, and are playing tonight.

We have been very busy at work, with Accreditation coming Easter Week- The accreditors arrive Palm Sunday (next Sunday) and finish up on Wednesday. As Chair of the Maternal/Child Team, I am supposed to meet with the team on Palm Sunday afternoon, but that is the day the Cruise group are meeting to get our itineraries for the cruise, and I commited to that first. Besides, it is an informal meeting with the accreditors, and not really necessary. I will meet them at the same time the rest of the team does, at out formal interview. It has been a real burden this year, much more than in previous years, and makes me so glad I won't have to do this again. I am planning retirement for July 2008, which is the year before the next accreditation. last week, 2 weeks before the formal interviews, and 6 weeks after the submission of our 60 page document (for each team), the accreditators sent a list of OTHER questions they may be asking- very short notice, and impossible to prepare the team beforehand. I remember last time the accreditors asked us what we thought of the process, and we told them an honest answer- it helps the team because we find out exactly what we are doing, and what we should be doing, and learn the direction we should take; also, we found the document had many redunancies. They changed the document so it is easier, and made it available on-line so that the team leaders and designates could type right into the document on the screen. However, this year is so much harder, I will share my pleasure about not being there for the next one.

Bye for now. Marybeth

Spring is almost here

2006-03-19T11:15:00.000-08:00

I love the spring. It is so nice to see the sun up til later in the day when I walk the dog. It is not so cold you have to bundle up, and not so warm that it gets uncomfortable when walking. The new buds are trying to come out on the trees, and there are bare patches of ground everywhere. The only problem- Cosmo has to sniff everything he sees, and that includes every new blade of grass.
Darcy came today and replaced my kitchen faucet- I got one with the spout that pulls out, and has a spray on it. Rosie the cat spent the whole time sniffing his legs while he was under the sink, and everytime he pulled out to get something, she went in to inspect the job. She had been sitting in the sink for the last month or so, waiting for the drips from the sink. She'll have to find a new amusement now.

We (Nick and I) telefiled the income tax on Wednesday, and like I said before, it is the only way to go- no expense and you get the full return. I am not spending money on a E-File computer package to do two returns, or even mailing it you have to pay for the stamp. They promised the money in two weeks. Of course, I have mine spent before I even got it, including the plan to buy a little cupboard for over the stove so I can have the fan installed. The rest will go on bills.

I applied for my passport. It makes the trip seem more real somehow- May is coming and the cruise beckons. I will be buying a few new duds for the trip with the income tax as well.

I finally have the dining room chairs all put together and they have nice chair covers over them as well. So, no backless chairs in the dining room- that will be a change. We put three of the backless chairs in the basement, and I threw one out with the garbage. I eventually will throw all three out, but I don't want to put all of them out at once.

Well, time to sign off- have to walk the dog, and come back and make chili- it is my staple dinner- I take chili every day to work, it is so easy to get ready, and very filling. I follow a low fat recipe, and use no-added-salt tomato sauce. I also want to go visit Mom and watch the curling on tonight- both the final of the brier, and the Women's Worlds, Canada against Germany.

Bye for now.

What a Beautiful Day

2006-03-12T06:11:00.000-08:00

The sun is shining this morning, and it is not too cold. Looks like a nice day for a long walk with Cosmo- after dinner and before curling. The Tim Hortons Brier started yesterday, and it is always a good thing. The worlds (womens) starts before the Brier finishes so looks like two nice weeks of curling. Mom puts a quilt into the frame and quilts and watches at the same time. I decided I would do something too so I opened up my full bag ofcross-stitching. That way, it doesn't seem like wasted time sitting in front of the TV.
It's also Income tax time- I am going to begin right after updating the blog. I have all my receipts, and T4 slip, and this year the RRSP contribution, although it was only for a month, and very small. Nick got all his as well, so when I finish them we will tele-file- the cheapest way, because you don't need a stamp to mail them, or software to E-File them. I went to a commercial preparer some time back, when I was anxious to get the money. They take a large chunk, like $50.00, and at that time you got your money within a few days. I stopped that about 10 years ago, and waited the 6 weeks since then. I have been tele-filing Nicks since he started filing, and last year called to find out why I couldn't do mine (every year I tried, and after I finished inputing all the info, a voice would tell me my IT couldn't be filed that way). Anyway, last year when I inquired, they asked what I had for deductions, I told them, and instantly he said, you are set up now. All it took was a phone call! The money was in my account 10 days later.
See you later, Marybeth

