FRENCH, PINK, POODLES, AND PEARLS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIS.

2012-03-06T22:06:00.000-05:00

March 7th, 1954

My sister Debbie is celebrating her

58th Birthday today (fifty-eight!!).

Happy Birthday Deb.

I love you.

What have I been up to...

not much.

Brittany and I were at a small wedding show, and I found the perfect vintage dress.

I'm looking for something to wear to my 25th wedding celebration next year.

May 1st, 2013.

I don't usually plan that far ahead, believe me, but I need the
PERFECT dress.

Can you see her poking her pretty little

polkadot face at me?

There she is. Isn't she beautiful. So MOI.

Thought it would look pretty with these vintage flowers. Wish I could show you the back.

It had the daintiest buttons all the way down.

Could be worn to a beach ceremony, or in the evening to a candle light ceremony.

BUT... it didn't fit. The upper arms were too tight.

I keep saying,

"THEY MADE EM' SMALL BACK THEN".

I have to tell some of you that I'm not SMALL.

My mother and sister are

"SMALL, TINY, PETITE".

I take after my dad's side of the family. Big bones.

I struggle just like anyone else out there. I can't eat anything I want. I have to watch what I put in my mouth. And you know what I say:

I'm only 5'4", and actually I think I've shrunk an inch because of my scoliosis.

Since mom died, I've put on 7 lbs. You might not think that's a lot, but to me it might as well be 30.

But my little gain is NOTHING compared to my dear, sweet, funny, talented, southern bell artist friend

LuLu Kellogg.

She has lost over 150 lbs. YES, you read it right.

She was beautiful then, but look at her NOW!!
Just click on her pretty face or here to read her story. She has a GREAT blog, and beautiful jewelry, and she's "the" HALLOWEEN QUEEN to boot.

It isn't good for me to have extra baggage, it puts pressure on my spine.

BTW, Randy and I were at the neurologist again yesterday.

I'm SERIOUSLY thinking of having the major operation to straighten my spine.

I have a huge "S" curve.

I'm tired of being crooked.

I'm looking ahead 20 yrs. and my quality of life.

I have to have an MRI and a bone scan first.

So enough about that.

Let's go back to happy thoughts.

They say SPRING is around the corner.

Do you believe them?

Don't forget to SPRING ahead on Sunday at 2 AM.

Or you'll be wayyyyy too early for church ; )

Brittany took these pics at the wedding show with my new iPhone. Who needs a fancy camera?

NO, she's NOT getting married.

YES, Sasha should be on a diet with me.

YES, I scored this little shelf for $2.00

YES, fat cat LOVES the sun on her face today.

Yes, I LOVE my hanging paper pompoms in my bedroom.

No, Lucky shouldn't be in my bed... oh well ; )

No Bonnie, mommy didn't mean to give you such a short hair cut. I groomed 6 dogs last week.

YES, angels are around me.

No Tobby, it's not time to go outside and play in the grass... soon puppy, soon.

More vintage pink drapes for the cottage kitchen.

I think I have a bakers dozen now.

I know, time to stop.

Found this pretty in pink vintage coat for $14.00.

It cost me $30.00 to get it hemmed.

GOSH DARN. Blew that one.

I do remember these coats though.

My aunt Lucienne used to have one in grey.

So that's about it at the Frid cottage.

Thought I would leave you with

"what's inside Claudie's jewelry box".

AGAIN,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY
SISTER DEB. I LOVE YOU.
XOXO

Oh Randy, is dinner ready yet???

Out with the big boys

2012-02-27T19:57:00.000-05:00

NO NO NO... this is NOT about Claudie's recipes.

I don't have any.

It's about my Valentine gift to Randy this year. A day to hang out with 7 top French chefs from the Québec region. They were competing for a Micheline Star. No not a tire, a rating that is very "upetyup" in the cooking world.

It started at 11:00 AM, yeah I made it, and ended with a 5 course meal at the local community centre in our little village of Plantagenet. Who knew we had such a thing going on around here... not me.

My cousin Nicole found it.

Randy and Kenny were very happy to be able to watch the creations come to life, taste test and drink wine at the same time. That's tough you know. Nicole and I were just happy to get out and drink wine, lol. Kenny is the chef at their house, and Randy is the chef around here when the mood hits.

I'm not really into food, I just eat to keep alive.

THE WINNING DISH...
not our favourite.
That arch thing is a piece of wood.
Non edible.

The competition was held at "LA BINERIE".
It's not a fancy place. It's where they make... you
got it, FRENCH BEANS.
Yes, the one's that make you fart.
But they are FRENCH farts, so they
don't smell, lol.

Details, details, details, holy macaroni.

My cousin Kenny and Randy in the kitchen.

Cute waitresses delivered the food to the competition table.
One dish was for us to eat.

They were judged on cleanliness in the kitchen, presentation, and of course taste and texture.

EVERYTHING was in FRENCH, so Kenny and Randy didn't understand a thing.
Nicole and I were translating all day and night.

This was my dish. Well, not this one...
this was the sample.
But we did get to eat all the samples.

