Interview!

Honey had a school project for her English class on family traditions. She didn't want to do the same one as Sweetie so she chose to do a video interview with us about the annual family golf tournament to celebrate my grandmother's birthday each year. She had lots of good questions but was a little nervous going through it.  After a couple of takes, she had it the way she wanted and presented it in class this week.

Her classmates were amused at Murray's statement that the food was his favourite part and they all giggled at my face in the freezeframe as the video ended and I was stuck on screen with my lips all pursed at the end of saying "Thank you".  Don't worry Honey, I'm sure it won't be the last time your parents embarrass you in front of your classmates!

Bye bye Bank!

 Mumma had 22 years in with CIBC and recently decided to call it quits and retire! In recognition of her long time there, her branch declared her last day "Diane Day" and invited the community in to wish her well and say goodbye. They covertly contacted me and asked if she'd like an iPad mini as a retirement gift. My immediate thought was "well who WOULDN'T want an iAnything?!?!?" but then I wasn't sure. I checked with Dad and he thought she'd rather just stick with the new laptop he's getting her for Christmas (no worries, she's onto his plans already, I'm not ruining Christmas here, relax :))

So I tried fishing while chatting with her on facebook one night. I asked if they'd be getting her a gold watch but she just laughed and said she didn't think so. Then I suggested she tell them she needed an iPod so she could Facetime with the kids. I thought that might trigger a "oh I'd love to do that!" or maybe a " ha ha I WISH!" but nope. She didn't have much comment on iStuff. They wanted it to be a surprise so I couldn't just come right out and ask but her manager eventually gave up and just checked with her. She thought it was a great idea!

With Black Friday sales I was able to get her a deal with the gift card they bought her. I believe she has opened the box but hasn't gotten far with the set up yet. The kids will have to train her over vacation probably!

 

Can't you just see Mum & Dad all cozied up with their new shared love of quilting??? I'm not exactly sure what she's going to do with her extra free time, but I somehow it involves my dad and blocks of fabric!

On her very last day, they had cake and punch for the well wishers so we left school early (once in a lifetime occasion warrants an exception) and zipped up the highway to surprise her and bring flowers. She hadn't expected us at all so she was shocked when we walked in! Once she was done with meeting and greeting, we went out for supper to celebrate!

Shirley Time!

We hadn't had Shirley over for dinner in a long time and now that it gets dark early, we decided to take dinner to her for a change. We arrived with chicken pot pie and a cheesecake and were in business! She had her table all laid out for us and we ate without any carnage or chaos. I'm always worried about her carpeted dining room! It always feels so risky! We managed to leave it unscathed yet again and Checkers refrained from adding anything to the decor in other areas of the house this time so that was nice of him!

The girls found Shirley's Russian nesting dolls and played with those enthusiastically for awhile. Several were named and various scenarios were acted out while we were there.

It was a great visit and it's such a nice change from dining at home (except for all that carpet stress of course!)

As we were leaving Murray took Checkers out to the car. Unfortunately he was holding the leash in his hand that's attached to the broken arm when the dog decided to bolt for the car. The jerk on Murray's arm had him gasping in pain. I was afraid it had re-broken but after a minute the pain subsided enough to head home.

Since I remember what a pain it was to cook for myself when I lived alone, I always try to make a meal big enough so we can leave Shirley an extra portion for her lunch or supper the next day. This time we had enough for her lunch and Murray's lunch too! Chicken pot pie for everyone, hooray! We packed the leftovers into the back of the car but when we got home, this is what I found. Checkers had no comment as to the whereabouts of the extra serving...

Quote!

We finally heard from the Honda place. Initial quote only, they're still not sure if the engine needs replaced or not. But here's the starting estimate:

Murray's still trying to take things further in hopes of some coverage from Honda since the spark plugs failed well ahead of the recommended maintenance schedule. We'll see how they feel about that!

Fair's Fair

If I'm going to complain about the bad, it's only fair I showcase the good too I suppose!

Lovey has noticed that Sweetie has been getting notes in her lunchbox lately and wanted to know why. When I explained that I was responding to notes Sweetie had left me, she pondered that over. Then I found this later that night. 

In Search Of!

Our Crispy Crunch hinged tin holds our popcorn kernels. Most Saturday nights it's our tradition to pop some corn on the stove and then snuggle in for Family Movie Night, as we call it. 

Some day(assuming it does ever happen), when the girls move out to their own places, I'd like to send them each with their own popcorn can as a little reminder of home and our cozy Saturday nights.  

If you see one of these, please let me know. I'd like 2 more so they can all have one and I can keep one here. (I've heard they sometimes come back to visit!!!)

Another repair!

Lovey, after what seemed like at least an hour of shenanigans, (she can kiss that $1 payback goodbye!), finally got started playing last night only to let out a horrible shriek shortly after.

Just what we needed, something else broken and in need of repair around here! I sent this picture to her violin teacher and the violin isn't ruined. This is a separate piece that can be removed and replaced, which the teacher's husband did for us tonight for $16. Whew!