It's Springtime in Ladner!

I have the privilige of staying at our daughter April's (and Nick and Abby's) on Saturday. I slept over and on Sunday morning we went for the most delightful walk and discovered that it is actually Springtime in Ladner.

One beautiful blossom reaching out to the other!

Heather in bloom

A promise of better weather.

Do you know what we came home to in The Grove? Snow still on our rooftop, mounds of snow on our snow covered lawn, icy sidewalks that weren't cleared and some sidestreets still looking treacherous. As I type this, we are experiencing more of the "white stuff". What happened to that Groundhog the other day anyway? I'm thinking Ladner would be a mighty fine place to live.

It's Doggies From Here On Down

Yesterday's blog was about Jake, today's blog is about Beauty.

Beauty's "Momma and Daddy" are away on a holiday, and our terrific neighbour, Linda, who is looking after her is down in the US doing their monthly buying for a local foodbank. So we are doing the honours until our neighbours currently in the US return tomorrow.


Look who was waiting for me to arrive tonight!

Beauty had been suffering terribly from loneliness in her misstress' absence. She stopped eating for several days until our neighbour took her to her Vet for fluid sustenance (I don't know the technical names here). I am glad to report though, she is on the mend, she's eating, and playing and alot more like her old self. Linda will be so pleased. I took these pictures of her tonight and she truly is a little "Beauty".


Out in the snow investigating all the nooks and crannies.


The only headshot she allowed me to take. Our little Diva!


And proof that she is actually eating again will be e-mailed to McGill Univ. where the couple's son is attending University.

Footnote: The picture I took of Jake catching the orange ball was submitted to the Vancouver Sun and they put it on their gallery -snowshots. Only they cropped the picture and took out the "ball"!

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/photogalleries/template.html?topic=snowstorm2008&g=0

The "Dog Days" of Winter

This morning Jake, the puppy from across the street was out romping in the snow. It's his very first Winter. Here are a few shots of him out playing.

Jake in our front yard

Playing ball with his mistress. Stop Jake, Stop!

My "best shot of the day". Can you spot the ball?

Hint: it's bright orange.

I love this shot most of all, I captured him eyeballing it as it was thrown!

Not Wordless Wednesday, but Wintery Tuesday

This morning The Grove, like many places in the lower mainland awoke to snow. Inspired by my daughter Cathy's blogs this week, here is a sampling of outdoor pictures taken at my back and front doors. The snowdrops were hidden away under about 6" of snow, but by the time I took the pictures it had compacted.
The skimmea (spelling) in its' winter outfit of berries.
A little patch of snow under a chair leg.
Our Hornby Island Rock proudly displaying its' winterwear.

Top of the World Ma, Part II

Yesterday my beloved and I did a spectacular walk on a portion of the Fort to Fort Trail (Fort Langley). We dragged the camera along, well actually my beloved did, and here's a shot to match the Machu Picchu picture of Amy's. Okay, well not really, but my beloved said it reminded him of hers.

Aren't the mountains behind me spectacular? I guess I have to fess up. It was really only a grassy knoll which overlooked the Fraser to my left and to my right a lovely little hobby farm with horses munching on the frozen tundra.

Top of the World Ma

Machu Picchu


Our kids are having a wonderful vacation. I can't say it's a trip of a lifetime, because I think they had that one last year, no wait . . . was that the year before? No matter, they are having the time of their lives. These two would make great Amazing Race contestants that's for sure. Happy Travelling Amy and Tyler! Looking forward to your next entry on your return from the Amazon.

Random Pictures of Our Super 7

Carly was the only grandchild exiting the bus by the time I got to school. I thought, I'll try and capture a picture of her as she starts down the stairs, just like a vintage puzzle that belonged to her momma. That didn't quite work out, but I love this one.



After dropping Carly home, I went back to pick up Cameron and Claire. They are so funny and playful. I think these two pictures exemplify them best these days.