I'm not sure what people find fascinating about food really.
But that's just me. I don't cook remember?

This won "BEST DESSERT". Phyllo with apple and soft Québec cheese with pistachios.

Admiring the goods.

This was some sort of ice cream rolled up with funny things around it.
It was OK.

This looks PRETTY, but didn't taste that great.
The brownie things were tasteless.
I liked the creativity. Looks like a crown.

The creator.

This was my dessert. That is a MACARON.
Randy scooped me a couple more at dinner.
So delicious. I could have eaten just the
MACARONS.

This dessert was lovely.
She had dried ice in that little glass cup.
The little tree trunk was maple sugar... yummy

This was an interesting dessert.
Wasabi with bacon and sorbet on the side.
Not sure what the other ingredients were...
but it was sweet.

One of the judges. The one with the hat.

Oh yes, and a little PINK chef.

At our table in the community centre.

Cute centre pieces with lemons, cherry tomatoes.
Some had limes and oranges.
Lovely.

Wendy, I have your bracelet on : )

They were all so particular about the presentation. OMG.

This salad mix had edible flowers.

This was mine... it didn't win, but it was good.
That green slime is pea puree.
The chef also had a smear of sweet squash that totally complemented the chicken.

The winning dessert.

My yummy dessert. Crême brûlée, macaron,
and a brownie.
Could have done without the brownie.

This is Alain. He put the whole thing on and owns the BINERIE.
Nice guy, and HE spoke ENGLISH.

The awards and the winners.

Great night, great food, great company.

The winning chef is off to the Canadian finales. If he wins, he's off to Germany for the international competition.

"Good Luck Chef Pierre".

Treasures

2012-02-21T20:55:00.000-05:00

Did you think I was somewhere sunny?

No, I'm here. Right here.

An elderly woman decided to prepare

her will and told her priest she had

2 final requests.

First, she wanted to be cremated.

Second, she wanted her ashes scattered

over the store "HOME-SENSE".

The priest exclaimed. "Why HOME-SENSE?

She said "that way I'll be sure that my

daughters will visit me twice a week"

HA HA HA

If you're wondering what "HOME-SENSE"
is, it's the same as your

HOME-GOODS.
I bought mom this book a while ago.
and just found it today.

The book is called "BIDDIES"

"THE RIGHT HAIR"

My mom had her hair done every week.
Every "BIDDY" should have
her hair done once a week.

"PASTIMES"

Check out the "BIDDY" with the tattoo
on her thigh.
I wonder who that would be?

My mom LOVED to dance.
But she never liked tattoos.

"BINGO QUEEN"

Mom LOVED her BINGO.
I went once and only once. I couldn't keep up.
She had 10 cards in front of her...
and no talking... shhhh!

KEEPING THEM IN LINE...

WOW! she sure did that well.
Mom was very strict, very diciplined.
She would NEVER stay in her P.J.'s like
I do, or leave her bed undone, or snack
in the middle of the day!!!
I must take after my father, lol.

My mom had 4 BIG closets in her apt.
Full to the brim, jam packed, overflowing.

She LOVED to shop.
Some lucky ladies are wearing her nice
clothes right now. I didn't fit into her
pretty clothes, she was a size 0, yes a 0.
Looking at these BIDDIES,
they only wear wings.

"THE BIDDY & THE MEANING OF LIFE"

Here's hoping that my "BIDDY" mom
is enjoying a cocktail with her
"BIDDIES" in heaven.

Cheers MOM.

Can't say "HAPPY" 93rd Birthday MOM but...

2012-02-10T00:00:00.019-05:00

I surely can say

I MISS you.

This is your first great granddaughter

Miss Aubree Marie Smith

Her and I had a little photo shoot.
It was my first time meeting her too.

Comments are off.

I know what your thinking.

And I love you for it.

Bonjour

2012-01-23T18:13:00.001-05:00

Take a walk on the river with Pepper and I.

I left the other 6 dogs at home.

They aren't very happy with me.

We're going East first.

Now West.

Those are snowmobile tracks.

It's easier to walk on.

Did you know they go up to 90 mph?

So with the windchill factor, that would be...

FREAKIN' FREEZING!!!

The pictures below were taken 2 weeks ago.

It hasn't snowed since.

But there's no wind, which makes a huge difference. Only -10, not bad.

There was a pretty blue sky with a red and white airplane... see it up there?

Matches our house, how cool is that?

These pretty birds.

Our feathered friends that visit.

Here's my favourite this year.

Isn't he handsome?

This is "outside" our fenced area going home from the river.
See the red on the left? That's our house.

We live on a private road.

Only 3 of us on a little peninsula.

The backyard looks a little different doesn't it girls?

Only 125 days left till this again =.. (

My outdoor shower with icicles.

THE POOL today.
That would be a "blanket" of snow.

The corner of the guest cottage.

Are you tired? Have a seat.

Only a few inches of snow have fallen.

We still have a long winter ahead I think.

Let's go inside.

Colt is putting a few more pellets in the stove to keep us warm.

Thanks Colt.

Are you still mad at me Bella?

