Sunday . . .

For the most part, it's been a quiet weekend. Too cold to do anything other than stay close to the fire and watch a few good movies.

Cold!

This morning when I rolled over in bed, I looked at the thermometer outside the window - minus six Fahrenheit! Smoky must have realized how cold it was because he didn't try to get me out of bed at 6:30a.m. to let him out. It's a big change from just a few days ago when everything was melting.

Today was weigh-in day. We both lost one pound. Hope we don't give up since the loss wasn't huge, but one pound is better than not losing anything. So we will continue, low carbs and low sugar.

Grocery Shopping!

How exciting is that? No ice cream, no ice cream sandwiches, eating is getting pretty dull. Can't remember the last time we had pizza! Two more days until I get back on the scale and see if I've lost any weight. Maybe we should call Jenney!

Busy Morning!

This morning, we went to the doctor's office for our H1N1 shot. So far, so good - still feeling OK! After we did that, we stopped at the hardware store for a couple of items. When I walked through the door, I set off the alarm. If I remember correctly, the same thing happened to me at Wal-Mart, but this time a gal stopped me at the door. I thought I was going to have to go through an 'airport' search. She asked if I had a movie or anything like that in my handbag - I didn't. She took me over to the counter - ran my handbag over the scanner. Then she took me aside and went over me with a handwand. It seemed it was my winter jacket kicking up the fuss. She deactivated me, then had me walk through the entrance again. This time, no beeping! Life is good!!!

Rained All Night and It's Still Raining!

In addition to lousy weather, everything seems to be going wrong today. But I'm not going to get into that. January is almost over - looking forward to February.

Or maybe a vacation with warm sun and sand and gentle breezes.

Picture from an earlier time!

Bruce's Trip to Quebec!

The boys had a fun time trying to figure out the GPS - seems someone (me) had left it on walking mode - so the GPS tried to get them off the highway every time they approached an exit. Finally, they figured it all out once they crossed the Ottawa River into Quebec. Now you would think they would have noticed that the ETA was somewhere around six in the evening! That would have been an eight hour trip to cover 93 miles.

Rob checking out a plane!

Wayne and Rob.

Inside the Chateau Montebello.

Oh How They Sparkle!

It's a sunny day and when I stepped outside, I couldn't believe how pretty the trees were. It's a beautiful day, cold, but beautiful!







The 'boys' are headed towards Montebello, Quebec to attend a Challenger Winter Rendezvous. The boys are Bruce, Rob, and Wayne. Bruce has his camera, so look for those pictures tomorrow.

TGIF!

I still can't believe how our computers messed up at the same time. Bruce couldn't see one of his bank's PDF files, but I googled the problem and think I might have a suggestion for him to try. Yesterday, my Windows Live Mail decided to stop working, but this morning it is doing just fine.

My prime rib roasts are thawed and I will put them in the oven later this afternoon. I don't know what time Rob will be here, but Bruce went to the beer store to stock up on that treat! :-) He is getting me Heineken!

Maybe I'll put that vacation off until the next crisis! It's a cold day - 12F degrees.

Can't Believe It!

Just when I finally got my computer working right, Bruce's computer went bonkers. His browser kept loading and loading - but it wouldn't actually connect to a web page. After much thought, I restored his computer back to a date when it was working correctly. Now he is busy trying to figure out the changes made on his Quicken software. Nothing is easy these days! We might need a vacation!

Mid Week!

Finally got out of the house to do some grocery shopping. Other than that, it's been a quiet day. So what to write about? Or maybe some old pictures would be interesting. So here goes!

In 2000, we packed up the bike for a camping trip. This was pre-travel trailer. Everything was on the bike - tent, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads. Talk about being loaded down.

Our little piece of the park - tent is in the background Our home for a couple of nights.

And all the worldly possessions we could carry.

Bruce standing at the shoreline of Lake Ontario.

Can't get any better than this - warm tent, warm sleeping bag and a pillow to rest one's head.

A visit to a nuclear plant in Oswego, New York.

Since we couldn't pack any food (no room) - we did our grocery shopping at the local store.

Sunset over the lake.

Seagulls got into our bread.

A ride through Fort Drum, NY - this is a statue dedicated to the 10th Mountain Division.

Back over the bridge heading home!!!!

Finally!

