Size 10 by teatime

Honestly

Hubs in just the best mimic in the world. And BIL (God love him) has a very colourful, explicit, and wide ranging vocabulary of profanity for when he is driving. His patience level is well below zero and he lets it loose. He curses at the weather conditions, the potholes in the road, and every other motorist that should know better than to drive when he is on the road. It is pure entertainment to be sure.

But today, while Hubs and I were driving (alone,well apart from Dawg) Hubs did the mimic thing and took him off perfectly. Suddenly his English accent disappeared to be replace by a perfect Canadian accent that sounded just like BIL. Why not for goodness sake they ARE brothers. I laughed until I cried. I laughed so much I almost fell off the seat.

The worst thing was,that when we got back. BIL used all the expressions that Hubs had just been taking off, and I really struggled. It was a bit like being in class or church as a child when you KNOW you can't laugh, but you still can't help it.

And he is STILL doing it!! I can't cope (no really, he's killin me) but it is SO funny. We LOVE Bil (no we do) but he is SUCH a character and Hubs gets all the foibles. Honestly, me and Hubs are never going to heaven. But hopefully it will be warm where we end up and I just KNOW we will still be helplessly laughing...........................

Well another interesting day in the great white north. Today Hubs decided to take me to a Native Indian Reservation. OK then? So we drove up North a bit, and we headed off the main highway, so I am looking around and said to Hubs, so where is this place then. We're on it, he replies. But it dosen't look any different to me, I said. He frowned and said what were you expecting. (well I've seen alot of Westerns right?). Yes! I was expecting, head dresses and squaws and teepees. What I got was little shops along the road, and Hubs pulled up beside one, and the glass window opened. There was a very nice native gentleman. He was wearing a sweatshirt and jeans. (No feathers) and Hubs bought 400 cigarettes off him. They came in bags 200 in each for $10.00. Well ok then? My BIL calls them bags O smokes, and then we drove back to the highway and that was that!

On the way back we went to look at a show home, which was a log cabin. And I fell in love! I so want one, they are just beautiful and smell lovely inside. Apparently you can get one for about 40,000 pounds! then you just need a hunk of land to put it on. It is what I aspire to. I can see me and Hubs in our dottage sitting on the front porch in our rocking chairs. Bliss!

Then we called into the dollar store and I bought a little plywood box. I brought it home and I have started to decoupage it. I want to sell them on ebay and at flea markets here in the summer. So I will let you know how that goes! It could be a nice little earner I think. At least I hope so.

So that's me for today. Natives, Log Cabins, Bag O smokes and arts and crafts. I must be in Canada?

So today BIL went off to work his afternoon shift, and as a throw away remark said "Oh guys, there might be some wood turning up today, not much, just a bush cord" ?? Ok we said, no worries. Do we have to be here. Hell no replies BIL he knows where to put it.

Ummmm. Well it turns out we were here, and the guy backed the truck up to the front door, and tipped the wood, and Hubby disappeared, (no he did). This wood pile was so freakin big I couldn't even see him!! A bushcord is one HUGE pile of wood, but who knew???

Then the guy got back into his truck and left. Well ok then? So we spent the next two hours stacking logs under the carport, while Dawg and Mini Dawg had a ball chasing each other over the snow banks. Mini Dawg just skipped over them, while Dawg sunk on occasions, but they had great fun.

Hubs and I just got on and did the job. It was quite a novel experience for us. We hummed the lumberjack song and piled the logs so that they looked nice and neat. The temperature this afternoon was just 0 degrees, so it wasn't too cold (never thought I would think that 0 was an acceptable temperature, but it is surprising how a person adapts!)

Then we went off to the Liquor store (me driving for practice, and got some beer in) well we deserved a drink after all that work?

So there you go, that was my day. In between, Hubs sent off his resume, and made a few calls. We live in hope of gainful employment shortly, but as always, I'll keep you posted.

Today we drove to one of the huge lakes in the area. Totally frozen over with ice Huts all over it. The guys sit in them with a case of beer, drill a hole in the ice and fish. I know, it doesn't sound like much fun to me either, but they seem to get a kick out of it.

Hubs Dawg and I walked on the lake for a bit. Awesome! I felt like an Ice Road Trucker (no I did). Hubs showed me a few stress cracks and honestly the ice is really really thick, so you don't feel scared about walking on it at all.

We found a great book shop too where you can take back the books you have read and get money for them, and buy fresh ones. The guy who owns it is very cool, and serves coffee and likes to chat, and lets us take Dawg in too! It will become a regular haunt for us, I can tell. Hopefully in the summer, he will need help as it gets busy, and if that happens, I will be in like Flinn. I would love to work in a book shop. It sounds like bliss to me.