This is my WINTER pic in my bedroom. It was my Aunty Maddie's. I'm the only one that wanted it, and it's PERFECT for the cottage.

So pretty.

Still LOVE my chandy.

Getting the HEARTS out for Valentines.

Mama and Fat Cat are in the house 24/7.

Anything below 0, I keep them in.

I changed things around again.
I like change.

And I like mirrors.

Yup that's me.

And I'm going to meet this little
Aubree for the first time on Wed.

I can't wait to hold her. She's 3 months already.
We're going to have a photo shoot together.

Back to the mirrors.
Makes small spaces look bigger.

I made a big batch of spaghetti for Sister Lolotte.

I boiled all the noodles for her.

I was with her on Wed.

We cried, we laughed and we reminisced.

Sister has been receiving your sympathy cards.
Thank you so much. She treasures every one.

This is a vintage hat with a vintage pin.

It hangs in my bedroom.

My poodle lamp got a makeover too!

She now has a sweet fur necklace around her base.

I actually wore it the other day (not the shade, the fur thing). It's from the 50's too.

So nothing else happening around here.

It's been pretty boring actually.

I'm still laying low.

One year ago today we were in Mexico.

A year already.

How about I put some sun on your screen.

THAT IS NOT MY LEG, It's Randy's.

Till next time.

Aurevoir.

Oh! And I want one of these...

THE MAGIC PILL

2012-01-11T23:07:00.003-05:00

That's what we call it.

I hope it can help you or someone you know that has CHRONIC pain like Randy.

You see he has FIBRO.

The doctor prescribed this PILL
last week.

He's a new man.

It's MAGIC

Tramadol is a centrally acting SYNTHETIC opioid analgesic used in treating SEVERE PAIN.

The drug has a wide range of applications, including treatment for FIBROMYALGIA, Rheumatoid ARTHRITIS, restless legs syndrome and many more.

It's been a struggle for 4 yrs. now. He never

complains much, but I could tell it was getting

the better part of him. As a family, things change.

You begin to re-think things like vacations, new

furniture, cars, gardening, shovelling...

Isn't that the truth?

Here's to many more rainbows in our lives.

I wish for pain free days to all of you who suffer from one thing or the other.

I had to share our news about the wonderful relief Randy gets from

THE MAGIC PILL.

P.S. YA THINK I WAS PROMOTING

VIAGRA OR SOMETHING!

Simple request

2012-01-07T17:36:00.000-05:00

MY SWEET SISTER LOLOTTE

lost her dear sweet sister Pierrette this week.

Our hearts are heavy.

This is where Pierrette lived, in a cute neighbourhood in Montréal.

We were celebrating Sister's 89th birthday.

Sister's wish was to visit St. Joseph's Oratory in Montréal with her sister Pierrette.

It was a wonderful day.

Pierrette had a little problem with her memory, and a little problem with her heart. She's been in the hosp. for a couple of months now. We thought she was going to be ok, but she lost the battle to respiratory failure. She was only 83.

Sister had a big family. This is her last sister. She has one brother left with severe Alzheimer's.

Sister shows NO SIGNS of memory loss at 90 yrs. old. Thank God.

Sister truly LOVED all her sisters and brothers.

We talk about them often.

We talk about our families, and most of all Sister talks out loud to my mom all the time.

Doesn't she look healthy and beautiful?

Sister making her wish... I'm sure Pierrette was in it.

Burning candles for our family at St. Joseph's Oratory. Mom was still alive and healthy then.

I wanted to share this with you. Sister is explaining how we lost her for a few minutes in the Basilica church. The wonderful part is when her sister Pierrette sings her a song about love.

I will make a copy for SISTER.

I would also like to ask you my dear friends, if you would take the time and write Sister a little note.

It would make her heart smile.

She knows about all of you. I show her your blogs, the comments, and I've even showed her how to email. Not bad for 90 yrs. old.

R.I.P. SWEET PIERRETTE
Please hug my mom and dad when you arrive.

Email me for Sister's address.
xo

We've been in the bedroom all day...

2012-01-03T23:15:00.002-05:00

Constructing a bed that is.

IKEA's been around my neck of the woods (Ontario, Canada) for a VERY long time.

I've never been a fan of their goods.

It's ok if you don't move more than once, but Randy and I have moved 13 times since we met, and that stuff just DOES NOT hold up.

But now that we are settled in the cottage going on 5 yrs., I thought I would go ahead and buy a platform bed with drawers for more storage, and do away with those damn dust bunnies under my bed.

The mess begins. See, I'm not all organized. Dying to paint those side tables.

I was suppose to do it this summer, but summer got away.

Looks like I'm a hoarder with a dog in the middle.

Colt starting the project. He's such a great kid. Notice the PINK bowl holding the nuts and bolts?

I had to walk away from this scene.

Makes my heart palpitate big time.

The WORST part of all of this is having a WATER BED. Not the old slushy type, the new fancy one inside a mattress. Great for my back.

Unpacking everything with Audrey supervising. She's on the window sill.

Progress after 3 hrs. Poor Colt.

