Happy New Year!

Started the eve of the New Year by meeting Aline's in-laws for breakfast this morning. Now, I need a nap. Nick's sister and brother-in-law are a lot of fun.
We went out for a family dinner last night at East Side Mario's and to the movie "Marlie & Me" afterward. What a tear-jerker, we were all sniffling. It's a good movie if you're sentimental. Adrienne and Steven both have jobs, but have been off enough to spend quality time with them.
On the 19th, Adrienne and a friend of hers took me to the Royal Ontario Museum where we spent about 4 hours, I really enjoyed it. They had a special diamond exhibit hosted by the DeBeers family, with one especially rare yellow that was the third largest cut diamond in the world. There was many millions of dollars worth of jewels with diamonds of every colour. I bought a really unique Christmas ornament at their gift shop.
After the ROM, we spent about 5 hours at the Eaton Centre in downtown Toronto. I took Adrienne and Robbie out to lunch, and we shopped until I was ready to drop. I did get my favorite perfume at Abercrombie & Fitch. People were actually lining up to get into the higher-end stores like Arizia and Hollister.
On the 20th we went to the local market which was a lot of fun. I couldn't believe the great deals, but I brought only so much cash, and when it was gone, I was done. I found the "perfect" wrap around scarf, a purple watch to add to my collection, and a pretty gray t-shirt.
Speaking of diamonds, Aline, Nick and Adrienne surprised me on Christmas morning with a beautiful gold/diamond ring. I guess they figured I'd probably never get one in the traditional manner. Stephen bought me a stunning silver necklace with Swarovsky crystal. I think I'm going to have to get rid of some of the costume jewellery, and start wearing more of the genuine articles. I believe I mentioned in my previous blog what I bought at the "going-out-of-business" jewellery store. It's a good thing I go back home day after tomorrow, or I'd go back there for one last look. A white gold bracelet would be nice...
Tonight, we'll toast in the new year with a "wine & Cheese" at home.
I'll take this opportunity to wish everybody a happy and safe new year with friends and loved ones. My resolution: Balance in 2009.

Christmas Eve

It's Christmas Eve and my debit card is still smoking! I didn't even use my credit card once!!!
The trip to Toronto was Oh yeah.....:0 right there...aaahhhhh ;-) (sorry, getting a back rub) anyway, waited 4 hours in the airport, arrived Toronto some time after 3:00 AM. Luckily, I thought to call Nick to let him know I'd be taking a taxi home, so don't even try to get to the airport. The roads weren't bad once I got here, but the taxi ride cost $78 plus tip. Aline is still beautifully slim (damn her) and Nick hasn't changed a bit. The kids are both beautiful, of course.

One of the jewellery stores here is going out of business (everything 70% off) and knowing this ahead of time, I had set aside one expense cheque. I finally got my birthstone (emerald) in a yellow gold pinky ring. I saw this white gold/black diamond chip ring in the window with kind of an "eternity symbol" design, and immediately fell in love with it. I spent about a half-hour in the store looking at all the bargains, and bought LeeAnne's birthday gift as well. But, of course, I had to have them take the ring from the window display, and it was the perfect size. So I bargained them down and am wearing it with pride.
Adrienne surprised me with a cordless "Blue Tooth" device for my cell phone - I'll now be able to talk on the road "hands free" when I need to.
I talked to LeeAnne last night, and the kids arrived late, tired, but safe and sound. I'm looking forward to seeing them upon my return. I'm sure they'll both love Calgary if they can get past the cold.
So, Merry Christmas everyone, and I hope Santa finds you warm and well.

No sense of direction at all...

