Video Chatting

For as long as I have owned my IMac computer I have had the capability of being able to video chat with my friends and family. But up until Saturday have never chosen to use this application. Why?
For a couple of reasons perhaps. One being I could never find any of my friends who felt comfortable to chat with me this way and secondly I think it is a little too George Jetson for an old fashioned gal like myself. Yeah right! LOL

My brother Mike and my sister-in-law Debbie were visiting with my Mom on the weekend and they set up her computer enabling this feature and then contacted me to practice chatting and also just to have a visit.
I had no advance warning of this and my hair was an absolute mess so I had to do a quick cover up and decided on such short notice a hat was in order. Of course the first thing they asked me was why I was wearing a hat in the house. I could have lied and told them the sun was coming in the skylight and I needed to practice safe sun but since they know I have no skylights I thought it best to tell them the truth. I did eventually very quickly remove my hat to demonstrate why I was wearing it and my brother in true Mike fashion made a sarcastic remark on the state of my hair.

I think that is the third reason I have never used video chat... I usually look a mess while in the comfort of my own home and hate to be caught with my pants down so to speak.

You would have to know my family to understand the chaos that ensues when we get together and this chat was no exception. Case in point... after Mike got the chat going he had my Mom sit down at the computer and he and Debbie stood behind her in the background pretending to kiss and carry on. Mom of course had no idea what was going on at first but when she finally noticed she turned around and remarked that they should get a room. This is the typical antics of my brother Mike.
It was a crazy hour full of everybody talking at once, taking turns getting in front of the webcam, making faces at each other and trying to get caught up with everybody and what they have been doing. My sister in law, Debbie is retiring this year from teaching after thirty some odd years and she has had a very whirlwind month of June full of parties and special gifts and excitement as well as some distressing hectic moments as well.

Congratulations Debbie on your retirement! Now you will have plenty of time to visit my blog.

Mike designed a beautiful hard cover book using his Mac to gather the photos and prepare the layout and then sent it away for printing, chronicling Debbie's years of teaching from graduation to present day. This is putting it mildly but Debbie loved it and this is classic Mike to do something so special and loving for her.

The chat was almost as wonderful as being there in the same room with them and having a face to face visit.

I wish I had taken advantage of this technological wonder much sooner! Now if I could only talk some of my friends into it, it would be the next best thing to being there.

For Dog Lovers--Something to Brighten Your Day

PICTURES ARE WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

Update

Just wanted to give a small update on the 24 hour blood pressure monitor. I surprised myself and got used to having it on very quickly and was quite relaxed most of the day. I really surprised myself when I managed to sleep through most of the night readings. I woke up just before 3 am and realized I had slept through the previous three readings. I slept fitfully from that point on but the machine didn't bother me much. I also got used to the squeezing feeling on my arm and didn't mind it as much as the day wore on.

I had it removed around 9:30 this morning and it turned out very well. I passed with flying colors. My blood pressure is well within normal ranges especially for a diabetic so I am quite pleased about that! One less river to cross.

Have a great day everyone and remember to take some time to smell the roses.

Challenge For Today

Today I am sporting a lovely 24 hour blood pressure machine. My doctor was concerned about my blood pressure reading the last time I saw him which is always high by the way because I have white coat syndrome... translated as irrational psychotic fear of anything medical. He therefore decided I should have a 24 hour blood pressure test done to determine if there is a real need for concern.
I am glad he is so thorough but so far this test is no fun. I had it installed at 9:30 this morning and will be done with it tomorrow at 9:00 am. It takes a reading every 20 minutes until 11:00 this evening and then only once every hour until morning. Bonus.... now I can only hope to get a bit of sleep. I can't imagine sleeping through a test. The cuff when it tightens feels like it is going to burst my arm open at the seams. I don't like the feeling, I never have and it contributes to my fears I think.
Diabetics have to be concerned about high blood pressure and here is why...........

High blood pressure is twice as likely to strike a person with diabetes than a person without diabetes. Left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to increased risk for heart disease and stroke. In fact, a person with diabetes and high blood pressure is four times as likely to develop heart disease than someone who does not have either of the conditions.

Another reason to watch your health throughout your lifetime because nobody wants to have all these health concerns.

I will be so happy tomorrow morning when this test is over.