Did I mention how GREAT he is?

So check THIS out. MADE IN ITALY!

I thought they were Swedish?

Click on it. It says MADE IN ITALY. They don't make junk in ITALY, do THEY?

Actually Colt, you are part Swedish.

Your grandfather on daddy's side was full blown Swedish. I'm FRENCH don't forget it.

YES, Randy sleeps in this bedroom with a PINK dresser drawer and PINK walls.

In addition to buying the BED, we had to send Colt to the local hardware store to get two thick pieces of plywood ($100.00) as additional support for the water mattress. Yeah... so now we're up to $450.00.

We're 1/2 way there.

There we go. Toby approves. Nearly done, kind of.

Now it's time to have a conference. It's been 4 1/2 hrs. Time to make the drawers.

OMG is it over yet???

Here's the worst part. Open the window in the bathroom, put the hose out and connect to the freezing pipes outside. It's now -12 and Colt is freezing. Pump Randy pump. No, too much, no too little. Oh just get it done PLEASE. I want to jump in. THE BEST PART... I now have 4 BIG DRAWERS to put stuff in.

Complete. Perfect. Love it. Comfy. More room.

That bench holds 3 dogs, but the best part...

AND THE BIG BONUS... OPEN THE DRAWERS AND PUT THE DOGS IN. Tuh duh!!!
Get up, close the drawers (after letting the dogs out first of course).

HOW COOL IS THAT IKEA??? You should advertise built-in DOG BEDS.

And after all their hard work (now 5 1/2 hours),
I spent the next 2 minutes feeding my special men a gourmet feast ;-)

I know, easy peasy and oh so domesticated.

I'm like that.

Look alike?

2011-12-30T16:47:00.001-05:00

Came across this picture of Brittany today while I was reminiscing.

I was 32 in this one, ten years younger than Brittany. That's 24 yrs. ago. OMG.

Looks like I'm squashing my poor cat.

So what are you toasting New Year's Eve?

Anything exciting going on?

Randy's cooking a prime rib, I'm just drinking.

Have you EVER in your life received a letter from Mulberry Street, N.Y.??? I did.
My heart smiled when Colt brought this home from the mailbox last night.
Mr. & Mrs. Claudette, LOL.

It's from Lucy Delfino. My sweet 89 yr. old friend we met one beautiful summer night while strolling down Mulberry Street. Her birthday was Dec. 23rd, and I didn't know!! I feel bad, so I'm sending her a very special belated card this week.

I stay in contact with her. I called her today just to say hi. Her legs are swollen, but she's ok. She was reciting her secret Italian recipes. I didn't have the heart to tell her I didn't cook. She wants to cook for Randy and I. You bet we'll be there Lucy.

Here we are in her sweet Mulberry St. apt. in August

Brittany has a bump... IN HER HAIR, lol.
Real stylish like in the 50's.
They had us over Christmas Eve.

She did an excellent job. I'm so proud of her.

Randy was a very happy camper.

She's a great decorator. LOVE those chandy balls, don't you?

I see Riley and Randy in them.

And this was my one and only Christmas present from Santa. I really didn't ask for anything, I really didn't. This was a surprise. Audrey would approve.

What do ya think?

The real fashionista was SISTER. I was with her Christmas day. She wanted to try my Tiffany glasses on. I adore her. Just called her too.

I took her to the mall. She NEVER has money to shop, and never goes to the mall. I plopped her in a wheelchair and we shopped till we dropped. She was fascinated by EVERYTHING. We ate at the food fair. We sure take things for granted don't we? I've come to realize what a very simple life these
Sisters of Charity live.

I sprayed her with my favourite perfume this month,

"COCO MADEMOISELLE". She was HAPPY.

Look what I found for $10 bucks. It's a POODLE costume. I bought it for Aubree Marie my great grand niece, but didn't realize it will fit a 5 yr. old. I couldn't resist. And I got the sweet pink bucket too.

Look at that face.

Brittany found these at my favourite store "HEAVENS TO BETSY".

Brrrrr, this is our River now. Ready for skates and snowmobiling. It's been very cold. -18 celsius (not fahrenheit).

Story of my life. I've been watching a whole bunch of our family videos lately. I noticed in most of them, I'm either in my P.J.'s or a nighty, or a housecoat. My kids only know me with my PAJAMAS on.

So as much as I'd like to be wooping it up this New Year's Eve, I'm happy to be staying home with Randy. We celebrated last year with Manon in Montréal.

This year it's Colt's turn to go and celebrate since he turned 19.

Legal drinking age here remember?

So as this year comes to an end, I wish you all the very best. Not sure what 2012 has in store for me, but I do hope that you, my friends, will be part of it.

Oh yeah. It's Christmas!

2011-12-23T22:11:00.001-05:00

Jingle, jingle little pink tree, if I spend less on you, there’s more for me!

Did I just say THAT?

I miss my kids in their feet Pyjama's.

Today, Brittany 23, Riley 21, Colt 19

(looks like I've been to the tanning bed, bad girl.)