Let me start this story by telling you that people in Calgary do not know how to drive on ice and snow, so traffic slowed to a crawl after our "blizzard". Last night after work I had to pick up our Deputy Minister and her entourage at the hotel and accompany them to the Drop-in & Rehab Centre Society (that's our biggest homeless shelter for those of you not from Calgary). A trip that would usually take 20 minutes took me over an hour. When I finally got off Macleod Trail, I turned on 6th Ave instead of 4th by mistake. I turned down 3rd Street to double back, and came upon 3 fire trucks and other emergency vehicles that I had to try to get around. When I finally got to the hotel, they were very understanding, even though I had them rushing through their supper because the shelter had called and wanted us to get there earlier. Then I found out my usual route to the shelter was closed off as part of the "gentrification" plan for East Calgary, so I had to get there via 9th Ave. It's only 3 blocks away, I could see the shelter - it's very distinctive and hard to miss - but I just couldn't get there without a lot of wrong turns, more barriers, and such. We finally got there, but missed the part of the Intake process we really wanted to see. We did give the VIP's a good tour and a feel for the place, and they were gracious enough to invite me for a Christmas cocktail afterward, but by then I just wanted to get home. Oh well, they'll probably never ask me to drive again. My department gave over $21 Million for an affordable housing project, and all the media, polititians and the people from last night were there. Their first question to me was "Did you drive?" I had caught a ride with a colleague, and we didn't run across any traffic jams. During his speech thanking the Minister for the government's contribution to their pet project, Pat Nixon singled me out for special recognition for my work with them throughout the years. I hope that's what they remember, and not the disaster of the night before. Another Lucie-ism?

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

We got about a foot of snow on Saturday, and of course that was the night I was going to my first party.

I made it to and from the dinner safe and sound, but did get a $36 ticket for blocking someone's driveway for the duration. The visibility was so bad that I really didn't realize. I'm lucky I didn't get towed. The paper work was on my windshield, but the tow-truck hadn't arrived yet.

Babie Loves Shoes

My male cat, Babie, has always had a thing for shoes.

I''ve never seen another cat do this.

I hope you can watch this clip.

Clutter

OK, so I come home to find this contraption in the middle of my livingroom. I've been asking Al for about a week now "Where are you going to put that thing!" In his usual smart-ass manner, he told me he'd decorate it for Christmas. I can't wait until he gets home to see this:

Well, the good news is, I don't need hearing aids yet. The bad news - the X-rays came back, and the lower back pains are caused by sciatica (check spelling?).

I have my first Christmas party this weekend, it's a pot-luck and I'm bringing vegetables. The Progress Club gathering is on the 17th, the Drop-In Centre invited me to their party which they are having at Canada Olympic Park Friday night. Then Sunday is our office party at a restaurant downtown. It's all creeping up very fast, I haven't even mailed my parcel to New Brunswick yet. We'll probably do some Christmas decorating at home this weekend, including putting up the tree. All my gifts are bought, but I still can't seem to get in the spirit of things. Maybe I'll ask Santa to find me a less stressful job. I am looking forward to my trip to Toronto - I can't wait to see the kids again.

Today I was "invited" to join a new government committee that has to come up with something to replace an outdated piece of legislation. It's going to be a lot of work, and I'm the only member from Calgary so I'll be travelling to Edmonton a lot more often.

And on that note, I promise to make my next posting a little more upbeat.

Just another Sunday

I spent most of last Thursday evening observing the Intake function of the Mustard Seed Foothills Shelter. Our Minister wants us to do this on a regular basis, but I don't really see this as necessary. It was worthwhile seeing how they have grown and what programs they have in place since we started funding them, but I'm not keen on working evenings and then having to catch up after I take the next morning off.
Our Assistant Deputy Minister visited our office, and met with me and my colleague on Friday and it appears to me that he is as stressed as we are. (I hope nobody from my office reads this.)

I had planned a nice relaxing drive to Banff with a friend on Saturday, but I was so tired and had one of those "Chinook" headaches that just wouldn't go away. So I just vegged at home and slept most of the day. What a waste of a weekend.

I attended my friend Kathy in the NE who was hosting an "Optionelle" clothing party. Just of curiosity I set my odometer, and it was 32 Km from my place to hers. This city covers such a big area, I don't know what we would do without Deerfoot Trail. Kathy and her daughter attended my "Weekender" party this past summer, so I owed her. I promised myself I woudn't buy anything because I just finished reorganizing my closet and thinning out my wardrobe so it could mostly fit in one closet. Yeah, right!

