Pending snowstorm

Heard on the radio this morning that Nigella Lawson, the FoodTV chef and her husband have a combined net worth of 200 million and they won't be leaving a penny of it to their children as they believe it will just make them lazy and achieve nothing for themselves. Hmmm.

The pending snowstorm has me a bit worried, much as I enjoy the shovelling exercise. I made a long overdue hair appointment for L and K has a bowling party to attend and M was going to the Raptors game with L later on. So much for plans, but maybe it won't be so bad as what they think.

K got his long overdue haircut today, he was starting to look like a girl. They did a good job. They also sold us some Tea Tree shampoo that is supposed to help his dandruff. They always get me to buy an expensive shampoo to offset the inexpensive haircut! Maybe if he just washed his hair properly that would help! The important thing is that he passed his history test. It was a tough one and the highest mark wasn't very high, so he did quite well considering. We're pleased. L went to tennis lessons then to a movie with friends.

I simmered some beef brisket for supper tonight (2 hours of simmering to be exact), so I should go have a taste. Don't think I've done brisket before, but winter calls for lots of stew!

News

Why scratching brings relief

Digital bank robbery foiled by quick thinking employee

Top ten money-making pop divas

NASA photos reveal Mercury is shrinking

Folic acid can cut risk of premature birth, may also prevent stroke and cardiovascular disease in adults

Trains, bloggers are threats in U.S. drill

Fierce winds

We have fierce winds blowing outside and it's garbage day as usual. What a mess. It's the kind of day when you breathe a sigh of relief on coming indoors.
I had a chicken souvlaki with a salad at the mall for lunch today for a change, I was hungry and it was lunchtime. I was really thinking about Kentucky Fried chicken, but decided to go healthy. The new aerobics instructor was tired, sounds like she's doing too many shifts, they must be short on instructors.

K is going away on a field trip next week, so I have to start thinking about packing.

News

What's bugging you at work

Heat causes chemicals to leach from plastic bottles

Hand gel alone may not curb infections

Deep brain stimulation may improve memory

Toronto council approves street meat plan

Winter blast ahead

It's relatively balmy today, but it seems winter will be back with a blast starting tomorrow. Hope we don't have to cancel too many plans.

I wish the world would leave poor Britney Spears alone, dealing with fame must be impossible at any age.

News

Here is a picture of the world's largest swimming pool in Algarrobo, Chile at resort San Alfonso del Mar

Should you 'friend' your boss on Facebook?

Stunning discoveries in home of late, 77 year old frugal librarian

Tiny brain vacuum gives hope to stroke victims

Digital mammogram best for younger women

Company gives 'heartache' and shopping time leave

Parking ticket

M got the parking ticket we got after New Year's reduced from $35 to $15, so he was happy with that.

We've been drinking William Spartivento swiss decaffeinated fair trade coffee lately. I bought a couple of bags at Costco, they are featured there for a few weeks. They are a Quebec roaster. It's a good, fresh coffee with no aftertaste and they were able to grind it there for me. So it'll be fresh for 8 months or so. The bag has a little one-way hole in it so you can squish the air out every time you open the bag. The lady said the $16 Costco price I paid for the 2 bags is half the price at the Spartivento online site.

K is studying for his science quiz tonight. L gave him some more great questions from the teacher's review sheet. For example 'How do you dispose of hazardous waste?' He says 'not down the sink, you give it to the garbage man and he'll throw it away'. He tends to get creative when he doesn't know the answer. But he did know most of the other answers.

News

Larger bra size may raise risk of diabetes

couch potato lifestyle seems to accelerate aging

Microchips could be everywhere in the near future

New flu vaccine may not need needles

Caffeine ups blood sugar level in diabetics

most unaware of pollution's heart disease risks

Study, study, study

It snowed a bit last night, so I did a tiny bit of shovelling this morning. It felt nice being outside.

Our schedule's a bit off today due to all the studying K has to catch up on. K skipped leisure skating. I didn't make it to church or any exercise. Maybe I can go for a walk later this evening. Two people this week remarked on my weight loss. Ten pounds in not dramatic, but it's noticeable. For me the most noticeable change is in my healthier, more selective eating habits.

L made him some great review questions based on the teacher's review sheet. I believe the history is finally sinking in! We did some science this morning and we have to work on a bit of math later. He's having his history exam in the morning then they'll have a bit of outside time, then they'll head off in a bus to an arena to support some of his classmates playing hockey. That evening he has to study for the Tuesday Science quiz.