Curling pictures

2006-02-25T17:41:00.000-08:00

Colleen and Carol belting one out at the Karaoke dance- it was great fun.
Jessica and the Karaoke king, Gordi- they did a duet (Better Shape Up) right after she sang another song. I scanned these in the wrong order, lack of expertise, I guess.
Nick and Kari consoling themselves with a beer after losing to the team they are sitting with. They didn't feel too bad when they realized this was the winning team, and the same team beat my team in the last game, taking all the points. At least Nicks team got two ends against them.
Action shot- lost in the fog is Nick and Kari standing on the right side by the hog line. Looking at the camera is their skip, Garth

This one is mom, me and Nick- All we are missing are the pitchforks to look like American Gothic. Not a smile among us

This one is the girls from Obstetrics who curled- my team is there, and we were missing a few. Sitting are Jessica, Vicky, Colleen, and Carol. Standing are Kara, Carolyn, and me. this is between games.

Curling Weekend

2006-02-19T14:07:00.000-08:00

What a great weekend. Three generations of my family curled in the 23rd annual Silver Bedpan Bonspiel. On Wednesday we were short 6 players to have a draw of 14 teams, and the other organizer, Doreen, had talked to mom at the curling rink that day where she was curling in a funspiel for seniors. She agreed to come, and we called a few more who retired from the hospital, and were still short two players. I thought of my son Nick and his girlfriend Kari, and they agreed, although neither one had any experience other than watching it on TV. It would have been hard for Nick NOT to see it on TV, since I have been playing since before he was born and watching it on TV for the same amount of time.
We curled only on Saturday this year, as there were so few teams. The prizes, which we purchased with money raised for that purpose, were presented at 8:30 pm, and the Karaoke dance started right after. I stayed until the dance was over, but Nick and Kari bowed out at midnight. I took some pictures and if I can figure out how to scan pictures into this blog I will add them.
The first few years after we started the bonspiel, we had a limit of 40 teams, and used to have a waiting list of people who were too late to buy a ticket. Sometimes the waiting list would have 30-40 names on it. You wouldn't see everyone because there was a delay between games, up to 4 hours, so people would go home, get cozy, and not want to go back to the cold rink, so the waiting list used to be used fairly quickly. We had to do it on 2 days, one draw on Friday night starting at 6 pm, and not finished until almost midnight for the last teams. The next day there would be 2 draws, starting early and ending late. After the second year, we would provide entertainment (skits) and people wouldn't go home after the second game because it would be impossible to get a seat to watch the entertainment, which in it's prime, lasted at least 1 1/2 hours, standing room only. It eventually became the highlight of the curling weekend. But all things evolve over time, and in later years the entertainers dwindled to a few regulars who played many parts each year and it became tiresome to keep up. I was heavily involved in the skit writing, and the whole production, but it became burdensome in 2003 when my best friend lay dying of cancer and I was taking three university courses to finish my degree, as well as work fulltime, and prepare for an accreditation at work, and with Nick still at home. We put together a little show with three skits and as MC I was telling some jokes when one of the participants started heckling me. I felt bad but when he continued to heckle during the acts that the 8 people who gave their time and energy to entertain him (for no remuneration, not even a free ticket to the dance), I vowed I would not do that again. I did not realize the stress involved until I gave it up. It was so stressful that I remember dreading the Saturday night because there was so much to do and so many things that had to be borrowed, rented, and bought (with our own money) to put on the acts, as well as canvassing looking for prizes from the businesses in the area. Then to make sure that everyone came who was supposed to, and to find replacement actors for those who didn't, etc. The curling became almost incidental, and I was so wiped out by the time the entertainment was over, I would go home right after the dance started.
This year was so much better- it practically organizes itself and with Doreen and the rest of the little committee all doing a part, we can all enjoy the day. My team (Me and the the 3 c's) tied for 5th, we won two games and lost the third. Nick and Kari were on a different team, and they came in 8th. Mom was on Doreen's team and tied for 7th. Nick and Kari loved it, we all spent the day curling, got a prize and had great entertainment at the dance with Gordioke Karaoke, a great singer who knows how to program the "performers" in the audience with his own renditions of classics for optimum fun. I did not realize how many great Karaoke performers there were in that small group. I'll add the pictures in the next blog. The one here is Mom and Doreen.

