Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Empty Nester

We were away three weeks in May to return to two robins building nests around the outside of the house. The one was in a forsythia bush, high off the ground, the other near the patio right beside the clothes line. As I sat under the sunshade, I began to watch the robin protect her one and only egg in the nest. She talked to me and didn't like that I hung my clothes up to dry almost daily. It became a game, a way to peek into the nest and watch the proceedings. Two weeks ago, the baby hatched. Now the mother was most protective. She sat on the clothes line, one eye on the nest and one eye on me. When I was in the house, off she went in search of food. When I got too close, she tried to distract me and keep me away from the nest. I watched the baby grow and climb in and out of the nest. This morning, the baby was gone. Did it fly away? Did a cat find it on the ground? Perhaps a bigger bird swooped in ....it is all a mystery to me. I have been sad all day. It's like the day when my youngest left home. This was my baby too. I hope it found its wings and flew off to be with other robins. Such is nature.




Sunday, July 1, 2012

Canada Day....proud to be Canadian!

Canada is now 145 years young! I hope everyone is having a great day celebrating with family and friends. What a great start to July!!

Friday, June 29, 2012

Mmm..mmmm.good!

It must be the heat but I just had to make some sticky buns for the weekend! I haven't used my bread maker in ages and hauled it up from the basement. I found an easy recipe that you mix the day before, cover, and leave it overnight in the fridge and bake in the morning. I was afraid I had lost my touch but I think they will sell!!

Monday, June 25, 2012

Niagara Wine Tasting Tour

Now that the LPGA is over with, maybe I can move on to some regular routines! Before I do, I must tell you about my day on Saturday. The Wilfrid Laurier Alumni takes a wine tour every year and visits three different wineries in the Niagara area. This year we left Waterloo around 9:00 and our first stop was Penisula Ridge. Love my 10:30 nip! From there we went into Niagara-on-the-Lake and had lunch at Bistro 61 and took a half an hour to wander the streets and I was able to buy a new pair of sunglasses (an annual event). Next stop, Riverview Estates and lastly, Stoney Ridge where had a catered dinner on the terrace. They have a gorgeous garden!  We had a wonderful time and look forward to next year...already!! I couldn't resist buying a jar of jam. Look carefully at the label!


Friday, June 22, 2012

Day 5....still at it!

Today, I had to leave the house at 5:20 to be at my post at 6:00 AM!! It was a snap to drive at that hour and only hit one stoplight. I like to think I beat the rush hour! lol I did discover that at that ungodly hour, my hair stands at attention! I think it grows.....out! The humidity really plays havoc and so when I was requested outside to help security at the 18th hole, I jumped at it and donned my big straw hat! No one knew about my hidden curse. As the week progresses, there have been fewer and fewer requests with the players. We continue to make sure they have everything they need in their locker rooms and always greet them with a friendly smile. After today, many of them will be leaving for their next tournament. I believe the top 70 will continue on with competition tomorrow and then the finals will be held on Sunday. Today, our committee was requested to go out to help the security at the 18th hole. The crowds were becoming thick and it was becoming more and more difficult for the players and their caddies to walk from one green to the next tee. Our job was to prepare a pathway and get the group off the green and on to the tee as quickly as possible. Afterwards, I walked the course's trails and watched some of the ladies play. I ended up at the Green Zone, a spot for volunteers to sit and relax with a cold drink and watch the play on the 14th tee. Sadly, there were no treats of the day for me to post! Tomorrow, a group of ten are travelling with the Laurier Alumni to the Niagara wine district for a day of wine tasting, lunch, dinner and a whole lot of socializing.  I will return Sunday!