My Tentative Return to Blogland

I am back... I think.
I needed to take a good long break since my diagnosis in early March of type 2 diabetes. I was totally blown away by the diagnosis having gone into emergency with a suspected bladder infection. I did have the infection but found out at the same time I am a diabetic. I was very dehydrated and ended up spending that day and overnight in the hospital. I was sent home the next day with my tools in hand... blood glucose monitor, test strips, a couple of prescriptions, and many questions and fears. It is really difficult to describe the feelings one has after getting a surprise diagnosis like this. In retrospect I guess I had been exhibiting the signs and symptoms of diabetes for some time but like a typical ostrich I had my head buried in the sand. I felt extremely overwhelmed and frightened and really had no idea where to begin to look after myself properly. Suddenly preparing a meal became a monumental task for me which I struggled with for a long time until I could calm down enough to realize it wasn't the ordeal I perceived it to be. I wasn't long at home when I became quite sick again and ended up back at emergency and back in the hospital, this time for three days. It turned out the infection was taking it's toll on me and the medication I had been prescribed for it wasn't working. This in turn was keeping my blood glucose levels way too high. No wonder I felt like crap! They finally got me going on a better antibiotic and changed my diabetes medications and sent me home again. This time I saw marked improvements day by day. Once the infection was gone I was able to concentrate on bringing my blood glucose levels down and keeping them down which is really an ongoing thing and will be for the rest of my life. In getting stronger it has enabled me to make some important lifestyle changes and begin researching on the internet and learning as much as I can. I am also experimenting quite a bit with exercise and diet modifications with the goal in mind to have to take as little medication as possible. I attend diabetic classes at the hospital, I have individual appointments with the hospital's diabetic nurse and the dietician and I will be seeing my doctor at least every three to four months. I will have to have blood work and urinalysis done that often for the rest of my life.
I have always been aware of diabetes... a good friend of mine when I was a teen was a type 1 diabetic and my Father was diagnosed a type 2 diabetic in his 70s. But it is different when it is you. I was not totally aware of the implications and health concerns that can go along with being a diabetic. There are worries of possible vision loss, amputations, kidney disease, heart disease and stroke among many other problems. Tight blood glucose control is key and to do this a very strict diet and exercise regime is necessary. Having likely been a diabetic for quite a while before my diagnosis could be a problem if any resulting damage has been done to any of my organs. So far no damage has been discovered which is good news.

Although being a diabetic has taken over my life completely I am finally able to resume the things I was enjoying before diagnosis. I hope to be able to educate a bit about diabetes using my blog without becoming too preachy. It is important to recognize the signs of diabetes and get tested.
Symptoms include

• Increased thirst
• Increased hunger
• Fatigue
• Increased urination, especially at night
• Weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Sores that do not heal

I had several of these symptoms which I attributed to other causes and just did not realize I should take them seriously. I hate to say it but I am thankful for that bladder infection because it likely saved my life.

I will be back soon to update on other happenings in my life! Until then.... be vigilant about your health... you only get one life to live... make the most of it.

Taking a Break

Just wanted to say I need to take some time out to deal with some medical issues that have come about recently. I am unable to focus on my blogging right now and find it necessary to concentrate on getting back to a good state of health. But I will be back as soon as I am feeling better.

Thursday Thirteen

Thursday Thirteen and the alphabet... I am doing the letter "F" today. I am doing two lists... one of "F" things and "F" songs on my Ipod. As you may have noticed I love my Ipod. It is part of my life just about every single day. I am proud to share with you my songs. But first my other list of "F" things
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1. Flowers.... I love flowers... their smell, their beauty. My favorite flowers are lilacs and tiger lilies.

2. Fragrances... I have many favorite scents and fragrances. To name a few, lilacs, fresh mowed grass, cedar trees, coffee shops, bread baking.

3. Foxes... We live in a northern community and there is tons of wildlife around. We see foxes on a regular basis. They really are a beautiful animal.
4. Family... I love my family!
5. Friends.... Love all my friends!

6. Forrest Gump... The movie. Life is like a box of chocolates... you never know what you're gonna get.

7. Fruit... I love fruit... my favorites are oranges, red grapes and peaches... I prefer canned peaches to fresh though and I love fruit pie.

8. Firepits and fireplaces... I enjoy a fire. I love an outdoor firepit with friends around sharing time together and watching the fire. Roasting wienies and marshmallows.