Pond Hockey

2006-02-03T15:12:00.000-08:00

The whole river is buzzing with excitement about the Pond Hockey tournament here this weekend. Employees at the hospital were encouraged to wear a Hockey Jersey (as long as they weren't involved in direct patient care). At Scotia Bank all the tellers had them on today- it adds fun to the work environment. While I was in the bank today, a customer was leaving and turned back to the tellers and said "Have a good game, girls!". Most of us were concerned because of the very mild weather we have been having lately, but a cold snap later in the week made everyone breathe a sigh of relief. It was originally supposed to be +10 tomorrow with rain, but now they say +7 and sunny. Should be a good day.

It's a beautiful day!

2006-01-28T07:23:00.000-08:00

The sun is shining and it is not quite freezing. It is a beautiful Saturday morning. Unfortunately, most Saturdays are taken up with chores that cannot be done during the week- washing clothes, ironing, sweeping, dusting, etc, etc This is the kind of morning that makes me want to leave all that and walk and walk with the dog. Unfortunately, the chores don't do themselves. I just went out in my slippers to put birdseed in the feeder, and now see 4 little birds taking turns at the feeder. Theyt sit on the branches of the pine trees and swoop down in turns to take a seed and fly back to the tree branches- amazing. Rosie the cat was in the kitchen window watching the players - you would think she was watching a tennis match, with her head going back and forth and her tail swishing briskly. She watched for a while, and now is having a much deserved nap.

Melissa, Darcy and Mitchell are gone to the camp this week-end. (See Life at the Camp - their blog.) I am feeding some of their zoo- 2 of the dogs, 1 cat, a rabbit, a fish and a hamster. Their dogs are so easy to look after- you open the door, they run out, do their business and come back in. My dog Cosmo, by comparison, has a long routine that involves searching out the best spot which takes on average 10 minutes. It makes me wonder what constitutes the perfect spot to be annointed with his donation. He sniffs and searches, and finally selects just the right area, and begins; but watch out- let a noisy vehicle pass by, or any noise for that matter disturb him, and the process stops and has to start again. It is not too bad on weekends when I let him go out by himself and I am in no hurry, but on rushed weekday mornings, it is hard to be patient-" C'mon Cosmo, hurry up!!"

Bye for now. Marybeth.

Nasty Cold getting me down

2006-01-21T11:10:00.000-08:00

I have been fighting a nasty cold for a week now. I started with a scratchy sore throat a week ago Thursday, and woke up Friday morning with a full-blown cold.
On Saturday, the 14th, my uncle Alton Roherty died. He was 87, and in remarkedly good health until the end. He was a Light House Keeper, and the owner of Rohertys Canteen and Service Station in Belledune; he was also the first Mayor of Belledune when it was incorporated as a village. My aunt Jean (his sister) came to my mothers by train Sunday morning, and they went to Belledune with my sister and her husband. My brother Peter and his wife picked me up and we followed- it was a miserable trip. Freezing rain, and snow, and sleet greeted us, and the weather did not improve during the day or evening. A few hardy souls braved the weather to come to the wake, but it was mostly family; that still means a lot of people, because all of Ella's except two showed up- she had 10, and the rest of the nephews and neices made it a full house. The wake was also two hours before the funeral on Monday, and it was packed, althouigh the weather only improved slightly.
We stayed overnight at my mother's cousins house, and Peter, Jan and I stayed up Monday night as well, in Bathurst. The roads were still sloppy. on Tuesday, I arrived home at 10:00, and got ready for work, arriving at 10:30. The laryngitis was so bad, and my cough, that I considered coming home again, but I didn't, and went also on Wednesday, but that was enough.
I have been resting ever since, and do feel a lot better today.
Bye for now, Marybeth