L said her math teacher is entering her into a math competition and her art teacher is entering her into a local art competition. She received a congratulatory letter from the school's headmaster on achieving excellent academic results last term. She gets these every year, I hope she can keep it up. She's been watching and playing a lot of tennis. She has a great relationship with the tennis teacher. I guess being a good student extends into all facets of life. L likens tennis to chess, she says it's quite the thinking and strategic game, who knew? (I'm totally not into sports)It's also a great way to keep fit. M just took her to her tennis match.

Drug store franchises

Met a friend for coffee this morning and we had a great time catching up. We walked over to Shoppers Drug Mart after as they were having a points special, but I couldn't find anything worth buying today. I found lots of stuff at NoFrills supermarket. My outgoing friend was doing a bit of school fundraising in Shoppers Drug Mart and I learned that you have to be a pharmacist to own one of these franchises. Sounds like a successful way to make a living.

I found this whole grain pancake recipe in today's paper, sounds like something worth trying.

News

Boy honoured for his story prompted by homelessness

Some photographs

Well my favourite Froster drink at Mac's Milk is now $1.45 instead of $1.47 due to the reduced GST tax. Every little bit helps.

Here are some long overdue photographs to enjoy.

My winter display of holly berries
L and I got this from a Chinese supermarket. They are Chinese New Year treats, candied fruit actually. Going clockwise from the orange ones...carrots, soursop, wintermelon, lotus seed, coconut, ginger and potato in the middle. I like the soursop and wintermelon, the ginger is really strong.


Recently purchased flowers, I thought they were beautiful



Recently purchased artwork.



More recently purchased flowers, I fell in love with this one

News

Photo clues lead to camera's owner

Omega-3 fatty acids - worth the hype?

Dog nursed back to health using hydrotherapy

Simple fish recipe

I found this fish recipe in today's paper, it seems simple but I've never used these microwave bags. Wonder how safe they are?

L's ski trip yesterday resulted in a few fractures. One kid broke a femur and one a collarbone. Stuff happens.

News

TK and Rachel look forward to travel after Amazing Race win

Fighting with your spouse is good for you

Scientists find pancreatic stem cells in mice

Scientists create gene map for synthetic life

Career fair

L is on a school ski trip today, she's going to snowshoe as she hates skiing. Don't envy her, the wind is really in your face today. I went to the gym in my sunglasses and realized I had forgotten my regular glasses at home. Bummer.

L and I went to a career fair at her school last night. They had people there with different careers giving guidance to the senior high school students. The general advice is to do something that you feel passionate about, something that is you. I wonder if we do this intuitively or if it's just luck, stumbling into the right thing. There are all the personality tests you can do and the advice is to talk to people and get their feedback on jobs, all good stuff.

I made a lovely blade simmering steak last night for supper. I simmered in in low sodium beef stock, a bit of leftover red wine (a merlot) and added some cornstarch at the very end. It was a winner, even K liked it. Today I'm doing spaghetti and meat sauce.

I can't get K's history chapters out of my head, I'm feeling so educated on Canadian history and appreciating the impact of the French and the English people on our culture, the hard work the pioneers did to develop the country. It's not unlike immigrants of today looking for a better life. History repeats itself over and over. As one fight for supremacy is finished, another is brewing.

News

Weight reduction surgery may cure diabetes

Fruit explosion epiphany

Yesterday L and I had a few minutes to kill after school, so we thought we would drop by Tim Horton's for a most delicious fruit explosion muffin. Then L noticed Baskin Robbins in the same plaza, so we decided to do Maui Brownie Madness and Perils of Praline yogurt ice cream kid size scoops in sugar cones instead. Turns out fruit explosion muffins have 350 calories and our yogurt cones were about 150, 160 calories. Who came out ahead? And we were just as satisfied, not to mention please with ourselves.

L realized her phone has a built in pedometer, isn't that neat? Maybe mine does too, I should check.

News

Caffeine lowers ovarian cancer risk

Food poisoning can have long term effects

Personality type linked to weight problems

New cell phone with unique foldaway screen

Ontario teen's film adds momentum to Clinton's campaign

Another Cooold sunny day. The gym was really busy this morning. I'm roasting a couple of small chickens for dinner. My new glasses need a bit of adjusting, they feel a bit tight around the ear.