My sweet little BELLA has a growth at the base of her tail. We will have the biopsy done after Xmas.

Please God, help me with this one.

Did I put this up?

I do have some sparkle in me, I really do.

It's just taking time to figure itself out.

I'd LOVE to be wearing this gown and trimming the tree with pretty pink bows, but not this year.

OMG, unreal right now. Share your secrets if you have any. I'm dying here.

POOR RANDY AND COLT

I did receive some very nice cards in the mail...

You brightened my day.

The puppies are happy that this happened today,

This little angel is over the top happy that Santa is coming.

I could stuff a little Tipperella in that wee mouth of hers.

What family hangs garland in their underwear?? Makes for a pretty picture though doesn't it?

HA HA, try riding that SCHWINN in the snow!

(That's what he's really saying you know).

We had to put this sweet little degu to sleep on Wed. She's the last one to go. We're not adopting anymore critters. That's it, no more.

I thought they were twins, but look closer. She's looking in a mirror thinking "what the what?".

I had some of these for my birthday last year. Aren't they pretty? These are NOT edible, unless you want to break your teeth.

Imagine my surprise when the Fed Ex man pulled up and delivered these sweet babies all the way from New York city!! Thank you GracE from "Pink in the City". They LOVE the PINK COTTAGE.

Have you had enough yet? I didn't think so.

I'd most likely be very very happy to be underneath this mistletoe this year.

This is me when Juliet was here last Feb. I want to be HAPPY again, NOW!!!

I want my heart to sing NOW!!!

I want to make these and send them to my girls NOW!!!

I'm on THIS mood swing and I want to get off NOW!!! Although its a pretty one.

I'm definitely going to be making these. My soul needs these.

you ALL a wonderful ChRiStMaS.

I truly mean it, and I hope you know it.

I'm going to scream now.

And so this is Christmas

2011-12-14T15:01:00.000-05:00

I want to keep this light. I want to keep Christmas in my heart, but I'm having a hard time with it right now. I promise to be back to my old self soon.
I guess there really isn't a timer set for grieving.

I'll try and let the pictures speak for themselves,
but you know that might be hard ; )

FROM MY HOUSE TO YOURS.

My new additions from HEAVENS TO BETSY here in Ottawa.

Please visit my dear friend

VIOLET SKILES.

This is one of her sweet tags. She is a very talented artist, and she's an ETSY lady with the sweetest dogs & heart. That's her dog on my tag.

Thank you Violet xo

I LOVE these little angels. I wanted more to share, but only 2 remained.

One for me, and one more for me, lol.

This little fairy is flying to GA. to Miss Sherry's house. She was the creative friend that hosted the "shoe swap" in Asheville. I hope she doesn't break a wing getting there.

Isn't this guy just the cat's meow?

He's the true FRENCH poodle.

Notice Audrey? This card is sketched by my good friend ANITA from CASTLES CROWNS and COTTAGES. Audrey was a little beauty added to my purchases.

Art/cards are her specialty.
Thank you Anita.

This charm reminds me of my sister Debbie.

She looked identical at that age.

Look at Bella kissing my new little poodle.

Just can't get enough of these sweet angels

That's me trying to juggle life.

My miniature version of my mom's aluminum tree. All I need now is that coloured spinny wheel light

thing-a-ma-gig that goes round and round.

Green, red, yellow, blue...

Got one?

OH!, AND STILL NONE OF THIS YET.

(pic snatched from Sheri's blog xo)

Minding my "B"s and "C"s

2011-12-07T16:53:00.000-05:00

"B" is for Brittany.

Miss Brittany turned 23.
Looks like she's praying for Prince Charming to bring her cake.

This pic was taken at Julie's in Vancouver. It was Tyson's 1st birthday party. Brittany was the only PRINCESS there. Julie bought her a little crown.

Now she likes Tiffany's and diamonds.

NOT MY FAULT!

Brittany is a law clerk. She works hard, and is very very creative. She also has a beautiful singing voice.

Colt will be 19 on Sat., legal drinking age here in Ontario, Canada.

As Peter Parker said in Spiderman,

"With great power comes great responsibility".

And your mother says, "Be safe ALWAYS".

Colt is in his second year law at Carleton University in Ottawa.

Great kid, in and out.

Lucky us.

SO PROUD OF BOTH OF YOU.

And what I'm lovin today, besides my children.

My cousins Lucky and Kenny, moi and my sister one fine Christmas day in Oakville, Ontario.

I'm not wearing glasses ; )

My Aunty Lucienne used to make Deb & I our outfits. I loved wearing my white tights and black patent leather shoes. I also LOVE my cousins.

My vintage santa. Look at him riding that tree!

Oh, and NONE of this yet.

WEIRD.

I'm a little old fashion.

2011-12-02T16:59:00.000-05:00

I remember when I was younger, I would open the door to my mom's closet, the sliding ones,
and admire all her pretty clothes and how organized everything was.

She never worked a day in her married life, but she always looked so stylish.

My mom is on the right with my dad,

Aunty and Uncle in Michigan.

Sisters.

THEY WERE BEST FRIENDS.