Catie tackled a puzzle today for the very first time and completed it without a speck of help-way to go Catie-Girl! Look at that terrific smile, she is as she should be, so pleased by her accomplishment.

I called them the "hairy-beasts" and asked them if I could take a before picture. Before as in, all four are getting haircuts after supper. They all agreed, even came into the living room for their portrait, but then not one of them would sit still! Am I surprised? Not really. I think by the time I settled them, Nanny was in a hurry to "capture the moment" as the saying goes-hence the blurriness and I even have a gizmo on my camera to stop that. There's a lot of energy in that house, if only they could get it into a generator somehow, they'd never need BC Hydro.

Three little gals are missing from all of the above pictures and it wouldn't be a good Nanny Blog unless I included them. Pictures from recent visits.

Caroline builds Lego Towers, really, really high. You should hear her speaking voice, she sounds like she's been influenced by the Mandarine language. Too cute.

Baby Courtney, not nearly as excited about Tupperware as Nona, Mommy and Nanny!

A playful Abby-Uncle Tyler imitating Abby, Abby imitating Uncle Tyler. Taken a week before the beginning of their South American adventure.

You Don't See This Everyday

I was over at Cathy's this afternoon helping with pick up and delivery of school kids following a field trip. I decided to bring my camera along, just in case. I think after you see these pictures you too will be dragging yours along.

I was in the laundry room and I heard little Miss Caroline (aka-face slapper and direct hit to head with etch-a-sketch,she was in some kinda space today!), anyway I digress. She was all excited because she saw the garbage truck outside of her window. So being the nosy Nanny that I am, I had to see what got her all excited. For her it was probably just the garbage truck, for me, something totally unexpected ....

I caught up with these two young workers on my way to pick up Cameron and Claire and they recognized me from taking the pictures from the living room window. They told me, that today was their Friday and they were just having a bit of fun. They were fun and a delight to talk to and both wanted to have one more picture taken. I told them I was going to e-mail them to the local newspapers, I have. I hope they print them.

Happiness Is

It's all in the packpacks!

Lima Bound!
Who travelled all those hours?

A room with a view!








Happiness is . . .


Hearing that your daughter Amy and partner, Tyler, have arrived safe and sound in Lima, Peru. It was a marathon trip, but they made it. We just know they are going to have a great time sampling the local food and drinks and seeing all the wonderful sights

Amy has caught the blogging bug, keeping us updated on a travel blog. It's almost like we are right there, almost!

Two Beautiful Ladies, Two Days in a Row

It was dejavu all over again. Today we paid a visit to Abby and April just like when April was on Mat leave. Finding themselves without childcare today Momma (courtesy of her place of employ), got to stay home with Abby. So we paid a call!

Last night my beautiful mom, and my beloved and I had dinner together. Now my silly mom, won't like this picture, but I do, and that's all that counts (sorry Mom). I think she is a raving beauty. And now that I think about it, both of these ladies are. Two visits with two blue-eyed beauties. How lucky can a "girl" get?






UPDATE: My mom likes this picture, she told me so in an e-mail last night! I'm glad you like this one Mom. Love you. xxx

A Gathering of Bloggers!

The common denominator here is that there were actually 6 bloggers at Cynthia's Tupperware Party yesterday. Unfortunately Jasmine had to leave early or she would have been in this picture too!

Note: Courtney is not a blogger, yet, but I'm sure her momma will inspire her to be one, one day.

It was so nice to meet these young women in person.

The Power of Two

Yesterday I went to a Tupperware party at our dear friend Cynthia's house. I don't know about you, but it has been a number of years since I last attended one. We played a few games, and each of us got some great take home gifts, my favourite--the orange peeler! I used to attend these parties just to get one. Now though they are a grayish colour versus the orange of old, but I'm sure that won't affect its' usefulness.

It was neat to see the new products, and the colours. When I first started going 40 years back, everything was just plastic, no colour. The amazing thing is they still make that neat kid's toy, a red and blue ball with yellow handles for pulling it apart to shake out the shapes. I know it has a name, I just don't know what it was called, but it was fun. It was strong and durable and my babies spent many hours trying to figure out firstly how to get them into their designated spot and secondly, how to shake them out!