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Day 4...down by the locker room



I arrived early at Grey Silo and walked to the first and second holes where I was able to watch Sandra Changkiji tee off. Boy, can she hit! I found out later that she is leading the pack today with a -8...pretty incredible! I began my shift at 10:30 and it was easy-peasy today. Our table was moved downstairs right outside the locker rooms.  I only registered one woman, Reilley Rankin from SC as she was an add on. I was able to show the new on-call doctor around the clubhouse and answer questions for her, as well as deliver flyers to the players' lockers and help plan the rest of the day with players and their families. I love working with people and this job is perfect for me. The heat was turned up a bit higher today but we are expecting thunderstorms and that should clear the air and make for a perfect day of golf Friday through Sunday. Today's Treat of the Day was made by the Cake Box and it is a golf ball!! How cute is this!! Not sure about the Happy Birthday sign though!!lol

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Day 3 Hanging out in the Clubhouse


How could have I forgotten to say what amazing gifts these players receive for coming to Canada to play golf!! The ladies are all so humbled with the handouts and it is so nice to see. We gave them a coupon to use just today at the Lululemon trailer, parked just outside the clubhouse. There they are able to get complimentary outfits!! Also, each girl was presented with a free Blackberry phone! They were all so excited!! I wish I could have taken pictures of their expressions.
My shift today at Grey Silo was early afternoon into evening and what a hot day it was!! Humidex was over 40!! I think that only 8 ladies had not registered by evening but will tomorrow before the ProAm game. Today, I worked at some problem solving, giving directions and making sure the locker rooms were well equipped. We had to take down the tables we had been using, to make room for the buffet tomorrow night, so we will now be situated downstairs by the locker rooms and lounge. I forgot to mention that every day there is a "treat of the day" for the players. Yesterday were Kate's Kookies..... incredible. Today were cupcakes...delicious! (I had to make sure they were acceptable for the ladies to eat!!)  Today all the chair heads had a very important meeting to decide what the plan would be to keep everyone hydrated on the course tomorrow as the temperature is to be very  hot again with high humidity. Normally, a spectator can not bring water or food onto a course, but I understand the rules will be bent. I am taking a break from volunteering tomorrow as I have my own golf league game in the morning and a lunch with our wine tasting group at noon!

Monday, June 18, 2012

Day 2 LPGA Registration


What an incredible day it has been! From arriving at the Manulife Sportsplex, finding the parking lot, getting myself registered, finding a shuttle to take me to the clubhouse...a whole new world opened up. My job is to register the players upon their arrival at Grey Silo and I found them all so kind and patient. It is a learn as you go experience and things come up that have to be worked out at that particular time. The clubhouse has been so beautifully decorated! I love these tall colums of real plants.

I was able to walk out on the balcony and watch the ladies practise at the putting green, or pitching green or driving range. I spotted Michelle Wie using her driver. Paula Creamer, with a hot pink bling purse, came in to register.You can feel the excitement building as all the players long for a playoff position.I wonder what tomorrow will bring?


                                                 

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Manulife Financial LPGA Classic 2012 Day 1

In January, I submitted an application to be a volunteer for this year's LPGA in Waterloo, Ontario. The course chosen is Grey Silo and it is situated in north Waterloo along the banks of the Grand River. This is the first time that the LPGA has come to this area and the community is ready and excited to be a part of the professional golf scene. I was very lucky to be placed on the Hospitality/Registration Committee. We met as a group in early May and plans were formed. I contacted Lilies White and they volunteered to have a beautiful floral arrangement  created for the clubhouse that will welcome the players as they arrive and register. I have no idea exactly what my job entails, but I hear that it is a learn as you go role! Today was set up day and I begin my job tomorrow morning with the registration of players as they arrive. The tournament starts Thursday June 21. There will be 144 golfers and some of the well known ladies are Paula Creamer USA, Lorie Kane CA, Michelle Wie USA, Stacy Lewis USA, Azahara Munoz Spain, Alena Sharp CA, Ai Miyozato Japan, and Cristie Kerr USA.
Overhead view of Grey Silo Golf Course

Monday, April 2, 2012

Make It Monday #60: Generational Stamping

It is a new week...a new beginning.
I was captivated with the video today as I had never tried generational stamping before. I had purchased this gorgeous stamp set but had only used it a couple of times....so the gloves came off!
I began with rustic white cardstock and used berry sorbet, summer sunrise and spring moss as my basic colours. I had to practise stamping off to get the "idea" but found it fun to do. The large gingham stamp from background basics was used in the background. I had never tried this technique before and wasn't sure if I liked it or not. Once I stamped the sentiment and added the spring moss ribbon, distressed the edges and mounted it on spring moss cardstock, did I begin to see the whole picture and I loved it! I think I might try some other colours and make up a few more to send to friends and family. Thanks for looking!