9. Friday... I love Fridays.... I always have. When I was in school I looked forward to Fridays... school was done for the week and I had two days off to do as I wished. Friday nights always seemed special.

10. Fantasy.. I love the land of make believe and fantasy and fairy tales.

11. French Fries... or Freedom Fries whichever term you like.

12. Fountains... I love water fountains, especially large ones you can throw your pennies into and make a wish. I enjoy seeing fountains in gardens.

13. Falls... water falls... Niagara Falls. They are spectacular to look at and really refreshing in the heat of the summer. They are peaceful and soothing.

My "F" Ipod List
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1. Fernando by Abba

2. Fly Little White Dove Fly by The Bells

3. From a Distance by Bette Midler

4. Father Figure by George Michael

5. Fly Me To The Moon by Frank Sinatra

6. Fooled Around and Fell in Love by Elvin Bishop/Rod Stewart

7. Fields of Gold by Sting

8. Funeral for a Friend by Elton John

9. Feels Like Home by Chantal Kreviazuk

10. For All We Know by The Carpenters

11. Free Falling by Tom Petty

12. Father and Son by Cat Stevens

13. Fanny Be Tender (With My Love) by the Bee Gees

Thanks for stopping by!

Pancakes Anyone?

Today is Shrove Tuesday or better known to some people... Pancake Tuesday. I remember as a child my Mother celebrating Shrove Tuesday by making pancakes for supper... something I remember as being decadent and exciting... the idea of having breakfast for supper. I had no idea why we were having pancakes.
The past week or so I have been reminded of the upcoming Pancake Tuesday by the media and have had it in the back of my mind to prepare pancakes for supper tonight. As soon as I am done here I am going on the hunt for a good home made pancake recipe to prepare.
I got wondering what exactly Shrove Tuesday means and what the significance of it is. I knew it had religious meaning and was tied into the crucifixion and ressurection of Jesus but I was pretty sure it wasn't because Jesus enjoyed pancakes. Here is what I found out.

Shrove Tuesday 2009 (Pancake Day)

In the UK, Shrove Tuesday is also known as Pancake Day (or Pancake Tuesday to some people) because it is the one day of the year when almost everyone eats a pancake.
Pancake Day ( also known as Shrove Tuesday) is the last day before the period which Christians call Lent. It is traditional on this day to eat pancakes.
Lent is a time of abstinence, of giving things up. So Shrove Tuesday is the last chance to indulge yourself, and to use up the foods that aren't allowed in Lent. Pancakes are eaten on this day because they contain fat, butter and eggs which were forbidden during Lent.
Shrove Tuesday is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday and is therefore the final day before the commencement of Lent, a Christian festival leading up to Easter Sunday (Easter Day).
Shrove Tuesday always falls 47 days before Easter Sunday, so the date varies from year to year and falls between 3 February and 9 March.
The name Shrove comes from the old word "shrive" which means to confess. On Shrove Tuesday, in the Middle Ages, people used to confess their sins so that they were forgiven before the season of Lent began.

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Now that I know why I am eating pancakes tonight I am off to find a great recipe!

Happy Pancake Day!!!!

Fun Monday # 46... My 1st Fun Monday

This is my first Fun Monday challenge... I wanted to start participating in a photo meme and use my camera a little more so I thought this would be a good challenge to start off with.
Our hostess this week is http://www.beyondmyslab.blogspot.com/. Sorry... I am not computer savvy enough to know how to post a link using her name.
Anyway... the challenge this week is a show and tell and we are to show what our kitchen counter looks like without being fussy and tidying it up. So here is mine, folks! Enjoy.


I have to admit I am pretty anal so that is why my counters look pretty neat. They look like this most of the time, unless I am in the middle of creating a feast. I have a very small kitchen and only have two small counters. I like "stuff" as you can see.

Spam... And Not the Email Kind

For those of you who are unaware of the fact, Bruce is and has always been Spam's biggest fan, this blog is about his life long obsession with this mystery meat in a can.
Bruce has for as long as I have known him waxed poetic on the virtues of what I had always considered dog food in a can for humans.
My Father bought Spam and Klik and other similar knockoffs when my brothers and I were young and I believe he was the only one of us to actually eat it. I wonder why?
Our good friend Mike D always found it amusing that Bruce enjoyed and talked about Spam so much and so for a few Christmases he would wrap up a couple of cans for Bruce as a gag gift but little did he know that Bruce treasured those cans of Spam more than any other gift he received.