Busy Weekend

2006-01-08T08:32:00.000-08:00

I spent the weekend going to wakes and funerals. A colleague of mine lost her husband to cancer, and the funeral was yesterday (Saturday). I attended, and was blown away at her strength, as she gave a stirring eulogy for her husband.
This afternoon, I will attend two wakes, one for a good friends husband who was killed in an accident, and another for my neighbor's mother, who died at age 96- she was a former neighbor of my mother-in-law for many years as well. Both funerals are Monday, and it will depend on workload if I can get to either one.
Last night Nick and I visited Melissa's house (first visit since before Christmas); we talked to Matt, Tony, Cheryl, etc using the web-cams. Nick and Mitchell were jamming with guitars in the corner; Melissa and Darcy and I took turns on the computer. I brought some of the appetizers down there that we were supposed to have on New Years Eve, and we feasted on bacon-wrapped scallops, sausage rolls dipped in honey-mustard sauce, and mini-quiche. We played Cranium, which the boys team won (Nick, Mitchell, and Darcy), and then Nick taught us all how to play Texas Hold Em, with the set Darcy got for Christmas.
My uncle Alton (my mother's brother) remains in serious condition in Bathurst Hospital this weekend. Mom and my sister were up to see him yesterday, he is in ICU with tubes everywhere; apparently he aspirated when being extubated, and now the doctors believe he suffered a heart attack during the minor procedure he was undergoing at the time.
Bye for now.

Rain at breakfast, Ice pellets at lunch, snow at suppertime!

2005-12-31T14:18:00.000-08:00

It has been said that if you don't like the weather in Eastern Canada, wait 15 minutes- it will change. That was the case on Friday, when we had it all, except sun. It was a fitting close to a week that began with a blizzard.
It was hard to drag myself to work this week, but it was busy and the time flew. I am not over-indulging there, because it is darn near impossible to resist at home. After losing 23 pounds over the last four months, I don't want to gain it back. Regardless, I will go right back at it again in the new year.
Today is New Years eve, and Mitchell is here for the night, as Melissa and Darcy are going to a house party with friends. Nick is also going to a house party later on. I rented three movies, and Mitchell brought his game system, so the night will be busy, I think. Happy New Year to all, and hope you all get what your heart desires this year. Remember it not the things you do that you regret the most, it the things you don't do, and missed out on.

Christmas is here

2005-12-25T07:31:00.000-08:00

We re-decorated the tree yesterday after the Rosie episode, and so far, she has left it alone for the most part. The presents lasted as well- I fully expected her to be there tearing the presents apart because she absolutely loves paper, tearing it and eating it.
Christmas Eve, I took Mitchell to the Family Mass at 4 PM, and Nick went to Kari's in the evening. I went over to moms for the evening. Mom, Peter , Jan , Heather and Harry, Jennifer and Michael were all there. I brought fruit and various dips and Jan and I prepared them while the rest were at Church- they ate the whole thing.
This morning, we slept late, and did not start opening gifts until 10 am. Matthew phoned to wish us Merry Christmas and Melissa phoned as well. Melissa and Darcy were up at 3 am. They were up and woke Mitchell at 3:30, and he thought they were crazy. It is a musical Christmas with both Nick and Mitchell getting guitars, and CD's all around.
This afternoon we all gather at my moms in Douglastown for Christmas dinner- it is at 2 pm. Then tonight we will visit my sisters house and they will come here. It is supposed to be a blizzard starting later today and tonight, so we hope to get all the visiting in before it really starts.
That's all for now.