Have to return a phone call to a friend. I'm not a phone person, and sometimes calls have a way of just going on and on. I always seem to have a million chores to do, that's the type of person I am.

News

Ontario teen's film adds momentum to Clinton's campaign



Cellphone radiation may ruin a good night's sleep

About half occasionally face workplace blues

Canadian History

It is sooo cold here right now. I had planned to go to church today, haven't been since Christmas Eve, but decided to go next week instead. At least it's sunny. I'm reading through 10 chapters of K's history book, so I can help him study for his exam next week. It's interesting actually, people don't change through the ages, always fighting for survival, usually over money. I'm at the Canadian Fur Trade and Missionary era.

It's the Amazing Race finale tonight, can't wait. We're taping it as the kids might have a piano lesson at that time.

Last night's 'Free the Children' concert was held at a nice, intimate sized theatre in North York. I remembered I had taken my sister who lives in Florida to see a Bob Fosse dance show there many years ago. The program held greetings from the Prime Minister, Mayors of Toronto, Markham and Richmond Hill among other dignitaries. Everyone was very well dressed. The founders of 'Free the Children', the Kielburger brothers were there signing books as we were serenaded in the foyer by school children on piano and violin. Craig Kielburger had flown up from Chicago just for the occasion. Next year I think we'll just give a small donation instead of attending. L will tell you it's a worthwhile cause. The string quartet opening lulled M to sleep then I got the giggles and left the room for a bit. The acoustics are very good inside, you can hear every noise. They had a lovely Steinway & Sons full grand piano for some of the numbers. K was very interested in a clarinet/piano duet as he plays both instruments. There was a talented violinist Conrad Chow. The University of Toronto Jazz band did a great finale including a few voice numbers. The show lasted three and a half hours.

Well, back to history.

News

Floating bulldozer to crack through B.C. Ice Jam

Earth Hour Toronto

According to this morning's paper, Toronto is participating in Earth Hour on March 29th at 8pm. Sounds like something interesting and worthwhile that we could do.

News

Chinese internet users up to 210 million

Calgary surgeons perform historic heart procedure

Heart and Stroke Foundation program under fire

GPS adds dimension to online photos

Hypertension

Cold, windy day today. I was a bit early for my specialist appointment so I noticed a Chinese bakery and cafe in the mall. A range of lovely buns and pastries were on display, sweet and savoury. Who needs to visit Asia? I ordered a Hong Kong style cup of tea (strong tea with evaporated milk) and sat for 10 minutes. It was quite busy for the morning and I browsed the menu. They were offering a full bacon and egg breakfast with toast and coffee for $2.99 among other things. Too bad I'd already had breakfast.

So the specialist increased my blood pressure medication to 160mg from 120mg of Diovan. She was worried about my bottom number (130/90). I get such different readings (lower). Also, my last blood test in August wasn't done properly as they did not have enough of a sample, so I have to redo it, including coming off the medication for a week and fasting the night before. So next time I guess I should call and check that things went ok, and maybe go to a different lab. Apparently this blood test also has to be stored on ice to keep it fresh. The good news is that they have it on record that I lost 8 pounds since my last visit a year ago. It's confirmed, not a dream!

I was browsing Canadian Health magazine in the doctor's office. It had a lot of interesting articles, seems to be right up my alley. I'm trying to stop subscribing to magazines as they contribute a lot of clutter. Well, I'll think about this one. I also noticed a hypertension website displayed on a poster in the office. Hypertension is another word for high blood pressure for those who don't know.

I dropped by the T&T Chinese supermarket afterward. This time I noticed a variety of frozen delicacies such as frogs legs, snail meat, and you name it, all displayed in a very clean manner. I just got some fresh salmon fillets although all the seafood looked fresh and lovely. There were lots of whole fish, and the sign said they clean them for free. The cashiers were wearing pretty cheongsams (silky looking traditional tops), maybe because Chinese New Year is approaching.

Then I decided to go to the gym since I'll probably take the weekend off. I caught Hillary Clinton on Tyra Banks' talk show. It was a great interview and Hillary came off very well, I thought. Maybe we need a woman to solve the world's big problems.

I picked up my new progressive lens eyeglasses today. They are amazing, so light and comfortable and reading the newspaper is a breeze again. I didn't realize I had chosen Versace designer frames, (a new me) with tiny rhinestones at the edge of the metallic dark pink frames.