Her suits, skirts and blouses were all nice and neat on hangers. Her shoes were all organized too.
MUCH more organized than this gal.

Our whole house was organized.
NEVER ONE THING OUT OF PLACE.

I wasn't allowed to sit on my bed. I'm not kidding.

Three square meals a day, and always dessert.

Why I thought of this today, I have no idea.

What I wanted to share with you were these.

Enjoy.

I have a couple of these mink stoles.

Doris Day. LOVED her.

Reminds me of Wendy.

She's pretty like Doris and has the same hair,

with a little less "POOF".

CUTE, SIMPLE cards. LOVE em.

This one reminds me of all the drinking that our parents did around the holidays.

Nobody paid attention to

"don't drink and drive".

I never had a dog or a cat growing up, so this one is special.

Those little girls had a dog.

I know, now I have 7, lol.

Here's an "OLDIE" for you.

I'm in the middle with the green stocking.

Deb, my sister, top right with the cat glasses.

Meowww!!

And I'm still waiting for some pretty snow.

I'm bored to bubbles.

2011-11-29T17:12:00.000-05:00

Is it just me, or are you feeling this way too?

December is right around the corner, and it's been raining here in

Ontario, Canada.

The pups are all wet and muddy, but still on the furniture.

What's wrong mom?

My trees are all decorated, so that's done.

Vintage ornaments are up.

Miss Souris is waiting.

We should have a few feet of snow by now, not that I mind, but without the snow, it just doesn't put me in a festive mood.

We had a nice snow day last week, but that's it.

Our pretty Cardinal.

Our yard.

Xmas music is playing,

and my "out of town" gifts are ready to go.

Cards are all decked out.

I'm usually not that organized or crafty.

December is booming with birthdays.

Brittany turns 23, Colt will be 19, legal drinking age here.

Girlfriend's are having birthdays too.

PICTURE TAKEN IN 2004

Maybe that's it. The kids aren't kids anymore.

My sister Debbie will be in Fla.

But Sister Lolotte will be here.

She was a little embarrassed when I put this around her neck, but we had fun.

She's a nun you know ; )

Maybe it's because my mom won't be here with us.

I don't know, I just don't know.

On a HaPpIeR nOte

H*A*P*P*Y B*I*R*T*H*D*A*Y

to our Sista Miss Bee today.

wE LoVe YoU

OXOX

Who would do that??

2011-11-25T17:18:00.000-05:00

I was walking with my French girlfriend Isabelle on Sat.

We were heading towards a scuzzy part of town to a thrift store (yuck) when my eye spotted something shiny in the alley.

Attends une minute (wait one minute)...

I walked over, bent down and found this.

I was jumping up and down.

It has an edge missing, she's scuffed up a little, but

WHO IN THERE RIGHT MIND WOULD LEAVE

AUDREY HEPBURN IN THE ALLEY??

A STUPID FRENCHMAN THAT DOESN'T KNOW WHO SHE IS,

THAT'S WHO.

She's sitting in my sun-porch,

on the window sill.

I like her an awful lot.

I hope she enjoys the view.

Who needs BLACK FRIDAY?

(we don't even have black Friday here in Canada)

Welcome home Audrey.

We miss you AUDREY HEPBURN.

You made the world a much nicer place.

xoxo

PINK SATURDAY WITH BEVERLY

2011-11-18T14:29:00.000-05:00

IN THE PINK

FOREVER

and

EVER

Life is like opening a box with pretty
PINK ribbon.

You never know what's inside...

Please come in, everyone is welcome here at the Pink Cottage.

Funny ones,

Sweet ones,

Big ones,

some WITH diabetes,

or just plain cute ones.

Some THAT are gone : (

SOME old

some OLDER (16 yrs. old),

some YOUNG,

some very cool ones,

and some very smart ones.

Some that like to decorate,

and some that like to be decorated.

Some that are VERY nosy ,

and some that JUST want to rest.

Crowns are optional,

silence is not.

Thank you Miss B*E*V*E*R*L*Y for hosting

P*I*N*K S*AT*U*R*D*A*Y

I'm honoured to be part of your

PINK DAY.

So, about them fairies...

2011-11-13T18:38:00.000-05:00

Let me just come out and say it...

Cut it out, you get the picture.

NOW, LET'S MOVE ON.

Let me CLEARLY state that the MAJORITY of the fairies in Asheville were

sweet, caring, genuine and kind.

Just for the record.

They said it would make me feel better, take my mind off my mom.

They were right to a certain degree.

This was our sweet hostess Jenn.

First time meeting this fairy.
B*E*A*U*T*I*F*U*L

Vendor's tables. I bought some very pretty things.

And met some beautiful fairies like Nancy from Coeur D'Alene (who sells Candy lights and other treasures) and Shelley from Florida.

This lady is a CHARM. Her name is
Francie from The Scented Cottage.
DOLL.

There were only 2 international girls.

I was one of them.

Fairy cookies.

I gave SISTER that pretty PINK one.

A few fairy crafts we made.

This sweet fairy flew all the way from AUSTRALIA.