Tomorrow morning I have an appointment with the "hearing" specialist - probably need to get hearing aids soon. I'm not looking forward to it.

And that's all, folks.

Theatre and Jewellery Party

Saturday I went to the High River Windmill dinner theatre where they were playing "The Music Man". All the actors are local, and they put on a really good show. Even the local kids are very talented. The buffet is always delicious - salmon, prime rib, all kinds of salads and vegetables, super dessert table. Yum! No wonder I'm fat.

Sunday my friend Brenda hosted a Silpada jewellery party. They have some lovely stuff, Sterling silver and semi-precious stones, but I had promised myself I wouldn't buy anything because they are kind of expensive. However, I did end up buying a few less expensive pieces
See http://www.silpada.ca/
And Brenda had lots of goodies to munch on - more pounds.

My collections

Sometimes I get a little carried away when I start collecting things. I've always like to match jewellry with outfits. The thing about the watches is, they all need batteries and that becomes expensive. And I like to wear rings on the 3 middle fingers of each hand.

The Earings

My friend and colleague, Francesca (Frank) went to Mexico and bought these "designer" earings for $200. When she tried to wear them, she said they were too heavy for her, and her daughter wouldn't wear them either. Soooooo... I bought them from her for $30. I've never heard of the designer (Morgan) so it didn't mean much to me, but I liked the style.

Course, Work Project, Shopping

After sitting through a full day of "Wills & Estates" on Friday, I decided it would be a lot simpler to just outlive everyone. I have a will, it's just very outdated.

Saturday, I reluctantly got up early because I had to be at City Hall at 8:30 for Project Homeless Connect. All the homeless serving Agencies were represented, and the turnout was huge, over 1,000 people. I helped out at the Salvation Army clothing counter.

On the way home, I stopped off at Pennington's because I had a $40 coupon and I needed a new war winter jacket. It turns out the coupon is only good after Nov. 26th. But they did have 35% off and an extra $25 off the full purchase. I picked out a nice teal ski-jacket style, long enough to cover my butt, and with a hood. Then I spied a cute little indoor black jacket with red trim and big silver buttons - kind of a retro style, don't you think. Well, those are the exact colors or the new earings so I had to get it. Of course, it was on the clearance rack. It will look nice at some of the Christmas parties I'm going to this year.

The Stamps are Champs!

Yep, the Calgary Stampeders are the Grey Cub champions. Final score W22 E14, western domination continues. Thanks to Henry Burris and the guys, Calgary is the City of Champions!

I hope one of those tickets I sold was a winner.

Wednesday, Thursday

Some changes in scheduling made it unnecessary to do the 2-day trip to Lethbridge, so I was able to attend our inter-club social with the Stampede City Men's Progress Club last night. The guys were very supportive of our first big charity golf tournament this past summer, sponsoring the event to the tune of $10,000. They are a very solid club with well established regular fundraising events. To thank them, my club Calgary Eves hosted them at a nice upscale restaurant called La Vita Bella. It's in a historic property, sort of like a huge old house, and their food is very good. However, I think the decaf they served me = wasn't and I was awake most of the night.

I came home to find Al's Harley prominently displayed on my new deck. He says he actually built the deck as a platform to showcase his "baby". It does look pretty good there. I'll try to remember to get a picture on the weekend.

Today, an old friend from my AMHC days took me out to lunch, across the street for Leo Fu's Chinese buffet. Try staying alert after after a lunch like that when you've had only 4 hours sleep the night before. I kept in touch with Walter because he does a lot of consultingcontracting work with the Special Purpose Housing groups in my portfolio. Since our latest re-organization, I had to let those projects go to someone else - I just had to cut down on my workload with the new projects I am now working on. Walter and the groups are not too happy about this, but I hope whoever inherits them will give them the attention and support they need. Because they are very small projects (group homes mostly) with small budgets, they had been somewhat neglected before I took them on. Anyway, Walter and I will continue to have lunch and he'll keep me updated on what's happening.