We decided to put L's drum lessons on hold until at least the summer, she is a bit overloaded at the moment. Besides, everything 'tennis' is at the forefront these days, and one has to make choices in a full life.

News

Canadian video game sales hit record

How protein keeps hunger at bay

Scientists make human embryo clones - I think this sounds spooky

Capellini for dinner

Took K for his cleaning at the dentist at lunchtime, so he's good to go until the next appointment in May (we hope). He sees the doctor to check his thyroid this evening. M is taking L to her tennis lesson later on.

A busy weekend shaping up. M and K have a Raptor's basketball game Friday evening. Saturday evening we're going to a 'Free the Children' fundraiser concert. On Sunday K has practically an all day birthday party to attend. L is busy with school tests and studying these days.

I made pasta and meat sauce for dinner. I used a cappellini pasta (angel hair) for a change. I found a good mashed potato recipe in a women's magazine, so I clipped it for future use. You boil potato and sweet potato chunks in low sodium chicken broth, mash and add a bit of light sourcream and butter.

News

14 year old boy attacks burglar and wins

Scientist slow cancer's growth

New test pinpoints those prone to prostate cancer

Scrabulous

They threw a surprise party for the aerobics instructor today as this is her last week teaching at our gym. Actually it was set up by her 3 best instructor buddies and they all had their steps right in the front row in front of her. Needless to say I felt tears well up seeing them all and realizing it won't be her up there anymore with her warm lively manner. The room was properly decorated with streamers and 'we'll miss you' balloons, and a delicious and nutritious lunch was served after. We all participated in some group shots.

This seems to be the year for me attending surprise parties. Can't say I care to be the guest of honour at one of those, but it's fun attending. I think in this case the instructor showed up unexpectedly at one of the other girls' houses and sort of caught on to something a bit prematurely. She was moved and touched nonetheless.

K announced he'd like to go to the Auto show this year, so I'll see if we can fit that in, providing I clue in to when it is.

I asked a lady in Walmart today, and found out that the Chinese New Year is actually February 7th this year if anyone's interested.

News

Facbook asked to drop Scrabulous game

Calcium supplements raise heart attack risk

Turn on your computer and talk to your dog

Clowns universally disliked by children

Scientists discover huge extinct mouse

Greens and other vegetables

I've been feeling great the past couple of days, full of energy and the drive to accomplish. Wonder if it's because I've been eating a lot of greens and other vegetables? It's good not to have that tired feeling I sometimes get for many days at a time.

It snowed a bit more this morning. Made it for my haircut. The hairdresser has a few new hairdressers in his parlour. I think he rents them each a chair, and they have their own customers because that's what other places do. I took for granted how organized it always looks there, but today I notice the little tables looking very cluttered with the other people's stuff, they seem messy. One of them chatted so much, not much work going on for her, although she was very pleasant. I guess it's like having people move in with you, it's an adjustment.

News

World's longest lasting battery

High tech shopping cart

Hot spots warn of diabetic foot ulcers

Bluetooth

K saw the orthodontist around lunchtime today, (emergency appointment). Turns out he had food stuck in the back of his teeth that could cause infection. So, we have to go to the regular dentist for a professional cleaning as the orthodontist doesn't have all the tools for that. Hopefully, K can figure out how to do a good job back there (flossing, etc.)

We made a simple breaded haddock for dinner with roasted vegetables, everyone loved it, and it's pretty quick too. K has decided he likes baked salmon, something healthy at last.

It's a busy week for appointments, K sees the dentist at lunchtime on Thursday for his cleaning, the doctor Thursday evening for his thyroid checkup, I see my blood pressure specialist on Friday morning. So I figure I better go to the hairdresser tomorrow to get my hair cut and coloured before the grey really starts showing. Hopefully I can make my Wednesday step class to say goodbye to the instructor who is moving out of town.

We got bluetooth wireless working in the car, and managed to add some phone numbers to the contact list by voice no less. The kids were giving me a hard time while we were doing that, and cracking up laughing at me talking to the voice. Anyway, it should be a handy feature once we get used to it. I notice the phone asks me to reconnect to the car whenever I turn the engine on.

The Amazing Race TV show was amazing last night. They are down to 3 finalists for the 'can't miss' 2 hour finale next Sunday. Hats off to the show's creative set up team. They think of interesting challenges that respectfully involve the culture of the cities they visit. What's interesting this season is that 2 of the remaining teams each consist of an older and younger partner. The third consists of a young couple that seem to keep their cool. It will be interesting to see if the young team prevails, or whether age and youth are a winning combination in the end.