Sweet Natasha Burns, the 2nd International fairy.

I met sweet fairy sista' # 7 for the first time too.

Meet Claudia from Utah. Not too many girls knew this, but she was the "OTHER" photographer

"IN THE HOUSE". She took amazing shots.

And of course my wonderful sweet friend Jeanne

(hostess with the mostess).

TWO great Fairy friends.

And of course sweet Deborah, aka "Miss Bee", another

GREAT fairy friend.

She really got into the spirit.

So young at heart she is.

It was a magical DREAM setting.

Our FULL day of crafting at Claxton Farm.

Sweet and beautiful Andrea. She taught us how to make
"A triette necklace/bracelet".

Claudia, Jeanne, Miss Bee and I had NEVER made anything like this before!

It was VERY challenging to say the least.

More beautiful fairies.

Miss Becca ... sweet fairy.

Cindy gave me the sweetest POODLE PIN.

Thank you Cindy.

Our chairs, with a pretty canvas bag to take home with goodies inside.

BEAUTIFUL vintage angel for picture taking.

More sweet fairies, Grace from Pink in the City,

and friend Cheryl from Nouveau Portmanteaux.

They are TRUE crafters ; )

DETAILS, DETAILS.

See, I told you there were
GOOD FAIRIES everywhere.

Miss Cindy and Miss Sherry.

SWEET.

Perfect touches everywhere you looked.

There were pretty picture frames for the taking...

pictures, that is.

OUR TABLE'S GUEST LIST.
Thank you Cynthia and Cathy for putting up with us non crafters ; (

Pretty cards and sweet treats from the fairies.

CLAXTON FARM

ME WISHING I would have worn some pretty "fairy" clothes like these drapes

instead of what I had on. I packed in such a frenzy, that I was very limited in my choices.

The next day we took a tour to the BILTMORE.

Hi Fairies.

B*E*A*U*T*F*U*L*

Perfect weather, high 80's.

Look at those

Blue Ridge Mountains!!

A little shopping at Antler Village,

part of the Bilmore Estate.
Hi Miss Bee.

Do I look like a fairy now?

Maybe...

Swaps on our last day.

Laurels, fairy houses, fairy shoes, journals, ornaments, lapel pins and aprons.
THANK GOD I DIDN'T PARTICIPATE.
SOMEONE WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY DISAPPOINTED.

U*N*B*E*L*I*E*V*A*B*L*E.

THIS IS A SHOE!!!

These are laurels.

Another pretty shoe.

An apron and SWEET Tricia, how sweet.

Another laurel. AMAZING

ANOTHER PRETTY SHOE

A journal, one of many.

Amazing details, just amazing.

That afternoon was just like one big...

so to speak.

All in all it was a GRAND week.

The company was

THE BEST.

Thank you Claudia, Jeanne, Miss Bee and our sweet CC for joining me on yet another adventure.

So, if you're ever in never never land, just remember...

RIGHT TINK?

I'M BAAACK...

Are you wearing your poppy?

2011-11-10T14:56:00.000-05:00

Lest we forget?

Remembrance Day Nov. 11th

As a child, my dad would take my sister and I downtown where they would have him place a wreath on the monument where his fallen friends are remembered on November 11th.

Year after year I’ve bought a poppy, for I never want to forget how important this date is, and was to our family.

My dad enlisted when he was only 19 years old. I have pictures of the day he left, and I see in my Grandma & Grandpa’s eyes the hurt and despair knowing that he might never come back alive. His brother also enlisted at the same time. So not only one child, but two, were on their way to fight the war.

He lost both his legs at 21,

in a Sherman tank at Falaise.

Hit with A NAZI '88.

He was lucky to be alive.

I was LUCKY to have him as my dad.

Letters from my dad while in a British hospital to his parents, sisters, and brothers (he did not know my mom then), and pictures that I would like to share with you.
They are IMPORTANT TO ME.

My handsome DAD

My dad and his brother. Both gone now.

I never knew my father with legs. Pushing him in a wheelchair was a normal part of my life. He had a wonderful outlook, and nothing but kindness in his heart.

He woke up with a smile,

and went to bed with a smile.

This tribute is to my dear father, and all the men and women who served their country in our honour. I know he’s looking down on me from up above with my mom after 31 years of being apart.

CAMILLE JOSEPH CHARLEBOIS

1921-1980

XOXO

“Thank you for having done this so our sons don’t have to"

At the cemetery with Toby.

Another goodbye today

2011-11-06T19:48:00.000-05:00

Why again?

Why now?

Most of you don't know what a DEGU is.

They are little fur babies.

Sweet as can be.

We buried her today in our little pet cemetery.

She's now with her mother who also passed away last year.

R.I.P. little girl.

No matter how small they are, they make a

BIG IMPACT

in our lives.

As we lay you down to sleep...

2011-11-03T16:42:00.004-04:00

I pray the Lord your soul to keep.

Tomorrow, 2 pm. November 4th.

Mom will be next to my dad after 31 yrs.

Another chapter in my life closes.

Am I ready for this one?

Not sure.