Simon Says Stamp - anything goes
Wags 'n Whiskers - say it with flowers
Cute Card Thursday- Easter (colours)

Monday, March 26, 2012

This is not good-bye...

My Mother completed her life journey Friday March 23, 2012 to be with her Lord and to be reunited with the love of her life...my Dad. What a full life she had! She was my best friend and confidante. We laughed and prayed together and this past week she just wanted to go home. My Mom and Dad were born the same day, same month and same year...October 19th, 1917. She was in her 95th year! Her passion was baking and cooking and her family owned the town's bakery. She tells tales that she caught my Dad with her butter tarts. I loved that our home on Saturdays was filled with the sweet smells of baking. She was also very crafty and she loved the cards I made for her. I will always remember her drawings, her needlepoint, crocheting, knitting, petitpoint, some sewing although I took up the passion for that. She dabbled in ceramics and often made us Christmas ornaments or  planters. She was a devout Christian who knew the scriptures well. She was wife, Mother and Nana to my two children who miss her dearly. She will always be in my heart but we will meet again!
     I love you Mom!

Sunday, March 25, 2012

March Papertrey Blog Hop

Colour Inspiration: I took a much needed
break this afternoon and used Hawaiian Shores,
Big and Bold Wishes, Flower Fusion #12 with
a bit of Glammer Dust and clear embossing powder
to add a little glam. Love the colour combo!

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Love those birthdays....

Last weekend I attended Making Memories Matter
and I had fifteen cards lined up to make. I did finish
them but some are duplicates. It was easy to
colour and put them together once I had the
paper chosen, cut and sketch planned out.
This first one is well layered and full of colour.
It could be sent to anyone. 
Crafty Ribbon Challenge: birthday
Inspire Me Fridays - anything goes
Simon Says Stamp - anything goes
Sisterhood of Crafters- let's celebrate
Do You Stack Up? - favourite colour
Jelly Park -  your fav (flower die)






It Must be Spring...

Today was the last day of March Break.
The temperatures have been perfect....
a balmy 22 degrees C. We know it is
spring because the Mallards are looking
to roost. Fortunately for us, it won't be
in our backyard!! I was able to come
within several metres in our back corner
of the yard to ask them kindly to please
move on....yay..they did! I love the
colouring of the female, yes, she is the plain
jane of the two but I find the pattern
interesting to study. How could I possibly
copy that. What nature has given us....
we are so blessed!


















Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Making Memories Matter

I can't believe how quickly a week goes by when you are having fun! I am attending my first Making Memories Matter scrapbooking day this Sat. March 10, here in KW. All proceeds go to our local hospice Lisaard House. Our amazing hostesses are Kathryn and Rosanne!! I am one of those who makes a card then promptly says I must make another and yet it gets   placed on the shelf or stored away or yet given away. So, I thought why not spend a day making as many cards as I can so I don't have to think too clearly and I have time to socialize!! Yay...I have approximately 15 cards stamped, (many duplicates)  and ready to be coloured and put together. I planned the backgrounds and most of the embellishments ahead of time so it should be easy peasy...right? I will let you know after Saturday. I had to take a picture to show you I have been busy....a picture does speak for itself.
I have started to scrap our Australian adventure, now to stay motivated!!

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Sending Birthday Wishes - PTI Blog Hop

This is a first! I decided to join the challenge at PTI and I  made a pop up card or surprise card...my first! Yay! I followed Beate's instructions and I love the way it turned out. I used some scrap paper that was in my stash and with vintage cream made the tag and inside pinnings for the sentiment from  the Wildflower set. I think I use this sentiment most of all. I also used the Lace Bouquet set  to emboss with pearl on the vintage cream....it looks so pretty with the slight shimmer. Stickles were added to my image along with glossey accents. The front was adhered to a 4.25 x 5.5 in card base and I will be able to write a note inside. This was fun! Thanks PTI!!