News

Scientists create beating animal heart in lab

Cell phones could battle Toronto graffiti

Company provides excuses for every occasion

Ovarian cancer breakthrough

Rideable beer cooler that's actually selling

Dino teen sex

Best brownies

Did I mention the best brownies are sold at Timothy's coffee store? mmm... moist, chewy and I have to mention the icing! Usually I don't eat the icing but this one's different. It's as thick as the brownie too, sprinkled with nuts. They also make a 'cafe au lait' which is different from a cafe latte. I believe the latte is made with expresso (concentrated coffee) whereas the cafe au lait is just coffee with tons of milk.

K says his gum is a bit sore at the back and it might be because of his braces, so I have to get an appointment tomorrow hopefully. He really enjoyed skating yesterday so they plan to go again today. L had a tennis match in the afternoon. I'm making fish today. I seem to have gained a couple of pounds and I'm hoping it's just water weight fluctuation. Either way, I'm off the Xmas chocolates. And I only had one quarter of yesterday's brownie.

My 20 year old nephew put me in the 'elderly' category and I don't think he was joking. He's incorrigible. Well, I believe I'm young at heart.

We got free cell phone upgrades (I now have to familiarize with the Samsung D807 model), Rogers was having a sale this weekend. Moving into the millenium, picture phones, world phone, bluetooth capability at last.

News

Text message spam proves costly for cell phone users

Negril Jamaica

The weather is still so mild. The grass is green and the plants still have leaves.

L is having a busy day today. It started with a drum lesson in the morning, then a tennis lesson in the afternoon, after which we stopped at the book store to get a 'teen angst' book for an assignment. Then both kids have a piano lesson later tonight, not to mention the ongoing homework.

M and K went skating today and enjoyed it.

Had an email from a friend who suffered a stroke this past spring. She's doing well, although is having to spend a lot of time in rehab and still gets dizzy. I'm glad she has recovered so well, however, a stroke is pretty serious and life changing.

I'm always aware of being in mid-life these days. With that in mind, we booked a package to Negril Jamaica for the March break. May as well do things while we can. Looking forward to the trip. I'm going through the trip advisor reviews which are incredibly mixed. Sounds like it will be fun though. No one is arguing about the beach being fabulous.

Many years ago, I remember an older gentleman acquaintance of mine reflecting on his upcoming retirement at age 62. He had lived a conservative life and his only regret was that he didn't do more when he was younger, always saving. But I know he and his wife had lived through the last world war, and knew about doing without, so that had a large impact on their lifestyle. I believe they are still alive and healthy today and did a lot of travelling in their later years.

News

Fecal test program aims to reduce colon cancer deaths - my doctor has me do this every so often

Progressive lenses

The days are getting visibly longer.

M and I went to get new eyeglasses today. I ended up getting expensive, though stylish progressive lenses, we'll see how they work in a couple of weeks when they're ready. I don't remember her giving me a choice of cheaper, bifocals or progressives, I just remember her telling me the difference. M got glasses for seeing far away, I thought he needed reading glasses but I guess not. They have great new styles and the optician was very helpful with that. She gave us about 5 styles out of a couple of hundred to choose from.

Everyone seems to be short staffed these days, I don't see how we could be headed for recession. Although we usually follow the U.S. into whatever. A man came into the store in a wheelchair and the optician told us he had been in a bad car accident awhile back and became partially paralyzed. It seems his wife left him after that and he had been living with his sister until she died recently of cancer. So he seems to be pretty much alone although he has money to get paid help. He is in the store every day to have his glasses cleaned. Apparently his story had been written up in the newspaper at one time.

L is going with a friend tonight to the local theatre to see a local high school production to satisfy a course requirement.

News

UK twins separated at birth unwittingly marry

ants, plants provide mutual benefit

$50,000 high tech bed

Video snacks

Just received another surprise 50th birthday party invitation. Welcome to middle age.

News

India's Tata Motors unveils US$2,500 car

Lunch time video snacks

Man enters brothel and finds wife working there

Chowhound

It's very windy today, over 100kms per hour. It would be garbage day, the streets around here were very messy this morning.

I noticed our local Walmart made 3 million dollars in support of the children's miracle network, $1 at a time, how amazing is that. Don't know over what period of time. The cashier (older Eastern European woman) complimented me on my 'complexion' today. 'Pretty' was the word she used. I told her she made my day. She did. I usually walk around dressed very casually and feeling old.

