Saturday, February 7, 2009

Art Giveaway

Wiser by the Wrinkle gave me a heads up on Julie King's art blog. Julie's having an art giveaway in honour of her 217th post and the art looks beautiful!

The temperature is way up today as we're having a sudden warm spell (7C). K is just doing a bit of homework today and L enjoyed her tennis lesson. Her masked semi-formal went well. We signed K up for a week of tennis during March break as he's itching to get some practice. M agreed to assemble some shoe racks for me, I better 'remind him'.

February 16th will be our 2nd 'Family Day' public holiday in Ontario, Canada. The extra day does help stressful schedules.

News

Eating Fish May Be Good For Diabetics

Friday, February 6, 2009

Well, well

Something interesting happened at McDonald's this morning regarding some people I met by chance, but I've decided to leave it at that for now!

I called my doctor this morning to ask about my spot compression mammogram of Jan 29th. The secretary said 'there's nothing'. Which is pretty great, but I'm now thinking the first mammogram must not have been done properly to put me through all this double checking!

Have a great weekend everyone!


News

Recordings released: 'We're going to be in the Hudson,' pilot said

Researchers Confirm Link Between Resting Heart Rate And Heart Attacks In Women

How Breakfast Affects Your Mood

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Where Does a Woman's Money Go?

This is a cool video, about one minute long
'Where does a woman's money go?'



I was doing a bit of shopping today, more like browsing. Anyway, I decided to inquire at this office supplies store whether I could have my Health Card (Canadian) laminated. The man said, 'you never want to do that to any kind of Government document, for example, a birth certificate.' True enough, I remember a kid doing that at the airport once and he was almost not allowed to leave the country. A lot of people are trying to hang onto their old health cards as long as possible because the new ones are like driver's licences that have to be renewed every so often with a photograph.

The past few days have been sunny and dry and I have to say I feel really energetic and not fatigued. Wish it could last. All the really arthritic people must be having good days too. I located some oven ready lasagna that is really 'brown rice pasta' that is gluten free. I may try it for that upcoming dinner party where one of the kids has a gluten allergy. M thinks I should test it first, but ...I'll have other things on the menu. It does say on the box to keep the noodles really covered with sauce.

News

Valentine cards reflect tough times

Ice shelf collapse could shift axis of Earth, study says

Vitamin D helps control genes that trigger MS: study

Flu may not have killed most in 1918 pandemic

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Winter Lodge

I ran into a friend at the gym this morning. She told me she had been skiing at a friend's winter lodge recently. (I don't have any friends with a winter lodge, sigh). Anyway, you have to get to this place by toboggan, then you spend your time skiing. She said at night it is so beautiful up there when the place is all lit up. I could only imagine. She's retired and is off to North Carolina to do some golfing next week, then spending a week in Paris with another friend, then off to southern Morocco to do some hiking after. Lilly, I mentioned to her about that blonde you knew of being abducted on the streets of Morocco, and she said 'hopefully they won't want anything to do with a 60 year old!' Her husband had been stricken with Bell's Palsy about a year ago, but suddenly improved in the past few months. He can ski a little, but his balance is still affected a bit. They are not wealthy people, but manage their money carefully so they can do the things they want in retirement.

It's bright and sunny and colder than ever. I made chicken winglettes today, K's favourite. L's home for the 3rd day in a row, but should be back at school tomorrow. Her table of 10 is full for the upcoming semi-formal, 5 more from her social group had to start another table. I can't remember being popular at school, lucky her.

News

A postmark of true love and affection

Omega-3s may improve side effects of menopause

Relax with Friends, Drink Coffee & Avoid Alzheimer's

Day Devoted To 'The Most Frightening Word In The World'

Do you know where your kid is? Check Google's maps (AP)

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

A few Miscellaneous Photos

Here is the boys' Tower Crane science project (double pulley system hanging on a lever with a counterweight at the other end). It spins around on a 'slew gear (the black part)'! The pulley can shift further from the centre post for lifting lighter loads.





First Markham Place Chinese Mall - one of the stores on Chinese New Year


First Markham Place Asian Fast Food area



Four Main Courses including soup and rice for only $21 (Canadian)





I finally uploaded a few Chinese New Year photos I had taken. Hope you enjoy them.

Well, today I made Barbara's Sultana cake, it smelled heavenly and is very delicious. I didn't even burn it! I put pecans in it.

L's a lot better today, but still home from school. The doctor gave her an antibiotic because of her history and symptoms. Her chest was clear, but he felt that she might be on the verge of bronchitis or pneumonia.

News

Are Plums The New Super Food?

Chemicals used in shampoos to get toxic label

Zen meditation keeps pain at bay, study finds

Monday, February 2, 2009

TFSA's

L is home sick today with cough, low-grade fever, chills and of course this makes her asthma act up. So we're off to the doctor's in a little while to check her chest. She's a horrible patient, she seems to be on her last legs. At least she still has an appetite every now and then.

It's a cold, bright, sunny day. I think I'll bake some chicken legs for today's meal, with mixed vegetables on the side.

This year, the government introduced a new tax free savings account (TFSA) in which every person 18 and over can contribute $5,000 each year. I had sort of promised our insurance agent that we would open it with his company and we've sort of changed our minds and decided to just keep everything with our financial advisor. So now I have to return his call with the bad news. Sheesh. Not that we're ready to open anything with anyone just yet. That would take $10,000.

News

In Japan, you are what your blood type is

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Life in general

I had an email from a dear old friend this morning to say that her older sister had passed away and was buried on the weekend. I'm sad because I remembered this lady and it's a reminder of the passage of time and the circle of life.

On a happier note, M and K are going to a Raptor's basketball game this afternoon. I haven't heard about any Superbowl parties tonight, usually M gets an invitation from someone. It sounds like Federer was trounced by Nadal in the Australian Tennis Open. L is not upset because she's a Nadal fan. But Federer was so upset he couldn't make his speech after, he broke down.

To give the boys due credit, they did a great job building their little crane for science (yesterday) with a minimum of instruction. Twisting wires, assembling the pulley, being careful with the hot glue gun, it was assembled in a jiffy. I think it was a positive experience for all. Maybe they even learned something!

L thinks that one of her pre-schoolers at swimming class is autistic, she says she can just tell by his lack of focus and certain key traits. I felt sorry for the mom, thinking it's going to be a hard road ahead. L says she is so attentive to the child too, a wonderful mom. She says there is another boy that is totally brilliant and always has an argument about some activity. He went into the middle of the baby pool yesterday and equated their arrangement to the Bermuda triangle! Some are quite happy to look for the little fish at the bottom of the pool, but this little boy explains why they're not real! For a bit of insight, we've learned that teachers do have their favourites, but their job is to treat everyone equally and not let it show! Isn't that just like life?

News

How to take great photos: Tips from the Travel Photographer of the Year

How to throw a kid's birthday party for $100