Black Crowes and Lobsters

Here in Canada it is a long, holiday weekend. Woo hoo! I'm in a bit of a Black Crowes mood today (which probably totally dates me, but whatever!!) and I am completely rocking out to "The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion". I love, love, love this CD! That is neither here nor there, but it is almost summer-like outside and the warmth and sunshine have perked me up, so the music fits the mood! :) Friends of ours in the neighbourhood have an East Coast connection and on Saturday we had a bit of a lobster-fest at our house. The lobsters were caught off Prince Edward Island on Thursday and then the wives of the trappers stayed up all night cooking the poor wee things! Friday they hit the road and we had them for our Saturday festivities. My parents came up and then my friend and her family came over - bringing along the lobsters. It was such a great day - much happiness all around! Now, I don't actually "do" lobster and neither does my friend's husband, so I went to our butcher and got some really fantastic steaks! Mmmm!! My friend's daughters (ages 10 and 7) were fascinated by the concept of 'surf 'n turf' and enjoyed having both steak and lobster! Ahh, good food, a close family and great friends - that is a what long weekends were made for!!
Cheers!

Girls Night

So, this past Saturday I got together with eight other women from the book group I belong to. As I've mentioned previously, I refer to this gang as our 'splinter cell' as we are a smaller group that has broken away from the main gaggle of bookies. It is an interesting and eclectic mix of personalities and we always have a laugh-riot! On Saturday we met for take-out and games night and it was great fun, except for one slight glitch. At one point during dinner one of the girls shared some information that was just way to personal. We all get along great, but we are by no means best friends and are still in the stages of getting to know one another. The information that was shared was just so over the top that, in discussing this moment with two other girls after the fact (one of whom is a very close friend), one stated "Well, that really crossed a line!" Now, this isn't something that will affect our getting together, however it is the kind of tidbit of information that makes you look at the person just ever so differently. I don't know if I am just being weird, and when it happened I wasn't clear on whether I was the only one who thought her comments really odd. Afterwards I was told I was not alone in my feelings and that quite a few girls were really uncomfortable with the revelation! I know you are probably wondering what was said, but I am not going to repeat it, sorry! Anyway, I have put this one down to attention seeking behaviour (to which she is prone) of a new level! Our May book is Cloudstreet by Australian writer Tim Winton. I haven't started it yet as I was reading A Boy of Good Breeding, but will start it tomorrow.

Cheers!

World Lupus Day - May 10th, 2007

I wanted to let people know that this coming Thursday - May 10th - is World Lupus Day. This international event has the goal of increasing lupus awareness so that more people understand this complicated disease. Of course, a little fundraising is always great too. In Canada, our national organization, Lupus Canada, has developed an amazing partnership with a group of doctors and researchers working to find the cure for lupus. This group is called CaNIOS and while I was in Winnipeg I had the opportunity to meet some of these top doctors and experts. It was amazing!! Through this partnership, which is apparently unprecedented in the health charity world, Lupus Canada sends donated funds directly to the doctors and researchers - no middle man, no overhead! It is truly amazing. Having now met the key people working to solve the lupus puzzle, I have great confidence that they will find, not only the cause of lupus, but a cure as well. Please take a moment to learn more about World Lupus Day and about how you can help people living with lupus. If you are inclined to make a donation - there is the opportunity to do that in the link. Thank you!!!!!

Cheers

Where Does The Time Go?

Life has been a whirlwind lately and I actually shocked myself when I noticed I haven't posted since February! Wow! I had a bit of a flare with my lupus, which took me out of commission for a while, but all is well now! I was in Winnipeg last week for an AGM and I was really impressed with the city and its people. I had never been there before, but I did some internet research before I left. I knew I would have a couple of windows of opportunity to check out the sites, and was glad to be able to do that! Winnipeg has done a beautiful job revitalizing it's waterfront area (where the Assiniboine and Red Rivers meet) and "The Forks" was a great place to spend a sunny afternoon. Of course, the spa was also a wonderful indulgence. I have to say that Winnipegger's are just so friendly. Now I know the motto on their licence plates say "Friendly Manitoba", but it really is true. From arrival to departure it was a great experience made that much better by the people I met! Thanks Winnipeg!
I also had a small crisis concerning my wee dog 2 weeks ago. He lost the use of his back end and he couldn't use his poor little legs. After an visit to the emergency clinic and then a referral to a specialized veterinary hospital, it was determined that he had a problem with one of the disc's in his spine. The had to do emergency surgery and discovered that his disc had ruptured and debris from the rupture had lodged against his spinal cord, cutting off the messages from the brain to his back legs! The whole things was awful, stressful and painful for my wee dog! I am very happy to say that he is doing great now!!! He will regain about 80% - 90% of normal function, so I am thrilled. Now, we were prepared to get him a wheelie cart to strap on to his back end, if his legs were not going to recover, but I am so glad everything has worked out. He is only 3 and is still very puppy-ish. He has a lot of restrictions - no running, jumping up or down, going on stairs, or playing with other dogs - but it has gotten harder to do today as he is obviously perking up. He wants to play and run, so that is a good sign, but he is not pleased with me telling him "no". Here is my little sad sack - sorry to those of a more delicate constitution- he rocks!!
We have been having some amazing weather here all week and it is going to continue throughout the weekend, so I am hoping to get some yard work done. I am pretty behind on household chores, and all the warmth and sunshine is not a good motivator to stay inside to catch up! Oh well, c'est la vie! "The Girls" are getting together tomorrow night for games night and take-out, so that will be great. The Girls are what I like to refer to as a "splinter cell" of our book group and they just crack me up! Oh, and I will try to be better about my posting...for anyone who is reading and/or interested! :)

Cheers!!