I have to check out this chowhound website, it's supposed to recommend good eats ('for those who live to eat').

I also read in today's paper about Downsview Park Merchant's Market which sounds a bit like a Florida Flea market with international fast food. It would be nice to check that out one day.

Went to an Academic meeting with L tonight at her school to discuss Grade 11 course selection. It was informative with questions and answers. She has a ski trip coming up in a few weeks, she'll likely snowshoe instead as skiing is not her thing. K is off to Quebec in early February on a school trip. The calendar is filling up fast.

My sister suggested I let my blog links open in a new window, and I've gone one step further to improve them, I think.

News

How to recycle your old tv

High tech robot new cancer fighter

Pains and exercise

I've been having a pain in my neck/shoulder since the weather changed yesterday (pre-arthritis if it's not here already). The thing is I went to the gym to exercise this morning and the pain is pretty much gone, it really helps. Did I mention I'm also saving time on the elliptical machine? It burns calories faster for some reason although I'm careful not to overdo it.

We're having another record warm day so I'm out and about, currently at the library borrowing books.

News

Boy glues his hand to his bed
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_18360.aspx

How much do you know about cholesterol?
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_18376.aspx

Healthy habits may mean 14 extra years
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080108/healthy_habits_080108/20080108?hub=Health

Height gains taper off for Dutch
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080108/dutch_height_080108/20080108?hub=Health

Elliptical

We're having record warm temperatures for January, sweatshirt weather really. I sent K to school in his spring coat, I can't seem to find mine at short notice.

The gym was so busy this morning, back to school for the kids, back to the gym for the moms. I decided not to join the throngs in the exercise class and hopped onto the elliptical machine. I hadn't used it in since I joined the gym a couple of years ago. I think that's my new cardio machine of choice. I noticed I burned more calories in less time than on the treadmill and I can still go at my own pace. I remembered there's a trick to using the ellipticals properly. It's more of a weight transfer 'skiing' motion as opposed to a 'stair climbing' motion. That seemed to make it more 'effortless'.

I baked some salmon and chicken wings today, along with some roasted eggplant and later this evening I'll roast some potatoes. As you can tell, it's all 'in the oven' for me lately.

L said the other teacher she gave a bead scarf to for Christmas came up to her today and thanked her so much, saying she wore it so many times already. How will we top this gift next year? (-: Sorry I didn't take a picture of these scarves to show you. I had kept one for L then decided the colour of it would better suit one of the teachers in question. I think that's why they were so popular, I tried to see which colours would suit the person best.

News

Winter thaw continues across the Greater Toronto Area
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_18312.aspx

Fatherhood linked to higher prostate cancer risk
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080107/prostate_cancer_080107/20080107?hub=Health

Driverless cars possible in a decade
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080107/driverless_cars_080107/20080107?hub=TopStories

Experts change advice on kids' allergies
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080107/allergies_080107/20080107?hub=Health

Lovely dinner

We had a lovely dinner at our friends' last night. She made chicken breasts stuffed with asiago cheese and wrapped with prosciutto. We also had Roasted asparagus and peppers, tomato and bonconcini salad, a green salad, wild rice and a delicious cream filled cake with my favourite buttercream icing for dessert along with a colourful fruit tray. Who needs to go to a restaurant when people can make such good food themselves? Our host even made a Pillbury pizza for K who didn't seem to like even the chicken.

M brought his poker set along, so they played poker until about midnight. I caught some good programs on TV as poker's not my thing. To top the evening off, we got a $35 parking ticket from the Town for obstructing the sidewalk. After checking the by-laws, I realized I had misunderstood the rules. It seems we're allowed to park on the area between the sidewalk and the pavement, but not to block the sidewalk itself. Don't know how M plans to fight this one.

K is having a friend over to play in the afternoon. L has a tennis match this evening. Then the piano teacher should be coming over for lessons. School starts tomorrow! It will be hard getting up early in the mornings again.

The Water Horse

Having a late start this morning, feels like we're sleeping through the day, that much less can be accomplished. They say it's going to get really warm in a few days, like 9C on Sunday (50's F) if you can believe it.

K and I loved 'The Water Horse' movie, the heart warming 'Loch Ness' adventure of a lonely little boy in war-time Scotland. It was shot in New Zealand.