Tomorrow I'm off to attend a course called "Wills and Estates". I'm overdue for an update so I registered when I saw it on the list of courses offered through our office.

And that's my week so far.

Everyone seems to have Halloween pictures but me, so I dug out this old one from a few years ago.

Well, the dusting of snow we got over the weekend has pretty much all melted, and the temperature remains above freezing during the day, so no complaints there. I did get my winter tires installed, and the car is all winterized. I was able to postpone the trip to Lethbridge this week which works out well because I still have so much work to get done in so little time. The computers were down in the office today, so that gave me a chance to catch up on some phone calls and get my office somewhat organized.

I went to South Centre Mall on the way home to get a back X-ray (my right leg keeps going to sleep) and they have medical offices and labs in the lower level. Good timing since I fell on the stairs with a basket of laundry again. I had to tell the tech a few times "don't put pressure there - there's a bruise." Anyway, back to the mall, there's Christmas stuff everywhere but I'm not the least bit in the mood. I am looking forward to seeing everyone in Pickering (Ontario) where I will be spending the holidays this year. Al`s kids will be visiting LeeAnne and their father here. I hope they arrive a few days before I leave so I can get to know them a bit. I didn't get a chance to see then when I was in NB this summer.

I know this is all very boring, but I want to get in the habit of posting regularly. Should be an interesting weekend, though. Stay tuned.

Monday already?

It's Sunday night and I'm back at work tomorrow after being off since last Monday. I'll have to dive right in and hope things aren't too hectic. I have a chiropractic/massage appointment in the afternoon, so that will force me to take a break. I also have to drop my car off at Fountain Tire next door to have the winter tires put on, and might as well get the winter tune-up since I'm due for an oil change anyway. I'm supposed to travel to Lethbridge again for a couple of days mid-week. I might decide to postpone that - I'll see how it goes.
Then I'm on course on Friday (Wills & Estates).
I have to participate in Project Homeless Connects http://www.endinghomelessness.ca/default.asp?FolderID=1572
at City Hall on Saturday, and I have a dinner theatre that same night in High River. Sunday there's a jewellry (Silpada) party at a co-worker's house nearby.

Lee & Al Road Trip 2008

Since LeeAnne doesn 't have her own blog site, I am taking the liberty of posting some of her pictures. It was a long trip for them, but they loved every minite of it. They went through the northern States and met a lot of very friendly and accommodation Americans. The weather wasn't great as you can see from the last 2 pictures. Al's kids were very happy to see their Dad and spent the whole visit at Mom's place. They're part of our family now. They adore Mom and she has adopted them as her other grandchildren.

Before & After

NB trip (3) Fredericton

Allison, Jason, & their mom Tina (my other little sister)

The site of my first apartment in Fredericton (98 York St.) in 1973.

After visiting relatives in the Miramichi area, Mom and I headed to Fredericton and the Grand Lake area. They seem to have recovered from the big flood which did a tremendous amount of damage.

My friend Mary and her boys visited me at Betty's and we all had a nice visit.

Next day met Glenna & Mike at Dimitri's in Fredericton, and got a chance to do some shopping. Got quite a bit at Aitken's Pewter which was always one of my favorite places.

NB trip (2) Convention

Golf

(That's Johnston, our 4th)

Captain Dan's

Shediac

We kept well lubricated during the golf game with Vodka coolers and some kind of shooters I could not identify.




We had a georgeous day, and went back to the golf club for steak and lobster.

Group at the Big Lobster

The Canadian Progress Club National Convention was held in NB for the first time ever, and the Moncton clubs did us proud. The Beausejour was great, and the social events were held mostly off-site at area clubs. I particularly liked the Fox Creek golf course, and Captain Dan's in Shediac . The Disco night was fun, and the afternoon at the beach.

Oh yeah, and we got some Progress Club business done in between all the parties.

I could tell so many stories, but will just say it was a great convention with wonderful people from all over Canada who got to enjoy my home province for the first time.