MY SISTER, MOM, ME AND MY BFF LUCIE.

MOM'S SISTER JEANNINE, MOM, HER GODCHILD LENNY AND KENNY OUR COUSIN.

OUR LAST DANCE TOGETHER ON DEB'S BIRTHDAY MARCH 7TH,

EASTER WITH SISTER LOLOTTE AND AUNTY JEANNINE.
COUSINS.

MOM, WHEN WE LIVED ON PARKDALE .

LAUGHING AGAIN, DEB'S BIRTHDAY LIVING ON McCALLUM.

THANKSGIVING WITH COUSIN GRANT AND HIS MOM JEANNINE.

MOM HERE AT THE COTTAGE.

AT DEB & BILL'S.

IN WINDSOR WHEN I WAS VISITING.

IN CORNWALL AT THE COTTAGE WITH HER SISTER,
STILL HAVING THEIR MORNING COFFEE .

LAST XMAS AT THE MANOR WHERE SHE HAD BEEN LIVING FOR THE PAST YEAR.

BILL'S MOM AND MY MOM WERE
BEST BUDDIES. BOTH 91.

ALWAYS TIME FOR A COCKTAIL
AND A FEW LAUGHS.

NOT SO MANY LAUGHS AFTER HER FALL
THIS SUMMER.

BACK IN THE HOSPITAL IN OCTOBER.

NEVER RECUPERATED FROM THE HOSPITAL.

HOSPICE, NO LAUGHTER, JUST TEARS.

GONE

OCTOBER 7TH, 12:17AM

2011

She would have welcomed her first

GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER AUBREE MARIE

only 15 days later : (

It was NOT meant to be.

I HOPE YOUR PATH TO HEAVEN LOOKED LIKE THIS MOM.

IT'S WHAT I ENVISION.

for all the wonderful memories MOM.

I LOVE YOU.

xoxoo

Sorry I'm stuck

2011-10-28T21:10:00.000-04:00

Have a seat, this will take a while.

Grab a glass of wine or a cup of something.

Meet BOOTS.

You see, I adore animals. Which I'm sure you already know.

My mom... not so much.

She actually DID NOT like cats, or dogs for that matter. She had told us that when she was young and asleep, a cat parked itself on top of her. When she woke up, the cat was starring at her.

SHE SCREAMED bloody murder!!!

Mom always told me, "If I COME BACK, I BETTER NOT COME BACK AS A CAT".

When she was in the hospital, not HOSPICE, I joked with her saying, "mom, if you do come back as a cat, could you just come and see me? Just come knocking at my door to let me know you are up in heaven would you?

We laughed.

While in Franklin with my girls, driving back from Asheville, we got out of the car at Jeanne's house and all of a sudden I hear a "MEOWWWW, MEOWWWW", and Jeanne says

"WE DON'T HAVE CATS HERE, WHAT THE HECK IS A CAT DOING HERE"?

That was the beginning to a very emotional evening with BOOTS the cat.

He would NOT leave me alone. He mushed and mushed my feet and legs, and if you take another good look at his left side of his little mouth, you'll see bubbles/spit where he kept drooling and drooling getting me soaking wet ( I had a pretty white dress on, but I didn't care) Did you know when a cat drools, it means they are very happy? YUP.

So BOOTS and I cuddled up in a blanket on Jeanne's cabin porch till 2:00AM

( I washed that blanket Jeanne, I hope it's ok).

BOOTS would not leave me. He curled up, put his head next to my 💗 and slept, making such strange sounds.

It was a beautiful starry night,

and the moon was beautiful *remember when mom died, I had noticed the moon like I had never set eyes on it before?

Of course I cried. Of course I knew that BOOTS had come to tell me everything was ok up there in heaven. Of course it was a sign.

I left the blanket on the chair for BOOTS.

I had a peak at 5:00 am and saw him there all curled up nice and comfy.

Claudia woke up before me, and told me BOOTS was waiting.

That's when he got a little more of this,

We had to leave and drive back to Asheville to the airport, and all I could think about was BOOTS and saying goodbye to my sistas.

Would he be ok? Would he miss me?

Would he find a forever home?

Jeanne promised me she would take care of BOOTS, because, you know, it's my mom in them BOOTS, and Jeanne is my great friend/second mom/sista that knows me too well.

... but it wasn't meant to be.

When Jeanne got home, BOOTS was no where to be found.

I want to believe that it was a sign.

A four legged sweet little kitty that needed some loving, and knew I needed some reassurance.

MY PARENTS.

Welcome to the World

2011-10-22T22:12:00.002-04:00

My mother would have welcomed her first

great grandchild today.

Welcome to the world

AUBREE MARIE SMITH

8lb, 14oz.

My first great niece.

Thank you mom.

xoxox

CONGRATULATIONS CHAD AND MONICA

She looks just like BRITTANY.
It's amazing.

Life is full of magic.

Full of wonder.

My sister Debbie and husband Bill are now grandparents.

May your paths be full of special moments.

Yes, I'm back from Asheville, N.C.

Lots to tell you, but I'm still catching my breath.