After 40 hours of scanning my hard drive, my updated virus program is now working. That certainly was a test of endurance - MINE! I did write to the help desk and told their representative that it was finally working after four installs and all those hours. I bet she is happy.

My niece, Jackie, sent me a picture of her 17 year old son on his dirt bike - seems he has ripped up their lawn - his dad isn't too happy about that! Way to go, Jim!

She also sent a picture of her dog, Brooke!

Still Working on My Virus Program!

Yesterday, I let the software scan my hard drive - it started around five in the afternoon and by morning, it was still running. Not to give up, I uninstalled and installed it two more times. The problems I had with the previous installs seem to have been corrected and I read on the virus software forum that a first full scan can take over 20 hours.

Not to be discouraged - I've started the scan again - right around one in the afternoon. It will be going all night and hopefully by morning it will have finished and I will have a working virus program.

Spam!

Do you get a lot of spam or junk emails? There is a neat program that you can download for free or upgrade to the 'pro' paid version if you want it to check more than one email address. It's called MailWasher. Bruce and I downloaded the 'pro' version because we both have more than one email address. If you upgrade from the free version, the cost is $20 - otherwise it's $40.

I'm also giving my virus software another chance - this is the third time I'm installing it. So far, it might be working, but I won't know until it finishes scanning my system. I'm tired of dealing with it.

Goodbye Larry!

I guess that needs an explanation. For two winters, Bruce would blow the snow off Larry's driveway when he was doing ours - Larry's driveway is on the same street as ours. And during that time, Bruce never even got a 'thank you.' Everytime Larry saw us going by in our truck, he would quickly turn away so that he wouldn't have to acknowledge us with a wave. A few months ago, Larry sold his house and today was moving day! Goodbye Larry!

Seems Like It's Been Snowing Forever!

Bruce was out there again today - pretty soon there won't be any room left where he can pile it.

Smoky finally ventured away from the back door - but he now finds all his trails are covered with at least a foot or more of snow.

Snow covered street.

A Surprise Guest for Dinner!

Rob called yesterday afternoon around 3:30 - wanted to know what we were having for dinner. I quickly told him 'nothing' since basically we weren't having much. He said that was all right and he'd be here around 4:30. With panic now setting in, I raced to the kitchen to see what delectable delight I could whip together. There I found three cans of chopped clams, mushrooms, diced tomatoes, and pasta. That worked for me. Surprisingly, the dish was pretty tasty! Oh, forgot to mentioned that I added a huge dash of hot sauce.

During his temp assignment, Rob will be staying at a rented condo in Ottawa. Doing that will eliminate his having to drive each day - the trip from our house into Ottawa is about 60 miles. Since he is a working man and not on vacation - he left early.

This morning, my Smoky tried waking me up - I heard him coming, so moved down towards the foot of the bed and covered my head so that he couldn't scratch me. He gave me several head bumps, tried raking the covers off - the finally poked his little paw under the edge of the blanket and caught my finger. He really didn't want to go out, I think he just wanted someone to play with. What a cutie he is. With this cold weather, he rarely goes outside and is bored to death. Around four in the afternoon - he races through the house like a crazy critter.

Can It Be?

Another Monday rolls around. Not much happening today. Weekend was quiet, too. It's much to go to even think about going out unless you have to. For me, anyway!

New episodes of TV shows have been starting up. We've watched so many movies over the holidays - some good and some bad. And "Survivor" is due to start in February with my favorite player - Boston Rob. Bruce is thrilled that his favorite player is back - Stephanie. He likes Boston Rob, too - but I think he likes Stephanie better. Right, Bruce????

Welcome Home, Rob!

Rob arrived home yesterday after a 2,300 mile trip from Calgary which he did in about 45 hours. It was a long, cold drive for him. Everyone gathered at Jeff & Paula's to have a party for him - of course, I have a few pictures for you to check out.

Rob, BJ and Bruce - talking about stuff!

Jeff - caught in the moment.

Anna got a new camera for Christmas - she has become quite the shutter-bug.

Sophie trying to get into the conversation.

Wayne and Bruce.

Cathy and Paula.

Smile pretty!

Yep, that was a good one!

Self-portrait.

Rick arrived with his kids!






Yummy food!

And finally, my computer is now being used without any anti-virus software - I gave up on the install. It just didn't work on my computer. I'm sure I'll give it another try during the week. I don't give up easily!