Rosie and the Christmas tree

2005-12-17T18:41:00.000-08:00

Rosie the cat is 9 months old and very naughty. She attacks anything that moves, including the much larger dog. My dog Cosmo is a Golden Retriever mix, weighs about 85 pounds, and is scared of Rosie.
Last weekend, my grandson Mitchell came up and helped me decorate for Christmas. We put up lights, he put together my new sofa table, and set up the village there. We also put up my new artificial pre-lit tree. It looked lovely when we were done, although we had to shoo Rosie away from the tree a few times. Since then she has systematically de-decorated it, a limb at a time. The kicker was on Tuesday night, when I heard the crash at 1:30 in the morning. The tree was on the floor, some glass balls were broken; I put it back up, but haven't replaced all the decorations yet. Only the very top ones remain. I hope she will get used to it being in the living room, and then I will replace them.
Melissa and I went to Moncton (140 km) Friday afternoon, stayed at the Comfort Inn close to Champlain Mall. Nick was flying in from Edmonton (ALTA) and was supposed to arrive at 20 minutes after midnight. The snow on Friday slowed things down, and he didn't land until 03:30 - we then had to feed him- he went 12 hours without food, so we battled our way into the drivethrough at McDonald's through the snow, avoiding the plows, and got back to the hotel at 04:30. Meanwhile, Kari , his girlfriend, left here at 9 PM and had to stop driving in Buctouche, about 30 minutes from Moncton- it took her three hours to navigate the slushy roads in a heavy snowstorm, when it usually takes 1. She didn't arrive until 10:00 this morning, and then we went shopping.
Tonight we celebrated Mitchell's 12th Birthday. He's having a blast, and is so excited about his new stereo system he got from his parents.
Bye for now

Freedom 55

2005-12-09T06:50:00.000-08:00

It has been an eventful week. On Tuesday I celebrated my 55th birthday, truely freedom 55. That means that even though I don't plan to retire for 2-3 years, I could at any time now. That gives a certain amount of freedom- a superior gives me a hard time, and I could respond "I could be out of here tomorrow".
Traditionally, at work, the rest of the girls working that day will pool together and buy a birthday cake, either from the hospital cafeteria, or one will go out to a local bakery. I was hoping they wouldn't because I guessed Melissa or mom would also get me one, and I would have to have a piece of each, and that would blow the diet. Anyway, they ended up singing Happy Birthday with a fruit tray- what a great idea. They also gave me a nice cup for my coffee and Green Tea, and a package of Barbie napkins- the logo says- "I wish I was Barbie-That b***h has everything". Melissa, Darcy and Mitchell arrived at about 7 pM with the cake, and Mitchell with guitar in hand- he learned the tune of Happy Birthday an hour before, and played it for me. We had tea and cake, and as they were leaving Mom and (sister) Heather arrived. Nice night. Nick called at 11 pm from Fort McMurray, and is looking forward to next Friday, when he flies home.
On Wednesday evening, we had the 2 East Christmas party. There were 28 people for dinner at PJ Billingtons, and then we all went to Leah's house for dessert.There were 4 Obstetricians, 4 wardclerks, and 20 nurses. Most people stayed at Leahs until midnight or later, and some of us had to work in the morning. We do a token gift exchange every year, value of $15.00. This year, Doreen had a Christmas story, and we all started with a present (not opened) and when ever she said Left or Right, we passed the present to the left or right- it was hilarious.
On Thursday evening, the Nurse Manager Christmas party at Jackies was lot smaller. There were 10 of us, but I brought the right -left story and we did that there as well- it was great.
It was a great week,
c u later. Marybeth

First time for Everything

2005-12-03T16:46:00.000-08:00

As the title says, there is a first time for everything. My son matt has a blog, and when I tried to reply, I was sent to the "set up a blog" page. I decided I would get with the times, and have my own blog.
I am watching curling (Olympic Trials), and wrapping Christmas Presents. I hope to have some time to write on this thing every week.