Last evening in honor of Bruce I decided to make him a Spam dinner and went in search of Spam recipes on the internet. I was amazed at how many sites there are and how many different recipes I found. I decided on a Spam stir fry which was actually easy and quick to prepare and had such a nice tang it mercifully covered up the taste of the Spam. And I found I didn't mind it at all. Shhhh... don't tell Bruce!

In these tough economic times one must do what they can to cook with a financial conscience. I expect that we will be able to avoid the food bank for many years to come as long as we continue to cook with these incredibly versatile and inexpensive staples such as Spam.

I forgot to take a picture of the meal in the pan before I served it up and instead took the photo after supper when there wasn't much left. It looked much prettier full in the pan. Here is the recipe I used........................

Cantonese Sweet and Sour Spam Recipe

2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 large carrot, sliced diagonally
6 green onions, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 small cucumber, cut in chunks
2/3 cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons catsup
3 tablespoons vinegar
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 (12 ounce) can Spam, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
1 (8 ounce) can bamboo shoots, drained
In wok or large skillet, cook oil over medium heat. Add carrot, green onion, garlic and cucumber. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisply tender (4 to 5 minutes).
Add remaining ingredients except SPAM and bamboo shoots. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until sauce is thickened (5 to 6 minutes).
Add SPAM and bamboo shoots. Cook over medium heat until heated through (4 to 5 minutes).
Serve over rice.

I made a few changes to the recipe. I had no green onions so I used a whole onion chopped. I had no can of bamboo shoots. I added in some yellow peppers and some red cabbage. I also omitted the cucumber.

Next Spam meal I will be preparing is ..... Spambalaya!!!! Don't everybody knock down the door that night cause we ain't sharing.

Butternut Squash Soup

Bruce and I have a new favorite soup these days. We started buying President's Choice Autumn Squash soups in those small boxes at the grocery store a couple of months ago. The boxes only hold about one large or two small servings....why can't they make them bigger? But we have been enjoying them anyway. The squash soup is our favorite however we have tried the other kinds and they are pretty good also. Now to the point of this. I decided I could make my own squash soup from scratch pretty easily since I often make home made soups anyway.
I bought a large butternut squash. This is what took the most time in the preparations... peeling and dicing the squash. But other than that it is fairly easy to prepare. And it is a most delicious soup.
Here is the recipe I used...............

Butternut Squash Soup
Serves 4

2 1/2 C Butternut Squash*
4 Cups of Chicken or Vegetable Broth
1 Medium Onion, diced
1/2 tsp Sage or 1 Tbsp of Fresh Sage
1 tsp Thyme leaves (dried)
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
1 Tbsp Butter

In a medium saucepan saute the onion over medium heat until translucent in a little butter (about 1 Tbsp). Add the Butternut Squash and cook 10-20 minutes until tender. If it starts to look like the onions are burning add 2-3 Tbsp of broth. Add sage, thyme & nutmeg and saute for 1 minute. Add remaining broth & simmer for 15 minutes. Allow to cool and puree in a food processor or blender (allow to cool first). Return to stove and re-heat. You can add a little cream or milk if you like.

* There are a couple of options regarding Butternut Squash. You can buy a whole squash (1 med. squash equals about 2 1/2 cups), peel it, and cube it OR you can also buy a bag of already peeled & cubed butternut squash. Another option if you can't get your little hands on a fresh squash is to buy a bag of frozen cubed squash. If you go the frozen route, just thaw it and put it into the onion mixture.

Bon Appetit!

Thursday Thirteen

It's Thursday again.... Man, do the weeks ever fly by. This week I am doing "E". Not an easy letter by any stretch of the imagination but I did manage to find 13 "E" things.

1. Earrings.... I like earrings. I don't wear earrings all the time anymore but I do when I want to feel dressed up. My favorite kind are small dangling crystal earrings. I like small gold hoops too.

2. Eucalyptus... I now love the smell of eucalyptus. Especially in candles. It has a slight medicinal smell and I never used to like it but otherwise it smells interesting and it has grown on me.