One thing that struck me as I reflect on this gathering of women, were the duos -- the power of two. There were:

2 sisters

2 cousins

2 adorable babies (Alexander 12 weeks and Courtney 7 weeks)

2 prenant women, both due in Spring

A lady with "twins"

2 Tupperware Consultants (Cynthia in training!)

2 Grandmothers (guess who was one of them)

If you haven't been to a Tupperware party lately, and you are invited to one, go! It was fun, you meet nice people, have a little nibble and find creative new ways to store and carry and serve your food. And that's a good thing.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year Everyone

Happy 2008 Everyone!

It is so hard to believe that 2007 is almost a memory. The rolling year is tumbling to 2008 before our very eyes. For my beloved and I it has been touched with so many happy memories, the birth of a new grandaughter, our 40th anniversary and all the planning and partying that went with it. Laughing with grandchildren, and enjoying their antics. The wedding of a nephew. Conversing with other bloggers, sharing excitement, fears and tears and commiserating over the loss of loved ones. Happy and blessed with an abundance of riches-family, love, a warm home, lots of food (too much food!), and good health and best of all for me, retirement. We are blessed both of us, with our mothers, GG and Oma to the great-grandchildren. We don't know what 2008 has in store for us and that is probably just as well. My wish for you is that you find joy in the ordinary, have good health, and receive love, care and laughter at unexpected moments. From my Blog to yours, Happy New Year!

My First Happy Thought of the Day

Sisters and cousins enjoying each other! Here try this finger it tastes like nanaimo bars.

At yesterday's gift opening. A little spice for the oatmeal.

I woke up this morning and the first thing I thought about was that four very hard working women in my life are home today. Amy who slept through part of Christmas Day because she worked both Christmas Eve night and into Boxing Day morning. April for the remainder of the week. Of course Cathy who is home but always work, work, working, and our dear friend Silvana took this part of the week off for the first time in countless years.

Silvana and Earl having a Christmas moment

Just thinking of them all at home today makes me very, very happy.

Silvana, April and Amy, I hope you stay in your cozy robes all day long, and Cathy, I hope your little Catie girl is feeling better and that all of the 6-pack keep themselves entertained so that you can have a tea! Have a great day!

These pictures are just a sampling of what went on at our house on Christmas Day and Cathy's house on Boxing Day. What fun!

A Joyous Christmas One and All

Wishing each and every one a Very Merry Christmas. May it be safe, may it bring love, peace and contentment. For those far away, or working at E-Comm or Vancouver Fire, we will shed a few tears because you won't be joining us at our table, but know that we love you and miss you very much. For those dear, sweet saints, I wish you fond memories of Christmas' past. Blessings one and All!

Nature's Ornaments

Christmas comes early to The Grove.

Saturday morning we awoke to a light snowfall and as we were preparing our morning tea, I looked out at our lilac tree and on it were some tiny little swallows. They reminded me of Christmas ornaments.

Coffee With My Wee Friend Ann

Today, finally, after several attempts to get together, my dear friend Ann and I finally achieved our goal and got together for coffee! (My beloved was there too!)

This dear lady befriended me over 15 years ago. She was the Childcare Supervisor and I was the "church lady"! With her thick "scotch" accent and wonderful sense of humour we spent many an hour laughing, espousing words of wisdom, and of course taking a keen interest in each other's lives. Ann retired last year and she and her husband moved to a wonderful spot in Maple Ridge close to her daughter, son-in-law and Grandson, and a wonderful pooch named Dexter!

