41/366

Banff 2012

Everyone deserves a middle of winter getaway and it doesn't have to be somewhere tropical. Banff was gorgeous! Not a lot of snow on the ground but the temperatures were perfect for exploring the town before heading to our chalet for the night. The main building housed the swimming pool, sauna, hot tub and a couple of wicked waterslides that AJ got me on! Our chalet had a tiny kitchen with everything you could need, including a breakfast bar to sit and watch the chef do his thing!. We had the breakfast package pre-delivered...yum...great value! There was a comfy nook for more formal dining. We had a wood burning fireplace, balcony looking down a treed ravine. Up in the loft area were 2 double beds and a half bath. Downstairs, a double bedroom and a full bed completed our hideaway in the mountains.

Robbie Burns 2012

What a wonderful time we had! It was so nice to get all dolled up and go out on the town! We were met at the door with a dram of scotch. We sat at the Dunoon table...at least we could pronounce it, some tables were very challenging to pronounce, especially as the night went on. After cocktails, the haggis was piped in and dinner was served.  It was a scrumptious prime rib meal with all the fixings. We all had our fill and then some...seconds were offered and not refused.  Dessert followed and then a real treat of the night.  Local Highland dancers of every age group!  Oh to fling again! lol  

And then back to reality and home!  It was an incredible getaway. Could I get any luckier?  I think not! ♥ ♥ ♥ Babe, you looked incredibly handsome in your kilt!  Should have bought it years ago!!!!

30/366

Winter continues to tease us, not much snow, the occasional flurry and freezing temperatures.  Days are growing longer and I'm preparing to start some tomato seeds!  

I'm back into the swing of things after my little crash and burn episode.  Lost all my confidence, went back to the basics and started over. Things are going along marvelously in the quilting department.

I should be able to start cross stitching again next week.  I have almost full movement of my finger back but it seems to 'tire' easily.  Baby steps.

We attended the local renovation show and boy did we come out with ideas for the house.  We had prioritized our 'want to get information on' list before we attended so we didn't go too crazy. Looks like we'll be doing the following...topping up the attic insulation ( we could get this done almost free with gov't rebates); replacing the shower in the downstairs bathroom (custom size because the house is old and they make them bigger now) and replacing our back garden door with an energy efficient patio slider set with the mini blinds in between the 2 panes of glass.  Why are we going from a garden door to a patio slider...two fold.  One there will be more glass surface for brightness as well as ventilation and two...we are in the very early stages of planning for a sun room off our walk out family room!!!   

We are so pumped up about the idea we couldn't think straight yesterday.  We are trying to decide what size we would want as this is something you do once, don't want it too small.  After flipping through some brochures we came across the idea of putting the treadmill in the sun room.  I think it would be used more in the nicer environment vs the corner of the laundry room in the basement next to the cat box!  I'd also want a corner to put my telescope as well as some appropriate bamboo/rattan furniture. There will be so many changes in the back yard, we are going to take this nice and slow so we don't have any regrets.

Other than that, not much exciting going on around here! How's things going for you?

9/366

It was not the best weekend ever. I have gout so I don't drink beer except maybe twice a year and then it's only 1. Well I tried a new-to-me one that doesn't have preservatives. Tasted quite nice. Then mid way through my sleep I awoke with gas pains like you wouldn't believe. There seemed to be a huge bubble over my stomach. Tried Gas-X, bland food and some club soda but it took it's jolly time before I got some relief, mostly in the form of multiple baby burbs. Today I'm much better and no I won't be trying that again!

Yesterday once I was well on the mend, we headed out for a session of antiquing. We were hoping to stumble across a sporran but no such luck. However I did spy 2 EXQUISITE Brandy Snifters in perfect condition! We didn't have any so...we do now!

Today Is Day of a 2 month weight loss challenge with 5 others.  I'm so weak, I cave at the mere whiff of something baking in the oven!   Guess I'll just have to keep busy with activities that aren't conducive to snacking!!! I may not win but at least I will be more aware of what I'm eating and how much I'm not moving.  Did 35 minutes on the treadmill while watching my favorite music video!  WooHoo ME!!!! :)  TTYL

7/366

After a year sabbatical EMS Design returns with a stunner project they are offering up free. If this doesn't motivate me to sit and stitch a while, I don't know what would!