We passed a garden centre today with a cute sign which read "Closed for the season - reason? Freezin" it tickled me. I love daft stuff like that.

I drove the minivan for the first time. And what do you know. Here we are still alive and the van survived. The roads are so long and so straight, you can't really mess it up (not even me). All the cars are automatic and there are no roundabouts just stop signs, so once you get your left sorted from your right (not always an easy task in my case) then it's all good.

My only problems have been looking over the wrong shoulder when reversing, and poking down the side of my seat looking for a gear stick when I want to slow down! It is a learning curve when I have driven on the left in a standard car for over 30 years, but suddenly going to automatic on the right. But I am getting there and will keep practicing. In a couple of weeks I am sure it will feel as though I have done it forver.

I bought lots of books at the book shop this morning, so that is my evening sorted. I shall tidy up, and then pour a drink and snuggle down on the couch and lose myself in a good read. Bliss.

Take care all and have a great weekend........................

Well we work up today to find our lane blocked by snow. BIL and Hubs got out there with the snow blower and in no time we had a way out. While they were out giving each other "blow jobs" as I put it, I washed up (well it was warm inside and it makes me look good!)

So we made the journey to nearest little town down long, long straight roads that had snow blowing across them. It was very cool and once we download the software, I have made a video to show you. You may not get it for a couple of months. I AM a technophobe remember?

Anyhoo, Hubs opened a Canadian Bank Account. It was painless. Canadian banks are friendly places. No bullet proof glass, no timed safes, no people who look like they just ate a wasp and want to get rid of you as quickly as poss.

It was all first names, and thank you so much for choosing us, and what can we do for you today?

I was blown away (no I was). Tomorrow we are going to check out a really cool book shop, where you can browse and have a coffee and listen to music and just do your thang. I will let you know how it goes.

Meanwhile, we are chillin. Expecting 18 degrees below tonight, but we are toasty warm with the log burner. So we are having a few drinks and just being happy. Have a good weekend all?.....................

Whoppee, I got me a real Canadian driving licence today! I am so relieved I don't have to take another test. They just swapped it. If they had made me take a test, I might never have driven again!! Just kidding (only just). When you think I took my test back in 1982, then you can probably sympathise.

We also got wheels. Hubs got himself a great deal on a Ford Windstar. Which is a 7 seat minivan. Lots of room for tools and Dawg and Mini Dawg.

Getting licensed, and insured, and the car certified took all day, so we left Dawg minding mini Dawg. It turns out he isn't really cut out for babysitting. When my BIL got home, mini Dawg had chewed the insulation out of two walls (the house is under construction) while Dawg has made himself very comfortable on the couch and slept. Oh and in between times broke the blind on the back door trying to peer through and look for us. Well, ok then?

The mess from the insulation was spectacular!! So we might not leave them for a while as the result can be a little expensive.

So we are tired and happy and about to make spaghetti and meatballs and chill. Talking of chill, it is minus 10 and snowing. I need warmer boots, my feet were freezing today. I shall be nicking Hubs boots, with two pairs of socks they almost fit, and he can borrow some of his brothers. Sorted!!! Can't see the point in shelling out $100 when winter is nearly over. I will make do and get a pair next Winter. Besides, we need to hang on to our cash until Hubs gets gainful employment.

I don't know how many openings there are for Gas Lamp Lighters around here, but we live in hope and I'll keep you posted.

You gotta love it! Hubs and I went exploring today, and saw some sights that we would never have seen in England. We have driven around this morning and thoroughly entertained ourselves pointing out things to each other (and he is FROM here) but even HE was tickled by it all.

Here are a couple of examples.

An eagles nest on the top of a telephone pole. There are several of them just up the road from our house. Brother in law tells me that they will have chicks in come Spring. So look forward to THAT picture.

The Menonites.

A religious group who live the very simple life. Horse Drawn carriages, make all their own clothes. Live in houses with no electricity or modern appliances of any sort. (Very NICE looking houses I have to say). Very interesting. And bear in mind there is no heating in these little carts, in a country where the temperature can drop to minus 35 plus wind chill. Brrrrrrrrrrr When this photo was taken it was a balmy minus 11, and we had the heat cranked right up in the car I can tell ya!!

This is my personal favourite. Ya want worms with that? Imagine the conversation. "Ok, give us a coffee, and a phone card, some biscuits, some toilet paper, ooooh and yeah? just chuck in a can of worms please. But it gets better

If you can't be bothered to queue for your worms, you can purchase them FRESH (and chilled my BIL assures me) from a handy vending machine. YUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here we go, lets see if we can get some photo's on here

Hello lovely people. I have forgotten how to put pictures into my blog. I do have the memory of an elephant and the technical know how of an ant, so it's not surprising.