We thought it was a done deal-Maple Ridge-Langley-so close. Visits were sure to come thick and fast. For one reason or another, that just hadn't happened until today. We met in Fort Langley so that she could hand over to me the cutest little "Abby Cadabby" doll, (shh, don't telly Abby!) she found on the way to Birch Bay, and true to her "scotch" heritage, she even managed a discount! Oh Annie, you are a wonder. We picked up where we left off, laughing and hugging. She told us a story so funny about a covert doctor's appointment so many years ago, that the tears were running down my face. Just like old times. At this time of year, with so much to do and so little time, it was probably the best pick-me-up for all the holiday cares and jobs waiting to be crossed off the list.

Seeing her again was an early Christmas present. Just wait until that new Golden Ears Bridge opens!

Claire and Pappa Build a Gingerbread House

Today was a special day in Claire's classroom. Each child invited one member of their family to help build a GingerBread House. Claire invited her Pappa!

Talk about visions of sugarplums. All of the children were so busily crafting the perfect house, the time just flew by!

Pappa told me Claire was outstanding at glueing the edges with the special icing!

Pappa and Claire with a work in progress. Looking good you two!
The finished product two stories high! Yea, Pappa, Yea Claire. Why is that Santa on the Chimney top and a window to look inside? I'm thinking Architect Claire! You two are good.

(Note: The house on the yellow wall behind them. The one on the extreme left was made by Claire too!) Don't you just love Christmas crafts?

A Monday Morning Walk

We found a cozy spot. See, people put cups back right by our table. No wonder we got smiles!
Note discarded socks and shoes under table!


This morning my beloved and I left the house before 6:15 am and it was pouring down rain. Cathy and Cliff and Courtney drove into Vancouver so that Cathy could be at an 8:15 doctor's appointment somewhere near V.G.H.

After feeding the children their breakfasts and supplying Daddy and Mommy with a few eats as well, off they went.

After a flurry of activity of getting coats, footwear, lunches and backpacks filled, kisses and wishes for a happy Monday, Pappa walked the three older children to school. The most amazing thing was that as the day was brightening, the rain subsided. How glorious.

We decided that even though we really weren't prepared for walking in the sense that Pappa didn't have the right shoes, and I didn't have my headband or gloves, we'd go out anyway.

Catie was such a trouper. We asked her if she wanted to go out. Did she! Well then let's go to the washroom first, wash our hands and put on our socks and shoes and coats. She had all of this done so quickly that it surprised us. Caroline too was so cooperative. She saw her coat and grabbed it, hats and mittens were found. But no shoes for Caroline, they must have been left in Mommy's van! So she decided to put on one of her sister's crocks-big, orange, crocks! We decided that was ok, because she wouldn't be walking around anyway. Now if I were younger, as in my mothering days of yore, well, I just would have freaked out. But not now, you just laugh!

Out we went. Two destinations in mind-a trip to the library to renew my book and perhaps a coffee. When we got to the library we discovered it was TOO EARLY! Yikes, when you get up at 5:00-something, any time after that is early. So we walked up to a local A&W for a coffee and toast. Now this A&W is definitely a spot where retirees go for a quiet cup of java, and our little band of troupers brought much life to the place. But as I say this, I don't mean to infer they were noisy and obnoxious, because they weren't. They were as good as gold, and lots of "grandfather's" smiled at us, and said hello. One even told us that he has 9 grandchildren and he told us that he taught all of them to make this certain noise, which he demonstrated. I know these little dollys brought smiles to many faces. I know pappa and nanny were doing a lot of smiling too.

After our snack we walked back to the library only to find I've had too many renewals so I have 35 pages to read before tomorrow. With an eye on the clock we decided that we still had time for more of a walk before we headed off to the elementary school to take care of Carly. Little by little our little beauties nodded off, first Caroline and then Catie. Mommy and Daddy somehow found us on one of the sidestreets and we told them we'd walk a little longer and then bring them home. By the time we got on their street, Catie woke up from her catnap, and then Caroline woke up in her driveway.

How lucky we are. Healthy grandchildren to love and care for. The sun came out. We brought some smiles to some faces. A beautiful day in the neighbourhood.







Two Sleeping Beauties. Note discarded orange crocks!

My beloved said I looked like a Rastafarian in his toque!