N.B. trip(1) September 2008

Arrived Moncton airport Sept.13th after an exhauting flight.

I was supposed to go to Fredericton the next day for a CMHC reunion, but just too tired.

Had a nice relaxing visit with the family and admired Mom's new kitchen, Al did a wonderful job for her. He promised to do more finishing work next summer when he and LeeAnne will fly to give them more time.

Am I really back??????

Is it possible that I've actually figures this out?
I pray to the "Cyber Gods" to bless this site!

Travelling again...

When I first got up for work yesterday, I was disgusted to discover that I had to scrape ice off my windshield. My new Saturn doesn't have an automatic starter, and I don't have a garage, so I think I'll have one installed when I return from vacation.

When I got to work, I decided to head down to Lethbridge for a meeting which was really a last minute thing. It's such a pretty ride that I don't mind. Calgary is over an hour from the mountains although you can see them quite well from here. But as you drive south, you get closer and closer to the foothills and the Crowsnest Pass.

Besides Lethbridge, my job takes me to Edmonton and occasionally to Medicine Hat. I may have to go to Edmonton once more before I leave on vacation, hope not. It usually means an overnight because the drive takes over 3 hours, and it's too much to drive back after a day of meetings and such.

Here is the link for the National Convention I'll be attending in a few weeks.
http://www.monctonprogressclub.org/2008_national_convention.htm
I'll need the week after to recuperate.

Crystal's graduation

Louis' daughter Crystal Lynn, graduated from Miramichi Valley High School Spring 2008.

I had to include my other favorite teenager on my new blog.

Like her cousin Steven (who was born one month after her) Crystal has not yet decided what direction her future career will take.

She's definitely smart enough for university, let's keep our fingers crossed.

I'll be visiting with her soon as she is still living with my Mom in Miramichi, looking for work locally.

She sent me some other super pictures which I will share at some other time.

May 2008

Yep, I turned 55 this year, and retirement is starting to become very appealing.
I've been 20 years with the Government of Alberta currently acting as the liaison
between the provincial government and the homeless shelters in Alberta.

The Babie

This is Babie.

This cat has more fur than any of my feline friends. He's a handsome puss, and the youngest of the household.

The Tossmann Kids

Adrienne Tossmann

Summer of 2007

She's going into her second year of Nursing at Ryerson in Toronto. They live in Pickering.

This is my my handsome nephew, Steven Tossmann, Aline's son who is now 18 years old. He graduated from high school this year, but still hasn't decided on his future plans.

September already???

There is something wrong with waking up on August 31st and finding ice on your patio table. I actually had to turn the heat on over the weekend, and today, Labour Day Monday, is not much warmer. I'm on vacation in 2 weeks, and feel a cold coming on, so I pampered myself all weekend with lots of sleep and carbs.

I fly to NB on Sept.13 and spend 4 days with Mom in Miramichi, then off to Moncton for the start of the Canadian Progress Club National Convention which starts on Wednesday with a friendly golf tournament, and ends with brunch on sunday morning - with lots of meetings, seminars, the AGM, Award Luncheon, Saturday Night Ball, and a lot of partying all at the Beausejour in Moncton. Stay tuned for pictures.

Then it's back to Miramichi to spend time with family until I have to leave on the 28th. Maybe I'll see some of you during my visit.

My little family

My sister LeeAnne, and my Boyfriend-in-law Al are living with me, and I've gotten used to seeing a 10-foot Harley chopper in my back yard. They've gotten used to sharing space with 3 spoiled, pampered and temperamental felines. SweetPea had adopted Al as her pet and likes to be wherever he is, as seen here. She fit quite nicely in one of his saddle bags.

I'm really back!

Yes, thanks to my cousin-in-law 'Berta, it appears I'm back in the BLOG world. I've got so much catching up to do, I'll probably do a few entries per week, and add a historical item from the "lost" months.

I'll start by trying to post a recent photo of one of my kitties, Angel.

But for now, it's been a rough Monday so it's time to get ready for bed.