But I have 3 lovely photo's that I want to show you and can't figure it out.

Help please????????????????????????

So today the sun finally shone. We took pictures of the lake, and the cottage, and when I can work out how to post them we will. We went out exploring and guess what? in pet stores in Canada they actually sell dogs!! I don't know a pet store in the UK that has done that for years. But the best part, was my Brother-in-law bought one, as company for Dawg. We are out in the wilds and there are not other dogs around here, so he thought they would be great company.

So now, we are a 2.4 dog household. We have the new addition "Cookie". Who is a 10 week old Labrador/German Shepherd mix. And the sweetest little monster you ever saw!

Dawg has completely adopted her and loves her to bits. They spent all last evening playing tug with an old sock, and he licks her ears, and lets her climb ALL over him. They have exactly the same calm intelligent energy and are going to be the best of friends. When Cookie is grown she will probably be the same size as Dawg, and with only 19 months between the two of them, they can look forward to a long happy future, swimming in the lake and playing in the snow.

Meanwhile. Hubs is going to look at a Mini Van on the outskirts of Toronto on Wednesday, so that will make us mobile. And he has heard of a guy in one of the local towns who is hiring people in Hubs line of work.

Me? Well, I am going to keep house for a week or two. I have introduced my Brother-in-law, the biggest hoader in the world to ebay. His eyes lit up when I told him he could actually get money for all the sh*t he has collected over the years.

I am thinking about making bird houses and wind chimes and Jewellery and selling it on ebay too! My BIL has a huge heated workshop where I can hang out and make stuff, and meanwhile keep the house running and watch the Dawg's

So it is all good stuff. I am SO pleased we are finally here and made the move.

Yes! We made it to the Frozen North. The flight was great, but getting dawg through customs took FOREVER. The worst part was the customs official behind the counter had no heart (and clearly no pets) as dawg was clearly just next door in the warehouse, could hear my voice and was barking in a very panicky sort of way, " I could hear the dawg dialogue in his head. That's my Mum. She can let me out of here. Please someone tell my Mum I am here?) and she would NOT let me through until we had the FINAL stamp. Honestly? I wanted to shut her in a cage for 12 hours in a strange environment and let her know what it felt like? I know I am a daft old bat, but really, what they did was cruel, and would NEVER have been allowed in the dog loving country of England.

Any old Hooo. We are finally here, in an amazing location by the lake. My brother in laws cottage is still under renovation. I came in jet lagged to find six weeks of washing up, not to mention the rest of the housework that needed to be done. (I said not to mention it!! Ye Gods.). However. I had a very busy day today. The place looks amazing and brother in law has his mouth open in admiration and has begged us never to leave.

On top of this Hubs cooked us a huge roast pork dinner. (dawg got the pork bone). So we are very happy campers.

The weather so far has been, well sh*t to be honest? We arrived yesterday under overcast skies and in heavy rain. For a moment I thought maybe the plane had been redirected back to Manchester???

Today was much of the same. Although it did start to snow this afternoon. Hoping for some sun tomorrow.

All in all, we are SO happy to be finally here. We have big plans to finish the lake cottage, and when spring sets in to make the garden look fantastic.

Hubs is going to look at a truck tomorrow. Brother-in-law who has never played on ebay has loads of amazing stuff he needs to get rid of. (Well THAT will finance the rest of the renovation). As I said "Just leave it to me, ah, you'll be quids or should I say dollars in!")

So that is where we are at. Hubs is fast asleep. Dawg is blissful in front of the wood burning stove. Brother in law is in the Den just checking out the TV options, and I need to go to sleep before I collapse on the keyboard.

But all in all? Tired, happy, and SO pleased to be here.

I will keep you all posted on up coming developments.............................................................

There was I last night, convinced my friend had cut herself off from me and not talking.

Those of you keeping with the soap opera that is my life, will know I sent her an email.

I heard nothing all day. But then she phoned at tea time tonight to say, she has terrible flu (and she sounds awful) so has just been stuck in bed for the past few days.

So now I feel stupid and terrible for doubting her and a right numpty to boot.

I shall just slink away and put on me hair shirt!!!!

Hey xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Haven't heard from you for a few days? Just wondered if I had done anything to upset you? Can't think of anything that i did. But if I did, then please let me know?

This is SO important to me. I really don't want to lose you again?

I have days left in this country now, and it is really freaking me out? The whole canadian family know we are coming apart from ex wife. But that is only a matter of time?

I know I am not rich or important or have loads of money? or anything that matters to xxxxx. But I really care about you and i don't want to lose you? Right?