Tuesday, February 21, 2012

thank you

I have been having a hard time uploading cards to my blog today! I hope no one else has been struggling. By upgrading to Google Chrome, I seem to have solved the problem....whew!
Thank you cards have been in need in my household, so when ispysketches posted their new sketch of the week, I was quick to get one under my belt. I used My Mind's Eye paper and glittered the buttons following the instruction for Make It Monday, used the  Flower Fusion from PTI and some twine and voila. I like the red, pink, yellow combination...it does remind me of spring!
CES challenges -spots and dots
C4C 124 - stripes and dots









Sunday, February 19, 2012

Happiness is...

There seems to be a deluge of birthdays this month. I have had a hard time keeping up. Besides trying to understand Pinterest and select pictures to scrapbook, I have not been diligent in making and keeping up with cards, however, I am now loving sketches...yay! Well, most of them. We have a friend who is celebrating another birthday early next week, so instead of waiting until the last minute, I put together this card this afternoon.
I used Echo Park for the paper, Gus from Bugaboo Stamps, copics, Glossy Accents and pop dots.
PIO - happiness
All Sorts - anything goes
Digi Doodles - anything goes
Do You Stack Up - layers
Bunnyzoes - celebrations
Card makin' Mamas - birthdays
Dream Valley - men

Friday, February 10, 2012

With Sympathy

PTI is celebrating its fifth anniversary!
My friend's father passed away today and I made a card that fits in nicely  with the 4th sketch challenge.
I started with Spring Moss paper and using Lace Bouquet stamps embossed the flowers with clear powder. It is hard to see in the picture, but the embossing is very delicate and subtle. I used the Big and Bold  Wishes sentiment and with larger brads, attached the ribbon on each side. I like the simple look of the card  and will make more of these using the sketch provided. Thanks PTI!!  







 

Friday, February 3, 2012

To sketch or not to sketch....

Do you ever become craftily blocked? After searching blogs and reading about inspiration, I have decided that I should try to make more cards using a sketch. I have entered the card into the following:
This week, ispysketches began their first challenge.
Truly Madly Crafty Challenge - anything goes
Crazy For Challenges - layers
I had a birthday card to make for a dear friend
recovering from leukemia. He is a bone marrow
recipient survivor and is doing so much for our
community to help others with their battle. I  know
he will enjoy the humour in this card.
Happy Birthday Wayne!

Monday, January 30, 2012

Almost the end of the month.....

Another snowy day but we are about to
roller coast again...the winter certainly isn't
typical. Finally, I got back to card making. I
have been scrapbooking to no end and have
lots of cards to make for the next few weeks.
I am using a Bugaboo digi and My Mind's Eye paper, coloured with Copics, lots of Stickle on the hat, balloon, and shoes, and glossy accents.
I love her attitude!
Stella Says Sketch 103
Truly Madly Crafty Challenges anything goes
Simon Says Stamp - anything goes

Friday, January 27, 2012

California Girl...

After leaving Toronto for Australia in late October, we had a "quick" stopover planned for LA. Little did we know that Qantas had locked out their employees and no plane was flying! This all unravelled as we sat on the runway in LA. The plane returned to the airport, we deplaned, collected our luggage and were assigned a hotel. We stayed at a Marriott in Irvine, about 1.5 hr south of LA and arrived at the check in desk around 5:00 AM. Initially, you would assume there would be many angry travellers. However, we were travelling with many Aussies and I love their attitude!! There was nothing we could do so why get the knickers in a knot. We had no idea how long the lock out would last so we made arrangements to fly to Sydney two days later on Virgin Air. California was beautiful! We had the hotel at our disposal, met wonderful people and tried to relax. I have included two incredible landmarks from Sydney that every day brought a smile to our faces. We climbed the bridge Nov 11, 2011 and were at the top to have a minute of silence at the 11th hour. How special that moment was!! Look at how the sunshine relects off the top of the Sydney Opera House!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Sending you an angel....

I am sending a snow angel to everyone with wishes of happiness and good health!
I have a new camera and until tonight
have not been able to download pictures
to the right file. I will get back to posting
regularly as I have been busy creating.
No excuse.