We're going to a friend's house for dinner this evening, it was planned for last Saturday, but she got sick. It was M's mother's birthday yesterday, but she also got sick.

I'm glad my decorations are all packed away and we're onwards into the New Year. Next year I have to remember the 'lottery ticket' stocking stuffer, I think it's a great idea.

I discovered 'Bolthouse Farms' fruit smoothies, they're nutritious, delicious (and sweet). K likes them too and half a cup equals one fruit/vegetable serving. We got the banana/strawberry flavour, but I've tried the Green goodness (Kiwi/vegetable) flavour, equally delicious. http://www.bolthousefarms.com/


News

Man hopes to profit from a 40 yr old infamous crime
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_18211.aspx

77 yr old Ontarian conquers Mt. Kilimanjaro
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_18281.aspx

Monkeys pay for sex by grooming
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080105/monkey_sex_080105/20080105?hub=SciTech

Cell phones

It'll be nice to get back to a routine once school starts again on Monday. Went for a walk this morning, it's warmed up a bit. Still haven't upgraded the cell phones yet. The Rogers place we went to didn't have a lot of the phones in stock, so we'll check back later. We like one of the Samsung ones with a decent resolution for taking pictures and it slides, rather than being a flip top, may be easier on handling. I notice a lot of people with their bluetooth wireless cellphones walking around with the headphones in their ear. Doesn't seem all that healthy.

M and L went to a Raptor's game, and K is bugging me to take him to see 'The Water Horse' although I'd rather rest at home. I'm starting to notice the new GST tax cut in my bills, every little bit helps.

News

Half siblings who met 16 years ago share 37M lottery
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080104/lottery_winners_080104/20080104?hub=TopStories

102 year old man starting new life in New Zealand
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_18254.aspx

Mother and daughter spend 2 days trapped in elevator
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_18246.aspx

Xmas decorations down

I'd like to take my Xmas decorations down today, hope I can get that done. We're trying to upgrade our cell phones so we've been trying to understand all the options for the past few days. It seems we are on the right plans so the next step is to choose phones, ensure we get the proper discounts and then we're all set. It's been a few years and it seems all the new cell phones have cameras and bluetooth on their phones now, which will be handy.

Well, time to go look about dinner.

News

Many would rather clean a toilet than visit the doctor
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071227/doctor_fear_071227/20080103?hub=TopStories

U.S. study probes link between non-Hodgkins, Vitamin C
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080103/vitamin_study_080103/20080103?hub=Health

Butterflies trick ants into raising young
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080103/butterflies_ants_080103/20080103?hub=SciTech

Got a manuscript? Publishing now a snap

We're having a bit of a cold spell, still it's nice and sunny today.

My aerobics teacher just told me she loved the bead scarf I gave her for Christmas, she said she wore it New Year's Day. I had given her a greenish one to suit her colouring. So it seems jewellery is generally a good female gift (as I hone the gift giving skills).

It seems if you are an aspiring author you can now publish your book quite easily, as per the news article below. (Lulu.com, Amazon.com through its Createspace)

News

Got a manuscript? Publishing now a snap
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080102/ap_on_hi_te/business_of_life_2

Thousands of Quebecers win free air travel
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080101/air_travel_080102/20080102?hub=TopStories

Researchers work on cocaine vaccine
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080102/ap_on_he_me/cocaine_vaccine_3

Cell phone users tie up traffic
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080102/tc_nm/usa_phones_traffic_dc_2

Most Canadians don't feel they have movie star looks
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_18204.aspx

Happy New Year 2008

New Year opened with lots of snow which will make it a quiet day. Let's hope for a great year ahead. I got a New Year e-card from a friend.

It was a great party last night, with 30 plus people. The surprise worked until the guest of honour came to the front door and heard a lot of whispering and there was a delay opening the door and he realized there was a party going on. He thought it was just a New Year's party though. My friend ordered a 'surprise' belly dancer to the scene which added a bit of excitement. She was in good shape and moved muscles I didn't know were there.

News

In-touch online: how blogs are making a difference
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071217/philanthropic_blogging_071217/20080101?hub=TopStories

12.7 cms of snow could mean free air travel
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080101/air_travel_080101/20080101?hub=Canada

Realistic wolf game teaches kids about nature
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071231/wolfquest_071231/20071231?hub=SciTech

Sleep disruptions may increase diabetes risk
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080101/sleep_diabetes_20080101/20080101?hub=Health