3. Eggs... I am an egg person. I love eggs for breakfast. Especially scrambled with a bit of cheddar cheese in them for flavor. Deviled eggs rock too.

4. England.... This is a place I would love to visit. Most of the ancestors on my Mother's side came over to Canada from England. There is so much history for me over there; I would love to go one day and explore all the villages and towns where they lived, the streets they walked on, and the graveyards where they are buried.

5. Easter.... I love Easter. I revere the religious aspect of Easter but I also love it because it symbolizes spring for me.

6. Evergreen Trees... I love evergreens. It is nice to see some green among all the bare deciduous trees in the winter. I love how evergreens peek out after a heavy snowfall.

7. E.T..... The movie. This was a great movie about E.T. the adorable alien and the kids who tried to hide him out in their bedroom. Drew Barrymore was so cute in this movie. It was such a feel good movie.

8. Elizabeth: The Golden Age... Another good movie which I saw over Christmas for the first time. I really enjoyed it and Cate Blanchett as Queen Elizabeth was great as was Clive Owen who portrayed Sir Walter Raleigh. It was based on events during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England.

9. Early Morning Rain... song by Gordon Lightfoot... love it.

10. Elves... They are a creature of Germanic mythology according to Wikipedia. They have been portrayed to be long-lived or immortal and as beings of magical powers. They were featured in many of my most loved stories and fairy tales as a child.

11. E-Mail... My link to the world. Without it I would be lost.

12. Eagles... The bird and the band. Eagles are such a majestic bird. They are a fascinating, larger than life bird. I also love the musical Eagles. I have been a fan of theirs for most of my life.

13. Economy.... Not really a fan right now since we are in such a global economic slump and when times are good the economy is something we mostly take for granted. I look forward to when times improve and we can resume living our lives without fear for our future.
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I am going to list again the last 13 songs I listened to on my Ipod because I find it fun to do.

1. A Lot of Love by Nicolette Larsen

2. I Need a Hero by Bonnie Tyler

3. Sacrifice by Sinead O'Connor... love this version

4. First of May by the Bee Gees

5. Leader of the Band by Dan Fogelberg

6. Sweet City Woman by the Stampeders

7. Always Something There to Remind Me by Naked Eyes

8. The Lion Sleeps Tonight by the Tokens

9. Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses by U2

10. Avenue A by Tom Cochrane and Red Rider

11. Hooked on a Feeling by B J Thomas

12. Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me by Elton John

13. Sing by Theo Tams (2008 Canadian Idol)

It's That Time Again...Thursday Thirteen

Here we are back to Thursday again... wow, did the week ever go by fast. Just to refresh your memory, I am doing the alphabet and am at "D" this week. Here are some of my favorite "D" things..................................................


Decorating.... I love to decorate my home. I am always visiting decorating sites and other blogs where decorating is featured, decorating shows etc... I am always trying new ideas in my home and it really gives me pleasure.
Ducks... I love ducks swimming on the water. Mallards are a particularly pretty breed. I love wildlife photos and especially duck photos, framed and hanging on a wall.
The Dragonfly... one of my favorite restaurants in this area. Really interesting decor and a great menu... we have always enjoyed our visits there. We are going there for Valentines Day.
Dillweed... the spice. Love the smell and the taste. Where we used to live in Alberta we were driving somewhere and this overwhelming smell of dill enveloped us. We came upon a huge
field full of dill. The smell was intoxicating.
Diamonds... a girl's best friend!
Desserts.... what a great way to end a meal.
Danielle Steel... one of my favorite authors. I love to lose myself in one of her romances whenever I need an escape.
Dances With Wolves... I love this movie. I love Kevin Costner in it... what a hottie!
Daisies.... Aren't they a beautiful and friendly flower? I just love a field full of daisies and other wildflowers.
Dollar Store... I love to shop at the dollar store. You can always find lots of things you need for around the house and I love paying so much less than anywhere else.
Desperate Housewives.... One of my favorite shows. Those ladies on Wisteria Lane are a hoot.
December.... I love this month and how it is filled with everything Christmas.
Lastly but definitely not least... Dogs.... I love dogs. I have had some really great dogs in my life. I currently do not have a dog but I am sure I will not be able to live without one for too much longer.

I had so many other D things that I love it was difficult to choose only thirteen. See ya next week and thanks for visiting!

Unbridled Beauty

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;

A time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.