I really, really need a friend right now? Can you be there? If you can't then that is fine too.

Just know that I luv you mate, and I will never forget you?

Keep that picture of you and me in Cornwall back to back together and remember the good times. Yes?

Take care and be happy, and most importantly follow your dreams................

Give me some advice here people?

My best "friend" for the past gawd knows how many years has suddenly gone silent.

We are a few days away from going away forever.

Hubbs phoned her hubs and asked for a lift to the airport and he said no. Well fair enough, but that shouldn't be a reason to cut us off?

I want to know why, and I would like her to explain.

Her Hubby is very controlling and very materialistic. I don't know if it because we lost everything? or because they feel guilty that we worked on a project together that only they profited from (by their own means)and fair enough. They had to money to do it, and we just went under, and STILL weren't bitter.

Ah. What do I do?

Do I ask her, or do I leave it.

I hate not knowing why someone would just cut me out of their lives like that.

I would still like her to be my friend.

The reasons I can think of are as follows: Bear with me here!!

When we first met our sons were 18 months old, now they are 22. My ex hubs and hers worked together, they didn't get along. But we did. They fell out, and I wanted to stay in touch - she didn't

Fast forward to 10 years later. I met her again. Her hubs had, had an affair, and she said if I had been around things would have turned out differently and I would have given her good advice. (they are still together)

A couple of months later my ex had an affair and I chucked his sorry ass out!!

She was SO there for me.

We remained friends for ages, although me and her Hubs don't really get along.

Anyhoo. Me and new Hubs We went into a property developing thing with them. They put up the money. My hubs did most of the work, even employing his crew on our credit cards to get it done. (they refused to reimburse him, saying he would get the money when it sold). Well, it was just at the time the market plummeted, and guess what it didn't. Meanwhile we were faced with repossession of our home, so they paid all the mortgage stuff and even got a flat out of the proceeds, which they now rent. And I think a 3rd property too. They are well in the money. We have enough to get us back "home"

We weren't bitter, it is what it is right?

But now. NOW, we have a chance to drag ourselves out of the mess we are in and start a better life. Suddenly we are persona non grata? eh?

Were we only allowed to be friends when we were looked down on and in the position where they could lord it above us?

I mentioned quite innocently last time I was there that my brother-in-law had a boat house and maybe when we got on our feet we might buy a small motor boat to have fun at weekends.

Her Hubs got all aggressive and started to tell me about all the property and money they have.

OK? I think I might have answered my own question

But it isn't about him. It is about us and the friendship I thought we had. Sorry to go on. But it is really stressing me out. Do I mail her, or don't I?

Well, my lovely blog friends. Hubbs and I were hoping to quietly move to Canada with no bells and whistles. Hubbs Mom knew we were coming. Hubs bother knew we were coming.

But they had both agreed to give us a bit of space and let us settle before the rest of the world got the news (more especially Hubs ex wife, who is a nightmare). Anyhoo.

I think Hubs brother had one too many beers today and told one of his sisters. Ooops. So THEN. We had to tell the other. Aw, don't get us wrong we love these people. It was just Hubbs ex wife we didn't want in the picture from day one.

And we don't doubt that the family will keep quiet. BUT what about the extended family. Husbands, wives, etc.

It will be what it will be, we can only hope for the best.

Families. Can't live with em, can't shoot em........................

A week tonight Hubbs and I will be closing our door on our little home in England for the last time.

How freakin scary is that? Well, not very. Considering all the grief we can look forward to by staying.

We just can't afford to live here anymore, and our alternative is rented
Accommadation

where dogs are not welcome.

So? we have to get on a plane (I hate flying, no, strike that, I'm scared of crashing)

We have sold everything that isn't nailed down, and ebayed most things that are! So now all we have to do is throw our few bits in a suitcase and bugger off.

Only one thing stands in our way. Our "best" friends, errrm maybe another whole story? who said "Anything you need guys, then we are here"
promised us a lift to the airport. But guess what? now they are busy. This is the only thing that stands between us and our new life.

I could tell ya the story and it is long and boring and I can't be arsed to be honest.

But, despite them? we will GET to that airport and get on that plane.

And we will start our new life. I am SO disappointed in what I thought was my best friend.

She didn't come through from me in the end

She has emailed me everyday for the last god knows how many years. But today, after her husband said NO to the ride to the airport, there has been silence.

So guess what? dry my eyes and know that she really isn't who I thought she was.

Onwards and upwards, and dammit. I an ANGRY, but for what. Life lets you down and builds you up. So? She let me down, but I am looking forward to a whole new adventure, so what the hell would I care. Right?